PELITA - The Methodist Church Newsletter
Listed below are articles abstracted from past issues of PELITA
August 2010 - The Methodist Church Celebrates 125 years in Malaysia
By Christopher Cheah
The Thanksgiving Service for the 125th Anniversary of the Methodist Church in Malaysia was held on 12 August 2010 at the Chinese Methodist Church Kuala Lumpur. It was followed by a Dinner Celebration at the Indoor Sports Arena, Wisma OCM, a short walk from the church.
There were many representatives from the three Annual Conferences in Sabah and Sarawak, together with the Presidents and members of the General Conference Executive Council. Bishop Emeritus Datuk Denis Dutton and Datin Emme returned from the United States for the occasion. Bishops, Denominational Heads and representatives from other churches were also present for the celebrations.
The service began with the procession of the Bishop, the Presidents and officers of the General Conference into the hall as the String Ensemble played Ode to Joy (Beethoven). This was followed by the Handbell Choir giving a sweet and melodious introit to the Service.
The other highlights must be the moving rendition of the Lord’s Prayer by Mr Eddy Chin. And the anthem sung by the combined choir from members of CAC, TAC and TRAC. The power and majesty of the song – Gloria by Mozart - filled the capacity sanctuary with the praise and thanksgiving worthy of our Almighty Lord.
In his sermon Bishop Hwa Yung spoke of the call and possibility of the Church’s role in transforming the nation. Transformation is not just at the personal spiritual dimension but also in the concrete reality of society and nation. He gave the example of the impact of the revival of Wesley’s time on the nation of Briton, and a more recent example of South Africa.
During the Service Mr Anthony Row narrated the process, which took over two years, of drawing up a Roadmap for the Methodist Church for the next twenty years. A copy of it was presented to the President and Lay Leader of the Annual Conferences by Bishop Hwa Yung.
The Dinner Celebration saw about 1000 people come together. Ms Juwita Suwito started the dinner programme with her fine singing. Presentations were given by GC Methodist Women, CAC, TAC, TRAC, Boys’ Brigade, Persaudaraan Belia Methodist and the Sengoi Mission Conference. This was the first time many of us saw the performance of the Village Bamboo Dance from the Sengoi brothers and sisters and was greatly appreciated.
The highlight of the evening was the cutting of the cake participated by, besides Bishop Hwa Yung and Bishop Emeritus Denis Dutton, representatives from clergy and laity from all the Conferences, and also from the youngest generation. It was not only looking back in thanksgiving but also to look forward to succeeding generations to carry on the mission of the Methodist Church entrusted by God our Father.