(2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV) 1 - Barker Road Methodist Church

28 Pages·2014·2.44 MB·English

A Publication By
Barker Road Methodist Church
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October 2013 to
January 2014
BRMC to Shine Forth for Jesus
for the Sake of the World
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.
The old has gone, the new is here!”(2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
18 “Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
19 See, I am doing a new thing!
Now it springs up;
do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the wasteland.”
(Isaiah 43:18-19)
Contents
Front Page BRMC as House of Bread
1 A New Beginning by Moses Goh 12 Creation of Man in Genesis
3 The Pastor Speaks 14 BRMC Discipleship & Nurture Ministry Disciples
Thanksgiving
16 BRMC WSCS Report on GOD@Work Somerset &
BRMC as House of Salvation Walks@Botanics
4 Pastors Don’t Really Retire 17 BRMC Discipleship & Nurture Ministry Growing
5 Farewell Dinner for Rev David Wee BH Deep In Christ Report
5 Welcome New Staff 19 BRMC Heart2Heart Mothers’ Fellowship Report
6 BRMC Newcomers’ Lunch 21 BRMC Witness & Evangelism & Young Adult
7 Christmas in BRMC Sanctuary Ministry Apologetics Conference Report
23 BRMC Discipleship & Nurture Ministry Trek Thru
The Bible—Gospel of John
BRMC as House of Compassion
9 BRMC Outreach & Social Concerns Reports
BRMC as House of Prayer
25 BRMC Prayer Ministry ABLAZE Report
26 Announcements
28 Coming Events
Uphill & Beyond welcomes article contributions on all
aspects of church life at BRMC.
Do you have a passion for writing? BRMC needs you!
Publisher: Rev Malcolm T H Tan
Editor : Corinne Teo (LMS)
Editorial Support: Dr Jeanette Hui, Mrs Sally Tan, Mrs Lee Tan Lynn If you are keen to contribute, do contact:
Photographer: BRMC Volunteers [email protected] or sms/call 96211974
48 Barker Road Singapore 309917 • Tel: [phone] • Fax [phone] •
A Publication By
Email: [email protected] Barker Road Methodist Church
MICA(P)093/2/12/2013
October 2013 to
January 2014
BRMC to Shine Forth for Jesus
for the Sake of the World
2 • uphill & beyond • October 2013 to January 2014
The Pastors Speak
Rev Malcolm Tan Rev Lawrence TC Chua Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li
Pastor-in-Charge Pastor Pastor
Rev Daniel Terence Rev See Swee Fang Rev Edmund Koh
Yeo at Bukit Batok Pastor
Pastor Preaching Point
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.
See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:18-19)
We thrive on predictability. Predictability gives us a semblance of control, a sense of certainty that we know how to
respond to the events that befall us. “Surprise” is the opposite of predictability. By definition, surprises come when we
least expect them. While some surprises may be pleasant, we can’t live with too many of them. We prefer to know
the scripts of our lives in advance, rather than be ‘caught by surprise’.
But our over-dependence on predictability can blind us to the changing reality that is taking place around us. We
expect God to respond in the same way that He has always responded; we refuse to accept that people and situations
change…all the time. We expect even conflicts to take on a predictability that we are used to.
But if God is at work, then we all will be changed. Every moment. If this is so, it would be tragic if we refuse or fail
to recognize the changes that are taking place in us, or in others. When was the last time you noticed the softening
of your husband’s or wife’s demeanor in a conflict? When did you last observe a deepening maturity in your child’s
attitude towards life? Or sensed within you a greater longing to love and to be loved?
God promises to make a stream in the wasteland of our lives. Often, God’s work is only just barely perceptible; yet
He works resolutely to transform us. But will we stop long enough to notice the changes that are taking place among
the people close to us and around us? Do we perceive our inner stirrings for a deeper life, a more meaningful and
purposeful way to live, or a purer way of life?
May God grant us sensitivity and an alertness to discern the new things that He causes to spring up in the lives around
us. May this year be a year of seeing God at work in us and all around us. May you be surprised by grace.
Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li
Pastor
October 2013 to January 2014 • uphill & beyond • 3
Pastors Don’t Really Retire

Report By Corinne Teo (LMS) Photos By Cecil Lee
BRMC bids a fond farewell to an endearing pastor, the Rev David Wee BH at a dinner held on December 31 at
the ACS-Oldham Hall Cafeteria to honour his many years of service in the Methodist Church. Here he shares
a touching goodbye to us, while letting us in on the fact that pastors don’t really retire, they just move on with
further assignments from the Lord. We are privileged to have had Rev David Wee BH minister with us since
August 2008.
As I bid farewell to my stint as a salaried (clergy) member of the
Trinity Annual Conference for the Methodist Church in Singapore, my
journey as a pastor and Christian minister has not ended prematurely.
As a servant of God Almighty, my calling as servant, pastor, minister...
continues.
Looking back over the past 29 years, beginning with my theological
studies in preparation for the Pastoral Ministry, God has had been
actively present. There has never been any doubt concerning my love
for Him nor His love through Christ for me. There may have been
difficult and traumatic seasons; but oh, the peace and love that I possess
within my being has continually and faithfully carried me through.
Now as I stand at the exit of a prodigious 26-year journey, my eyes
look expectantly to the unknown future. But allow me some moments
of recent reminiscence.
Friendships. My good friends and colleagues, Rev Malcolm Tan and
Rev Noel Goh have been wonderful confidants, listening to my woeful
laments with little judgementalism. I am thankful for the friendships
made with many such good people, both clergy and lay. The love for
and faith in God, inherent in all these friends and colleagues have been the catalysts of their warmth and affection. I am
indeed blessed to be the recipient of such friendships.
An undeserving privilege. It has been a privilege to hear the testimonies of persons who encountered God and their
stories of transformation and reconciliation. Some of these persons are shy and I would not have had such a privilege if I
were not a Pastor.
God has a great sense of humor. Though I can barely converse in Mandarin or dialects, it has been wonderful to have
had many opportunities to share the gospel in these languages with members’ parents, and then to lead them into the
Salvation Prayer to receive Jesus Christ.
As to the future... A new adventure! An unknown destination! A faithful God!
There are no immediate plans. There is no intention to seek paid employment. I will continue to be God’s minister.
I will be taking things easy until after The Lunar New Year celebrations (15 days). I look forward to extended times of quiet
in God’s presence. I also look forward to catching up with the many reading materials purchased but not yet read.
As for adventures new and destinations unknown, I can expect no less as I wait upon my Lord and my God. He is my CEO,
COO and CFO; the One who has enabled me will have His assignments for me and I look forward to them. In the words
of Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story – “To Infinity And Beyond!”
David Wee BH
4 • uphill & beyond • October 2013 to January 2014
Farewell Dinner for Rev David Wee BH

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A dinner was held on December 31 at the ACS-Oldham Hall Cafeteria to honour Rev David Wee BH’s many years
of service to the Methodist Church. At the Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) Special Session in July 20 2013, Rev
Wee’s application for early retirement as of January 1 2014 was approved. He will remain a Methodist Minister in
good standing. We at BRMC wish him God’s richest blessings. Here are photos of the event.
Loke Beng Fong (PPRSC Chairman) Dr Gordon Wong Rev Malcolm Tan having a
Rev Wee laughing heartily with
wishing Rev Wee and his family God’s (TRAC President) thanking friendly word with
Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li and Lim Yu Chiang
abundant blessings Rev Wee for his long Rev Wee
service as a pastor
Jayne Lim(GB 84th Coy Chan Kai Yau (Honorary Steward), Susan Tong (Vice
Choe Peng Sum (Lay Leader) gives
Captain) presenting Rev Wee Chairperson of GYM) and Timothy Kho (Church
Rev Wee a warm handshake
with a farewell gift Governance) thanking Rev Wee for
his blessed partnership in ministry.
Welcome New Staff—Charmaine Tang (LPS)
I answered the Lord’s call to consecrate my life for His service at Go 4th National Missions
Conference 2005. That event marked the beginning of my journey in discovering more about
Missions. Before attending the conference, I had very little understanding about Missions. I
remember asking God at the conference: “How am I able to serve You in the Mission field
since I am neither a doctor nor a nurse?” That was how narrow my understanding was!
I told the Lord that I had no skills to offer to Him. Thereafter, God clarified many of my
misunderstandings and I began to realise that God can use all of us in many ways. It is the
heart of obedience that God is looking at.
The Lord reminded me that despite my limited skills and experiences, He will be the one to
multiply them. My duty is to be like the little boy in the gospels offering up my 5 loaves and 2
fish. With that assurance from God, I started serving God full time as a pastoral worker for
the last 4.5 years. The desire to develop and serve God more fully in Missions grew during
Charmaine Tang (LPS) this period. I am thankful that today I am doing what the Lord has placed in my heart almost
8 years ago, not with medical skills but through administrating, promoting and facilitating
Missions in a local Church. Thank you for receiving me into this big family and I look forward
to serving alongside all of you in BRMC’s Missions endeavours.
October 2013 to January 2014 • uphill & beyond • 5
Newcomers’ Lunch
House of Salvation
BRMC takes pleasure in welcoming each visitor and newly baptized or received members into the family of our
church each year in 2 Newcomers’ Lunches organized by our Witness & Evangelism Ministry (W&E). Here we
feature the most recent Lunch held at the ACS-Oldham Hall Cafeteria on November 17 2013. We must thank
the committee members of W&E for their heartwarming efforts in showing hospitality to our newcomers with
good food and fellowship. Our Pastor-In-Charge Rev Malcolm Tan, together with Rev David Wee BH and Rev Chiu
Ming-Li were there mingling with the newcomers. Our Associate Lay Leader Mrs Ong Cheow Lan and our W&E
Chairman Mr Lim Yu Chiang were there to warmly greet newcomers as well. Each newcomer was presented with
a newcomers’ pack which gave information on BRMC Church Life. In addition, our ministry staff from various
ministries, as well as volunteers were on hand to give more information about BRMC’s ministries. Here is the
event in photos.
Members of the Glowing Years Ministry and the Creative Art Ministry inviting newcomers to join their upcoming activities
Rev Chiu Ming Li, Betty Ong (LMS) and Low Kee Hong (LMS) sharing about the Small Group Ministry to newcomers
Associate Lay Leader Mrs Ong Cheow Lan, Steve Chelvan (LMS) and church member Andrew Yap updating newcomers about church life
Elaine Sung and Julie Yang at the welcome desk Newly confirmed members with their Rev Malcolm Tan speaking to
confirmation certificates newcomers
6 • uphill & beyond • October 2013 to January 2014
Christimas@BRMC
House of Salvation
By May Oon
In unison on December 25, the Body of Christ at Barker Road Methodist Church recited the Nicene Creed,
affirming the faith as His Church, at the 3 services held in the sanctuary (8.30am, 10.30am and 5pm). We sang
the familiar carols, “Joy to the World”, “Away in a Manger”, “Silent Night, Holy Night” to herald the birth of the
Saviour of the world. The Christian message, entitled “Christmas Massacre of the Holy Innocents,” proclaimed by
our Pastor-In-Charge Rev Malcolm Tan, called Christians to realign to the purposes of God by always seeking to
do all the good we can in this one life we are given. Uphill & Beyond presents this 2-page spread of the happenings
that day.
8.30 Sanctuary
BRMC’s 8.30am congregation worshipping God as One Body
Standing to sing the Carol of
Preparation “What Child is This?”
October 2013 to January 2014 • uphill & beyond • 7
Christimas@BRMC
House of Salvation
Report By Hui Mei Ling, Photos By Moses Goh 19 March 2011
10.30 Sanctuary
BRMC’s 10.30am congregation listening attentively as the Word is preached Families worshipping together
The 10.30am Service Congregation cheerful in the House of the Lord The congregation receiving the benediction
5pm Sanctuary
Worship Leader of the 5pm Intergenerational families Learning about giving at Yeo Yee Ying playing the
Service Lim Wee Chiong with his celebrating the life of Jesus offering time postlude
wife Lim Ai Li at the piano at the service
The 5pm Choir ministering to the congregation Interceding for the world in need as the Body of Christ
8 • uphill & beyond • October 2013 to January 2014
BRMC Outreach & Social Concerns Ministry (OSC)
Walking with Jesus at Gardens by the Bay
House of Compassion
We give thanks to the Lord our God for His wonderful protection and bountiful grace during a recent outing
organized by the BRMC Outreach & Social Concerns Ministry. This outing to the Gardens by the Bay took place
on July 27 2013. It was organized for families and individuals who are beneficiaries receiving financial assistance
from the church. It was indeed a memorable time for all BRMC volunteers serving at this event. The Outreach &
Social Concerns committee members have truly dedicated themselves in serving and caring for these beneficiaries!
A total 152 attendees, which consisted of 45 families walked in the Gardens and also had lunch at Keppel Club.
Here are some photos of the happy event.
Two of our caregivers, Kok Wai Tong and Esther Tan helping to push a wheelchair-bound participant with her grand-daughter around the garden
Posing beside the beautiful flowers with A young man who is a beneficiary helping “What a joy to be in the garden!”
true joy from her heart push the wheelchair of an elderly lady who is
also a beneficiary!
October 2013 to January 2014 • uphill & beyond • 9
BRMC Outreach & Social Concerns Ministry (OSC)
Planting Seeds of God’s Grace at St Luke’s Eldercare Centre
House of Compassion
St Luke’s ElderCare Centre at Block 97, Whampoa Drive runs a range of day-care services for its elderly members
who are 50 years and above, which includes social day care and active rehabilitation. In January 2013, the Outreach
and Social Concerns Ministry led by Mrs Evelyn Teoh (LMS), launched a partnership with St Luke’s ElderCare
Centre at Whampoa Drive to provide a weekly Friday voluntary programme of befriending and providing gentle
Christian outreach to the members who go there on weekdays. Here is a report on this ministry by Sally Chua.
Every Friday from 10am to 12.30pm, a dedicated core group of six BRMC volunteers plant seeds of the saving grace of
Christ through befriending and chatting with the Centre’s members. They pray, worship together, serve morning snacks and
conduct games that trigger the cerebral and motor functions of the Centre’s members. They are supported by an ancillary
group of twelve other volunteers as well as members from Discipleship and Nurture groups who visit to share a Christian
outreach message or testimony every third Friday. Many of the members at the Centre have become our friends through
these interactive activities. The Centre’s members were thrilled especially by special programmes such as songs of praise
performed by a violin ensemble group comprising a church member from Korea, Lydia Lee, and four of her Korean friends,
and singing of nostalgic Cantonese oldies by Chung Chee Kit and other members from the Mandarin service. Come and
join us!
All dressed in festive red to celebrate Chinese New Year Lydia and friends in a violin ensemble performance on May 17 2013
Children of D&N class participants delighting the elderly with We will help you catch the ball!
their singing
10 • uphill & beyond • JOctober 2013 to January 2014