Uphill & Beyond - April to July 2014

“FOR JUST AS EACH OF US HAS ONE BODY WITH MANY MEMBERS, AND THESE MEMBERS DO NOT ALL HAVE THE SAME FUNCTION, SO IN CHRIST WE, THOUGH MANY, FORM ONE BODY AND

EACH MEMBER BELONGS TO ALL THE OTHERS.” (ROMANS 12:4-54)

SO CHRIST HIMSELF GAVE THE ApOSTLES, THE pROpHETS, THE EVANGELISTS, THE pASTORS AND TEACHERS, TO EqUIp HIS pEOpLE FOR WORkS OF SERVICE, SO THAT THE BODY OF CHRIST MAY BE BUILT Up UNTIL WE ALL REACH UNITY IN THE FAITH AND IN THE kNOWLEDGE OF THE SON OF GOD AND BECOME MATURE, ATTAINING TO THE WHOLE MEASURE OF THE FULLNESS OF CHRIST. (EphESiANS 4:11)

ApRIL TO JULY 2014

MICA(P)093/2/12/2013

BRMC TO SHINE FORTH FOR JESUS FOR THE

SAkE OF THE WORLD

A pUBLICATION BY BARkER ROAD

METHODIST CHURCH

Front PagePhotographer: Moses Goh

3 The Pastor Speaks4 BRMC is 58!5 BRMC URS 7th Anniversary Service & Celebration6 Thank You, Mrs April Khoo7 Welcome, New Staff8 BRMC Newcomers’ Lunch9 BRMC Holy Week Services18 BRMC 8.30am Choir Report

House oF salvation22 BRMC WSCS GOD@Work Report on Bringing the Word to the Marketplace23 BRMC W&E Seminar: The Other 6 Days

House oF ComPassion24 BRMC OSC Ministry Report: Funerals are for the Living

Publisher: Rev Malcolm T H TanEditor : Corinne Teo (LMS)Editorial Support: Dr Jeanette Hui, Mrs Sally Tan, Mrs Lee Tan LynnPhotographer: BRMC Volunteers

48 Barker Road Singapore 309917 • Tel: 6256 4298 • Fax 6255 4030 •Email: [email protected]

MICA(P)093/2/12/2013

House oF Bread26 BRMC 10.30am Pre-Primary Sunday School Graduation27 BRMC Small Groups Ministry Day Conference on Becoming God’s Agents of Change and Silent Retreat on Opening A Larger Part of Ourselves to God.

House oF Prayer30 BRMC Marriage Preparation Class32 A Woman’s Heart Be For Christ

sPeCial Features33 Tribute to the Girls of the Boys’ Brigade35 BRMCK Report Educating with a Difference36 Congratulations37 Farewell, Rev Andum Sutrisno

38 Announcements

40 Upcoming Events

Uphill & Beyond welcomes article contributions on all aspects of church life at BRMC.

Do you have a passion for writing? BRMC needs you!

If you are keen to contribute, do contact:[email protected] or sms/call 96211974

CONTENTS

Dear Members and Friends of BRMC

Greetings in Jesus Precious Name

Life is full of important occasions and events. It is those milestones that contribute to our experience and growth. Praise the Lord that BRMC celebrated her 58th Anniversary this year. The report can be found on page 35 of this Uphill & Beyond. We are grateful that the TRAC President Rev Dr Gordon Wong came and challenged the Church on our Anniversary Sunday to always live a life of kindness. His message came in stories, song and sermon, delighting the congregation.

As we get older, we hopefully get wiser as well. That wisdom will come from maturity as we learn from life’s many lessons. Besides the challenge of ‘church growth’, the Church must learn to grow up as well. But the church is not a building nor a programme. The church is all about us. As the catchy hymn says: “I am the church, You are the church, We are the church together.” (UMH 558)

May we, as a Congregation at BRMC, learn to be older and wiser people in our 58th year. May we relate to each other with the same kindness that we hope to receive from others as well. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). To God Be the Glory!

Grace and Peace

Rev Malcolm Tan oslPastor-In-Charge

rev see swee Fangat Bukit Batok

Preaching Point

rev edmund KohPastor

rev malcolm tanPastor-in-Charge

rev lawrence tC ChuaPastor

rev dr Chiu ming liPastor

rev daniel terence yeo Pastor

THE pASTOR SpEAkS

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APrIl to JUlY 2014uphill & beyond

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58TH ANNIVERSARYSERVICE

On May 18, to mark our 58th Anniversary, Rev Dr Gordon Wong our TRAC President preached at our Sanctuary services. Rev Dr Wong preached from Matthew 22:35 on the Greatest Commandment and the most fundamental reason for living. His sermon entitled “Jesus and the meaning of Life”, reminded us that the central and most important thing in our lives should be to love God first with our entire beings. When we choose God as the love of our lives, we would be gradually shaped by God to love the things He loves. In so doing, we learn to love others.

The bulletin cover for all the services on BRMC’s 58th Anniversary features our

sanctuary façade

10.30am Sunday School children gave the postlude at the 10.30am service

TRAC President Rev Dr Gordon Wong leading us to sing Glen Campbell’s “Try A Little Kindness”

Rev Dr Wong shared that if we make the love of God our priority, we will then be able to find true fulfillment and real meaning in our lives. His lively message was full of engaging stories.

The congregation was delighted to join in Rev Dr Wong’s rendition of Glen Campbell’s “Try A Little Kindness” as well as the postlude during the 10.30am service by the Sunday School pre-schoolers.

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The Upper Room turned 7 this year. We praise God for His faithfulness in leading the URS congregation thus far. Church member Ong Hui Nah writes an account of the proceedings at the service and celebration which took place on March 23, 2014. We praise God for His faithfulness to the ministry of the Upper Room Service in BRMC.

As the shofar trumpeted and the congregation proclaimed praises to God, the Upper Room Service (URS) commenced. The fragrant and powerful presence of God remained with us throughout the 7th Anniversary Service as well as the celebration party that followed – from the time of worship, to the public declaration and dedication of the URS committee members, to the encouraging testimony by one of our congregation, to Rev Malcolm Tan’s challenge to go and make disciples and finally as we moved to Oldham Hall for the celebration event.

Oldham Hall was beautifully decked to match the theme of “Presenting to the Lord our First Fruits”, with fruits and flowers on every table. Indeed, a highlight of the event was writing on a slip of paper illustrated with a fruit-laden tree what we would commit to offer to God as our first fruits this year. The celebration started with a procession of waving flags, each a representative of our different areas of service, each member coming together as One Body of Christ. Benjamin BC Tan, the chairman of the URS committee, gave a speech in which he urged us all to be a blessing to others.

Besides being entertained by a well-choreographed instrumental performance by Oldham Hall boarders and a lovely lively dance by the Creative Arts Ministry, those at the occasion also actively took part as everyone danced following instructions from the compere and the dancers. Next, all of us sang the ‘birthday song’ for URS’s 7th Anniversary, blew the candles and cut the cake before we enjoyed a buffet whilst a ‘Bible Quiz’ ensued, keeping our children engaged with prizes for correct answers.

It was truly a memorable 7th Anniversary Service and Celebration.

BrMC UPPer rooM ServICe (UrS)

BY ong HUI nAH

URS7TH ANNIVERSARY

SERVICE & CELEBRATION

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THANk YOU,MRS ApRIL kHOO

BRMC held a farewell lunch for our dedicated and faithful Finance and Administration Manager Mrs April Khoo, who retired at the end of April 2014. Mrs Khoo served 14 years with us and has left a lasting impression on all who worked with her. I had the pleasure of serving alongside her in BRMC’s Witness & Evangelism Ministry’s ALPHA course in 2009. We pray that BRMC continues to be a blessing to her and her family as she moves into her new season of retirement. Here is Mrs April Khoo’s parting words, as well as photos of the farewell lunch held on April 3 at the ACS-Oldham Hall Cafeteria.

Hi April, in your 14 years of service with BRMC, what stood out most for you? Have you met people and learnt things that have made a lasting impression? What will you be looking forward to in your retirement?

Mrs April Khoo with BRMC leaders, pastors and staff at the Farewell Lunch on April 3, 2014

It feels so recent that I first stepped into the Church office in the year 2000 when BRMC was moved to the temporary location at Swiss Cottage. The Church was undergoing redevelopment at that time. Among the many tasks I had to do as the Administrator of the Church, the redevelopment project stood out most for me. I’d never imagine I had to

wear a smelly helmet and heavy sweaty boots to tread the muddy, uneven grounds of the Barker Road Campus with the redevelopment Chairman Mr Tan Khye Suan as we inspected the sites and attended meetings there. Nonetheless, thanks to this valuable experience, I am now better protected against potential rip-offs by contractors!

What a joy and yes, what a great relief for me when we moved back to the brand new sanctuary on December 21 2002 for our opening service!

When I joined BRMC, it was a small office of about 18 persons with the church membership fewer than 1,200 members.

Today the staff strength is 45 while the church membership has climbed steadily to nearly 2,500. The journey has been challenging but fulfilling. Whenever I was caught in a sticky situation and cried to God for help, He had never failed me. Indeed I am grateful to God for His grace and guidance as He saw me through the last 14 years of service in BRMC.

Throughout this time, I have made new friends both in the office and in the Church. I take this opportunity to thank everyone in the office (especially those who have laboured with me since 2000/2001) and in the church for working alongside me all these years. Many have been affirming and encouraging, for which I am very grateful.

When colleagues and friends learned of my retirement, invariably they would ask, “So what do you plan to do during your retirement?” My wise brother gave me the answer:” We retire from work but we cannot retire from life!” So as I enter into a new season of life, I shall look out for new opportunities to serve, within and beyond the Hills.

Rev Malcolm Tan with Mrs April Khoo working,

for 14 years together

Rev Dr Chiu Ming, invited to pray for Mrs April Khoo at the Farewell Lunch

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In conjunction with the early retirement of Mrs April Khoo as of end April 2014, Mr David Phua has since assumed the role of Director of Finance and Administration covering the area of Finance, Human Resource and Information Technology in the church office as of May 2014. He has since taken on the full responsibility of the day to day operations of the church office and other related duties. We ask that you pray with us as he begins a new season of service in God’s church.

Family of David Phua & Pamela, Top Right Eldest son Jeremy & Michelle, Top Left 2nd son Val & Theresa, Bottom Right Youngest son Nicky

Steven Tan with his wife Pauline and kids

WELCOME, NEW STAFF

WELCOME, NEW STAFF WE WELCOME NEW LAY

pROFESSIONAL STAFF (LpS), STEVEN TAN

I acknowledge and praise the Lord for opening doors for me in the Barker Road Methodist Church office and allowing me to serve in the capacity of Finance & Administration Director.

Our family was baptized in BRMC in 1996 and has been worshiping at the 10.30am Service. My wife, Pamela, is actively involved in the Creative Arts Ministry. We have 3 sons who grew up in the ACS family. Our eldest sons, Jeremy and Val have set up their own nests, while our youngest son, Nicky is currently in his final year of Accountancy study at SMU.

It is with God’s Grace that the warmth and familiarity of the church environment allows me to phase in quickly and seamlessly in this new assignment.

I look forward to your support as we work hand-in-hand to fulfill the Church’s mission. God Bless David Phua

Hi BRMC family!

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! I am the new LPS for D&N, Oldham Hall, ACS Barker and ACS Primary Ministries. I’m blessed with my wife, Pauline, and 2 young kids - Timothy and Joyce. Previously, I was dealing with numbers, brick and mortar in the real estate industry for more than 10 years. I am truly excited with the opportunity to serve with the BRMC family and to journey with all of you in the faith. Please feel free to come and talk to me when you see me around as BRMC is a relatively new community to me.

Besides spending time with my family, I like to read, play my guitar and enjoy God’s presence in nature and the vast sea, windsurfing.

Shalom and Blessings! Steven Tan

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NEWCOMERS’LUNCH

BRMC played host to visitors, friends and newly baptized and confirmed members of our church in a recent Newcomers’ Lunch held on May 18 from 12.30 to 2pm at the Oldham Hall Dining Hall. Pastors, leaders and church workers were on hand that day to familiarize the newcomers on the many happenings of our church in terms of courses, events and gatherings. BRMC hosts 2 of such lunches each year and are delighted to see an attendance of 120 at this lunch. We thank the BRMC Witness & Evangelism Ministry and our Lay Ministry Staff Steve Chelvan for all the hard work in organizing this event. Praise the Lord! Here is the event in photos taken by Leong Chin Yee (LMS).

Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li at a table sharing about church life with newcomers

Betty Ong (LMS) and Church member Andrew Yapmaking new friends

LCEC Chairman Lui Chong Chee discussing BRMC church life with the guests

Members of our GYM Ministry ready to mingle with guests

Church members John and Jenny Folk with a guest

Low Kee Hong (LMS) shares on the Small Group Ministry at BRMC

BRMC Leaders, members and staff helping guests feel at home at our Newcomers’ Lunch

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pALM SUNDAY To mark the start of Holy week, 10:30 am Pre-Primary Sunday School kicked off with 2 events: The Palm Sunday Parade and Easter Sunday celebrations on April 13 and 20 respectively. On Palm Sunday, God’s little ones re-enacted Jesus entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, which took place more than 2,000 years ago. The Lord Jesus in the procession was played by 4-year old Jin Lim. The parade began with the distribution of the palm leaves to the children, as they lined-up in 2 rows. To welcome ‘Jesus’ to ‘Jerusalem’, the children were told to wave their branches of palm leaves. As it is written, “Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your king is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” (John 12:15) The event was marked with the special song –“HOSANNA”, which means ‘Save Us Now’! Laughter could be heard from across the hallway. Everyone had a great time as we came to the close of the Palm Sunday Parade.

“Hosanna, to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest” (Matthew 21:9)

“JeSUS’ trIUMPHAl entrYInto JerUSAleM!!”

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“JeSUS IS AlIve”

EASTER SUNDAYRESURRECTION

DAY

“He is not here! He has risen, just as He said.” (Matthew 28:6)

In remembrance of Lord Jesus’ resurrection we celebrated Easter the following Sunday. The message for the children: Jesus is alive! On Good Friday, we remember the sacrifice that God made by sending His son Jesus to the world to die for our sins. Jesus was crucified then died on the cross. However, on the third day, there was an empty tomb because Jesus rose from the dead!

We celebrated the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014. This Easter, a week after our Palm Sunday celebration on April 13, 2014, the 10:30am Pre-Primary Sunday School enjoyed a special skit put together by Aunty Ai Boon. With the help of many parents, children, teachers and volunteers, the whole cast performed the scene from the time Jesus was put into the tomb till the day He rose. What a joy it was to remember that day!

Samuel Thoeng showing hiscompleted tomb craft

The children also made tomb crafts to remember the miracle of Jesus. How delightful it was to see the children’s smiles as they lifted the “rock” to see an “empty tomb” and that Jesus was not there.

As part of the celebration, each child was presented with quail eggs and chocolates eggs to bring home.

The children ended the celebration by proclaiming the great acclamation loudly:

“Christ has died;Christ has risen;Christ will come again!”

We would like to thank all parents, volunteers, Aunty Patsy, Aunty Ai Boon and all the Sunday School teachers for their support and contributions in making both our events possible.

This was certainly a blessed Easter!

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HOLY WEEk RENEWAL

SERVICES 2014

BRMC held its Holy Week Renewal Service from April 14 to 16. The nightly evening talks were given by Joseph Chean, Executive Director, Youth With A Mission (YWAM) Singapore. These were entitled The Bridegroom and His Bride (April 14), The Master, I am His Servant (April 15) and The King, I Am His Child (April 16). John Marsalin, an expatriate working in Singapore for the past 4 years, visits our church regularly to worship with us. John had attended the talks and shares what touched him most. May you be blessed by his reflections. In addition, at the bottom section of this page, he shares with us his own personal testimony of God’s love and grace in BRMC during his time of need.

In the conversation between the Lord Jesus and His disciples about His coming and the signs of His coming in Matthew 24, the focus was not on the timing of His coming but on GETTING READY for Jesus.

So how do we get ready? Matthew 25 shows us how.

In the Parable of the 10 Virgins, Jesus is the Bridegroom who will come for His bride. We are

to ready ourselves to meet our Bridegroom by developing a deep and intimate relationship with Him. We should not merely pursue God to do things for us. We should pursue God to hear His heart, His thoughts and His feelings for the people around us, the company we keep, our working situation, our immediate community, our country as well as the nations at large. We should know what God’s dreams are for the world. God wants to confide in us (Psalm 25:14) and show us His nature which is full of love and mercy.

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus is the Master who has given each one of us resources according to our capacity to use them. The more that we have been given, the greater our accountability. We should learn how to seek God on how best to use the resources which are not for us alone to enjoy. We

IN THANkSGIVING…A SHARING BY JOHN MARSALIN

I was in need of accommodation last year. One Sunday after service, I was at the right side of the altar earnestly praying for this need. Before I stepped out of the Church I saw the hand of God move. As I greeted Rev Malcolm Tan that day, he specifically asked me if I had a good place to stay and was kind enough to put it up in the church bulletin. Also at another Sunday service, when Rev Tan mentioned my name and my need for accommodation during the service to the congregation, my heart was reminded that God knows us by name. I went back home rejoicing as God had attended to my prayer, thinking to myself that no matter the outcome God is in control. I testify to God’s goodness and kindness even in a foreign land and congregation. Thanks to the Pastor for being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

John Marsalin receiving prayer at the altar during Renewal Service.

should learn how not to be tight-fisted with God (Deuteronomy 15:7-11) and yield all our resources and ultimately all of our lives to Him (John 12:24-26).

Jesus gives us a clear depiction of what will really happen when He comes in the description of the Sheep and Goats. Jesus will be the King who will set apart those who have done justice and loved mercy (Micah 6:8). In order to do justice and love mercy, we must learn humility (Matthew 5:3) and brokenness. Joseph Chean described brokenness in this way: “Brokenness is not a journey”, brokenness is a destination. You are not to experience brokenness and get away with it, so that you may be strong. You have to enter into brokenness and remain broken. Unless you stay in brokenness you will never understand what it means to love mercy”. We should learn to be a people that desire to embody Christ’s presence to the poor and needy in humility (Matthew 25:35-40).

In summary, to be ready for Jesus, we need to:1. Cultivate a deep relationship with the Lord. Learn to be a

friend of the Lord. Spend unhurried time with Him.2. Learn to hold everything we have with open palms to God.

Learn to recognize that our responsibility to God is to enjoy and use our resources for the building of God’s kingdom on earth.

3. Attend to the poor and needy around us and be discipled by them. Encounter God daily when we embrace humility engaging the poor.

Joseph Chean sharing the Word

Are We reADY to Meet JeSUS?

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Armchair DevotionWe are entirely agreeable to being “spectator Christians”, Christians in name but not in Spirit. We enjoy being devoted to Jesus from our comfortable armchairs, where we can pick and choose what we want to obey and believe. Armchair devotion is all about being devoted to Jesus when it suits us, similar to selecting what television programme to watch from our comfortable armchairs. Of course we will choose to watch the programme that we like, and of course we will merely be spectators of the scenes and action that play out before our eyes, but that’s the way we like it, isn’t it? Because participating in the real action is frightening, painful and costly.

Following at a distancePeter was devoted to Jesus and so he followed the guards all the way to Pilate’s house. Even though he loved Jesus, he was not ready to be identified and judged with Jesus, and so he followed, but at a distance. What does following Jesus at a distance look like in our lives? Perhaps it is being a Sunday Christian. Perhaps it is living a double life. Perhaps it is being an undercover Christian: We come to church religiously every Sunday and lift our hands in worship, but when we go back to work, we engage in office politics and gossip, praying silently that no one finds out we are Christians.

MAUNDYTHURSDAY

We love Jesus, of course we do! Which Christian would say otherwise? And we would follow Him wherever He leads us, anywhere, anytime, to the ends of the earth if need be. However, when following Jesus starts to cost us, and to cost us much, we think again about following Him too closely; we start to re-evaluate our devotion to Him. On Maundy Thursday April 17, Rev Edmund Koh preached from Matthew 26:31–35, 69–75. His sermon was entitled Too Close For Comfort. Church member Zaneta Heng writes her reflections on Rev Koh’s sermon which was followed by Holy Communion. Here are photos of that night and Zaneta’s thoughts on the message from Rev Koh.

Ready to fight, not ready to dieWhen the guards came to arrest Jesus, Peter drew his sword and prepared to fight them to the death. However, when it came to being identified with Jesus at Pilate’s house, Peter denied Christ three times vehemently. Are we only willing to follow Jesus when it involves personal glory and heroism? Do we shy away from lack-lustre situations which require our sacrifice but no human recognition?

Can following Jesus wholeheartedly, dying to our desires and dreams, and being devoted to Jesus in the face of opposition be too close for comfort? As the sermon’s title Too Close For Comfort suggests, for many of us, the answer is Yes. If this resonates with you, then maybe it’s time to come back to the person of Jesus, what He stands for and what He is all about – the Jesus who is alive today, the Jesus who is God over all.

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GOOD FRIDAY Our Good Friday April 18 message by Reverend Malcolm Tan was entitled: The Cross Will Be Celebrated in Heaven. The passage of scripture commended to us for the day was Revelations 5:1-14. On this page, Yeo Yee Ying presents to us the salient points of the message and on the next page are her own reflections from it.

In Revelations 5:1-14, three events of significance took place in heaven, witnessed by John the Revelator:

1) Crisis in heaven (vs 1-4)2) Breakthrough in heaven (vs 5-7)3) Celebration in heaven (vs 8-14)

The crisis of “no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth” (Revelations 5:3) being worthy to break the seven seals of the scroll and open it to look within, was brought to a jubilant conclusion because “the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has triumphed” (Revelations 5:5) and He “had been slain” (Revelations 5:6) so that His victory made Him alone worthy to open the seals. This epochal moment in the history of creation was then melded into the pouring forth of a new song by the four living creatures and twenty four elders who now joyfully worship the Lamb who was slain for the sins of the world.

From the perspective of His victory and heaven’s celebration, three important messages are enfolded before us because we are now given:

1) A New Song2) A New Strategy3) A New Humanity

The New Song is contrasted with the old songs that were sung in Revelations 4:8 and 11, which were in celebration of the majesty and sovereignty of God’s nature, and His grace as our Creator that is reflected in creation. With the celebration of Good Friday and Christ’s redemption of our lives through what He has done for us on the cross, we now join in with heaven to

WHAT THE MESSAGE WAS ABOUT

sing a new song. And in as much as we are called to sing the new song of His victory on Good Friday, we are not to forget the old ones, which speak of His eternal and unchanging nature, teaching us the fear of the Lord.

The New Strategy is in God’s calling out a people for Himself, for He was slain and has now purchased us and made us His own for Himself. We are required to learn about the nature of God’s plan so that we may dutifully follow what He is doing amongst us, carrying out the will of God through our lives.

The New Humanity is found in God’s declaration of the priesthood of all believers, and in that we have been all saved to serve. We are all lesser servants of the Chief Servant who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). In our new humanity in Christ, there is neither distinction nor any place for discrimination between the many ethnicities of the world, for He has “purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.” (Revelations 5:9)

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I was struck by the truth of the worthiness of the Lamb, in stark contrast to our own unworthiness. The pastor opened the sermon reminding us that Good Friday tells us how ugly we can be, and drew our minds and hearts to the amazing immensity and infinity of God’s love for us, that He should yet still die for persons as unworthy as we are of Him. I pressed myself to think as to why the Lamb alone should be worthy, and the answer was given to me in Revelations 5:9: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain…”

By His one single act of selfless love on the cross, He gave His life that you and I may live, and be considered worthy in the eyes of God, not because we are worthy, but because the Lamb, alone, is. Because He shed His precious blood for me on the cross, He bestowed worth upon my worthless nature, borne out of a deep and incomprehensible love for me. My eternal life in Christ is a gift that is dearly bought, for it cost Him everything, and for this reason, it only compels me to respond to Him in love and adoration, for He alone is worthy to be worshipped and praised.

Although most of us think of Good Friday as a day of sorrow and darkness, for it is when Christ was slain, I was reminded to turn my attention to the blazing light of His victory which now shines into our hearts, for it was by His death on the cross that He defeated sin and death, and bought us our lives for eternity. God has turned the painful and bitter moment of His death on the cross into something good for all of us, and we can now find in Him the victory and the hope of life eternal that is now in us.

I find deep comfort in the knowledge of Christ’s victory for me, which speaks of an unspeakable love. Now I know with full assurance, that not only does Christ love me, He loves me so that He died for me, and the cross is no longer only just a symbol of Christ’s suffering, but also one of hope and joy, because I know that He has triumphed over death and now lives forevermore. And because He lives, we shall live also.

The Pastor giving the benediction that Good Friday morning at the 10.30am Sanctuary Service

pERSONAL REFLECTIONS ON THE SERMON ON GOOD FRIDAY BY YEO YEE YING

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We were challenged from the exposition that day to start each day with a sense of mission, fully conscious that God is with us, that the brightness of dawn represents renewed hope and confidence in a God with whom nothing is impossible. We examined closely the power of the resurrection within the verses at hand, how God allowed us to feel the impact of angels (Matthew 28:2) to demonstrate the Resurrection power of the Father (Ephesians 1:19-20) that Christ, weighed down with the sorrows of the earth was raised up. In recognition of this we were tasked with asking God daily to lift us up from the sins that drag us down. As Jesus told them in Matthew 28:10 to meet Him in lowly Galilee and not lofty Jerusalem, we realize that God comes to meet us where we are, Jesus knows and acknowledges our fears and weaknesses, He wants to walk alongside us. Hallelujah! Our Pastor-In-Charge, Rev Malcolm Tan gave the Easter greetings, said grace before the much anticipated Easter Breakfast and closed the service with the Benediction.

Arriving in anticipation to meet with the Resurrected Lord

BRMC Filipino Ministry Chancel Choir Rev Lawrence Chua receiving the offering from the ushers

Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li sharing the Easter message that morning

PHotoS BY KeSter tAn

EASTER SUNRISESERVICE

At the Easter Sunrise Service on April 20, Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li preached from Matthew 28:1-10 in a sermon entitled The Darkness at Dawn. Devastated to find an empty tomb, the disciples were left with nothing but abject disillusionment that no trace was left behind of Jesus their Friend, except fond memories of having shared their lives with Him. They had received much life- giving truth from Him, walked with Him, healed with Him and touched lives with Him. It was only when Jesus appeared to them and told them “Do not be afraid. Go to Galilee; there they will see me” (Matthew 28:10) that the disciples were delivered into joy and hope once again.

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EASTER PEOPLE IN PRAISE AND ADORATION OF THE RISEN KING AT THE SUNRISE SERvICE

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Praise the Lord for the Boys’ Brigade 12 Coy for their help in arranging the chairs at the start of the service. When the service ended, the Pastor acknowledged the good work of the BB boys and everyone got involved in helping stack up the chairs

We want to extend a special thanks to the ladies in our WSCS Ministry for their hard work in organizing the sumptuous breakfast at the Sunrise Service.

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BrMC 8.30AM CHoIr

BY PHIlIP PoH (lMS)

MARkING THE NEW CHRISTIAN

LITURGICAL YEAR

Methodist Churches follow the Christian Liturgical Year at our worship services. The 8.30am Sanctuary Choir had opened the new Liturgical year with a fresh focus on ministry to bless each other in the Choir and the community at BRMC. We aspire to explore different genres of songs and styles of presentation. We look for more opportunities to involve families and children in the worship services. And we have found more opportunities to serve and bless BRMC through such forms of presentations.

The season of Lent (covering the milestones of Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday and Good Friday) gave us another opportunity to publicly invite others, whom we affectionately called “seasonal singers”, to join us for our presentations. We also shaped the opportunity to give families and children a space to sing with us. We were glad to see a good number joining us, with several new faces and from unexpected avenues.

Here we are at Good Friday worship service. We had a group of 5 children and they sat at the front row through

the whole service.

The “seasonal singers” who responded to our invitation to join us for the

occasion. They continued with us into Easter Sunday worship service.

Good Friday at BRMC

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We must specially thank these 5 children who joined us for these 2 services and commend their parents for facilitating their time with us. May their time with us be a foundation for their singing the praises for God in the days ahead.

The children who joined us (from left): Shane, Johann, Ashley, Bryant and Kaiser

Kaiser with his parents mother Margie (who also joined us in the Choir) and father Mr Kao

Ashley and her mother Rowena Yee

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We needed help to shape ourselves to present the anthem “He is not here” at Easter Sunday. Help did come, unexpectedly.

Rebecca Chellappah, who was with us at the Carol service last year FOLLOW THE STAR, FOLLOW THE KING, was in Singapore for a choral presentation the week before Easter Sunday. She graciously stopped by and patiently led us through the finer points of the anthem.

Aldersgate Sunday, when we commemorate the “heart-warming” experience of John Wesley that ignited his ministry and led to the Methodist movement, presented us with another opportunity to serve and bless BRMC.

This time, we presented as Anthem, the favourite Wesleyan hymn “And Can it Be?” in a special choral arrangement for “large choirs”.

Ms Pauline Ong presenting a token of appreciation to Rebecca

The happy gathering at the end of the session

Rebecca taking us through the nuances of “He is not here”

“and Can it Be”TExT: CHARLES WESLEY;

MUSIC: THOMAS CAMPBELL ARRANGED BY JOSEPH LINN

FOR A LARGE CHOIR

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Some of us may remember this choral arrangement. It was specially put together and presented at the Luis Palau Singapore Mission back in June 1986 at the (now demolished) National Stadium. Again, we were surprised to see several fresh faces responding to our invitation to join the Choir for the occasion. Some are now considering staying with us for a while. Praise God!

Following the Christian Liturgical year is an exciting journey! As we commemorate the milestones featured in the seasons, we hope that these milestones will not remain as historical events. May there be a renewed and refreshed understanding of their significance in our journey of faith in God, and may there be an impact on how we serve Him.

The monthly sessions started in May as part of our regular Choir practices in the Music Room, and they would run through to November. We have asked her to work on blend and balance, checking in on phonation, vocal technique, and team building with some of the songs that we are planning to present at the worship services.

may this give us a better grounding as we journey through the Christian liturgical year.

The “larger than usual” Choir at Aldersgate Sunday

Recognising the need for continuing exposure and training in vocal techniques, we invited Ms Angelina Choo, the Director of The A Cappella Society Limited, to take us through the facets of

ensemble singing.

The A Cappella Society is a registered music charity and of IPC (Institutions of Public Character) status. The Society runs programmes, including training, performances and concerts.

Ms Choo herself is a member of a performing group.

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BrMC WoMen’S SoCIetY forCHrIStIAn ServICe (WSCS)

BRINGING THE WORD TO THE MARkETpLACE

An evangelistic lunchtime talk jointly organised by Come and See Fellowship and BRMC WSCS GOD@Work ministry was held on March 18, 2014 at the Fullerton Hotel. Rev Arun Andrews from the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries spoke on the topic was Is There A Hope.

The majority of the 320 attendees were professionals and executives in the banking and financial industry, aged 30 and above. The tables were mainly hosted by Christians from various banks or financial institutions as well as people who registered via BRMC or other Methodist churches. The event started at about 12.35pm with a 10-minute song worship led by Francis Chua. This was followed by Rev Arun’s thought-provoking message for about half an hour and thereafter a sumptuous buffet lunch. Rev Arun’s talk was developed to be delivered to a secular audience at a level they could relate to or identify with via common world views, humour and many interesting and moving stories. This talk provided Christians the opportunity to share more about Christ with their friends in a non-threatening environment.

Rev Arun Andrews sharing on the Hope we have in Christ . Rev Malcolm Tan introducing Rev Arun Andrews to the crowd at Fullerton Hotel

Participants at the registration table manned by BRMC WSCS Committee members. Francis Chua leading in worship

SOME FEEDBACk FROM pARTICIpANTS OF THE TALk“Feedback from my pre-believing friends has been positive. They found the talk meaningful and felt that it provided them with a different perspective of life. While they may not be ready to embrace the faith, I believe that God has used this session and warmth of the fellowship around the table to plant His seeds of love.” Eugenia Koh (Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific, Barclay)

“All of us have benefitted from Rev Arun’s message yesterday. It was both enlightening and lively. More than often, we fail to realize how blessed we are because we have this hope in our Almighty God for our needs and other things in our lives but there are people who need more of His blessing. We hope all these lovely people will receive more hope in life and more from Jesus.” Pakkia Samuel (Private Banking, Credit Advisory)

“The lunch talk was inspiring as it explained that during the dark times, a ray of hope is still within reach. Nice food as well.” Cardin Wong (AVP, Institutional Banking)

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BrMC WItneSS & evAngelISMMInIStrY (W&e) SeMInAr

THE OTHER 6 DAYS

The BRMC Witness & Evangelism Ministry organized a half-day seminar with Rev Arun Andrews on March 15 at BRMC’s Wesley Hall. Rev Arun is an ordained Methodist minister from the South India Regional Conference since 1989, who has since been sent to serve with the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries. The seminar was entitled, “The Other Six Days.” We had more than fifty participants at the seminar. The seminar emphasized living out the Christian life and witnessing not only on the Lord’s Day but also on the other six days.

One of the highlights of the seminar was six questions that Rev Arun Andrews posed for our discussion groups.

1. Can serving the Lord with gladness be also true outside of the Christian ministry?

2. We don’t serve God to gain acceptance: we are accepted so we serve God. How does this affect us when it comes to the competitive spirit in the world?

3. What can we learn from God about enterprise and initiative when He Himself took the risk of moving out of ‘the serenity of his eternity’ to relate to us?

4. What are some of the practical aspects of our lives in which we must choose between that which seems good and that which is godly?

5. Do we feel integrity is an issue that challenges Christians in the marketplace? What about integrity in the Christian ministry in the Church?

6. Do you feel that Christians must influence the world through the creative gifts of music, art, theatre etc? How can this thought be nurtured in our children and youth of today?

We had a lively time interacting within and among the groups discussing these questions together.

I personally think that this seminar was very useful in engaging our marketplace ministries and also our own personal witness as Christians in the marketplaces. TheRev Arun Andrews lives out his own conviction as a Christian witness both in the churches and in the world in humility and integrity. He is a man with a pastor’s heart.

Steve K Chelvan (LMS)For the Witness & Evangelism Ministry at BRMC

W&E Chairman Lim Yu Chiang leading in worship

Lively group discussions

Rev Malcolm Tan praying for the participants

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BrMC oUtreACH & SoCIAl ConCernS MInIStrY (oSC)

FUNERALS ARE FOR THE LIVING

In the previous issue of Uphill & Beyond January to April 2014, we featured Making A Difference, about Mr Jeffrey Tan Hai Leng’s passing by Graham Chua, BRMC OSC Lay Staff Janet Lee’s son. Mr Tan was a beneficiary of BRMC’s Financial Assistance Scheme and his roommate Jordan and Jordan’s niece Regina were extremely grateful that BRMC staff and leaders of the OSC ministry were quick to comfort Jordan and to make arrangements for a Christian funeral and a sea burial for Mr Tan. We present here a more fuller account of the events of Mr Tan’s passing, written by Alan Lim, a committee member of the OSC Ministry in BRMC.

Jordan mourning over the loss of Jeffrey

Jordan and Regina with Mr Tan’s cremated remains.

Why such a poignant title? No, it is not a sad story of the late Mr Jeffrey Tan Hai Leng.

Jeffrey had lost contact with his siblings. He was single. He was born in 1951 and his parents had already passed away. He used to work as a tourist guide but before you think it is a job of him sightseeing in many countries, we must see that Jeffrey was working and not vacationing. He guided groups of Singaporeans overseas or tourists in Singapore.

Things turned downward for him when he was certified medically unfit to work as a consequence of end-stage renal failure requiring indefinite dialysis three times a week.

From being single, mobile and financially independent, he became a person without income and dependent on his CPF pay-outs which was just S$250 a month. He was needy and he lived in a subsidised room rented directly from the HDB with a roommate. The rental cost was $44 a month with the Community Development Council providing him with the financial aid to cover the exact amount for the rental of his shared HDB room. National Kidney Foundation covered his dialysis fees and his medical charges at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) were covered by Medifund Assistance.

But Jeffrey’s own savings and CPF pay-out were not enough for his daily expenses. In the middle of 2012, the Medical Social Worker (MSW) at SGH sent an email to the Outreach and Social Concerns Ministry (OSC) of Barker Road Methodist Church (BRMC) to request we provide Jeffrey with financial assistance. After proper review, the OSC Committee subsequently provided Jeffrey with a volunteer Care-Giver who is a member of BRMC. The Care-Giver’s role was to visit Jeffrey at least once a month bringing along the Financial Assistance cheque and introduce him to BRMC. To the best of our knowledge, Jeffrey was a “Free-Thinker” when the Care-Giver first met him. When the opportunity presents itself, the Care-Giver can gently share the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

Jordan was the name of his roommate. Fortunately they got along and became close friends, probably Jeffrey’s only friend. Praise God!

Jeffrey was hospitalized in SGH for two weeks but went to the Lord on his 62nd birthday on Tuesday, 29 October 2013. After this, our Lay Ministry Staff (LMS) and Lay Professional Staff (LPS) swung into action. Mrs Evelyn Teoh informed Ms Janet Lee of Jeffrey’s passing. Janet contacted Ms Irene Jiang (Jeffrey’s Care-Giver) and asked to meet her and Jordan. Subsequently, Mr Low Kee Hong had to help in the funeral arrangements. Ms Jiang told Janet that Jordan had panicked and looked rather lost because he did not have the money required to claim Jeffrey’s body and arrange a simple funeral after he was told of the expenses involved. Later, Jordan was relieved and had told Janet that the Medical Social Worker (MSW) at SGH had arranged for an undertaker to conduct the funeral free of charge.

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Little did Janet know that the funeral was to be paid for by a Buddhist temple. They would inter Jeffrey’s ashes in the Buddhist columbarium unless a family member was willing to step forward to collect his ashes. Since Jeffrey had lost touch with his relatives, we could not fulfil his last known wish was for a sea burial. His wish was confirmed by Jordan and those from BRMC. What’s more, as a recent convert to Christianity, he did not wish his ashes to be interred in a niche located in a Buddhist columbarium with his photograph and name placed on the urn. After Kee Hong negotiated with the undertaker, they finally agreed to release the ashes to BRMC provided a compensation for the funeral expenses amounting to approximately S$1,000 was paid. With the letter prepared by BRMC to guarantee payment for the funeral expenses, Kee Hong went to Mandai Crematorium Complex to conduct a short but emotional funeral service with Jordan and his niece, Regina, present. After Kee Hong collected Jeffrey’s ashes, he together with Jordan and his niece, Regina, proceeded to Changi Point at about 2:00pm Saturday, 2 November 2013 to scatter Jeffrey’s ashes in accordance with his last wishes.

Shortly after Jeffrey’s sea burial, Regina sent us a note of thanks for our acts of kindness provided to Jordan in his time of loss of his dearest and only friend which touched him deeply. She stated that she felt the love of God shown strongly through our actions during her uncle’s time of helplessness.

Photo from photoforsouls.com

Jordan lowering Mr Tan Hai Leng, Jeffrey’s cremated remains into the sea

Jordan accepted Christ and worships with us. He also came to our OSC Easter Tea Party on April 2014 at Oldham Hall when Ting Ai Nguek (LMS) gave a message in Chinese with translation into English. Jordan is more comfortable with Chinese.

At times the workload of BRMC OSC seems heavy. We provide bi-lingual financial, spiritual and emotional support to the needy, poor and underprivileged. Our main areas of outreach includes:

• Financial Assistance• Ad Hoc & Emergency Financial Assistance• Education Bursaries• Members of St Luke’s Eldercare Whampoa Centre• Positive People Ministry for individuals with HIV under the

care of Tan Tock Seng Hospital

However, we can accomplish God’s calling with more new and committed volunteers willing to step forward and give some of their time to the Lord. Spending time on the Lord’s work can be surprisingly fulfilling.”

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BrMC 10.30AM SUnDAY SCHool

pRE-pRIMARYSUNDAY SCHOOL

GRADUATION

On January 12, 2014, , more than 50 happy smiling 6 year olds awaited to collect their Certificates and Graduation Bible from Patsy Mah, affectionately known as ‘Aunty Patsy’ at the Barker Road Methodist Church 10.30 am Pre-Primary Sunday School Graduation Event. The 10.30am Pre-School Sunday School has more than 160 children with almost 25 teachers and helpers who are active and on call to serve God in this ministry. We feature here a short sharing on the graduation event by Caroline Ng with a prayer at the conclusion for each child individually to be led by Word of God. We invite you to join us in praying alongside the 10.30am Sunday School Team. We feature here a short sharing on the graduation event by Caroline Ng with a prayer at the conclusion for each child individually to be led by Word of God. We invite you to join us in praying alongside the 10.30am Sunday School Team.

Looking at those happy confident faces, one would never imagine that these were the same teary -eyed toddlers who were clinging on to their mums and dads three years ago!

This is indeed an exciting time for the children but also an emotional day for the teachers who have dedicated their Sunday mornings to grounding these young minds in biblical foundations and the many priceless lessons of friendship and love, especially that of our Almighty Father in Heaven.

Boys and girls, as you hold on to the precious bible in your hands, it is our prayer that the Word of our Lord will continue to lead you and guide in all that you do, always. Amen.

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uPHill & Beyond needs you!

vOLUNTEER PHOTOGRAPHERS REqUIRED

FOR CHURCH EvENTS.

FOR DETAILS:DO SMS/PHONE CORINNE TEO (LMS) AT

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BrMC SMAll groUPS MInIStrY (Sg)

BECOMING GOD’S AGENTS OF CHANGE

81 BRMC Small Group members and leaders attended the BRMC Small Group Ministry Day Conference 2014 held at Gallery Hotel on April 12. Here is a short report on the event with photos and comments from participants by Low Kee Hong (LMS).

Our Pastor-In-Charge, Rev Malcolm Tan spoke at the first morning session on the “Theology of the Family.” He took the Seminar through from Genesis to Revelations on how the view of the family developed throughout the Biblical panorama of Salvation History.

The 2nd morning’s session was an exciting hour-long dialogue on theological issues with Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li, addressing questions and struggles faced by participants on the journey of faith at home and in the workplace.

After lunch, Rev Chiu spent the afternoon sharing the 2014 Small Group (SG) ministry vision of being “Agents of Change.” He carefully unpacked the 5 year SG vision that began with a recap of the 1st year’s vision “Authentic Faith: Living from the Centre.” This year was a progression from last year which was spent focusing on personally submitting and being transformed by God.

In this 2nd year, the focus is to extend oneself outwards to the family and be “Agents of Change.” The vision is to shift our emphasis towards change. Rev Chiu urged us to begin with preparing our hearts for biblical confrontation and to prudently examine the struggles of our own hearts. We will then be prepared ourselves to enter our family’s world by recognizing God’s higher purpose for our relationships.

Declaring the Word about the Family

Answering the Questions Asked

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The conference was also an opportunity to showcase 45 books that were shortlisted within the framework of this year’s SG vision. This was the result in response to SGs requesting for books that were in line with each annual vision of the ministry.

There are 3 categories of books available: 1. Standard group study guides. 2. Books with discussion and reflection questions at the end of each chapter. 3. Workbooks with detailed lessons that require more time and preparation. These books will be uploaded for your reference by July as a link from the Small Group Ministry webpage on the BRMC website.

SOME pARTING COMMENTS FROM pARTICIpANTS:“i am glad i came, it was very useful and meaningful.”

“We learnt so much in 8 hours, it went by so quickly.”

“Thank you for inviting me to attend, it was very good. i will attend again next year.”

“Am glad it dealt with real family issues.”

“i am able to take relevant pieces to transfer and apply them, thanks”

“The conference has helped me in my present journey.”

The BRMC family, learning how to be God’s Agents of Change through Small Groups

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Whenever the idea of a silent retreat comes up, some quietly wonder… “I spend time with God each day at home, why would I need to go somewhere to do that?” Interestingly, some who attended also had the very same thought, till they showed up and stepped into the retreat. They shared that just entering the centre that had been heavily prayed upon, gave them a deep sense of peace and serenity. The noise and clutter of life was left outside Montfort Centre. The participants found themselves in a tranquil environment where they could hear themselves think and hear God speaking to them. And the glaring difference was that they had set aside 24 hours for themselves and God without the distractions of home or work that clutter the senses.

The facilitator for the silent retreat was Dr Chia Wen Chien (LPS), who has a wealth of experience with spiritual and silent retreats. He guided and briefed us by providing spiritual direction during our time with God at this silent retreat. Some of us enjoyed communing with God on the centre grounds and in the fruit garden while others kept vigil in their rooms. The provision of modest meals on the premises also made it possible for us not to break the spiritual pace of the silent retreat.

Another high point was when Rev Dr Chiu Ming Li conducted the 6.30 am morning devotion. He delivered a very fitting homily and closed with serving us Holy Communion. The 15 of us left the retreat, knowing we opened a larger part of ourselves to God. As we sensed the closeness of God and heard God more clearly, this will remain with each of us as we continue our journey of faith, each new day.

15 BRMC Small Group members and leaders attended the BRMC Small Group Ministry Silent Retreat held at the Montfort Centre from May 16 to 17. These were some of their comments after their time there:

“It was very helpful to be guided into silent prayer ”

“This helped me process the Word in a different way, beyond just reading and understanding.”

“Being here gave me time to reflect on life unhurriedly, to see life in a different time. “

On this page, Low Kee Hong (LMS) writes about the experience of the participants, along with photos taken at the retreat.

Participants receiving strength from the Lord for their journey in Him

The participants being led by Dr Chia Wen Chien (LPS) at the retreat

Getting Ready for Holy Communion

BrMC SMAll groUP MInIStrY - SIlent retreAt

OpENING ALARGER pART

OF OURSELVES TO GOD

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The course is open to anyone interested in coming into a relationship and would like to know more about one another. Each run is able to cater up to a maximum of 15 couples only and priority is given to members of Barker Road Methodist Church. The course consists of two components: individual couple sessions with the counsellor and five class sessions over five weeks.

If you are planning to get married next year, we look forward to seeing you at our next run starting in August. Registration details will be announced in the church bulletin. Do look out for them!

BRMC runs the Marriage Preparation Course (MPC) twice a year; once beginning in March and the other in August. This course aims to equip couples with some knowledge and some skills to help them build a closer and stronger relationship with one another and God. It explores the biblical concepts of marriage, and issues that may affect a couple’s relationship. By taking this course at an earlier stage of their relationship, many couples are able to appreciate each other better and work towards a happier, more fulfilling journey in life together. Featured here are some photos and testimonies from the couples who attended the course in March – April 2014.

(MArCH – APrIl 2014)

BRMC MARRIAGE

pREpARATION COURSE

Pang Seng Hock (Lay Professional Staff) engaging the couples during the course

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THE MpC COUpLES’ TESTIMONIES & pHOTOS

“We started our marriage prep wondering how such sessions could make a difference. After all, we felt like we knew each other well, better than others knew us already. But we decided to go for the sessions with an open mind and a keen heart. And after finishing the course, I must say that it has been the best thing that could have happened to prepare us for our lives ahead together!

To get the most of your marriage prep, remember to work on the topics discussed during the time between sessions as well.

Thank you BRMC counselling team for your efforts in making the course such a blessing to our lives!”Kevin Lim and Eunice Png

“The course opened my eyes to the complexities of marriage. The sharing and openness of facilitators was great and there are ample opportunities to learn and gain wisdom. I would definitely recommend it to couples who are seriously considering marriage.”Andrew Chang and Ooi Swi Lin

“I feel that the best part of the course was the exposure to new topics that are essential to every successful marriage – topics that my partner and I had never approached before. Every marriage is a journey, and I feel that attending this course is absolutely one of the first steps that all couples should take to embark on this journey.”Christopher Yik and Rebecca Tan

“The marriage preparation course was held in a casual setting that allowed us to open up on topics we would normally not discuss. Through it, we discovered both the strength and growth areas of our relationship and learned what could be done differently to capitalize on these points. We completed the course understanding both ourselves and each other better than before.”Melvin Tan and Winny Kang

Jimmy and Mui Heng

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BY Yeo Yee YIng

LET A WOMAN’S HEART BE FOR CHRIST A woman’s heart for Christ

Will never be worn on her armFor it is hidden deep within herAnd is her priciest charm

For outward charms shall deceiveAnd fleeting beauty shall passYet what is of greatest worthIs not in her standing or class

It is in a heart given over to GodWith fear and tender submissionBound in love to Him who lovesAnd easy to wound with contrition

Her worth is more than rubiesBeyond all this world can buyFor she holds Christ dear to heartAnd Him she sets there on high

No other person shall take that placeNo man to rule upon that throneFor all that she is and ever has beenIs her life in Christ, not of her own

Her ears are ever tuned to His callHer heart leaps to hear His voiceKnowing His deep desire for herChrist shall be her only choice

If you should seek to know a womanAnd desire her heart to hearThen know that its secrets are openBefore God whom we must fear

And if your heart’s deep desire is forThe voice of God who loves you soThen first give your heart over to GodBefore a woman’s yours should know

For it is to Christ that we must giveOur heart’s dearest and utmost bestTo love him any less than He deservesIs to fail this crucial and important test

Let the will of both man and womanBe that they only enthrone God withinBefore we seek to love one anotherLet us first give our hearts to Him

Yeo Yee Ying just completed Medical School in Singapore and writes regularly for our church newsletter. Her reflections on the sermon preached on Good Friday are on pages 13 to 14. On this page is the fruit of her general musings of the mind and heart, upon what should be considered a woman of godly character, framed by the word of God and some thoughts about what may be best for those of the opposite gender.

The writer’s intended audience includes both male and female, and she wrote all this to encourage both herself and others to seek the heart of God first in all matters, whether pertaining to the heart or not. She says that she cannot consider herself as having reached perfection, but as one striving towards greater purity of heart and strength of character in Christ as a young Christian. The poem is not intended to be written for any one in particular.

Photo from photoforsouls.com

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In the 1960s, the Boys’ Brigade expanded at Anglo-Chinese School with momentum. Three Life Boys sections (later known as BB Juniors) were started at Anglo-Chinese Primary and Junior Schools to keen response. Enthusiastic teachers were appointed as officers. But Non-Commissioned Officers were urgently needed. Yearly, Girls enrolled in ACS Pre-University classes. Might they be a potential resource? The plan worked! Girls, many with Girls’ Brigade experience, readily joined. They trained alongside the NCOs and were deployed as Staff-Sergeants to the Juniors. The Girls also graced BB camps and campfires with fun and fellowship.

BY PAng Seng HoCK (lPS)

BrMC BoYS’ BrIgADe 12tH CoY

TRIBUTE TO THEGIRLS OF THE

BOYS’BRIGADE

“Yes, Ma’am! No Ma’am!” Juniors responded well to the delicate touch of sisterly discipline and training. For the Girls, it was a good primer in leadership. Giving their best enriched their future service.

Kon Mei Leen came to ACS from Methodist Girls’ School, and joined the BB in the 1960s. I appreciate her music training in the Juniors’ marching band. She returned to MGS to serve as teacher and principal. Today Mei Leen helps the Girls’ Brigade at Singapore Chinese Girls’ School. She says: “BB and GB offer wonderful opportunities to introduce the Christian message to young people. Although the results may not be immediate, it is encouraging to see gentle stirrings of the heart. I am heartened and privileged to see them grow in responsibility, graciousness, confidence and maturity. At times when I don’t feel up to the task, I remind myself of 2 Corinthians 12:9 – the MGS verse! My Grace is Sufficient.”

Another MGS Girl who joined the BB was Thia Mee Hwa. Her former Juniors recall: “She was a friend to everyone she met… thanks to her coaching, I got an A in mathematics.” A keen runner, Mee Hwa represented ACS at the 1977 Schools’ National Cross-Country Championships. After serving as an officer in the Republic of Singapore Air Force, she studied at Trinity Theological College and met her husband Mok Wai Mung. The couple entered full-time Anglican Church ministry, where Mee Hwa was commissioned as a BB officer. In 1996, she followed Rev Mok to Cambodia for mission work. She was so happy to help BB work among the Cambodian kids! During the 1997 hostilities, she helped in the evacuation of Singaporeans. Asked if she was scared at the sight of soldiers shooting at each other, Mee Hwa replied: “I’ve worn BB and RSAF uniforms – no reason to be scared.”

Seriously ill in 2007, she noted: “In my daily waiting on the Lord, What I kept hearing was, ‘Pain. Suffering. Joy and Glory.’” Her guiding verse was Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings as eagles; they will run and not be weary, they will walk and not faint.”

Mee Hwa passed away in 2011 after a long battle with cancer. She had fought the good fight, finished the race and kept the faith (2 Timothy 4:7): a true athlete and soldier for Christ.

Left: Kon Mei Leen sharing with the girls on Character Development.

Right: Kon Mei Leen demonstrating First Aid at

the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School Girls’ Brigade 84th Coy.

Thia Mee Hwa

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Down Memory Lane with pang Seng Hock (LpS)A TRIBUTE TO THE GIRLS OF THE 12th Coy BOYS’ BRIGADE (ACS)

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“Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.” (Proverbs 22:5) Here is a letter of appreciation written by a mother describing her pre-school children’s beautiful learning experiences at our church kindergarten. BRMCK’s vision and mission is to reach out to all children and direct them to Christ. It is heart-warming to read about how the care and love of the staff, teachers and principal of BRMCK as a team made the early preschool experiences for these international children so enriching and rewarding. We invite you to pray alongside the church kindergarten team as it strives to educate with a difference and extend hearts and helping hands to all in the school.

BArKer roAD MetHoDISt CHUrCH KInDergArten

(BrMCK)

“EDUCATING WITH A

DIFFERENCE”

The following is a grateful letter from Mdm Tao Ling; mother of two children from BRMCK, Tang Jia Yi (K2, Charity) and Tang Ji Heng (N2, Grace) Both are from the afternoon classes. Mdm Tao Ling wrote her letter in mandarin (as displayed on the right) and we thank Hannah Chen for translating the letter for our Uphill & Beyond readers.

The purpose of this letter is to express my heartfelt appreciation for all the teachers at BRMCK. We are very blessed that our children constantly receive encouragement and positive guidance from the school. A special thank you to the teachers of Jia Yi (Ms Ang, Mdm Wang) and Ji Heng (Ms Lee, Mdm Han & Ms Teo) for their dedication and love for our children.

Since we are immigrants from China, we encounter a great language barrier in the mostly English-speaking environment. Prior to enrolling our children at BRMCK, we have visited several other kindergartens. Finally we chose BRMCK because it has very comprehensive pedagogy background for its bi-lingual language programmes which I believe my children would greatly benefit from.

At the recent Parents’ Conference, I am very comforted and happy to hear from the teachers that my children have since improved their ability in languages and they are able to engage in conversation in English with much confidence. They have also gained valuable skills through learning activities and demonstrated positive attitudes towards responsibility.

I also want to take the opportunity to thank the teachers, Mrs Sharon Ho, Mrs Arveen Sandhu and Mdm Sun from the Montessori programme. Through their coaching, they have enlarged their English vocabulary; they feel more confident in expressing themselves in English than before and have also take their roles of responsibilities seriously.

Jia Yi would be in Primary One next year and we would like to register her in the Methodist Girls’ School. We hope her brother will be like his older sister, having the virtues of diligence and interest in life-long learning.

Finally, we want to thank the Principal, Ms Leong for her initiatives and support in organising many meaningful activities that encourage the children to love and care for one another in a nurturing environment. Last but not least, I want to thank all the staff at the Administration Office. They always receive me with warmth and they are very helpful; full of love and zeal for the work they are called to do.

Best wishes to all the teachers, may you have good health and stay youthful!

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CONGRATULATIONS! We offer our heartiest congratulations to 2 of our ministry staff, David Ho and Du qin who are currently serving at our preaching point in Bukit Batok (BBPP). David received a Master of Divinity and Du qin, her Master of Ministry from Trinity Theological College (TTC) at the 64th Graduation Service which was held on May 17 at Paya Lebar Methodist Church. Upon receiving their degrees, they have some words of wisdom and thanksgiving to share.

“Over 7 years, my pathway through TTC has been unusually long but immensely memorable and fulfilling. Studying theology, while juggling my roles as church planter, husband and father, was humbling, as I learnt the sufficiency of His grace amidst my weakness through the prayer, “O God, take me, break me, make me.”

The Lord has been faithful through the valleys and over the summits! I am thankful and grateful for my lovely and supportive wife, family and my pastors, leaders, colleagues and friends at Barker Road Methodist Church/Bukit Batok Preaching Point, who have supported and encouraged me along the way. To God be the Glory!”

David Ho (LMS)Master of Divinity

Having served in the ministry field for 10 years, I am deeply grateful for opportunity to return to my alma mater Trinity Theology College, to further my learning and also to rebuild my faith with a deeper foundation in the Lord. In the ministries that I have served, I have experienced for myself, the faithfulness and sovereign leading of the One who has called me.

Moving ahead, I will continue to rely on God’s grace and to discern His leading in all ministry works. I will continue to serve the Lord with all my heart and soul in the big spiritual family of BRMC.

Du Qin (LMS)Master of Ministry

David Ho (LMS) with Rev Malcolm Tan on Graduation Day

Rev Malcolm Tan and Du Qin (LMS) on Graduation Day

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CONGRATULATIONS AND FAREWELL

We bid farewell to our faithful missionary pastor, Rev Andum Sutrisno who served BRMC from August 1, 2006 to April 30, 2014 in the Indonesian Service and the mission work in Tanjung Pinang. We also saw Rev Andum helping out in the Saturday 5pm Sanctuary services where he ministered to the English congregation through his meaningful and heartfelt pastoral prayers. He was for us in the church office, an earnest and sincere friend and colleague. We congratulate him for having graduated with a Master of Ministry and wish him and his family God’s greatest blessings in his new ministry in New Zealand. Here are his parting words to us.

The theme of TTC Graduation in May this year is “Unusual Pathways”. This theme undeniably portrays my personal journey too, not only in my journey towards Master of Ministry at TTC but also in my ministerial journey with BRMC. It is an unusual pathway simply because we live in this world but we are not from this world: we are to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world!

It is unusual for me considering of how God brought me from Indonesia to serve with BRMC in these eight years. And still being unusual, as God has laid a new challenge before me to serve him in New Zealand from June onwards. How it all started is just amazing, but one thing I am sure of: God is in it all! I thank God for His call to pastor a Youth Service that will meet on Sunday evenings in Papatoetoe, South Auckland. Part of my responsibility is to look after small Samoan young families. And my immediate duty is to reach out to international students at Auckland University of Technology that is situated just opposite the church compound.

I would like to thank Rev Malcolm Tan and the Church for the opportunity given to me to serve at BRMC. Eight years’ worth of growth certainly makes a big difference for me in bringing maturity to my relationship with the Lord as well as to my Christian Ministry. Please do keep us in your prayers for it is only in God’s power that our mission endeavours will succeed and bear fruits for eternity!

God bless,

Andum

Archived image of Rev Andum Sutrisno’s Welcome message in Uphill & Beyond August to December 2006

Rev Malcolm Tan and Rev Andum Sutrisno at Rev Andum’s graduation from TTC

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BaPtism

i. inFants & CHildrenAPRIL 2 2014 PARENTS

Master Wang Jia An Mr & Mrs Wang YongMaster Dylan Ooi Hao Xuan Mr & Mrs Andrew OoiMaster Lucas Ooi Hao Yang Mr & Mrs Andrew OoiMaster matthew Ooi Hao Yu Mr & Mrs Andrew Ooi

APRIL 13 2014 PARENTSMaster Joseph Akiyama Khoo Mr & Mrs Khoo Chen Hsung

Master Khoo Jia Shuo, Asher Mr & Mrs Khoo Chen EnMaster So Chong Hong, Keevan Mr & Mrs So Kwok Kam

Ms Kayla Chua Ee-Xin Mr & Mrs Chua Tat Hoong, AndyMs Helena Sophie Ng Mr & Mrs Ng Han HowMs Elizabeth Leia Fong En Yee Mr & Mrs Fong Chi OnnMs Sophie Tan Wei Ning Mr & Mrs Roy Tan Lok WaiMaster Haru Kwan Mr & Mrs Kwan Choa YeeMs Yui Kwan Mr & Mrs Kwan Choa YeeMs Rebecca Choo En Rui Mr & Mrs Choo Lip TeckMs Esme Elisabeth Tham Mr & Mrs Tham Keng Sum, AlexMs Fong Mun Yan, Julianne Joy Mr & Mrs Fong Choon PengMs Fong Choi Yan, Judith Faith Mr & Mrs Fong Choon PengMaster Marcel Neo Han Sheng Mr & Mrs Charles Neo Hiang KiatMs Mischa Neo Jingyi Mr & Mrs Charles Neo Hiang KiatMaster Marius Neo Wei Long Mr & Mrs Charles Neo Hiang Kiat

JUNE 20 2014 PARENTSMs Sarah Mary Lau Mdm Michelle Lau Yu-Lin

memBersHiP(a) By BaPtism & ConFirmation

April 20 2014 May 4 2014 May 11 2014 May 18 2014Ms Trinh Thi Hai Sam Ng Kin Mun, Brian Ms Lim Hon Yi Ms Lin

Huining, ClaireMs Bui Ngoc Linh Chi Mr Chua Tat Hoong, Andy Mr Lim Liong Ann

Mdm Tan Ling Ling, Jody Mdm Joanne Angel 洪宣Mdm Joycelyn Tay Mui Hong

(B) By ConFirmationMay 4 2014 May 11 2014 May 18 2014Mr Loo Leong Kian Mr Chiang Fock Pong Mr Darryl Aw Mr Benjamin Lim Yen TakMr Samuel Pei Yuh Chieh Ms Iris Ong Ms Stephanie Bao Boya Ms Mau Tse Hsin, Jessica

Ms Jackie Goh Chai Yu Mr Zhennan Low Ms Maisy KwanMay 10 2014 Mr Ivan Chan Mr Wu Jian ChengMs Cheam Li-Shenn Mdm Ruth Ho Li Yan Mr Ng Kam Hong

Mdm Chong Lai Fun Ms Mok Yuen ChengMdm Regina Tan Siew Lan Mr Ron Yeo Ho KoonMr Chong Guang Hui, Alvin Ms Jessica Tanzhenying

(C) By transFer From otHer metHodist CHurCHesDate Name Transferred fromMay 11 2014 Mr Lim Kian Leong, Adrian Faith Methodist ChurchMay 11 2014 Mdm Sarah Teo Living Waters Methodist ChurchMay 11 2014 Mr Khoo Chen En Trinity Methodist Church, Penang

ii. adultAPRIL 2 2014

Ms Chia Ah Luan Mr Tin Kin ChweeMdm Tao Hui Ling Mdm Sun Wan YaoMr Wang Yong Mdm Su Jen JenMdm Low Kim Lew, Alice Mr Heng Zhi Heng

APRIL 15 2014

Mr Cheong Kah Seng Mdm Tye Yoke Hing, Joanne

Mr John Cheong Yu Ming

APRIL 20 2014 Ms Trinh Thi Hai Sam Ms Bui Ngoc Linh Chi

MAY 11 2014 Mr Chew Gout Cheng

MAY 14 2014 Mdm Fu Kum Chee

JUNE 3 2014 Mr Kee Soon Hee

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WeddingsNo. Couples Date Remarks1. Mr Timothy Khoo & Ms Lisa Hui 05-Apr-2014 S2. Mr Tan Jit Ann, Joel & Ms Tay Siu Min 26-Apr-2014 S3. Mr Chan Choon Kai & Ms Clarissa Ellice Rae Lim 10-May-2014 S4. Mr Ngoh Jun Jie, Jasper & Ms Kwok Ying, Christine 10-May-2014 S5. Mr Kevin Yap & Ms Michelle Lim Chwee Woon 17-May-2014 S6. Mr Hong Zhong Liang, Jarrod & Ms Lim Liwen, Sophia 28-Jun-2014 S

Legend: *S = SolemnisationB = Blessing

BirtHs PARENTS

4 March 2014 Aldric Pei Mr & Mrs Samuel Pei

CondolenCes• Angela, Henry and Angeline Chan on the passing away of their mother, Mdm Yip Shui Lin Helen, on 7 April• Victor and Jasmine Loo and family on the passing away of their father/father-in-law, Mr Loo Ting Soo, on 17 April• Mr & Mrs Daniel Foo, Darryl and Russell on the passing away of their father/father-in-law/grandfather, Mr Foo Cock Heng, on

22 April. • Mr & Mrs Peter Tan Chong Tze, Samantha and Shawn on the passing away of their father/father-in-law/grandfather, Mr Tan

Chee Eng, on 23 April. • Rev Dr & Dr (Mrs) Chiu Ming Li and Kimberly on the passing away of their father/father-in-law/grandfather, Mr Chiu Hock Seng,

on 24 April. • Carol & Raymond Chong, Cheryl, Claire and Christie on the passing away of their father/father-in-law/grandfather, Mr Charles

Bong, on 27 April. • Mrs Helen Lim, Daniel and Danie on the passing away of their husband/father, Mr David Lim Kok Kiat, on 7 May.• Mr Chan Tiong Hin and family on the passing away of his wife, Mrs Ethel Chan, on 7 May. • Michael & Gloria, Grace & Tommy, Vincent & Maureen, Daniel & Wei Lin, Elaine & Efrem, Sharon, Gerald, Nicholas and Ryan on

the passing away of their mother/mother-in-law/grandmother/great grandmother, Mdm Elsie Kang Guek Ee, on 9 May. • Victor, Vernon & Alice, Jonathan, Jeffery and Joel on the passing away of their father/father-in-law/grandfather, Mr Kang Chin

Kwang, on 10 May. • Ai Li & Wee Chiong, Isabel, Mitchell and Nathaniel on the passing away of their father/father-in-law/grandfather, Mr Chew Gout

Cheng, on 11 May. • Mr & Mrs Steven Tan Buck Song and family on the passing away of their father-in-law/father, Mr Andrew Wong Ah Kau, on 11 May. • Alice & William Chai and family on the passing away of their mother/mother-in-law, Mdm Fu Kum Chee, on 25 May.• Mr Arhshath Kaleni Naim and family on the passing away of his mother, Mdm Lily Peh Lie Lie on Sun 1 June.

(d) By transFer From otHer denominationsDate Name Transferred fromMay 4 2014 Ms Alice Tang Wye Yin St George’s ChurchMay 10 2014 Dr Pua Uei Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran)May 10 2014 Ms Long Lee Syin Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran)May 11 2014 Mrs Geraldine Chay-Chua St Andrew’s CathedralMay 11 2014 Ms Serene Lim Poh Chin Orchard Road Presbyterian ChurchMay 11 2014 Mr Victor Swee Su-Lin Trinity Christian CentreMay 11 2014 Ms Jocelyn Lim Suat Hoong Trinity Christian Centre

memBers WHo leFt By transFer to otHer metHodist CHurCHes

Date Name Transferred to20th May 2014 Mdm Su Meng Hoon, Samantha Wesley Methodist Church

July

1, 8, 15, 22, 29 BRMC CAM Devotion-Pray-Dance Practice2, 9, 16, 23, 30 BRMC Mandarin Worship Service2, 9, 16, 23, 30 BRMC GYM Activity Day4, 11, 18 BRMC Prayer & Praise4, 11, 18, 25 BRMC Heart2Heart Mothers’ Fellowship5 BRMC D&N Ministry Gathering5, 12, 19, 26 BRMC Saturday 5pm Service with Holy Communion5, 12, 19, 26 BRMC GYM Bible Study6, 13, 20, 27 BRMC GYM Mellow Tones Practice7 BRMC DISCIPLE Bible study Q&A with Pastor12, 22 BRMC OSC Positive People Ministry19 BRMC W&E Alpha Intro Lunch24-27 BRMC Mission Trip to Myanmar25 BRMC Ablaze – Hearts United God Exalted Worship & Prayer26 BRMC Hope Ministry26 BRMC W&E Alpha Course26 BRMC GYM Get-Together

august

1, 8, 15, 22 BRMC Prayer & Praise1, 8, 15, 22, 29 BRMC Heart2Heart Mothers’ Fellowship2, 9, 16, 23, 30 BRMC Saturday 5pm Service with Holy Communion2 BRMC OSC Family Outing2, 9, 16, 23, 30 BRMC Hope Ministry2, 9, 16, 24 BRMC GYM Bible Study3, 10, 17, 24, 31 BRMC GYM Mellow Tones Practice5, 12, 19, 26 BRMC CAM Devotion-Pray-Dance Practice6, 13, 20, 27 BRMC Mandarin Worship Service6, 13, 20, 27 BRMC GYM Activity Day9-10 Aug BRMC Missions Trip to Tg Pinang16, 26 BRMC OSC Positive People Ministry23 BRMC GYM Get-Together29 BRMC Ablaze – Hearts United God Exalted Worship & Prayer30 BRMC Hope Ministry

sePtemBer

3, 10, 17, 24 BRMC Mandarin Worship Service3, 10, 17, 24 BRMC GYM Activity Day5, 12, 19, 26 BRMC Heart2Heart Mothers’ Fellowship5, 12, 19 BRMC Prayer & Praise6, 13, 20 BRMC W&E Alpha Course6, 13, 20, 27 BRMC Saturday 5pm Service with Holy Communion6, 13, 20, 28 BRMC GYM Bible Study7, 14, 21, 28 BRMC GYM Mellow Tones Practice13, 30 BRMC OSC Positive People Ministry26 BRMC Ablaze – Hearts United God Exalted Worship & Prayer27 BRMC Hope Ministry27 BRMC GYM Get-Together27 BRMC Alpha Celebration Lunch

UpCOMING EVENTS

Documents

Uphill & Beyond - April to July 2014