FROM THE PASTOR’S HEART

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

At the Pastoral team meeting this week we discussed about holding on-site worship service and why we want to do so. Taking into consideration that we do have members who wish to worship in church, we are going to do that in response to this need. We aim to do this on the last week of July or August, and it is likely to start with the Cantonese and Mandarin worship. Do note that this is not a full resumption of all our worship services. Meanwhile preparations are underway to ensure we adhere to all the requirements set out by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY) and have received their approval.

It is important to note that worship service for the time being is going to be quite different from what we have been doing before. For a start the group size will have a maximum of 50 persons only. Also, it will be a very quiet worship service as singing is not allowed. Worshippers must don face mask at all times and be seated at least 1 metre apart. The duration of each worship session will be kept short and worshippers will have to leave immediately after service. All these and other precautions are to reduce the risk of the transmission of infection.

We have also decided that online worship services will continue, even when we have on-site worship service. The MCCY’s guidelines encouraged all to continue doing so.

These days the words of the Psalmist kept ringing in my mind. How lovely is your dwelling place, LORD Almighty! My soul yearns, even faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young— a place near your altar, LORD Almighty, my King and my God. Blessed are those who dwell in your house; they are ever praising you (Psalms 84:1-4).

Those of you who are longing to come back to the church I seek your understanding. Be patient and wait for a while more. For the others who are going to stay with online services please do so without feeling torn. It is understandable that safety is a priority and we ought to play our part to reduce transmission.

Continue to pray for the church, remain alert to our announcements and stay safe and healthy.

Rev Philip Lim