Decades of fellowship and spiritual journeys have built a service offering thousands of books, tapes, CDs and DVDs, which continue to flourish wherever the Lord plants them. With the closure of the Wesley Methodist Church Audio-Video (AV) Resource Centre and Library on 30 June 2025, we bid farewell and extend heartfelt thanks to the many volunteers who devoted their time and effort, often lovingly preparing the books and DVDs so that others in the congregation could enjoy them.
Early Years of Wesley Library
The Wesley Library first opened its doors on Sunday, 13 June 1954, with a vision to serve the church community by providing resources that would deepen faith and understanding. Housed in a modest room to the right of the church hall, the library was stocked with a carefully curated collection of Christian literature. Volunteers, led by Acting Chairperson Miss Jean Waller, worked tirelessly to manage loans and maintain the collection, ensuring that members had access to books that would support their spiritual journey.
Over the years, the library grew in both size and scope. By 1999, it boasted over 4,000 resources, including reference books, periodicals and materials for both adults and children. It became a vital hub for pastors, educators and lay leaders seeking to enrich their knowledge and ministry. The introduction of a membership system in 1998 extended access to regular attendees who were not yet formal members, further broadening its reach.
For many volunteers, the highlight of operating the Library was the annual MediaShare, where free resources donated by church members were circulated among the congregation. “This was our small effort to live out the early Acts church model of sharing everything, including our books and DVDs,” shared Cindy Chen, Wesley Library volunteer since 2001 and chairperson since 2003.
From Cassette to Audio Video
Parallel to the library’s growth was the development of the Audio-Video Ministry. Originating as the Cassette Ministry in 1980, it evolved into a full-fledged Audio-Video Ministry by 1992, merging audio and video resources into a single, dynamic platform. With over 7,000 tapes and CDs, the ministry offered members the flexibility to engage with sermons, teachings and special events through sound and visuals. It also played a crucial role in outreach, providing Chinese and dialect materials for the elderly and homebound, ensuring that no one was left out of the church’s spiritual offerings.
“It has been a privilege for each of us in the AV Centre to serve and grow in the Lord together over the years,” reflected Goh Kheng Guan, AV volunteer since 2000 and chairperson. “As we come to this closing chapter, we look forward with hope and anticipation to the next wonderful blessing from the Lord, as we continue to obey and serve Him in a new ministry.”
The ministry’s technical team, composed of dedicated volunteers, handled everything from recording and editing to cataloguing and duplicating tapes/discs. Their behind-the-scenes work enabled the church to preserve and share its messages far beyond the physical walls of Wesley.
However, as digital media and online resources became increasingly accessible, the demand for physical books and tapes/discs began to decline. E-books, podcasts, streaming services and church apps now offer instant access to a wealth of spiritual content, reshaping how congregants engage with discipleship materials. Despite efforts to adapt, the library and Audio-Video Ministry have seen a steady drop in patronage, leading to the difficult but necessary decision to close.
Closing Chapters, Continuing Legacy
As we bid farewell to these ministries, we do so with deep gratitude. We honour the countless volunteers who have served faithfully over the years—those who catalogued books, manned the counters, recorded sermons, edited discs and offered their time and talents to make these resources available to the church family. Their dedication has left an indelible mark on Wesley’s history and on the lives of those who benefited from their service.
“Some of my most unforgettable moments include the production and delivery of sermon DVDs to homebound elderly during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown and watching little ones flip through Bible stories while their parents browsed nearby,” shared Alvena Khoo, Pastoral Team Member for Discipleship & Nurture. “Though the shelves may be bare now, the legacy of warmth, service and community lives on.”
Though the physical spaces may close, the legacy of the Wesley Library and Audio-Video Ministry lives on in the hearts of the congregation. Their contributions have helped shape a community rooted in learning, sharing and growing in faith. As we embrace new ways of accessing spiritual resources, we carry forward the spirit of these ministries — one of service, accessibility and unwavering commitment to discipleship.
Thank you, Wesley Library and Audio-Video Ministry. You have served us well.
(Photos courtesy of Discipleship & Nurture and Wesley Communications)
Wesley BookNook, serving Wesley since 1984, continues to offer Christian books, devotionals, gifts and music to inspire your faith journey. Located opposite Plaza Hall, it’s open every Sunday from 8.45am to 1.15pm.
Book & AV Resource Giveaway
Where: Wesley Methodist Church Atrium
When: Sundays, 17 & 24 August 2025 | 8.30 am – 1.00 pm
As part of the closure of our Library and AV Centre, we are giving away a wide selection of books and AV resources. Come by our booth to discover materials that can enrich your discipleship journey and help you grow in the Lord. You’re also welcome to pick up a gift to bless someone you know!
With hundreds of titles available, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity!
Read also: Where Creativity Meets Community: Introducing New Ministry “Art On The Hill”
