Worship

In the Bible, valleys have been used as metaphorical references to periods of suffering and tribulations in life. One of the best-known references to valleys is in Psalm 23, where David wrote of walking through the “darkest valley” (traditionally translated as the “valley of the shadow of death”) and facing threats from enemies and evil. […]

On Palm Sunday, Bishop Emeritus Dr Robert Solomon preached at Wesley MC. In his sermon, Bishop Emeritus Dr Solomon shared that while we do not have the palms, the singing of Hosanna, the children and the whole festivity of Palm Sunday, “I suspect it is to force us not just to join a crowd but […]

Everyone is deeply concerned about COVID-19. This virus has caused so many changes and adjustments to our daily routine. It is causing so much anxiety and fear. The leaders of the world are working around the clock to find ways to address several issues surrounding this crisis. Citizens have been told, “Stay home!” But many […]

(Christ is Risen) Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed, Alleluia. This Easter Greeting points us to the memorial acclamation that we proclaim during Holy Communion:  Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again! and brings us back to the Resurrection story. This hymn retells that story. The first stanza alludes to […]

The Methodists are often noted for being so methodical—we are well organised and our church programmes reflect the many methods we employ to do God’s work. However, it must be noted that the “method” in “Methodism” does not have to do with strategies, techniques and programmes as it has to do with the Person of […]

We enter a new year, and a world that is getting more challenging to live in. Climate change is causing more extreme weather; the rapid development of technology is affecting our lifestyles; racism is becoming more pronounced; and social pressures are increasing. Will having a set of kind hands serve as a good response? Perhaps […]

We have now entered into another season and cycle of the Church Calendar: Advent. Perhaps we should take the opportunity to sing more Advent songs and dwell on the current season before enjoying the Christmas carols to follow. The Song of Mary, also called Magnificat, from Luke 1:46–55, is a well-known Advent song, and is […]

On Communion Sunday, we gather around the Lord’s Table as the body of Christ. Together we remember, give thanks and receive God’s grace. As we partake of the bread and the wine, we also hear God’s Word through the hymns we sing. “Here, O My Lord, I See Thee” (UMH 623) is a popular hymn […]

We are now in the season of Kingdomtide. The season begins on the last Sunday of August and ends on the last Sunday of November (which is designated as Christ the King Sunday).  During this season we declare the values and glory of the kingdom of God.1 The values that the kingdom of God teaches […]

The beauty of God’s creation is beyond human comprehension. But with our senses, we can see, feel, smell, hear and even taste the goodness of nature—this what the Lord our Maker has given us to enjoy. How can we not sing about this gift? There are a few hymns about creation in The United Methodist […]

One of the prayers offered during worship is the prayer for illumination. It is a prayer for God’s Spirit to act through the reading and preaching of Scripture. It is offered both for the preacher and the congregation, and is either said or sung. One hymn in the United Methodist Hymnal (UMH) that was written […]

Hymnody is a rich and distinctive tradition of Methodism. Indeed, Methodism is memorably described as being “born in song”, as our expressions of faith are substantially captured in the thousands of hymns penned by the Wesley brothers. This hallowed tradition did not, however, come to an end with the final drop of ink from a […]