My only adult son, who is single and lives with me, is undergoing a sex- change surgery to become a woman. I am a committed Christian who has been attending church for many years.
The Bible doesn’t talk about toxic social environments of today, so what should we do?
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 biblical principles to our lives? In this 9-part series, The Methodist Church in Singapore shares reflections on its Social Principles which, more than ever before, can help believers live by God’s firm principles in today’s volatile and complex world. Here, Rev Ranganathan Prabhu looks at the struggles of contemporary society and how the Church can respond through a biblical lens, by the grace of the Holy Spirit. This instalment discusses the Sphere of Social Well-being.
Not the typical tentmaker – MMS’ professional volunteer programme
Through the years, the SMS and many of our sister mission schools in the region have been blessed by the work of specialist volunteers from Singapore who have contributed a unique but precious resource—their professional expertise. These “professional volunteers” visit to spend time in our classrooms and commit to long-term activities to develop specific areas of school operations.
A ministry of reconciliation
Eugene Toh, 43, is the Chairperson of the Board of Governance of Methodist Welfare Services (MWS), the social concerns arm of The Methodist Church in Singapore. A long-time Methodist, he grew up and was baptised in Queenstown Chinese Methodist Church. Eugene shares his thoughts about MWS and his perspective on its work in outreach and social concerns.
Dating a non-Christian
I’ve dated a few Christians in the past, but things did not work out due to various reasons such as not being financially stable and having cultural differences. Recently, I started dating a Thai lady. She is not of the same faith. I understand that as a Christian, we should not be unequally yoked. If both parties are serious and committed to work things out, should I continue dating her? I know there will be many obstacles ahead, such as my parents, who I think will object to a daughter-in-law of a different faith and nationality.
Finding my higher ground as a househusband
I am a househusband to a supportive wife and two children, ages six and one. In the last two years, I have spent the majority of my time managing my household through a myriad of chores which include preparing meals, upkeeping the children’s routines and housekeeping, among other things. This role was not something I had envisioned myself doing and I found myself quite unprepared for it. The sense of being unprepared continues today.
My daughter wants to give up on a prestigious university degree
My 21-year-old daughter is currently studying in a university overseas. She managed to enter a prestigious course that is difficult to get into and we were all very happy when she got selected. She is now in her third year of the course with one more year to go before she graduates. During her holidays, she came back home and shared that she did not want to continue her studies. She said she realised that she had no interest in this course and cannot see herself going further. We were shocked. We tried to reason with her and persuade her to finish what she began, pointing out that she would end up with no degree and would have to start from scratch again. She refuses to listen and feels that we are pressuring her because we have paid so much for her overseas education and do not want our money wasted, rather than caring for what she feels. We are also worried that she will regret her decision later. After all, she wanted to do this course. What should we do?
The burning hearts, opened eyes and beautiful feet of Methodists: Aldersgate Methodist Church’s 45th Anniversary
The Sunday of 5 May saw 98 Dover Road abuzz with excitement, as the various congregations of Aldersgate Methodist Church (AMC)—Chinese, Contemporary, Traditional, Youth—came together to celebrate and commemorate its 45th Anniversary in a combined English-Chinese bilingual service.
Should I stay and care for my ex-husband, who has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s?
After a 22-year long marriage, I finally filed for divorce. I struggled with this decision for almost a decade. He was emotionally distant and generally a traditional, chauvinistic family man. We function like housemates who happen to share two children. A few months after the uncontested divorce was finalised by the courts, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He is only 49 years old. I am at a loss for what to do—if I leave him, the caregiving burden will likely fall on the children, who will resent their mother for divorcing their father. If I stay, I will be resentful every day. What can I do now? The children are still unaware of the divorce and their father’s illness.
Are you being gaslighted?
The client reported that she was being gaslighted! She had been trying to clarify her husband’s relationship with another woman. Instead of a straight denial or admission, he turned on her and told her she was “overthinking”. He then went on to run her down by accusing her of having “a suspicious mind”, being “small minded” and “overly conservative”. The torrent of insults and attacks left her feeling hurt and regretting having raised the subject at all. Her initial doubt of her husband’s fidelity turned to doubts about herself.
MSM’s new directions seek to deepen connections with the Methodist community
The Methodist School of Music (MSM) celebrated its 27th anniversary and held a thanksgiving service on 27 April 2024 at Bukit Panjang Methodist Church. At the service, Executive Director Ms Clarissa Tan, who assumed her role on 1 March last year, articulated MSM’s new plans in her speech.
MCS response to UMC’s repeal of the ban on gay clergy
Last week, the United Methodist Church (based in the United States) lifted its long-standing ban on gay clergy, which had already begun in practice. What does this mean for Methodists in Singapore? The following is a response from The Methodist Church in Singapore to the Methodist community.