
THE Methodist School of Music (MSM)
celebrated its 9th year in testament of God's faithfulness and
blessing with an evening of thanksgiving, worship and music at
the TA2 Sanctuary of Telok Ayer Chinese Methodist Church on April
29, 2006.
The theme was "Blessings beyond Boundaries." About 400
friends and supporters of the MSM, including Bishop Dr Robert
Solomon, who pronounced the benediction, were present.
This year's event is of special
significance as on the eve of the 9th Anniversary celebration,
the MSM signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Trinity Theological
College on the joint Master of Theological Studies in Church Music/Worship
& Liturgy programme.
This is an important milestone for the school, which is reaching
out beyond its boundaries. We pray for God's continued blessings
upon us. Please continue to support us with your prayers and giving.
The opening and closing voluntaries were presented by organ student
Philina Ng. Mr John Ang, the Chairman of the MSM Management Committee,
gave the welcome speech. The Principal, Ms Mary Gan, led in the
call to worship, followed by the choral introit by the Anniversary
Choir conducted by Ms Wong Lai Foon.
The Rev Khoo Cheng Hoot, the President of the Chinese Annual Conference,
led in the Litany of Thanksgiving after an opening prayer by the
Rev Dharmaraj Ebinezar Mohan, a member of the MSM Management Committee.
The celebration in music began with a moving rendition of Charles
Wesley's hymn anthem, "Jesus, United by Thy Grace" (arranged
by Lim Swee Hong) by the MSM Staff.
Ten harpists from the ACJC Harp Ensemble then played three beautiful
pieces, followed by the ACJC Chamber Ensemble playing a Schubert
piece for piano, violin, viola and cello.
Fifteen-year-old piano student, Fang Yi, played Bramhs' "Romanze",
Op. 118. Two sets of siblings, Nurliyana bte Zainal and her sister
Nursyazana, and Emanuel and his sister Evangeline Koh, performed
pieces for two violins and viola and piano respectively.
Mr Jusuf Kam, an MSM Management Committee member, sang Mendelssohn's
"Sing Ye Praise" from "Hymn of Praise" Symphony
and a contemporary piece, "You Raise Me Up", by Brendan
Graham/Rolf Lovland.
The congregation then had the opportunity to follow an early church
tradition of singing in alternation with organist Ng Chet Wei
the well-known hymn "Come, Holy Ghosts, Our Souls, Inspire!"
The offertory anthem, "This is a Day of New Beginnings"
by Brian Wren/David Ashley White, summed up the gist of the celebration
for the night.
The powerful Easter anthem text of love, faith, hope and new beginning
is an encouragement to us at MSM as we strive forward with faith
and hope in our second phase of development.