Church in a time of COVID-19
On 20 March 2020, The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) announced that all church services in their 46 churches would be suspended. Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung’s letter stated that the suspension was to last for two weeks.
After the government announced on 3 April its “circuit breaker” measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, all the churches had to be closed, with all staff working from home, at least till 1 June.
This is the first time in living memory that all churches in Singapore have been shuttered. But, thanks to modern technology and apps such as YouTube and Zoom, church services and cell groups have continued online. Even though physically apart, we can worship together. And, as Jesus has promised, “where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them” (Matt 18:20).
We hope that those who are more tech-savvy will reach out to those who are not, especially to the elderly and disadvantaged. The latter may not have smart phones or wifi, or may not know how to access live-streaming or video links. We want them to be able to partake of the Church community, even from a distance, and make sure they remain connected during this unprecedented church closure.
Together (but individually at least one metre apart) in spirit as one Church, God will see us through this!
Links
- Methodist Church online services: https://www.methodist.org.sg/livestream
- Sign up for #MCS135Prayers and announcements on WhatsApp: https://tinyurl.com/mcswhatsapp
- Subscribe to the onscreen edition of Methodist Message: https://www.methodist.org.sg/mm-onscreen
- MCS updates on COVID-19: https://www.methodist.org.sg/COVID-19
- Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Methodist.SG for the latest updates.
Sheri Goh is the Editor of Methodist Message. / Photos courtesy of Queenstown CMC, Joel Chng and Faith MC