First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4
As we are well aware, for the rest of May, we have reverted back to Phase 2. In solidarity with our nation, we will dial back a bit and observe the following more stringently:
The congregation will not sing along during worship. We will be using recordings for both Services. As always, let's continue to worship in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24).
We need to avoid mingling before, during and after our Services. This needs self-awareness and reminders as it is natural for us to reach out, to express our love and care and connect with others.
We will also be spending a bit more time in prayer not just for Singapore, but nations like India, Nepal etc.
If our heart is focused, our onsite Services can remain rich and conducted in a way which is in keeping with the challenges of this season. We remind ourselves, as commanded in 1 Timothy 2, that the discipline of gathering includes the duty to pray for our nations. Let's remain steadfast in our faith for ourselves and those around us.
This is a season for more restraint, silence and simplicity. I have been blessed by Henri Nouwen's The Way of the Heart. It seems like the book is never finished as his words keep speaking and reminding. Needful for this season: fleeing, silence and praying as ways to the Father and preventing the world from overwhelming us.
As for vaccination, I will continue to urge all to get this done as soon as you are able. If anything, the recent outbreak in TTSH confirms the importance of vaccination. We do this both to protect ourselves and those around us.
Have a blessed and safe week.