For reference to a guide on Family Devotions, find it on the Grow Portal here: https://grow.hopesingapore.org.sg/blog/family-devotions
Series: Truly, Madly, Deeply
Title: Deep in Loving
Text: Song of Songs 8:5-7
How does love in marriage look like? Love in marriage expresses itself in faithfulness to each other, reliance on God’s empowerment and transcendence above earthly values.
“Note to leaders” is not meant to be read out to the LG, but for the discussion leader to understand the thrust of the question.
General Questions:
If an electronic device is broken, do you prefer to repair or buy a new one? In an affluent society, we are used to discarding rather than fixing stuff. How does this mindset influence our view of relationships and marriages?
In today’s society, people do not like the idea of commitment. What do you think are the reasons why people may shy away from commitment in marriage? What does it reflect about what these people value?
Note to leaders:
Help LG members to take a closer look at their understanding of faithfulness in marriages in light of common societal trends.
Perspective Questions:
Why do you think God values marital faithfulness so much? What does it reflect about Him and His desires for us?
Why is accountability in our marriage important? Are there specific boundaries we may need to set to safeguard our marriage? Are there pastoral leaders whom we can choose to be accountable to?
Note to leaders:
Allow LG members to reflect on God’s design for marriage and its inherent goodness. This question will also help LG members to connect God’s design for marriage back to His goodness and faithfulness.
Allow LG members to think about the importance of accountability and how that is necessary for their marriage. Encourage LG members to seek help if they need to.
Application Questions:
For married couples, it is difficult for us to die to self and love our spouse sacrificially without God’s empowerment. What is one challenge in your marriage that you need to ask the Holy Spirit to empower you in? Think of a specific example and commit to allowing God to change you.
For couples, what is one practical step you need to take together to strengthen your marriage? Some possible ideas include:
– Taking up a love challenge (e.g. 40 Day Fire Proof Love Challenge)For courting couples and singles, drawing close to God before marriage will prepare us to weather storms in our future marriages. What are some practical action steps we can take to draw close to God?
Note to leaders:
Get members to take self-responsibility to seek God’s partnership in a specific area of their marriage.
Offer practical suggestion for couples to strengthen their marriage. The LG can share ideas that can help one another together.
Encourage the LG to begin drawing close to God and establishing a strong walk with God even before they are married.
There is no discussion guide for this week.
For reference to a guide on Family Devotions, find it on the Grow Portal here: https://grow.hopesingapore.org.sg/blog/family-devotions
Series: Truly, Madly, Deeply
Title: Mad but Staying
Text: Song of Songs 5:2-6:3
It is normal for a relationship to experience conflicts and difficulties. How then can we navigate through these conflicts and stay in the relationship biblically despite conflicts and difficulties?
“Note to leaders” is not meant to be read out to the LG, but for the discussion leader to understand the thrust of the question.
General Questions:
Conflicts are bound to arise in any relationship, and especially so in a marriage, where two people come together and share their lives closely and intimately with one another. For married and courting couples, what are some things or issues that trigger conflict in your relationship? How do you usually deal with these conflicts? What can you learn from the practical ways to handle conflict from the sermon?
For singles, we will encounter conflict in other relationships with our family and friends. How do you usually respond when you encounter conflict in these relationships? What can you learn from the practical ways to handle conflict from the sermon?
Note to leaders:
These general questions are intended to get LG members to reflect on conflict management style, and whether these styles are helpful in resolving and building relationships.
Perspective Questions:
Do you agree that community is important to support us in our relationship? Do you have such a support system? If not, what are ways that you can build the support system? Conversely, how do you think you can be open and guided by the Holy Spirit to speak into the lives of others, as part of God’s community?
Divorce rates are on the rise, and irreconcilable differences arising from inability to resolve conflicts and differences are often cited as reasons for divorce. What do you think are some reasons that couples find it hard to stay in a marriage? How do you think we can practically apply biblical values such as love, forgiveness, and thankfulness and in our relationship? What are the values that you hold on to that help you tide through challenging times in your marriage?
Note to leaders:
Encourage LG members to reflect on the role of the Christian community in supporting and guiding their marital relationship.
Encourage LG members to reflect on how they can apply God’s word in their relationship.
Application Questions:
For married couples, how is the level of intimacy (physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual) in your relationship? Have past unresolved conflicts driven a wedge in your marriage? From this teaching, what do you think you can do to restore the intimacy in your marriage?
For courting couples and singles, what are the practical tips and values from this teaching that you can apply in your relationships and consider if you are ready for the commitment of marriage?
Note to leaders:
Encourage LG members to reflect and apply the practical pointers from the teachings.
There is no discussion guide for this week.
For reference to a guide on Family Devotions, find it on the Grow Portal here: https://grow.hopesingapore.org.sg/blog/family-devotions
Series: Truly, Madly, Deeply
Title: True in Waiting
Text: Song of Songs 4-5:1
Our views on love and sexual intimacy are often unavoidably influenced by the values of the world. Many might even think that the Christian faith has a restrictive or regressive view on love and sexual intimacy. But, in fact, the Scripture does celebrate love and sexual intimacy in the book of Song of Songs. What is God’s design for sex? How should God’s people view it?
General Questions:
Did your family talk about sexuality? Where did you learn about sex?
Do you find sex too sensitive or private a matter to be discussed in church? Why should we talk about sex in the church?
Intent:
Get members to open up and consider what have shaped their worldview with regards to sex.
The premise of the sermon is that God is concerned about out sexuality and hence we need to discuss it. Get people to talk about what they think without going into the details.
Perspective Questions:
Why did God create sex? In your own words, describe God’s design for sex. How then does this look like in the lives of singles? How about married people?
What are some challenges or common views in the world about sex that makes it difficult for you to obey God’s design?
Intent:
Help members to express in word God’s wonderful design for sex. Having a clear why would help them to live it out in their lives.
Get members to consider the tension that the Bible has with the world on the topic of sex. Being aware of the views and temptations of the world can help members to be able to guard themselves against them.
Application Questions:
What are some avenues or individuals where we can and should speak openly about sex? What is lacking in these relationships that stops you from doing so?
Has the church been a good representation of God’s design for sex? What can we do to make sure we shine God’s glory in this area?
Intent:
Get people to consider and recognize the avenues or individuals that they can have deep and open conversations about sexuality with. If there are none, get people to think about what else needs to be built so they can have individuals to turn to in this area.
Consider how the church have represented God’s view of sexuality and how you as a member can play a part in it.
There is no discussion guide for this week.
We have put together to provide some recommendations and resources on how we can run online Life Groups and guide people through their faith journey.
This memo is updated on 14 May 2021.
There are now more than 161 million people worldwide who are infected with COVID-19, out of which 3.3 million have lost their lives. The escalation of cases in Singapore reminds us we are still in the midst of dark and challenging times in human history.
But we have God with us and we are called to bring His light wherever we go. The darker the night, the brighter the light.
The government has today announced new heightened measures in the coming month in a bid to bring the infection in Singapore under control. Out of love for our attendees and our nation, Hope Singapore will be moving all our gatherings online from 15 May till 13 June 2021. These includes life groups, services, and all other religious gatherings and classes.
We understand that the government guidelines allows for 2 visitors or 2 people to gather physically, but as a church, we would encourage all gatherings to be conducted online. This is so that we can do our part to help reduce cases of local transmission at this critical moment.
Hope Conference is slated to happen on the 29 & 30 of May and I know many were looking forward to gather in their life groups for a great time of fellowship and learning. The pastors and team heads will be meeting to discuss plans regarding Hope Conference and more details will be released next week.
Changes will keep coming, and pivoting is truly our new norm. But we must remember that through all these disruptions, our growth is not just that we become better at adapting. It is also that we learn to depend more and more on our unchanging God.
Let’s continue to meet online, be intentional to connect, and be disciplined to pursue God. We thank you leaders for leading the life groups, and also ask for everyone in the church to support your leader. Hope is truly better together, and with God, let us be the church and continue to traffick hope!
文告更新于5月14日
现在全世界有超过1.61亿人感染冠病，其中330万因此过世。全球疫情的持续提醒在新加坡的我们，我们仍处于人类历史上黑暗艰难的时刻。
但上帝与我们同在。我们被上帝称为世界的光，是要被点亮，放在高处，好照亮全家。人们也会因看到我们的光而便赞美我们天上的父。让我们不断祷告，继续仰赖上帝！
今天新加坡政府进一步收紧防疫措施，基于爱邻舍的心，和全国人共同的努力，新加坡希望教会将会从5月15日至6月13日把所有聚会转为线上。这包括所有主日崇拜，小组聚会，课程，及其他教会活动。
虽然政府措施允许最多两人外出，登门访客每日两人，但我们呼吁大家尽可能响应新措施背后的原则，尽可能多待在家中，必要时才外出。
因为疫情，我们的生命出现很多不受我们控制的变化，但神并不因此措手不及，这一切都在祂的掌控中，我们更加要学习的是依靠神。
接下里的这个月，我们线上见。我希望大家更加渴望神，更积极联系，更自律不放弃追求神。感谢我们当中的小组组长继续领导，也希望大家一起继续建门徒，立教会，向世界传播希望！
张福裕主理牧师
2021年5月14日
This memo is updated on 27 December 2020.
Phase 3 is here, and indeed we are now entering a new norm as a nation.
It has been more than 1 month since we resumed our in-person worship services. I have spent the last few weeks with different centres and congregations, yet what I received is the same – hope is indeed better together!
No matter what we identify as in this world – sons & daughters, employees, spouses, leaders, or even parents, we are first spiritual people. Perhaps going to church has almost been a routine in the past, but now going to church is a more deliberate choice. The people around us, our families and loved ones – they look to our decision and take cue from us on when we choose to go to church. Our actions communicate what we value. Staying close to God and plugged in to community shows the value we place on our personal spiritual walk. When we make the intentional effort to cherish every opportunity to gather in person, we are also proclaiming that we are part of a greater body.
I am thankful that with Phase 3 and the increased capacity allowed by government guidelines, we are now able to plan for more to return to in-person worship services. Nothing beats being in the house of God together!
Starting 16 and 17 January 2021, we will be entering a new normal for Hope. Here are the new service timings and venues.
Axis Centre
Ablaze – Saturday 2pm at Axis Auditorium
Tertiary – Saturday 5pm at Axis Auditorium
Adults – Sunday 930am* and 1115am* at Axis Auditorium
Kids – Sunday 930am* at Connect Halls (4 – 12 years old)
Filipino – Sunday 3pm* and 6pm* at Axis Auditorium
Filipino Kids – To resume in April 2021
North East Centre
Mandarin – Saturday 430pm at Spectrum Hall
Adults – Sunday 930am* and 1115am* at Spectrum Hall
Kids – Sunday 930am* at Ignite Room and Kindle Room (4 – 12 years old)
Filipino Ignite – Sunday 3pm (alternate weeks)
West Centre
Adults – Sunday 930am* at Chevrons Main Hall
Kids – Sunday 930am* at Carnation Room (4 – 12 years old)
We have planned for an additional timing for adults service in Axis and North East Centre as well as for the progressive return of in-person kids services. Parents, I know that in 2020, many of you worked from home, while juggling HBL for your children and leading them through the kids services and zoom lifegroups. I want you to know that none of that is wasted, the routine you have built helps the children to see what a family does together to worship God! What matters most for a child is not the well-being or grades, but the recognition of the need for the gospel.
The task force has put in measures to ensure the safety of our attendees and especially our children. More details on the detailed measures as well as the registration and check-in process can be found in the FAQ below.
We know that as we return, it will not be as it used to be, or as ideal as we wish it to be. But in this unique and challenging season, let’s continue to do everything we can to live and lead well. Let’s embrace the new norm, and hold onto the same God.
I look forward to seeing more of you soon!
—
Senior Pastor Jeffrey Chong
Senior Pastor Jeff Chong
27 December 2020
Our facilities are coated with durable NanoEl anti-microbrial disinfection coating that eliminates harmful viruses and bacteria when it comes into contact. All items and contact surfaces will also be wiped with disinfecting solutions before and after services.
All adults and children will be checked for flu-like symptoms before entry. You will also be required to wear a mask at all times on site.
Every zone will be capped at 50 persons including adults and children.
For kids services, every group will consist of 7 kids and 1 huddle leader and will be distanced 1 m apart. Sharing of toys and stationery will be limited to their small group. In the 75 minute programme, we will be having activities that follow government guidelines as well as video teaching.
The tickets are made available on Sunday after service. All Adults and children will need tickets. Please register for the tickets according to the age range of your children. There are 2 ticket types for children: Hopekids (4-6 yr old) and Hopekids (7-12 yr old). For children 0 to 37 months, please register for an Adult Ticket.
The toddlers service will be resuming at a later date. For now, parents can bring them to the Kids Ark and Parents Lounge, or bring them into the main hall.
All the detailed instructions will be in the email sent to you after you register for your ticket. Please read the registration confirmation carefully on where and what time to check-in.
As the Singapore government advises, singing or speaking loudly are considered activities with higher risks of COVID-19 transmission. As such, we advise against having these activities at this point when we gather in person.
文告更新于12月27日
我国即将进入解封第三阶段，这也将会是新加坡抗疫以来的新常态。
我们开始实体聚会至今已有好几个月，过去的一个多月，我到各个中心与大家一起敬拜，看到弟兄姐妹们渴慕和盼望回到教会一同敬拜和朝见神，彼此联系，真让我觉得感动，相聚多可贵啊！
不管我们在这世上担任什么角色 – 父母，儿女，雇主，员工，夫妻，领袖，我们主要都还是神的儿女。或许一直以来，到教会去参加主日崇拜已成一种习惯，但现在的我们却要报名，要索票，要主动地选择来教会。我们身边的家人，朋友，孩子其实看着我们的选择，什么情况下我们会选择不去教会。我们的行为反映我们所关注看重的。我们要牢牢地抓住神，不放弃每一次的聚会，坚持联系侍奉，用行动宣扬我们对主耶稣的感恩！
我们感谢政府和感恩神的保守，现今的我们已为实体250如火如荼地作准备，也非常快能够给大家更多讯息。2021年1月16日起，我们教会将全面开放250人的实体聚会，以下是各主日崇拜的新时间和聚会地点。
布业中心
青年堂 – 星期六, 2pm, Axis礼堂
高等教育堂 – 星期六, 5pm, Axis礼堂
成人堂 – 星期日, 930am & 1115am, Axis礼堂
孩童组 – 星期日, 930am, Connect 礼堂 (4至12岁)
菲律宾堂 – 星期日, 3pm & 6pm, Axis礼堂
菲律宾孩童组 – 2021年4月开始
东北中心
中文堂 – 星期六, 430pm, Spectrum礼堂
成人堂 – 星期日, 930am & 1115am, Spectrum礼堂
孩童组 – 星期日, 930am, Ignite & Kindle Room (4至12岁)
菲律宾青年堂 – 星期日, 3pm，每两星期一次
西部中心
成人堂 – 星期日, 930am, Chevrons大礼堂
孩童组 – 星期日, 930am, Carnation Room (4至12岁)
我们在布业中心和东北中心加设了新的崇拜时间，儿童组的实体崇拜也将陆续开始。我特别要表扬我们当中的父母们，你们2020年在家办公，陪伴孩子们上网学习，带领孩子们上网参加主日崇拜，你们做的一切都不会白费的。你们正身体力行，带领着你们的家人信靠主一起度过疫情。我们必须认清，除了要着重培养孩子们的身心各方面，更重要的是让他们了解福音的重要。
为了让大家能够放心安全地回到教会，我们的冠病小组已采取各种的安全措施。我们也将继续家庭主日，让疫情间忙于照顾孩子而无法完全投入崇拜的父母亲，在灵中可以毫无干扰得到饱足。
让我们大家继续紧紧地抓住神，迎接新常态带来的新机会。期待与您们常相会！
张福裕主理牧师
2020年12月27日
就如新加坡政府建议，大声说话或歌唱是属于传染高风险的活动。我们建议，在现在这段期间，在面对面聚会时尽量不要歌唱或大声祷告。
我们加强消毒措施，场所内都已喷洒抗菌纳米涂层，有效清楚有害细菌和病毒。我们也会在各聚会后，所有常用物品和常接触的表层也会在各聚会前后被消毒。
所有进入会所的成人和小孩都必须
不论是成人或小孩，各区只限制50个会众进入，每个小组仍保持5人。
This memo is updated on 17 June 2020.
Phase 2 is almost here. Some of you have been awaiting this for a long time for various reasons. Your business may now be opened, or you may now finally be able to meet up with your family and friends. I thank each and every one of you for adhering to the government’s guidelines over all this challenging time. I pray that as we move into this new phase, we will continue to be socially responsible and continue to keep our focus on God’s vision and mission for our church.
The church has never closed
Though we discuss the reopening of the nation, know that the church has never been closed. In these 3 months, we have seen people come to receive Jesus as their Saviour, we have people being baptised in the Spirit over Zoom, we have worshipped in our own homes. We have grieved and rejoiced with our spiritual families in their times of sorrow and joy. No matter which phase we are in, we believe each will offer unique opportunities to show and share the love of Jesus.
Phase 2 – Let us be motivated on how we can share the gospel of Christ better!
Phase 2 means that we are now able to meet face to face in certain environments. And in this (and every) period, our vision and mission remain the same: Love Neighbours, Make Disciples, Plant Churches. In this unique time, more people are open to the gospel. We should go forth and spread the love of Christ more creatively instead of shrinking back. Whether we choose to meet physically or online, let our motivation be how can we serve and reach people as Christ would.
I know many of us long to meet. Let us gently remind each other to practise good personal hygiene and to be socially responsible. Let’s also love one another by being understanding and sensitive to others. If there are members in your group who choose to not meet in person, look for ways to include them when you do gather, such as through video conferencing. If you plan on visiting someone’s home, be considerate of your host’s home and family members.
A new normal – God is still and will always be with us!
As society cautiously enters a new normal, let us take heart and remember that God is with us. Though we navigate through uncertainties, we can boldly hold onto God, ‘our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.’ (Psalms 46:1) Let us place our faith in Jesus, who has promised us that He will surely be with us, to the very end of the age (Matthew 28:20)!
Sincerely,
Senior Pastor Jeff Chong
17 June 2020
In Phase Two, we will allow bookings of up to 5 persons per room/space at THE AXIS @ Textile Centre and HOPE @ New Tech Park.
Safe Management Measures are put in-place and are to be observed at all times for the safety of everyone during gathering.
It is mandatory for all to:
VENUE OPENING HOURS
THE AXIS @ Textile Centre
HOPE @ New Tech Park
HOW DO I MAKE MY BOOKING?
Login to Booking Portal via e2hope member account,
Should you have any questions, contact us at [email protected]
Not at this moment. One important aspect of our service is expressing our gratitude to God through worship. Singing is currently not allowed as it is considered an activity with high risk of transmission. With that consideration, we will still be meeting online for service.
Much as we would love to meet face to face, strict measures have to be in place to ensure the safety of these gatherings and to keep the risk of the community spread low.
To ensure the safety of our people and make our gatherings conducive, all meetings and classes will be held online till further notice.
This means that small groups of 5 people and below can meet physically for fellowship, life group or mentoring if they adhere to safe distancing and personal hygiene practices such as wearing a mask, staying home if they are not well, and washing hands.
The government advises all to be:
• Be socially responsible
• Practise good personal hygiene
• Ensure safe distancing and adhere to safe management principles
• Use SafeEntry when required, and check in and out using the TraceTogether app
• Keep number of contacts small and limited to your regular circle of close contacts, to protect yourself and your families
• Seniors, who are especially vulnerable, should continue to exercise extra caution and stay at home as much as possible
Let us be good testimonies for Christ and love people by considering the vulnerable among us.
As the Singapore government advises, singing or speaking loudly are considered activities with higher risks of COVID-19 transmission. As such, we advise against having these activities at this point when we gather in person.
Yes, you can consider going in small groups of 5 or less. As you meet up physically with your neighbours and school mates, do be sensitive to others’ comfort level as you interact.
The principle to this is to keep number of contacts small and limited to protect yourself and your families as the nation slowly reopens. For now, we would advise that you try to stick to a same small group when meeting physically.
In accordance to the government regulations, gatherings involving more than 5 people are not allowed, even if they are split across multiple tables. We advise for all to keep gathering size small.
文告更新于6月17日
第二阶段即将在这个星期五开始。我们当中一些人迫不及待地要重新开始营业，或是和亲戚朋友相聚。大家在这段艰难的期间互相扶持，配合政府的政策，也做出许多生活上的调整，我为我们教会感到骄傲。进入第二阶段后，我们不应该掉以轻心，而是继续做好本份，让我们能够专心在教会的异象和使命，让更多人能够听到基督的福音。
教会并非建筑，也从未关闭
虽然我们在讨论着社会的重启，我要提醒大家，教会不是一个建筑，一个场地，我们也因此从来都没有关闭。在这几个月中，因着上帝的恩典，我们见证有人通过网上的崇拜和小组中信主，也有人在灵里受洗。我们在家中敬拜主，虽是透过屏幕，但神仍与我们同在。我们也与属灵家庭里的成员经历悲痛与欢笑。不管在哪一个阶段，不管将来发生什么，我们应切记，神将给予我们智慧和机会让我们能够将福音和神的大爱传出去，因为祂的心是为着那一只迷失的羊。
第二阶段意味我们更应积极将福音传开
第二阶段的开始代表我们能在一些情况下聚会。在这个阶段，或任何时候，我们的使命不变，我们仍要爱邻舍，建门徒，立教会。疫情当前，未来有很多未知，人们的心在这时更是寻找着答案，也因此更渴望福音的信息。我们作为耶稣的子民拥有着最好的好消息，让我们不要胆怯，不要怠惰，而是更加积极，更有创意地将福音传开。不管我们是选择是在线上或是面对面聚会，让我们以基督的爱为出发点，想想如何使用现有的机会来让更多人感受到主的爱。
我知道我们很多人都很期待面对面相聚。让我们提醒彼此要负起社会责任，保持良好的卫生习惯，保持安全距离。让我们也对身边的人有多一点的包容，互相体谅迁就。可能您的社群里有些人选择暂时不参与面对面聚会，我们仍然可以通过他们可接受的方式联系。如果您想要到其他人家拜访，也请为他们和他们的家人着想。
新常态－神仍与我们同在！
社会将逐渐进入与冠病共存的世界，这个改变或许会持续很久，也会成为我们的新平常。让我们记住，神是与我们同在的。尽管经历再多的不确定，我们都能坚定地说“神是我们的避难所，是我们的力量，是我们在患难中随时都可得到的帮助。” 让我们信靠主耶稣和祂的应许，祂必常常与我们同在，直到这世代的终结！
张福裕主理牧师
2020年6月17日
在第二阶段，教会在布业中心和New Tech Park 的会所将开放给各空间5人或以下的聚会使用。
聚会时，大家必须遵守安全管理措施，以保证大家的健康安全。
您必须：
会所开放时间
布业中心 THE AXIS
星期一至五，早上9点至傍晚6点
傍晚6点后，会所将在主日崇拜的拍摄的时段开放
HOPE @ NEW TECH PARK
会所将在主日崇拜的拍摄的时段开放
我该如何预定会所？
用您的e2hope会员账户登陆会所预定系统
若有任何疑问，请电邮至 [email protected]
我们暂时还是会在线上聚会。歌唱是属于传播病毒的高风险活动，但放声崇拜是我们敬拜会的主要活动之一。因此我们将仍继续在线上聚会。
尽管我们很想要见到大家，在第二阶段仍存在病毒扩散的风险。为不引发社区感染，实体聚会必须遵守严谨的安全措施。以大家的健康及会议和课程学习的有效度为考量，我们暂时仍将所有的会议和课程继续在线上进行。
第二阶段的开始代表着我们可恢复5人以下的小型聚会，这或许包括牧羊，小组聚会或团契。我们必须保持安全距离并遵守个人卫生习惯如带口罩，身体不适时在家中休息，勤洗手等。
政府呼吁所有国人：
• 负起社会责任：
• 保持良好的卫生习惯
• 保持安全距离
• 使用SafeEntry系统登记入场和离场
• 下载 “合力追踪” (TraceTogether) 手机应用程序
• 在尽可能的范围内缩小个人的交流圈，以便保护自己和家庭成员
• 年长人士，尤其是有潜在身体状况的人士，应当继续谨慎生活，尽可能减少和他人接触
让我们顾念他人，尤其是考虑到我们当中的弱势群体，也在这非常时期，继续做耶稣的代言人，在言语、行为和态度上，活出基督的信心、盼望和爱。
就如新加坡政府建议，大声说话或歌唱是属于传染高风险的活动。我们建议，在现在这段期间，在面对面聚会时尽量不要歌唱或大声祷告。
可以的，您能够在少过5人的小组到社区或组屋区与其他人分享神的大爱。请特别注意他人的感受，为他人着想。
我们是为减少风险所以尽可能的范围内缩小个人的交流圈，以便保护自己和家庭成员。所以我们的建议是面对面聚会内尽量是与同样的5人小组进行。
依据政府所定的防疫措施，我们不应有多于5人的社交聚会。尽管座位分开或保持距离，我们也建议大家在聚会时不超过5人。
We have been hugely blessed to hear so many positive testimonies when our church went fully online for Services and Life Groups for last weekend. There were stories of people joining us to fellowship online and even people receiving Jesus into their lives for the very first time! This speaks volumes of the truth that church cannot be closed because it is not a building. We are the church and even in such times, we do not stop being the church!
The COVID-19 pandemic has been an intensely challenging period for the world. As a pastors’ team, we are praying that God will be the strength of your heart as you go through this season (Psalms 73:26). We are also praying for the hope we have in Christ be displayed through all believers. We invite you to join us in daily prayers for the next two weeks.
In this difficult times, we take heart in Scripture in Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” As we recognise our helplessness, let’s take heart in the sovereignty of God and consider what good God can work in us and through us in this season. For a start, we can be intentional to reach out to others through text or social media, to ask how they are doing and to offer up prayers. Let’s shine brightly for Him during these dark times.
The number of cases locally has been rising. Government has advised Singaporeans on tighter safe distancing measures, which work best when more people do it together. With the desire to love our neighbours and indeed be better together, Hope Singapore will be moving all our gatherings online till the end of June 2020. We strongly encourage all seniors to stay home, and stay connected through phone or text. Our Hope Conference will also be postponed to 2021, and refunds will be given to those who have already registered. This is so that we can all play our social responsibility to help reduce cases of local transmission in Singapore.
As we take this extended step, we will certainly miss the opportunity to gather physically. At the same time, we thank God for technology that allows us to have our gatherings online. This is an opportunity to consider alternative forms of expressing our faith to the watching world, to preach the good news through new mediums to new people groups. As we look forward to meet in person again, let us also not miss what God is wanting us to learn in this season.
Leaders, as a pastor’s team, we want to thank you for leading God’s people in this uncertain period. The team has come up with suggestions and resources on how we can continue to do DOC in this season, and the guide includes games, tools, discipleship resources and outreach ideas. We are excited to grow as believers and make disciples in this new way.
Throughout church history, the body of Christ has not only survived but thrived and flourished through troubled times. In the same way, let us be a generation of believers who will take the Christian faith deeper into our hearts and further into the community. Christ is leading us, and the church would not cease because we are the church. Let us BE the church and spread the message of hope!
Sincerely,
Pastors’ Team
27 March 2020
上周末，在完全以线上的方式来举行主日崇拜和生命小组过后，我们收到了许多振奋人心的见证，我们深感蒙福。不只是有新朋友受邀来参加我们的线上团契，甚至有人在线上选择了接受主耶稣！这再一次的说明，教会不是一座建筑物的真理，不会因为任何问题就停止运作。我们是真正的教会，是疫情肆虐的当下，依然屹立不倒的教会!
新冠病毒疫情的爆发让全世界都陷入了非常困难的时期。作为牧师团队，我们祈求神赐你们信心和能力来度过这段时期（诗篇73:26）。我们也祷告，我们在基督里的盼望，能借着所有信徒的生命去展现出来。我们邀请你们在接下来的两周，每一天都和我们一起同心祷告。
在艰难之时，让我们谨记罗马书8章28节的经文 – “我们知道，为了爱神的人，就是按他旨意蒙召的人的益处，万事都一同效力。” 我们面对自身的软弱时，越是要牢记神依然掌权，专注于神在我们的生命并通过我们所能成就的善工。比如，我们可以更刻意的发简讯或通过社交媒体去向未信的亲友传扬福音，关心他们的生活，并提议为他们的需要祷告。让我们在这黑暗的时期为主去发出光芒！
随着本地的确诊病例不断升高，政府提出了让新加坡人更严格去保持安全距离的措施。这需要每一个人的通力合作才能奏效。基于爱邻舍的心，和全国人共同的努力，新加坡希望教会将会把我们的所有聚会转为线上，一直到2020年的6月份。我们强烈鼓励所有的年长者待在家中，并通过手机和短讯保持联系。我们今年的希望大会也将延后到 2021 年，那些已经报名的人将获得全额的退款。这一切都是为了减少新加坡本地疫情的传播，以尽到教会的社会责任。
因着这个不得已的抉择，我们肯定会错过许多面对面相聚的机会。但同时，我们也感谢神，现今的通讯科技允许我们依然能够在线上相聚。这是一个让全世界看到基督徒能够以不同方式来表达信仰的机会，通过新的媒介让我们继续向新的人群传扬福音。在我们再次面对面相聚之前，让我们好好来学习神通过这样一个时期所要教导我们的功课。我们兴奋期待这种以全新的方式来成长灵命和建立门徒的方式。
一直以来，基督的教会在历史的长河中，越是困难的时期，越是能够兴盛成长。同样的，我们这一代的信徒，可以借着这个时机，把我们对基督的信心更深的带到我们的内心，也带往人群。基督正在前方带领我们，我们教会不会真的关门因为我们是符合圣经真义的教会。让我们成为神要我们成为的教会，继续传扬那带来希望的福音和信息！
牧师团队敬上
2020年3月27日
This season has created new challenges for people from all walks of life. By this time, even beyond the medical aspect, we would have felt an impact on our social and economic life. Travel plans have been cancelled. Some might face the prospect of being out of job. We may even wonder if there’s enough food and necessities for tomorrow. We are concerned about our family members – particularly aging parents and children. Such anxieties and vulnerabilities may be growing in some of us.
Yet it is also in this season that we have a chance to reflect on the things that truly matter in our lives. It is in such times that the message of the Gospel, of salvation in Christ, becomes such a powerful assurance for us. It is in this period that we can approach God and find Him as our shepherd who is with us.
As your pastors, we love you deeply and are in prayer for you and for the COVID-19 situation all around the world. It is our prayer that even as all of us wisely make practical changes to our lives, we would find our greatest strength and security in the sovereign God we worship.
On 19 March, Pastor Claudia and Pastor Timothy were at an engagement session with other church leaders and Ministers Lawrence Wong & Grace Fu from Ministry of Health (MOH) and Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth (MCCY) to discuss the latest advisory on safe distancing measures for churches. Of the various pointers, some key highlights include:
Safe distancing guidelines looks at 3 factors – Density, Intensity & Duration:
The Pastors’ Team has carefully considered the current COVID-19 environment and the advisory issued. With a desire to love our neighbours and to participate in social responsibility as guided by the authorities, we will change the way we gather as the body of Christ. Starting 21 March, this weekend, Hope Singapore will be moving our services and Life Groups online for 2 weeks, till the end of March. Services will continue to be streamed online at the regular service timings, and Life Groups would be gathering through online platforms. We lovingly encourage the seniors in our midst to take safe distancing seriously and avoid gathering physically to minimise risks. Leaders who serve seniors in your group can keep connected with them through calls, text or short visits observing 1m distance.
This is a change from the previous communication on 18 March in response to the updated Government advisories. We will be taking the two weeks to review how meeting together will look like for Hope Singapore moving forward.
We thank God for technology that allows us this means to continue to have our church gatherings online. This has been a difficult decision to make, as meeting in physical gatherings is preferred for fellowship and worship as a church. But in this season, we consider these alternative means of gathering to be loving to our neighbours and nation.
Even as we take this step, we will always be the body of Christ. Let us remain committed to be connected through the online platforms to love one another and spur each other in our faith. We look forward to celebrating together when we get to gather again corporately. Till then, let us cast our eyes upon Christ, praying for His will to be done and spurring each other towards love and good deeds.
Sincerely,
Pastors’ Team
Services will be streamed live through church online at all usual service timings. You are encouraged to gather your group online to tune in together. A set of discussion questions will be made available, and your group can go through the discussion questions together right after the online service.
Be creative on how you can fellowship online! We have a list of tools you can use to maximise the contact online. You can eat together online, pray together, start a Bible devotion plan together and continue to encourage each other. It might take a bit of getting used to, but let us be intentional to connect. Hope is better together, even online!
In what we have shared above, we believe it is wise and loving to limit in person gatherings during this time.
Should you be meeting up individually or in smaller groups, we recommend you adhere to safe distancing guidelines as proposed by the government. This is how we can do our part to be loving to others.
All Equip classes and other LG team meetings this weekend will be moved online.
One of the ways we can show God’s love is by participating in government endorsed measures, including safe distancing. That’s why we’re not gathering together in person – because this is one of the best ways we can love others right now. Yet this does not mean isolation! We recommend that you go out of your way to cultivate personal contact with your neighbours and whomever God has placed in your way. Make phone calls, text, notice and meet a need while being aware of the safe distancing measures.
You can download the Easter invite and
BIBLE APP DEVOTIONS
Easter Devotionals – runs daily
A Journey from Worry to Confident Hope by NT Wright on YouVersion – 7 Days
ZOOM
SKYPE
GOOGLE HANGOUTS
这个季节为各界人士带来许多新的挑战。到现在，超越医学的角度，我们许多人已在社交和经济方面受到影响。我们的旅行计划被取消，我们当中有些人甚至面临失业的风险。我们甚至可能还在思考明日是否有足够的粮食和日用品。我们为家人感到担忧-特别是年长的父母和年幼的儿女。这种焦虑和无助感可能在我们或我们家人的心中增长。
但是，也正是这样的季节，给予我们时间去反思生命中真正有意义的事情是什么。也正是这样的时刻，福音的信息，基督的救恩，成为我们大有能力的安慰。我们能在这种非常时期寻求上帝，明白祂是伴我们同行的牧者。
身为你们的牧师，我们深爱你们，也为你们和全球疫情的情况祷告。我们的祷告是，即便大家在生命中做出明智与实际的改变，我们也能在我们所敬拜的全能上帝里，找到我们最大的力量和保障。
在3月19日，Claudia牧师和Timothy牧师与其他的教会领袖一同与黄循财，卫生部长和傅海燕，新加坡文化、社区及青年部部长会面，并一起商讨最新发出的安全社交距离措施的警告。在警告中，一些重点包括：
安全的社交距离措施的准则有三个要素 – 密度、强度和期间
牧师团队慎重考虑了目前新冠状病毒的环境和政府发出的警告。我们怀着爱邻舍的渴望，遵循政府的警告履行社会责任，因此我们决定改变我们身为基督的肢体所集合的方式。从3月21日开始，这个周末，希望教会（新加坡）将把敬拜聚会和生命小组转为线上的形式。这个安排会延续两周，直到3月底。敬拜聚会将继续在平时聚会的时间段在线上直播。生命小组也会透过线上平台集合。我们鼓励在我们当中的年长人士更是认真保持社交距离，尽可能不要参与聚会，以便降低感染风险。
这和我们之前在3月18日所发出的通告有所不同，因为这次的回应是按照政府发出的最新警告。我们也会花两周的时间来审查希望教会（新加坡）所采用的集合方式，探讨接下来如何迈步向前。
我们感谢主，因为科技让教会能继续在线上集合。这并不是容易的抉择，因为身为教会，我们的最佳选择是一起在教会团契和敬拜。但是在这个季节里，我们要明白这些集合的替代方式都是为了爱我们的邻舍和国家。
即使我们做了这个决定，我们仍然是基督的肢体。让我们继续委身与教会相连，并透过线上平台爱彼此和在信仰的道路上相互勉励。我们期盼再次与大家一同集体相聚时，一起欢庆。从现在到那时，我们要定睛仰望基督，祷告祂的旨意被成就，也要彼此激发爱心，勉励行善。
牧师团启
教会的主日崇拜将在周末同样时段通过Church Online 的网站播出。中文堂的聚会则会在在星期六的下午4点版在脸书上直播 。
小组组长能鼓励组员一起上网参与敬拜。
上网也能很好地联系感情，大家能够更有创意地想如何在网上献温情。
我们准备了一些可以使用的应用程式，大家可以通过视讯一起吃饭，一同祷告。您也能用圣经的手机程式一起进行灵修。现在大多数人也能通过WhatsApp 或简讯的方法继续联系，共同鼓励。线上也能与希望同在！
我们相信在这段非常时期，我们应当更有智慧地作决定。我们鼓励在我们当中的年长人士更是认真保持社交距离，尽可能不要参与聚会，以便降低感染风险。
其他人继续见面时应该保持社交距离，让我们为国家和社会减少病例出一份力。
所有的课程将暂时停办。
其中一个关爱他人的方法就是响应政府号召，保持安全的社交距离。这也是我们暂时不实体聚会的原因 －因为这个非常时期，这是爱邻舍的表现之一。
但这并不表示我们暂停教会！相反地，我们更应该主动，通过不管是电话，简讯，或保持1买距离的方式去我们的邻舍和朋友问好。
下星期我们会让大家知道复活节的节目流程。
这个周末，教会的场所会暂停开放。下星期起，我们将会公布其他的措施。