140 trees planted by The Methodist Church in Singapore to commemorate its 140th anniversary

Wet weather last Saturday (August 30) did not deter more than 100 adults and children from the Methodist community from coming together to plant 140 trees.

This was part of several activities this year to commemorate The Methodist Church in Singapore’s (MCS) 140th Anniversary. 

The tree planting activity was also part of NParks’ “OneMillion trees” movement, a nationwide effort that started in 2020 to plant one million trees across Singapore over 10 years.

The participants included Pastors, staff and members representing churches from MCS’ three Annual Conferences. A significant number were youth leaders, and children and parents from Sengkang Methodist Preschool.

The day began with a time of worship and devotion with Bishop Philip Lim

Led by Bishop Philip Lim, Bishop of MCS, the group gathered for a time of worship and devotion at the corner of Hougang Ave 3 and Tampines Road, on a flat, empty grass field.

“Our tree planting is a tangible act of stewardship of all the things that the Lord has made. After all, good stewardship is an outcome of faithful discipleship,” Bishop Lim said, reminding all that the Methodist Social Principles (under The Sphere of Creation Care) states that Methodists are called to be responsible stewards of water, air, soil, minerals, energy resources, plants, animal life and outer space.

From left to right: Bishop Philip Lim; Aarush Gupte, K1 student from Sengkang Methodist Preschool; and Rev Saravana Kumar, President of ETAC

Just as in the parable of the mustard seed, Bishop Lim said our small actions could have significant impact. “Though we are only planting 140 trees, before long these trees will provide shade to countless people and become a home to birds,” he said.

Rev Lek Yong Teck, President of CAC (standing) with Rev Timothy Ang (in red) and young adults from Holy Covenant Methodist Church

Bishop Lim concluded by saying that the tree planting also served as a “lasting reminder that we serve an everlasting God who has a covenantal relationship with us, His people.”

Col (Retired) Quek Koh Eng, Chairman of the MCS140 Organising Committee, said, “This is a very good way to support Singapore’s desire to be a city with a beautiful environment for healthy living.  Methodists can contribute to this mission.”

Col (Ret) Quek Koh Eng (fourth from left) with Rev Andy Goh (first from left) and members of Charis and Sengkang Methodist Churches

Rev Lek Yong Teck, President of the Chinese Annual Conference likened the event to the metaphor in Jeremiah 17:7-8 (NASB), which says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, And whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water that extends its roots by a stream, and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit.”

Rev Reuben Ng, President of TRAC (fifth from left) with members of Paya Lebar Methodist Church

Josiah Xu, a 5-year-old from Sengkang Methodist Preschool who helped to plant a tree, said, “Planting trees is important because it gives shade, and tells the drivers where they are not supposed to drive.” His mother Cecilia Liu said their family often spends time in the park because Josiah has recently learnt how to ride his balance bike.

Josiah Xu, 5, in front of the tree he planted

This report was reproduced from Methodist Message with permission.

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