The 22nd World Methodist Conference (WMC) met in Gothenburg, Sweden from 13 to 18 August 2024. The WMC, a global gathering of the Methodist-Wesleyan family, is held every five years. However, the 2021 session was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making this year’s conference the first since 2016.
Counselling saved my life
When the Covid-19 pandemic struck and Singapore introduced the circuit breaker in April 2020, Bobby*, who worked in the banking sector, still had to report to the office to manage daily operations. His parents and parents-in-law, who normally helped care for his young children before the pandemic, were unable to assist during this time. Balancing work responsibilities and family life became exceptionally difficult for Bobby and his wife.
A most respectable sin
One of the most distinctive contributions of Roman Catholic moral theology is the enumeration of what is now known as the “seven deadly sins”. The origins of the list can be traced to Pope Gregory I (540–604), although it was later developed by the great 13th century medieval theologian, Thomas Aquinas.
Taking ownership of my community
My family was raised in Fairfield Methodist Church (FFMC). I have been here all my life, save for three and a half years when my husband was posted overseas. After returning, we asked ourselves if FFMC was still the church for us. We sought a more vibrant community, but God didn’t tell us to leave.
Dealing with mental health through worship
When I first heard the song I Speak Jesus, the lyrics struck me for their novelty. Words like “addiction”, “anxiety” and “depression” usually do not appear in contemporary worship songs. Most of the time, we would sing about God’s greatness, goodness and sovereignty over our trials. Mental health issues do not get specific mention.
Should I continue dating a narcissist?
I’m in my 30s and currently seeing a guy in his late 40s. I really enjoy his company and he is wonderful in many aspects. However, he displays some narcissistic traits and has inflated his credentials and background. He lied about his age and had two previous marriages which he did not disclose. I get the sense that he might be insecure and may have been hurt by his previous relationships. Should I continue seeing him? How can I encourage him to be truthful? Can I truly love someone who is broken and a narcissist?
Wokeness and the Church
The theme that the editors of the Methodist Message have assigned for this issue, “The Sphere of the Church”, provides an opportunity to discuss a phenomenon that is becoming more pervasive in evangelical churches in the United States, and which is just beginning to influence some churches in Singapore.
Our Stories, His Glory – Legacy stories of God’s goodness
By December 2024, a total of 26 stories will be told in Our Stories, His Glory 2 (OSHG2), a legacy project by Wesley Methodist Church. Each story is a journey of faith that tells of God’s amazing love, and despite seasons where he is sometimes pushed aside, he is ever faithful, steadfast, merciful and gracious.
What does it mean for the Church to be “in the world but not of the world”?
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. This instalment discusses The Sphere of the Church and what it means to be a member of the faith community called the Church amidst rapidly changing social forces of our day.