Tapestry: Generations Unbroken
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“Weave a Tapestry around us; Unbroken Generations held by the Power & Love of God!”
From 16 to 19 June 2022, the inaugural PLMC Conference saw more than 1000 attendees at the English, Mandarin and Children’s Tracks. The Conference was one of the major events in celebration of the 90th Anniversary of Paya Lebar Methodist Church (PLMC). With the theme of Tapestry - Generations Unbroken, it featured many prominent and gifted speakers to meet the diverse needs of the attendees.
(Click on the arrows below to read the full testimonies)
(Photo gallery at the bottom of the article)
The Co-Chairs of the Organising Committee, Jonathan & Angela Lim, shared on the theme and young people who made up the organising team.
“As we celebrate PLMC’s 90th Anniversary, we were reminded of the importance of cross-honouring the different generations. It is also our desire that the Conference will be a platform to raise the next generation in our church. These young people are precious gems. We wanted them to be more engaged in church and establish their roots with the rest of the church family. For church to be relevant to them.
“God is the Master Weaver, the maker of the tapestry, and we, the body, are the threads used in His grand design. The church is God’s loom, and He weaves His tapestry by uniting believers together in our love for God and His people.”
Some of the participants were asked what spoke to them most and what their takeaways were. Here are some of their responses.
Su Mei Lenden
“For me, a central theme that ran through the conference was one of surrender. That was His message for me - Surrender my dreams and desires. Surrender my fears. Surrender my children. I constantly struggle with the question of whether I am surrendering or giving up.
“While God has shown me plainly the things I need to surrender right now, I have to confess that I don't know how to surrender them. I don't know what steps to take, or if even my surrender and 'Yes, Lord' to what I think God is calling to me to do is really in His will for me. My next few weeks will be ones of intense prayer and battle as I seek and discern His will for me, and learn to loosen my grip on the things that hold me.
“It is my hope and prayer that all who have attended the conference and have been called to surrender, will find encouragement in knowing that they are not the only ones struggling, and to reach out to trusted brothers and sisters who can pray alongside them.”
Gareth Tan
“The topics were relevant and engaging to me as a young adult. Especially for Mental Health issues and issues on Same-Sex Attraction. For the longest time, many in Christian circles attribute Mental Health issues to a lack of trust in God, not casting our cares on Him and depression as a lack of holy joy. The issues from both a statistical and factual standpoint helped to contextualize the problem in our society, while Dr Daniel Fung’s sharing as a believer helped me to better see mental health issues as both a health issue as well as a spiritual one.
“I was also surprised that the topic of Same-Sex Attraction was talked about by Jason Wong and Ps Ian Toh. While growing up, I’ve had many friends in class who struggled with same-sex attraction and even one who was in Christian Fellowship with me. He dreamt of going to hell and questioned why God made him like that. The speakers and the Q&A helped to answer some questions on how best to journey with friends who struggle with same sex attraction, how to love and accept them. Condemning not the person but the sin/behaviour.
“The biggest download was that God, through the generations, children, youth, young adults, adults, glowing years, was able to finish the good work that He started through His people. There are no church problems, only faith problems. If the generations continue to rally together in seeking the Lord, He will certainly knit our hearts together, that His glory may be seen in us.
“Often in the pursuit to live a distinct life, we can sometimes get so caught up in the work, that we often neglect our soul. Ps Edmund Chan’s message to come back to our First Love and to sit at his feet again really resonated in me to do more than just live an intentional life, but also a directed life.”
Sally Seow
“God's heart/love for His own was so evident throughout the Conference. His Presence & Power brought joy, comfort, healing and restoration for many. His Promises reiterated by the various anointed speakers, and the topics, too, weaved together as a whole. His Purposes to direct PLMC forward as we celebrate 90th anniversary.
“After this Conference, I will be intentional to look out for the next generation by Embracing them with love and care; Encouraging them by affirming and appreciating them; Empowering them by providing opportunities for them to nurture their talents and abilities.”
Allen Cheng
“Through the messages from Ps Edmund and all the other speakers and even through the whole organization of the Conference, I sensed God reminding us that we are truly a “Family” blessed to bless, a multi-generation family church that God wants to bless and work, in and through us.
“Ps Edmund delivered his messages clearly, touching not just my mind but my heart. The other speakers touched on all very relevant topics. Ps Charleston demonstrated to us how we can and need to engage, involve and empower the youth; Ps Ian and Jason Wong spoke clearly on LGBTQ and helped us to understand and not to avoid or ignore this issue. Same for Dr Daniel Fung on Mental Health, helping us to be more sensitive to this issue. To me, Dr Tam and Isaac Ong were inspiring. They helped me also not to measure everything by traditional values like efficiency and effectiveness alone. To remind me to be willing to help someone achieve their dreams.”
Rianna Charisse Cardano
“The gift of family and God’s power to restore relationships had been manifesting during, before and even after the Conference. I came into the Conference seeking for MORE - more of Him, more faith, more breakthroughs, more encounters, more joy, more obedience and more desire of what He desires.
“I was reminded of Psalm 52:12 - my prayer in the earlier part of this year. The past 4 days were full of reminders and reassurances of His promises and love. The Holy Spirit would remind me not to be swayed by my emotions but offer God genuine praise and prayer.
“On the 2nd day of the Conference, I felt led to write a note for the lady sitting next to me, “He is your strength when you are weak” but I was doubtful if that was God or just the voice inside my head. I’ve never talked to her nor did I know about her. I didn't know whether the card actually meant something to her. Praise God it did! She dropped me a text the next day saying that the note spoke to her :”)
“The topics were relevant and I’m glad the church was able to address sensitive topics through a truthful and loving discussion. The sessions deepened my understanding of God’s design and helped me embrace His love for us as His creation. With the many reminders I got from the conference, there is a greater need for obedience, too! God wants our availability over our ability.”
James Lee
“I learnt that as Christians we must live a life that is Distinct, Directed and Devoted. (Fear God and Keep His Commandments), encouraging the next generation not only by instruction, but more importantly, through inspiration shown through our lives.
“The topics are very good and trending, especially for PLMC to continue the years ahead with God's power and love. Speakers were well anointed and inspiring.”
Christian Chua
“From the Conference, I am assured am not too young to help in church. Some of the topics were very helpful in my life. Most of the speakers were very engaging especially Isaac Ong. After this, I will spend more time with my cell.”
Elena Valdepenas
“This conference reminded me of God's faithfulness across the generations and how I am empowered and able to contribute even as a youth, to the body of Christ, by using my gifts and abilities to serve Him.
“The topics discussed, especially the Q&A sessions on mental health and LGBTQ, were very relevant for my age group as well. I’ve learnt to change my mindset from “I’m too young or I’m not good enough in this area” to “here I am, Lord, use me.”
In the spirit of the Conference’s theme and the call for fellowship and communion, the Organisers prepared a list of decentralised bonding activities for everyone.
Gareth Tan
“We went for a Hike a Clementi Forest, and it was something we don’t normally do as an older Young Adult Cell. Some of the ladies were initially concerned that we might go off the beaten trail and get lost. Nonetheless, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and followed up with a nice breakfast session. It was great to get everyone together again, as the country started to open up.
“Through the leisure sections, we enjoyed the company of the Holy Spirit and had conversations about faith, serving God during the pandemic and even about how someone in church challenged one of my cell mates to go on a Mission Trip to serve God.”
Sally Seow
“The bonding activities were creative and engaging for all - the young and the young-at-heart. Challenging, yet great fun and laughter! This Conference organised by the young leaders has been very refreshing and relevant for the theme, Tapestry - Generations Unbroken. God is Good, Gracious and Great! To God be All the Glory!”
James Lee
“It's been more than 2 years since our CG members gathered together face to face. It was such a joyous occasion to fellowship through attending the Conference as well as learning and eating together.”
Elena Valepenas
“My cell went on a hiking outing at Labrador Park some weeks ago. As I had injured my ankle, I couldn't join them for it. However, they warmly welcomed me for the picnic afterwards at Sentosa and took extra care of me. From this experience, I felt their love and care for me and was touched by it.”
Rianna Charisse Cardano
“A fond memory would be dancing with my family and 05 cluster :) Was definitely a joy to witness different generations united and rejoicing in one spirit. There’s beauty in people coming together to fellowship despite their age. It gave me a glimpse of heaven where one day there will be no more mourning, only rejoicing with one another and the Father.”
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