| Christians
reflect on how God's Word has impacted the world |
 A warm welcome from Dr Bobby Sng. - Bible Society of Singapore picture. |
| Christians
reflect on how God's Word has impacted the world |
A warm welcome from Dr Bobby Sng. - Bible Society of Singapore picture. |
By LEONARD TAY
NOVEMBER 3, 2004 would be remembered
in the history books as a day when the Christian community in
Singapore gathered at St Andrew's Cathedral to commemorate 200
years of the Bible Society movement.
From the different churches, traditions, backgrounds, and even
musical styles, Christian leaders, representatives and choirs
came together in one united display of solidarity to reflect on
the manner in which God's Word has impacted the world.
The weather was overcast for most of the day, with the rain stopping
just in time for staff and volunteers from The Bible Society of
Singapore to start preparing for the service. As time passed into
the evening, more volunteers showed up to lend a hand, the choirs
started to arrive and commenced to warm up their voices, while
the early guests tucked into the buffet spread laid out at the
marquee by the side of the cathedral sanctuary.
At 7.30pm the Service of Thanksgiving
started with a procession of church leaders making their way up
to the altar, to the momentous congregational singing of "To
God Be the Glory".
Dr Bobby Sng, President of The Bible Society of Singapore, welcomed
everyone, encouraging all present to join together in a spirit
of celebration, thanksgiving and intercession. Immediately after
that, the Singapore Bible College Choir gave a heartwarming rendition
of "We Thank You, Lord". The sublime blend of voices
was a moving experience, articulating in song the words of thanks
that were in the hearts and minds of the congregation.
The first Scripture passage from Genesis 11:1-8 was read by Lieutenant-Colonel
David Bringans, Officer Commanding of the Salvation Army, Singapore.
The reading was followed by two anthems from the combined choirs
of Christ Methodist Church, filling the cathedral with rich tones
of musical offerings to God.
The Rev Tan Cheng Huat, the English Presbytery Moderator of the
Presbyterian Church in Singapore, then read about the Mystery
of the Incarnation from John 1:1-18. After that the Ang Mo Kio
Tamil Methodist Church Choir presented a Tamil song, accentuated
with lively harmonies and rhythms.
The Rev Sebastian Chua, Chairman of the Singapore Baptist Convention,
made his way to the lectern to read the final Scripture passage
from Acts 2:1-21 describing events on the Day of Pentecost. The
congregation responded to the Scripture readings with the Bible
Society Bicentennial Prayer, and the hymn "Wonderful Words
of Life", in preparation for the message shared by the Rt
Rev Dr John Chew, Bishop of Singapore and President of the National
Council of Churches of Singapore.
Bishop Chew's sermon, entitled "The Unchanging Word in the
Changing World", was a timely reminder for all present to
remain true to God's Word especially in the volatile and fast
environment of today's world. With his words still resonating
in the hearts of the congregation after the sermon, the Voices
of Praise choir delivered in Mandarin the song "In God We
Trust".
Bishop Dr Robert Solomon, Bishop of the Methodist Church in Singapore,
then led the congregation in a period of intercession, thanking
God for His providence in the past, and asking for continued guidance
in the challenges ahead.
As the service drew to a close, Mr Lim K Tham, General Secretary
of The Bible Society of Singapore, thanked everyone for their
attendance and for making the service deeply meaningful.
At the same time, the society launched the "Bible-on-Stamps"
Series authored by Dr Sng. This stamp book collection highlights
the life of Jesus, the Old Testament and the history of the church.
Finally, the Rev Dr Patrick Lau, General Superintendent of the
Assemblies of God, Singapore, gave the blessing. As guests slowly
made their way out of the cathedral, many took the opportunity
to greet friends.
The evening was a portrayal of the varying colours and diversity
among the Christian community in Singapore, yet it also spoke
volumes about one and all coming together to give thanks and prayer
for a mission that involves the entire church of Jesus Christ.
For all who have supported the Bible cause, and to the many who
attended this significant Service of Thanksgiving, The Bible Society
of Singapore extends its warmest thanks and deepest appreciation.
Leonard Tay is the Manager (Communications) of The Bible Society of Singapore.
QUOTE:
A CHURCH-WIDE MISSION
'The evening was a portrayal of the varying colours and diversity among the Christian community in Singapore, yet it also spoke volumes about one and all coming together to give thanks and prayer for a mission that involves the entire church of Jesus Christ.'