July 2003 - Pentecost Methodist Church

Pentecost
Newsletter of the Pentecost Methodist Church
MITA Number 195/10/2002
July Issue, 2003
*
PASTOR’s Message
By Rev Jonathan Seet, Pastor-in-charge
!"I= !
When we examine what God says about
giving in the Old Testament, it may cause
many of us to conclude that God talks too
much about money.
The Israelites had to give the first tenth of their crops to support the
temple ministry. They also had to give to feed the poor as well as
to provide for the major feasts. The Israelites were also instructed
to give the first born of every animal.
When they harvested their crops, they were told not to harvest the
edge of the field nor pick up the part of the crop that fell on the
ground. This way the poor would be able to “glean the fields.”
There were times in which the people were told to bring “free will”
offerings to provide for things such as the building of the temple.
God also required that whenever an individual came to the temple
to seek forgiveness, dedicate a child or do almost any religious
thing, he is to offer a sacrifice. Deuteronomy 16:16 says, “[You]
shall not appear before the Lord empty handed.”
I do not think that we will be surprised if there was a revolt by the
people for having to give so much but it did not happen. Instead we
discover that when Israel gave as God commended, God blessed
Israel.
Deuteronomy 28:1-6 says, “If you fully obey the Lord your God and
carefully follow his commands… you will be blessed in the city and
blessed in the country… the fruit of your womb will be blessed and
the crops of your land and the young of your livestock… your basket
and your kneading trough will be blessed. You will be blessed when
you come in and blessed when you go out”.
When we move into the New Testament, Paul writes about giving
cheerfully and not as one compelled to give. We are no longer
ruled by the laws of the Old Testament.
At the same time, we know that God has already set for us a
guideline in the Old Testament and we also remember that God
instructs us to give generously so that we can participate in the
blessings he has prepared for the generous.
(... continued on page 3)
* Adapted from “A Sermon on Giving” by Rev Stephen Scarlett.
Contents
PASTOR’s Message ... continued from cover page
PASTOR’S MESSAGE
BEING A FAITHFUL STEWARD
1-3
MANDARIN OUTREACH MINISTRY:
VOCAL CLASS
PLANNING RETREAT FOR YEAR 2003
4
Partaking the Holy
Communion...
PERANAKAN MINISTRY:
INDONESIAN OUTREACH
5
CHURCH LEADERSHIP
2002 / 2003
6
Candlelight
Prayer Service
on 29 March
2003.
WOMEN’S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN SERVICE
8
AN
INTRODUCTION TO
WILLIAM OLDHAM
9
COMING EVENTS
10
THE BOYS’ BRIDAGE:
TRUE CHRISTIAN MEN
11
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE:
DO YOU KNOW
12
‘Pray For Peace’...
praying in groups.
PENTECOST
METHODIST
CHURCH
Baptism by immersion on
13 April 2003.
WORSHIP SERVICES
Peranakan/ Indonesian: Sunday 7.45am
English: Sunday 9.15am / 11.00am
Mandarin: Sunday 1.30pm
Easter Sunrise
Service.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Youth (Ages 13-18): 9.15am
Nursery to Primary School (Ages 4-12):
9.15am & 11.00am
Eating breakfast after
Easter Sunrise Service.
Toddlers (Ages 2-3):11.00am
Mandarin Sunday School (Ages 4-12):
1.30pm
KINDERGARTEN
1st session: 8.15am - 11.15am
2nd session: 11.30am - 2.30pm
As 2 Corinthians 9:6 says, “Whoever sows
sparingly will also reap sparingly and
whoever sows generously will also reap
generously.” And in verse 8, “God is able to
provide you with every blessing in
abundance, so that you may always have
enough of everything and may provide in
abundance for every good work.”
The foundation for financial stewardship in
the Bible is the tithe. When we receive our
income, the first thing that we should do is
to set aside a tenth of what we make to give
to God through his church. By giving to
God the first part, we are dedicating all
of our money to God. In return, God puts
his blessing on the rest of our income
and makes it sufficient to meet our needs.
In accordance with biblical teaching, tithing
results in a net gain for the giver. This does
not always mean a net financial gain. There
is a story of a man who tithed faithfully from
the income of his business, which
subsequently failed. Someone said, “You
lost everything.” He said, “No, I still have the
money I gave away. It is deposited in
heaven’s bank and no one can take that
away.” God’s response of blessing to our
faithful tithing always leaves us better off
than if we had not given God the tithe.
Tithing is not something we do in the
emotion of a moment. It is a discipline of
the Christian life. Just as we sanctify the
week by worshiping God on the first day;
just as we sanctify the day by beginning
it with prayer; just as we sanctify the meal
by beginning it with grace; so we sanctify
our money by giving the first part to God.
By these faithful habits we bear witness
that God takes the first priority in our
lives. And God, in return, shows us how
incredibly faithful He is. As Philippians says,
“My God will supply all your needs according
to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (4:19).
COUNSELLING SERVICES
Contact:
Hoe Sing, Yoke Lin, Solomon,
Joshua (Youth) or Debby (Mandarin)
Pentecost Methodist Church
4 Pasir Ris Drive 6 Singapore 519420
Tel: 6584-0297; Fax: 6584-0445
E-Mail: [email protected]
URL: www.pmc.org.sg
Let us dedicate ourselves to God by
pledging to him a part of our income for
another year. You will be receiving the
pledge card soon as our church’s new
financial year begins in August. The Lord has
given to us this opportunity to participate with
Him in His ministry. I believe that God will
generously provide for the ministry of His
body through every member and worshipper
who gives to the church.
Reception
Reception of
of Members
Members at
at
Easter
Easter Sunday
Sunday Service.
Service.
Editorial team
Rev Jonathan Seet
Jen Yoke Lin
Sabrina Cher
Khoo Boo Leong
By pledging to the church, we affirm our
support and commitment to the ministry of
Pentecost Methodist Church. God has given
to us a guideline as to how much to give but
at the end of the day He still leaves it to us
to decide on the amount. I want to encourage
each and every worshipper and member of
the church to pledge to the church. By
pledging, you are helping us in our planning.
By pledging, you are committing yourself to
be faithful in the area of giving. Many times,
New members selling
breakfast to raise funds
for Poor & Needy.
Publisher
Pentecost Methodist Church
4 Pasir Ris Drive 6 Singapore 519420
Tel: 6584 0297 Fax: 6584 0445
email: [email protected]
url: www.pmc.org.sg
to
Print by
Design
PublishCom (S) Pte Ltd
Tel: 6272 0966
The articles and editorial comments in the
newsletter do not necessarily represent the official
view of the church, leaders, staff or members.
Umbrellas given
as Anniversary
Gifts.
Peranakan Choir singing at
71st Anniversary Service.
we fear commitment but it is only when
we make visible and tangible
commitments that we will discipline
ourselves to keep these resolves. Too
often, our internal resolves and
commitments are neglected because we
have not expressed it tangibly. We recognize
that some of us do not have a steady and
regular income. For such people, it is still
good for you to send in a pledge card
although the amount can be left blank. When
!=J=
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#
!"#$%&' ()!"*+,
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'
!"#$%!&'()*+,-./
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&NS:NS !=KKK=
!"#$%&
!"#$%&'()*+!,-.
!"#$#%&!'()"*+,!
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'(
May the peace and blessings of God always
be with you!
!"#$%&'()*+,-.//
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
we receive your card, we know that you are
committing yourself to support the church
financially and will give as the Lord enables
you. You can change or stop your pledge
commitment at any time by informing us. I
trust that you will be faithful in giving to the
Lord and as you do so, God’s blessings will
rest upon you.
!"OUNS !"#$%&'
!"#$%&'()*+,-./
!"#$%&'()*+,(-.
!"#$%&'()*+,%-.
!"#$%&'()*(+,-(
!"#$%&'!"#()*+,
!"#$!%&'()*+
!"#$%&'()%&*+ !"
!"#$"#%
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'!()*+,-./
!"#$%&'()*+,-.#$
!"#$%&'()*!+$%, !"#$%&'()*+, !"VS !" #$%!"%
=U !"#$%&'())*+
!" #$%%&'!()*+,
!
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,%'-.
!"
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'() *+,-.&
!"#$%&'()*+(,-
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'$()*+,-.
!"#$%&'()*"+$,-%
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./$
!"#$%&'())*+, !!"
!"#$%&'()*+(,-#
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-!./
!"#$%&'( !")#*
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()#$*+,!"#QNV !"#$%&'!
!"#$%& '()*+,-./
!
!"#$%&'()!*+,-./
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+!,-./
!"#$%&'()*+,!-.
!"
!"#$%&#$'()*+,-.
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%$&'( )*$+,
!"#$%&'()*+,-./
!"#$%&'()*&'+,-!
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./
!"#$%&'()*$%+,!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#= !"#$%&'()*
!"#$ !%&'()*'+,!"#$%&'()*+,-./(
!"#$%&'()*+,-.
!"#$%&'()*+,-./
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0
!"#$%&'()*+,-./$
!"#$%&'()*+, -.
!"#$%&'()*+,-.
!"#$%&''!()*+
July Issue 2003 Pentecost TIMES 3
MANDARIN MINISTRY
Vocal Class
THE PERANAKAN MINISTRY
Indonesian Outreach
By Debby Lee
T
h e M a n d a r i n Ministry
organised a one-and-a-halfmonth vocal class for brothersand sisters-in-Christ who have
a strong interest in singing or would like to
improve on their singing skills.
A total of 16 brothers and sisters signed up
for the class. Vocal instructor Lee Siew Lan
taught us voice projection, the correct way of
breathing and the use of the diaphragm,
diction and various techniques in singing.
With constant prayers, God’s presence and
the efforts put in by every participant, all of
us, including the older ones, showed great
improvement over the weeks.
In the last lesson, everyone presented a song and Siew Lan
commented on our mistakes. Thanks be to God for we have made
great progress in our singing. We would like to thank our teacher
for her patience in teaching.
By Mr. Johnny Chew
=
!"#$%&'()*+,-./01234*56
!"#$%&'()*+,-./01'
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456751
!"#$%&'()$*)+,-./0123
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0&12345&+6
!"#$%&' ()*#+,-./0123 045
!"#$%&'(
!"#$%&'()*+,#-./012345678
!"#$%&'() *+,-.#$/0123%
!"#$%&'()*+$"",-./0123
OMMP
MANDARIN MINISTRY
Planning Retreat
for Year 2003
O
n 1 May 2003, about 20 members from the Mandarin
Ministry gathered at YWCA for the 2003 planning
retreat. Pastor Chang from Chin Lien Bible Seminary
was the speaker for the retreat. Besides preaching on
the Word of God, he also shared with the group his experiences serving
his church, starting outreach programmes and organising committees to
work together to serve the Lord.
Five groups were formed for the discussion. The Worship and Prayer
group discussed issues pertaining to worship and prayer and the
possibility of increasing the frequency of the choir’s hymn presentation
from once to twice a month. The Teaching and Equipping group covered
topics such as the Sunday School curriculum, shortage of Sunday School
teachers and the future direction of the Disciples class.
The Fellowship and Small Group team proposed large-scale talks related
to family life and health.
The Mission and Outreach team planned for the overseas mission trips.
The Community Penetration group plans to expand their current activities
of distributing mandarin oranges and mooncakes to include showing care
and concern for the needy in the community.
Every member contributed in the retreat, giving constructive suggestions
and comments. There was also time for combined fellowship and prayers.
Some members stayed on for the second day to discuss the budget.
4 Pentecost TIMES July Issue 2003
!"
O
ur church began with a vision in the 1930s
to reach out to the nyonas and babas (the StraitsBorn Chinese) living in the vicinity of Geylang, Joo
Chiat, and Katong.
God provided the person, Mr. Chew Hock Hin, who gave up his
successful business career to answer God’s call.
The first service in Peranakan was held on Pentecost Sunday
on May 15, 1933 at Geylang Straits Chinese Methodist Church
with Rev. Chew Hock Hin as the founder Pastor.
The church thus far was strictly a Malay-speaking church.
Eventually, the children of the Peranakan worshippers attended
English schools and English was then incorporated into the
Peranakan services in early 1956.
As years grew on, our Peranakan congregation diminished in numbers as most
of the elderly Peranakan members were called home by the Lord. We were left
with a few faithfuls numbering around 40 on ordinary Sundays and 45 on
Communion Sundays.
!"#$%
When our church was relocated at
Pasir Ris, we opened our doors to the
Indonesian community living in the
neighbourhood of Pasir Ris and
beyond. We thank God that during the
last three years, about 10 to 12
Indonesian domestic workers joined
our Peranakan congregation
worshipping with us every Sunday. By
the grace of God, five were baptized.
They served in our Peranakan choir
and two served as worship leaders.
!"#$%&'()'*+,-./0123"456
!"#$OM !"#$%&' ()*+,-(
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123'456
!"#$%&'()*+,#$-./01/23,4
!"#$%&'()*+,)-.
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123456./
!"#$%&'()*+,-./012345678
!"#$%&'()*+,-./%012j~êÖ~êÉí
!!"#$%&'()*+,-./01234567
!"#$%&'()*+,-
A Bible class is being held every
Sunday after the Worship Service and
presently, we are fortunate to have
Miss Isabel Tong , our Indonesian
student studying in T.T.C., on field
training attached to our church to
conduct the bible class.
!"#$%&'()*%+,-#./(012345
!"#$%&'()*+,-.$/012345$6
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&'
!"#$%&'
Baptism by immersion for Indonesian
worshipper.
We pray that the Lord will open the way
for more Indonesians to join our
Peranakan Congregation and to serve
Him eventually.
Currently, we also conduct a baptism
and membership class in Peranakan/
Indonesian led by our TRAC Peranakan
Co-ordinator Mr. Jimmy Wong.
By the grace of God, four of the
Indonesian members opened their
hearts to serve the Lord. With our
church support, Miss Kalimah is now
attached to PARI and is studying in
Bogor, Indonesia.
!"#$%&'(
!"#$%&'()*+#,-./01*#2345
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0'1()23(
!"#$%&'()*+,-./0123&'()
!"#$%&'()*+,-./012345678
!"#$%&'()*+,-
Visit to a Bible School in Batam.
Baptism of Indonesian worshipper.
The other two (also with our church
support) will also be studying in
Indonesia. Another Indonesian
member, Miss Anah, is still looking at
other colleges in Indonesia.
PMC worshippers with Mr Johnny Chew.
July Issue 2003 Pentecost TIMES 5
Introducing Our Church Leadership 2002/2003
Local Church Executive Committee
Pastoral Team
Rev Jonathan Seet
Pastor-in-Charge
[email protected]
Joshua Loo
Lay Executive Staff
(Youth)
[email protected]
Pastor Dianna Khoo
Assistant Pastor
[email protected]
Ho Hoe Sing
Lay Executive Staff
(Family Life / Counselling
/ Small Groups)
[email protected]
Jimmy Wong
TRAC Peranakan
Coordinator
[email protected]
Solomon Jesudasan
Lay Executive Staff
(Discipleship &
Nurture / Missions)
[email protected]
Jen Yoke Lin
Church Manager
[email protected]
Debby Lee
Lay Executive Staff
(Mandarin Ministry)
[email protected]
Tay Chee Khiam
Lay Leader
Patricia Khoo
1st Delegate to TRAC
Josephine Poore
Secretary
Bruce Zee
2000 - 2003
6 Pentecost TIMES July Issue 2003
Laureen Ong
Kevin Wee
2001 - 2004
Jenny Sim
Recording Secretary, LCEC
Judy Tay
Church Treasurer
Lim Boon Hooi
Associate Lay Leader
Irene Ang
Associate Lay Leader
Augustine Tay
Associate Lay Leader
Coordinator, Youth Ministry
Josephine Poore
Associate Lay Leader
Pauline Tam
President, WSCS
David Liew
Chairperson,
Mandarin Outreach
Catherine Tan
Chairperson,
Outreach & Social Concerns
Alex Mah
Chairperson, Finance
Serene Wee
Committee Member
Kevin Ang
Chairperson,
Worship & Music
Pang Chee Seng
Paul Png
Chairperson,
Property Management
Andrew Wong
Chairperson, Mission
Noel Tam
Committee Member
Nominations Committee
Poh Leong Berg
Christopher Tay
Vice Chairperson, LCEC
Sabrina Cher
Administrator
[email protected]
Pastor-Parish Relations & Staff Committee
Loo Choon Hiaw
Chairperson
Tay Chee Khiam
Lay Leader
Patricia Khoo
Chairperson, LCEC
Josephine Poore
2002 - 2005
Laureen Ong
Elective Steward
Sylvia Chan
Chairperson,
Hospitality & Information
Dr Lee Liang Hin
Honorary
Steward
Chia Chin Nam
Chairperson,
Discipleship & Nurture
Johnny Chew
Honorary Steward,
Church Archivist &
Coordinator,
Peranakan Ministry
Evelyn Lee
Superintendent,
Church School
Tan Tiang Keng
Chairperson,
Witness &
Evangelism
Jenny Phuah
Coordinator, Glowing
Years Ministry
Noel Tam
Chairperson, Pentecost
Methodist Church
Kindergarten
Poh Leong Berg
Captain,
Boys Bridgade
Joy Lim
Representative,
Girls Bridgade
July Issue 2003Pentecost TIMES 7
Women’s Society of
Christian Service
“ On either side of the river was there the tree of life, which
bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruits every month:
and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”
By Mrs Pauline Tam
President, Pentecost WSCS
Revelations 22:2 (King James Version)
he Women’s Society of
Christian Service (WSCS)
in the Methodist Church
of Singapore will, with
the guidance of the Holy Spirit, fulfill
its purpose:
T
* To h e l p w o m e n g r o w i n t h e
knowledge and experience of God
as revealed in Jesus Christ,
*To make Christ known throughout
the world,
Our mission is to lead all women to God
and we shall strive to share the
abundant life of Christ with family,
church and community because it is
our belief that the tasks given to the
Church cannot be accomplished
unless women be given an opportunity
to use their capacities to the full in every
part of the Church life and be allowed
to make their contribution to the
interpretation of the Church’s message.
The General Conference, Women’s
Society of Christian Service (GCWSCS), which is a part of the World
Federation of Methodist & Uniting
Church Women (in special consultative
status with the United Nations), is a
fellowship of women who accept Jesus
Christ as the revelation of God and the
Saviour of mankind.
GC-WSCS is a network of women from
the CAC, ETAC and TRAC Annual
Conferences to share their faith and “To
Know Christ and Make Him Known.”
8 Pentecost TIMES July Issue 2003
The First Methodist Pastor
in Singapore
W
Christmas carolling to the shut-ins.
“To Know Christ and
Make Him Known.”
Our design calls us to infuse community and
compassion into our relationships. Women
will do this in various ways.
Our strengths, temperaments, experiences,
opportunities, life stages and interests
will be factors in how we fulfill this design.
The concept has application to us as
individuals and it also gives definition to our
corporate mission.
If you are a woman in the Methodist
Church and have never attended any
of the WSCS activities, you are still part
of us. Why? You are a woman in our
church body who needs to be
ministered to and needs to know that
God can use you to minister to others.
The Methodist Women’s Ministries of
the GC-WSCS offer opportunities for
every woman to share the abundant
life of Christ with family, Church,
schools and community. The GCWSCS will gather, train, equip and
release all women into vital kingdom
ministries, committing to the leading of
the Holy Spirit and be always Goddriven.
Thanks be to God!
The TRAC WSCS Annual Conference in Malacca.
He and his friends wanted to be there
to see what an American was like as
they have heard all kinds of stories
about Americans. That evening, Taylor
was not the speaker but Daniel O Fox,
one of Taylor’s assistants, preached.
The preaching was followed by many
testimonies of evangelical conversion.
One particular testimony had a hold on
him and it was the testimony of the lady
who would later become Mrs Marie
Oldham. Oldham described his
conversion at the evangelistic meeting:
“For the first time in my life I had heard
a distinct gospel statement, and for the
first time, I was distinctly invited to
choose God as Saviour and Friend. I
cannot tell the gladness of my heart at
the invitation. It seemed the only thing
to do was to accept it quickly. The
words were scarcely spoken when I
was on my feet, and soon there were
over twenty others with me. My
companions sat holding their chairs,
but apparently unwilling to rise. I was
the youngest of all three, but I cared
not at all.
The preacher was again speaking.
“Kneel down,” he said, “and tell God
you want to leave your sins and find in
Him your Saviour.”
At once, we were on our knees, but I
could not pray. It seemed as though
the surge of the sea was in my ears
and unspeakable but voiceless longing
was in my heart. How long we were
here I do not know. When I came to
myself the minister was beside me. The
people seemed to have ceased
kneeling and were going out …
By Rev Jonathan Seet
Pastor-in-charge
All the efforts the committee made in
getting a missionary teacher from
America failed. The Oldhams started
a Methodist school in Bangalore in their
own home which became the Baldwin
School of Bangalore. This launch into
education would continue to be his
passion for the rest of his life.
illiam Oldham was thirty
years of age when he
came to Singapore. He
was born on 15
December 1854 in Bangalore, South
India. His parents were Irish and
Roman Catholics. His father, James
Oldham, was a British Officer in the
Indian Regiment. When he was a baby,
his mother Mary Elizabeth Burling died,
and he was left in the care of the
servants (ayahs) in India. A missionary
taught him to pray nightly, “O Lord,
save me. O Lord Christ, convert me.”1
This he did for fifteen years almost
religiously. At fifteen, he entered the
Madras Christian College.
After his graduation, he first worked as
a teacher, then as an engineer doing
a “trigonometrical survey” of India. As
an engineer, he had to travel around
the subcontinent and while in Poona,
he fell very ill and this caused him to
reexamine his life. He went to an
evangelistic campaign wanting to listen
to William Taylor who was in India at
the invitation of James M Thoburn.
*To challenge them to respond to
God’s redemptive fellowship,
*To develop a personal responsibility
for the whole task of the Church.
An Introduction to William Oldham
An incidence that Oldham felt had great
significance was William Taylor praying
for him. He recalls, “One glad day,
William Taylor, returning from Bombay,
burst in upon us in our own home. In a
few minutes, we were at our ease with
him, and then he said, “Brothers, I
would like to pray with you.”
Immediately, we were on our knees
and God’s great servant prayed for
each in turn. He came to the youngest.
That night (the next evening), I found my
way to the class meeting. It has already
opened when I entered. They were talking
of their personal religious experiences. At
last, my turn came, and the leader asked
for my experience. I was embarrassed but
managed to stammer out that I did not know
anything about such matters, that I had been
told to come by the minister who preached
the night before, that I had had a very
unhappy day; would they please help me to
find my way to the Saviour I was speaking,
but had not found?
The class leader called the company to
prayer at once. They all knelt around me.
And oh! Such a chorus of earnest prayers
as began to be spoken! … While they
prayed, I somehow learned to pray for
myself. The sacred fire that burned in them
leaped to my poor heart, and I found myself
saying, “Friends, I have found my Lord,” and
I kept on using words that seemed given me,
for they were strange to my ears even as I
spoke them.”2
Oldham joined the Methodist church in
Poona and there he met Marie Mullingan
who would become his wife. In 1876,
Oldham was licensed as a Local Preacher
by the Poona Quarterly Conference. His next
assignment was in Bangalore and before he
went, he married Marie in order not to be
separated from her.
While in Bangalore, he found that the
Methodist people had difficulty in looking for
schools for the children because of the
reputation of the Methodists. The Methodists
were known for “their non-conformity with
the worldly ways” and were seen as a lowgrade pietistic movement and were often
made fun of. Oldham sat in a committee that
was looking at starting a school for Methodist
children to help them overcome these
religious ‘persecutions’.
“O God,” he said, “bless William
O l d h a m . Te a c h h i m t o e n d u r e
hardness as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ, and teach him that he who
hears must say come.”
Instantly there was born in that young
heart something like contempt for ease
and self-indulgence. And there rested
upon the young mind the beginning of
a deep conviction that God wanted him
to be separated as a witness-bearer.”
This was a call to him and the passing
on of the mantle of Taylor. Oldham
decided to enter the ministry.
In 1879, the Oldham left India to study
in Alleghany College in Meadville,
Pennsylvania (Thoburn’s Alma Mater)
and was later joined by his wife. A year
later, they transferred to Boston
University where Oldham graduated
with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1883.
Oldham joined the Missionary Society
of the Methodist Episcopal Church
while Marie spent a term at Mount
Holyoke Seminary. On their return to
India, “a stranger bishop whom we had
never seen stepped in to order us nine
days’ journey away to open a new work
with a penny to pay expenses or to
carry on with.” 3 The work was in
Singapore! Oldham wrote:
“I had prayed for some days that God
would make me willing to go to any post
in all India to which I might be sent,
and I at last had reached a point where
I felt, I was perfectly willing for any
place in all this empire; but it never
dawned upon my thoughts that they
would shoot me clear through the
empire, and fifteen hundred miles.”4
Oldham admitted in later years that he
was initially disappointed with his
appointment to Singapore. Before he
left for Singapore, he was ordained as
an elder on January 11, 1885. He
July Issue 2003 Pentecost TIMES 9
would be so engulfed in his work in
Singapore that he would neglect his
health. In less than five years, he said
that he was “reduced to a skeleton”.
Coming Events
Jul 12 Sat
1:00pm
WSCS AGM & Cooking Class
A cablegram from Thoburn, then his
bishop in form as well as in fact,
ordered his return to America. Oldham
had never been or near to rebellion.
Oldham’s response was: “It is very
easy for us humans to imagine we are
indispensable. But the habit of
obedience conquered and I got ready
to go in 36 hours.”5
Jul 19 Sat
4:00pm
GYM/Peranakan Cultural Night
Jul 26 Sat
2:30pm
Seminar: “Parents as Primary
Sex Educators”
He left behind his prospering work and
the unfulfilled dream of founding a
Christian College in Singapore. He
tried many times to return but his
health would not permit it. Oldham
was later elected as missionary
Bishop to the work in South-East Asia
where he visited his beloved work in
Singapore and while there, he had a
significant experience.
Oldham was also elected to the
Missionary Secretariat and also
became the Methodist Bishop for
South America. He died on March 27,
1937 in Los Angeles.
The conservative and evangelical
theological conviction of both the
founding figures of Methodism in
Singapore had a great influence on the
Methodist theology in Singapore as
they were the ones who decided who
they wanted to bring to join them in the
Methodist work in Singapore. The initial
missionaries reinforced these
theological stands. Having set the initial
tone and theology, it was difficult for
the later missionaries, some of whom
were very liberal in theology, to go
against this theological tide.
Some of the local clergy, because of
their training, became very liberal
and progressive in theology but
they were always viewed with
suspicion by the conservative laity. This
laity ensured and continued in the
heritage of the founding missionaries
and leading to a relatively conservative
and evangelical theology in the
Methodist Church.
Footnotes
1 Oldham, WF, God Keeps, A
Personal Testimony of Personal
Experiences, New York, Christian
Advocate, 1917, a series of six
articles. (Oct 25, 1917 issue p1103)
2 Christian Advocate, Nov 1, 1917
issue, p1136
3 Oldham, Christian Advocate Nov 15
issue, p1202
4 Doraisamy, Theodore, Oldham
Called of God, Singapore:
Methodist Book Room, 1979, p27
5 Oldham, Christian Advocate Nov 15
issue, p1203.
10 Pentecost TIMES July Issue 2003
THE BOYS’ BRIGADE
True Christian Men
T
Christian Education Classes
Jul 27 Sun
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Sodom & Gomorrah – Real Event?
Aug 3 – 31 (Sun)
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Responsible Bible Reading
Sep 7 – 28 (Sun)
1:30pm – 3:00pm
Old Testament Panorama
Sep 13 – Nov 8 (Sat)
4:00pm – 5:30pm
Masterlife 1
he Object of The Boys’
Brigade shall be the
advancement of Christ’s
Kingdom among Boys and the
promotion of habits of obedience,
reverence, discipline, self-respect,
and all that tend towards true
Christian manliness.
Next Baptism & Membership Class
Sep 13 – Nov 1 (Sat)
2:30pm – 5:30pm
(English)
Sep 21 – Nov 23 (Sun)
3:30pm – 4:30pm
(Mandarin)
Nov 16 Sun
Adult Baptism (English)
Nov 23 Sun
Reception into Membership (English)
Dec 14 Sun
Baptism & Reception into Membership (Mandarin)
Dec 25 Thu
Infant Baptism (English & Mandarin)
Highlights
Aug 9
Church-wide Event – Amazin*G* Race
- Racing: form teams to explore Singapore
- Praising: reassemble @ PMC for praise & thanksgiving
- Grazing: fellowship meal to round up
Dec 10-13
T
Company’s Vision
E
The BB aims to equip the Boys and
Officers to enable them to contribute
to the Company and make an impact
in the lives of the Boys, in the family,
brigade, district, community, church
and school so as to make a Kingdom
Difference.
Church Camp
Time of fun, bonding & learning together
S
T
I
M
O
N
Goals of BB
I
A
L
S
I come from a non-Christian family background, knowing nothing about
Christ. However through the BB Christian Education (CE) programme and
weekly devotions, Christ was introduced to me. In the beginning, I thought
that Christianity was not my cup of tea but thank God, He did not give up
on me.
God revealed to me one very simple point, that He loves us all while we
were yet sinners and that He came to die for our sins and not for our
goodness. This led me to receive Christ into my life when I was in Sec 3.
Through Sunday School and the CE programme, God helped me to grow
in my faith and changed my values and character from an irresponsible
and selfish person to a responsible and helpful person.
WO Teo Teck Hui, NCO Council Chairman 2003
The BB has developed my character and moral values based on the
teaching of Christ. I realised the importance of integrity, physical and mental
endurance, and self-discipline. The company has given me the opportunity
to lead the NCO Council over the last two years and that is where I began
building up my self-confidence by leading a big group of Boys. Whenever
I face problems, officers will always be there to give me advice and the
Boys will be there to support me.
Mr Ong Bang Shi, Officer
Specifically, these Boys and
Officers will build, develop
and grow in character; be a
loyal and responsible citizen;
develop leadership potential;
and promote physical fitness.
The method of achieving
these goals is by providing
a meaningful and enjoyable
Educational, Physical,
S o c i a l , a n d Spiritual
By Mr Poh Leong Berg
Captain, The Boys’ Brigade.
programme. Through the framework of ranks,
uniform, drill and badges, the habits of
discipline, self-respect, grooming, leadership
and teamwork are developed in each Boy
according to his needs and his capacity.
Blessings
The Lord has always been good and faithful
towards the Company. He always
encourages us with abundant blessing when
the challenges are tough. He multiplied his
blessings when we surrender all to Him.
Such blessings have spurred the officers
and the senior Boys to work harder and
persevere in His Ministry, reaching out to
the youth and sharing Christ with the Boys
in Springfield Secondary School.
Many fruits are being produced as we allow
Him to be the vine and we the branches.
Boys are coming to accept Christ as their
Lord and Saviour, the average Boys’
attendance has increased to 45, the number
of Officers serving has increased from 13 to
16, and various awards have been received.
We see God’s bountiful blessings poured out
to the Company as we allow Him to be our
Shepherd and Captain.
AREAS OF HELP NEEDED
@ THE BOYS’ BRIGADE
To share the Word of God to the Boys
on Saturdays or at camps;
To provide expertise in various
activities such as First Aid,
naturalist, camping, leadership skills
& craft;
To be mentors to Senior NCOs;
To continue to pray and support us
in whatever ways you can so that
together we can help transform the
Boys of today into leaders of
tomorrow.
A
C
H
I
E
V
E
M
E
N
T
S
JM Fraser Award for Excellence
Silver — 2000
Gold — 2001
Gold — 2002
Founder’s Award
2 Boys — 2000/2001/2002
Senior Proficiency Star
6 Boys — 2000/2001/2002
National Drill Competition
Silver — 2001
BB Week
Silver — 2000
Silver — 2001
Gold — 2002
Highest Boy Collection — 2002
SP Chua Challenge Trophy — 2002
National Youth Achievement Award
8 Silver & 7 Bronze — 2000
7 Silver & 7 Bronze — 2002
BB AdventureQuest Competition
4th Position / Gold — 2002 (Boys’ Category)
2nd Position — 2002 (Officers’ Category)
Goh Foundation (Wee Kim Wee)
Gold Award
3 Boys — 2002
2 Boys — 2003
July Issue 2003 Pentecost TIMES 11
THE GIRLS’ BRIGADE
Did You Know...
id you know that the Girls’
Brigade started in PMC in
1966 as the 10th Singapore
Company. However, due
to poor enrolment the company went
into recess in 1980 and the Company’s
number was reassigned in 1996.
D
A New Beginning
In 1998, a group of GB girls wanted to
continue with the Brigade movement
after leaving the 29th Company (Yumin
Primary School). After seeking out
various schools in the East, they found
a willing partner in Springfield
Secondary School, who was
supportive of the Brigade movement
and was even gracious to nurture girls
from other schools. In 1999, they went
on another search and found
Pentecost Methodist Church who was
willing to sponsor them. This marked
the beginning of the 44th Singapore
Company and PMC’s involvement in
this life-transforming ministry.
By Ms. Joy Lim
What We Do
The Programme of The Girls’ Brigade is
concerned with the Spiritual, Physical,
Educational and Social development of
members. It is based on Luke 2:52 — “Jesus
advanced in wisdom (educationally) and
stature (physically) and in favour with God
(spiritually) and man (socially).”
Our weekly programme consists of devotions,
drills, games and badgework. We conduct
annual camps and outdoor activities such as
ropes course and orienteering. To cater to
the social needs, we have also organized
outings and combined games day with PMC
youths and the Boys’ Brigade.
This year we celebrate our 5th anniversary
with our theme “God is Good”. We want to
give thanks and praise God for bringing
more girls into our midst for us to share with
them the good news of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Our enrolment has grown
substantially from 13 girls to 45 girls in
the past five years and many of the girls
come from non-Christian homes. It is
our aim to “help girls become followers
of the Lord Jesus Christ through
reverence, self-control and a sense of
responsibility to find true enrichment of
life”. Thus we encourage members of
PMC to volunteer their time to
participate in this ministry.
Be Part of This
Ministry
We invite you to partner with us in The
Girls’ Brigade ministry. Your help can
come in the form of short or long-term
commitment in the following areas:
* Leading in Devotions – A half an
hour’s sharing from God’s Word.
* Helping in Badgework – Over a span
of two to five weeks, conduct lessons
on specific topics in which materials or
lesson plans are provided. In some
instances, we teach the girls specific
skills such as flower arrangement,
social ettiquette, First Aid and
canoeing. Each session per week is
about 45 minutes.
* Be chaperons for our outdoor
activities.
* Be a Volunteer Adult Leader (VAL).
To find out more about GB, do come
and talk to the girls and officers during
our GB fortnight (13 July 03 to 26
July 03). We will be in church to share
with you our GB experience.
PMC @ Pasir Ris is committed to raising faithful disciples, caring for one another
and reaching the community for Jesus Christ.
Pastoral and Ministry Staff:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rev Jonathan Seet Pastor-in-Charge E-mail: [email protected]
Pastor Dianna Khoo Assistant Pastor E-mail: [email protected]
Mr Jimmy Wong TRAC Co-ordinator Peranakan Ministry E-mail: [email protected]
Mrs Jen Yoke Lin Church Manager E-mail: [email protected]
Mr Solomon Jesudasan Lay Executive Staff (Discipleship & Nurture/Missions )
Miss Debby Lee Lay Executive Staff (Mandarin Ministry) E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Ho Hoe Sing Lay Executive Staff (Family Life/Counselling/Small Groups) E-mail: [email protected]
Ms Sabrina Cher Administrator E-mail: [email protected]
Joshua Loo Lay Executive Staff (Youth Ministry) E-mail: [email protected]
•
•
•