IMAGINE a church by the idyllic beach of Punggol … Imagine the waves lapping the shore while the Word of God is preached ... Imagine the seagulls flying over your head while you enjoy God's presence … Imagine the savoury taste of the sea in your mouth as you worship the Lord in songs and praise ... These are the wondrous promises of having a church by the rustic fishing village of Punggol.

Worshipping on the sundeck. -- Paya Lebar Methodist Church picture.

And the congregation of HOPE Methodist Mission tasted all these and more at our first anniversary celebrations on July 28, 2002.


We went on board M.S. Columbus for a special service to mark our first year in Punggol. A total of 134 people were present at this celebration service, among them missionaries, pioneers of our service, church leaders, regular worshippers and first-time visitors. It was a brand new experience to be worshipping God and hearing His Word on top the sundeck of the ship while the vessel travailed the shores of Punggol and Pasir Ris. Following the service, we had a sumptuous lunch and some impromptu live music from our very own worship band!


HOPE Methodist Mission has been worshipping at Ponggol Marina for the past one year, with the eventual goal of establishing a church in Punggol 21 estate. We have been conducting weekly services at the function room of Ponggol Marina, and have been conducting various outreach events to touch base with the residents in Punggol 21.


We saw new families coming to join our congregation from Punggol and the nearby estate of Seng Kang. It is a joy to see our service growing, especially in the number of infants being born to our congregation members.


The idea of a preaching point was first germinated in 1988 when Paya Lebar Methodist Church started its evening service. After 13 years of prayer and preparation, the church felt led to reach out to the residents of Punggol 21. In a strategic position of being the nearest Methodist church to the new estate of Punggol 21 then, it was natural for us to adopt Punggol 21 as our mission field.


Our mission is three-fold - we want to offer HOPE through: Establishing a house of believers in Punggol; Equipping worshippers to be united in prayer, love and good deeds; and finally, Evangelising the un-reached in the community and beyond. Being so, the focus of our congregation is very much outward-looking and based on outreach.

HOPE Methodist Mission meets every Sunday at 10am at Ponggol Marina (Trevally Room) for service. Ponggol Marina is located at 600 Ponggol Seventeenth Ave Singapore 829734. Bus transport is provided to and from Paya Lebar Methodist Church. For enquiries, call the Church Office at 6285-1234.

Lee Kay Lin is a member of Paya Lebar Methodist Church.