27 March 2020
Dear Hebronites,
CONDUCT OF RELIGIOUS ACTIVITIES DURING COVID-19
I greet you in the name of the Prince of Peace in whom is our eternal security. We are in a period of intense change as the Government leads us in the battle to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. But let us look to the one who is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and find rest for our souls (Matthew 11:28).
With the suspension of congregational worship services from last Sunday, the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth has issued an advisory on religious activities to provide guidance to religious organisations regarding the conduct of their activities. In this pastoral letter, I wish to set out its implications for us Hebronites:
1. Our Sunday worship service meetings will be suspended from now to 30 April.
2. Non-congregational meetings of not more than 10 persons (such as Bible classes and small group meetings) may be held, whether in church, homes or elsewhere. All precautionary measures must be taken, including 1 metre spacing, no singing, no communal meals, no physical contact, and no sharing of Bibles and other materials. This means that it is still possible for small groups to meet for fellowship, study or training, subject to the precautionary measures.
3. In the circumstances, I would advise that Hebronites participate in Sunday worship via the live streaming service with their own families. These are people with whom you already are in close contact on a regular basis. Do not worship as a KG, LG or CG.
4. Do not come to church to participate in worship while the live streaming service is in progress. There is a limit to the number of persons who may be present in the sanctuary, all of whom having a specific role to play in the service. Anyone who is not involved in the live streaming will be turned away.
5. During this time, the pastoral team will not conduct physical pastoral visitation, unless on an exceptional basis (e.g. death or other crisis). We will keep in touch with you via the telephone, phone messaging or teleconference. However, if you face a crisis, please do not hesitate to contact the pastoral team and we will decide on how to help you.
It is important for us all to understand that the advisory has the force of law and must be complied with. Persons and organisations who do not comply will face stiff penalties.
I trust you are keeping as well as you can under the circumstances. Some of our members have returned from overseas posting or internships and are now subject to isolation orders. Please pray for them and encourage them and their families. It is not easy to remain confined in a small space for 14 days.
The pastors have prepared material for you to use in your personal quiet time, both online and in print. Ps Nat has uploaded 6-minute videos in English the YouTube channel entitled, “Hebrondevotionals,” while Ps Hwee Seng has posted videos in Chinese in the YouTube channel entitled, “Hebron MWS” in the 灵修分享 series. The Holy Week Bible Reading and Reflections booklet in English will be released this Sunday in hard copy as well as in PDF (available at the Hebron BP Church website). Please make use of these resources to continue in our journey as Christ’s disciples.
Let us learn from church history that the church thrives and is purified during a time of crisis. May we seize this window of opportunity, however long it may remain open, to grow exponentially in the Spirit of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Rev Wong Shin Hoe
Senior Pastor
Hebron Bible-Presbyterian Church
Tel: 6766 1221 (ext 106)
