Diocesan DIGEST HOMECOMING' Focussed on 'A GREAT. Diocese of Singapore MCI (P) 109/03/2018 Issue 269 May 2018 ON BEING ANGLICANS

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1 Diocesan Diocese of Singapore MCI (P) 109/03/2018 Issue 269 May 2018 DIGEST Focussed on 'A GREAT HOMECOMING' ON BEING ANGLICANS SERVE Interpreting the distinctive ecclesiastical life and ministry of Anglicans in today's world Reflections on lessons learnt at this year's 20 th run of DYB's signature event ENLARGING OUR TENT Strengthening Our Stakes - Introducing new services of SACS-SAMH

2 IF MY PEOPLE, WHO ARE CALLED BY MY NAME, W I L L H U M B L E T H E M S E L V E S AND PRAY AND SEEK MY FACE AND TURN FROM THEIR WICKED WAYS, THEN I WILL HEAR FROM HEAVEN, AND I WILL FORGIVE THEIR SIN AND WILL HEAL THEIR LAND. 2 CHRONICLES 7:14

3 Contents EDITORIAL TEAM ADVISOR The Right Revd Rennis S. Ponniah EDITORS Revd Canon Terry Wong Ms Lucilla Teoh Mrs Karen Wong Ms Sasha Michael DESIGNER Ms Sarah Arumugam website: cover photo: JDOP 2015 photo by Ven Wong Tak Meng Printer: Hock Cheong Printing Pte Ltd - All Bible verses quoted are from the ESV unless otherwise stated. Diocesan Digest The Diocese of Singapore All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by an means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, and recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. 02 Editorial 03 From The Bishop s Heart 15 Trinity Theological College's 70 th Anniversary DIOCESAN HighlightS 06 Church in Singapore: 2019 Celebration of Hope 10 Remembering Billy Graham 24 Christmas at Bishopsbourne 25 Giving a Legacy TEACHING ARTICLES 07 Is the Age of Mass Evangelism Over? 11 Praying Together in a Year of Prayer 17 On Being Anglicans MINISTRY FRONT UPDATES 22 Deanery Updates 28 Youth Board 32 Education Board 36 Chinese Board 38 Community Services 44 Parish Spotlight: SACC's 15 th Anniversary 45 Singapore Anglican Indian Board 45 Diocesan News 48 Diocesan Listings Update 1

4 EDITORIAL TAKING HOLD OF OUR DESTINY Destiny is a big word for every Christian and for every church. It is the sense of divine calling that keeps us propelling in the right direction. When St Paul gave his farewell message to the elders of the Ephesian Church, he declared: But I do not account my life of any value nor as precious to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. Acts 20:24 When we pray, Your will be done on earth as in heaven, we are praying our Godgiven destiny into existence. Christians do not believe in fate. We believe that God has saved and called each of us to live our lives with a sense of purpose. In 2019, our nation celebrates her 200 th year of existence. Let us participate with the rest of the nation in the Bicentenary events. On our part, the Church will revisit two reasons for her existence in this nation: our unique and primary calling to pray and share the Gospel. Doing so can help us serve the nation and fulfil the destiny of the Church. In this, the Year of Prayer (2018), we are calling Christians to fast and pray. Let me draw your attention to the Solemn Assemblies (1 July - 8 August, see pg 13). These will be hosted by some of our parishes. Do support your parish events but give priority, also, to participate in assemblies held in other churches. We want to pray with other Christians for Singapore to fulfil her destiny. Participate as well in the huge prayer gathering: Pray Singapore (see pg 14) on the 7 October at the National Stadium. For the Year of Proclamation (2019), the Church s unique contribution to the bicentennial celebrations will be Celebration of Hope, a series of gospel rallies to be held at the Sports Hub, on May I am just as excited about its preparation, which involves each church praying and training to share the Gospel effectively. This is a season to perk up our witness by examining our lifestyles and priorities, to see if they square up with the Apostle Paul s commitment to the Gospel. We want to grow a heightened compassion and love for those who need to know the love of Christ. I believe we will be challenged and changed before we even arrive at the stadium. In praying deeply and reaching widely, I believe our hearts, our faith and relationship with the Lord will be revived. He will lead us to new depths of humility, brokenness and repentance. Without this personal revival, the nation-wide revival that Bishop Rennis has been teaching and prophesying will not happen. There is a destiny to take hold of in 2018 and Brothers and sisters, do not be asleep. Be awakened to this kairos moment. Together, let s serve His purpose in our generation. With one voice, let us glorify His name! by Revd Canon Terry Wong

5 FOCUSSED ON 'A GREAt homecoming' FROM THE BISHOP'S HEART by Bishop Rennis Ponniah When I still my soul and close my eyes in unhurried prayer, the Lord is often pleased to give me intimations of what is on His heart. Over the last year or so, God has placed on my heart and on the hearts of several pastors in our Diocese and in the city, that He is visiting our land with grace and mercy. A vital expression of this is that God will bring an amazing number of people to saving faith in Christ Jesus. Correspondingly, we are preparing for an amazing harvest in all the seven countries of our Diocese. In Singapore, this will take the shape of the Celebration of Hope rallies at the National Stadium from May At the May 2018 Synod, we are exactly one year away from this climactic harvest event. It is time to be singularly focussed on A Great Homecoming. For that is what salvation in Christ Jesus means. Through Jesus, sinners come home to God and are set free to live new lives as His children. What tremendous hope and joy this is for a dry and darkened and restless world! God has purposed that multitudes, from all sectors of society, will come home to Him and experience the new life that begins here and now, and continues past the gates of death into all eternity! THE SEASON WE ARE IN There is good news to be shared with everyone. Are you ready to be messengers with beautiful feet and burning lips of love to go and tell others that God s wonderful salvation has come in Christ Jesus? The time has come for us to do so with courage, joy and winsomeness. Here is how Scripture pictures God s people when God visits a land with salvation in His wings: How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes salvation. Isaiah 52: 7 Filmstrip graphic designed by kstudio / Freepik; Cross photo by Kimber Shaw / Flickr; The Return of the Prodigal Son oil painting by Rembrandt 3

6 HOW BEAUTIFUL UPON THE MOUNTAINS ARE THE FEET OF HIM WHO BRINGS GOOD NEWS, WHO PUBLISHES SALVATION... ISAIAH 52: 7 Is this wishful thinking or a vision to be embraced with faith? Is it possible that in the midst of increasing strife and flux on the one hand, and moral darkness, ethnocentrism and hardened secularism on the other, that God is preparing a mighty harvest? I believe it is, because with God nothing is impossible (Luke 1: 37; Jeremiah 32:17). In the midst of the engulfing darkness, God in His great love for the world and in order to show forth His glory, has prepared a day of salvation a time of radiant, magnetic light in many nations. This glorious light will surely shine upon those nations where God s people are turned towards Him in repentance, faith and love. A nation will be drawn to the light of God s glory shining through His revived people in that land (cf. Isaiah 60:1-3). Therefore, let us be focussed in our churches and ministry points all across our Diocese on a great homecoming of many lives to God through Jesus Christ. I will share how we can do so at the May 2018 Synod and pass on the message to you. THE CHURCH WE ARE TO BE This focus on a great homecoming is much more than planning for an event. The focus on an amazing harvest that God has purposed for us is a catalyst or a means by which God is transforming our churches. And so, for example, the coming Celebration of Hope rallies cause us to get our churches in shape to be a receptacle and an instrument for God to use to bring new lives to Jesus and also to disciple them to live for Jesus. This has caused me to ask: What kind of churches is God raising up, not only for this unique time of massive homecoming, but for long-term fruitfulness for His glory? Let me suggest the following seven characteristics for all our churches in our Diocese to aim for: 1. Depth in Word, Worship and Discipleship 2. Power through fervent prayer 3. Oneness and engagement of the Body 4. Vibrancy in evangelism and outreach 5. Active participation in Deanery missions and world evangelisation 6. Compassionate care for the poor and persons with special needs 7. Blessed to be a blessing mindset That is my particular dream and calling: to build Spirit-filled communities of disciples (with the characteristics above) who will reach a world in need of Christ with the radiant love of God. The season of a great homecoming is an impetus for me, and I pray for every clergy and lay leader in the Diocese, to passionately and perseveringly build such a church for God. We must depend on Christ alone and not look to any man or to ourselves to accomplish a great homecoming. 4

7 THE ONE WE DEPEND ON It is easy to get carried away with the anticipation of a great homecoming and fall into one of two equal and opposite errors. One is to think that since God has promised it, it will happen with or without my participation. The truth rather is that God wants to work with and through you to accomplish it. The opposite error is to think that since God has announced it, we are the ones to make it happen. The truth is that we cannot, apart from God. In one instance recorded in Holy Scripture, God tells a leader overwhelmed by the scale of the task before him: Not by power, nor my might but by My Spirit, says the Lord of hosts (Zechariah 4:6). In this vision of a re-built and revived Jerusalem, that is symbolised by a brightly-lit golden lampstand, attention is drawn to the two olive trees beside the lampstand which mysteriously supply oil for the light. In context, the two trees represent Zerubbabel, the Governor (or kingly ruler) and Joshua the High Priest - both leaders of God s people (Zechariah 4:12-14). The two olive trees in this vision can be taken to point ahead to Jesus the Priestly King (Psalm 110:4) who supplies the nourishing life of the Holy Spirit that strengthens and makes God s people faithful (cf. John 15:1-8). The reality of a great homecoming cannot happen without the divine power of Jesus Christ. And the oil He supplies is not a sudden surge from time to time but a continuous flow. We who are called to work for this amazing harvest this great homecoming need a supernatural empowering and a continuous supply of the Holy Spirit for the tasks at hand. Only the Lord Jesus can supply what is needed. That is why the first and foremost step in preparing for a great homecoming is fervent and concerted prayer. It is through prayer that the people in the respective nations of our Diocese will turn God-ward. It is through prayer that Christians will become hungry for God s glory and for souls to come to Christ. It is through prayer that the workers in the harvest field, like you and me, will be emboldened to share the Gospel at every opportunity and have the energy of love to minister to people s needs. Hence for the Celebration of Hope, the Year of Proclamation (2019) is preceded by the Year of Prayer (2018)! So I look forward to being with you, my Godgiven people, in the Thousands responded to the Gospel message at the Singapore Billy Graham Crusade in Temple Menorah Artwork by Mariano Shulman, 2001, Argentina Menorah Mosaic, Kehillat Israel, Pacific Palisades, CA Photo: Joy Krauthammer Celebration of Hope regional solemn assemblies of prayer as well as to joining a prayer band to intercede for the power of Jesus to bring about a great homecoming. Only the Lord can do it. And He will do it as we pray. We must therefore depend on Christ alone and not look to any man or to ourselves to accomplish a great homecoming. A vast multitude of people from all walks of life will return to God through Christ. I believe this new wave of converts will be so captivated by Christ that they don t become consumers of blessings but willing troops to be discipled and sent out as missionaries to the mission fields of the world. A bumper harvest! My heartbeat is on a different tempo, sustained by Christ s Spirit. My eyes are lifted up to God in prayer and brokenness. My lips are burning with the good news of Jesus to share. A unique season is dawning upon our Diocese. We are desperate for a great homecoming! Keep us focussed, O God, on Your great purpose of bringing many lives home to Yourself. May we see the brightness of a spiritual awakening in our respective lands. Lord, pour out Your Spirit. To Your praise and glory. Amen

8 CHURCH IN SINGAPORE CELEBRATION OF HOPE 2019 by Joshua Kwok, on behalf of the COH Executive Committee Preparations for the 2019 Celebration of Hope (COH) rallies are in full swing. Celebration of Hope was borne out of a shared vision between the leaders of the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS), Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore (EFOS), and LoveSingapore, "for the whole church in Singapore to proclaim the One Name that gives the world Solid Hope". It is important to see Celebration of Hope as not just an event, but a step in the process of revival in Singapore. Taking place in 2019, the Year of Proclamation, Celebration of Hope is not about mass evangelism but personal evangelism on a mass scale. In line with this vision, Bishop Rennis highlighted three things that are on the heart of the Father. Firstly: brokenness in prayer - over the poverty of our own spiritual state, and that of our church and country; secondly: oneness in the Body; and lastly: fruitfulness in the harvest of lives, workers for the mission field, and in righteousness as we proclaim the name of Jesus. The COH rallies will cater to various groups of people, to reflect the multi-cultural landscape of Christianity in Singapore, and the many people groups we have in our midst. Different rallies are planned for the English-Speaking group, the Chinese-Speaking group, the Tamil-Speaking Group, Youth (aged 4-14) and their parents, and the Guest Workers. Among the invited speakers are Revd Canon J John, an evangelist from the UK who has spoken in churches and at events in 69 countries; and Pastor Kou Shao En ( 寇绍恩 ), a former TV host and Pastor of Christ House Church in Taiwan. While there will be different speakers for the various rallies, it was decided that the primary focus will not be on the speakers nor their credentials, but will, very importantly, rest on the ONE NAME of Jesus Christ, for it is only God that can touch the hearts of men and turn them towards Himself. God has also provided the venue for the COH Rallies. The National Stadium at the Singapore Sports Hub has been booked and fully paid for, and S$1.8 million has already been collected so far. This is God s providence and blessing, and the COH Steering Committee is trusting that God will provide for everything else that will be needed. As Hudson Taylor once said: God s work done in God s way will never lack God s supply. It is also on the hearts of the COH Steering Committee that this event is undergirded by prayer. Prayer pointers will be sent to all churches to mobilise everyone to pray. We can also participate in the upcoming Pray Singapore (see pg 14) with the theme Seek the Welfare of the Nation. It is an important moment for the Church in Singapore, a spiritual act in humble obedience to God, and a strategic milestone towards revival-harvest. Pray Singapore falls on 7 Oct 2018, 4-7pm, at The National Stadium. More information about this, and other prayer events organised by LoveSingapore can be found on the LoveSingapore Facebook page ( com/lovesingapore.org.sg). For the latest news and updates about Celebration of Hope, please go to these links below. Churches who are interested in getting involved can the COH team to indicate their interest. May His Church in Singapore arise to reach the lost and bring a blessing of immeasurable magnitude to our land. And may Singapore fulfil her destiny as the Antioch of Asia, and be a blessing to the nations around us. info@celebrationofhope.sg 6

9 TEACHING ARTICLE IS THE AGE OF MASS EVANGELISM OVER? by Revd Canon J John Revd Canon J John spoke in a stadium evangelism event, Just One, on 8 July 2017 at The Emirates Stadium in London. We republish an article from his blog (canonjjohn.com), where in preparation for that event, he shared his thoughts on the place of mass evangelism today. REVD CANON J JOHN is a popular UK evangelist and much sought after speaker. To date, he has completed many speaking engagements at conferences, towns, cities and universities in 69 countries on 6 continents. J John has authored several titles including just10 a contemporary application of God s Ten Commandments. J John will be one of the main speakers at the Celebration of Hope events at the Sports Hub on May. was recently asked: J John, isn t the age of mass evangelism I over? Hasn t Elvis left the stadium! I have lost count of how often over the last few years I have heard words like this about the forthcoming JustOne event at the Emirates Stadium. On 8 July 2017 I m going to step out on what will be the biggest venture in three-and-a-half decades as an evangelist. With a seating capacity of around 50,000, the Emirates Stadium is an awfully big place and I really hope I m not going to be alone. Yet ever since I had the vision of a big stadium evangelistic event five years ago, I have faced the constant challenge from some people that this project is inappropriate or irrelevant today. There are many objections to stadium evangelism. Let me comment on some of them. Some people mention the expense of mass evangelism events. Applying cost benefit analysis to evangelism is a dubious practice. For information, the budget for the Emirates Stadium event is around 1,000,000 and we are anticipating a full stadium. In Mark 5:1 20 we read the story of a demonpossessed man freed and healed by Jesus. In the process of doing so Jesus cast the demons into 2,000 pigs, which then drowned. The cost of 2,000 pigs today could be in the region of 500,000. Jesus sacrificed 2,000 pigs in order to help just one man. In other words, one man is worth more than the value of 2,000 pigs. Another objection involves the assertion that preaching to crowds just creates temporary emotional responses. Well no doubt some of the responses are indeed inadequate and short lived. Yet we have it on the very highest authority in the Parable of the Sower that, sadly, this is true for all preaching. Nevertheless, mass evangelistic events do produce enduring fruit: there are many Christian leaders in the UK who either came to faith or were challenged to take their faith seriously as a result of Billy Graham or Luis Palau events. There are others who point out that we now do evangelism in other ways. Of course we do and I thank God for every method of evangelism! But are we evangelising enough? Of course not. JustOne is considered mass evangelism but the truth is mass evangelism is a platform for personal evangelism. One big event will not compensate for a lack of regular witnessing by the church. Neither will it transform a local church that has 7

10 not given priority to evangelism anymore than a week s exercise can restore to full health a body which has ignored physical exercise for years. Actually the biggest objection seems to be quite simply that mass evangelism hasn t been done in the UK for a very long time. In fact the last large-scale events were by Billy Graham and Luis Palau in the 1980s. That isn t a valid objection: it could simply be that now is the right season to refocus on it simply because God has led us to. Some people have pointed out some of the mistakes made in mass evangelistic events in the past. It s not hard to find examples where the motives, means or message have been flawed. But anything worth doing can be done badly and it s foolish to let a bad example stop you from trying to do a good thing. All I will say is that one reason why this JustOne event has taken five years to create is precisely because the team involved (which includes Matt Redman, Hillsong London, Noel Robinson, Noël Tredinnick and a lot of other godly and wise people) have been anxious to do this well. So, for example, a big effort has been made to try to ensure that there will be adequate and appropriate follow-up for those who make any sort of commitment. Yet, putting those objections to the side, the challenge lingers. Can mass evangelism of any sort be justified in multicultural, digitally connected, postmodern, 21st-century Britain? Let me assemble a case for the defence. First, mass evangelism has biblical authority. There are over a hundred references to a crowd or crowds in the Gospels, mostly in connection with vast numbers of people coming to hear Jesus. Some of these crowds were undoubtedly large. After all, in the most celebrated case, the feeding of the five thousand, the Gospels only give us the number of men; if we include women and children we can safely assume that there would have been at least three or four times that number present. This pattern continues in Acts where from the day of Pentecost onwards the apostles frequently preached to large numbers of people. Mass evangelism also has fascinating and encouraging historical precedents. There is a long, varied and frequently unauthorised tradition in church history of preaching in public spaces. In Britain the open-air evangelistic preaching of George Whitfield and John Wesley in the 18th century was enormously effective. Wesley commonly preached to thousands and there are credible accounts that Whitfield s audiences sometimes numbered 20,000 or more. That tradition of open-air preaching continued into the 19th century with C.H. Spurgeon and William Booth and his Salvation Army. Similar open-air "revival preaching" in the States was associated with Jonathan Edwards in the 18th century, D.L. Moody and Charles Finney in the 19th century, I THANK GOD FOR EVERY METHOD OF EVANGELISM! BUT ARE WE EVANGELISING ENOUGH? OF COURSE NOT. and continued into the 1930s with Billy Sunday. Interestingly, when in the late 1940s Billy Graham started his long and remarkable ministry as a stadium preacher, he was told that the time for mass evangelism had passed. I find it significant that outside the increasingly secular West mass evangelism has continued, particularly in the majority world with some spectacular rallies in places like Africa. Reinhard Bonnke has had the privilege of preaching to some of the largest gatherings in Africa in history. Two things strike me about the historical record. The first is that these events clearly did produce lasting fruit. To give just one example, Wesley and Whitfield s preaching created not just converts but churches, and those revivals have a lasting impact on the nature of British and American society. The second and very striking feature is that mass evangelism has not been restricted to any particular denomination or theological trend. Indeed it is hard to find a branch of evangelical Christianity in which mass evangelism has not played a part. So there is biblical authority and historical precedent for mass evangelism. But is it really appropriate today? Let me suggest seven features of mass or stadium evangelism that I think are profoundly helpful in terms of bringing people either to faith or back to a living faith. 1) A stadium setting provides neutrality. In case you hadn t noticed, non-christians don t tend to drift into Sunday church services these days. I m afraid that increasingly such people find the whole church thing somewhat intimidating. They don t know what to wear, what to expect or what to do. Consider, too, that in a church setting it s always possible for people to imagine that they are being invited to commit to a denomination. In a stadium it s much easier to point out that any commitment is to Christ and him alone. 2) A stadium setting provides anonymity. Part of the discomfort that many people have about being invited to church for evangelistic events is they realise that they are targets and, as a result, end up feeling like a lion in the den of Daniels. 8

11 Considering a life-changing decision is a lot easier when you don t have everybody staring at you. And should you choose to respond at a stadium, it will be with many other thousands. 3) A stadium setting provides legitimacy. In a suspicious age with a lot to be suspicious about many people are wary when they are invited into some gloomy building about which they know little to hear about some religious teaching about which they know even less. Because football stadiums are, along with shopping centres, today s cathedrals, there is something about their vast public space that encourages trust and eases suspicion. 4) A stadium setting encourages expectancy. It is universally held that a stadium is where exciting things happen. To be in a stadium is surely to be expectant, and expectation the offspring of faith and hope is a vital ingredient when the gospel is proclaimed. One of the problems with evangelism in a church context, particular in a regular Sunday service, is that there can be a very low level of expectation. Unfortunately if those attending a meeting don t expect God to work that s normally exactly what happens. As the mock beatitude goes: Blessed are those who expect little for they will receive exactly that. 5) A stadium setting offers a sense of community. Psychologists, or at least those with an anti-christian bias, are often negative about mass evangelism. Such events, they claim, allow for crowd psychology and distort any sense of normality. There are very real questions to be asked as to whether today s normal is indeed normal. Courtesy of the Internet and the smartphone, most individuals now exist in only one of two states: digitally connected or asleep. Many traditionally communal activities such as conversation, game-playing and even dating now involve solitary individuals interacting with a screen. It s hardly surprising that those used to a virtual world, hunger for a reality which brings them into contact with real flesh-and-blood people, rather than pixels. It s no wonder that something like Glastonbury sells out instantly. Being together in a crowd makes people feel good and that s an appropriate mood in which to hear good news. 6) A stadium setting encourages commitment. No aspect of mass evangelism has been more MASS EVANGELISM REMINDS THE WORLD THAT THE CHURCH IS NOT DEAD seriously criticised than the summoning of people to come forward to signify that they have made a commitment to Christ: the much disparaged altar call. I understand the criticism. Yet one of the strongest temptations faced by anyone who has made any sort of commitment to Christ is that of going back on it the moment they meet opposition. It s much easier to renege on a decision if all you did was utter some mental prayer. A faith-step in a stadium can be quite memorable and not easy to forget. 7) A stadium setting encourages prayer. All evangelism worthy of the name is ultimately a supernatural intervention into people s lives. Prayer is needed for that to happen. One of the advantages of high publicity events is that people do pray for them. And prayer works. My prayer request is the same as the apostle Paul s in Colossians 4:4: Pray that I will proclaim this message as clearly as I should. So I have faith in God and in stadium evangelism as a means of reaching out to men and women. Yet I want to say that I think it s importance and impact goes beyond that. Mass evangelism events speak also to the church and to our culture. Largescale outreach events remind both individual Christians and churches that evangelism is not an optional extra. History tells us that when churches cease to evangelise they soon become churches only in name; the same principle applies to individuals. A stadium evangelistic event should jab you in the ribs and pose the uncomfortable question: So you don t like this? Well what are you doing instead? Stadium evangelism should help put the world on the agenda of the church. Mass evangelism also speaks to our culture. Many ancient Christian buildings had a cloister, a secluded quiet space in which monks or nuns could stroll in reflection and prayer away from ordinary people: they were cloistered away. Half a millennium ago the church came out of the cloisters sometimes uncomfortably and into the home and the workplace. Yet we now live in a culture that is anxious that Christianity return to the cloister. It doesn t mind that we Christians exist just as long as we stay cloistered away, out of sight and out of mind. Tempting as that may be, the cloister is not where we ought to be. Mass evangelism reminds the world that the church is not dead. It s easy to ignore a few little fellowships hidden away in anonymous buildings in a dozen suburbs. It s much less easy if there are tens of thousands of people in your city s main stadium. My hope and prayer is not just that the JustOne event is a success and gets a lot of people excited about Jesus, but that this is the spark that lights the fire of desperately needed revival in our land. And I believe it s possible. Elvis may have left the stadium but Jesus hasn t. 9

12 REMEMBERING BILLY GRAHAM ( ) AND THE 1978 BILLY GRAHAM CRUSADE IN SINGAPORE IN MEMORIAM The Singapore Billy Graham Crusade in Photo: Albert Sim / saltandlight.sg by Karen Wong Arguably the most significant Christian preacher and evangelist in the 20 th century, the Rev Dr Billy Graham passed away of natural causes, at age 99, at his home in Montreat, North Carolina. In his 60 years of active ministry, he preached the Gospel in the USA and gradually to millions all over the world. He was closely associated with organisations that have global impact, such as Youth for Christ, Wheaton College in Illinois, and the Christian publication Christianity Today. His organisation spearheaded the first International Congress on World Evangelisation in Lausanne, which gave birth to the Lausanne movement. Graham stood up for Christian values; he remained accountable and clean of scandals. He spoke up against drugs, violence and sex in his sermons; he stood up against Apartheid in South Africa; was the first Christian evangelist of note to speak behind the Iron Curtain; and joined the Revd Martin Luther King Jr in the fight against discrimination and segregation in the United States. In Singapore, Graham conducted five nights of Gospel Rallies at the National Stadium on 6-10 December According to the National Council of Churches, 337,000 people from Singapore and around the region turned up to hear him preach, and over 19,600 people came forward for counseling. Methodist pastor, Rev Dr Alfred Yeo who was the General Secretary of the Crusade Advisory Council, recalls the Straits Times report that more than 75,000 turned up on the final night. He says, This makes it the largest Christian gathering in our nation to date. This event was a watershed moment because many Christian leaders in Singapore trace their coming-to-faith or personal revival to what happened to them at the Billy Graham Crusade. It is considered a milestone that helped spur the momentum of church growth during the decade of evangelism that was the 70s. Billy Graham with Bishop Chiu Ban It Photo courtesy of Rev Dr Alfred Yeo During his visit, Graham envisioned Singapore s potential for Christianity in Asia. It made visible the unity and collaboration that had already begun among churches in Singapore. Following the Billy Graham Crusade, the Evangelical Fellowship of Singapore (EFOS) and the Singapore Centre for Evangelism and Missions (SCEM) were formed, extending cross-denomination partnerships in Singapore. In his tribute to Graham on saltandlight.sg, Bishop Rennis Ponniah wrote that Billy Graham s life was a story of God s powerful hand on a surrendered man. He highlighted two qualities that stood out: The compelling desire to win lives to Jesus Christ and the constant desire to be found approved, not by men, but by God. One of Graham s many accolades describes him as one of the greatest Christian evangelists. Perhaps a good way to honour his memory would be to step out in faith to reach the lost with the Gospel. The Billy Graham Gospel Rallies can be far more than a good memory. It can be fuel for us to reach out with the same confidence in the Gospel, to participate in the 2019 Celebration of Hope. 10

13 TEACHING ARTICLE PRAYING TOGETHER IN A YEAR OF PRAYER Revd Canon Terry Wong reflects on the place of community in prayer While we may pray alone, there are many passages in the Bible that teach the need to pray with others. In Matthew 18:18-20, it says: Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them. Jesus said that there is power in prayer agreement (v19). It takes at least two to agree. This sharing of purpose is an expression of a community. The ability to agree is the ability to respond with Amen ( so shall it be - a statement of agreement) when another prays. Where two or three are gathered in prayer (v20), there is the promise of the Lord s comforting and authoritative presence. Biblically, the presence of the Lord conveys the promise that God is authoritatively at work. When tasked to lead the Israelites into the Promised Land, Moses prayed, If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here (Exodus 33:15). God s presence is a mark of His favour, blessing and authority. Every church or small group should seek after His presence. Jesus promised us that if we gather to pray, His presence will be with us. When leading or serving in Church, we meet, discuss, plan and strategise together. If we fail to pray together and fail to acknowledge our need for His authoritative presence, we can end up doing church work in a godless way. We will do well to heed the warnings given to the seven churches in Revelations 2 and 3. Prayer agreement and His presence are inseparable. Without a communal prayer life, we can end up doing atheistic work while imagining we are serving Him. We end up doing the work in our name, not His. This is one reason why we go by the dictum that those who serve together must pray together. This is especially true for those in leadership. Co-leadership over both the temporal and spiritual issues in the life of the Church can be complex. Spiritual authority can be intoxicating. Praying together helps us keep the right perspective towards God and each other. However, we need to think deeper about what it means to pray together. It is more than just two persons mouthing some words that ends with Amen. Prayer is more than just an opening or ending for a committee meeting to bookmark the writing of minutes. Praying together is about sharing spiritually (koinonia) and having relationships and a communal life that are centered on the lordship of Christ. It is about two Christians who relate to each other with the Lord at the heart of it, and where even the discussions and thoughts mutually expressed naturally become prayers. A community that can amen together reflects mutual submission (Ephesians 5:21), a shared life and a Christ-filled purpose. 11

14 I have had occasions when, after sharing with a brother, I sensed we have prayed even though we had not formally done so. These were conversations where the Lord was an active participant. This attitude of humble dependence on the Lord with another person is a prayerful attitude. Praying together is not an activity. It is a heart attitude. If parish committees or teams have these deep spiritual marks of dependence on the Lord and one another, the fruits of it will show. Praying together also saves us from pride and spiritual deception. On our own, we can easily imagine that the Lord endorses this or that. There is greater discernment when we are in prayer agreement and mutually accountable to another. Alone, we often think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think (Romans 12:3). Alone, we think we are right in our own eyes (Proverbs 21:2). When we pray together, we open our hearts to the Lord and another person. Jesus Himself underlined the Old Testament teaching that the temple of the Lord is a house of prayer. The gathered Christian community, described as the new temple, is also where prayer is to take place. Of course the church gathers for many reasons and different activities. But prayer is one central mark of her identity as a gathered community. In the early Church, the Christians continued their Jewish customs of meeting regularly in prayer (as recorded in the Book of Acts). The Church in her checkered history, even when under persecution, gave priority to worship and prayer whenever they came together. Praying together defines the very purpose of why the Church gathers together. It is for every Christian, not just for those who are more spiritually committed. We do this at every weekend service. In fact, we pray a lot during our services: Many of our hymns and songs are actually prayers. During intercession, we pray for more specific needs. The Communion liturgy involves praying together to the Lord. If there is ministry time, we pray for one another. We also pray when we gather in our cell groups, and in other small gatherings. Many parishes host regular prayer meetings. This year, the Body of Christ will be gathering in prayer in various ways as we seek to bless our nation (see pg 13-14). Next year s Singapore Bicentennial will commemorate our nation s founding 200 years ago. One way to bless our fellow citizens is to share the love of Christ during the Celebration of Hope events (17-19 May). To prepare for this, the bishops and pastors of the city are calling Christians to pray together. Watch out for these unique opportunities. I do not think I can say enough about this call to pray together. We intuitively know that we need to. It is basic to the Christian life, whether in leading or serving. It is how the Church breathes Year Prayer morning prayer Every Day including Public Holidays 6.30am to 8.30am Kum Yan Methodist Church city@prayer Every Friday except Public Holidays 12.30pm to 1.30pm St Andrew s Cathedral pastors@prayer Bi-monthly 3 rd Wednesdays except Public Holidays Mar 21 May 16 Jul 18 Sep 19 Nov 21 11am to 2pm St Andrew s Cathedral summit 2018 Jan 8-11 Leadership Retreat Hotel Equatorial Melaka momentum 2018 May 1 Prayer Equipping Conference 9am to 6pm The Star Performing Arts Centre 40.day 2018 Jul 1-Aug 7 Solemn Assemblies Decentralised Aug 8 Day of His Power! Singapore Indoor Stadium Aug 9 Walk of Love praysingapore Oct 7 Day of Prayer and Fasting Theme: Seek the Welfare of the City 4pm-7pm The National Stadium sow far sow good Oct 2018 to May 2019 Regional Prayer Gatherings Focus: Celebration of Hope 2019 prayerxchange For local church prayer pastors coordinators Jan 31 Mar 28 May 30 Jul 25 Sep 26 Nov pm to 4.30pm St Andrew s Cathedral 12

15 SCHEDULE A HISTORIC FIRST SOLEMN ASSEMBLIES 8PM-10PM CENTRAL NORTH EAST WEST l Cornerstone Community Church 11 East Coast Road Level 03, S From Aljunied Interchange: Bus 40 l Victory Family Centre 55 Sembawang Drive, S Nearest MRT Station: Sembawang l Bethesda Bedok-Tampines Church 300 Bedok North Avenue 3, S From Bedok Interchange: Bus 14 or 222 l Covenant Evangelical Free Church 10 Jelapang Road, S Nearest LRT Station: Bukit Panjang l Faith Community Baptist Church 3 Marine Parade Central, S From Paya Lebar Interchange: Bus 134 or 135 l Smyrna Assembly 3 Yishun Street 11, S Nearest MRT Station: Yishun l Christ Methodist Church 597 East Coast Road, S From Bedok Interchange: Bus 32 or 40 l Aldersgate Methodist Church 98 Dover Road, S Nearest MRT Station: Buona Vista l Church of Our Saviour 130 Margaret Drive, S Nearest MRT Station: Commonwealth l Living Sanctuary Brethren Church 2 Hougang Street 22, S From Kovan Interchange: Bus 113 l Paya Lebar Methodist Church 5 Boundary Road, S Nearest MRT Station: Serangoon l St James Church 1 Leedon Road, S Nearest MRT Station: Holland Village l City Missions Church 2 Kallang Ave CT Hub 11-16, S Nearest MRT Station: Lavendar l Lighthouse Evangelism 81 Woodlands Circle, S From Woodlands Interchange: Bus 931 l Bethesda Cathedral 30 Chai Chee Street, S From Bedok Interchange: Bus 26 or 222 l Renewal Christian Church MANDARIN 2 Tah Ching Road 04-01, S From Lakeside MRT Station: Bus 49 or 98 Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord. JOEL 1:14 Together, we will seek the Lord with one heart, one soul, one mind, one purpose: WEEK 1 JUL 1-7 WEEK 2 JUL 8-14 WEEK 3 JUL WEEK 4 JUL WEEK 5 JUL 29-AUG 4 WEEK 6 AUG 5-7 l Kum Yan Methodist Church 1 Queen Street, S Nearest MRT Station: Bras Basah Exit A l Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) 10 Yishun Avenue 5, S Nearest MRT Station: Yishun l Pentecost Methodist Church 4 Pasir Ris Drive 6, S From Pasir Ris Interchange: Bus 12 and 21 l Jurong Christian Church 2 Tah Ching Road, S From Lakeside MRT Station: Bus 49 or 98 l St Andrew s Cathedral 11 St Andrew s Road, S Nearest MRT Station: City Hall l Church of Singapore Bukit Timah 2B Hindhede Road, S Nearest MRT Station: Beauty World l Chapel of Christ the Redeemer 2 Tampines Avenue 3, S From Tampines Interchange: Bus 298 l Grace Assembly of God 1 Bukit Batok West Avenue 4, S Nearest MRT Station: Bukit Gombak AUGUST 8 DAY OF HIS POWER 7.30PM SINGAPORE INDOOR STADIUM 13 n Return to God in repentance for personal, corporate, and national sins. n Consecrate ourselves to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness. n Cry out to God for salvation among the 80% unsaved in our land. n Set apart this generation, the next generation, and every generation to fulfill Singapore s destiny as the Antioch of Asia.

16 SUNDAY 7 OCTOBER 2018 THE NATIONAL STADIUM 4PM - 7PM VISION DAY OF PRAYER & FASTING A significant moment in this Year of Prayer. A spiritual act in humble obedience to God. A sacred trust to shape the future of our nation, uniting all who are hungry enough to fast and desperate enough to pray. A strategic step towards God s promised revival-harvest in this kairos window. web praysingapore.sg hotline THEME SEEK THE WELFARE OF THE CITY Seek the welfare of the city and PRAY TO THE LORD ON ITS BEHALF, for in its welfare you will find your welfare For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will CALL UPON ME and COME AND PRAY to me, and I will hear you. You will SEEK ME and find me, when you SEEK ME WITH ALL YOUR HEART. I will be found by you, declares the Lord JEREMIAH 29: 7, ations rise and nations fall. N Studies reveal that nations decline primarily because of a weakening sense of duty and an increase in selfishness and the desire for wealth and ease (LIM SIONG GUAN and JOANNE H. LIM). Singapore is not exempt. True, Singapore is a miracle nation admired around the world. Yet, beneath that gleaming facade, there are signs of decline that threaten to undo her. We see a weakening sense of duty to stay faithful in marriage, to procreate, and to parent our children. We see the rise of secularism and youth shunning religion. We see a society fragmented along class divides. We are not in the pink of health. We are a nation at war with diabetes and depression. As one of the fastest ageing societies in Asia, eldercare will escalate. Dementia could become a national crisis sooner than expected. We see a lack of rootedness and emotional bonding to Singapore. ESM Goh Chok Tong has warned that Singapore will decline when her people cease to value her, and begin to treat her as a stepping stone, a temporary station in life to get an excellent education, grow wings, and fly off to sink roots somewhere else to seek their own fame, fortune, and future. We love Singapore. We cannot be complacent. We cannot brush these issues aside and conveniently leave them for future generations to tackle. That would be totally irresponsible. God expects us to do the right thing on our watch: Humble ourselves. Repent. Seek his face. Seek the shalom of the city. God loves Singapore. When we seek him wholeheartedly, he promises to show up. He will show the way, turning Singapore Godwards! ONE NAME ONE HOPE ONE HEART ONE VOICE ONE FOUNDATION ONE FUTURE MAY 1 Momentum 2018 Prayer Equipping Conference JULY 1 to AUGUST 7 Solemn Assemblies 8pm Central. North. East. West. ONE PEOPLE ONE DESTINY AUGUST 8 Day of His Power 7.30pm Singapore Indoor Stadium AUGUST 9 Walk of Love 4pm St Andrew s Cathedral 14 OCTOBER 7 PraySingapore 4pm The National Stadium OCTOBER to MAY 2019 Sow Far Sow Good 7.30pm Monthly Regional Prayer Focus: Celebration of Hope 2019 MAY Celebration of Hope The National Stadium

17 THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BOARD MATURING AS LIGHT OF THE WORLD Trinity Theological College s 70 th Anniversary by Lucilla Teoh Despite the dark days of the Japanese Occupation, developments took place which Christians today can rejoice about. The internment of Anglican missionary leaders, Bishop Leonard Wilson and Canon Sorby Adams, in Changi Prison led to discussions with fellow Methodist and Presbyterian interns that culminated in the founding of Trinity Theological College (TTC) as a union college. TTC opened its doors in 1948 as the first seminary in Singapore. By the 1960s, the Lutheran Church joined as one of the College s governing churches. Training and Equipping TTC s hallmark is its dedication to providing quality theological education as well as equipping lay people. For lay training, TTC s Centre for the Development of Christian Ministry (CDCM) has been providing evening courses. An increasing number of lay people are undertaking the Master of Theological Studies (MTS) programme since its launch in The Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian, Principal of TTC, said, If more members from our churches get educated theologically, there can be better synergy between them and their pastors and pastoral teams to develop spiritual formation in the churches. In this respect, CDCM will be revamped with a new name and direction. Not all are called to full-time ministry, but are called instead to public square witness. We are seeing civil servants, and professionals enrolling in the MTS programme, says Rev Dr Ngoei. For current student Dr Kelvin Li, it is a wonderful programme that has helped him develop a holistic vision of reality that is grounded in the Word of God. He says, my medical practice has been challenged and reinvigorated by the theological perspectives and reflections. When TTC started, many of her faculty members were missionary educators. Among the staff today, only one is a missionary lecturer and the rest are Singaporean lecturers trained overseas. TTC has been intentional over the last decade to encourage talented local scholars to come on staff. Rev Dr Ngoei says, As TTC matures, we have very competent faculty staff who can speak boldly to provide contextualised theological perspectives for the local church. As the number of Singaporean staff increases, our budget will of course also go up. But we have become selfsufficient with support from our churches - another sign of maturity. The College will continue to invite top international scholars to conduct seminars and participate in conferences. As part of its 70 th Anniversary Celebrations, TTC has invited Professor Tom Greggs from the University of Aberdeen to present three public lectures (July 24-26) and to participate in a symposium on Salvation and Eschatology (Jul 23-27). For a full list of upcoming events, please log onto sg for more details. Public Square Engagement One milestone for this august institution was her partnership in 2014 with the National Council of Churches of Singapore and the Bible Society of Singapore to form the think tank, ETHOS Institute for Public Christianity. ETHOS works with churches to look at commonalities and think through issues cohesively. The various events organized thus far have been well received and are well attended not only by pastors but also the lay people and academics. There is a growing willingness to work together across denominational lines. Anniversary Celebrations The concert, Trinity Rhapsody by the TTC choir, was the first of TTC s celebrative events. Conducted 15

18 ST PETER'S HALL St Peter's Hall Chapel was a venue for the Preaching Symposium's workshops. Trinity Rhapsody by Mrs Simon Chan, it was held on 2 February at Bukit Panjang Methodist Church before a packed audience. On 8 and 9 March, a Preaching Symposium Light of the World was conducted in English and Mandarin. Bishop Rennis Ponniah was one of the featured speakers in the English track and Rev Canon Dr Titus Chung spoke in the Chinese track. A conference for Chinese churches entitled Chinese Churches and Chinese Worldwide (April 18-19) had speakers, both local and from the region, speak to over 200 participants. One of the highlights of its Anniversary celebration is the Alumni Heritage Trail After the Darkness Lux Mundi event. Here Diocesan Digest learns something new about TTC s connection to Changi Prison, beyond it being TTC s birthplace. Three former offenders who have studied at TTC after their release will get to present their testimonies. This event will launch a scholarship for more former offenders to pursue their theological studies here. While TTC matures and looks to the future, she remains a servant of the Lord. Called into being during a war, she continues in her calling to be Lux Mundi: light of the world. TTC has afforded us, from time past, a special place in which to have a formation hall for Anglican students. This is St Peter s Hall (SPH). Established in 1954, St Peter s Hall was originally located in St Andrew s Boys School. As the centre for leadership development, training and spiritual formation for the Diocese, it was re-located within TTC, of which the Anglican Church is a founding member. SPH trains our Anglican parish workers and clergy, and also plays a regional role with its Overseas Clergy s Sabbatical Programme. Revd Joseph Goh, Warden of SPH since 2016, shares that the vision for SPH is four fold; it is to: 1) develop our theological students, as future church leaders, with a deepening understanding, appreciation and experience of the Anglican inheritance in their personal and corporate worship, discipleship and mission, 2) develop potential faculty, 3) develop local Anglicans as Bible scholars and theologians to support the Church in addressing issues of the day with the current generation and the nation, and 4) grow SPH as a regional centre for Anglican studies and research in collaboration with other regional Anglican centres, especially in the Province. I thoroughly enjoyed the close-knit and vibrant SPH community where I made wonderful friends," recalls Mr Hambali Leonardi (MDiv, 2005), a newly ordained deacon from St Andrew s Cathedral. "The Warden at that time, Revd Hwa Chih, and the SPH family blessed me with the discipline and rigours of community life and spiritual formation." Rev Dr Ngoei Foong Nghian, Principal, TTC TRINITY THEOLOGICAL COLLEGE 490 Upper Bukit Timah Rd Singapore Phone: Fax: info@ttc.edu.sg 16

19 TEACHING ARTICLE ON BEING anglicans Ordinands of 2018 for Singapore, Nepal and Thailand Photo: Revd Joseph Goh by Revd Canon Dr Michael Poon This essay aims to give an account of Christian discipleship as Anglicans in today s world. Are there doctrines and practices that bind Anglicans worldwide and down the ages as a distinctive ecclesiastical body? What unique gifts do Anglicans bring to the wider Body of Christ and to the world? These questions immediately spur us to give closer attention to the dogmatic foundation of being Anglican. From the outset, other ways are open to us in exploring Anglican distinctive: REVD CANON DR MICHAEL POON is sub-warden of St Peter's Hall, and Canon Emeritus of St Andrew's Cathedral, Singapore. 1. CHURCH GOVERNANCE One way is to explain Anglican distinctive in terms of church governance. Some may speak with pride on the constitution, canons and organisational structure of the Anglican church. Our church has a historic order that traces to the Apostles time, we would say. We can also point to the global structures of the Anglican Communion. All in all, the institutional stability, historical continuity, and global presence of the Anglican Church set Anglicans apart from many Protestant churches. 2. CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL ROOTS Another way to look at Anglican distinctive is to underscore the cultural and historical roots of the Anglican Church: The English established church was the mother church of many Anglican churches worldwide; the historical expansion of the Anglican Communion in the world was intricately bound with the history of the British Empire. True, this English legacy 17

20 could be problematic to Anglican churches in former British colonies, nevertheless, an English association can be useful to Anglican churches. A visit from the Archbishop of Canterbury, for example, may raise the public prestige of the local Anglican church. It follows that Anglican churches are still psychologically connected to the Church of England. The Church of England binds Anglicans worldwide together, so to speak. Although Anglican churches worldwide are largely organised as autonomous, that is, self-governing, provinces, many still look to the Church of England for guidance on matters of faith, worship and practice. 3. THE MIDDLE WAY One can also explain Anglican identity as a middle way (via media) between the Roman Catholics and various forms of Protestantism. Interestingly, this interpretation of via media emerged largely in the nineteenth-century within the Oxford Movement, amid a deep wrestling on Anglican identity in England and in the United States of America. The central concern was to connect the ministry, worship and spirituality in the English established Church and American Episcopal Church less to the English Reformation in the sixteenth and seventeenth century, and more to the practice of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic church in early Christianity. The focus therefore was to interpret the particular Anglican way as an ism: Anglicans are shaped more by a distinctive (and theoretical account of) Anglicanism instead of by its English experience. It was not an accident the American Episcopalian missionaries in China bequeathed Chinese Anglicans with the name Zhong Hua Sheng Gong Hui (Holy Catholic Church in China). This way to understand Anglican identity clearly is attractive in the present day. It gives Anglicans worldwide an imaginative way to differentiate themselves from both the Roman Catholic and Protestant communities. The use of vestments, ceremonial acts, liturgical practices and forms of services that one finds in Anglican churches today speak volume to this understanding of Anglicanism, though the English Reformers would be bemused by such expressions of Anglican distinctive. THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS These three presentations indeed can be useful for interpreting Anglican life and ministry. Those from independent churches may find the organisational stability, history and global presence of Anglican churches especially attractive. Anglicans have the best of all worlds! Similar to the Roman Catholics, the outer form of their church embodies historical continuity with the times of the Apostles, and like the Protestants, their faith, order and discipline are not dependent on the Roman Church. But how useful are these presentations in equipping Anglicans to live out their discipleship in concrete terms? What do they have anything to do with the inner life: how Christians obey Christ as individuals and as a corporate body? Canon A5 on The doctrine of the Church in the Province of the Canons of our own Province of South East Asia underscores this problem: The doctrine of the Church in the Province is grounded in the Holy Scriptures and in such teachings of the ancient Fathers and Councils of the Church as are agreeable to the said Scriptures. In particular such doctrine is to be found in the Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion, the Book of Common Prayer, and the Ordinal. In fact, Canon A1 to A5 on the faith and order of the Province replicate similar canons of the Church of England. This hardly needs justification: The Archbishop of Canterbury was the metropolitan of the dioceses before the Province was established. Photo: rosefirerising / Flickr (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) IN SOUTH EAST ASIA Anglicans in South East Asia however would find it challenging in connecting their parish life and personal devotion to this formal doctrine of the church. In life, from parish life to personal devotion, and from baptismal preparation to ministerial formation, what Anglicans do in practice may have little to do with the official Articles of Religion, the Book of Common Prayer and the Ordinal. Arguably the Province has not yet produced its own Book of Common Prayer. Instead, there are different forms of authorised services in the dioceses. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion also do not appear in service books and official documents in the dioceses. And if the Book of Common Prayer of 1662 the official Book of Common Prayer of the Church of England is the standard, perhaps hardly any Anglican congregations use it in Sunday worship. In fact, in a globalising era, Christians draw their sources of inspiration from different places. Worship pattern, hymns, teaching materials, or devotional and mission practice may not be different from one church to another. The widespread use of the Alpha course is a case in point. One can argue that there isn t any Anglican distinctive in everyday Christian life. 18

21 This indeed put in doubt the three outlines of Anglican distinctives above. They focus on the external forms of the church. This can become a huge liability instead of an asset. The protracted disputes on human sexuality and on the authority of the Holy Scripture in the Anglican Communion in the past twenty years exposed this weakness. Anglicans find themselves entangled in decisions on matters of faith, order and discipline in Anglican churches in other parts of the world. It is more attractive, to some, simply to let go the insistences on matters of faith and discipline; that is, on the inner life of the church. Why cannot Anglicans simply find means to strengthen their external bonds? After all, they are already bound by shared cultural, sociological, and historical ties. Along this reasoning, what makes Anglicans a distinctive ecclesiastical body? There is a simple answer: Anglicans are the third largest Christian denomination in the world, other than the Roman Catholics and the Orthodox. Such a way of thinking about Anglican life shortchanges the holy trust that Anglican forebears have bequeathed to future generations. Christian life is centred in God and His redemptive work in Christ. And therefore, communion must necessarily rest on a dogmatic foundation of a robust doctrine of God. It cannot be explained solely in earthly terms. As the Reformers would put it, Christ remains the head of the Church; He has not delegated this headship to any earthly institution. The task for Anglicans today is to rediscover the theological foundation of the Anglican Church and let it shape the character of their common life. But what is this theological foundation? Clearly, we can think of many important figures and events that have left lasting imprints on Anglican identity. Each of us has our favourite. One period however stands out: it is the English Reformation. Except for the English Reformation, Anglicans would still be part of the Roman Catholic Church. More importantly, the English Reformation gave Anglican churches in all generations a theological and programmatic model on what it is to be part of Christ s universal Church: to be church without being hierarchically under Rome. The English Reformation was not a mere intellectual or political exercise. Clergy and people alike The English Reformation gave Anglican churches in all generations a theological and programmatic model on what it is to be part of Christ s universal Church: to be church without being hierarchically under Rome. 19 needed to undergo a complete psychological, emotional, and in fact a space-time upheaval. The social fabric of the Christian society centred in Rome was torn apart. Personal devotion in the medieval times was centred on communion with the dead, which was reinforced by the ceremonies and rites of the Roman Church. The English Reformers therefore needed to develop a new ecclesiological vision, on solid theological ground, to meet this deep human need. And they succeeded. The English Reformation therefore is especially relevant for today. It provides Anglicans in their respective nations an instructive lesson on ecclesiology: how they can be church without being hierarchically under any earthly focus of unity be this the See of Canterbury, Rome or any other historic centre of mission and ministry. Anglicans embody the pilgrim character of Christian discipleship. A DISTINCTIVE THEOLOGICAL VISION The English Reformers held out a distinctive theological vision: the whole nation attentive to the Word of God, united in worship, and shaped by an evangelical interpretation of Christian tradition. We begin first with an introductory remark. The Thirty-Nine Articles of Religion (1571), the Book of Common Prayer (1662) and the Ordinal (strictly-speaking The Form and Manner of Making, Ordaining and Consecrating of Bishops, Priests, and Deacons according to the order of the Church of England ) were not mere abstract and theoretical documents. They in fact set the condition for the English nation to establish and regulate a national church outside Roman jurisdiction: The Articles of Religion were fundamental declarations on faith, order and discipline; The Book of Common Prayer summoned all peoples in the one nation to worship God in the everyday language; and the Ordinal offered the English Church a lawful form and manner of establishing a regular ordained ministry, so that the pure Word of God is preached, and the sacraments duly administered. These three documents were part of an expansive and ambitious project of Thomas Cranmer ( ), the chief architect of the

22 Painting by Gerlach Flicke English Reformation: translation of the Bible into vernacular; commissioning of homilies to reeducate the clergy and people in the evangelical faith; a catechism for instructing the young; and reform of English law: 1. ATTENTIVENESS TO THE WORD OF GOD. The Collect for the Second Sunday of Advent in the Book of Common Prayer aptly expresses this posture: Blessed Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life... Cranmer restructured the divine services, the church calendar, and the lectionary of the church to enable the whole people of God to hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest the holy Scriptures; and this learning would bring about personal and communal godly living. He simplified the divine services of the day from eight to two (Morning and Evening Prayer). The observance of saints days was removed, except for those that were connected with the Gospel events. The table of readings followed the civic calendar, that is, from 1 January to 31 December. The appointed readings were read sequentially and according to the canonical order of the Scripture, that is, from the first chapter of Genesis to the end of Malachi, and the first chapter of Matthew to the end of Revelation. The Psalms were read once every month; the New Testament three times, and the Old Testament (and selections of the Apocrypha) once a year. Thomas Cranmer 2. THE WHOLE NATION UNITED IN WORSHIP. The Preface to the Book of Common Prayer sums up this vision: It hath been the wisdom of the Church of England,... to keep the mean between the two extremes, of too much stiffness in refusing, and of too much easiness in admitting any variation from it.... [Our general aim is to do what] might most tend to the preservation of Peace and Unity in the Church; the procuring of Reverence, and exciting of Piety and Devotion in the public Worship of God... Cranmer sought to establish a common public space in which all peoples in the same nation can worship and obey God together. The English Reformers bequeathed to Anglicans in future generations a virtue of comprehensiveness: to discern what is essential and accommodate on matters that are indifferent. This is more than a matter of maintaining diversity in unity. Such can mean different things in a post-liberal and postmodern society. Cranmer s via media has in mind the uniting of evangelical Christians of different persuasion, so that they can be renewed by the daily communal receiving of God s law and advance the evangelical faith as a united community. The gathering of a whole nation to worship and witness as a united people of God has an apologetical edge. Cranmer and the Reformers never lost sight of the reality of sin and the organised opposition of truth here on earth. Human laws must be enforced to curb the spread of sins, especially against the erroneous teachings (of Rome at that time) that would lead the people to stray and cause disunity in the nation. On Ceremonies in the Book of Common Prayer underscores this conviction:... the wilful and contemptuous transgression and breaking of a common order and discipline is no small offence before God,... the appointment of the which order pertaineth not to private men; therefore no man ought to take in hand, nor presume to appoint or alter any public or common Order in Christ s Church, except he be lawfully called and authorized thereunto. Therefore, the doctrine (expressed in the Articles of Religion), worship (in the Book of Common Prayer), and the order (the form and manner of ordination of clergy) of the nation must be lawful. They were authorised by the lay monarch instead of the Pope. 3. A GODLY ORDER THAT IS SHAPED BY AN EVANGELICAL RECEIVING OF ANCIENT CUSTOMS. Not every custom that is ancient in origin had to be retained or rejected. Cranmer began his essay 20

23 On ceremonies, why some are abolished, and some retained (in the Book of Common Prayer) with these words: Of such Ceremonies as be used in the Church, and have had their beginning by the institution of man, some at the first were of godly intent and purpose devised, and yet at length turned to vanity and superstition. Cranmer in fact revised The Book of Common Prayer and the Ordinal during his lifetime, to bring the faith and order of the English church more in line with evangelical beliefs. Three services especially absorbed his energy: the Holy Communion, the Burial Service and the Ordinal. There, he struck at the heart of vanity and superstition. He removed sacrificial understanding from the Holy Communion service. The Burial Service became a reminder to the living on their discipleship, instead of an absorption with prayer for the dead. He reduced the holy orders of the Roman Church to the threefold order Anglicans hold out before fellow Christians of other traditions a vision of discipleship: a united people, under a common discipline, renewed by the sacraments, to preach and teach the pure Word of God to the nation. (deacons, priests, and bishops), and refocused their ministerial function to the preaching of God s Word. The giving of the Bible became the only Martin Luther nailing the 95 Theses in 1517 instrument of ordination: Take thou Authority to preach the Word of God. ANGLICAN CHURCHES TODAY Anglican churches today are in different situations from the time of the English Reformation. Our service books, lectionary, devotional practice are hardly the same as those in Cranmer s generation. The Christian situation clearly is different: ecumenism and charismatic renewal have brought churches closer to one another. Nearly 1,500 years later, and half way around the world, what would Cranmer say to us? In what ways, to him, are Anglicans a distinctive ecclesiastical body? Can we indeed become a life-giving and truth-witnessing global body? He would probably say: My sons and daughters, follow Christ in deeper ways: Why are you engrossed with sights and sounds? Hear the Word today! Why are you merely satisfied with church growth statistics of your local Christian community? Be a strong and united Christian community to uphold truth, peace and justice in your nation. Why do you reduce apostolicity to ceremonies and vestments? Preach the Word, fulfil your ministry to all peoples and in all situations. Anglicans hold out before fellow Christians of other traditions a vision of discipleship: a united people, under a common discipline, renewed by the sacraments, to preach and teach the pure Word of God to the nation. Jesus calls us to radical discipleship: to move out from the shallow waters of denominational loyalty and cultural ties, to realign our personal and corporate life more and more to the Gospel. This sober and provisional understanding of church identity, always open to the irruption of the Holy Spirit, is perhaps what makes being Anglicans challenging and unsettling. Painting by Ferdinand Willem Pauwels,

24 DEANERY UPDATES CAMBODIA by Revd Steven Seah, Diocesan Missionary Clergy to Cambodia, and Acting Vicar of Church of Christ Our Peace (CCOP) TO GOD S GLORY AND FOR GOD S GLORY What a transformation two months can reveal! One could only see the concrete structures of the new building, if one had stood across the street from CCOP in February. By Good Friday, 30 March 2018, this skeletal structure had become a brightly lit building with much of the architectural work completed for all its seven floors. With its redevelopment finally nearing its completion, the church can take over the new building by mid- May, and services can start as soon as June. I marvel at how God has brought us thus far. This project took years to get going but when it took off a little more than three years ago, things came together quickly and moved quite smoothly. Only with God is all of this possible. I am praying that, whether local or foreign, all who come will find God and will go out to the world to share what they see and hear in the new CCOP. The new building s completion is to God s glory, and may it now be used for His glory. Will you pray that this be so? TAKHMAU BUILDING PROJECT: NEW OPPORTUNITES Gone is the small, termite-infested wooden house that was Church of Christ Our Hope (CCOH) in Takhmau, Kandal. Formerly known as Khmer Hope Church, CCOH s property now houses a new worship hall, pastor s quarters and a volleyball court. This project was completed in mid December 2017, in time for the annual Christmas outreach. It was encouraging to see the new worship hall accommodating about 300 adults and children at the event. The completion of a 10-week English tuition programme, introduced in February, was celebrated with an evening of games, a dinner and a certificate presentation ceremony on 7 April This term, Mrs. Gwen Seah, with Pastor Sowannia and Sophea, taught an average 22 The Christmas Crowd at CCOH of 20 children. Some of them are now attending Sunday School. On some evenings, the kids in the neighborhood would come in to play at the volleyball court. A group of them has asked Pastor Sowannia to form a soccer team. Opportunities to serve the community, especially the children, are opening up. To meet these opportunities, CCOH is looking for more Cambodian English teachers who can double as youth/children workers. Parishes can support these English lessons by doing camps, which Chapel of Christ the King did in March. Besides English, they taught Sunday School, and played games and soccer with the kids. The new term starts on 3 May 2018, and parishes interested in helping the Centre can contact Mrs Gwen Seah at gwenderozario@gmail.com

25 DEANERY UPDATES RIENG BUILDING PROJECT: HOPE ANGLICAN CENTRE CAMBODIASVAY residential rooms. In the paddy fields of Svay Rieng province in Svay Prahoot village, next to Church of Christ Our Redeemer (CCOR), a magnificent structure stands out. The four-storey building, completed on 15 October 2017, was constructed with the generous support and watchful supervision of St Hilda s Church and is a learning centre that hosts a huge assembly/worship hall, classrooms, and Named Hope Anglican Centre, it runs nine classes for 115 students at four different times of the day. Headed by Ms Constance Ng, a missionary teacher from St Hilda s Church, and assisted by four Cambodian teachers, Hope Anglican Centre has been giving English tuition since the beginning of These students also get the benefit of spiritual and pastoral care from Pastors Chan Phy and Nhim Samol, staff of CCOR. Together with St Hilda s Church, CCOR has organized two camps for about 400 children and youths. The immediate impact of the Centre has encouraged St Hilda s Church to support the acquisition of the adjacent plot of land to be used for sports and agricultural training. The dream is to turn Hope Anglican Centre into a centre of excellence for teaching English. To do Constance (from St Hilda's Church) teaching in Hope Anglican Centre this, more teachers are needed. Please pray with us for more Cambodian teachers and for a mature Christian Cambodian to take on the role of Assistant Centre Head. We also welcome Singaporeans who are interested to make an impact in the lives of these rural children and who are able to give a minimum of one month of their time to the Centre. They can contact SC Chak at chaksc@ gmail.com COMING EVENTS 26 October 2018 Consecration of Church of Christ Our Hope in Takhmau 26 October 2018 Dedication of Hope Anglican Centre in Svay Prahoot 27 October 2018 Consecration of Church of Christ Our Peace in Phnom Penh 28 October 2018 Celebration of ACC 25 th Anniversary in CCOP and Dedication of ACC Head Office in Phnom Penh LAOS AN INSPIRING CONFIRMATION SERVICE by Revd Mark Dickens, Dean of Laos 11 March 2018 was a wonderful day for Church of the Holy Spirit (CHS) Vientiane, an integral part of the Deanery of Laos. Bishop Rennis Ponniah confirmed two teenage girls, Anna Paton and Shanae Dierdin. It had been more than 11 years since the last Confirmation Service at CHS Vientiane. It was of course a time of joy for the parents of the girls; Revd Tony and Katherine Paton, and Ian and Cecilia Dierdin, and also a time of excitement for the whole congregation. Tony was ordained as a Presbyter in our Diocese in May 2016 and provides wonderful pastoral support to ARDA (Anglican Relief and Development Agency) leaders who lead our language centres as well as the CHS congregation. Ian and Cecilia Dierdin were sent out to Laos from St John s - St Margaret s Church and care for an organic farm, not far from Vientiane. This farm has a fantastic discipleship aim. CHS Vientiane is made up of people from many countries and many protestant denominations, so The Confirmation Service at CHS Vientiane Mr Donald Marsden from the CHS Committee produced a very helpful background piece about Confirmation, which led to a greater understanding for all. This document was circulated by Bishop Rennis to all parishes in the Diocese for use and encouragement. During the Confirmation Service, I looked out of the window and viewed our Hope Centre premises. How encouraging to know that each week over 200 street children and youth at risk are helped and loved by our ARDA staff there. The gospel passage read and preached was most appropriate - The Faith of the Syrophoenician Woman from Mark 7: The girls were given helpful books on Christian discipleship as we thanked God for their clear and confident faith in the Lord Jesus. May there be many more baptisms and confirmations at CHS Vientiane. 23

26 DIOCESAN NEWS CHRISTMAS AT BISHOPSBOURNE by Karen Wong Photo: Lee Hsien Loong / Facebook Interfaith leaders and government ministers had the rare opportunity to mingle together on 16 December 2017, at the Christmas Open House held in Bishopsbourne, the official residence of the Diocesan Bishop of Singapore. Co-hosted by the National Council of Churches of Singapore (NCCS) and its current Chairman, Bishop Rennis Ponniah, this inaugural event was envisioned as a chance to foster rapport, build relationships, and strengthen ties for the common good of Singapore. The Guest-of-Honour, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, posted on his Facebook page that he enjoyed a very special and meaningful Christmas tea but it wasn t only Anglicans at the celebration, but also Catholics, Methodists, Lutherans, Muslims, Buddhists, and Taoists too! This is the religious harmony that we experience in Singapore. Guests were entertained with Christmas music by the Salvation Army Ensemble, and carols sung in Mandarin by the St Andrew s Cathedral Mandarin congregation choir. Bishop Low Jee King and Bishop Rennis Ponniah welcoming Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Photo: MCI. Copyright reserved. (L-R): Mrs Terry Kee, Imam of Ba'alwie Mosque Habib Hassan, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Bishop Rennis Ponniah, Lutheran Bishop Terry Kee, Chancellor Richard Magnus, Mrs Lee Hsien Loong, Minister of Home Affairs and Minister of Law Mr K Shanmugam. Photo: MCI. Copyright reserved. 24

27 GIVING A LEGACY Investing in the work of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore FOR ALL THINGS COME FROM YOU, AND OF YOUR OWN HAVE WE GIVEN YOU. 1 CHRONICLES 29:14 Dear fellow Anglicans, As a diocese and body of Christ, our calling is to respond to the innumerable spiritual, physical and social needs within our parishes and throughout our greater community, and I give thanks to God for our church leaders, staff, lay leaders and volunteers who live the gospel daily in reaching out to the grieving, sick, disabled and marginalised. The demands for providing these ministries and services are great and ever increasing, and Legacy Gifts help to ensure that our ministries thrive today, and continue into the future. Through your Will, you are making a profound and lasting commitment to stewardship and to your faith community, and you become part of the healing, transformation and hope that our diocese is bringing to Singapore, our deanery countries and beyond. You are also helping to ensure that our diocese remains relevant for future generations. All Legacy Gifts make a difference, no matter the size or type. They can come in the form of property, sums of money, or proceeds from sale of stocks and shares. They can be directed to the Diocese of Singapore, or to a specific parish or deanery, for a specific purpose. For a biblical basis for legacy giving, please go to For more information, including some sample wordings for providing for a gift in your Will, please approach your Vicar or Priest. You could also contact Sasha Michael from the Diocesan Office for further advice. She can be reached at sasha@anglican.org.sg We appreciate your support and generosity. Warmly in Christ, The Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah Bishop of Singapore May

28 DEANERY UPDATES NEPAL CLEAN WATER PROJECT an excerpt of a report by Felix Lim, St John s - St Margaret s Church Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock at Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, and the people will drink. And Moses did so, in the sight of the elders of Israel. Exodus 17:6 Most of us in Singapore and in developed countries often take for granted our easy access to clean water. For countless others around the world living without such access, their quality of life is severely and adversely affected. The Nepal Clean Water Project was birthed out of a conviction felt by a group from St John s - St Margaret s Church (SJSM) who were on a medical mission to Nepal. They saw the need, and began to pray and research for a solution. A system called Madidrop was developed to purify water using the antibacterial properties of silver ions. The efficacy of this bar-soapsized porous ceramic tablet was tested during a medical and water-source survey mission to Lapa, Dhading, Nepal, in May The excellent reports from this test soon led to plans for a largerscaled test across three villages in November the same year. Despite various besetting setbacks that included Madidrops folding its business and team members pulling out from the mission, the rest of the team persevered in prayer, physical training and preparations. Within weeks of their departure, God miraculously provided, through an unexpected source, the 500 tablets needed for the mission project! The team landed in Kathmandu in the late evening of November 17. The next morning, we met up with Bishop Rennis Ponniah, our Vicar Revd Joshua Sudharman, and the medical mission team from All Saints' Church for a glorious time of morning devotion. We were then bused to Dhading Besi to witness a Confirmation Service. We could only stay through part of the ceremony, but we got to witness the passion of these believers worship and devotion. It reminded us of our dependence on God for everything. Our journey to our rest village of Tawal Besi involved a bumpy four-hour jeep ride across riverbeds and impossible hairpin turns; and a two-hour hike through the valley as we watched the sun set and then relied on the stars and our headlamps to guide us. Getting to the next village of Tawal involved another short hike early the next morning. While preparing for the arrival of villagers, we tried to fix a problem we discovered with the buckets we brought for use with the water system. But in our haste, we drilled holes in too many of the buckets. Through our distress, the Holy Spirit provided us a solution and the water purification system was made available to 16 families from Tawal Besi and 24 families from Tawal. Together with some other general health information that we taught the villagers, our guidance and the water system were well received. We were warmly welcomed at our next pit stop the Christian village of Tajimrang, which was a three hour hike away. Here, we witnessed a genuine spirit of Christian community as we joined in a spontaneous session of worship that erupted as everyone worked together. This experience made us keenly aware that God is in our midst and we were where God wanted us to be. The deployment of the water system went smoothly and 40 more families were blessed. We retired early that night in anticipation of the big trek the next day. This hike was expected to be arduous and take about 12 hours, so we set off while it was still dark. We crossed multiple ridges and waterfalls, and walked through jungle and along barren ridgelines. Along the way, our team leader, Daniel, fell ill (we found out later it was pneumonia). But with the mission to complete and no options for an evacuation, we pressed on towards our destination of Lapa. We were so relieved when we crossed the high pass and saw the village of Lappa below us. Despite the setback, it took us a mere 10.5 hours of trekking. That night, a second member of our team fell ill, this time with a high fever. Temperatures also dropped to 2 C, making it a very difficult night to get through. The next morning, despite some tension in the village due to local elections, we completed deployment to 40 more families. Six months earlier, the whole village had wished to be supplied with the system, and although this time we could only meet the needs of 40 families it was a great encouragement to the villagers in Lappa. The villagers from Lappa in Dhading who now have clean water 26

29 DEANERY UPDATES INDONESIA by Revd Dr Timothy Chong, Dean of Indonesia PROVIDENCE ANGLICAN CHURCH, MANADO The Deanery of Indonesia s (DOI) latest church plant is in Manado, the provincial capital of the North Sulawesi Province where the Minahasans are the predominant tribe. The Minahasa people have an interesting pre-christian creation myth. According to their mythology, they are the descendants of Toar and Lumimuut. Their descendants were later divided into three dominant groups: the Tonsea, the Tombulu, and the Tontemboan. When the early Christian missionaries came to North Sulawesi, the Minahasans could relate to the biblical creation story and the majority of the Minahasans came to faith in Christ. This church plant is DOI s 31 st church planted in a total of 13 Indonesian provinces. It started when three persons formed a cell group more than a year ago. Associate Dean, Revd Dr Yopie Buyung, mentored the three members and helped to oversee the development of the cell group. Today it has over 30 members. On 8 April 2018, Bishop John Yeo from the Diocese of Sabah joined the Dean and Associate Dean in Manado City for the inauguration of this new church, now named Providence Anglican Church, Manado. Bishop John Yeo also officiated the Confirmation Service where 21 candidates were confirmed into the Anglican Church. A local church pastor and five church committee members were commissioned to take the church forward. We pray that this fledging church will continue to grow from strength to strength in the Lord. From top most photo on the left: Minahasa war dance; Minhasan; Bp John Yeo, Diocese of Sabah, preaching the message; The leadership team of Providence Anglican Church Manado led by Pastor Juris Kangihade CHRIST CHURCH SURABAYA There are two historical Anglican churches in Indonesia: All Saints' Anglican Church, Jakarta, established in 1819; and Christ Church Surabaya, which All Saints' planted in 1931 as part of its centenary celebrations. During the Confrontation period ( ), the title deeds of both churches were passed on to local Indonesian organisations. All Saints' Jakarta managed to recover their title deed just a few years ago. This is not the case for Christ Church Surabaya. A local Indonesian church has been sitting on its premises for over 50 years. The Christ Church physical building still exists with all the trappings of the Anglican Church but sadly it now belongs to another denomination. Some two years ago Archbishop Ng Moon Heng and Bishop Rennis Ponniah met the local denominational leadership to see if the Anglican Church could have a time slot for their worship service. The Dean followed up on that initial meeting and after two years of negotiations with both its local and synodical leadership, we were granted a time slot from 12 noon to 3 pm. Finally, we can return to our own church, albeit as a guest. The inauguration service will be held on 13 May

30 DEFENDING T H E F A I T H B1G Camp 2017 by Ivan Ong, Diocesan Youth Board Coordinator, and Karen Wong YOUTH BOARD But in your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect 1 Peter 3:15 W Team building ith this verse as its anchor, 50 youth participants from across the parishes in Singapore gathered for this year s Building 1 Generation (B1G) Camp, held over four days and three nights in Majodi Centre, Johor Bahru, Malaysia, from 11 to 14 December 2017, to focus on the theme Defending the Faith. The setting was reminiscent of good times from previous camps such as Fuel Camp 2013 and One Choice It was also interesting that the DYB campers ended up sharing the campsite with youths from our Diocesan Board of Chinese speaking Work (DBCSW). This gave the youths from both groups the chance to turn their camps into a quasi-combined event: by jointly kicking off their respective camps, as well as closing them by having communion together. Ms Lara Buchanan and Mr Max Jeganathan from Ravi Zacharias International Ministries (RZIM) were the keynote speakers for this camp. They addressed some key apologetics topics such as the reliability of the Bible, and the credibility of the Gospel of Jesus. The youths were very inspired by the sharing and gained many insights from the The speakers from RZIM, Lara Buchanan and Max Jeganathan, during the Q&A Question and Answer segment. So enthusiastic were some of the youth that they kept the speakers up until the wee hours of the morning with their questions! Marcus Tan from Marine Parade Christian Centre already shares the Gospel actively with students, but have had moments when he wondered if he truly believed in it. During the Camp, I felt God asking me, Who do you say I am? I am thankful that this issue was addressed and God s truths were reinforced in me. For Spencer Tan from Church of the Good Shepherd, he felt God impress upon him to not just hear, but also obey and act upon what God s Word reveals to him. He said, We may hear God, but we often do not have the courage to follow Him. As a first step, he went forward at the end of the Camp to share his testimony. I was hesitant to come but I took the challenge to lay aside other issues to come and wait and hear from God, shared Franklin Leong, also from Marine Parade Christian Centre. Moving forward, I hope to maintain a close relationship with God. Beyond such engagements in spiritual matters, the youths shared that they had a great time of fun. The competitive teambuilding games were exciting and helped them get to know each other better, even though they came from different parishes. 28

31 YOUTH BOARD SERVE 2018 by Cherlie Cheong, Diocesan Youth Board Coordinator, and Karen Wong SERVE is the Diocesan Youth Board s signature discipleship programme designed to develop youths spiritually and equip them for ministry. It runs annually for three months, from January to March. This year marks its 20 th run! The Programme consists of lectures and a retreat that aim to cultivate various aspects of the youth s Christian walk. It also gives the youths opportunities to serve both locally and overseas through attachments at our Anglican Community Services centres and through missions in our deanery countries. This year s cohort consisted of 28 youths from 11 parishes. A new component in this year s programme was elective modules on Contemporary Dance, Graphic Design, and How to Lead Praise & Worship. DYB Coordinator Mr Ivan Ong said, I hope these practical service skills would give the youths exposure to skills that they could use as they serve in their parishes. The SERVErs did indeed find these elective programs enriching. They opened up new ways for me to serve the Lord, said Natalie Lim (SJSM). Nathanael See (COGS) agreed, It exposed me to different ways I can serve in church beyond being a musician. We also introduced Group Time, said Mrs Cherlie Cheong, the other DYB Coordinator. These were weekly sessions with the mentors to process and discuss what the SERVErs were learning during the lectures. Group Time also allowed the youths to forge deeper friendships. We were so delighted to see how the SERVErs took the initiative to organise lunch outings together. These outings brought about an unexpected, eye-opening cultural exchange when the Chinese youths experienced eating with their hands during their Indian meal in Little India, and the Indian youths tasted chicken feet and Korean galbi for the first time. It was a joy for Cheong to journey with the 28 youths this year. We feel very blessed by the testimonies of what God has done in and through the lives of the SERVErs past and present! May God continue to use the seeds sown in their lives to bear fruit for His glory! Here are excerpts of some of their testimonies: SERVE increased my knowledge of our Anglican heritage and the Christian Faith. said Ashton Chang (SJSM). For Gloria Chan (COR), The lessons helped me clarify questions I had about my faith. It made me more confident to tell my friends that I am a Christian. SERVE allowed me the time and space to sit at the Lord s feet, to be sensitive to His voice and focus on listening to what He has to say to me, reflected Chloe Phua (COR). 29

32 The mentors (L-R): Mr Henry Yeo, Ms Jean Yeo, Mrs Cherlie Cheong, Mr Ivan Ong Graphic Design elective in progress SERVErs in the Contemporary Dance elective For Ignatius Jeeva (COE), SERVE helped him deal with his fears. God helped me overcome my stage fright through the weekly group duties and my fear of talking to new people. He also gave me courage to share His Word to patients in St Andrew s Community Hospital during my attachment. Other youths agreed that their attachment experiences were eye-opening. Samuel Ng (SMC) shared that his time at St Andrew s Autism Centre helped him understand and love people with autism. Kristen Mah (CCK) found it meaningful to have the opportunity to give back to the community. She was also touched by the patients personal stories. I learnt things that cannot be taught in a classroom, said Pamela Chan (COR). For Sarah Liew (COR), she learnt the importance of humility and kindness in serving others, especially those looked down upon by society. For Caleb Jabaseelan (COE), his mission trip to Batam strengthened his faith. He and his team learnt to turn to God in prayer while experiencing spiritual warfare. When we did (that), our team mates recovered (from various setbacks and ailments) and the Lord used us to minister to the locals, he shared. While we were ministering, the Spirit of God moved. I learnt to depend on God s strength instead of my own. He also learnt the power of prayer. Without prayer, our relationship with God is dead. He added, This mission trip also taught me to listen and value differences in others, do away with preconceived notions and have courage to embrace new challenges. I had to get out of my comfort zone to do manual labour. This trip taught me gratitude, patience, diligence and perseverance. For Jessica Tang (COR), her mission trip to Chiang Mai revealed God s continuous providence. We were truly blessed by the relationships we built with the students and the staff team in Thailand who provided us endless support. It was a joy to be able to share my testimony with others and experience how God used me to show His love even in the smallest ways. I was touched to see the children genuinly interested in what we shared and I am excited to hear how God continues to work in their lives. Jessica now feels more prepared and confident to go out to serve others in her community and overseas. With the (training) in SERVE, I look forward to seeing where and how God continues to lead me in the future! A big plus point of SERVE was the bonding and friendships formed. I got to meet brothers and sisters in Christ from different parishes and form friendships that encourage me in my walk with God, said Sarah Liew (COR). 30

33 Joining SERVE was the BEST decision I have ever made! said Jerlin Aruldass (Christ Church). The topics taught were very useful to help me face the real world and the lessons made me think with new perspectives. And making new friendships in SERVE have been greatest blessing ever! I am thankful to everyone who made my SERVE experience a very meaningful journey. Edward Liaw (SJSM) said, Through SERVE, God challenged and humbled me, and led me closer to Him. I thank God for the group mentors who were such great friends and role models for us to follow. I really want to encourage all who have the time to come and join the SERVE Programme! SERVE alumni (2017) Samuel Lee from St James Church shares that he is still serving in his parish and growing in the Lord a year after graduating from SERVE. He exhorts this year s SERVErs to be the light of Christ in the world filled with darkness; hold firm to the Word of Truth It may be challenging but let s not be shaken and give in to the world. It helped me when I set myself to be intentional in being Christ-like. He quotes Mark 10:45, that says: For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. 'May God give us the grace and help us (to serve).' DYB Chairman, Revd Christopher Chan recognised that the team was building on the work done in past years. Yet, to raise the standard and improve effectiveness, the team implemented changes that they hoped would benefit the participants. He said, We received a lot of positive feedback from this batch of SERVErs and from the SERVE alumni! Furthermore, many of the teachers and trainers had good things to say about this year s cohort. Revd Chan acknowledges that there is still much room for improvement in the programme. The challenges were part and parcel of the SERVE learning experience and the opportunity for growth. He thanks the DYB staff who worked tirelessly to Teaching in a local school in Chiang Mai plan and execute the programme, and served as mentors as well. The SERVE team thanks the very dedicated mentors: Mr Henry Yeo (Youth St James Church, Ms Jean Yeo (Youth St John s Chapel), Mrs Cherlie Cheong and Mr Ivan Ong (DYB Coordinators); as well as these contributors who taught on the following topics at SERVE 2018: REVD JONATHAN WONG, Church of the Good Shepherd // The Lordship of Christ MR CALVIN WEE, Pastoral Marine Parade Christian Centre // The Heart of a Worshipper REVD JAMES SINGH, Eagles Nest Church (AOG) and Tung Ling Bible School // Prayer REVD WILLIAM THAM, Light of Christ Church Woodlands // Personal Bible Study MRS CHERLIE CHEONG, DYB Coordinator // Character Formation MR LIM WEI YI, Youth Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) // The Authority, Clarity, Necessity and Sufficiency of Scripture CANON YEE CHING WAH, Associate Director of Missions, DOS // A Biblical Overview REVD CHARLES TEWER, Vicar of My Saviour s Church // Old Testament Book Study on Micah MS SHIRLEY BONG, Pastoral Chapel of the Resurrection // Arts & Worship REVD DAVID LEE, Associate Chapel of the Resurrection // The Person & Work of the Holy Spirit MR JASON WONG, Board Focus on the Family, and Founder of Dads For Life & Yellow Ribbon Project // Identity and Destiny (SERVE Retreat) REVD TIMOTHY EWING- CHOW, Chapel of Christ the King // Breaking Bondages REVD DANIEL TONG, St Andrew s Community Chapel // Worldview & Countercultural Living MR IAN CHEW, Youth Chapel of the Resurrection // Holiness & Fear of the Lord MR CALVIN TAN, Youth St Hilda s Church // Christian Community MR RYAN KAM, Youth St James Church // Heart of a Mission Tripper REVD CHRISTOPHER CHAN, Chapel of the Resurrection & DYB Chairman // Apologetics REVD BERTRAM CHEONG, Westside Anglican Church // Anglicanism REV PHILIP HUAN, Founder of ChurchLife Resources // Personality Types & Conflict Resolution MR NELSON LEE & MRS GINA LEE, Chaplaincy staff of Chapel of the Holy Spirit, husband & wife team trained by Focus On The Family // Sexuality & Marriage REVD JOSEPH YOU, Church of Our Saviour // Singlehood REVD DARREN CHOO, All Saints Church // New Testament Book Study on Philippians MR JAMES TAN, Head of Missions Department, DOS // Mission Trip Preparation MR AMOS TAN, Youth Chapel of Christ the Redeemer // Evangelism & Disciple Making 31

34 EDUCATION BOARD The team is also grateful to the five community service centres of SACS/SAMH: Anglican Care Centre (Hougang) Anglican Care Centre (Simei) Anglican Family Centre St Andrew s Autism Centre St Andrew s Community Hospital Revd Chan said, I will look back on this year s SERVE programme with fond memories. I pray that each SERVEr will bring back to their parishes things they have learned, to be a blessing to their church communities and in other spheres of influence, and that they continue to grow in the Lord. The team teaching English in Batam ST ANDREW'S SECONDARY SCHOOL HOCKEY TEAM'S DISPLAY OF SPORTSMANSHIP DOES US PROUD by Karen Wong It was the bronze medal play-off for the Schools National B Division Boys hockey on March 29, and the score was tied at 1-1 in the third quarter when and a Northland Secondary player went down with a sprained ankle. After a medical time-out and play resumed against St Andrew s Secondary, the Saints defender threw the ball to the other side of the pitch for Northland to start. But a miscommunication saw one of their forwards take the ball and score a goal. The umpire allowed the goal, which gave the Saints the lead at 2-1. Realising that their opponents were not ready and the ball should have been in Northland s possession, the Saints requested for the umpire to overturn the goal. Allowing that goal was not the right thing to do. It wasn t fair, said Sean See, the captain and centre-back, who made the decision. We scored even though it was supposed to be their ball. They were caught off guard; they weren t ready. The umpire reverted the score back to 1-1 where it remained until full-time. Northland eventually won the game for the bronze medal in penalty shootouts (4-3). Although the Saints boys did not win the match, their fair play earned them the respect of their opponents, who clapped and thanked them for their act of sportsmanship. The Straits Times reported in their April 12 article that the boys won praise from umpire Ms Miskarmalia Mohd Ariffin, who said she had never seen anything like this in her 12 years of umpiring. She told Straits Times, I was honestly very impressed by the boys. It shows that they have been really brought up well, by their parents, teachers and coaches. After the game, the St Andrew s boys were obviously disappointed, but they kept their heads up, and even came to shake our hands and thank us for the game. The sportsmanship they showed was really heartwarming. Northland s vice-principal Mr Daniel Yip told Straits Times, When the St Andrew s team requested to revert the score to 1-1, our team really appreciated their act of graciousness and sportsmanship. Bishop Rennis Ponniah wrote to school principal Ms Marion Tan, It is a wonderful witness to our success-driven society that winning isn t

35 The SASS Hockey Team with their teachers and representatives from their School Board and the Diocese of Singapore everything how you win and winning fairly in keeping with the spirit of the rules is crucial. He congratulated the Saints Hockey boys, team captain Sean See, their teachers, head of PE and the hockey coach for the wonderful testimony they have borne to the values that education in our Anglican schools are based upon values derived from, and nourished by, our faith in the God revealed in holy Scripture. In his address to the school for morning devotions during assembly on 24 April, SAS alumni and Chairman of the Diocesan Education Board, Revd Joshua Sudharman, referred to two lessons Jesus taught in his Sermon on the Mount. The first is the principle of justice and fair play. Jesus taught the Golden Rule: do to others what you would want others to do to you. The hockey boys did this. They acted honourably so honourably that the referee herself was shocked! The second lesson taught by Jesus was: the eye is the lamp of the body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light; but if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. Rev Sudharman explained that it is important for our minds to see things in a healthy way, in agreement with God s values as taught in the Bible. He said, The most important thing St Andrew s School teaches you is something deeper than academic knowledge something that makes you a man of grace and polish. Remember, you are a male by birth, but you are a man by choice! Our school song s third verse beautifully captures the values our hockey team showed: Ever onward to the fight Ever upward to the light Ever true to God and right Up and on!" Revd Joshua Sudharman sharing the morning devotion at St Andrew's School during assembly Also present at this morning assembly were a few members from the Diocese and the Board of Governors to present plaques to the hockey boys. Rev Joshua Sudharman told the boys he hoped this special occasion will stand out from the mundane details of their lives to be permanently etched in their memories. When interviewed, Bishop Rennis said, The Board and I are richly blessed and very proud of our boys for their exemplary character and conduct." School Board member Mr Georgie Lee praised the boys for being true and wise, and for upholding the Biblical values for which the School stands for. He expressed gratitude to the chaplains and the staff for imparting these values to the students. Fellow School Board member Mr John Teo said, They have set the benchmark for all others to Play the game! Keep the flame burning brightly ever! You can find the Straits Times article at this link: www. straitstimes.com/sport/schools/saints-lose-match-butwin-kudos-for-sportsmanship

36 EDUCATION BOARD ANGLICAN PRESCHOOLS UNDAUNTED IN THE FACE OF CHALLENGES by Dr Esther Tan For many decades before 2013, the Singapore government had left the provision of early childhood education and childcare to private commercial operators, religious groups, Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs), and even enterprising individuals. It was a case of allowing a thousand flowers to bloom by having many different players, and faith-based Early Childhood Education centres like our Anglican preschools took full advantage of the situation to carve out a niche in the preschool sector. Together, the 12 centres engage 345 early childhood educators to nurture the learning and growing of more than 4,000 young children in a caring and conducive Christian environment. Since the launch of ECDA (Early Childhood Development Agency) in 2013, a centralised agency set up by the government to oversee the development of all preschools in Singapore, there have been many changes in the preschool sector. To enhance the quality of preschool education, ECDA controls the registration and licensing of all preschools under renewed and tightened regulations. To make early childhood education more affordable, ECDA awards handsome grants to eligible operators who agree to keep the fees low while maintaining good standards. This resulted in big operators receiving government grants to run multiple centres that dominate the preschool sector. Since 2014, the Ministry of Education started setting up MOE kindergartens in selected primary schools. Besides charging low fees, these kindergartens also provide afterschool childcare for pupils needing full-day care. Another big attraction came with the announcement that children enrolled in these MOE kindergartens can enjoy priority in Primary One registration in the primary school that their kindergarten is located in. MOE has plans to set up to 50 such kindergartens by 2023 to serve 20% of all children aged five to six years. The latest trend is the setting up of Early Year Centres (EYC) which combine infant care and childcare to cater to children from two months to four years old. With government-backed centres accounting for 50% of the preschool market and MOE kindergartens covering another 20% by 2023, private operators will have to compete for the remaining 30% of the preschool market a case of survival of the fittest. Despite the series of changes resulting in constraints and the increasing competition from much bigger, secular operators, the 12 Anglican preschools remain undaunted in the face of challenges. First, we are convinced that with secular preschools dominating 70% of the preschool market, Christian preschools have a pivotal role to play in the nation building process through nurturing our young and teaching them Christian values. Second, we are blessed with a group of dedicated Christian early childhood educators 34

37 in our preschools who view their job as a calling from God, not just a vocation. At our Teacher s Dedication Service held on 3 March 2018, a total of 53 early childhood educators (including 4 current principals and 4 former principals) were presented tokens of appreciation in recognition for their long services ranging from 10 years to over 20 years. These 53 dedicated educators represent 15% of the teaching force in our preschools and serve as role models to inspire their colleagues with their commitment and faithfulness. Third, our Anglican preschools have a long history and good track record. Some of our preschools were established as far back as the 1940s (St Hilda s Kindergarten) and 1950s (St Paul s Church Kindergarten). St Hilda s Kindergarten was registered with MOE on 29 August 1949 while St Paul s Church Kindergarten was registered on 18 November 1953, making both the longest established kindergartens among the 12 Anglican preschool centres. Besides the rich heritage, many of our preschools are doing well, earning accolades and awards from the relevant government authorities. To date, five out of the twleve centres have achieved SPARK (Singapore Pre-school Accreditation Framework), a quality assurance framework developed by the authorities to recognise preschool centres with strong teaching and learning practices. Among these five, St James Church Kindergarten and The Ascension Kindergarten were recognized as having embraced and sustained a culture of innovation excellence over the years. They were appointed to the inaugural Honour Roll of Early Childhood Innovation Mentor Centres at the ECDA Awards 2017 ceremony held on 6 Oct Innovation Mentor Centres will be role models for other centres in the Early Childhood fraternity, to help guide and shape innovative thinking as well as teaching and learning practices under the ECDA-funded Innovation Grant Projects. The principals of these two preschool centres, Dr Jacqueline Chung and Mrs Dianne Seet, have also been reappointed as ECDA Fellows for a second three-year term. The ECDA Fellows are a selected group of exemplary early childhood professionals with high levels of leadership and professional expertise. In addition, Dr Chung was presented the SkillsFuture Fellowships Award, which recognises and supports Singaporeans who have displayed skills mastery in their respective fields as well as personal commitment to mentorship and the skills development of others. At the same event, St. Paul s Church Kindergarten received the 2017 ECDA Innovation Award (Commendation) for their project Edible Plants in a Nostalgic Garden. Last but not least, the 2017 ECDA Outstanding Educarer Award went to Zhao Yilin, a staff from The Ascension Kindergarten. Our heartiest congratulations to the award winning Centres and individual educators for their good work and achievement. To God be the Glory! GOD'S SUPPLY OF PRINCIPALS The Diocese of Singapore warmly welcomes into our Anglican community Mrs Daphne Yeoh as Principal of St Hilda s Primary School and Mrs Janice Lim as Principal of St Hilda s Secondary School. They took over the helm in December Our Diocese is also delighted to have Mr Khoo Tse Horng redeployed from St Hilda s Secondary School to Anglican High School from December The Diocese is very grateful to Mdm Maureen Lee for her years of dedication as Principal of Anglican High School ( ); as well as Mdm Maureen Lee Mdm Kew Mee Ying, who was Principal of St Hilda s Primary School from We wish them God s blessings as they serve Him in new Mdm Kew Mee Ying postings. MRS DAPHNE YEOH was the Principal of Sengkang Green Primary School. She takes over the helm at St Hilda s Primary School from Mdm Kew Mee Ying who has retired. MRS JANICE LIM was the Principal of Yio Chu Kang Secondary School. She takes over as Principal of St Hilda s Secondary School from Mr Khoo Tse Horng. MR KHOO TSE HORNG was the Principal of St Hilda s Secondary School. He is now Principal of Anglican High School, replacing Mdm Maureen Lee. 35

38 CHINESE BOARD 家庭嘉年华 FAMILY CARNIVAL: Growing Together Hand-In-Hand edited from a translation by Chong Wai Ying, St John s St Margaret s Church On 26 August 2017, 256 adults and children trickled through the gates of Church of the Good Shepherd in Queenstown for a family event themed Growing Together Hand-In-Hand. While acitivities were taking place in the outdoor arena for parents and children, a Seminar on family life was held in the church. On the panel were Revd Koh Hock Soon (Vicar of St Matthew s Church); Ms Tan Yen Yee (Pastoral Worker of Yishun Christian Church); Mr Yeow Yong Keng (All Saints Church alumni and discipline mastor of Anglican High School); and Mr Arthur Ling (Head of Fei Yue Family Service Centre). Ling emphasized how married couples can resolve issues and problems by strengthening their communication skills. Yeow adviced married couples to continue to prioritise time for each other. Continue to date each other! he pointed out. The panelists at the Family Life Seminar Ms Tan Yen Yee stressed on the importance of affirmation and explained how this is in line with Christian values. In her family, her children get to have a treat when school examinations are over to celebrate their hard work, regardless of the grades they eventually get. For her, she prioritizes her children s psychological well-being over the grades that they get. Mr He Ximing from St John s - St Margaret s Church enjoyed himself. The speakers were from different backgrounds and provided us with rich insights. I hope to see more young couples join the event in the future. Ms Hu Jingwen from St Hilda s Church said, I learnt two lessons today. The first is: when problems arise, first think about whether it is our own fault. This applies to husbands and wives, as well as parents and children. The second is: research has shown that 70% of problems between couples cannot be solved. We should therefore place more emphasis on the process and not the outcome. 联合乐龄聚会 Combined Seniors' Gathering edited from a translation by Chong Wai Ying, St John s St Margaret s Church On Friday morning of 3 November 2017, while commuters were rushing to work and offices were beginning to bustle with life, about a thousand people from all over the island were streaming in to the SAFRA Jurong Joy Garden Restaurant for a very special annual senior s event that the Diocesean Chinese Board had organised. Emcee Ms Christine Chan and Committee Chairman Revd Chang Lubin opened the event with a welcome and prayer. Ms Audrey Tai led the audience in joyous and resounding worship, before the Diocesan Chinese Board Chairman Revd Dr Ivan Ee s warm greeting. With songs and stories, Mr Anthony Png s hearty baritone voice then led the audience through his personal journey from unbelief to his conversion and life of faith in Jesus. Png is a local artiste, and a familiar figure to many in the audience. His testimony was deeply moving. A sumptuous meal followed the fund raising activity for the Jurong Anglican Church building project. While tucking into dishes of tasty Chinese cuisine, the audience were treated to dance, music and choir presentations by various groups of seniors. What a feast for everyone! You and I were made to love each other, every dream will complete His plan, sang the seniors in worship, as Revd Ng Hwee Leong closed the event with the song We Will Love (We Can Make A Difference) and Bishop Low Jee King pronounced the benediction. 36

39 CHINESE BOARD 教区少年营会 THE DIOCESAN YOUTH CAMP: BACK TO GO edited from a translation by Chong Wai Ying, St John s St Margaret s Church Across the Woodlands causeway, tucked away at the Majodi Centre in Johor, 67 youths from Singapore gathered for a four-day threenight camp with the theme Back to Go. The camp centred its message on the word Life. Revd David Lee from Chapel of the Resurrection was the Camp Speaker. He took the youths through the book of Genesis and taught about the sovereign reign of God, the purpose of Man, and the meaning of life. With energetic and interactive delivery, Pastor Christopher Ho s message encouraged the youths to discover the life of salvation. He also spurred them to live out the love of Christ in their daily lives. The topic is heavy, but it caused me to ponder about what God means to me in my life, said one of the youths. The games were the highlight of the camp, and the lessons behind them left a deep impression on the campers. The game Lighthouse involved searching for the light which required others doing likewise. This game signified our search for Christ, the Light of our lives, and how as we draw near to Him, we lead others towards Him as well. From this game, I gained a better understanding of the struggles an unbeliever might face upon hearing the Gospel, said Ang Xi En from Yishun Christian Church (Anglican). During the altar call on the final night, many youths rose and responded. Inspired by how God has led them, these campers stepped forward to give their lives to Christ and to His service. Xi En adds, God is indeed real and amazing. Through this camp, I am reminded to go back to the beginning, to hunger for more of Him! For Yong Jia En from St John s Chapel, he was grateful for the opportunity to be a group leader even though it was his first time participating in a diocesan camp. The Lord has kindly used the time to rekindle in me the passion I have for working with youths. Also a first time participant, Matthias Lim Ze Xuan from Chapel of the Resurrection said, The camp was fun and meaningful. I learnt that (the concepts of) God and science do not conflict, and in fact, science is closely related to His Word. Different people may have different views about God, but by faith I believe that God exists. This camp has allowed me to encounter God, and realise my dependance on Him, said Daniel Lim Jee Myang, from St Andrew s Community Chapel, Now I know why I should persevere and press forward in order to reach the finish line. When I think about the camp, I see the image of God s children, young and old, coming together to worship Him and learning about Him in one spirit. It is a beautiful image, and it encourages me in my faith, shares Isaac Cheong Hao En from Church of the Good Shepherd, Truly, I am not alone. Joy Ng Li Ying from St Andrew s Cathedral Mandarin Congregation is thankful for the opportunity to be part of the programme planning team. It has helped me to experience God s leading. May every youth continue to grow spiritually in the Lord and be a blessing to the next generation as they serve Him. May God continue to mold and transform the lives of many more young people, such that they will be vessels ready for His use. All glory to Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ! Board of Chinese Speaking Work UPCOMING EVENTS Jun PWPA Family Retreat 18 Aug Theological Students Gathering 25 Aug Diocesan Family Life Seminar 8 Sept Youth Music & Mission for You 2 Nov Combined Senior Citizens Gathering 6 Nov Cultural Night New Immigrants Ministry 37

40 COMMUNITY SERVICES ENLARGING OUR TENT, STRENGTHENING OUR STAKES by SACS-SAMH Corp Comms Isaiah 54:2 reads, Enlarge the place of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. Over the years, St. Andrew s Mission Hospital (SAMH) and Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) have been faithful in fulfilling God s call to serve the community. Enabled by Him, we have enlarged our tents to grow His Ministry of Care and strengthened our stakes in the area of health and social care services. SACS-SAMH Senior Care Centres In 2015, SAMH set up St. Andrew s Senior Care (JOY Connect) at Kampong Glam to provide healthcare services beyond institutional care at St. Andrew s Community Hospital. Answering God s call to meet the needs of the ageing population with His love, SACS- SAMH went on to set up Senior Care Centres (SCCs) at Henderson in May 2017, at Tampines in September 2017, at Queenstown in November 2017 and at Hillview in January All four SCCs provide day care, general and enhanced dementia day care as well as community rehabilitation supported by registered nurses, social workers, physiotherapists and occupational therapists. On the first operational day of each centre, our Pastoral Care Team led the teams in prayer, blessing the teams as they dedicate themselves to seeking the welfare of the community together. Located within Our Tampines Hub (OTH) and HillV2 Shopping Mall, SASC (Tampines) and From top most photo: Outdoor groups activities at HillV2 Shopping Mall; St. Andrew s Senior Care (Henderson) clients interacting and enjoying the morning sun at the outdoor garden located within St. Andrew s Nursing Home (Henderson) Anglican Senior Centre (Hillview) provide ample opportunities for clients to continue their daily tasks such as visiting the malls, having a cup of afternoon tea, eating a bowl of laksa at the foodcourt and shopping for their favourite ingredients before their cooking sessions at the centres. Besides the regular gym-based individual and group rehabilitation exercises at the centres, clients of SASC (Tampines) can also choose to participate in other activities of their interests in facilities housed within OTH, Singapore s first integrated community and lifestyle hub. These activities include playing table tennis in the Community Auditorium, visiting 38

41 Tampines Regional Library, and appreciating different types of herbs and spices in OTH Ecocommunity Garden. Over at SASC (Henderson), clients get to enjoy their daily morning exercises in the lush garden of St. Andrew s Nursing Home (Henderson) where the centre is co-located. Similarly, the indoor garden at SASC (Queenstown) provides a calm and relaxing resting area for our clients, away from the bustle of the day care activities. Anglican Senior Centre (Tampines and Woodlands) In 2018, SACS widens its reach to care for Singapore s ageing population through operating two new Senior Activity Centres (Studio Apartment). The Anglican Senior Centre (Tampines) will partner All Saints' Church to serve the elderly residents in Tampines Changkat. The new centre, which will start operations in early April this year, will provide a place for seniors to be mentally, socially and physically active. The Anglican Senior Centre (Woodlands) will partner Light of Christ Church Woodlands to serve the seniors in Woodlands area and is slated to start operation in third quarter of Something Old Something New, a Social Enterprise which focuses on vocational training for the persons with mental health issues, will be featured at the new centres. Outdoor physiotherapy conducted at HillV2 Shopping Mall for Anglican Senior Centre (Hillview) s clients, aimed to integrate them into the community St. Andrew s Adult Home (Sengkang) The Adult Disability Home (ADH) that St. Andrew s Autism Centre (SAAC) is co-developing with the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) began construction on 21 February The ADH had its name confirmed as St. Andrew s Adult Home (Sengkang). A Day Activity Centre (DAC) for up to 50 clients will be co-located with the home, which will have the capacity to house 200 residents. As of 29 December 2017, the third storey multipurpose hall wing and first storey office wing were completed. Work on fittings and equipment, programme, staffing and logistics to support the residential home was on schedule. The new home is slated to receive residents in April Nursing Home at Taman Jurong SACS will also start operating a 290- bed nursing home at Taman Jurong from February Editor s Note: For a moving story of how SACS-SAMH's Anglican Care Centre (Hougang) has made a difference in the life of Victor Seah, please go to www. facebook.com/thestraitstimes/ videos/ / Senior Care Centres SASC (Henderson) SASC (Tampines) SASC (Queenstown) Anglican Senior Centre (Hillview) 39 Clients are encouraged to pick up their meals from a 'stall' within SASC (Tampines). NEW SERVICES OF SACS-SAMH Location Co-located within St. Andrew s Nursing Home (Henderson) 303 Henderson Rd Singapore Our Tampines Hub 1 Tampines Walk, #04-33 Singapore Co-located within St. Andrew s Nursing Home (Queenstown) 11 Jalan Penjara Singapore HillV2 Shopping Mall 4 Hilllview Rise, #02-22 Singapore Capacity 15 Day Rehab and 60 Day Care places daily 15 Day Rehab and 55 Day Care places daily 15 Day Rehab and 100 Day Care places daily 15 Day Rehab and 50 Day Care places daily

42 COMMUNITY SERVICES LIGHTING THE FUTURE St Andrew s Nursing Home (Henderson) celebrates its Official Opening and 1 st Anniversary by SACS-SAMH Corp Comms United in Christ to seek the Welfare of the Community It was a joyous Tuesday, 27 February 2018, as St Andrew s Nursing Home (SANH) Henderson celebrated its first year anniversary with the official opening ceremony cum dedication service. We were heartened to have 80 clergymen from our Diocese who came to support the dedication of the nursing home by The Right Reverend Rennis Ponniah, President of St Andrew s Mission Hospital (SAMH) and Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) and Bishop of Singapore. During the dedication service, Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng shared on The Lord, Our Dwelling Place. When reminiscing about the history of the Light that SAMH has been bearing for the past century, Archdeacon Wong gave thanks to God for enabling us to be the Light that shines in a dark place for the past 104 years. In 2017, SAMH and SACS strengthened its mission in caring for Singapore s ageing population by expanding its residential nursing homes and senior care centres in different parts of Singapore, two of which were SANH (Henderson) and its co-located St Andrew s Senior Care (SASC) (Henderson). We have been able to combine the healthcare expertise of SAMH with the social and emotional care expertise of SACS to good effect shared Bishop Rennis Ponniah, highlighting that collective efforts with government ministries and agencies, chaplains and church members, grassroots organisations, donors and volunteers are essential in promoting the welfare of the community and care for people in need. Indeed, the contribution of many individuals and group volunteers have enriched the lives of the residents and clients through festive celebrations, outings, therapeutic exercises and games, and art and craft sessions. SANH (Henderson) have also received support from the members of the Church of the Good Shepherd through their voluntary efforts for the nursing home. Spring of Hope There is no greater joy than seeing how those we serve have benefitted from our services. Mdm Sung who moves around using a wheelchair shared, I was relieved when my husband was admitted here in April I live across the road with my helper and the nursing home allows me to visit my husband daily as it is highly accessible. For the Tan family, it was a challenge to care for Mdm Tan with varying needs as her husband is the sole breadwinner supporting her and two children. Currently, Mdm Tan is receiving appropriate care in the nursing home and the family visit her frequently. Lighting the Future Moving ahead, SANH (Henderson) will be embarking on innovative solutions targeting on falls prevention. Dementia care will be the main focus as we work towards a dementia care-centric home cum senior care centre in the next five years. With the joy of the Lord as our strength, may we continue to live our faith and forge a better care community ahead together. Mr Chee Hong Tat and Mr John Chan, Executive Director, SANH (Henderson) interacting with residents of SANH (Henderson) and clients of SASC (Henderson) during the group tour of the premises. 40

43 COMMUNITY SERVICES UNITED IN CHRIST TO GROW HIS MINISTRY OF LOVE SACS-SAMH Annual Staff Dinner 2018 by SACS-SAMH Corp Comms dazzling array of beautiful ethnic costumes A lit up the room at the Staff Dinner of Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) - St Andrew s Mission Hospital (SAMH) on 6 April Gathered for a night of fun and fellowship were 870 staff members, board and management committee members, clergy, chaplaincy team Group CEO Dr Arthur Chern giving his welcome address members of partnering parishes, and service partners. Themed Around the World: A National Costumes Night, the dinner brought together staff from its 28 community service arms, to celebrate and showcase the beauty of unity in diversity. It was a night to appreciate the dedicated service of our staff, and acknowledge their contributions in furthering His ministry of Anglican Community Services. Dr Arthur Chern, Group Chief Executive Officer of SACS and SAMH, commended team members of the senior, psychiatric, autism, family and children services for their faithfulness in serving those in need whom God has entrusted to their care. May the staff of SACS and SAMH continue to grow in FAITH, be renewed in HOPE and be empowered by His LOVE to carry out their mission and vision! 41

44 COMMUNITY SERVICES Behold, I am doing a new thing The groundbreaking party (L-R): Dr John Lim (Chairman of SJSM Nursing Home management committee), Dr Arthur Chern (group CEO of St Andrew s Mission Hospital), Mr Steven Lim (Grassroot rep, Hon Chairman Telok Blangah Citizens' Consultative Committee), Vicar of SJSM Revd Joshua Sudharman, Bp Rennis Ponniah, Mr Larry Choi (Chairman of the Project Spring-Winter Committee), Mr Samuel Phoon, Ms Mary Ong, Ms Ling Kay Bin (Chairperson SJSM Preschool Management Committee). (Isaiah 43:19) Groundbreaking Service and Ceremony of St John s - St Margaret s Village by Nigel Sim, HOD, Communications, SJSM Since it was first detailed in the November 2015 Diocesan Digest ( St John s - St Margaret s Church s Project Spring-Winter ), SJSM has embraced its new thing with excitement for the possibilities of what is to come. The story of Project Spring-Winter (PSW) is still unfolding. Meanwhile, it is already transforming SJSM s physical landscape, its ministry and even its identity as a church. Following its groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday, 3 March 2018, work began on SJSM Village, an integrated complex comprising a 273- bed nursing home, a senior daycare centre for 100 clients and a childcare centre for up to 200 children. Officiated by the Rt Revd Rennis Ponniah, the Bishop of Singapore, the event was attended by grassroots leaders from the Dover community; clergy from within the Diocese and pastors from the wider church; the management of St. Andrew s Mission Hospital; members of the Diocesan Standing Committee, and SJSMers both young and old. Also lending their support was the Rt Revd Low Jee King and our former Archbishop of the Province of South East Asia, the Most Revd Datuk Yong Ping Chung, who attended with his family. It was a representative assembly composed by God, reflected Bishop Rennis, as he addressed the congregation gathered for the groundbreaking service. In his sermon, A Way Other Than Our Own, he recounted SJSM s journey in developing SJSM Village and how God had seen it through every challenge. For over 40 years, the church had delighted in its calling to serve the community in the surrounding Dover neighbourhood; so it was beyond anyone s imagination that it might ever need to consider uprooting itself. Yet, the crossroads came when it found out that the renewal of its land lease would be contingent on building a nursing home on two thirds of the existing plot. A partnership with St. Andrew s Mission Hospital (SAMH) gave the church confidence as planning began for the eldercare facilities. But the journey since that critical juncture has been one of God s faithfulness and provision. Even as a decision was made to embark on a project that would serve not only the elderly but also the very young, Bishop Rennis noted that 42

45 God was always ahead of us, no matter the unforeseen challenges. A partnership with St. Andrew s Mission Hospital (SAMH) gave the church confidence as planning began for the eldercare facilities. To be called SJSM Nursing Home, the collaboration with SAMH will feature programmes that facilitate and nurture intergenerational connectivity and activities, with the aim of improving the quality of life for both seniors and preschoolers. The strong support and help from relevant government agencies also meant the original land use partitions SJSM was presented with could be reversed. Bishop Rennis had encouraging words for SJSMers in this faith journey. We are in higher hands, he said. God has a higher purpose and He leads us into that way. At the same time, he also invited everyone to consider how life is such, you can t plan it all. And there comes junctures or junctions in life when you have to ask: Do you insist your own way, or do you follow a way not of your choosing? He shared that in our Christian walk, one needs to be willing to leave a safe place for a hazardous journey; expect hidden joys for our costly obedience; and depend on God to complete the journey. A key point that stood out was that the wilderness, metaphorical or otherwise, was unavoidable in obedient journeying. Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert." Isaiah 43:18-19 Preaching from Isaiah 43:18-19, Bishop Rennis warned that to enter into God s purpose, this new thing will involve crossing wildernesses. As much as we are thanking God for bringing us to this point, the journey has just begun and God s way is that [through] the hazardous journey, we experience him. Yet, despite the costliness of the journey ahead, there will be the joy of seeing lives blessed and transformed. He exhorted the church to trust in God to complete the journey. The groundbreaking party included Bishop Rennis; the Vicar of SJSM, Revd Joshua Sudharman; and representatives from the PSW committees, SAMH, grassroots leaders, and Spring and Winter generations. They turned over spades of earth as the congregation declared together, Hallelujah! Let the good work begun be brought to completion in the Lord s good timing! The church bells rang and the gathered community sang the Doxology. This was how Project Spring-Winter moved into its construction phase. Samuel Phoon (left,representing SJSM Spring generation) and Mary Ong (right, representing SJSM Winter generation) praying for the building project Project Spring Winter is an initiative by St John s St Margaret s Church (SJSM) to advance its community service by developing an intergenerational facility with services for the elderly and the very young. In 2015, SJSM announced that this facility would be built on its existing premises at Dover Avenue. The eldercare and childcare services will include regular programmes for the young and the old to interact, build relationships, and share in each other s lives. The entire campus, including the current church buildings, will be named St. John s St. Margaret s Village. The vision is for these services to be: Integrated: Providing opportunities for young and old to interact; Intergenerational: Involving all generations in giving and receiving care; Intentional: Deliberate in creating shared experiences across the generations; guided by professional expertise and experience to ensure these interactions are beneficial and life giving. These plans are inspired by a Bible passage that describes a vision of the renewed city of Jerusalem: "Thus says the LORD of hosts: Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each with staff in hand because of great age. And the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets." Zechariah 8:4-5 The hope is that through Project Spring-Winter: The elderly will experience companionship, purpose and hope as they engage with the young; The young will learn to honour, serve and love the elderly; The community will understand that each generation has dignity and value, and experience intergenerational life; SJSM will grow in faith as we expand in service Construction commenced in March 2018 and is expected to be completed by the middle of The new community services will begin operations by 2021.

46 PARISH SPOTLIGHT SALT AND LIGHT St Andrew s Community Chapel s fresh direction for its 15 th Anniversary by Lucilla Teoh is a year of fresh directions for year old St Andrew s Community Chapel (SACC). This year s theme, Salt and Light, aims to encourage all its members to seek ways to make a difference in the community they have been called to. Its Vicar, Revd Daniel Tong, shared about the parish s latest devlopments: An Outreach Task Force was set up last year. Their survey findings showed the need to intentionally seek new and younger members. Several strategies were adopted to grow members engagement in outreach. One was to re-educate and refresh every member to use the Colour Bracelet to share the Good News. Members will also be taught how to do personal follow-up. New materials are being created to help members conduct more informal coffee shop follow-up with their friends. Three evangelistic services have been planned for 2018, In March, Revd Timothy Ewing-Chow shared the gospel. Two other guest services will take place in July and October. In addition, cell groups will hold small events in the month of December. Another new development in SACC is its Creative Arts Ministry. Last Christmas, a team came together to organise an Outreach at the 9am and 11am services. The parish was pleasantly surprised that the Outreach attracted 150 guests. This year, the church plans to continue to develop members interest and biblical foundation in the Creative Arts both in church and in the marketplace. Currently, Ms Lydia Wee heads the Christian Education Committee. Apart from organizing courses to nurture our members in the Word and Ministry, the goal is to raise members to be teachers and preachers. Revd Philip Soh conducted a preaching course for some members last year, some of whom have the opportunity to preach at their monthly prayer meetings. As part of its plans to deepen its roots and widen its presence and impact within the community of Simei in the next 15 years, SACC is planning to work with a Student Care Centre, and is currently exploring other opportunities of outreach to a new and younger generation. In missions, SACC has been supporting the work in the province of Pursat in Cambodia since its early days. Last year, it sent in a medical SACC 8 Simei Street 3 Singapore Tel: (65) Fax: (65) info@sacc.org.sg Website: SERVICES Sunday 9am 10.30am 11am 12.30pm Wednesday 3pm 4pm Thursday 3pm 4pm Friday 8pm (Cell Groups) Asstistant Chaplain Sheria Sim and church volunteer Auntie Jessie Hing at a Ward Christmas party organised by SACC cell groups team. Another medical mission trip is planned for this year. Plans are in the works for members to teach the Cambodians on various aspects of the faith. There is however a need for competent interpreters. Before St Andrew s Community Chapel was accorded parish status at the 2003 Diocesan Synod and had Revd Wong Tak Meng as its Vicar, it was originally Simei Christian Centre. Simei Christian Centre was established in 1988 by Revd Alaxander Pa atan, and held its services in Eastpoint Mall s Cineplex. This church plant s pioneering members were from St Andrew s Cathedral (English) and All Saints Church Pasir Ris Extension (Chinese). SACC is a unique parish: located within St Andrew s Community Hospital (SAMH), it is the anchor parish that provides chaplaincy for the hospital. This chaplaincy work is well-established. Chaplain Revd Eric Yong leads a ministry team that consists of four Chaplain s Assistants. The parish runs weekday services for the patients of the hospital, some of whom have joined the parish after being discharged. Some clients of Anglican Care Centre (Simei) have also become parishioners, integrating well with the community. However, the number of those who have joined SACC are less than ten percent of those who have accepted Christ while resident with SACH and Anglican Care Centre (Simei). SACC has only one parochial church council for the entire parish; this helps to streamline operations and all decisions are made jointly. Currently SACC s English congregation has 269 members, and its Chinese congregation has 167. At SACC s Good Friday Service in March, Revd Foo Chee Meng, Senior Chaplain of SAMH, and pastor of SACC s Chinese congregation, bade a fond farewell to SACC. Although officially retired, he will continue in his role as Senior Chaplain of SAMH and will be an honorary priest at All Saints Church. SACC has been realigning and strengthening itself for 2018 for the last three years. In 2016, its theme was Same Same but Different. In 2017, it was Deeper and Wider. In this 15 th year, SACC hopes to be the Salt and Light to the Simei Community. 44

47 SINGAPORE ANGLICAN INDIAN BOARD SAIB PRAYER WALK SEMINAR by Revd Israel Selvam, Priest at Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) The Singapore Anglican Indian Board (SAIB) had an encouraging start to A Prayer Walk Seminar was held on Saturday, 27 January, at the parish of Christ Church. About 100 pastors, leaders and members from all our Diocesan Indian congregations came together to learn from Revd Samuel Kunjumone, Priest at Church of the True Light, on prayer, prayer-walking and spiritual warfare; and how these are vital in evangelism. The participants had an opportunity to put into practise what they had learnt; they were paired up and sent out for prayer walks around the vicinities of Dorset Road, Hertford Road, Little India, and beyond. The experience inspired many to continue to be intentional about seeking God and winning the lost for Christ. ORDINATION 2018 Congratulations to the following Priests and Deacons who were ordained on Sunday 13 May 2018, at St Andrew s Cathedral. Ordained to the Priesthood: Revd Daniel Lim Chee Siang (Church of the Ascension) Revd Paul Mohan Xavier (Church of the Epiphany) Ordained to the Diaconate: Revd Adrian Chong Kum Cheong (St Andrew's Cathedral) 1. Revd William Tham was appointed Chaplain of Christ Church Secondary School with effect from 1 November Revd Dr Ivan Ee was appointed Chaplain of Anglican High School with effect from 1 January Revd Victor Teo was appointed Chaplain of St Hilda s Schools with effect from 1 January Revd Victor Teo was appointed Vicar of Chapel of Christ the Redeemer with effect from 1 January Revd Edwin Tan was appointed Vicar of St Andrew s City Church with effect from 1 February DIOCESAN NEWS Revd Hambali Leonardi (St Andrew s Cathedral) Revd Tay Hong Ern (Church of the Good Shepherd) Revd Calvin Wee Eng Huat (Marine Parade Christian Centre) Revd Phuwasak Kabinsak (Deanery of Thailand) PARISH WORKER / PARISH ASSISTANT LICENSES The following Parish Worker licenses were issued on 12 December 2017 to: 1. Mr Byju Samuel, Parish of Christ Church GAZETTE 6. Revd Jeremy Ponniah was posted as Priest to Chapel of the Resurrection with effect from 1 February Revd Joseph You was posted as Priest to Church of Our Saviour with effect from 1 February Revd Gary Chng was posted as Priest to Chapel of the Holy Spirit with effect from 1 February Revd Martin Jungnickel was appointed Home-base Coordinator for the Deanery of Cambodia with effect from 1 February Revd Daniel Lim was posted as Deacon to Church of the 2. Mr Tay Wai Ming Leonard, Church of the Ascension 3. Ms Hong Keat Cheng, Church of the Ascension 4. Ms Leong Soak Cheng, Church of the Good Shepherd 5. Mr Ng Lian Wen, Church of the Good Shepherd 6. Mr Sadrakh Angkasa, Church of the True Light 7. Mr Chen Sen, Holy Trinity Church 8. Ms Loh Yeow Lye Priscilla, St Andrew s Cathedral 9. Mr Lim Wei Yi, Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) Ascension with effect from 1 March Revd Foo Chee Meng was appointed Acting Chaplain of St Andrew s Nursing Home (Buangkok) with effect from 1 March 2018; full-time Senior Chaplain with effect from 1 April 2018, and Honorary Priest at All Saints Church with effect from 1 April Revd Yap Chee Han was posted as Priest of the Chinese Congregation of St Andrew s Community Chapel with effect from 1 April Revd Canon Dr Michael Poon was conferred Canon Emeritus of St Andrew s Cathedral with effect from 2 April CORRECTION: We apologise that in pg 10 of our last issue, the Executive Secretary of 2019 Celebration of Hope was misidentified as Revd Tony Teo. It should be Rev Tony Yeo (EFOS). 45

48 DIOCESAN CLERGY FAMILY RETREAT 2018 GROWING A CHURCH OF IMPACT DIOCESAN NEWS by Karen Wong Every other year, during the March school holidays, the wives and children of our clergy get to participate in a Clergy Family Retreat. This year s Clergy Family Retreat saw a record number of participants. 220 gathered in Johore s Jen Hotel for four days of fellowship and talks by Retreat Speaker Pastor Daniel Ho from Damansara Utama Methodist Church (DUMC) in Petaling Jaya. He taught on Growing a Church of Impact. His experience in ministry, passion for evangelism and heart to see revival happen, was very inspiring. The youths spent time with Mr Wayne Sim, currently the director of Youth With A Mission s (YWAM) Go Centre. He said, My theme was about brokenness. Our times of worship, prayer and deep sharing were very precious and life-giving. I saw them arrive at the retreat as individuals, but leave as a family. I learnt so much! I was reminded in every session that I don t need to be perfect, because I am God s daughter, said Charis Lin (15). I m also really glad that I could relate to the other youths. Elisabeth Wong (20) said, The most special thing I took away from this retreat is the knowledge that I am not alone there are other pastor s kids who are facing the same issues as me. I really appreciate how Wayne created a safe space for The clergy children with children's programme volunteer Darius Foo 46 The clergy and their wives in worship us to be open and vulnerable, so that we could bond. Mathias Chong (21) agreed, We bonded so much that we met up again in the evening, after we broke camp! Children s Ministry volunteer and member of Bethel Assembly of God Church, Mr Darius Foo, led the Children s Programme. He illustrated spiritual lessons using magic tricks; told the Old Testament story of Elijah; and taught the children how to share the Gospel using the Wordless Band. When asked what she enjoyed about the children s programme, Sarah Tewer (9) said, I enjoyed the games, the magic tricks, the art and craft, and singing and dancing! She also enjoyed making new friends. Mikaela Chng (10) said it was fun to learn about her favourite bible character, And the speaker is an illusionist! Mrs Tham said her daughter, Elizabeth (9), loved the fun and actions of the worship songs. Josephine herself enjoyed the rare chance to bond with the other mothers who have special needs children. This year s Planning Committee Chairman, Revd Bertram Cheong reflects, it is not incongruous to plan for disengagement and reflection while focussing on this year s topic of Growing a Church of Impact. But a wise pastor would take time to reflect, incubate ideas and linger at the foot of the Cross, before plunging headlong into action. Hence, there was a heavy emphasis on free time outside the sessions: Not just to spend time with family, but to discuss and crystallise thoughts about the session topics. One clergy shared, Pastor Daniel personifies a church leader of impact because of his compassion for people and his passion for evangelism. My wife and I were inspired to be bolder and more intentional about having fresh, meaningful conversations with the people we meet and we are thrilled at the positive results of these encounters. I am grateful for the inspiration to do better in our evangelism!

49 DIOCESAN NEWS INDUCTION OF VICARS ALL SAINTS' CHURCH REVD DR IVAN EE (fifth from the left) was inducted as Vicar of All Saints' Church on 3 March Revd Ee holds a BTh and MDiv from Singapore Bible College (1995); an MTh from Moore Theological College (2005); and a DMin from Singapore Bible College (2005). He was ordained as a Deacon on 2 November 1997 and as a priest a year later, in He served at the Church of the Good Shepherd ( ); St Andrew s Cathedral Mandarin Congregation ( ); and St John s - St Margaret s Church Chinese Congregation ( ). Revd Ee has held positions as the Chinese Board Vice-Chairman ( ); and as Board member of Trinity Theological College ( ). He is also the current Examining Chaplain (since 2006); Standing Committee member ( , 2017-present); the Theological Education Board Track 1 Foundational Discipleship Convenor (since 2013); and Chinese Board Chairman (since 2017). MY SAVIOUR'S CHURCH CHAPEL OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER REVD CHARLES TEWER was inducted as Vicar of My Saviour s Church on 18 March Revd Tewer was ordained in May 2014, and has a BDiv (2011) and a MTh (Old Testament) (2017) from Trinity Theological College. Prior to his posting to My Saviour s Church in 2014, he served in Chapel of the Holy Spirit as a parish worker from 2011, then as a clergy (May-October 2014). REVD VICTOR TEO was inducted as Vicar of Chapel of Christ the Redeemer on 22 April After obtaining an MDiv from Trinity Theological College (2008), Revd Teo was ordained as a deacon in November 2011, and as a priest in May Prior to this appointment, Revd Teo served as deacon in his home church, Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) from , and as priest at Chapel of the Resurrection from 2013 to

50 DIOCESAN LISTINGS an update of our COMMUNITY SERVICES ST. ANDREW S MISSION HOSPITAL (SAMH) 8 Simei Street 3 Singapore Services of SAMH: ST. ANDREW S MISSION HOSPITAL CLINIC 8 Simei Street 3 Singapore Elliot Road Singapore Block 5 Beach Road # Singapore ST. ANDREW S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL 8 Simei Street 3 Singapore ST. ANDREW S AUTISM CENTRE 1 Elliot Road Singapore ST. ANDREW S NURSING HOME (BUANGKOK) 60 Buangkok View Singapore ST. ANDREW S NURSING HOME (HENDERSON) ST. ANDREW S SENIOR CARE (HENDERSON) 303 Henderson Road Singapore ST. ANDREW S NURSING HOME (QUEENSTOWN) ST. ANDREW S SENIOR CARE (QUEENSTOWN) 11 Jalan Penjara Singapore ST ANDREW S SENIOR CARE (JOY CONNECT) Block 5 Beach Road # Singapore ST ANDREW S SENIOR CARE (TAMPINES) Our Tampines Hub 1 Tampins Walk #04-33 Singapore SINGAPORE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY SERVICES (SACS) 10 Simei Street 3 Singapore With effect from 1 January 2018, SACS services will operate under the following names for clearer corporate identity and consistency in service description. Their outreach and missions remain the same. Services of SACS: Psychiatric Services ANGLICAN CARE CENTRE (HOUGANG) 20 Buangkok View Block 4 Singapore ANGLICAN CARE CENTRE (SIMEI) 10 Simei Street 3 Singapore ANGLICAN CARE CENTRE (FARRER PARK) 375 Race Course Road Singapore ANGLICAN CARE CENTRE (BUKIT BATOK) Block 267 Bukit Batok East Avenue 4 # Singapore ANGLICAN CARE CENTRE (PASIR RIS) Block 534 Pasir Ris Drive 1 # Singapore ANGLICAN CARE CENTRE (YISHUN) Block 707 Yishun Avenue 5 #01-36 Singapore INTEGRATED EMPLOYMENT SERVICES 10 Simei Street 3 Singapore Senior Services ANGLICAN CLUSTER OPERATOR (JURONG EAST) Block 374 Jurong East Street 32 # Singapore ANGLICAN SENIOR CENTRE (YISHUN) Block 426A Yishun Avenue 11 #01-74 Singapore ANGLICAN SENIOR CENTRE (JURONG WEST) Block 499 Jurong West Street 41 # Singapore ANGLICAN SENIOR CENTRE (HILLVIEW) 4 Hillview Rise #02-22 HillV2 Singapore ANGLICAN SENIOR CENTRE (TAMPINES) Block 117 Tampines Street 11 # Singapore PEACE-CONNECT CLUSTER OPERATOR Block 8 North Bridge Road # Singapore Special Group Services ANGLICAN FAMILY CENTRE Hotline: ANGLICAN LIFESTREAM SERVICES [Formerly known as St. Andrew s Lifestreams] 10 Simei Street 3 Singapore CITY COMMUNITY SERVICES Social Service Bahru 298 Tiong Bahru Road #10-03 Central Plaza Singapore THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS 52 Telok Blangah Road #01-05 Telok Blangah House Singapore GOODNEWS COMMUNITY SERVICES (GNCS) (the community services arm of Chapel of the Resurrection) 1 Francis Thomas Drive, #02-17 Singapore Services of GNCS: PASIR RIS FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE Block 256 Pasir Ris Street 21, # Singapore SONSHINE CHILDCARE CENTRE Block 211 Bukit Batok Street 21, # Singapore PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS NEW NAME WEF 1 JAN 2018 PSYCHIATRIC SERVICES PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS NEW NAME WEF 1 JAN 2018 SENIOR SERVICES Simei Care Centre Hougang Care Centre Community Rehabilitation and Support Services (Bukit Batok) Community Rehabilitation and Support Services (Pasir Ris) Community Rehabilitation and Support Services (Yishun) Anglican Care Centre (Simei) 圣公会关怀中心 ( 四美 ) Anglican Care Centre (Hougang) 圣公会关怀中心 ( 后港 ) Anglican Care Centre (Bukit Batok) 圣公会关怀中心 ( 武吉巴督 ) Anglican Care Centre (Pasir Ris) 圣公会关怀中心 ( 巴西立 ) Anglican Care Centre (Yishun) 圣公会关怀中心 ( 义顺 ) Anglican Care Centre (Farrer Park) 圣公会关怀中心 ( 花拉公园 ) New Centre Integrated Employment Services 综合就业服务 No Change in Name SACS Family Care Centre SPECIAL SERVICES Anglican Family Centre 圣公会家庭中心 SACS Cluster Operator (Jurong East) SACS Cluster Support (Jurong East) SACS Senior Group Home (Jurong East) SACS Jurong East SACS Golden Orchid SACS Floral Spring Anglican Cluster Operator (Jurong East) 圣公会社区乐龄支援业者 ( 裕廊东 ) Anglican Cluster Support (Jurong East) 圣公会社区乐龄支援服务 ( 裕廊东 ) Anglican Senior Group Home (Jurong East) 圣公会乐龄合居住所 ( 裕廊东 ) Anglican CREST (Jurong East) 圣公会邻里咨询小组 ( 裕廊东 ) Anglican Senior Centre (Jurong West) 圣公会乐龄中心 ( 裕廊西 ) Anglican Senior Centre (Yishun) 圣公会乐龄中心 ( 义顺 ) Anglican Senior Centre (Tampines) 圣公会乐龄中心 ( 淡滨尼 ) New Centre Anglican Senior Centre (Hillview) 圣公会乐龄中心 ( 山景 ) New Centre Anglican Lifestream Services 圣公会生命溪流服务 New Service CITY Community Services CITY 社区服务 No Change in Name Mission To Seafarers 海员传道会 No Change in Name For more information regarding these changes, please refer to or contact the corporate headquarters at Tel: or admin@sacs.org.sg PEACE-Connect Cluster Operator 平安乐龄服务群区业者 No Change in Name PEACE-Connect Cluster Support 平安乐龄群区支援服务 PEACE-Connect Senior Activity Centres (Rental) 平安乐龄活动中心 ( 租赁组屋 ) PEACE-Connect Senior Group Home 平安乐龄合居住所 PEACE-Connect Community Resource, Engagement & Support Team (CREST) 平安乐龄邻里咨询小组 48

51 In those days, JESUS WENT OUT TO THE MOUNTAIN TO PRAY, and He spent the night in prayer to God. Luke 6:12 C O M E M E E T W I T H G O D I N T H E P R A Y E R T O W E R a new facility dedicated to prayer at The Diocesan Centre, St Andrew s Village The Prayer Tower is a room for personal and small group intercession. The opening hours are 8am - 10pm (Mon - Sat). Usage of the Prayer Tower is by booking only. Bookings can be made through your respective church administrative staff. 49 For more info, visit

52 for more info: scan the QR code or visit