Spend any time exploring Chinese culture and practice, and one will without fail come across the notion of Qi (qi in Chinese pinyin or chi in Wade-Giles romanisation). It can be variously interpreted as “steam”, “breath”, “vital energy”, “vital force”, “material force”, “matter-energy”, “organic material energy”, or “pneuma”.
One MCS Holy Week services 2024: God of all nations
Holy Week services took on a different approach this year with the services of the first three days conducted under One MCS, helmed by the three Annual Conferences from 25 to 27 March. Local Conferences did not conduct services on these days and instead encouraged members to attend the One MCS services.
I keep paying for meals out with my friend
My new friend and I are from vastly different cultures, but we see eye to eye on most things. We are both students and when we go out, we are supposed to take turns to pay for meals. But I’ve noticed that I am always the one paying. Should I say something? It’s not that I don’t want to be generous. I just don’t want to be taken advantage of. Furthermore, he comes from a much wealthier family than I do.
Can’t click with my cell group mates who are older
I’ve been attending cell group for a few years but the level of interaction is at acquaintance level and we usually just talk about the Bible. I’m the youngest in the cell group and the rest are clearly in a different phase of life. The topics the elderly talk about always centre around bodily pains and the married ones talk about their kids. I’m the only single and while I empathise with them, I feel like we do not have the same interests. It’s very difficult to click with them in a more intimate manner. I’ve tried visiting another cell group with people closer to my age, but it felt awkward. How do I build intimate relationship with cell group mates?
Utara: Finding our true north
Years ago, when Singaporean families went on holiday, it often took the form of a road trip to Cameron Highlands or to Kuala Lumpur. The road then was an undivided two-way road that snaked up north and was periodically signposted with signs that read “Utara” (or North in English). Regardless of the occasional detours, twists and turns, if you followed the Utara signs and stayed on the road, you would eventually reach Kuala Lumpur.
Sowing the seeds of faith
I love children so it was only natural that I joined the Children’s Ministry. This ministry lays the foundation of a child’s faith and walk with God. As children grow and face many challenges in life, the lessons learnt in church act as the seeds of faith planted by the Sower. Watching children exercise their childlike faith is a great reminder for us adults to find hope in God’s goodness and grace, even in the simplest of ways.
Seeing the disabled in God’s image
In the past few decades, a number of churches across the different denominations have issued official statements calling their congregations to be places of inclusion and belonging, especially for people with disabilities. For example, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, in a statement published in 2011, reminds its member churches that:
Ohana: Nobody gets left behind or forgotten in God’s family
Every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month, those who serve in the Ohana Ministry of Sengkang Methodist Church (SKMC) arrive bright and early. The ministry’s helpers and volunteers—like Cindy, Melissa, Ho, Samson, Dominique, Yek Kwee, Clarissa and Veronica—excitedly prepare for a very special Sunday school class.
Letting go and moving on with time
I recently learnt of a rather clever and useful cosmetic item called a concealer. It is used to hide skin discolouration, blemishes or creases. I saw a demonstration of its effectiveness by someone near and dear to me and was amazed by how it appeared to erase flaws. I should add here, before my enthusiasm gets the better of me, that the concealer, rather than eliminating blemishes, helped cover them up for a time.
Whither the Church and disability ministries in Singapore?
Have you entered a church where people with and without disabilities worship God in “harmony”? Occasionally, there might be a sudden shout during worship, a person rocking back and forth during prayer, or someone running around the pews during the sermon. No one bats an eyelid. The pastor continues his preaching. There’s an occasional smile and a look of understanding from the congregation.
My wife has a hoarding habit
My wife has a habit of shopping and accumulating things. Our home has become so cluttered that when guests come, they have nowhere to sit because there are things everywhere and I must physically shift items to make space. I am too embarrassed to invite family or friends over. I have spoken to her many times to change her habit of online shopping and buying things even though the items she buys are educational such as books or good toys for my young children. We are financially very comfortable so there is nothing to curb her shopping habit. We have given some items away but she then acquires other things and we are back to square one. Is a hoarding habit something serious or is it just a personality thing? I do not want to pick a fight with her because she is overall a good mother and wife and God-fearing.
Methodist Social Principles: An Overview
Every Christian aspires to obey God, avoid evil and do good. But some modern-day predicaments are not discussed specifically in the Bible. How then can we apply its principles to our lives? This essay is from a 9-part series of reflections on the Methodist Social Principles, which will help all Christians live by God’s principles in today’s complex world.