Worship

Ascension Day is the 40th day of our Easter journey. It was the day when Jesus ascended to heaven before His disciples’ eyes on the Mount of Olives (Acts 1:1–12). Although it is an event not given as much attention as Christmas or Easter, it is one that is full of theological and biblical truth. […]

Many of us would be in the midst of our Lenten journey for this year. This journey varies from one person to another, depending on the discipline each has chosen to practise. One thing remains the same: we are all moving in one direction, guided by the same faith and led by the Holy Spirit. […]

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on 6 March 2019. Counting 40 days, excluding Sundays, Lent will end on 20 April. In biblical terms, the number 40 connotes completion or fullness. Lent is a penitential season. It is a time to reflect and prepare our hearts as we remember Jesus’ Passion, and a time to ponder […]

The season between Epiphany Sunday (6 Jan) and Ash Wednesday (6 March) is called “Ordinary Time”. The word “ordinary” connotes the ordinal numbers used to designate the Sundays: for example, first, second, third Sunday after Epiphany. The readings assigned at this time would include: the presentation of Jesus at the temple, the baptism of Jesus and […]

Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come again. This is the Memorial acclamation professed when celebrating Holy Communion. It is also what we proclaim at Easter. But what about Advent? “Advent” means “arrival” or “coming”, usually for which we prepare and wait. During the Christmas season, we busy ourselves shopping for presents, and […]

The liturgical calendar comes to a close with “Christ the King Sunday” on 25 Nov 2018. Another cycle begins with the season of Advent, starting on 2 Dec 2018.   “Crown Him with Many Crowns” is an appropriate hymn for Advent.   The word “crown” acknowledges Christ as King. However, this hymn depicts His kingship as different from one who has subjects to order around.  By His life and teachings, Jesus imparted lessons of selflessness and obedience to God. His journey on earth led Him to the cross. His death as a sacrificial Lamb and His resurrection gave us life, peace […]

“God is Here” was written by the Rev Fred Pratt Green (1903–2000), who is considered one of the best hymn writers of the 20th century. A poet and prolific writer, he started writing hymns after he turned 60. In 1978, the University United Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, requested from the Rev Green a hymn […]

“Saranam” means refuge. It comes from Sanskrit, an ancient language that is no longer spoken, but from which many words in India are derived.1 It is a word that expresses a deep reverence for God—God is our refuge. “Saranam, Saranam” is one of the Asian hymns found in The United Methodist Hymnal (UMH). While the […]

The phrase “giving back” is often used by individuals, institutions or companies to express gratitude for support that they have received, by contributing their money or time to the less fortunate. But how do we give back to God, the Giver of life and Provider of all our needs? Specifically, we need to consider the […]

‘Before Work’ was the title of this six-stanza hymn when it was first published in 1749 in Hymns and Sacred Poems. In 1989, it was included in The United Methodist Hymnal (UMH) under the title ‘Forth in thy Name’. In this hymn, Charles Wesley encourages us to work with delight and know that by God’s […]

June is a month of school holidays. Family travels, children’s enrichment classes, church camps, retreats, and many other activities are possible options to pause from one’s daily routine. But beyond merely pausing, drawing near to God requires intentionality and conscious choice. ‘Near to the Heart of God’ is a hymn that reminds us about the […]

‘As the Wind Song Through the Trees’ is a collaboration between Dr Lim Swee Hong (Singapore) and Ms Shirley Murray (New Zealand). Dr Lim is the Director of the Master of Sacred Music programme at Emmanuel College in Toronto. Shirley is a distinguished hymn writer whose works address issues of the environment, social justice, and […]