Here - Diocese of Singapore

On the retirement
of Bishop John
Chew
Page 6
St
Margaret’s
170th
Induction
of Vicars:
Revd Steven
Asirvatham &
Revd Lawrence
Visuvasam
The Integrated
Building: Changi
General Hospital
& St Andrew’s
Community
Hospital
Page 8
Page 19
Page 10
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December 2012 • Diocese of Singapore • www.anglican.org.sg
MICA (P) 209/12/2011
A Celebration of God’s Goodness,
A Dedication to Christ’s Cause
With his shepherd’s staff, the Bishop-Designate knocked three times on the closed
doors of the Cathedral at the beginning of
his installation service. When the doors were
opened so did the skies above as showers of
blessing rained down.
The showers of blessings were a divine
touch to the Installation and Investiture of
the Right Reverend Rennis Ponniah as the
9th Bishop of Singapore. The theme for the
event is ‘A Celebration of God’s Goodness,
A Dedication to Christ’s Cause.’ And what a
celebration of the Lord’s goodness it was as
around 2,500 of His people gathered at St
Andrew’s Cathedral on the 20 October 2012.
At 4.25 pm the bells of the Cathedral pealed
to gather the worshippers. The 200-strong
grand procession comprising choir members, wardens, Provincial and Diocesan
Chancellors and Registrars, local and overseas clergy, bishops and archbishops processed in declaring in unity that ‘Jesus shall
reign whene’er the sun does his successive
journeys run…’
Amidst the traditional setting of the Cathedral, there was still a sense of an intimate
family gathering of brothers and sisters in
Christ. In the congregation were 30 of Bishop Rennis’ family, members from the 27
parishes, Anglican schools and community
services, mission partners, the six deaneries, bishops and clergy from the Province of
South East Asia and archbishops from the
Global South Communion. It was the Church
united to celebrate God’s blessings on the
Diocese of Singapore.
The day’s events had begun earlier at 2.30
pm when the Bishop-Designate was sworn
in as the new Bishop by the Provincial Chancellor and Registrar, witnessed by his family
members.
Archbishop Bolly Lapok, the Primate of the
Province of South East Asia, in his sermon
recognised that the role of the bishop in Singapore is a complex one. However at the
heart, a bishop is called to be the shepherd
of Christ’s flock and the steward of God’s
household (John 21:15-17).
After he had been presented to the congregation as the new Bishop of Singapore, two
of Bishop Rennis’ family members sang a
song written for the occasion, ‘Not my will
but yours.’ These are words he echoed in
his Thanksgiving message. Bishop Rennis
recognised that what he has been entrusted with is humanly impossible except with
strength and wisdom from Christ. The cup
of self-sacrificial service is not his to drink
alone but for the whole church. He harkened
to two Anglican martyrs Latimer and Ridley
and acknowledged that through light from
God that is His grace, we will be able to give
of ourselves.
The Installation and Investiture was witnessed by His Excellency, Dr Tony Tan,
President of Singapore, his wife, Mr Lawrence Wong, Senior Minister of State for
Education and Information, Communication
and the Arts, MP Mr Christopher de Souza
2| DIOCESAN Digest
Diocesan Clergy, Chancellor, Registrars and Diocesan Mission Associates standing shoulder to shoulder with the Bishop-Designate, together with some of our Provincial and
Overseas clergy
and his wife, and two former politicians Dr
Seet Ai Mee and Mrs Lim Hwee Hua. There
were also heads of other denominations
present such as the Catholic Archbishop
Nicolas Chia, the newly elected bishop Rt
Revd Dr Wee Boon Hup from the Method-
ist Church and the Presbyterian Moderator
Revd Dr Steven Gan.
Among the actively serving Archbishops and
Diocesan Bishops from beyond our Province
who were present for the special occasion,
we were very glad to have with us Arch-
bishop Mouneer (Jerusalem and the Middle
East), Archbishop Stephen Myint Oo Than
(Myanmar), Archbishop Ian Earnest (Indian
Ocean), Archbishop Robert Duncan (The
Anglican Church of North America), Archbishop Edward Malecdan (The Philippines),
Archbishop Ben Kwashi (Nigeria), Bishop
Richard Ellena (Nelson, NZ), Bishop Sam
Sahu (Solomon Islands), Bishop David Lai
(Taiwan), Bishop Thomas Soo (HK), Bishop Dixie Taclobao (The Philippines), Bishop Micheal Kwon (Korea), Bishop Gregory
Thomas (Australia), Bishop Peter Tasker
(Australia), Bishop Paul Barnett (Australia)
and Bishop Eric Meenes (Diocese of San
Joaquin, ACNA).
The Service culminated in a garden party on
the West and South Lawns of the Cathedral.
The rain did little to dampen the joy as the
celebrations continued with a concert with
items by parishes and Anglican agencies.
Short video clips of greetings from the various deaneries brought home how wide the
scope of the Diocese work had become. The
evening drew to a close with Bishop Rennis’
first message as Bishop. He shared that the
responsibility of the bishop and the church is
a calling to serve the nations and those who
have been marginalised by society.
Knocking on the West Door thrice to seek permission to enter the Cathedral
Comments from some of the witnesses
Archbishop Ben Kwashi of Nigeria
I have known Bishop Rennis for more
than 16 years. He is a wonderful person;
loving, kind-hearted and full of wisdom.
He is passionate about the Gospel and
has a winsome way of presenting the
Gospel, that is an asset.
Bishop Albert Vun of Sabah
I am very excited as we have been close
friends for many years. I know him to be
Godly with a deep spiritual life. He will
bring a freshness to the Provincial leadership and the Diocese of Singapore for
I see every new change as a renewal, a
great responsibility and the potential for
growth.
Archbishop Mouneer Anis of Jerusalem and
Middle East, Chairman of the Global South
I felt the service was wonderful, wonderful because the emphasis was on God’s
glory. It was well-organised, a credit to
Dean Kuan and his team. I found Bishop
Rennis’ words at the end of the Service
very moving.
DIOCESAN Digest |3
Dr Samy Fawzy Shehata, Dean of St Mark’s
pro-Cathedral, Alexandria
teacher and to my joy he agreed as he is
active and engaged in the Word.
There was a strong presence of God during the Service and when the congregation was singing and praising God.
Revd Canon Kim Beard of Canada, Church
of Gracious Restraint
Archbishop Stephen (Myint Oo) Than of
Myanmar, General Secretary of the Global
South
The presence of the Holy Spirit was so
strong in the church during the Service,
He filled the place. Although the ceremony was grand, there was a sense of
simplicity because it was focused on
God. There was the feeling of a family
gathering.
It is a great honour and privilege to be
here. It is a rare event to meet brothers
and sisters from across South East Asia
and the world. Bishop Rennis loves God
and people. He has a passion to share
this love. In WW2, the sign of a good
officer is that he leads from the front.
Bishop Rennis is like that. He lives out
the Gospel and he shares it wisely and
passionately.
Archbishop Robert Duncan of the Anglican
Church of North America
“We bid you enter your Church.”
It was a great day, filled with joy. It reflects the nature of the Diocese of Singapore and of the man Bishop Rennis
because of the presence of the mission
partners and family, an inclusitivity. The
Christian spirit was reflected in Bishop
Rennis’ deep love for the Word of God
and reverence of the Holy Spirit. At our
first Provincial Assembly in June this
year, he was my first choice as Bible
Receiving the Diocese crosier
Archbishops and Bishops from our Global Communion together with our Provincial and local Chancellors and Registrars at the Installation service
Celebrative dance at the Garden Party
Bishop Rennis with parish well-wishers after the Garden Party
Celebrative Thanksgiving Dinner
4| DIOCESAN Digest
The Stamford Ballroom in Raffles City was
filled with joy one Friday evening on 19
October as old friends greeted each other,
new friendships were made as the family of
investiture of the 9th Bishop of Singapore began with a celebrative thanksgiving dinner to
welcome all who have come to join with the
Diocese of Singapore to mark this milestone
occasion.
The night’s programme was marked by
heartfelt greetings and gifts from representations from the South East Asia Dioceses, the
Global South Provinces, the CCEA Provinces, Mission Partners and Deaneries. Various
musical and dance items were presented including a psalmody dance by the well-known
Yontararak family from Thailand.
A psalmody dance from Thailand
God came together to celebrate. Some had
to travelled long distances and several time
zones to get to Singapore for a weekend of
celebrating God’s goodness.
The events surrounding the installation and
Bishop-Designate Rennis Ponniah shared
from Zechariah 3:6-7. In his message, he
noted that the mark of a strong Christian
leader is his walk with God and not about
his power, position or status. In his walk
with God, the leader models the cross by
His grace and needs to be faithful to God
in a way that influences the new generation. A good leader would influence people
with kingdom values and draw them into the
Kingdom of God. Bishop Rennis also took
the opportunity to express his appreciation
for his predecessors Bishops Chiu Ban It,
Moses Tay and John Chew.
In the midst of the festivities, a poignant note
was struck when the Bishop-Designate and
his immediate family were ushered on stage
for prayers. The bishops and archbishops
present led the gathering of 450 in prayer for
the Ponniahs as they enter into a new stage
of serving the Lord together.
Praying for the Ponniahs
Bishop-designate and Mrs Amir in joyous praise
A good leader would influence
people with kingdom values
and draw them into the
Kingdom of God.
The family gathers
A Special Mission Gathering: what is a Global Antioch church?
Paul had a calling; to be an apostle, set
apart for the Gospel (Romans 1:1). And God
is calling His Church today to be set apart
for Holy Spirit directed missions. Our present
era may be called the Global Antioch with
‘the whole church taking the gospel to the
whole world’ (Lausanne Covenant 1974).
At a special Missions Gathering hosted by
our Diocese and held at St Andrew’s Cathedral on 22 October, the theme of Global Antioch was unpacked by Bishop Rennis Ponniah spoke of it as,
a Spirit-woven intentional community of
Churches and Christian agencies who
are committed to making the Gospel of
Jesus Christ, according to the faith, once
delivered, known to all nations for the
glory of God
This important theme was picked up at Synod Plus on 8 November, where Bishop Rennis went into great detail on “What a Global
Antioch church is like”.
e.
f.
g.
During the 22nd Session of Synod (9 - 10 November), Dean Kuan Kim Seng as Director
of Missions presented a paper ‘Serving God
as Part of Global Antioch’. A resolution was
passed “That this Synod commends the paper presented by the Director of Missions on
‘Serving God as part of Global Antioch’ for
deliberation by all parishes towards a concerted response as a Diocese.”
The marks of a Global Antioch Church (Acts
1 - 16, Phil 1 - 4) as described by Bishop
Ponniah are those of a church that is:
a. Engaged with God through a fervent
prayer life (Acts 13:1, Phil 1:19)
b. Well-grounded in the Word (Acts 11:26,
Phil 1: 9 - 11)
c. Experiencing the reality of the Holy
Spirit (Acts 13:2, 16:6 - 10)
d. Keeping oneness despite the
stresses and strains of mission and
ministry (Acts 15:39 - 41, Phil 1:27 - 28,
4:1 - 3)
Developing accountability and mutually
strengthening partnerships
(Acts 14:26 - 28 Phil 4:14 - 19)
Reaching the nations for Christ person
by person, family by family, community
by community (Acts 16)
Proclaiming the wonders of God’s
salvation in different ‘languages’
(Acts 2).
The presentations focused on mission opportunities in this region and in the Anglican
Provinces such as Myanmar, Bolivia and
the Middle East, strategies, updates and
observations of recent developments. The
one day Mission Gathering was attended by
more than 60 local clergy, overseas clergy
and missioners representing different dioceses, provinces and agencies.
Revd Yee Ching Wah presenting on the
Deaneries
BISHOP’S MESSAGE
DIOCESAN Digest |5
“Be refreshed in the Holy Spirit for a time of Kingdom Advance”
(Isaiah 44:1-5; Ezekiel 34:26; 37:1-10)
Our Diocese is over 100 years old. We
crossed our centennial year in 2009. We
have traced the faithfulness of God’s hand
in bringing us to this point in our journey.
God has been at work. God is presently at
work, and our part is to participate in what
God is doing.
It is both very reassuring and very humbling
for me to take up God’s call for me to be the
9th Diocesan Bishop in this historical stream
of God’s faithful people. As I inherit the reins
of Episcopal leadership, I am conscious of
what God has sovereignly and graciously
put in place through my immediate predecessors. Through Bishop Chiu Ban It (19661981), the Lord gave our Diocese a sense
of fraternity and ushered us into the reality
of the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the
charismatic renewal. Through Bishop Moses
Tay (1982-2000), the Lord put in place extensive lay training as well as firm involvement in world missions, with our deaneries
as our first responsibility. And then through
Bishop John Chew (2000-2012), the Lord
instilled in us the value of being a connectional church [Diocese as a distinctive Anglican family of inter-related parts,
together with our broader identity of being
part of God’s one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church], and the important role of the
church in nation building, for example, by
“seeking the welfare of the city” through our
education mission and community services.
The above is doubtless a very selective list
of my predecessors’ major contributions,
but they form the frame of my asking the
Lord: how does He want me to build upon
these good deposits, in what proportions does He want to hold them together and what fresh dimensions
of being His church does He want
to bring in for such a time as is at
hand? Allow me to share what light from
God I have received thus far.
The Biblical Orientation
While the specifics of the shape, movement
and strategy of a church can be different in
different epochs of time, the biblical calling
of the Church does not change. Essentially,
and again in summary form, the Church is
called to:
(i) Proclaim the wonders of God’s
salvation in Jesus Christ in every
generation and in every corner of the
world (Acts 2:11; Romans 1:16-17);
making disciples of all nations
(Matthew 28:18-20).
(ii) Be faithful witnesses in our
respective countries to our God, His
appointed Saviour King Jesus, and to
His Saving Reign (Matthew 5:13-16;
John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8; Ephesians
3:10; 1 Peter 2:9-12). We are to do so
in the midst of a changing world and
even a changing Anglican Communion
where orthodox truth – claims and
moral values are being deconstructed
and re-defined.
Direction and Goals (2013 2020)
I believe God is leading our Diocese into an
engaging and joyful time of amazing Kingdom Advance. This means, firstly, that
many new lives will be led to Christ and added to our churches where they will be discipled, both in Singapore and in the deaneries where we do church-planting. Secondly,
our respective societies/communities will be
transformed by the light of God’s glory shining through a revived church (Ezekiel 43:15; Isaiah 60:1-3). This revived church will
effectively proclaim, demonstrate and usher
in the Lord’s Jubilee through her ‘servant of
the Lord’ ministry (Isaiah 61:1-3). This significant Kingdom-Advance will be entirely due
to the Lord’s sovereign move, in our midst.
Therefore, we need to press in through fervent intercession and consistent faith-in-action ministry.
What goals do we aim for?
By goals, I mean the results (or the picture
of the Diocese) that God has put in my heart
to desire, to work towards and to pray for.
Here they are:
(i) Parishes as spiritually-vibrant
and evangelising “communities of
disciples”
(ii) Deaneries as growing and maturing,
indigenous churches on the
threshold of becoming new Dioceses
in those countries where we are
church-planting.
(iii)Our Diocese as a well-synergised
servant-community, engaged in
holistic mission with a
Gospel-centred cutting edge. This
goal includes the task of guarding the
gates of sound doctrine (2 Timothy
1:13-14) and propagating “the faith
•
•
workers to attend.
Grow a culture of ‘Word & Spirit’ in our
churches by good regular practice.
Mobilise prayer and intercession across
the Diocese.
Our Starting Point:
I believe God’s purpose in this season is for
our Diocese, to pursue in a winsome, costly and joyful way, the advance of our Lord’s
I believe God’s purpose in this season
is for our Diocese, to pursue in a
winsome, costly and joyful way, the
advance of our Lord’s kingdom in the
nations He has entrusted to us.
once delivered” (Jude v3) as we
combat false teaching and liberalism. It
also involves our committed and
thoughtful role in nation-building.
The Tasks at Hand:
•
•
•
Develop the clergy to be strong and
Godly ‘shepherd leaders’ of our parishes.
Harness the laity by equipping and involving them in the heart of mission and
ministry.
Foster a deeper “sense of community”
at Diocesan-level.
- One important gathering point for
clergy, pastoral staff and lay leaders
will be the weekly Holy Communion
service at the Cathedral Nave on
Tuesday mornings, which will now be
from 7.30 - 8.30 am to allow city
kingdom in the nations He has entrusted to
us. And the Lord knows what we need to
fulfill His purpose. We need a heart ablaze
with His love, a refreshed spirit and a new
strength. In short, we need a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit on His Church.
The promise of the refreshing Spirit is
there in Scripture, and was somewhat underlined for me by the heavy downpour of
rain during my Installation Service on 20 October 2012. Since then, Ezekiel 34:26 and
Isaiah 44:1-5 have seized my attention:
I will make them and the places
surrounding my hill a blessing.
I will send down showers in season;
there will be showers of blessing.
(Ezekiel 34:26)
For I will pour water on the thirsty
land, and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your
offspring and my blessing on your
descendants.
They will spring up like grass in a
meadow,
like poplar trees by flowing streams.
(Isaiah 44:3-4)
Significantly too in Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-10), there is a
pause and a specific prayer before the deliberate moment when the breath (Spirit) entered the bodies and “they came to life and
stood up on their feet – a vast army’ (v10).
We too will need a fresh in-filling of the Spirit, a deeper “life in the Spirit”, if we are to be
God’s “army” of love and truth, with “towel
and basin” in hand to serve and bring His life
to the nations. We must learn in the midst of
our energy-sapping and quick-paced ministry, to pause regularly and drink deeply from the river of the Spirit (Psalm
110:7; John 4:13-14; 7:37-39).
Let bands of praying people arise in
our parishes, deaneries, schools and community service arms. God will surely send
‘the rain’ of His Holy Spirit in answer to
prayer. He would have formed and prepared
us through prayer, to receive His outpouring.
Conclusion
Therefore, I believe the Lord’s immediate
call upon our Diocese at this time is:
To be Refreshed in the Holy Spirit for
a Time of Kingdom Advance
Let us heed the call together. He who calls is
faithful and He will do it. The Lord deserves
our complete trust and our delightful obedience. To Him we give all the glory, even as
we say “Come, Lord Jesus, Come.”
[Adapted from his first Presidential
Address to Synod on 9 Nov 2012.]
NEWS
6| DIOCESAN Digest
On the retirement of Bishop John Chew
Thanksgiving Service and Farewell Dinner on the occasion of the retirement of the Rt Revd John Chew Hiang Chea, 8th Bishop of Singapore
Friday 28 September 2012
God’s hand. We need God’s Glory to
help us to keep moving forward in our
common life and vocation. We are blessed because in Christ we see God’s glory
and truth. He has gone ahead and we
are asked to follow.
The Service was followed by a Farewell Dinner held at Bliss Garden Restaurant. During
the Dinner, there were many heartfelt tributes.
Bishop Chew had initiated relationships
between the National Three Self-Patriotic
Movement of the Protestant Church in China
(TSPM) and China Christian Council (CCC).
He has since gained the respect of the State
Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA)
as well. It was therefore not surprising to see
a delegation from SARA and TSPM at his
Thanksgiving Service and Farewell Dinner.
At the Thanksgiving Service, Bishop-Designate Rennis Ponniah described Bishop
Chew as a Connector, a ‘Face-to-Face’ person, not a ‘Facebook’ person. He shared
that when he was seeking direction, Bishop
Chew met him at a coffee shop in Queenstown for a very encouraging pastoral chat.
Mr Lawrence Boo, Secretary of the Synod
called him a visionary who dares us to take
challenges that might be painful, a daring
saint.
This man, whom they have just described,
has led the Diocese of Singapore faithfully for 12 years. In his last official address,
Bishop John Chew chose to focus on God’s
Glory and to challenge the congregation. He
likened our common life and vocation to a
relay race,
We are in this together, a relay that will
continue until He returns. It was started
2,000 years ago. We must never overestimate ourselves yet not underestimate
Blessing Bishop Chew and his family
Deputy Minister of China’s State Administration for Religious Affairs (SARA) Mr Jiang
Jianyong modified a Chinese expression to
commend the church leader for a life welllived. Mr Jiang likened Bishop Chew’s life
as starting as a beautiful painting, then progressing to a pure dream, a romantic poem,
a meaningful essay and now he has become
a wise philosopher.
I have never seen him lose his temper or
scold anyone over the last 30 years. Often I see him gladly spending his limited
time with his co-workers….I deeply feel
his tremendous willingness to pour out
his whole heart, soul, mind and strength
to serve “for the sake of the Church of
our Lord!
Similarly the Archbishop of the Province of
South East Asia, the Most Revd Bolly Lapok
referred to Bishop Chew as a colleague,
friend and predecessor who was always willing to entertain his incessant questions. So
deeply did Archbishop Bolly, who is the Bishop of Kuching, regard their friendship that
he made time for and spared no expense to
travel to Singapore just to attend the Service
and Dinner, to the amazement of his wife.
One of the most inspiring aspects of Bishop Chew’s leadership, which his successor
Bishop Ponniah highlighted, may have been
the way in which he steadfastly ‘soldiered’
Chairperson of the National Committee of
the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM)
Elder Fu Xian Wei, whose association with
Bishop Chew began in 2007, testified of how
the latter has helped strengthen the relationship between the Church in China and
churches in Asia and Africa. As a result of
Bishop Chew’s academic achievements and
vast experience in church ministry, he was
the first person that the churches in China
invited when they sought at one point to welcome foreign lecturers to provide in-service
theological education and training.
In his tribute to the bishop, the Archdeacon of Singapore Low Jee King noted that
amongst his many sterling qualities, Bishop
Chew was patient and generous,
Passing the staff to the Vicar-General
on despite personal discomfort.
Midway through the programme, the almost
1,000 attendees at Bliss Garden Restaurant
at the Singapore Expo gave Bishop Chew a
standing ovation. They also paid a stirring
tribute in song to the much beloved Bishop
of Singapore, celebrating a life which, as our
incoming Bishop Rennis noted, preferred to
be the ‘shoulders’ for others to stand on.
Having always believed in and worked toward a collegiality and interdependence of
clergy and laity in the diocese, Bishop Chew
expressed embarrassment at being made
the focus of attention and commendation
that evening. Perhaps the high point of the
event came when a visibly moved Bishop
Chew gave a bouquet of flowers to his wife
Christina in appreciation of the constant support with which she and their son Ernie had
selflessly provided him during his time in office, enabling him to fulfill his numerous duties which often took him beyond Singapore.
THE PASTORAL MINISTRY SERIES
DIOCESAN Digest |7
A renewed call to Pastoral Leaders: “Shepherd” God’s People
Bishop Rennis Ponniah
What kind of church will our Diocese be in
the future? The Church is—and has always
been—facing enormous challenges to her
truth claims, her ministry and her place in
society. Will we be swept away by the tidal
waves of change or remain solid as a rock,
faithful and impactful as God’s covenant
people?
2.
If the church is to have a strong future, she
will need strong, loving and effective shepherding. That was what Peter was asked to
do. The church was in her infancy then and
faced many challenges that opposed her
mission and threatened her existence. Anticipating this, Jesus told Peter to “feed and
take care of My sheep” (John 21:15-19).
3.
I am reminded of this command as I take up
my shepherding role as Bishop of our Diocese. The task of shepherding is not restricted to bishops and priests but shared with
pastoral staff, lay ministers and cell leaders.
Let me turn to Ezekiel 34:7-24 to draw some
important lessons for us.
Israel had been swept into exile. The city
was sacked and the temple destroyed. Their
future as a people was called into question.
What had gone wrong? As the book of Ezekiel addressed these questions, it becomes
clear that “the shepherds” were examined
and found wanting. Who were these shepherds? While the primary reference under
the Old Covenant would be the kings, the
prophetic writings include priests, prophets
and governing authorities like magistrates in
this category (Micah 3:1-12, Isaiah 9:13-16,
Jeremiah 2:8). Together these “Shepherds”
were to lead, guide and care for God’s people.
There are three salient points from our text
that vitally affect the spirituality of shepherds and consequently the state of Christ’s
church.
1. Shepherds are fully
ACCOUNTABLE to God
“I…will hold them accountable for my flock”
(v 10). Israel’s sorry state was laid squarely
on the shoulder of the shepherds; they “lack
a shepherd” (v 8). The flock is not adequately taught the Word of God, “the fear of God”
is not reflected in the lives of the shepherds,
and the shepherds are not diligent in care
and discipling of their people.
This often happens because the shepherds
let slip their relationship with God. When
shepherds are not growing in their communion with God, they lose their source of
spiritual power and their influence over and
love for the flock diminishes. Some quit the
ministry of shepherding in the end.
In Ezekiel 34, the phrase “My flock” is repeated several times. We are merely stewards entrusted with the community of God’s
people. As owner, He will hold us accountable. This is certainly Saint Paul’s perspective
when he exhorts the Ephesian elders in Acts
20:28: “Be shepherds of the church of God,
which he bought with his own blood.” Peter
too reflects on this holy calling in 1 Peter 5:2:
“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under
your care…” Those in pastoral leadership
in the church must diligently go about our
tasks, knowing that there is One, “the Lord
before whom I stand, (1 Kings 18:15), to
whom we must give an account.
Drawing from David Hansen, in his book The
Art of Pastoring, he describes how he took
over from a pastor who had not only left the
church but left the ministry altogether. His
predecessor had left his library behind, and
Hansen noticed that “How to” books on leadership made up most of his recent reads. It
appeared that over the years, the previous
pastor was no longer feeding his soul on the
rich Word of God and this decline in his relationship with God led eventually to him succumbing to frustration and disillusionment.
2. Shepherds are fully KNOWN
by God
1. The shepherds in Ezekiel 34 had become self-seeking (v 3), negligent in
caring for the weak (v 4a) and abusive
in the use of their authority (v 4c). While
others may not see their hearts or motives, God knew.
2. They were caring for themselves rather
than the flock. For us, this can be happen in several ways.
3. We can be focused on our own public
image and self-advancement. We care
too much about our reputation (how
people view us) rather than who we really are (our hearts and character, which
is what God prizes). We become more
concerned with our own self-fulfillment
and creature comforts than obedience
to God and the winsomeness of simplicity and sacrifice.
4. A gifted minister was serving in a relatively small church in rural Scotland. He
received many letters trying to persuade
him to serve in larger churches. Some
were even bold enough to suggest to
him “surely God has called you to a
more strategic ministry.” To which he re-
5.
6.
7.
8.
sponded with vigour, “WHOSE STRATEGY are you talking about? God has
given me no license to leave this place.”
He stayed on till God called him out.
Sometimes when we feel wrongly criticised by some quarters of the flock, we
become defensive and divisive. While
protecting our credibility is important,
we must be careful not to be drawn into
conversations of back-biting, falsehood
and slander, and we must not misuse
our authority to protect ourselves.
Rather, shepherds are to do everything
possible, even in the worst of times, to
build up the flock and care for all under their charge. This is only possible
through the power of the Holy Spirit who
makes the love of Jesus so real to us.
Jesus our Lord makes it clear for us that
“a good shepherd lays down his life for
the sheep” (John 10:22). And the love of
Jesus so transformed Peter from being
a man so full of himself to the humble
apostle who could write to his fellow-elders, “Be shepherds of God’s flock that
is under your care, watching over them
– not because you must, but because
you are willing, as God wants you to be;
not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager
to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to
the flock” (1 Peter 5:2-3).
I want especially to remind my fellow
clergy to be faithful to the oath we made
in our Ordination Service to love God
and His people above all else.
3. Shepherds are fully ENGAGED
for God
1. Shepherding involves many tasks;
feeding your people with the Word of
God, discipling them and holding them
accountable, caring for them through
life’s journey as well as planning and
governing their life as a group. One of
4.
5.
the tasks that is not commonly identified
with shepherding is leading your people
out in evangelism and mission. But it is
there in Ezekiel 34 and other parts of
holy scripture.
If Christ is our model, then Ezekiel paints
for us a Shepherd-King whose work
goes beyond the boundaries of Israel
and Babylon and out to other nations.
He is seeking to gather all the scattered
children of God and bring them together as one people (Ezekiel 34:12-13, cf
John 10:16; Rev 7:9-10; 15:3-4).
Christ is doing the same today through
his under-shepherds placed everywhere. We join Him in this task of looking for all the lost and alienated children
of God. Therefore we and our people
are out there in the “market-place” of
our society (the work-places, schools,
hospitals and neighbourhoods) and in
the nations of the world (especially our
Deanery Countries) reaching the lost for
Christ. Ezekiel pictures the shepherd
as bringing the lost home, healing their
wounds, uniting them as one community, and governing them with love and
justice (Ezekiel 34:14-16). In this sense,
the shepherd’s task of mission can be
seen as pastoral evangelism.
Shepherding therefore is an all-engrossing task. We cannot discharge it,
without the powerful help of the Holy
Spirit. And we cannot discharge it without encouragement and complementary
help of one another. As a bishop, I am
assisted by my fellow-clergy; in turn the
clergy are assisted by lay pastors and
leaders.
Nor must those of us called to be pastors to be diverted from the priority of
shepherding. In particular, we must put
limits to our management and administrative tasks so that we are there on
the field with our people—preaching,
teaching, discipling, visiting, praying
and reaching the lost. We must major
on our vocational tasks—we must major
on shepherding!
Conclusion
1. The solution to the impoverished state
of God’s people in Ezekiel 34 is that the
Lord Himself will intervene to take personal charge of the flock of His Shepherd-Ruler “David” – fulfilled in our Lord
Jesus Christ. Christ now appoints His
under-shepherds, and He anoints and
equips them to lead and care for God’s
flock that we will be shinning witnesses
for God in the world.
2. When each of us is faithful in shepherding our own flock (Diocese, deanery,
parish or Home Cell), we will encourage
each other and form a “band of shepherds” for God’s glorious use. This is
what will ultimately make the Church
strong as she faces the future. Then we
will be a people for the praise of God’s
glory!
3. Hear again the words of Ezekiel 34 for
this new season.
May the grace and presence of our Great
Shepherd guide and inspire us.
EDUCATION
8| DIOCESAN Digest
Blessed to be a Blessing
St Margaret’s School 170th Anniversary
Yes, this year has seen many Singaporean
schools marking milestone anniversaries.
And one School, St Margaret’s School, the
oldest girls’ school in Singapore and one of
the oldest in the Far East, it is celebrating
her 170th Anniversary.
port from the Female Education Society and
with the promise of £100 per annum for 10
years from some ladies in Yorkshire, she set
up the school with Miss Grant as the first
principal. From those humble beginnings
founded in charity, patience and devotion
(the school motto), the St Margaret’s School
has grown.
The heritage of the school is a tradition of
service to her neighbours and the community. The School has been embracing students
from all walks of life; training them to lead
and serve. In her 170th year, the School is
still grounded in her desire to serve.
The theme of the Anniversary celebrations
is Blessed to be a Blessing. This theme
recognises how God has been blessing the
School and the School is inculcating this
value of showing love and compassion to
others. This theme runs through the celebration events which also serve to raise funds
for its main adopted charity, the Singapore
Anglican Community Services (SACS).
SACS comprises psychiatric rehabilitation
and recovery services, a crisis shelter, and
Second from left: Ms Pang Wee Mian, Principal of the Primary School, with the VIPs
at the Green Dot Fiesta
Minister of Education Mr Heng Swee Kiat with Bishop Rennis and Mrs Marion Tan,
Principal of the Secondary School
In 1842, Mrs Maria Dyer, a missionary, started a school to help homeless girls, regardless of race, in a tiny shop house in North
Bridge Road. Her desire was to rescue slave
girls or ‘mui tsais’ and equip them with an
elementary education so that they could be
good homemakers. It was then called the
Chinese Girls’ School.
Mrs Dyer managed to obtain financial sup-
agencies dealing with elder care and at-risk
children.
•
To commemorate her 170th Anniversary, St
Margaret’s commissioned Mr Alex Teh and
the Little Red Ants Creative Studio to produce a short film commemorating the founding of the school.
Celebration and Charity:
170th Anniversary Events
•
On 30 June, the Primary
School held the Green Dot Fiesta. This carnival saw the girls
hosting 120 very special important guests of honour; mothers
and children from a crisis shelter, the elderly and underprivileged children.
•
On 14 July at the Kallang
Theatre, the Secondary School
staged a musical entitled Blessed to be a Blessing. The Guest
of Honour was Mr Heng Swee
Kiat, the Minister of Education.
•
On 31 August, it is the turn of the teachers to model sacrificial giving. Every
year the management committee will
provide the teachers with a special dinner treat on Teachers’ Day. This year the
teachers from the primary and secondary schools have opted instead to forgo
their treat so that the management committee can treat 120 underprivileged elderly from Kampong Glam to a high tea.
On 16 November, which is St Margaret’s Day, the celebrations culminated in
a Gala Dinner at the Marina Mandarin
with the Guest of Honour being His Excellency, Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, President of Singapore.
The Primary School raised $81,478.52
from the Green Dot Fiesta. The Secondary
School raised $112K which are the net proceeds from ticket sale and donations from
the Concert. So the St Margaret’s School
has donated a total of $193,478.52 to the
Singapore Anglican Community Services.
EDUCATION
DIOCESAN Digest |9
Hearts Courageous
It says something of a school and how it nurtures her students when a man in his 70s
can stand up in front of an almost 1,000
strong crowd and lead the group in a rousing
singing of the school song with the vim and
vigour of a school boy. Mr Yee Teck Peng
is of course an institution. He was a student
and then a teacher. Although retired, he has
dedicated his time to his alma mater St Andrew’s School. He pens a ‘Saints Do You
Know?’ newsletter that shares interesting
facts and news of the St Andrew’s Family.
And he has been doing it since 1998.
Mr Yee Teck Peng leading the school
song
Annual Crossover
St Andrew’s Hall
The occasion was the St Andrew’s 150th Anniversary Dinner held on 8 September. The
Guest-of-Honour His Excellency, Dr Tony
Tan Keng Yam, President of Singapore,
launched the commemorative book Hearts
Courageous at the Dinner. Written by Mrs
Belinda Charles who once helmed the junior college and the secondary school, the
272-paged book was a tribute to the men
and women who had served to grow the
school from its early years in Chin Chew
Street. The book was an instant best seller
with many an old boy and old girl queuing
to get their copies signed by the authoress.
The Dinner culminates a year of celebration
events. Just two weeks before the Dinner,
the Saints celebrated her Founder’s Day on
Opening of the Hall by Bishop Chew
Romanis House Picnic 1933
The President of Singapore, Dr Tony Tan
Keng Yam launches ‘Hearts Courageous’
25 August. Showing a continual commitment
to education, a new residential facility the St
Andrew’s Hall was opened by Bishop John
Chew. The vision of the Hall is to nurture 21st
century servant leaders. The co-educational
Hall has 12 storeys which can house up to
600 students. The 150th Founder’s Day saw
the debut of a commissioned anthem based
on the hymn All thy Saints. Sung by the combined school staff choir, it was written by an
old boy Revd Joshua Shaam Sudharman.
Police Cup B Div 2009
Speech Day circa 1950s
10| DIOCESAN Digest
The Therapy Gardens, for example, are
landscaped, tranquil outdoor environments
that will challenge patients to manoeuvre
steps, curbs, slopes and ramps as part of
their guided therapy. Each ward will house
three 10-bed clusters with each cluster
equipped with a living room to facilitate interaction among patients and their family. A fully-furnished and equipped mock three-room
flat in the Centre for Independent Living is
available to let patients to test their level of
mobility in a home setting prior to discharge.
“With this new model of care, our goal is for
patients to receive a high quality of rehabilitation and resume, as much as possible, the
activities that they enjoy. Even as our population ages, it is vital that they have a good
quality of life,” explained Dr Loh Yik Hin,
CEO of SACH.
Both hospitals will also work towards integrating processes and workflow for better
efficiency and convenience for patients.
From left: Mr T K Udairam, Bishop Rennis Ponniah, Mr Gan Kim Yong, Mr Gerrard Ee, Dr Lee Chien Earn and Dr Loh Yik Hin
Changi General Hospital and St Andrew’s
Community Hospital has begun building the
first-of-its-kind healthcare facility in Singapore focused on optimised rehabilitation for
patients. The Integrated Building will feature
comprehensive rehabilitation facilities within
a home-like environment to help patients optimise their recovery and facilitate independent living.
“The Integrated Building is a fine example
of Eastern Health Alliance partners coming
together to make care better and more convenient for our patients. This brings us one
step closer to our vision of providing seamless, quality care,” said Mr T K Udairam,
Group CEO of the Eastern Health Alliance.
“The new model of rehabilitation will benefit
our patients, and quite possibly help reduce
the economic impact of disability for our society.”
This new model of care will see patients rehabilitated in a conducive environment that
will help optimise their recovery and independence to prepare them optimally for the
transition back to home.
The Integrated Building’s Groundbreaking
celebration was held on Saturday, 10 November with the Minister for Health Mr Gan
Kim Yong as the Guest-of-Honour. Located
between CGH and SACH, the eight-storey
Integrated Building comprising 280 beds will
be completed by end 2014.
A simple prayer service was held in the St
Andrew’s Community Chapel located in
SACH. The service culminated in a prayer
of dedication in which staff, clergy, management and board members gathered on the
bridge linking SACH with CGH to dedicate
the building to the Lord’s medical mission.
The prayer was led by Bishop Rennis Ponniah, President of St Andrew’s Medical Mis-
Praying for the ministry
sion and Bishop of Singapore.
The building will integrate a range of acute
and sub-acute rehabilitation facilities and
services within a ‘home-like’ ward environment for patients and their families’ benefit.
Dr Lee Chien Earn, Chairman of the Hospital Planning Committee, and CEO of CGH
has this to say, “We also need to empower
patients to be active participants in their own
recovery so that they can live independently
with a good quality of life as much as possible.”
The 280-bed building will house a full range
of rehabilitation features, facilities and services. These include the Active Recovery
and Therapy Centre, the Centre for Independent Living, the Geriatric Day Hospital,
Therapy Gardens, and the Day Rehabilitation Centre. They will collectively enable
healthcare professionals to optimise the outcomes of treatment for a wide range of conditions from stroke, brain and spine injuries,
traumatic injuries, to elderly frailty.
Prayer service
Dr Lee Chien Earn (CGH), Minister of Health Mr Gan Kim Yong and Dr Loh Yik Hin
(SACH) launching the groundbreaking celebration
DIOCESAN Digest |11
2012 is a year of several changes within the
SACS community. Change brings with it the
promise of new directions while continually
building on our foundations; in other words
growth. So this is all good news to us.
First and foremost, there is the appointment
of Bishop Rennis Ponniah as the President
of SACS (w.e.f. 22 Oct 2012). SACS looks
forward to Bishop Rennis’ leadership to further strengthen and grow SACS (and SAMH)
into holistic community care providers.
Secondly, SACS and our sister organisation St Andrew’s Mission Hospital also announced the appointment of Dr Arthur Chern
as Group Chief Executive Officer (w.e.f.
1 May 2012). As Group CEO, Dr Chern’s
background as a Public Health Specialist
and Healthcare Administrator will enable him
to further develop SACS and SAMH as they
seek to grow their services for the welfare
and care of all Singaporeans.
Thirdly, Mr Lim Khay Tham was appointed
as Chief Executive Officer of SACS (w.e.f.
16 July 2012). Mr Lim comes with a wealth of
experience having helmed the Bible Society
of Singapore as the General Secretary. He
is currently the Honorary General Secretary
of the National Council of Churches of Singapore. With his leadership, we look forward
to further growth and development within the
SACS family of services.
Fourthly, Mr Steven Ting was appointed as
Head of the Psychiatric Rehabilitation and
Recovery Services (w.e.f. 1 May 2012) encompassing Hougang Care Centre, Simei
Care Centre, Community Rehabilitation and
Mr Lim Kay Tham
Dr Arthur Chern
Support Service (Bukit Batok, Pasir Ris and
Yishun), and Employment Support Services.
With his appointment, SACS hopes to see
how its services to people recovering from
mental illnesses can be seamless and better
harmonised.
A ‘heart’ felt farewell to Bishop Chew
Mrs Wong Kok Yee, chair of Dinner Committee presenting a gift from Mother and Child
Project to Mr Chan Chun Seng, the Guest-of-Honour
disadvantaged in our society—is our raison
d’être.
The Singapore Anglican Community Services (SACS) held a Charity Dinner on Friday,
14 September at the Fullerton Hotel. The
theme of the Dinner was “Seek the Welfare
of the City.”
Mr Chan Chun Seng, Acting Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, was
the Guest-of-Honour. He had an opportunity
to learn about some of our social enterprise
projects like Mother and Child and MOSES.
The theme reminds us of our God-given vocation; to show the compassionate love,
The annual flag day of the two sister organisations was held on 29 September. It was
a fine day and more than 200 eager fund
raisers took to the streets of our city to raise
much needed support for our 11 services. It
grace, forgiveness and mercy of God, to
make a distinctive difference in the lives of
people where we live. Although the work of
SACS has a relatively short history beginning with the setting up of a clinic to serve
villagers living in Potong Pasir in the 1950s,
the mandate for our work—to counsel, to restore and to equip the underserved and the
was a day for the Anglican family; clergy, parishioners, students from some of our Anglican schools, staff and well-wishers. We also
had 60 who took pledge cards. Altogether
$21,700 was raised.
The Dinner was also a celebration; a celebration of God’s provision and of the Anglican
family. The evening began with a performance by Bruce Kuhn, a Broadway
actor, who did an excerpt from his play
“Luke” based on the Gospel according
to Luke, the healer. Two parishes gave
gifts of music with two songs by husband and wife duo, Earnest and Ming
Li, from St John’s-St Margaret’s Church
and a choir from All Saints’ Church presenting three Chinese hymns. Kelvin
Tan, a young intern with Hougang Care
Centre, shared how his journey to mental wellness was aided by many hands
and hearts from SACS.
As Bishop John Chew was retiring, he
was feted with two songs by staff. And
to the surprise and delight of the 500 guests
present, he sang a hymn to reflect his appreciation of all who have served SACS faithfully through the years.
The Dinner has raised more than $250,000
to date. The cost of the Dinner had been graciously underwritten by a well-wisher.
12| DIOCESAN Digest
Earlier in the afternoon, the Centre held a
dedication service presided by recently retired Bishop John Chew. About 80 well-wishers came to celebrate God’s provision of a
new Centre to serve the nation and pray for
the staff as they dedicated themselves to
serving Him in this ‘heavy lifting’ area.
Excerpt of David’s Testimony
Interviewer: Tell us about your background.
David: Two years ago, I was depressed,
I could not cope with my work and I was
stressed out. I felt there were unrealistic demands made on me. I did not like my job.
At home there was pressure and nagging. I
had low self-esteem and I felt I was not good
enough for I could not keep down a job.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Law, Mr K Shanmugam opens the centre
Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Foreign Affiars and Law, Member of Parliament for Nee
Soon GRC, was the Guest-of-Honour at the
Opening of Community Rehabilitation and
Support Service (Yishun) on Friday, 5 October.
what we are doing at CRSS is assisting one
of the support structures that would facilitate
someone recovering from mental illness to do
so in the community environment, because
the community is where everyone of us belongs, not in institutions.”
Located at Block 707 in Yishun Avenue 5,
it is well situated to educate constituents
on early intervention, how to manage their
mental health better and to help advocate for
people with mental illness. The team hopes
to help eradicate stigmas and mis-information on mental illnesses through education
programmes. The stigma associated with
mental illness often prevents early intervention, diagnosis and treatment. In addition,
support from an informed and caring community will enable a much more conducive
environment for gradual and better recovery
– for the patient as well as their family and
friends who often act as caregivers.
This is the third CRSS centre managed by
the Singapore Anglican Community Services. The first centre is located in Bukit Batok
and the second in Pasir Ris. In 2013, SACS
is aiming to serve 700 clients. The three
centres, located in void decks of HDB estates with large populations, are well placed
to serve the wider community especially in
partnership with grassroots organisations.
Since it started operating at the start of 2012,
the centre has been helping some 165 patients with mental illnesses. Mr Shanmugam
lauded the Singapore Anglican Community
Services for setting up the centre. “I know
the level at which services are provided in
Singapore: the huge gulf or deficit in quality services available and the lack of trained
people and the huge reluctance among
people to acknowledge that they need such
help,” he said. “We have a long way to go in
many of these areas.”
“For people recovering from mental illness,
recovering in the community is probably the
best way in their journey towards recovery,”
said Mr Keith Chua, the vice president of Singapore Anglican Community Services. “So,
CRSS Yishun runs a day activity centre
which can be liken to a drop-in centre, allowing clients from all walks of life in the community who may prefer to come to the centre
for recreation, counselling, to learn skills and
how to manage their condition. Every person
in recovery has his or her individual paths
that they will journey on to recovery.
CRSS is a joint project with the National
Council of Social Services and the Ministry
of Health. Capital funding for Yishun CRSS
was provided by the above partners as well
as the President’s Challenge and a very supportive Binjai Tree. SACS is grateful for the
opportunity to be based in communities to
provide support to those afflicted by mental
health issues and their families.
During the Opening ceremony, David, an intern with CRSS Yishun, shared his journey
to recovery with the large group of well-wishers. They were given a tour of the Club
House and the office premises.
It seemed hard to continue living. I went to
the A&E of Tan Tock Seng Hospital with a
friend as I felt I had reached the end of the
Rebekah introduced me to Victor, the Centre Head of CRSS Yishun. He became my
counsellor. He helped me to rise above my
negative emotions and take responsibility for
my life. I heeded his advice and decided to
take up tasks in the Clubhouse. Eventually I
was asked to consider being an intern at the
Centre.
Interviewer: Am I right to say that several
people journeyed with you?
David: Yes, there was Rebekah and Victor
who supported me and taught me how to
plan and lead. They also encouraged me to
upgrade my skills by undergoing the Peer
Support Training. I learnt how providing support to a fellow member can be rewarding
Dedicating the staff of CRSS Yishun for His work
road. I needed help. I was referred to SACS.
I managed to call in the nick of time. The
staff, Irene and Andi, assessed and counselled me. Then they accompanied me to
hospital for immediate treatment. When I
was discharged the psychiatrist referred me
to SACS and through SACS, CRSS Yishun.
Interviewer: How did CRSS help you?
David: Rebekah the rehab counsellor came
to visit me during my stay in hospital. She
counselled me by educating me in the ways
to cope with my negative thoughts and emotions. After I was discharged, I looked for a
job. I managed to find a part-time job. Rebekah had by then become the Manager of
the Clubhouse at CRSS Yishun. She invited
me to visit. During my visit, I met a friendly
volunteer Anna. I was amazed at her conscientious efforts in teaching the members
how to do Arts and Craft like origami. I also
met Sally, a disabled volunteer, who is mul-
The National Council of Social Services celebrated its 20th Anniversary on 11 October.
The NCSS Pitch is for member voluntary
welfare organisations to present innovative
initiatives to address social issues.
to severe autism. The programme offers a
procedure for organising trips and provides
methodical training for caregivers, equipping
them with the confidence to undertake such
an endeavour.
The St Andrew’s Autism Centre proposed a
programme to equip clients and their families with the skills to organise family vacations. Family vacations can be challenging
when travelling with persons with moderate
This programme was given a trail run when
the parents and their children travelled to
Penang for a short holiday. They were given
flight familiarisation sessions conducted by
the airline which allowed parents to antici-
Learning how to take a plane trip
ti-skilled. She teaches cooking, singing and
arts and craft. Although she is disabled she
never resorts to self-pity.
and how it helps him in his recovery.
Then there is Irene who taught me to manage my illness through a programme named
Illness Management Recovery programme. I
was taught how to list goals and the methods
to achieve these goals effectively. She also
taught me relaxation techniques to help me
stay calm whenever I feel stressed.
My parents have been supportive and my relationship with them has also improved. My
pastor has also provided me much spiritual
support.
Lastly I want to thank God for I believe He
lead me to SACS then CRSS. Because of
this I reached a turning point from Relapse
to Recovery. CRSS Yishun has proven to be
a reliable organisation that has provided me
help and support so that I can recover from
mental illness.
pate potential stress points.
This programme was awarded the Second
Prize of $12,000 in the Judges’ Choice category. The cash prize goes towards the implementation of the programme.
DIOCESAN Digest |13
team comprising industry peers conduct an
on-site survey through interviews with staff,
clients, caregivers, as well as observations
of practices, review documentations, answer
questions and suggest ways to improve operations and services.
CARF (Commission on Accreditation of
Rehabilitation Facilities) International is an
international, independent, not-for-profit accreditor of health and human services that
promotes quality rehabilitation services by
establishing standards for the provision of
quality rehabilitation services. Founded in
1966, CARF accreditation extends to 19
countries in five continents.
All our psychiatric services have just received a three-year accreditation, the longest possible, from CARF International. The
accreditation means that our services are
guided by internationally recognised standards and best practices.
During the accreditation process, a survey
SACS had originally submitted for its two
care centres in Simei and Hougang to be
surveyed for accreditation. The survey team
chose to give accreditation for all its mental health services. What this accreditation
assures us is that our services are of internationally recognised standards and best
practices.
The accreditation process was one which
SACS chose to undergo. The accreditation
is not compulsory. Why did we put our services under intense professional scrutiny?
The audit helps us to understand ourselves
better and learn how to do better. In the final
meeting with the survey team, our staff were
complimented on having a CAN DO spirit.
They also noted that the staff show great respect for our clients and embody the values
of SACS to love all our clients as Christ loves
us. One of our clients was quoted as saying
that SACS has given him back his dreams
and aspirations.
New Network
SACS was invited to be part of the Singapore Schizophrenia Network which was
launched on 6 October as part of the World
Mental Health Day celebrations. The Network was an initiative led by the Institute of
Mental Health and involves ten agencies. Mr
Steven Ting who heads our Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Recovery Services said,
SACS is pleased to be part of the Singapore Schizophrenia Network as it
provides a collaborative platform for
all community partners to contribute in
their areas of expertise so as to ensure
seamless services for people with Schizophrenia in their journey to recovery. We
look forward to the collaborations in the
future which will enable us to improve in
the provision of better mental healthcare
support and services.
Schizophrenia affects about one percent of
the population or 50,000 people and is a
long term mental illness. Apart from ensuring smoother transitions and closer cooperation between mental health care providers,
the Network will also help caregivers. It also
aims to remove stigmas linked to mental
illnesses.
Fish Tales
World Mental Health Day is annually celebrated on 10 October. Many mental health
agencies use the month to celebrate and
promote mental wellness. One of our corporate supporters, MINDSET Care Limited
graciously sponsored a Movie Night on 31
October at GV Vivo City.
Movie Night is a treat for our clients and caregivers and also is an opportunity to show
appreciation to our staff and volunteers. Two
years ago it was Jet Li’s Ocean Heaven.
Last year the movie was The Dolphin Tale
and this year it is Finding Nemo (in 3D).
Hmmm, is there a trend here for we seem to
like fish tails, oops, tales.
2012 saw the community services reaching
out to the parishes in a more intentional way.
Through the years, our services have grown
in nature and scope. Last year the heads of
the different services felt that it was important to actively communicate and connect so
as to raise awareness and support for our
services.
Every year there is a Sunday dedicated to
the community services. This year it fell on 22
April. A video carrying selected heart-warming stories of volunteers and clients was sent
to all parishes. The Diocese marked the day
by inviting the Senior Chaplain, Archdeacon
Wong Tak Meng, other community service
chaplains and heads of agencies to preach
or bring words of greeting to the parishes.
The community services also gave tokens of
appreciation to the parishes that have supported the services faithfully these past few
years.
Two parishes, St John’s-St Margaret’s Church
and St James’ Church, invited the community services to mount exhibitions in July and
October respectively so as to educate their
members on the services available, volunteer
Archdeacon Wong preaching at SJC
opportunities and financial needs. Staff members from the various centres were on hand
to answer questions and to share about their
work.
In time to come, it is hoped that the different
community service agencies can work closer
with parishes in providing support to members with different healthcare needs.
Diocesan Healthcare Sunday
St Luke’s Day is commemorated as the Diocesan Healthcare Sunday. This year a special service was held at the Cathedral on the
14 October at 5 pm. Anglicans in the health-
At St John’s-St Margaret’s
care sector and the staff and leaders of our
mental health care services came together
to re-dedicated themselves to serving the
Lord through their God-given healing ministry. Together they affirmed their commitment,
Merciful Father, we stand as Your children
in the healthcare community, to rededicate ourselves to Your service. Our skills
and knowledge are Your gracious gifts
which we now offer for your use, not to
enrich or glorify ourselves, but that those
in need whom we serve may know Your
treatments offered, the clients at work and
play, the staff, volunteers, the celebrations
and the small quiet pensive moments – he
recorded them all.
His brother-in-law Revd Peter Chen first
mooted the book and oversaw the whole
process. A writer, Lucilla Teoh, was found
to shape the texts and edit the book. A kind
supporter then underwrote the costs of printing the book.
Jimmy Lam has a special gift of telling stories with his camera. For three years, he
took countless photographs of the community services; the nature of the services and
RADM (Ret) Kwek receiving a gift from
SACS
“Seek the Welfare of the City” was launched
on 10 May at St Andrew’s Cathedral by then
President of the National Council of Social
Service, RADM (Ret) Kwek Siew Jin. A two
week long exhibition of selected photographs from the book was held at the Welcome Centre of St Andrew’s Cathedral.
love. Enable us, Spirit of God, to run with
perseverance the race that is set before
us as we minister in preaching, healing
and deliverance to Your praise and glory.
Accept these prayers for the sake of Your
Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.
The theme of the day was ‘Faith and Service’ and the pulpit was shared by Associate
Professor Joseph Thambiah and Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng, Senior Chaplain to the
Community Services.
The book, with its stories told through the
poignant photos, has inspired and enriched
the lives of those who have read it. The
community services are able to ‘seek the
welfare of the city,’ a Godly imperative in
Jeremiah, because of faith, hope and love
anchored in the Lord. Hence its companion
volume ‘Faith, Hope, Love’ is aptly named
as it looks at how the Lord has blessed the
Anglican Church in Singapore and her work.
Rosalind, wife of Revd Chen, penned this
tome. Together, the two books have raised
more than $200,000 thus far for the SACS
and her sister organisation the St Andrew’s
Mission Hospital.
If you are interested in getting copies of
the book and make a donation, please
contact Ms Foo Li Boey at 65 6586 1087
or email admin@sacs.org.sg).
14| DIOCESAN Digest
quality time interacting and bonding with one
another meaningfully.
Themed, “Family Fun”, SAAS’ events team
conceptualised and planned three different
activities—physical play, art play and role
play—aimed at fostering shared family experiences through play.
With Physical Play, the game of Bocce, a familiar activity to the students, was introduced
to their families. The game allowed families a
glimpse of their member with autism’s physical abilities, namely, hand-eye coordination.
Families are now acquainted with another
activity with which to engage together with
their child with autism.
How do you create greater bonding opportunities for families of the person with moderate to severe autism whom St Andrew’s
Autism Centre (SAAC) serve? By conceputalising, designing and organising Family
Days at the School and Day Activity Centre
(DAC).
Role Play was a hands-on speech and drama activity that participating families greatly
enjoyed. This simple drama workshop encouraged families to act out roles together,
and bring stories to live, thereby helping to
stimulate their child with autism’s imagination.
DAC Family Day 2012
The first Family Day of the year was organised by the St Andrew’s Adult Autism Services’ DAC. Held on 2 June 2012, the event
started with local percussion group One
Heart Beat rallying the families and volunteers. Such was the rhythmic draw that even
Bishop John Chew and Archdeacon Wong
Tak Meng decided to join in the heart-thumping session.
This was also an opportune time for families
to be updated on the DAC Vocational Skills
Training programme, and its current on-site
work projects such as bulletin insertions at
St Andrew’s Cathedral, horticulture activities
at Siloso Beach Resort, and the retail work
at the Cafeteria. Naturally, the highlight of
the day was the games the DAC coaches
had planned for them. These activities were
also facilitated by volunteers from the Boys’
Brigade 14th Singapore Company.
Having spent an energetic morning, families
were then treated to a scrumptious buffet
spread. The families found the DAC Family Day a great platform to facilitate a better
understanding between the two groups of
caregivers.
SAAS Family Fun & Play Day 2012
On 1 September 2012, St Andrew’s Autism
School organised a half-day event designed
just for families to come together and spend
at love, that one love, which, as Olivier says,
“consists of taking care of the other, in being
concerned about him, in respecting him and
in always trying endlessly to get to know him
better”.
Accompanying Antonin is the exhibition Relating With Others, Shaping Their Worlds,
which offers a local perspective through
the pictures by Jimmy Lam, an international
award-winning photographer. Lam observed
the students and adult clients of the St Andrew’s Autism Centre and captured stills of
their everyday lives within and outside the
centre. From their travels to their daily routines, the joy and struggles of the many children, youths and adults at the centre reflect
their embrace of the different “colours of life”.
Jimmy Lam
This is a photography exhibition presented
by Institut Francais and The Arts House, and
supported by St Andrew’s Autism Centre,
that aims to raise the awareness of autism in
Singapore. The exhibition runs from 26 November to 16 December.
The exhibition comprises two concurrent
photography shows that capture the lives
of autistic people in both France and Singapore. Antonin, A Life With Autism curated
by Virginie Puertolas-Syn is a collection of
evocative black and white photographs documenting an autistic boy’s life for the past
Minister of State, Ministry fo Social and
Family Development, Madam Halimah
Yacob receiving a token made by a SAAC
client
18 years by acclaimed French journalistic
photographer Olivier Coulange. To address
the issue of autism, Olivier has been photographing Antonin since 1994 – moments
with the family; at the hospital; during leisure
or moments of tension. The photos record
intimate instances that are spontaneous but
which also question the notion of “normality”
and difference.
The exhibition is a simple yet powerful look
The two photographers sharing
Art Play was about Crea-Tee-vity. At this station, families were tasked to design their own
unique Family T-Shirts!
By all accounts, the Family Days were a huge
success. It was not the result of SAAC’s efforts alone but was made possible with the
help of our event partners, volunteers and
generous donors.
Artworks ranging from paintings to crafts created by the students were also showcased.
Lam’s photographs formed the basis for the
two books “Seek the Welfare of the City” and
“Faith, Hope, Love” which are dedicated pictorial records of the impact and scope of the
work of the Anglican Church in Singapore.
Madam Halimah Yaacob, Minister of State,
Ministry of Social and Family Development,
was the Guest-of-Honour. His Excellency,
Mr Olivier Caron, the French Ambassador
addressed the intimate group of well-wishers and supporters at the Opening on 28
November. As part of the I Am Special exhibition, there was a panel discussion; “Art &
Autism” on 1 December.
DIOCESAN Digest |15
Revd William Tham, Chairman
Activities (2011 - 2012)
We give thanks to the Lord for faithful servants shoring up for the Diocesan Youth
Board (DYB) during the last Synod Term.
We would especially like to thank Mr Ezekiel
Tan (Chairman), Revd Canon Terry Wong,
Revd Daniel Wee, Revd Michael Teh (Advisors), Revd Koh Hock Soon and Revd Israel
Selvam (Vice Chairmen), Revd Michael Lim,
Mr Henry Yeo, Mr Loke Chi Shyan, Dr Loo
Yeow Hwa, Revd King Chiew Kwang, Mr
Calvin Tan, Ms Tan Yen Yee, Mr Glenn Lim,
Mr Loon Fu Man and Mrs Gwen Seah.
1. Fellowship Tea with Bishop Chew
14 Sep 2011
An afternoon session was organised for all
youth pastors/workers to fellowship over
tea. During the tea, Archbishop John Chew
shared on the prospect of youths serving
in the Diocese and her community services. The Chairman also encouraged the
youth pastors/workers to think ahead how
we could raise workers for the Diocese, or
encourage young people to serve and be
exposed to these services, thus building
the family together. An estimated 40 people
were present.
This Synod Term will be a season of growing deeper. “Developing youth ministry as
a Diocesan family” will be our Vision; the
engagement of clergy, youth workers and
youth lay leaders to discern the needs of the
youth and to help us consider how the family
can support each other to move forward.
Interactive presentations on the Vision of
DYB were made in second half of 2011, with
the clergy and youth workers over separate
occasions to collate their heartfelt ideas to
develop the youth ministry in the Diocese
of Singapore. From the feedback and responses of these two groups, the process
of bridging and translation of how to develop our youths began through the new DYB
committee.
2. Combined Youth Service at CNS,
St Andrew’s Cathedral 25 Nov 2011
A combined service was held at the Cathedral New Sanctuary, St Andrew’s Cathedral.
Attendance was estimated to be 500. Archbishop John Chew gave words of encouragement and Dean Kuan Kim Seng was the
main speaker. He expounded on Ecclesiastes 12:1, which is the slogan for DYB.
Fellowship Tea with Bishop Chew
3. SERVE Program Jan - March 2012
Being one of the ‘signature’ training programs of DYB, it has been in the running
for 14 years. This year the curriculum was
crafted to serve three areas of development
in our youths 1) Identity in Christ, 2) Biblical
and Church history knowledge and 3) Practical living as a disciple of Christ. A total of
56 signed up, of whom 46 completed the
entire programme. 4 are from the Lutheran
Church. The SERVE programme involves
lectures, community services attachments,
parish attachments, as well as mission trips.
DYB facilitates as a resource arm to support and also help to create/place “beautiful
memory blocks”, forming significant ‘milestones’ along our youths’ journey towards
adulthood. Our heart’s desire for the next
generation is that they will “remember their
creator in the days of their youth” (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
4. Youth Pastors/Leaders Training
Modules May 2012
Held from 24 to 26 May 2012 at St James
Church, the module taught by Joseph
Chean, Youth with a Mission (YWAM) Director was on Team Leadership – 37 youth
pastors and leaders were enriched by knowing themselves and their team dynamics
serving together.
Promotion of the Youth Identity in
the Diocese
Proverbs 29:18 mentioned that without vision people will perish. Though this biblical
context is written for the people of God in the
Old Testament who had the Law to focus as
their vision toward Salvation, the principle
of leading with Vision and focus will cause
DYB to intentionally build up our youths in
the Diocese.
DYB has adopted a ‘two-prong’ approach towards our Vision, which are:
• Empowering our youth pastors/workers and leaders
• Enriching our youths
As Diocesan youths live out a life of a disciple, our desire is that they would remember
their journey in the Diocese with DYB’s slogan:
“Remember your Creator in the days of
your youth”
Ecclesiastes 12:1
[don’t let the excitement of youth cause you
to forget your Creator. Honor him in your
youth before you grow old and say “Life is
not pleasant anymore. (NLT)]
DYB’s current committee
Advisors
Dean Kuan Kim Seng & Revd John Lin
Vice Chairmen
Revd Israel Selvam & Revd Koh Hock Soon
SERVE 2012
Members
Mr Christopher Ho (Church of Our Saviour)
Mr Theodore Samraj (Light of Christ Church
Woodlands)
Mr Calvin Wee (Marine Parade Christian
Centre – English)
Mr Loon Fu-Man (St John’s Chapel)
Ms Wong Ling (St Andrew’s Cathedral –
Mandarin)
Revd Michael Lim (St Andrew’s Cathedral
– English)
Revd Gary Chng (St Paul’s Church)
Ms Tan Yen Yee (Yishun Christian Church Mandarin)
Mr Henry Yeo (St James’ Church) and
Mr Calvin Tan (St Hilda’s Church)
Diocesan Staff
Mr Francis Foo (DYB Ministry staff)
Mrs Josephine Tham
Combined Youth Service
16| DIOCESAN Digest
Joel Ong – St Andrew’s Community Chapel
Mission Trip preparation
My enrolment in SERVE had been one solely directed by God from the very beginning.
After my exams I was given a good job offer
and the opportunity to join SERVE. I had not
looked for any commitments to take on after my exams thus I was unclear about what
God truly wanted for me. I resorted to prayer
asking God for a clear sign on what I should
do during a retreat that happened to coincide
with my post-exam period.
greater hunger to know the bible especially
after the lecture phase. Some of the things I
had learnt include how we must personally
live out our lives placing God at the centre of
it all, the importance of evangelism and the
list goes on.
al support given throughout what could have
been otherwise an even more mundane stay
in the hospital. Also, the seeds of the Gospel can be well planted during the patients’
stays, opening the opportunity for new believers.
During my community service attachment
(St Andrew’s Community Hospital), I had
learnt how the Anglican community services
function, the importance of pastoral care and
the presence of the church in the community.
The attachment had also taught me to speak
some basic conversational Hokkien as it was
an important medium for communication
with the patients we were to interact with.
We also learnt to be observant and sensitive to the needs of the patients. I personally learnt about the presence of God in the
hospital. Previously I had thought lesser of
pastoral care and chaplaincy in the hospital,
thinking it benefitted only a minority. After the
attachment I realised that patients in general
benefitted from the befriending and addition-
During my mission trip (Batam, Indonesia),
I experienced God’s love when interacting
with the locals. They were living testimonies of their faith and were appreciative and
thankful for their circumstances – praising
God in the process. The orphans we met
praised the Lord the loudest, the local pastors we met had the deepest heart for the
Lord, the teachers we met had the greatest
passion for Christ and the missionary we
met had only evangelism in her mind; All for
God! These individuals never complained of
the difficulty being Christian. Then, I began
to appreciate God’s love for me and His people because it has never been difficult being
Christian in Singapore comparatively and
I never appreciated the privilege of having
weekly services and biblical resources while
they treasured it much more. I saw His love
for His people as He was always present in
the locals’ lives.
After three months of SERVE my faith has
been enriched by a greater understanding
of the bible and a greater appreciation for
things around me as a sign of God’s love. I
have made it a habit to cultivate a right focus
on the Lord before I join any service as it is
important to prepare our hearts and minds to
focus on the Lord only. Also, I intend to make
quiet time a habit to improve my walk with
the Lord as it had always been an irregularity
for me.
Within a day I had my answer when my
employer called to say my job terms have
been changed. Upon hearing this, I told my
church’s youth worker that I had my answer
only to hear that my name had been submitted for consideration two weeks earlier!
Shortly after I was attending SERVE!
I am thankful for the SERVE experience as
it had helped me consider and weigh more
importance on some aspects of being Christian. It had taught me how faith should truly
be personal but not private; the best way
showing that is to be a living testimony to the
Lord. Thanks, be to God!
Not knowing what to expect, I had no real
expectations at the beginning. In spite of me
being unprepared, God had his plan.
I had more questions in my mind and a
Ruth Evangeline – Chapel of the Resurrection
Today is indeed a very eventful day. It marks
the end of SERVE and the start of a brand
new journey in Christ. All I know is that I have
started journaling, started praying and started living again and God has started speaking to me. I guess SERVE somehow laid a
foundation.
SERVE taught me much about myself. How I
honestly would rather be with those that I am
more comfortable with and it has taught me
how to accept views, which I thought, made
no sense at all.
The attachment to St Andrew’s Autism Centre was a great learning experience for me. It
showed me how God indeed made everyone
in His own image and how He loves everyone the same. The children each have a
heart of gold, something so rare today. This
heart constantly reminds me how they are so
similar to us and how I genuinely would love
to guide and teach them when I grow up.
The mission trip was enriching; the two days
which we spent at an orphanage touched me
deeply and encouraged me greatly. The children were so thankful
and grateful and their joy is something I’d never forget. Just seeing
them sing praises to God brings
tears to my eyes. Their level of
faith is tremendous even though
they have so little.
Lastly, my parish attachment was
for a good three and a half weeks.
I learnt a lot from those working in
church and it was indeed fun interacting and fellowshipping with
church staff during lunch breaks.
I love how they are so passionate
for God and his people and this
warms my heart greatly.
Overall, the SERVE programme
has abled me to feel more a part
of the whole Anglican community
and has allowed me to establish
and find my role in Chapel of the
Resurrection.
Visiting Simei Care Centre with Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng (second from right)
THEOLOGICAL EDUCATION BOARD
DIOCESAN Digest |17
The Living Word Conference 2012
It started from an on-going commitment to
build a new generation of preachers and
teachers, both through local community and
support for one another. The Living Word
Series was meant to be motivational, educational and practical.
Jointly organised by the Diocese of Singapore and the Bible Society of Singapore, this
year saw the series develop into a three day
conference. The main speaker was Dr Tan
Kim Huat, Dean of Studies at Trinity Theological College and Chen Su Lan Professor of New Testament. Workshop speakers
were Dr Philip Satterthwaite, Principal of the
Biblical Graduate School of Theology, and
Rev Dr Maggie Low, lecturer from Trinity
Theological College.
The Conference was hosted at St James’
Church and ran from July 18 - 20.
During the morning sessions, Dr Tan taught
on Jesus and the Old Testament. Dr Satterthwaite and Rev Dr Low conducted workshops
on how to preach from the Old Testament
and Psalms respectively. The morning and
afternoon sessions enabled the 150 participants to deepen their understanding and to
come to grips with the nuances of expository preaching, the principles of interpretation
and exploring ways of remaining faithful to
the text and relevant to the current audience.
In the evenings, Dr Tan spoke on Hope in
Turbulent Times (Expositions from Romans
5-8). An average of 350 enraptured audience
members from 38 churches attended the
three evening sessions. Dr Tan challenged
the audience to consider the full implication
of having God as our hope in turbulent times;
how should that understanding impact how
we live and how we see our future.
The Living Word Conference has been blessed with speakers such as Dr Rikk Watts, Dr
Don Carson, Rev Dr Gordon Wong and Dr
Ajith Fernando since 2004.
Andrew the Bringer
The Andrew he presents is an older Andrew
reflecting on events which took place 40
years ago. We see Andrew transform from a
gauche fisherman to a man deeply convicted
that he has found the Messiah and is committed to spreading the good news.
Devising a play has been a journey for this
writer-actor, ‘This is a new process for me; I
am rehearsing as I write, in order to write.’
What Kuhn has created is a one hour tour
de force which draws the audience into Andrew’s world. As one blogger, Sofina Tan,
puts it, the audience is invited ‘to enter into
a safe space where there’s no need to suspend disbelief. Rather the key step you are
asked to take is to believe, and to do so with
conviction.’ The play ends with Andrew challenging the audience to carefully consider
the full implications of the truths presented
and to decide for themselves.
Workshop at St James’ Church
The Art of Storytelling is an ancient form of
transmitting truths and stories that a community holds dear. The first disciples saw
the Gospel stories happen. They must have
gripped their listeners when they recounted the life of Jesus: to have actually seen a
withered hand become whole; to have heard
every nuance of Jesus’ words. Can we recapture the power and reality of an eyewitness account?
the Apostles. Now he had to create a play
around incidents which Andrew witnessed
but which the Gospel accounts have no records of Andrew’s reactions or reflections.
In St Andrew’s Cathedral
St Andrew’s School.
The play was performed at St Andrew’s Cathedrals New Sanctuary and at St James’
Church at the end of August and in early
September respectively. Audience members
called the play ‘a powerful presentation of
the Gospel’ in which ‘the words of the Bible
came alive.’ The simple presentation was
described as both touching and stimulating.
Kuhn has performed on Broadway in Les
Misérables, in the National Tours of Chess
and Cotton Patch Gospel. He now tours his
one-man shows to universities and churches
throughout North America, Europe and Asia.
Bruce Kuhn’s new monologue Andrew the
Bringer does just that. Andrew, brother of
Simon Peter, as one of the original disciples
witnessed many miracles. He even played a
seminal part in the Feeding of the Five Thousand. Through his eyes, we are invited to
enter into his world where following Y’shua
the Rabbi was an exciting and dangerous
commitment.
The challenge for Kuhn is that he had always used the Scriptural accounts verbatim
in his previous works like Luke and Acts of
Andrew the Bringer was specially commissioned by the St Andrew’s Cathedral and the
Diocese of Singapore, as part of the 150th
Anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral building and 150th Anniversary of the
At Trinity Theological College
During his time in Singapore, Kuhn conducted workshops in Truth Telling by Story to Anglican school teachers, St Andrew’s students
and church workers. He also performed an
excerpt of Luke for Trinity Theological College and the Singapore Anglican Community
Services Charity Dinner.
DIOCESAN CERTIFICATE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
Diocesan Certificate of Biblical Studies Modules for Year 3 - 2013
Module
Timing
Session Dates
Lecturer
Overview of the Bible 3
The Canon of the Bible
New Testament Introduction 3
The Non-Pauline Epistles
New Testament Book Study 3
Hebrews
Old Testament Introduction 3
The Latter Prophets
Old Testament Book Study 3
Isaiah
9.30 am - 4.00 pm
23 Mar
Miss Lucilla Teoh
9.30 am - 12.30 pm
12, 19, 26 Jan, 2, 16, 23 Feb & 2 Mar
Revd Darren Choo
9.30 am - 12.30 pm
6, 13, 20, 27 Apr, 4, 18 & 25 May
Revd Peter Chen
9.30 am - 12.30 pm
6, 13, 20, 27 Jul, 3, 10 & 17 Aug
TBA
9.30 am - 12.30 pm
14, 21, 28 Sep, 5, 12, 19 & 26 Oct
Revd Steven Seah
Venue: Diocesan Centre, St Andrew’s Village
Overview module :$5
Other modules
:$20
Fees payable at first Session.
Register now below! Or find out more about the course, visit our website www.anglican.org.sg.
Registration Form
Name
:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Address
:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(as in IC/passport. Please write in block letters.)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Email
:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mobile
:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Other telephone : _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
*Church
:_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Service attending : _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
£
Module
Please sign me up for one year’s modules in 2013, or register me for the following:
Fees ($)
Overview 3 – The Canon of the Bible
5.00
NT Introduction 3 – The Non-Pauline Epistles
20.00
NT Book Study 3 – Hebrews
20.00
OT Introduction 3 – The Latter Prophets
20.00
OT Book Study 3 – Isaiah
20.00
Sign-up (indicate with a √)
The completed registration form should be faxed to 6288 5538, scanned and emailed to teb@anglican.org.sg or mailed to:
Please note: No refunds will be given.
Diocese of Singapore
St Andrew’s Village
1 Francis Thomas Drive #01-01
Singapore 359340
Attn: TEB
* - mandatory fields.
NEWS
DIOCESAN Digest |19
Induction of Vicar of Christ Church: Revd Steven Asirvatham
On Sunday, August 26 at 8.00 am in Christ
Church, Revd Steven Asirvatham was inducted as the Vicar of the Parish of Christ
Church. The induction service was officiated
by Bishop John Chew who also preached
the Word. Archdeacon Low Jee King, Mr
Charles Leong, the Registrar and Mr Lawrence Boo, the Secretary of Synod were
also present. Revd Steven Asirvatham was
ordained as a Priest on November 2000 by
Bishop John Chew. He served as the second
Vicar for Church of the Epiphany from 2002
to 15 January 2012. He was appointed as
the eighth Vicar of Christ Church which was
founded in 1940.
In 1851, Singapore came under direct control of the Governor General of India. During
this period, Tamil immigrants came to Singa-
pore. Christians, irrespective of their race or
language affiliations, attended St Andrew’s
Church. Soon the needs of the different congregations brought about the roots of Christ
Church. In 1862, Revd E.S. Venn laid the
foundation for Tamil Work. Peter Tychicus
from Madras served as the first Tamil catechist until 1868. From 1872, a Singhalese
priest from Ceylon, Revd William Henry
Gomez served until 1902.
service
was
held on Palm
Sunday, 6 April
1941. After 71
years, the parish
currently
runs services in
Tamil, Punjabi
and English.
The Tamil Church at Dorset Road was then
known as Christ Church. Before the foundation stone was laid, Revd Canon Gnanamani
was transferred to North Malaya in 1939. His
successor, Revd Canon Samuel Baboo saw
the laying of the foundation stone on Saint
Luke’s Day, 18 October 1940, by the Rt Revd
Basil Roberts, Bishop of Singapore. The first
Revd Steven and his family
Induction of Vicar of the Church of the Epiphany:
Revd Lawrence Visuvasam
Revd Lawrence Visuvasam was posted to
the Church of the Epiphany on 15 Jan 2012.
The Church of the Epiphany is a 400 strong
church located in Jalan Kayu.
Revd Visuvasam’s institution and induction
took place on 29 July by Bishop John Chew.
The new vicar has this to say,
I praise God for all that he has done for
me and I feel honoured that God that
has raised me for this ministry. Now I
have a greater task to fulfil, to minister
to the flock which God has given to me;
to Preach, Heal and Teach and together
with them as disciples of Christ, we will
reach out to the lost in the world. Surely I can’t do it in my strength I pray for
God’s strength and wisdom for it is written in Zech 4.4 … ‘Not by might nor by
power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD
Almighty.
Calendar of Events 2013
DIOCESE
Date
Event
22 Jan
Diocesan
Workers’
Communion
3 Feb
Provincial Sunday
13 Feb
Ash Wednesday
3 Mar
Diocesan
Women’s Sunday
12 - 15
Mar
Clergy Retreat
30 Mar
Easter Memorial
Services
31 Mar
Easter Sunday
5 May
Ordination
9 May
Synod Plus
10 -11
May
5th Meeting of
Synod
Venue
CHINESE BOARD
Date
Event
7 Mar
Youth Ministry Coworkers’ Retreat
23 Mar
New Immigrants’
Ministry
Conference
MISSIONS
SAC
Venue
Date
Event
Venue
17 - 20
May
“1-Choice”
Conference
Majori Retreat
THEOLOGICAL
EDUCATION BOARD –
DIOCESAN CERTIFICATE
OF BIBLICAL STUDIES
Date
Event
Venue
23 Mar
Overview 3: The
Canon of the Bible
Diocesan
Centre
12, 19,
26 Jan,
2, 16,
23 Feb
&2
Mar
New Testament
Introduction 3:
The Non-Pauline
Epistles
Diocesan
Centre
6, 13,
20, 27
Apr, 4,
18 &
25 May
New Testament
Book Study 3:
Hebrews
DIOCESAN YOUTH
BOARD
Date
Event
Venue
8 Jan
SERVE 2013
Inauguration
Diocesan
Centre
21 Mar
SERVE 2013
Graduation
Service
EDUCATION BOARD
Date
Event
Venue
1
Quarter
of 2013
Certificate in Oral
Communication in
Standard English
(Level 1)
Diocesan
Centre
st
Diocesan
Centre
NEWS
20| DIOCESAN Digest
Diocesan Day of Prayer and Fast: ‘Refresh, Regain, Ready’
Saturday, 3 November 2012
Cathedral New Sanctuary
More than 200 gathered together to pray for
a fresh outpouring of the Spirit to transform
our parishes and ourselves for our nation
and beyond for the glory of our Sovereign
Lord.
Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng preaching on
Isaiah 40:1-14, 28-31 gave three key points.
Firstly he shared that God was calling the
Diocese to a deeper discipleship so that our
discipleship is based on the Rock. Secondly, God was inviting us into communion with
Him. The invite ‘Come’ is one that was often
issued by Jesus so that we can drink deeply
of the Holy Spirit so that we can be transformed to Christ-likeness. Thirdly, a divine
exchange happens where God gives us His
strength so that we can serve Him for the
long haul with a new steadfastness.
san ministries in Singapore and the
deaneries
3. Pray for the clergy and leaders in every
parish for:
• Good partnerships in serving their
community and sharing the gospel in
their spheres of influence; and
• Many more people to hear of the gospel and come to the saving knowledge
of Christ
Deaneries with the parishes, other Dioceses and mission agencies to continue to strengthen so that personnel are
matched with needs and opportunities
in the field;
3. Pray to the Lord for the resources needed to complete His work carve out for
us; funds for ministry set up, operations,
property acquisition and development;
4. Pray for creative ways to build effec-
4.
tive bridges into the community through
clear insight of the needs and how to
meet them; and
5. Pray for the Gospel to be preached, with
or without words; local leaders to be discipled and developed
During Intercession, many prayer items
were shared (please see list) as clergy, lay
leaders, parish workers and diocesan staff
prayed in small groups of twos and threes.
Words of revelation were shared and Bishop
Rennis encouraged all to continue to intercede for world revival and for the church to
continue to reach out. He also urged everyone to pray for the Lord to transform our current condition as the Bride purifies herself for
her union with the Lord.
Prayer Items from the Diocesan Day
of Prayer and Fast
This list is to enable all members and friends
of the Diocese to be able to pray for the Diocese; to uphold the Diocese in your daily
prayers, monthly parish prayer meetings and
staff devotions.
The Diocese
1. Let us give thanks for the installation
and investiture of Bishop Rennis
Ponniah as our Diocesan Bishop. Pray
for:
• God‘s anointing upon him that he may
receive grace and empowerment to
complete the mission God has placed
in his heart; and
• God’s blessing and protection upon
Bishop Rennis and his family.
2. Pray for Synod that:
• God’s grace to be upon the Diocese
and that we may be united to serve
God’s purposes; and
• Every parish to support of the Dioce-
Pray for the clergies and their families:
• To follow the example of our Chief
Shepherd – Jesus Christ by serving
faithfully in partnership with one another; and
• God’s providence upon their families to
be a blessing to other families and to
bring glory to the Lord
5. Pray for the growth of our parishes:
• Numerical growth as more people put
their faith in Christ and are added to the
parishes; and
• Spiritual hunger to be deepened
amongst the members that they may
continue to grow and mature in Lord
and in their ministries.
The Deaneries
1. Pray for all mission personnel in the
field to reflect Christ in word, deed and
manner; so that their discipleship will be
effective;
2. Pray for mission partnerships of the
1.
2.
3.
4.
The Community Services
Pray for:
Our services to be undergirded, inspired
and sustained by a robust spirituality in
each Centre;
Our deeds and words may winsomely
point to Jesus Christ, the Way, the Truth
and the Life;
Anglicans to open our hearts and minds
to the needy, and stretch out our hands
to them through intercession, giving,
volunteer service and welcoming them
into our fellowship;
God to personally call people with the
right skills and heart, as well as to provide the required financial resources to
serve the needy; and
5. The Boards, Management Committees
and Executives to be continually led by
the Holy Spirit as they provide strategic
leadership and planning for the future
The Schools
Pray for:
1. All Staff to be renewed in strength, zeal
and wisdom
2. Students to be motivated to excel and
for bigger hearts to serve and lead
3. The establishment of strong
partnership with parents
4. Anglican High School
Thank God for the three Sustained
Achievement Awards (Aesthetics,
Sports, Uniformed Groups)
5. Christ Church Sec School
Pray that the school grows from Good
to Great to His Glory especially in the
midst of the massive work on the
Woodlands South-T3 MRT Station
from 2013 to 2019
6. St Andrew’s Junior School
Pray for health and well being of all the
staff as they continue to grow in
passion, joy and competence in what
they do
7. St Andrew’s Sec School
Pray for each boy to grow in his
knowledge of God and his desire to
know Him
8. St Andrew’s Junior College
Pray for good progress in the
development of Student Leadership
Centre and the programme
9. St Andrew’s Autism School
Pray for the staff to continually love and
serve the children and their families
amidst many challenges.
10. St Hilda’s Pri School
Pray for all the staff and children to be
able to adapt quickly to the new
temporary holding site when the school
year begins in 2013.
11. St Hilda’s Sec School
Pray that all the Hildans will grow into
confident, caring and disciplined
Leaders.
12. St Margaret’s Pri School
Pray for the enhancements of the
competencies of staff and the
establishment of better systems and
processes to improve workflow.
13. St Margaret’s Sec School
Pray for God to help and guide the
school in upholding her heritage and
values.
Gazette
•
•
•
•
Revd Shekhar P. Bhagwat as Missionary Priest to Anglican Church of Cambodia w.e.f. 1 September 2012
Revd Joshua Sudharman the Vicar of St
John’s-St Margaret’s Church with effect
from 1 October 2012
Revd Daniel Wee has been appointed
as Vicar of Church of Our Saviour w.e.f.
1 September 2012
Revd Freddy Lim has been appointed
as Priest to St Andrew’s Cathedral w.e.f.
1 September 2012
•
•
•
Revd Michael Chan has been appointed
as Priest to Holy Trinity Parish, English
Congregation, w.e.f. 1 September 2012
Revd Chan Chee Keng ceased being
the Home Base Co-ordinator for the
Deanery of Cambodia w.e.f. 31 August
2012 and Revd David Lee of St Andrew’s Community Chapel, has been
appointed the new Home Base Co-ordinator w.e.f. 1 September 2012, as he
continues as Deacon at SACC
Revd Israel Selvam has been appointed
as Acting Vicar of My Saviour’s Church
•
•
•
w.e.f. 1 October 2012
Revd Lim Kek Wah is appointed Vicar of
Holy Trinity w.e.f. 1 January 2013
In addition to his role as Vicar of St
John’s Chapel, Revd Barry Leong is appointed Vicar-designate of Marine Parade Christian Centre w.e.f. 1 January
2013
Revd Derek Lim is appointed Priest at
St Andrew’s City Church w.e.f. 1 January 2013
•
•
Revd George Tay, has agreed to extend his services after his retirement
date to 31 December 2012, is appointed (non-stipendiary) Acting Vicar of St
Andrew’s City Church w.e.f. 1 January
2013
Revd Philip Soh with due consultation
and Bishop’s blessing, has taken up a
pastoral position in a Vancouver parish,
within the jurisdiction of the Anglican
Network in Canada (ANiC). Therefore,
he will be resigning from the Diocese,
his last day being 28 February 2013
NEWS
DIOCESAN Digest |21
The colours of His glorious light: an exhibition of the stained glass
windows of St Andrew’s Cathedral
On 5 October, we were offered a rare treat;
an opportunity to look at the some of the restored panels of stained glass forming the
East Window, behind the Lord’s Table of St
Andrew’s Cathedral’s Nave.
The Centre Light is in memory of Sir Stamford Raffles and dedicated to him in 1861.
The North Light and the South Light are in
memory of Sir John Crawford, Governor of
Singapore (1823-1826) and Major General
William Butterworth, Governor from 1843 to
1855.
The development of an idea for a stained
glass window requires both a practical
knowledge of glass—how it can be used and
supported—and an aesthetic understanding
of colour and light, and how these two factors
are affected by such things as aspect and
environment. The subject of the window, its
size and height, and the limitations imposed
by its surroundings are other very important
considerations to the stained-glass artist.
Stained Glass Conservation
Stained glass conservation is a highly
skilled, exacting and labour-intensive job. It
Interview with Swati Chandgakar
a) How did you get interested in stained
glass conservation work?
I have been a student of the Humanities.
After obtaining the MPhil degree, I taught
English Literature in a college in Mumbai for
several years. Even as a student, I was interested in working with glass, including glass
blowing, but India did not have any resources back in the 1980s. I got an opportunity to
study this craft of making stained glass in the
US when I was on a sabbatical. My academic career plan was completely sidetracked
when I met a stained glass artist and designer, Mr Jeffrey Kutil. I did a formal course in
stained glass in his studio, Traditional Glass
Works, Champagne-Urbana, Illinois and
later worked there as an intern to hone my
skills.
Having learned to make stained glass, I decided to learn how to restore it. Opportunity
knocked on my door in 1994 when the Department of Energy, UK, arranged a collaborative project with the University of Mumbai
to repair and restore the 19th century stained
glass windows in the Rajabai Tower Library
of the University. I was fortunate to be trained
by reputed British stained glass conservators in the complex methodology of restoration in this ‘technology transfer’ programme.
Stained glass with Butterworth inscription
The half day exhibition held at the South
Transept Hall of the Cathedral saw on display the coats of arms and the inscriptions of
Raffles, Butterworth and Crawford.
Swati Chandgadkar, a renowned stained
glass conservator, headed a team of four
from Mumbai who have been working on all
45 panels of the windows. Ms Chandgadkar has restored stained glass windows in
churches round the world and has spoken
on the topic of ‘Christianity through Stained
Glass Windows.’
One discovery made during her project was
that the coats of arm of the two governors
had been changed around. It may have happened during WW2 when they were taken
down to be preserved and in peacetime, the
re-fitter having no documentation may have
then made the mistake. Ms Chandgadkar
shared that she remembered having seen
Crawford’s coat of arms before so when she
saw the one before her, she had a nagging
doubt that this was different. So she did
some further research and it was through
older photos of the Cathedral that the truth
was revealed.
Stained glass is unique because of the relationship that exists between glass and light.
In that, it is a dynamic art that is energised
by the changes in the time of the day, the
seasons and even the weather. One can say
that stained glass is the most ancient form
of kinetic art. The history of stained glass
has always been inextricably connected with
Christianity and church-building. Today, it
has found expression in a modern context
together with its old moorings.
goes beyond mere “repair work” to include
knowledge of how a window relates to the
building, and to the surrounding material like
stone, brick, mortar, iron, plaster or mastic.
A certain code is maintained: structural errors found to be debilitating to the window
may be rectified with careful thought. But “errors” in the glass painting like poor rendering, wrong text and imperfections, are part of
artistic licence and should be left alone.
All conservation work should focus on three
basic norms:
Minimum Intervention: Every attempt should
be made to retain the original material as
much as possible, if found in good condition.
Full Documentation: A complete record of
the original state of the stained glass should
be maintained. This includes ‘impressions’
of the panels, photographs and notes on
restoration processes done on the stained
glass. This also provides invaluable information for future conservation work.
Reversibility of Techniques: All restoration
processes that are undertaken to preserve
the stained glass should be reversible.
It is fundamental to understand that an old,
historic stained glass window that is ‘restored’ and ‘conserved’ will not look spankingly new. But, it will be stable and continue
to serve its heritage value for years to come.
The goal in conserving the stained glass is
not to let the conserved window “shine in
new light”, but to let it “out-shine time”.
This pioneering project took 18 months and
around 2,300 square feet of stained glass
windows were conserved. After that, there
was no looking back!
b) What are some of the projects you
have been involved with prior to working
on SAC’s windows?
Mumbai saw a surge of neo-Gothic architecture in the 1800s under the British rule.
Stained glass windows are intrinsic to this
type of architecture. Much of the stained
glass was shipped directly from England and
Scotland from the mid- to the late 1800s from
the highly reputed Victorian studios of C.E.
Kempe, John Hardman, Whitefriars, William
Wailes, Heaton-Butler and Byne, Goddard
and Gibbs; and also Frank Mayer of Munich Glass. Mumbai thus has stained glass
windows of a very high order in churches,
public and commercial buildings. Other cities
in India like Chennai and Kolkata have their
share too. Today, these buildings are listed
as heritage structures.
It has been my good fortune to be involved
in the conservation movement in Mumbai
that gained momentum in the late 1990s.
Through this time, The Glass Studio has
conserved the stained glass in many Grade
I and II buildings, as well as private buildings. To name a few significant ecclesiastical
buildings: St Thomas’ Cathedral (the oldest
cathedral in Mumbai), the Afghan War Memorial Church/St John’s Church (a garrison
church), St Peter’s Church in Mumbai and in
Bheemunipatnam (the latter one of the earliest examples of stained glass in India) and
the Basilica of San Thomé, Chennai (that
is said to carry the grave of St Thomas).
Among the public and government buildings:
the University of Mumbai buildings, the Royal Bombay Yacht Club buildings, the Ballard
Bundar Gateway and the Western Indian
Naval Command precinct.
c) What were the challenges of the SAC
project?
The St Andrew’s Cathedral has seen some
historical transformation since its inception.
The present architecture, shaped like a
Cross, has stained glass windows in significant locations like the Memorial Windows on
the East side, at the Altar; the West Windows
carrying the large MacPherson Memorial
Window at the West Porch, and the beautiful, lancet medallion windows flanking the
Porch.
The conservation of these windows commenced on 16 July 2012, when my team arrived from Mumbai. We had a schedule of six
months before us. As my team was in Singapore for the first time, we had anticipated
some work challenges in terms of language
and communication, setting up the studio
on site, getting to know the local shops for
tools, liaising with the local contractor, etc.
Usually, stained glass restoration work is
carried out in tandem with other agencies
like metal fabricator, timber contractor and
so on, as stained glass is part of the structural fabric of the building. It was, indeed, a
new experience to convey our needs specific to stained glass conservation to the local
team of contractors and sub-contractors, as
well as to co-ordinate work and time-line with
them, as they are essentially experts in new
structures.
It was a welcome surprise when things just
fell into place and deadlines could be met
thanks to the expert advice of my Architectural Consultant, and immense help and
generosity of time given by St Andrew’s
Cathedral staff, the General Manager, the
Facilities Manager and the Finance and HR
Managers.
d) How was the experience of working in
Singapore been?
The project in St Andrew’s Cathedral is my
first restoration work in Singapore. Initially,
I was a little apprehensive since I was unfamiliar with a whole set of regulations and
with market conditions. But Singapore lived
up its reputation for efficiency. I am particularly grateful to the Ministry of Manpower for
their responsiveness to the needs of the project and, of course, I had every support from
the Dean and the Cathedral Committee all
along the way.
Though far from their families for a long time,
my team felt at home in Singapore with its
polyglot culture, variety of food and friendly
people.
NEWS
22| DIOCESAN Digest
Editorial
Of Family and Fathers
Revd Canon Terry Wong
“Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers…” (Saint Paul in 1 Corinthians 4:15)
I started writing this editorial on a recent
train journey from London to Edinburgh.
Reflecting on the years under the ministry of Bishop John Chew, I can vividly
recall travelling on the same train with
him a few years ago. It was a four-hour
ride and we had conversations; from the
mundane to the Church’s role in China.
We were visiting some friends. One of
them was Canon Titus Chung, who was
finishing his doctorate in the cold of Edinburgh. He was terribly home-sick. We
actually arrived on his birthday so the
company, dinner and pieces of bak kwa
brought some comfort and ‘home’ to
him. I could see then the importance of
this bishop’s visit. While there was neither ceremony, staff nor crook, this visit
was at the heart of a bishop’s work.
Who is a bishop? How do you see his
roles from your perspective as a parishioner?
He comes around once or twice a year
to your parish. He is the only one who
can confirm you; where “the bishop finally gets to lay his hands on you.” No
man dresses up in a purple shirt—or
dare to—except him. He is the one in
charge of this fleet of parishes, hospital,
community services and schools, here
and in the deaneries. In every event he
graces, if there is a VIP table or front
row of seats, we sit him there. Such is
our respect for that office.
However, there is one role for which we
will miss Bishop John Chew the most.
This role is perhaps least understood. I
saw it in his visit to Edinburgh.
He was our Father in God.
This is a phrase, sounding divine, family, earthly and homey all at once.
Here, I believe I also speak on behalf of
many clergy and lay leaders who have
worked closely with him. We seek to let
him know when good things happen in
our life, work or ministry. We seek for
his approval for something we intend to
initiate. We want him around for every
significant event. We expect him to emulate Christ in every aspect, forgetting
that he is just human after all. We are
easily disappointed when he does not
respond according to our expectations
or agree with our convictions.
I am sure, like me, you will be struggling
to explain this special relationship. It belies a truth about the Church. At heart,
she is family. This familial connection
links us together, affecting relationships
between members and clergy, clergy
and Bishop and so on. It is complex, delightful and yet painful at times. A grace
gift which comes with the Church, it provides an inner unique strength, indeed
blessed be the ties that binds.
Undoubtedly, Jesus Christ is the Shepherd of the Church. And this is precisely
the reason why all who follow Him will
invariably be most Christ-like when they
live out this fatherly role. It transcends
one’s personality and human traits.
When we minister as a spiritual father,
it brings encouragement and strength
at some of the deepest levels of our
being. Sometimes, this fatherly role is
discharged in the form of discipline. Executed rightly or wrongly, “children” (and
we always are) will be helped in the
midst of it to understand that fathering
and family brings along with it the usual
share of pain as well, justified or otherwise. When we understand this, it helps
us to more readily forgive. Or even bet-
Bishop Anthony Charles Dumper was called
home to be with the Lord on the 27 August
2012 in England.
A memorial service was held at the St Andrew’s Cathedral on 23 November.
Bishop Dumper was a missionary priest in
Ipoh (1949 - 1957), Penang (1957 - 1964)
and Singapore (1964 - 1970). Both he and
his wife Sybille served in Malaya and Singapore for a total of 21 years. He was the
Archdeacon of North Malaya in 1955.
While in Singapore, he was appointed the
Dean and the Vicar of St Andrew’s Cathedral
by Bishop Sansbury. Here Bishop Dumper
was concerned to extend the Church’s influence by a more inclusive style, including use
of the different forms of worship emerging
worldwide in the 1960s. Bishop Chiu Ban It
made him a Canon Emeritus of St Andrew’s
Cathedral. He was also the immediate past
chairman of the Singapore West Malaysia
Diocesan Association (SWMDA) till 2010.
Photo from The Telegraph (www.telegraph.co.uk)
Bishop Dumper was a pillar in the early days
in Penang, Ipoh and Singapore. He was
looking after many churches in the midst of
the turbulence during the Emergency (1948
ter, we benefit and grow from it.
So, we bid farewell to Bishop Chew
even as we welcome Bishop Rennis.
I had years serving under the latter as
curate and he was very much a friend
and mentor. Now that he has stepped
into office, this “father in God” role will
be accentuated for me, as it will be for
all of us.
“Keep him in our prayers” is the usual refrain. We too need to pray for ourselves.
We do well to seek to understand the
nature of the church and her offices.
With insight and understanding, we can
serve better under him. In embracing his
role, we (anyone in church leadership)
also embrace ours. We are often fathers
and sons too at the same time.
I would think that no other institution
(except for home) can truly and fully
lay claim to this term “family.” This may
seem like an outlandish claim, no doubt.
The better we are able to grasp this, the
better I believe we will be able to serve
under our new bishop.
And the better the Church will be.
- 1960), covering the whole of South Perak
including Ipoh, Cameron Highlands, Teluk
Intan, Tapah, Batu Gajah and Slim River. He
regarded the development of an indigenous
congregation as his most important contribution to church life in Malaya. He was a
great historian too having written the early
histories of St George’s Penang, St John’s
Ipoh and the Parish of South Perak. It was
during his tenure that a number of chaplaincy churches became parishes. His love for
God and His Church was without doubt very
noticeable through his life and conduct.
Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng recalls that
Bishop Dumper’s love for the Diocese of
Singapore, and especially its social concern
work, never waned over the many years
since he finished his official duty here, “As
late as 2006, at the age of 82, he visited St
Andrew’s Community Hospital which was
under construction in Simei, bearing a generous donation from SWMDA. Then CEO Mr
John Suan and I had the privilege of showing
him around the hazardous construction site
because he insisted on seeing it for himself!
He has inspired me as a model of love in
action to the very end!”
DIOCESAN LISTINGS
PARISHES
ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL
11 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178959
www.livingstreams.org.sg
Dean & Vicar: Very Revd Kuan Kim Seng
Associate Vicar: Revd Canon Dr Louis Tay
Mandarin Congregation
11 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178959
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Canon Dr Titus Chung
Khiam Boon
Extension Centres
WESTSIDE ANGLICAN CHURCH
Mailing Address:
St Andrew’s Cathedral,
11 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178959
Clergy: Revd Timothy Ewing-Chow
ACTS CENTRE Congregation
Mailing Address:
St Andrew’s Cathedral
11 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178959
Clergy: Revd Ng Koon Sheng
JURONG ANGLICAN CHURCH (Mandarin)
West Coast Recreation Centre
12 West Coast Walk, #02-10A-C
Singapore 127157
ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH
600 Upper Changi Rd, Singapore 487012
www.asc.org.sg
Vicar: Ven Low Jee King
English Congregation
www.ase.org.sg
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Lewis Lew
CHAPEL OF CHRIST THE REDEEMER
2 Tampines Ave 3, Singapore 529706
www.ccr-redeemer.org
Vicar: Revd Andrew Raman
Mandarin Congregation
Clergy: Revd Lui Choo Huat
CHAPEL OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
3 Sorby Adams Drive, Singapore 357690
www.chs.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Michael Teh
CHAPEL OF CHRIST THE KING
99 Wilkie Rd @ St Margaret’s Primary School
Singapore 228091
www.cck.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Steven Seah
CHAPEL OF THE RESURRECTION
1 Francis Thomas Dr, #02-17, Singapore 359340
www.cor.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Canon Daniel Tong
Mandarin Congregation
Clergy: Revd Lee Kong Kheng
Extension Centre: Century Christian Fellowship
CHRIST CHURCH
1 Dorset Rd, Singapore 219486
www.christchurch.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Steven Asirvatham
CHURCH OF THE ASCENSION
13 Francis Thomas Dr, Singapore 359339
www.ascension.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Canon Ong Chooi Seng
CHURCH OF THE EPIPHANY
407 Jalan Kayu, Singapore 799512
Vicar: Revd Lawrence A. Visuvasam
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
2 Dundee Rd, Singapore 149454
www.cogsanglican.org
Vicar: Revd Tan Choon Kwan
English Congregation
Clergy: Revd Joseph Goh Thong Hoe
CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOUR
130 Margaret Dr, Singapore 147300
www.coos.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Daniel Wee
Mandarin Congregation
Priest: Revd Eric Chiam
Mandarin Congregation
Clergy: Revd Ng Hwee Leong
CHURCH OF THE TRUE LIGHT
25G Perak Rd, Singapore 208142
Vicar: Revd Winston Tan
SCHOOLS
HOLY TRINITY PARISH
1 Hamilton Rd, Singapore 209175
www.holytrinitychurch.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Foo Chee Meng
Revd Lim Kek Wah (w.e.f. 1 Jan 2013)
LIGHT OF CHRIST CHURCH WOODLANDS
20 Woodlands Dr 17, Singapore 737924
www.lightofchrist.org
Vicar: Revd Tang Wai Lung
MARINE PARADE CHRISTIAN CENTRE
100 Tembeling Rd, Singapore 423597
www.mpccnet.com
Vicar: Revd Philip Soh
Vicar-designate: Revd Barry Leong (w.e.f.
1 Jan 2013)
Mandarin Congregation
Clergy: Revd Steven Chong
MY SAVIOUR’S CHURCH
2 Prince Charles Crescent, Singapore 159011
www.mysaviours.org
Vicar: Revd Israel Selvam
ST ANDREW’S CITY CHURCH
250 Tanjong Pagar Rd,
#01-01 St Andrew’s Centre, Singapore 088541
Priest: Revd Derek Lim (w.e.f 1 Jan 2013)
Ag Vicar: Revd George Tay (w.e.f 1 Jan 2013)
ST ANDREW’S COMMUNITY CHAPEL
8 Simei St 3, Singapore 529895
www.sacc.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Foo Chee Meng
ST GEORGE’S CHURCH
Minden Rd, Singapore 248816
www.stgeorges.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Canon Philip Sinden
ST HILDA’S CHURCH
41 Ceylon Rd, Singapore 429630
www.sthildas.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Canon Soon Soo Kee
ST JAMES’ CHURCH
1 Leedon Road, Singapore 267828
www.sjc.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Canon Terry Wong
Mandarin Congregation
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Huang Ao-You
ST JOHN’S CHAPEL
111 Farrer Rd, Singapore 259240
www.sjcp.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Barry Leong
ST JOHN’S - ST MARGARET’S CHURCH
30 Dover Ave, Singapore 139790
www.sjsm.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Joshua Sudharman
Mandarin Congregation
Clergy: Revd Dr Ivan Ee
ST MATTHEW’S CHURCH
1K Eng Hoon St, Singapore 169796
Vicar: Revd Stephen Lim
ST PAUL’S CHURCH
843 Upper Serangoon Rd, Singapore 534683
www.stpaul-church.org
Vicar: Revd William Mok Wai Mung
ST PETER’S CHURCH
1 Tavistock Ave, Singapore 555104
Vicar: Revd Paul Tan
YISHUN CHRISTIAN CHURCH (ANGLICAN)
10 Yishun Ave 5, Singapore 768991
www.ycca.org.sg
Vicar: Revd Dr Timothy Chong
ANGLICAN HIGH SCHOOL
600 Upper Changi Rd, Singapore 487012
www.anglicanhigh.moe.edu.sg
CHRIST CHURCH SECONDARY SCHOOL
20 Woodlands Dr 17, Singapore 737924
www.chr.edu.sg
PRAISELAND CHILDCARE & LEARNING
CENTRE
Blk 662 Yishun Ave 4, #01-235
Singapore 760662
ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL CHILD
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Blk 511 Jurong West St 52, #01-80
Singapore 640511
COMMUNITY SERVICES
ST ANDREW’S JUNIOR COLLEGE
5 Sorby Adams Drive,Singapore 357691
www.standrewsjc.moe.edu.sg
SINGAPORE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY
SERVICES (SACS)
10 Simei St 3, Singapore 529897
www.sacs.org.sg
ST ANDREW’S JUNIOR SCHOOL
2 Francis Thomas Dr, Singapore 359337
www.saintandrewsjunior.moe.edu.sg
ST ANDREW’S MISSION HOSPITAL (SAMH)
8 Simei St 3, Singapore 529895
www.sach.org.sg
ST ANDREW’S SECONDARY SCHOOL
15 Francis Thomas Dr, Singapore 359342
www.saintandrewsschool.info
Community Services of SAMH
ST ANDREW’S COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
8 Simei St 3, Singapore 529895
www.sach.org.sg
ST HILDA’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
2 Tampines Ave 3, Singapore 529706
www.shps.moe.edu.sg
ST ANDREW’S LIFESTREAMS
1 Francis Thomas Dr, #02-06, Singapore 359340
www.sach.org.sg
ST HILDA’S SECONDARY SCHOOL
2 Tampines St 82, Singapore 528986
www.sthildassec.moe.edu.sg
ST ANDREW’S AUTISM CENTRE
1 Elliot Rd, Singapore 458686
www.sach.org.sg
ST MARGARET’S PRIMARY SCHOOL
99 Wilkie Rd, Singapore 228091
www.stmargaretspri.moe.edu.sg
Community Services of SACS
HOUGANG CARE CENTRE
20 Buangkok View, Singapore 534194
ST MARGARET’S SECONDARY SCHOOL
111 Farrer Rd,Singapore 259240
www.stmargaretssec.moe.edu.sg
SIMEI CARE CENTRE
10 Simei St 3, Singapore 529897
www.sacsscc.org.sg
ASCENSION KINDERGARTEN
11 Francis Thomas Dr, Singapore 359338
COMMUNITY REHABILITATION AND
SUPPORT SERVICE BUKIT BATOK
Blk 267, Bukit Batok East Ave 4, #01-206
Singapore 650267
Tel: 6562 4881
CHRIST CHURCH KINDERGARTEN
1 Dorset Rd, Singapore 219486
QUEENSTOWN GOOD SHEPHERD
KINDERGARTEN
2 Dundee Rd, Singapore 149454
COMMUNITY REHABILITATION AND
SUPPORT SERVICE PASIR RIS
Blk 534, Pasir Ris Dr 1, #01-266
Singapore 510534
ST HILDA’S KINDERGARTEN
83 Ceylon Rd, Singapore 429740
COMMUNITY REHABILITATION AND
SUPPORT SERVICE YISHUN
Blk 707, Yishun Ave 5, #01-36
Singapore 760707
ST JAMES’ CHURCH KINDERGARTEN
29 Harding Rd, Singapore 249537
ST PAUL’S CHURCH KINDERGARTEN
839 Upper Serangoon Rd, Singapore 534682
ASCENSION KINDERCARE
Blk 105 Potong Pasir Ave 1, #01-436
Singapore 350105
HEARTFRIENDS BASC
Blk 3 Dover Rd, #01-35, Singapore 130003
KIDDY ARK CHILDCARE &
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
Blk 727 Tampines St 71, #01-11
Singapore 520727
GOODNEWS COMMUNITY SERVICES
1 Francis Thomas Dr, #02-17, Singapore 359340
www.goodnews.org.sg
COMMONWEALTH STUDENT CARE CENTRE
Blk 37B Commonwealth Dr, #01-01 / 02-00
Singapore 142037
www.goodnews.org.sg
PASIR RIS FAMILY CARE CENTRE
Blk 256 Pasir Ris St 21,#01-289
Singapore 510256
www.goodnews.org.sg
SONSHINE CHILDCARE CENTRE
Blk 211 Bukit Batok St 21, #01-252
Singapore 650211
www.goodnews.org.sg
TEMASEK CARES-EMPLOYMENT
SUPPORT SERVICE
Blk 267, Bukit Batok East Ave 4, #01-206
Singapore 650267
www.sacsess.org.sg
SACS FAMILY CARE CENTRE
Hotline: 1800 346 4939
THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS
52 Telok Blangah Rd, #01-05
Telok Blangah House, Singapore 098829
www.flyingangel.org.sg
SACS and Parish Partnerships
PEACE - CONNECT SENIORS ACTIVITY
CENTRE
Blk 8, North Bridge Road, #01-4102
Singapore 19008
www.pcnl.org
CITY COMMUNITY SERVICES
Social Service Hub @ Tiong Bahru
298, Tiong Bahru Road, #03-04
Central Plaza, Singapore168730
www.citycomm.org.sg
DIOCESAN LISTINGS
DEANERIES
Cambodia
ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CAMBODIA (ACC)
Mailing Address:
c/o #57 Street 294, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
or PO Box 1413, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 855-23-217 429 / Fax: 855-23-362 023
Email: aeccadm@online.com.kh
Bishop and President of the ACC-Council:
Bishop Rennis Ponniah
Dean: Archdeacon Wong Tak Meng
Chairman of the ACC Council: Revd Tit Hieng
Associate Dean: Revd Steven Seah
Home Base coordinator: Revd David Lee
THE CHURCH OF THE LORD JESUS CHRIST
OUR PEACE
#57 Street 294, Sangkat BKK 1,
Khan Chamcar Mon, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Vicar: Revd Tit Hieng
Email: tithieng@online.com.kh
Priest: Revd Chan Peng Wah
Email: cpengwah@gmail.com
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD
#73, Street 207, Sangkat Tomnup Teuk
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Tel: 855-23-218 027
Email: cogs01@online.com.kh
MISSION DISTRICTS
KAMPONG SPEU MISSION DISTRICT
Prey K’dei Village, Svay Kravanh Commune,
Chbar Mon District, Kampong Speu Province
SVAY RIENG MISSION DISTRICT
Svay Prahoot Village, Koek Pring Commune,
Svay Chrum District, Svay Rieng Province
KANDAL MISSION DISTRICT
Prek Thom Village, K’bal Korh Commune,
Kien Svay District, Kandal Province
TAKEO MISSION DISTRICT
Preh Kraom Village, Kvav Commune,
Trang District, Takeo Province
PURSAT MISSION DISTRICT
Ksaet Borei Village, Santre Commune,
Kravanh District, Pursat Province
Indonesia
THE DEANERY OFFICE
c/o Yishun Christian Church (Anglican)
10 Yishun Avenue 5
Singapore 768991
Tel: 6759 8244
Fax: 6753 4046
Bishop & Chairman of GAI Council:
Bishop Rennis Ponniah
Dean & Vice Chairman of GAI Council:
Revd Dr Timothy Chong
GEREJA ANGLIKAN INDONESIA
National Office:
Jalan Arief Rahman Hakim 5, Menteng
Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
Tel: 62-21-3190 8545
Fax: 62-21-3190 9838
ALL SAINTS’ ANGLICAN CHURCH, JAKARTA
Jalan Arief Rahman Hakim 5, Menteng
Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
Tel: 62-21-3193 5283
Fax: 62-21-3193 2776
Vicar: Revd Ian Hadfield
Associate Vicar: Revd Jonathan Cox
Editorial Team
Advisor: The Right Revd Rennis S. Ponniah
Editor: Miss Lucilla Teoh
Diocesan Digest
ST ANDREW’S CHURCH, JAKARTA
Temporary Office:
Jalan Semarang, Blok F 316
Mas Naga Jakasampurna, Bekasi Barat
West Java, Indonesia
Tel: 62-21-8226634
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Agustinus Titi
ST PAUL’S CHURCH, BANDUNG
Jalan Baranangsiang No. 8 Komp. ITC
Kosambi Blok D 2 - 3 Bandung
40112 West Java, Indonesia
Tel/Fax: 62-22-422 2120
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Yopie Buyung
CHRIST CHURCH, SURABAYA
Sentra Niaga Utama K.
20 Citra Raya
Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia
Tel/Fax: 62-31-741 0388
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Augustinus
Wolkh-Wagunu
INSITUT ANGLIKAN INDONESIA
Jalan Baranangsiang No. 8 Komp. ITC
Kosambi Blok D 2 - 3 Bandung
40112 West Java, Indonesia
Tel/ Fax: 62-22-422 2120
Academic Dean: Revd Jonathan Trevor
Gunthorpe
CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD (BATAM)
Kompleks Nagoya New Town Blok A
No. 11 - 12 Batam 29431, Indonesia
Tel/Fax: 62-778-421 715
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Henok Hariyanto
CHURCH OF CHRIST THE CORNERSTONE
Jl. WR. Supratman RT. 66 No. 72 Blok. N4
Tarakan, Kalimantan Timur 77111
Indonesia
Tel: 62-551- 51836
Email: gaitarakan@yahoo.com
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Clarence Chin
GEREJA KRISTUS RAJA SEGALA RAJA
Jl. Cut Nyak Dien RT. 15 No. 124
Nunukan Tengah, Kalimantan Timur 77482
Indonesia
Tel : 62-556-2027259
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Samuel Sampe
ST ANDREW’S SCHOOL BATAM
Holding Site:
Ruko Permata Niaga, Sukajadi
Blok E No. 25
Batam Centre
Indonesia
Tel: 62-778 - 733 9463 / 62-778 - 425 830
Email : admin@sasbatam.com
ST ANDREW’S PRESCHOOL BATAM
Holding Site:
Ruko Permata Niaga, Sukajadi
Blok E No. 27
Batam Centre
Indonesia
Tel : 62-778- 733 9463 / 62-778 - 425 830
Email : admin@sasbatam.com
SONSHINE CHILDCARE CENTRE, BATU AJI
Ruko Sentosa Perdana Blok L No. 9-10
Batu Aji, Batam, Indonesia
Tel: 62-778-7056321
SONSHINE CHILDCARE AND LEARNING
CENTRE, TANJONG PINANG
Jalan Tambak No. 86, RT 02/RW 03
Kelurahan Kemboja, Kecamatan Tanjung Pinang
Barat, Indonesia
Tel 62-771-21761
Laos
THE DEANERY OFFICE
c/o Diocese of Singapore
1 Francis Thomas Drive #01-01, Singapore 359340
Tel: (65) 6288 8944 ext 214
Fax: (65) 6288 5538
Dean: Revd Canon Philip Sinden
Nepal
THE DEANERY OFFICE
c/o Diocese of Singapore
1 Francis Thomas Drive #01-01, Singapore 359340
Tel: 65-6288 8944 ext 217
Fax: 65-6288 5538
Ag Dean: Very Revd Kuan Kim Seng
Missions Secretary: Mr Chew Boon Ann
Email: chewba@anglican.org.sg
Thailand
THE ANGLICAN CHURCH IN THAILAND (ACT)
11 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500
Thailand
Tel: 662-632-2500 ext 18
Fax: 662-632-0606
Email: dean_act@thaianglican.org
Bishop: Bishop Rennis Ponniah
Dean: Revd Yee Ching Wah
Clergy: Revd Andrew Yap
Revd Wong Chee Seong
Revd Pairoj Phiammattawat
Revd Peter Cook
Revd Dickson Chiu
Home Base Co-ordinator: Revd Tang Wai Lung
CHRIST CHURCH BANGKOK (ENGLISH)
11 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500
Thailand
Tel: 662-234-3634, 662-233-8525
Fax: 662-236-6994
Website: www.christchurchbangkok.org
Vicar: Revd Peter Cook
Email: vicar@christchurchbangkok.org
CHRIST CHURCH BANGKOK (THAI)
11 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500
Thailand
Tel: 662-235-4000 x 18
Fax: 662-235-4001
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Pairoj Phiammattawat
Email: j_pairoj@hotmail.com
CHRIST CHURCH, BANCHANG
83/61 Sukhumvit Road
Banchang, Rayong 21130
Thailand
Tel/Fax: 66-38-601 273
Email: ccbc_bc@hotmail.com
CHRIST CHURCH SAWANG DAENDIN
522/2-3 Mo 20, Nittayo Road,
Sawang Daendin
Sakol Nakorn 47110, Thailand
Tel: 66-42-737 564
Email: actswang@mail.cscoms.com
KORAT PHISUT LOGOS CENTRE
54/3 Samsip Kanya Road, Ampher Mueng
Nakhorn Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Tel: 66-44-259 070
Fax: 66-44-259 077
Email: kimyien@csloxinfo.com
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Dickson Chiu
Missionary: Ms Chua Kim Yien
LISU CHURCHES IN PAI DISTRICT
c/o 11 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
RAINBOWLAND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
CENTRE (BANGKOK)
11 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Tel/Fax: 662-632-0983
Email: rada_love_god@hotmail.com
Director: Miss Narada Phuttawong
RAINBOWLAND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
CENTRE (BANCHANG)
83/61 Sukhumvit Rd, Banchang, Rayong 21130,
Thailand
Tel/Fax: 66-38-696 046
Email: wi-jira_rcbc@hotmail.com
Principal: Mrs Jiraporn Wijitkumjon
RAINBOWLAND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
CENTRE (SAWANG DAENDIN)
522/2-3,Moo 20, Nittayo Road,
Sawang Daendin
Sakol Nakorn 47110, Thailand
Tel/Fax: 66-42-722 1656
Principal: Ms Aree Chinsombat
THAI ANGLICAN CHURCH FOUNDATION
11 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Tel: 662-235-4000 ext 63
Fax: 662-235-4001
Email: jarin_rcs@thaianglican.org
Chairman: Dr Chusak Vongsuly
Manager: Mrs Jarin Jindawong
RAINBOWLAND COMMUNITY SERVICES
FOUNDATION
11 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Tel: 662-235-4000 ext 63
Fax: 662-235-4001
Email: jarin_rcs@thaianglican.org
Chairman: Mrs Mayurin Fordham
Manager: Mrs Jarin Jindawong
ALPHA STUDENT CENTRE, NAKHORRN
RATCHASIMA
54/3 Samsip Kanya Road, Ampher Mueng
Nakhorn Ratchasima 30000, Thailand
Tel: 66-44-259 070
Fax: 66-44-259 077
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Dickson Chiu
Missionary: Ms Chua Kim Yien
Vietnam
THE DEANERY OFFICE
c/o St Hilda’s Church
41 Ceylon Road
Singapore 429630
Tel: 65 6344 3463
Fax: 65 6344 0851
Dean: Revd Canon Soon Soo Kee
THE ANGLICAN CENTRE
611/16E Dien Bien Phu, P1, Q3. Ho Chi Minh,
Vietnam
ABBA ENGLISH CENTRE, HANOI
Số 102 B1D Thành Công – Bà Đình – Hà Nội –
Việt Nam
Tel: 84-04-3772 7993
Email: enquiry@abbaenglishcentre.com
Website: www.abbaenglishcentre.com
RANGSIT ANGLICAN OUTREACH CENTRE
Lay Pastors: Ms Faustina Foo and Ms Alice Aik
PO KAREN CHURCHES IN OMKOI DISTRICT
c/o 11 Convent Road, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Team Members
Revd Canon Terry Wong • Mrs Sasha Michael • Mrs Joycelyn WooPrinter: Saik Wah Print Media Pte Ltd
Email: diocesandigest@gmail.com
© The Diocese of Singapore
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