Dear family in Christ

It has been almost a year since our government imposed the Covid-19 circuit-breaker and then the gradual opening up in phase two and phase three for religious services. Due to our space constraints, we can have up to 150 attendees in three zones (two zones at sanctuary and one zone at Patmos hall) for the worship service.

It is such a wonderful joy to have God’s people being allowed to gather physically again in the praise of God and in safe-distanced fellowship. There is something special about being in the presence of one another in sharing a brief conversation, to see a smile on the eyes and to encourage each other in the Lord.

Recently, I read an article written by retired Methodist bishop Robert Solomon on the topic “Why go to church when I can’t sing or fellowship?”  The full article can be read from this weblink  https://saltandlight.sg/faith/why-go-to-church-when-i-cant-sing-or-fellowship/

In his conversations with local pastors, Bp Solomon heard that Christians in Singapore are attending church service less often, whether on-site or online. He shared three reasons encouraging Christians to return to on-site services as soon as they possibly can, for the sake of their spiritual health.

1. On-site church services honour God: “There is value in having a faith community worshipping God publicly in a regular place. Over time, such places become spiritual places that are treasured and stand as a witness to the God we worship.”

2. Meeting in person builds unity: “There is the value of solidarity in face-to-face meetings. Our physical presence gives us mutual encouragement when we see fellow believers standing together as a worshipping and praying community.”

3. Going to church helps us stay close to the faith community: “We need to be careful that skipping church does not become a habit and a part of our routine (see Hebrews 10:25). Staying away from church could be the first step to losing the fellowship and protection of being part of a community of fellow believers.”

“How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord of hosts! My soul longs, yes, faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.”   Psalm 84:1-2

Maranatha
Pastor John