26th SESSION OF TAMIL ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Nov 9-10, 2001

ETAC challenged to bring in more members

The Rev R. Prabhu (left)and the Rev James Nagulan presenting a joint report at the ETAC Session. - ETAC picture by RAJA NAGURAN of Toa Payoh Tamil Methodist Church.

By RICHARD JEREMIAH            MEMBERS of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC) have been challenged to increase its membership.

At its 26th Session at Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church, its President, the Rev Dr Vinson Samuel, challenged all ETAC members to work at "adding just one more person to the church over the next three years".

The delegates responded by acknowledging that although there had been similar challenges and examinations in the past, there had not been any discernible increase in membership.

Earlier, ETAC took time to examine the reasons for the lack of growth in membership over the past 26 years. With statistics provided by the Bishop's Office, it was sobering to note that ETAC had not registered any significant growth during this time span.

It was also noted that there was a significant ministry to foreign Indian workers and the expatriate professional Indian community in the country. This ministry, however, does not translate to membership numbers because this is a migrant community with a short-term stay in the country.

Nevertheless, delegates acknowledged that a revitalisation of the ministry to the Indian community is necessary. Delegates felt that any change had to begin with the leaders of the church, pastors, lay delegates and leaders of local churches.

The Rev Dr Samuel undertook to look at these concerns and work out a response plan with the Executive Board.

The highlight of the conference was the ordination of the Rev Ebinezar Mohan and the Rev James Nagulan as Elders by Bishop Dr Robert Solomon. The ordination service was held at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church.

Richard Jeremiah, a member of the Methodist Message Editorial Board, is Chairman of the Board on Finance of ETAC.

PICTURE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 3 ANNUAL CONFERENCES

The two newly-ordained Elders from Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC), the Rev James Nagulan (left) and the Rev Ebinezar Mohan cutting a cake presented to them by Ang Mo Kio Tamil Methodist Church while family members look on. - ETAC picture by RAJA NAGURAN.

Newly-ordained TRAC Elders, the Rev Nga Mee Hee (front row, second from left) and the Rev Stanley Chua (front row, third from left) acknowledging the congregation's congratulations. With them are their spouses. - MM picture by LIM CHEE NING of Foochow Methodist Church.

Procession of pastors at the start of the CAC Ordination Service. - CAC picture by BILLY KON of Bukit Panjang Methodist Church.

Bishop Dr Robert Solomon presenting certificates to four of the five newly-ordained CAC Deacons, from right to left, the Rev Poh Heow Lee, the Rev Philip Lim, the Rev Wong Yeow Lin and the Rev Esther Ding.. - CAC picture by BILLY KON of Bukit Panjang Methodist Church.