From the Hill to the Village
EVENTFUL – HVMC’S 5TH ANNIVERSARY
HVMC has been 10 years in the making, beginning humbly with 26 pioneer members, mainly from BRMC, at the Preaching Point in 2007, before the inauguration service of HVMC in 2012 with 132 founding members. As we celebrated our 5th anniversary on 9 July 2017 with the theme REMEMBER AND RENEW, we are thankful to God for blessing our young church with a current membership of 178, and 270 regular worshippers at each Sunday service.
Wye Mun, who has been with the Church since day one, traces the milestones in our 10-year journey with the Lord.
FROM THE HILL TO THE VILLAGE
10 years and counting
What were you doing 10 years ago? Some of us were simply minding our own business in the church on the hill when it was announced that Barker Road Methodist Church would be planting a Preaching Point at ACS (International) just as they had done previously at ACS (Independent) in 1998. Something was triggered in our hearts, and placing this firmly in the hands of prayer, we were moved to load up our spiritual wagons and like the pioneers of yore, head west.
Under the effervescent Rev Wee CS David, we started attending weekly services in July 2007 in the ACS(International) school hall - a far cry from the well-appointed Oldham Chapel that we know now. Called the Holland Village Preaching Point, the little church-to-be saw its base of members slowly grow over the ensuing years, as the foundations of church ministries were set in place. Evolving a feeling and identity of its own, HVPP grew as a tightly-knit community that experienced the anticipation that programmes and church numbers could bring.
Finally, in 2012, under the pastoral care of the embracing Rev Bernard Chao, we received the news that no longer would we be allowed to call ourselves HVPP. Instead, the 132 registered members would be constituted as the 45th Local Conference of the Methodist Church in Singapore, with a new name: Holland Village Methodist Church.
Amidst much energy and excitement, the pieces – mosaic tiles of blue and red – would continue to fall into place as HVMC took on a logo and life of its own. As a “church of disciples who are disciples,” hearts would be bound together and ARISE in accountability for discipleship built on a reverence for God and integration of His Word. We would be bound by sharing of life and encouragement of service.
An area that became a hallmark for our young church was the outreach to the community next door and the prayer and shoe rubber-driven befriending of those in need. Extending to school studies and sports support for our neighbourhood children, the involvement with regular events, throughout the year, became a feature that brought us together to share Godly love with others.
After years of being led by Rev Chao, it was with apprehension that we awaited the announcement of his replacement. Any concern we might have had was replaced by uttered thanks to God when the energetic Rev Joel Yong took over as the Pastor-in-charge. He was soon joined by the enthusiastic Rev Noel Goh, as HVMC continued to grow in numbers and activities.
The Church took on a new life in our small groups, thriving ministries, workshops, and the introduction of the Alpha course. The Filipino Ministry, established in HVPP days, continued to touch hearts with their inspiring life-changing commitment. And then, just when we thought that we were pretty busy in church, the earnest Rev Loretta Lim joined us from Living Waters Methodist Church – and new Godly energy was added.
So now, as the Church celebrates its fifth year of existence, the calendar of activities seems to be bursting, prompting so many opportunities for participation and service. To those of us who first stepped into these premises 10 years ago, it is a time of smiling and quietly shaking heads of wonder at God’s provision leading to His purpose, being fulfilled.
We are thankful for the 12 Christ-filled people who first made up Barker Road Methodist Church when it was founded in 1957. It’s a proud lineage we feel now at HVMC - a church where loving God and loving others matter.
Low Wye Mun
Excerpts from testimonies shared in celebration of God’s faithfulness and love.
I had stopped going to church for 10 years. Although I live five minutes away from HVMC, I didn’t know of its existence, until one day, when I dropped off a passenger there. I then decided to go back to church and, since then, I have become a member of HVMC. Praise God!!
- Ronald Yap
We used to be occasional visitors at HVMC since 2011 after my husband’s passing. In 2015, at Jenny’s invitation, my son, Joshua, and I joined HVMC’s Church Camp, just to jazz up our lives a little. It was a welcoming and refreshing experience. After prayerfully considering if this was the church for us, we have since been won over by the warmth of HVMC’s members and its slew of activities.
- Carol
It was my employer who invited me to HVMC. I’m happy because it has a Filipino Fellowship and it’s like a home here in Singapore. I’ve learned more about God’s Word. Before, I was shy to share His Word and I didn’t know how to pray but have slowly improved. Thanks to my employer - I know God spoke to her, to invite me to HVMC.
- Baby Jean
五年之前，我已经认识了HVMC。Auntie Mary 是我的好姐妹。一路来， 我知道神已拣选我们一家。
- Mickey
He sees, He knows. He guided my dad, who was at the food centre at Commonwealth one day, to notice the banner at ACS (International), displaying information on HVMC. We were, at the time, with a seeking heart, exploring options for a church community nearer home, particularly given Dad’s health condition. The genuine warmth and inviting welcome we experienced together with a palpable, awesome presence of the Lord made that first experience of worship memorable. We believe this was God’s choice for us.
- Caroline
Our family had been overseas for six years and we were looking for a spiritual home. After visiting a few churches, HVMC’s warmth, welcome, God-centeredness and closeness drew us, and we quickly made it our church. HVMC has provided opportunities for me and my family to continue to serve the Lord and share the blessings that He has bestowed on us so generously. It was at HVMC that I felt the humbling but fulfilling experience of sharing my testimony with the congregation.
- Chew Ping
I truly believe that it was God’s arrangement to bring both my daughter, Hannah, and me to HVMC! Last year, when I decided to work in Singapore, my main concern was Hannah’s schooling. With God’s blessing, I read about ACS (International) in a Methodist church magazine. Hannah has settled in very well at the School and God also guided us to worship at HVMC. We love the people and its culture. This is the best church that I have ever attended in my life.
- Rita Tsui
