Methodist schools get-together 2007

Bishop to school staff: Share God’s ‘hospitality’ with others

TEACHERS and those in authority need to look upon their jobs as “a calling” to share God’s “hospitality” with others, and they could do this by being “harsh towards self” and “tender to others” said Bishop Dr Robert Solomon.

The school, he said, must be a “hospitable community” where everyone feels welcome, and his or her dignity is acknowledged with love. The school must be held together by phileo (brotherly love) if it is not to lose sight of why it exists, and it must put the pursuit of truth above everything else, especially the obsession with time..

The Bishop was addressing the staff of all the Methodist schools in Singapore gathered at Methodist Girls’ School (MGS) for a time of celebration and fellowship on Aug 24, 2007..

In his message, he also urged all present to make “unity in diversity” a reality..

From about 4 o’clock in the afternoon, members of the teaching and non-teaching staff streamed into the school grounds at Blackmore Drive to participate in the many activities organised to foster fellowship..

There were games and sports for the athletic, cooking lessons for the hungry, karaoke sessions for singing enthusiasts, a class in floral arrangement for the flower people, and a screening of Mrs Noah’s Arc, a musical production helmed by a cast from MGS (Primary), for theatre buffs..

Dinner was served just as the sun began to set. At the Bamboo Courtyard the ambience was perfect for friends to re-connect and strangers to feel at home..

True hospitality prevailed. For about 90 minutes the chatting persisted and laughter reverberated; for sure, no teacher could have put an end to the happy din!.

The service that took place in the M. E. Lau Hall was a coming together of the staff in committing themselves afresh to their calling..

PICTURES:

METHODIST GIRLS’ SCHOOL

The special guests at the service: Front row, from right, the Rev Paul Nga, Director, Ministry in Schools; Mrs Malar Solomon; Bishop Dr Solomon; Miss Kon Mei Leen, Principal of Methodist Girls’ School; Mrs Tang Poh Kim, Education Secretary; and Ms Babara Chee, President of MGS Alumnae Association.

Mrs Fang Ai Lian, Chairman of the MGS Board of Management (right) and Miss Kon accompanying Bishop Dr and Mrs Solomon to the M. E. Lau Hall.

The floral arrangement class – one of the pre-dinner activities organised to foster fellowship.