The Wesley family filled both the Sanctuary as well as the Wesley Hall for the Easter Combined Service. The 8.30 am traditional service commenced with an uplifting prelude “The Day of Resurrection” performed by the Orchestra, setting a reverent tone for the service. Worship leader Gary Chia led the opening prayer, inviting the congregation into a state of worship.
The Choir, accompanied by the Orchestra, offered three hymns: “Christ the Lord is Risen Today”, “I Stand Amazed in the Presence” and “Before the Throne of God Above” which collectively prepared the hearts of the worshippers to engage deeply with the Risen Christ.
A special performance by the Sunbeams Children’s Choir singing the hymn “Because He Lives” served as an Easter Offering song. Their rendition was not only joyful but imbued with a sense of triumph, echoing the belief that life can be faced fearlessly because of Christ’s resurrection.
The congregation, filled with enthusiasm, sang “The Risen Christ” in anticipation of the sermon delivered by Bishop Dr Gordon Wong. Based on Mark 16:1-8, his sermon “Jesus Conquers and Calls” unfolded in two significant lessons. First, he emphasised seeking Jesus as the conqueror of death as illustrated by the angel’s message to the women at the tomb, heralding Jesus’ victory over death. Secondly, Bishop Wong highlighted finding in Jesus a call from despair, particularly pointing to Jesus’ intention to meet and restore the spirits of those disheartened by his crucifixion, including Peter.
The service concluded with the hymn “Thine Be the Glory”, a fitting tribute to the triumph of the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ over death, a cornerstone belief that He is eternally alive and present among us.
This Easter Combined Service not only served as a commemoration of Christ’s resurrection but also as a profound reminder of the enduring hope and strength that faith in the Risen Christ brings to believers.
Reflections on the Combined Easter Service from the Congregation
They came looking for the crucified Jesus but instead found a resurrected Jesus who had conquered death. He was now going to look for them and, look out for them, in their state of loss and despair. Today, the resurrected Jesus looks for us and looks out for us in our moments of uncertainty. Allow yourself to be found of Him and found in Him.
– Jesudas Menon, Facilitator, Precept Upon Precept Bible study
In Rev Dr Gordon Wong’s sermon, he shared that this was the last verse of Mark, for there were lost scriptures then later supplemented by other writers. In times like these, my mind wanders back to the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32). He never did tell us whether the sons lived happily ever after with their father, or if the older son pouted his whole life away. The same way we are left to our imagination on how the two sons responded to their unexpected new circumstances, the story of our resurrected Christ is ours to complete. How will I choose to live out the power of the cross every day of my life?
– Claudia Phua, Leader, Youth Ministry
Photos by Jon Goh
More photos are available here.
For Sermon video, notes and reflection questions>> click here
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