Reunions can be a mixed experience. When your “Class of 92” gathers, those with stable careers and families usually feel confident about meeting up. However, if you are out of a job, or have just suffered a stroke (and offer a limping hand for a handshake), a class reunion may feel far less enjoyable. And if your spouse has changed, there can be awkward moments when old classmates ask about your former sweetheart. So you may decide not to turn up at all. This describes quite

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” ~ 1 Thessalonians 1:2 As I reflect on MPCC in 2025, I realise there is a long list of people we should be thanking. As always, doing so runs the risk of leaving someone out. So if your name is not mentioned specifically, please know that you are deeply appreciated. First, we give thanks for every member of our staff for their wholehearted service. Eliza and Emily keep our communications a

Here we are at our final 9.00 am Service, which has been part of our church life for nearly 50 years. We also bid farewell to our 11.30 am Service. These are significant moments, and we give thanks for all that God has done through these services over the decades. From here on, the shape of our Sundays will change. Some will come earlier and spend time in the Community Hall over coffee. This is a good way to welcome and orientate guests, offering them a gentle pre-Service exp

The Bible is about the love of God the Father for His people. It is a story filled with expectation, longing and fulfilment. From the beginning, God has lovingly walked with us, called to us, searched for us even when we turned from Him over and over again. Throughout the Old Testament, God repeatedly calls his people back to himself. He sends the prophets to call His people back and with the call to return comes a promise, a promise of hope, a promise of redemption, a promis

I wrote this devotion based on Matthew 5:13-15 for the team in Surabaya. I share it here. I was looking forward to this once a year (for us) trip which I have to sadly miss. Last year’s was so meaningful. It was great to connect up with brothers and sisters, especially a few of you who were from MPCC! I was assigned to the “konseling” station. It was the last station in the. Initially I did think, “Poor Indonesians. They came for medical help but forced to talk with me.” Inde

The first Sunday of Advent marks the start of another church year. The  seasons of the church commemorates God’s history of redemption in Christ. From a macro perspective of the rhythm of the festivities (high points) and ordinariness (ebbs) within a liturgical year, different elements of the dynamic of the Christ-life is heightened and celebrated. For instance, the church enters into an expectation and celebration of the coming of Christ during the Advent/Christmas/Epiphany

As we move toward the end of another year, I trust that many of you have begun planning your vacations and breaks. Both Jen and I were blessed to take some time off in November, and it was refreshing. Our elder daughter Sarah and our son-in-law Joel were back from London, and we enjoyed some very precious family moments. One unique feature of full-time ministry is the persistent sense that one must always “move the needle”—planning for church growth, reaching the lost, discip

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction…” ( 2 Corinthians 1:3–4) This is how Scripture describes our heavenly Father: The Father of mercies. The God of all comfort. Whatever your suffering—whether physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual— He comforts you in all of it . Not some. Not most.  All. You are never alone in your pain.No matter how deep the sorrow or how unspoken th