Rangsit Methodist Church celebrates
10th Anniversary

STORY AND PICTURES BY KAM LEONG HENG

BANGKOK -- June 5, 2005 marked another milestone in the history of Tuaw Muang Thai Methodist Church (All Thailand Methodist Church), which was formerly instituted as the Wesley Methodist Church in Thailand. It commemorated the 10th Anniversary of Rangsit Methodist Church (RMC) - the first church planted by the Methodist Missions Society (MMS) in June 1995.


The MMS seeks to establish indigenous churches in the region. Currently, there are a total of 29 churches and preaching points in five MMS mission fields.
Rangsit MC's anniversary celebration was held a day after the 5th biennial MMS Retreat. All the MMS missionaries, staff, Executive Committee and Ministry Coordinators arrived at the church, and were greeted by familiar faces and friendly smiles.


The Celebration and Thanksgiving Service was led by the Rev Henry Yeo, the Country Coordinator. It began with the singing of songs of praise to God led by Mrs Wilawan Pomchae, an active member of RMC.


Mr John Lim, the Lay Leader of Paya Lebar Methodist Church (PLMC), then led in the Prayer of Thanksgiving. Mr Lim is well acquainted with the members of RMC as he visits them at least once a month. No wonder he is fondly addressed as "Uncle John" by RMC youths.

The President of Trinity Annual Conference (TRAC) and Pastor-in-Charge of PLMC, the Rev Wee Boon Hup, prayed on behalf of the church and sent greetings from TRAC and PLMC.

Following the prayer, the Klong Eleven Singers as well as the youths and adults of RMC presented some song and dance items. MMS missionaries and staff too were called up to the stage to present a song item.

The Interim Pastor of RMC, the Rev Prasert Pornkiratikul, and the Mission Superintendent, the Rev Dr Clarence Lim, offered words of welcome and congratulatory greetings. The Rev Dr Lim also congratulated the four pioneer members of RMC. Among them was Mr Sompong Chetthanarong who chaired the first Protem Committee for Rangsit in 1998.

After the collection of tithes and offerings the MMS Home Director, Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng, read the scripture passage from 1 Corinthians 3:5-17.


Bishop Dr Solomon baptising a member of Rangsit Methodist Church.
Bishop Dr Robert Solomon baptised nine people, administered the Lord's Supper and preached the sermon entitled "You Are God's Temple".


After a two-hour service, all 130 guests were treated to a celebration lunch under a marquee outside the church. Each guest received a commemorative glass mug. The Rev Pornkiratikul also presented appreciation gifts to Bishop Dr Solomon, the Rev Wee, the Rev Dr Lim, the Rev Hazra (on behalf of MMS), the Rev Terence Yeo (on behalf of PLMC) and Mr John Lim.

Kam Leong Heng is the Church Relations and Communications Executive of the Methodist Missions Society.


RANGSIT METHODIST CHURCH

· A city church located in the Prathumthani province, north of Bangkok, near the Rangsit Railway Station.
· It occupies two rented four-storey buildings that have a 200-seater sanctuary, a few function rooms and a level for         accommodation.
· The church has a strong Worship and Music Ministry, a vibrant Children's Ministry with scholarship programmes,         the Boys' Brigade and the Girls' Brigade.
· Church members are daily-waged working class citizens.
· The average attendance for Sunday Service is 40-50 adults and 40-60 children.
· PLMC adopted RMC on June 4, 1995.