Sengkang Methodist Church (SKMC) marked its 25th Anniversary with a three-month long celebration titled SK25, articulated with a five-part journey of 记 (Remember), Agape, 代 (Generation), Faith, and Grace.
The idea all began with a play on the number 5. “We wanted the themes to be playful, yet meaningful,” said SK25 Organising Committee Chairperson, Charmian Wong, a member of the church who is also a communications staff there. ” Each theme is either made up of five English letters or five Chinese strokes, because five multiplied by five equals our age. But more than number play, we hoped the anniversary would help us remember not just the church’s history, but our own individual journeys with SKMC.”
From pioneer faith to present grace
The story of SKMC—the second youngest church under the Chinese Annual Conference (CAC)—began in 1999, when a small group of believers across several Methodist churches responded to God’s call to plant a church in the then-new Sengkang estate. This group of believers set out by faith, not knowing where the road would lead, but trusted in God’s calling.
“Abraham’s journey of faith comes to mind,” reflected Lay Leader Lisa Toh. “He acted in faith and became a model for future generations. Likewise, SKMC’s founders received God’s calling, and through many ups and downs, their faith was continually refined. Every failure was a deeper affirmation of the mission God entrusted to us: to lead all nations into God’s Kingdom and disciple others to continue his mission.”
That legacy of faith and perseverance continues to shape the church’s identity today.
Five words, one story
Over three months, each of the SK25 themes came to life through a series of unique events anchored by different ministries in SKMC.
SK25 kicked off 记 (Remember) in the form of a storytelling video project that traced the church’s journey through the eyes of its younger members who spent their formative years in SKMC.
Agape love came alive in a “kampong-style” community event that helped members not only reminisce about the past but also rekindle the kampong spirit, where no one is a stranger. It reminded the church to love and care for one another just as God has loved us.
For 代 (Generation), the 25th Combined Anniversary Service held on 14 September 2025 saw current and former church members from different generations worshipping together and rededicating the church to God.
Our church members took a step of Faith during a community prayer walk that began at SKMC and ended at the 24th Anniversary tree-planting site along the Sungei Serangoon Park Connector. This was meant to symbolise how every step of faith builds upon the seeds sown before—a visible reminder that the church’s mission is rooted in prayer, obedience and growth.
Finally, we celebrated Grace on Ohana Sunday in October, honouring our church members with special needs and highlighting the need to build an inclusive church.
These celebrations served as a reminder that SKMC’s story is not about buildings or milestones, but about ordinary lives being blessed and transformed by an extraordinary God.
“SKMC is my first church, where I received salvation in 2008,” shared Associate Lay Leader Wiwie Palimarmo. “Through these years, I have experienced the intimate Agape love of God, and I hope to pass on this legacy to the next 代 (Generation). The SK25 theme is a meaningful encouragement, reminding us that many more will be blessed as SKMC continues its journey for the next 25 years and beyond.”
A season of action
At the Combined Anniversary Service, CAC President and former Pastor-in-Charge of SKMC Rev Dr Lek Yong Teck exhorted the congregation to take inspiration from Joshua, a man of faith who not only believed but was a man of action as well.
Lisa said, “Faith demands action, not just belief. As Joshua led Israel into the Promised Land, we too must move forward courageously.”
Wiwie added, “Rev Dr Lek’s message about seeking and living out God’s will deeply resonated with me. It is something I hold close to my heart, to continually seek my Father’s will for my life here on earth.”
Faith woven into fabric (literally)
Merchandise to commemorate SK25 such as T-shirts and socks were designed by church members of different ages—truly an intergenerational celebration of our 25th Anniversary.
“The SK25 T-shirt bears the command God has given us, and the socks are printed with the five themes,” said Lisa. “They are not just souvenirs for the anniversary; they are reminders of what we rely on to carry forward our mission.”
SK25 socks were designed by SKMC’s age level representatives
Looking ahead
Even as celebrations end, the spirit of SK25 carries on as each generation adds a fresh chapter to the SKMC story.
“If each SKMCer takes even one of these five words to heart and lives it out,” said Charmian, “our church will continue to grow as a community marked by love, faith and grace, one that remembers where we have come from and looks forward to where God is leading us.”
Referring to the act of commitment that invited members to write their prayers of faith on little paper footprints during the service, Rev Andy Goh, Pastor-in-Charge, shared these closing words: “May the footsteps of this generation become lasting imprints of faith, guiding the next generation to walk in the way of Christ. For Christ, with Christ and in Christ.”
SK25 was more than a milestone. It served as a reminder that God’s faithfulness is still unfolding in Sengkang, one believer and one family at a time.
Daniel Tay has been a member of Sengkang Methodist Church since 2005 and serves in the Worship and Missions ministries. He and his wife will be embarking on a new season as tentmakers in Thailand in December 2025. / Photos courtesy of Sengkang Methodist Church
