MCS’ year-long celebration of its 140th anniversary culminates in an inclusive concert tracing the journey from darkness to light

It was a night of music, movement and narrative that beautifully captured the theme “Love God by loving our neighbour”. The focus was a reflection of the spirit of service that epitomised the work of two missionaries 140 years ago. Their labour led to the founding of the largest Protestant denomination in Singapore, with 46 […] The post MCS’ year-long celebration of its 140th anniversary culminates in an inclusive concert tracing the journey from darkness to light appeared first on Salt&Light.

Religion Nov 10, 2025 0 3 Add to Reading List

MCS’ year-long celebration of its 140th anniversary culminates in an inclusive concert tracing the journey from darkness to light

It was a night of music, movement and narrative that beautifully captured the theme “Love God by loving our neighbour”.

The focus was a reflection of the spirit of service that epitomised the work of two missionaries 140 years ago. Their labour led to the founding of the largest Protestant denomination in Singapore, with 46 churches and 46,000 members, as well as countless ministries, missions and social services that is The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) today.

“What’s impressive is that you’re engaged in almost every aspect of social services in Singapore.”

Last Saturday (November 1), MCS capped off a year of anniversary events commemorating its 140th year with a concert that highlighted its contribution to Singapore’s social and community development through the years.

Said Bishop of MCS and President of the National Council of Churches of Singapore Rev Philip Lim: “In celebrating 140 years of service, The Methodist Church in Singapore celebrates not just our own journey, but the privilege of being part of Singapore’s remarkable story of unity in diversity, progress through collaboration, and strength through service to all.

“The theme ‘Love God by loving our neighbour’ has guided us from our beginnings and continues to shape the Methodist DNA today.”

Bishop Philip Lim presenting President Tharman Shanmugaratnam with a replica of the first Methodist Church in Singapore, Wesley Methodist Church.

Guest-of-Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam was among the 3,000 treated to the artistic showcase the featured soloists, choirs, dancers, musicians and performers from the Methodist Welfare Services’ (MWS) beneficiaries, Methodist churches and schools, as well as local artistes.

President Tharman was the Guest-of-Honour.

“The work of Methodist Welfare Services is particularly noteworthy. What’s impressive is that you’re engaged in almost every aspect of social services in Singapore,” said President Tharman, noting that many Singaporeans have benefitted from the services of MWS since its founding.

In celebration of faith, love and community

Crafted to portray the powerful journey from darkness (pain, hurt, struggles) to light (hope, healing, restoration), The Healing Nation Celebratory Concert artfully wove the story of the struggles of families, the elderly and youths with dances, songs and recitals.

One of the highlights of the concert was a dance performance by Dance Spectrum International with dancers with special needs.

The Methodist Festival Orchestra was formed in 2016 and is dedicated to enriching worship through instrumental music.

Ukulele performers from MWS Active Ageing Centres – Charis ACE – Geylang East and GreenTops@Sims Place displaying their talents.

A flag dance performance by Passion Flag which seeks to make worship dance accessible to all.

A drum ensemble comprising 40 members of the Wesley Methodist Church’s Creative Expression Ministry and Pasir Panjang Methodist Church. The group performed a mix of Taiko, Surdo, Chinese drums and classical Indian Tabla.

The combined children’s choir singing “Go Light Your World” by Chris Rice.

An inclusive concert that demonstrated what it means to love our neighbours and build a more compassionate Singapore, The Healing Nation also had members of Wesley Deaf Ministry providing sign interpretation throughout the concert.

The Healing Nation movement

The concert is part of MCS’ 140^th anniversary community commitment initiative, The Healing Nation, which honours a legacy of service that began in 1885 with the Church’s first outreach efforts. Today, MWS continues that work caring for the poor, sick and vulnerable.

Said Bishop Lim: “As Christians, we believe that true healing begins with acts of kindness, prayer and unity – working hand in hand to build a nation founded on Christ’s love. I urge that you consider pledging your time or donating financially to contribute to healing our nation, one life at a time.”

“We wanted to mark the milestone not looking inward but giving outward.”

The Healing Nation translates faith into action by building a sustainable ecosystem for community care, aligning closely with Forward SG’s vision of a refreshed social compact.

One of its goals is to mobilise 1.4 million hours of volunteer service using an AI-powered digital platform that matches volunteers with volunteering opportunities based on their interests and availability. There are now more than 150 volunteering opportunities offered in collaboration with over 100 charities.

The Healing Nation’s second goal is to raise S$1.4 million to support social and healthcare programmes beyond MWS’ own work, helping up to 1,000 families and individuals facing vulnerable situations. Since its launch, more than S$1.2 million has been raised with about $510,000 designated for disbursement to 364 beneficiary families represented by over 40 applicant organisations.

Said Eugene Toh, Chairperson of the MWS Board of Governance: “This being the year of SG60 and MCS’ 140th anniversary, we wanted to mark the milestone not looking inward but giving outward.

“We hope these funds will empower fellow charities to go further in meeting the community’s needs.”