On TRAC Together for God’s Word, Worship, Welcome, Witness and Wonder
2 nd 9 ISSUE 201
On TRAC together Rev Dr Gordon Wong
TRAC President’s Message
On TRAC Together
“From (Christ) the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:16)
The apostle Paul pictures disciples as belonging to YMLC that brought together almost 300 of our one body, growing and developing together, with young adult members over three days of learning, each member playing its part. Paul is clear that there laughing, crying, praying and growing together. are many different parts in a body, and different parts play different roles. The body grows best when each But this issue looks beyond past events to the very near member plays its particular part. future as well. There are many different and edifying ways to celebrate Christmas, and none of us can This picture of members working together, and offer everything to everyone. But together, we can supporting each other, is what we try to encourage celebrate Christmas, and invite others to celebrate with in the phrase: On TRAC Together. We hope to help us, in many different parts of Singapore, at different each other by working together for the good of the times, and in many different ways. So let’s be OnTRAC whole body. Together in celebrating Christmas in at least one of many ways this December, to the glory and pleasure This issue of OnTRAC features some of the events of God. that have brought us together. There is a report of a Worship conference that saw members from our My family and I wish you and yours a blessed Advent different local churches coming together for a time and Christmas season. or worship, learning and sharing. Our youth members came together for an energetic and inspiring evening that was called Unite. There is also a report on our By Rev Dr Gordon Wong
02 ONTRAC Rev Dr Eddie Ho
THE YOUNG METHODIST EADERS CONFERENCE – L Methodist Conferencing
Every year in July, around three hundred young leaders I was not sure how young leaders would feel about a from twenty-one TRAC churches would meet for a time three-day conference examining historical events of the of connecting, learning and praying. This is probably the 18th century historical events, and so I spoke to a few largest gathering of TRAC leaders besides the Annual delegates to find out. Conference in November. Most Surprising Discovery This meeting is affectionately known as ‘YMLC’ although Many delegates I spoke to were pleasantly surprised to no one can actually pronounce the four consonants put learn of the Rev. John Wesley’s love life and how human together. Many people think it is a conference for youths he was. They knew of him as an ‘untouchable’ spiritual and youth leaders, and others may think it is a mid-year giant, yet they discovered that Wesley was like any young meeting for young leaders before the older one at the person today – constantly struggling with spiritual and end of the year. life issues, and even making mistakes along the way. This gave them hope that their struggles were not in vain. Neither is true. Many shared with me that they felt God’s assurance of love and were encouraged to press on in seeking God, Firstly, no one pronounces ‘YMLC’ as a word - it is simply even a ‘heart-warming’ encounter with God. the Y-M-L-C, an abbreviation for the Young Methodist Leaders’ Conference. Secondly, the YMLC is organized Most Impactful Moment for leaders of any ministry (not just youth ministries) aged And the Holy Spirit did indeed move at the Conference. between 19 and 35 in the 21 TRAC churches. Lastly, Besides the lively corporate worship and the time of delegates to the YMLC need not necessarily be delegates pausing for personal devotion, the participants were to the Annual Conference. prompted to pray for each other one, even delegates they had just met. However, it was the unseen activities outside This year’s theme was A Revival of Holiness, with the the curriculum time that spoke volume of the power of the intention of discovering our Methodist roots. Holy Spirit.
I spoke to 20-year-old Joshua who was struggling to keep Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun brought to life his church small group intact. Several members of his interesting stories of the Wesleyan revival in 18th small group were non-committal and frivolous, sometimes century; petty even, and at odds with each other. He was crying to God for help before coming to the Conference. Rev Malcolm Tan shared how the Methodist After the final plenary on the ‘class meeting’ at the tradition helps be faithful disciples of Christ; and Conference, members of his small group who were also at the Conference were so touched by the Spirit that they Rev Anthony Lee explained the engine of wanted to (in Joshua’s own words) “do a class meeting Methodism, the ‘Class Meetings’, which was now!” It was a breakthrough that night. There were th the driving force behind the 18 century revival confession, repentance and reconciliation. Joshua’s small and how it remains applicable today. A ‘class’ group had an awakening and the fire was still burning as in Wesley’s time is synonymous to today’s Small I checked on Joshua three months after the Conference. Group ministry.
ONTRAC 03 The One Takeaway When asked about their one takeaway from the Echoing the same sentiment, Jana from Christ Methodist conference, many participants recognized the need to Church said she realized that the Christian walk is “get right” before God. The Wesleyan question “How something we cannot do alone, and she rests on the fact does your soul prosper?” left a deep impression on that there is a big family (the church community) wanting Dominique from Fairfield Methodist Church. She said, to journey with her.
“Although it may be a simple question, it carries a The Verdict? profound message. Everyone faces their own struggles It turns out that 18th century faith and life remains relevant and difficulties in their daily walk with God, and it is easy for modern Christians. Christians 300 years ago and to get caught up in our own problems that we neglect the Christians today share similar struggles, and we can glean people around us. Asking this question challenges us to practical wisdom from the past. When asked if they would be more intentional in encouraging one another, which return next time for more ‘Methodist’ Conferencing, the I think is very important in creating a strong Christian answer has been an overwhelming “yes!” community.”
YMLC Notes Wondering what the speakers spoke about Methodism in YMLC’19? Here’s a hand-drawn notes by Dominique Chan of Fairfield Methodist Church.
04 ONTRAC Ps Allan Lee
hollered the greeters stationed at the entrance to the Shine Auditorium. The tantalizing smell of popcorn filledUnite the atrium on the evening of 3rd August as the queue for bubble tea grew with each“Welcome passing minute. to Over Unite!” on another side of the foyer, some could be seen taking selfies with the splendidly decorated backdrop; posting and sharing them via Instastory or Telegram.
As the doors to the Shine Auditorium opened and seats began to fill, a few members of the audience were invited on stage to participate in a round of games. Hilarity ensued as they attempted to guess the name of worship songs through charades, or humming with their mouth full of marshmallows.
‘Better Together, Stronger Together’ God’s Great Story and Our Place in But this was not the opening act of your typical worship His Plans concert. Neither was this an entertainment act at a After a time of worship, Rev. Shaun Chong brought the carnival. This was the precursor to Unite, a night when message to those in attendance. First, he impassionedly youth from our Methodist churches and schools came reminded us that the world may tell us that we’re together to worship God as one body in Christ. important, or how we feel is important. However, the truth is that it is not about us, but God and His plan. “Unite is a call for youth to come together as a single This call to look beyond ourselves was followed by a whole unit for a common purpose and action,” says reminder that God’s plans are bigger and better than Benedict Ooi, Youth Worker with TruthMin and also ours. As such, we need to move beyond replicating Chairperson for Unite, “to lift the name of Jesus, to what seems to work for others, thinking that if we do expand our youth’s perspective that we are bigger the same, the Spirit of God would be there as well. than just our local church and together, we are ‘better together, stronger together’.” Finally, Rev. Chong exhorted those in attendance, and youth ministries in particular, not to compare among That Unite managed to bring together more than 100 themselves. Instead, we ought to celebrate each volunteers from different churches was a testament to other’s faith and successes because we are united in being ‘better together, stronger together’. These youth God’s great story. and young adults served selflessly and sacrificially in different areas, ensuring that the event went smoothly. One can only imagine the time and effort put in but the worship team and dancers of Vessels Unveiled. The ushering and decoration teams also played an important part in ensuring that all who came had a wonderful experience. Alongside them were a group of pastors who, as Ooi described, “believe in sowing in youth,” taking time to serve as prayer ministers for that evening.
ONTRAC 05 John Wesley on a “Catholic Spirit” This reminder certainly calls to mind of one of John Wesley’s sermon “Catholic Spirit”.1 In that sermon, Wesley was not of the opinion that all Christians could or should be united externally in one institutional church. The catholic spirit Wesley had in mind was not a call to be identical or similar. In fact, he assumes that not all Christians will be able to think alike, and therefore, not all will be able to practice their faith in the same way.2
Nevertheless, Wesley writes, “… although a difference in opinions or modes of worship may prevent an entire external union, yet need remaining as they are, they may forward one another in it prevent our union in affection? Though we cannot love and in good works.”3 think alike, may we not love alike? May we not be of one heart, though we are not of one opinion? Without Rev. Chong ended the message by leading all who were all doubt we may. Herein all the children of God may present to go on our knees in prayer as we pledged our unite, notwithstanding these smaller difference. These commitment to God’s great plans.
Joining Hands The joining of hands during Unite symbolised our desire After a short worship in response to the Word came a time to “stand firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by of prayer. Represe ntatives and youth leaders from our side for the faith of the gospel.” (Philippians 1:27) But TRAC churches took turns in leading the people in prayer: for Wesley, the joining of hands entails a deep love for one another. Wesley expects the one who joins hands - For a sense of Urgency in following Jesus and to with him to, firstly, love him “as a friend that is closer be reconciled with our brothers and sisters; than a brother…with the love that is ‘long-suffering - For an Unlocking of the Spirit’s power, wisdom and kind’…that ‘covereth all things’…and ‘believeth and revelation as we know Christ more, even as all things’, is always willing to think the best, to put the we confess our need for the Holy Spirit; fairest construction on all [his] words and actions…”4 - That knowing our identity and authority as God’s Secondly, to pray for him that he “may have a fuller children may Unleash in us a boldness to tell the conviction of things not seen, and a stronger view of the world that he is our Saviour and King; love of God in Christ Jesus.”5 Third, to provoke him to love and good works. And lastly, to love him not in word - For Unity, standing together and tearing down 6 divisions between churches as we contend only, but in deeds and in truth. for our own ministry and other church’s ministries as one body. Unite 2019 is the beginning of something bigger indeed. May we look forward to the day when this generation Lau Shi-Mei, youth worker at Covenant Community will truly be one that seeks after God on its knees – both Methodist Church, was one of those deeply impacted in the secret place with God and in community. by this time of prayer. In that moment when everyone paused to pray together for Unity, she recalls, “we linked hands to represent unity and prayed as one body. It was so special seeing youths from different churches just uniting as one and praying together. At another point, we prayed with the person next to us. I remember praying with someone I didn’t know very well, yet there was such unity that came forth as we prayed for what was on God’s heart.”
Photo credits: Matthias Ho (Wesley MC), Kegan Ang (KKMC), Rachel Lim (Bedok MC), Nathaniel Ng (Wesley MC)
1 John Wesley, “Catholic Spirit” in John Wesley’s Sermons: An Anthology, ed. 3 Wesley, “Catholic Spirit”, p301. Albert C. Outler and Richard P. Heitzenrater, (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1991), 4 Ibid. p306. 299-309. The use of “catholic” here refers to universal in extent, not the Roman 5 Catholic Church. Ibid 6 2 Greg Stover, “Love, Unity and Catholic Spirit: What Does Wesley Say?” Ibid Wesleyan Covenant Association. 8 February 2019. https://wesleyancovenant. org/2019/02/07/love-unity-and-catholic-spirit-what-does-wesley-say/ 06 ONTRAC Ps Alex Chew In-Deep Conference 2019 –
Connection through Worship
Connectionalism is said to be one of the great Methodist During the plenary sessions, Pastor Benny referred to John distinctions and is noted to be “rooted in the biblical 4:1-34 as he investigated the meaning of true worship image of the church as the body of Christ, inspired and as sought by God the Father, which was to worship in gifted by the Holy Spirit”.1 Beyond being a distinction, it is spirit and in truth. By expounding on biblical insights, he also one of the greatest strength of the Methodist Church suggested that true worship is the right, natural and spirit- in Singapore. This is because, each congregation is not inspired human response to the touch of a holy God. This restricted to the resources available within itself, but is touch is the initiative of God as demonstrated by Jesus able to reach across the entire Methodist connection, to who took the initiative to start the conversation with the have access to a wide variety of resources, drawing from Samaritan woman. He pointed out that this touch of God each other’s strengths and giftings. transcends gender, cultural, moral and religious barriers, awakening all of humanity to the reality of His genuine It is with this in mind that the TRAC Board of Worship interest and care for us, enabling all to worship God who and Music (BOWM) continues to organize the In-Deep meets us where we are. He went on to draw lessons from Worship Conference on a yearly basis. This annual Exodus 30:34-38, to give us insights into what makes our conference serves as a platform to gather members across worship “acceptable and a sweet fragrance to our King,” our 21 TRAC churches who are involved in the music and stating that just like the ingredients of incense (stacte, worship ministries, to equip and educate, allowing us to galbanum, onycha, frankincense and salt), worship enhance our skills and knowledge to serve God better. needs to be one that is focused wholly on God (free from the influences of the flesh), is an act of sacrifice (and This year, the theme of the conference is “the changing sometimes as a response to difficult times), one that arise landscape of worship”, with Pastor Benny Ho as the from our deepest depths, one that is pure and one that keynote speaker, and augmented by five specialised happens “when there is agreement between spirit and workshops, to meet the varied needs and interests of the body, heaven and earth.” participants.
1 Peter Teo et al., The People Called Methodists: The Heritage, Life, and Mission of the Methodist Church in Singapore (Singapore: Church and Community Relations Department, Bishop’s Office, Methodist Church in Singapore, 2003), 35.
ONTRAC 07 Finally, Pastor Benny turned to Psalm 134, the last song and mutual learning, spurred the participants to achieve of ascent (the Psalms the Israelites would sing as they greater excellence in their ministry. ascended Mount Zion). He explained that it is the last of 15 Psalms, and is akin to 15 steps of ascension of Ps Andrew Yeo, in Leading a Worship Ministry, provided growing intimacy with the Lord, starting from a place valuable insights on how to empower, lead, mentor, of gloom and repentance, to a place of spiritual climax and develop worship teams and leaders in a worship of worship of the Lord. Hence, the ultimate purpose of ministry setting. ascending the hill is to draw closer to God and to worship Him, and explained that the songs of ascent typifies Mervyn John provided an overview of developing our discipleship journey which has four dimensions, worship bands against the backdrop of an evolving namely, our sacrifice of praise through our lips, acts of worship landscape in Band Dynamics. giving, acts of service, and finally “the sacrifice of the nations” which links worship to evangelism and cross- Alarice Thio conducted a song-writing workshop cultural missions. More specially on “the sacrifice of the during which song-writers were given the opportunity nations”, he argues that missions exist as a temporary to present, receive feedback, and refine their existing necessity to bring all into the ultimate aim of man, which songs or song sections, while Alarice shared some is to worship God, but the church ultimately exists to helpful tools and tips to write effective worship songs. glorify and worship God. Dangerous Decibels, led by graduates from the On the plenary sessions, Stacey Ng from Barker Road Audiology Program at the National University of Methodist Church shared that “I felt pastor Benny’s Singapore – Melissa, Penuel and Yuhan, discussed session helped to change some of my perspectives noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus and ways to prevent towards worship - such as the fact that the audience them through inquiry-based learning with lots of hands- to our worship is God and not the congregation, and on activities. that we are commanded to worship not just when we feel like it, but even more so when we don’t feel Beyond the plenary sessions and workshops, another like it, and we will feel worshipful as we praise God. significant aspect of the conference, and possibly the And this influences how I will model and teach about more significant, is that through this conference we worshipping God and carrying a desire to praise God were able to draw many people across the different to the youths in my ministry.” churches who are united in their service in the worship ministry. This gave them opportunities to network and The workshops were varied, such as Excellence in learn from one another, sharing lessons learned and the Choral Ministry, targeted towards choir singers, latest equipment and skills, encouraging one another, musicians and choir conductors. This was facilitated by building one another up, and shaping the future of our Dr Joel Navarro, who, by means of group discussions worship landscape in our church.
08 ONTRAC To that end a select group of participants, primarily the worship chairpersons of the various TRAC churches, were hosted to lunch by the members of the BOWM. This was part of the initiative of the board to enhance connectivity across the different churches, by facilitating networking meetings both on the district level as well as the conference level, to provide the chance for the worship chairs to meet each other and exchange notes, as well as interact with the BOWM Board members. During the lunch, the participants shared the challenges they faced – such as recruiting for their ministries or raising competencies in their members - and some initiatives to overcome these challenges while to discipling their members. During the lunch, the participants reaffirmed their commitment to continue to network and collaborate to bring our ministries to a higher level. Agreeing on the value of networking through the networking lunch was Dawn Koh from Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church, who said that “the networking lunch was a great time for us to gather with other TRAC churches. Through the lunch, we shared common challenges such as recruitment for our ministry and solutions that worked for some churches. Additionally, the lunch served as a platform for us to identify possible ways resources can be shared across churches.”
Being a worship conference, the In-Deep Conference 2019 aptly ended in the same way it started, with worship, which was a precious and beautiful time, seeing representatives of the many TRAC churches coming together, responding to our great and magnificent God in the only appropriate manner – singing praises and glorifying Him.
ONTRAC 09 Rev Poh Zhi Hui, Rev David Ho SH
OnTrac Together during Christmas What will you be doing this Christmas? This year will also see several churches organising Christmas fairs for their local communities. Toa Payoh Many churches will gather on Christmas Day for their MC will be throwing their annual Christmas fair, Light Christmas Worship Service, with some including the of Christmas, for the residents of Toa Payoh town at witnessing of baptisms in the service. Some churches the community space outside the Toa Payoh Public will gather on the night of Christmas eve for a service Library on 21 & 22 Dec. Subtitled “Christmas around of Christmas carols, with some observing the initial the World,” the event will showcase how various quietness of the birth of Christ in a candlelit worship parts of the world celebrate Christmas – from the space. Whatever the form of these worship services, making and display of paroles in the Philippines to whether through Scriptural meditations, sermons, Christmas markets in the European nations. There carols, prayers, or drama/pageant, the Christmas will be stalls of food, games and art & craft stations story will be recounted, announcing afresh to all and performances to engage young and old alike. the hope of God’s salvation for the world that was Guests will also be able to write their wishes and ushered in in the birth of the Son of God as a man, hopes and hang these onto Christmas trees and these Jesus Christ. become areas in which the church can pray for the needs of the community. The fair is also supported For example, in the period of 13-25 Dec, various by organisations like the Toa Payoh Town Council cell groups of Aldersgate MC will host The Light Has and Community Club, and the corporations and Come!, an evangelistic Christmas candlelight drama, businesses in the neighbourhood. at different times and locations. Covenant Community Kampong Kapor MC, in conjunction with the MC, the Methodist Church of the Incarnation, th and Pentecost MC are each organising special celebration of their 125 anniversary, will be evangelistic services in December for their members throwing a Christmas fair for the residents, businesses to invite their family, friends and neighbours to come and migrant workers in Little India on 21 Dec. The and hear the story of Christmas and testimonies of its fair, entitled Christmas Blessings @ Little India will impact on individuals and the world even today. spread over 4 locations in the vicinity: fun games and activities for all ages will be hosted in a public A number of churches will also be bringing Christmas carpark opposite the church; activities especially to celebrations out to their neighbours to bring cheer bless the elderly, including haircuts, manicure and to them, foster friendships with them and offer pedicure, and foot reflexology will be hosted in the opportunities for them to have the joy of knowing nearby community pavilion; an indoor and outdoor the good news of Jesus Christ. Living Waters MC café which brings together food & beverage vendors will be taking patients of the Institute of Mental in the neighbourhood to offer their selection, and Health for a special outing. The Methodist Church also a space for art jamming and live music will be of the Incarnation will be organising a series of hosted in the church’s main premises; activities to visits to the residents of their local communities and bless especially migrant workers including a movie Christmas parties in and outside the church premises, screening, a pre-loved clothes closet, and a talk by culminating in their special Christmas Evangelistic the Migrant Workers Centre on the protection of Service on 22 Dec. migrant workers’ rights will be hosted in the church’s extension building.
10 ONTRAC Taking on an ecumenical note is Living Hope MC, who together with the IRCCs of Tampines GRC and five other churches in Tampines, is organizing Christmas: The Season of Giving, a carnival on 21 Dec. The churches in partnership are Lighthouse Evangelism, Victory Family Centre, Church of the Holy Trinity, Chapel of Christ the Redeemer, and Charis Methodist Church.
On 15 Dec, Wesley MC will be throwing their biennial Christmas carnival at Jalan Berseh where she serves the residents through the MWS Wesley Senior Activity Centre and Wesley Youth Centre. An estimated 700 residents will be treated to a fun-filled event with game stalls, food stalls and stage performances, to share with them the joy of Christmas.
Over the three nights of 19-21 Dec, Wesley MC will bless the community at The Cathay in which God has placed the Wesley@Cathay service. Celebrate Christmas@ CATHAY will feature Christmas performances by Christian artists and groups from overseas, as well as by Wesley MC’s performing groups. There will also be interactive booths for the public to learn more about the Good News of Christmas through activities and crafts. These will culminate on the Sunday morning of 22 Dec with Christmas@Cathay when the Christmas story will be brought in a light-hearted and welcoming way to those who come.
Besides these, Wesley MC will be partnering the National Parks Board and the RICE Company Ltd to organize a Christmas festival at Fort Canning Park, entitled Christmas@The Fort, from 19-22 Dec. Through a fusion of music, history and digital technology, guests will experience a seamless tapestry of sight and sound. The festival will feature an eco-market place, and many culinary delights. With an augmented reality app that takes people through a heritage trail and a performance line-up that ranges from unique and up- and-coming musicians to well-known acts, Christmas@ The Fort will culminate in a music and light show that will turn the Fort Canning Centre into a series of mesmerising visions of the future.
These are some ways in which churches in TRAC will be celebrating Christmas this year. What will you be doing this Christmas?
Whatever it is that you will be doing, let us be OnTrac together to Worship and celebrate the Word that became flesh, to Witness of God’s great love for the world in the giving of Jesus, his Son, to extend God’s Welcome to our neighbours, and lead them to a place of Wonder at the glorious hope of Christmas – Jesus Christ our Lord.
ONTRAC 11 Christmas Event Listings By Events
Christmas in TRAC
Christmas Events MCI Christmas Party 30 Nov MCI Methodist Church of the Incarnation 6.30 - 9.30pm “God’s Message to the Nations” Evangelistic Service 7 Dec MGS Auditorium Covenant Community Methodist Church 7pm-8.45pm
8 Dec 2.30pm-4.15pm “The Light Has Come!” A decentralised evangelistic Various dates Hosted by individual cell Aldersgate Methodist Church Christmas candlelight drama between 13-25 Dec groups Christmas Carnival 15 Dec Wesley Senior Activity Wesley Methodist Church Centre and Youth Centre, Jalan Berseh Christmas@The Fort Christmas fair in conjunction 19-22 Dec Fort Canning Green Wesley Methodist Church with Singapore’s 4pm – 10pm Bicentennial Celebrations Celebrate Christmas@CATHAY Christmas performances by 19-21 Dec The Cathay Wesley Methodist Church Christian artists and groups from overseas, culminating with a light-hearted retelling of the Christmas story on 22 Dec Christmas Blessings @ Little India Christmas fair 21 Dec Kampong Kapor Kampong Kapor Methodist Church 3pm – 9pm Methodist Church and vicinity Christmas Carnival In conjunction with the IRCC 21 Dec Living Hope Methodist Living Hope Methodist Church and 5 other churches in 3pm-6pm Church Tampines “Light of Christmas: Christmas Around Christmas fair 21 & 22 Dec Toa Payoh Central (Area the World” in front of Toa Payoh Toa Payoh Methodist Church Public Library)
Christmas Evangelistic Service A bilingual service in English 22 Dec MHI Sanctuary Methodist Church of the Incarnation and Mandarin 10am – 12pm A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols A traditional Christmas 22 Dec, BRMC Sanctuary Barker Road Methodist Church service where Scripture 8.30am, 10.30am, 5pm readings are interposed with the singing of Christmas carols. Carols by Candlelight Service With Children’s Christmas 24 Dec FMC Sanctuary & Faith Methodist Church Pageant 7.30 pm Worship Hall Christmas Eve Worship Service 24 Dec Toa Payoh Methodist Toa Payoh Methodist Church 8pm Church Sanctuary Christmas Day Children’s Event 25 Dec Toa Payoh Methodist Toa Payoh Methodist Church 10.30am-12pm Church
12 ONTRAC Christmas Day Services Agape Methodist Church Bilingual service in English 25 Dec JEM, Cathay Halls 8 & 9 and Mandarin 9.30am Aldersgate Methodist Church Bilingual service in English 25 Dec AMC Sanctuary and Mandarin 10.30am Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church 25 Dec AMKMC Sanctuary 2 8am and 10.30am Barker Road Methodist Church 25 Dec BRMC Sanctuary 8.30am and 10.30am (830am and 1030am) Christmas Events ACS Auditorium (830am) MCI Christmas Party 30 Nov MCI ACS Concert Hall Methodist Church of the Incarnation 6.30 - 9.30pm (1030am) “God’s Message to the Nations” Evangelistic Service 7 Dec MGS Auditorium Bedok Methodist Church 25 Dec BMC Sanctuary Covenant Community Methodist Church 7pm-8.45pm 8.30am and 11am
8 Dec Cairnhill Methodist Church 25 Dec ACSJ Performing Arts Hall 2.30pm-4.15pm 9.30am “The Light Has Come!” A decentralised evangelistic Various dates Hosted by individual cell Christ Methodist Church 25 Dec CMC Sanctuary Aldersgate Methodist Church Christmas candlelight drama between 13-25 Dec groups 8.30am and 10.30am Christmas Carnival 15 Dec Wesley Senior Activity Christalite Methodist Chapel 25 Dec Christalite Auditorium Wesley Methodist Church Centre and Youth Centre, 9.45am Jalan Berseh Covenant Community Methodist 25 Dec MGS Auditorium (9am Christmas@The Fort Christmas fair in conjunction 19-22 Dec Fort Canning Green Church 9am, 11am, 11.15am and 11.15am) Wesley Methodist Church with Singapore’s 4pm – 10pm MGS Chapel (11am) Bicentennial Celebrations Fairfield Methodist Church 25 Dec FFMC Sanctuary Celebrate Christmas@CATHAY Christmas performances by 19-21 Dec The Cathay 10am Wesley Methodist Church Christian artists and groups Faith Methodist Church 25 Dec FMC Sanctuary & from overseas, culminating 11am Worship Hall with a light-hearted retelling of the Christmas story on Holland Village Methodist Church 25 Dec HVMC Sanctuary 22 Dec 10.30am Christmas Blessings @ Little India Christmas fair 21 Dec Kampong Kapor Methodist Church of the Incarnation Mandarin Service 25 Dec MCI Sanctuary Kampong Kapor Methodist Church 3pm – 9pm Methodist Church and 10am vicinity Kampong Kapor Methodist Church Christmas Worship Service 25 Dec KKMC Sanctuary Christmas Carnival In conjunction with the IRCC 21 Dec Living Hope Methodist with Children’s Baptism 10am – 12pm Living Hope Methodist Church and 5 other churches in 3pm-6pm Church Living Hope Methodist Church Christmas & Baptism Service 25 Dec LHMC Sanctuary Tampines With Mandarin translations 9am “Light of Christmas: Christmas Around Christmas fair 21 & 22 Dec Toa Payoh Central (Area via headset the World” in front of Toa Payoh Living Waters Methodist Church Followed by a Christmas 25 Dec ACSI Chapel Toa Payoh Methodist Church Public Library) lunch for all 10am Paya Lebar Methodist Church English and Mandarin 25 Dec English: Christmas Evangelistic Service A bilingual service in English 22 Dec MHI Sanctuary evangelistic services 9am, 11.15am PLMC Sanctuary Methodist Church of the Incarnation and Mandarin 10am – 12pm Mandarin: PLMC Covenant Chapel A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols A traditional Christmas 22 Dec, BRMC Sanctuary Barker Road Methodist Church service where Scripture 8.30am, 10.30am, 5pm Pentecost Methodist Church Mandarin evangelistic 25 Dec PMC Sanctuary readings are interposed service, featuring a 3pm with the singing of Christmas testimony by MediaCorp carols. artiste, Peter Yu. Carols by Candlelight Service With Children’s Christmas 24 Dec FMC Sanctuary & Toa Payoh Methodist Church 25 Dec TPMC Sanctuary Faith Methodist Church Pageant 7.30 pm Worship Hall 8.30am & 10.30am Christmas Eve Worship Service 24 Dec Toa Payoh Methodist Trinity Methodist Church 25 Dec TMC Sanctuary Toa Payoh Methodist Church 8pm Church Sanctuary 9am Christmas Day Children’s Event 25 Dec Toa Payoh Methodist Wesley Methodist Church 25 Dec WMC Sanctuary Toa Payoh Methodist Church 10.30am-12pm Church 8.30am and 11am
ONTRAC 13 ew embers N M -On-Trial welcomed four new members-on-trial (MOTs) into the Trinity Annual Conference in August 2019; Pastors Emanuel, Jeremy, Li Ping and Reginald have been appointed to Ang Mo Kio MC, Aldersgate WeMC, Christ MC, and Christalite MC respectively.
manuel Goh grew up in Paya Lebar Methodist Church and has been Eposted to Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church as an assistant pastor from 1 August 2019. He enjoys playing sports. He is happy that the staff at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church play soccer every Wednesday, so if you are free do join us for a short game in the afternoon. He also enjoys watching movies with his wife, Belicia Tan. He thanks God that Belicia also enjoys EMANUEL GOH action movies such as superhero movies, Fast and Furious and Transformers.
eremy is happily married to Lydia, who is working as a part time accountant Jand full time home maker. They have with three active children: Asher (7 years old), Lauren (3 years old) and Kristen (1 year old). Before answering the Lord’s call to pastoral ministry, Jeremy worked as a corporate lawyer. For the past three years, Jeremy has been preparing for full time ministry by pursuing his Masters of Divinity in Trinity Theological College. Jeremy loves cooking, basketball and JEREMY YAP has a new found penchant for gardening even though he does not have very green fingers. But above all this, Jeremy’s most enjoyable moments are spent spending a quiet day at home with his family.
14 ONTRAC Pastors Reginald, Jeremy, Emanuel, and Li Ping
eginald had the privilege of serving God full time for over 15 years with RTRAC Youth Ministries (TRUTHMIN), before responding to the call to enter into pastoral ministry after his studies at Trinity Theological College. He is married to Evelyn and have 3 lovely daughters, Claire, Cate and Chrys. He is known for his down-to-earth humour and approachable personality and is deeply passionate about worship, JREGINALD youth work and mentoring.moments are spent spending a quiet day at home with his family.
i Ping enters the pastoral ministry having served in two other ministries: theL Ministry of Defence as an Industrial-Organisational Psychologist from 2000-2008, and the “Ministry of Home Affairs” as a part-time stay-at-home mother from 2008 until her graduation from Trinity Theological College this year. Household is a rowdy party of seven: husband Joseph; three biological sons Joshua (17), Daniel (12), Gabriel (8); two foster sons (11 and 7).
TAY LI PING TAY She also served as a lay leader in various positions in her home church, Aldersgate Methodist Church. She loves reading fiction, dancing and watching science- fiction and fantasy films and TV series.
ONTRAC 15 The following pastors will be ordained at the Closing Service of the 44th TRAC Annual Conference this year. Mr Robert Kee will be ordained as a Diaconal Minister; Pastors Anthony, Collin, and Jacob will be ordained as Deacons; and Rev Benjamin and Rev David will be ordained as Elders.
Rev. David and Rev. Benjamin Pastors Anthony, Jacob, and Collin
Robert Kee Robert and Shirley Kee
In 2014, the Methodist Welfare Services (MWS) Robert was born in Kota Bharu (Kelantan) and appointed Assistant Chaplain, Robert Kee, to the came to study in Singapore in his early teens. It Bethany Nursing Home at Choa Chu Kang. As was in Anglo Chinese School at Barker Road that a chaplain, Robert works with staff, residents, he came to know Christ and was baptized in Trinity caregivers / next-of-kin and volunteers to build a Methodist Church. Robert is married to Shirley and community that cares for one another. This is also both graduated from Trinity Theological College his prayers that wherever God sends him, he will (Singapore). They made Barker Methodist Church be instrumental in building communities that care their home church in 1999. Before joining MWS, for one another. Robert spent many years in Waters which is a scientific instrumentation company and in medical and healthcare system division of Philips, Agilent and Hewlett-Packard.
Editorial Board: Rev Dr Gordon Wong, Rev Benjamin Fong, Rev David Ho, Rev Eddie Ho, Rev Poh Zhi Hui, Ps Alex Chew, and Ps Allan Lee.
OnTrac is published by Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC). 70 Barker Road Road #05-05, Singapore 309936 Tel: 6478 4742 Fax: 6478 4740 www.trac-mcs.org.sg
The views expressed in this publication does not necessarily reflect the views of TRAC or The Methodist Church in Singapore 16 ONTRAC