Which has been your most memorable Aldersgate celebration in Singapore?
Was it the first time the Singaporean Methodist community came together to commemorate the “strangely-warmed” experience of Methodism’s founder John Wesley, in 2002? Or in 2003, when Aldersgate celebrations had to be downsized due to the SARS epidemic in the region? Do you recall the iconic lectures by the Rev Dr David Wilkinson on ‘Science and Christian Faith’ in 2007, or the Hymn Festival marking the 300th birthday of Charles Wesley, held at Victoria Concert Hall? What about the milestone MCS 125 celebrations held in 2010, with the highest turnout ever recorded for the Aldersgate Service?
These are just some of the ups and downs experienced in the 15 years since that first Aldersgate celebration in 2002. This year, the Aldersgate celebrations return to Paya Lebar Methodist Church (PLMC) where the events were first held, giving us a rare opportunity to re-live these moments and more, at a special exhibition of memorabilia that will be put up at the ground-floor area.
Among our regional neighbours, Singapore’s Aldersgate commemorative events are unique: We incorporate the element of celebration, with a worship service in addition to lectures and seminars. This year, the Aldersgate Service and Worship Festival have been combined to form the Aldersgate Sunday Celebration on 21 May, where the diverse gifts of various people groups will come together in united offering before our Lord – a foretaste of Heaven.
A new feature will also be incorporated in the Sunday Celebration: An Aldersgate Prayer of Commitment, giving attendees the opportunity to re-commit their lives to God’s service in solidarity with more than 43,000 brothers and sisters in the Methodist family, of which 1,200 are expected at the Celebration. A mystery gift has been planned for distribution at the Celebration, to be a visual reminder for attendees of their commitment to the Lord, and to continue praying for the Methodist Church and its ministries.
Curious about what the first-ever Aldersgate poster looked like? Want to re-live Aldersgate celebrations over the years? Eager to catch a multi-cultural glimpse of Heaven? Passionate to renew your commitment to God? Longing to stand in solidarity with Methodist brothers and sisters? Wondering what the mystery gift might be?
Then come, join us to ‘Catch the Flame’ at Aldersgate SG 2017, 21-24 May at PLMC, as we grow together in ‘The Wesleyan Pursuit of Holiness’!
- 21 May – Aldersgate Sunday Celebration ‘The Joy of Holiness’
- 23 May – Aldersgate Lecture 1 ‘The Face of Holiness’
- 24 May – Aldersgate Lecture 2 ‘The Power for Holiness’
Visit aldersgate.methodist.org.sg for more info, and book your places now!
Picture by jhandersen/Bigstock.com