The principals and vice-principals belting out "The Blessing Song" in dedication of their staff.
THESE words, sung so sweetly and passionately by the Geylang Methodist Primary School choir, heralded the arrival of Bishop Dr Robert Solomon, the chaplains of the Methodist Schools, members of the School Management Committees, principals, vice-principals and special guests to the Methodist Schools Staff Get-together held at Geylang Methodist Primary School on Aug 30, 2003.
The theme of the day, "The Joy of Life", was evident from the souvenir gift box to the various workshops and activities to the Bishop's message. The gift box, which was given to every participant, contained health food like oats biscuits, cereal, green tea sachets, sunflower seeds and mint sweets.
The breakout sessions had a range of 17 activities and workshops catering to different interests. For the physically active, there were the line dance, hip-hop sessions and aerobic workout. For those more nimble with the hands, there were art and craft sessions like serviette art, cartoon drawing, picture frame and peg art, and balloon sculpturing.
To work one's mental faculties, there was a jig-saw competition. And for those who preferred the kitchen, there were Peranakan and Indian cooking demonstrations as well as tea appreciation. There were also talks on voice care, mid-life wellness, pediatrics, financial planning and pet care.
In his message, Bishop Dr Solomon used Zacchaeus' turning-point encounter with Jesus in Luke 19:1-10 to remind all present to look for true joy at the right place. Zaccheaus' former significance and security in his name, profession and possessions were no longer important as he realised that true significance and security should be based on "our being the sons of Abraham" and that the "final hour is ours".
The Bishop recounted an incident when Hudson Taylor gave away his last half-crown so that a man could buy medicine for his ailing wife. Though reluctant at first, Mr Taylor obeyed the small voice of the Holy Spirit and experienced the "freedom to trust God without money". And God, in His love, blessed Mr Taylor seven folds more! The Bishop summarised with the words, "True joy is when we find significance and security; and true significance and security are only found in our relationship with God."
Aptly, Geylang Methodist Primary School presented Bishop Dr Solomon with a painting done by its pupils, depicting children playing and catching butterflies joyfully in the field. The service of the MSS Get-together ended with a beautiful rendition of "The Blessing Song" from the principals and vice-principals dedicated to all the staff.