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Good News
BPCIS Update: Pastoral Word from the BPCIS
10 March 2024
”The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.“ Psalm 126:3 ESV
We ended 2023 and began 2024 with good news: Hebron BPC renewed their 30-year lease in December for $4.97m, and Zion Bishan BPC received news in February of lease renewal at $4.64m. Each church expected double or triple the amount since the last successful bid for church site was $12m.
In the coming months, Hebron will embark on renovating their facilities to expand the built-up area. Two BPCIS churches using Hebron’s afternoon slots will relocate: Mount Horeb BPC to Henderson, hosted by Mount Hermon BPC; Mount Gerizim BPC to Woodlands where the church has purchased a unit in a light industrial building (like Mount Hermon in Henderson).
Hebron’s English and Mandarin congregations will worship at two holding sites in churches in the Choa Chu Kang neighbourhood. Thank the Lord for His timely provisions. Zion Bishan BPC will revisit plans to redevelop their facilities too, in view of expanding staff and ministries.
MORE GOOD NEWS
We have received all the necessary permits to hold our Easter Sunrise Service at McRitchie Reservoir. Let us not miss this unique opportunity to meet the Lord Jesus in the early dawn tranquility of sprawling reservoir park. We do not know if permission will always be given, and this year’s may be the last. Join us 6.30am on Easter Sunday, and watch the sun rise to remind us of the rising of the Son.
Two other special events will take place on Good Friday. For the first time, our annual combined service will be held at a non-church venue, and in the evening. We meet at 5pm and stay for a porridge dinner, all at the beautiful premises of ACS Independent at Dover Road. Transport will be provided from seven locations across Singapore. Please register to help us with forward planning.
Also for the first time, eight Chinese-speaking congregations will hold a combined Good Friday service at Faith BPC, 10.30am, with Rev Teo Kiak Hock, Principal of Chin Lien Bible Seminary, as guest speaker.
WHY COME TOGETHER?
BPCIS was formed in 2011 to bring BP churches together. For over 20 years, we went our separate ways after the denominational body was dissolved in 1988. Our 11 churches which now make up BPCIS have helped one another in sharing resources (e.g. acquiring or renewing church sites), building friendships and raising the next generation of pastors and elders.
Let us affirm and strengthen our solidarity by coming together. For Good Friday at ACSI, we have a 1800-seat auditorium to fill. Thank the Lord for the 600 who have signed up so far. With 3 weeks to go, let us plan to be there. Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon will be our guest speaker, and the service will be helmed by our younger pastors, all ordained since 2011.
"I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’"
Psalm 122:1 ESV
Finally, every year, BPCIS honours presbyters (pastors and elders) who have faithfully served in BP churches and are now in active retirement. We are glad to honour four elders this year. You may read the citations for each of them below.
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
29 March, 5.00pm, ACS Independent, Dover (English)
10.30am, Faith & Zion Serangoon BP Church (Chinese)
[Transport will be provided from churches to both venues.]
EASTER SUNRISE SERVICE
31 March, 6.30am, MacRitchie Reservoir
Pastor David Wong
General Secretary, BPCIS
Honouring Our Leaders
Every year, BPCIS honours presbyters (pastors and elders) who have faithfully served in BP churches for more than 10 years, and are now in active retirement. We are glad to honour four elders from Hebron, Mount Carmel, Mount Hermon and Zion Bishan BPCs. Read their citations and honour them with us.
Elder Gan Pheng Chye was elected as a deacon in 1962 served till 1975 where he was ordained as an elder. He served as a ruling elder until 2013. Elder Gan's ministry in Zion BP Church spanned 52 years, during which he served in multiple portfolios including member care, and teaching in the adult discipleship classes. Even when he stepped down as a ruling elder, Elder Gan and his wife Betty, continued to oversee the preparation of the elements for Holy Communion which they consider a sacred task. Hence, each time they will carefully prepare the bread and cup, including the finishing of the unused bread and cup, and the washing up, keenly aware of the significance and solemnity of the Lord's Table.
Elder Lee Lian Song came to Hebron as a youth in the early 1970s and practically grew up in Hebron. In 1991, he was elected deacon. Because of his engineering training and practice, he saw through Hebron's two major building phases in 1994-1996 and then in 2001-2002. He was ordained as an elder in 2001 and became Hebron's moderator from 2004 to 2014. In 2016, he retired as a ruling elder of Hebron. With a heart for the congregation, Elder Lian Song pushed for the start of a seniors' fellowship in Hebron in 2007 that has gathered strength to this day. As a retired elder, he formed a seniors' walking group, led in Bible study, actively visits and prays for Hebronites, and stepped up to head the ushers ministry for a new worship service that was started during the COVID-19 pandemic. He and his wife Deborah have plunged themselves into the ministry of encouragement through relationship-building. He models humility and meekness and applies himself to faithful service, stewarding the opportunities for people ministry that come his way.
Elder Siew Kim Siang served as deacon in 1991 and as Elder in 1997 in ministries such as Standing Committee, Missions, outreaches, Prayer meeting, Adult Christian Education and the Mandarin Worship service. He stepped down as serving Elder in 2013. Elder Kim Siang exemplifies faithful servanthood, warm hospitality and fervor in the Lord, even in difficult times of ministry. Today, he remains a source of encouragement and inspiration to all. This gift is a way of remembering and honoring the Lord’s servant. May the Lord continue to bless him and his family for many more years to come.
Eld Peter Seah Ah Hiang (age 70) began serving as a Deacon in Hermon in 1988. He was ordained as an Elder in Oct 2002 and has served in many ministries including 6 years as the Moderator of our Session. Though Eld Peter Seah has stepped down from active service since 2021, he continues to serve in our Worship Ministry and assist Mt Gerizim in an advisory role for their property search.
”Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.“ Hebrews 13:7 ESV