Church Advisory (27 Mar)

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)