BPCIS Update
GOOD NEWS
”The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad.“ Psalm 126:3 ESV
We ended 2023 and began 2024 with good news: Hebron BPC renewed their 30-year lease in December for $4.97m, and Zion Bishan BPC received news in February of lease renewal at $4.64m. Each church expected double or triple the amount since the last successful bid for church site was $12m.
In the coming months, Hebron will embark on renovating their facilities to expand the built-up area. Two BPCIS churches using Hebron’s afternoon slots will relocate: Mount Horeb BPC to Henderson, hosted by Mount Hermon BPC; Mount Gerizim BPC to Woodlands where the church has purchased a unit in a light industrial building (like Mount Hermon in Henderson).
Hebron’s English and Mandarin congregations will worship at two holding sites in churches in the Choa Chu Kang neighbourhood. Thank the Lord for His timely provisions. Zion Bishan BPC will revisit plans to redevelop their facilities too, in view of expanding staff and ministries.
MORE GOOD NEWS
We have received all the necessary permits to hold our Easter Sunrise Service at McRitchie Reservoir. Let us not miss this unique opportunity to meet the Lord Jesus in the early dawn tranquillity of sprawling reservoir park. We do not know if permission will always be given, and this year’s may be the last. Join us 6.30am on Easter Sunday, and watch the sun rise to remind us of the rising of the Son.
Two other special events will take place on Good Friday. For the first time, our annual combined service will be held at a non-church venue, and in the evening. We meet at 5pm and stay for a porridge dinner, all at the beautiful premises of ACS Independent at Dover Road. Transport will be provided from seven locations across Singapore. Please register to help us with forward planning.
Also for the first time, eight Chinese-speaking congregations will hold a combined Good Friday service at Faith BPC, 10.30am, with Rev Teo Kiak Hock, Principal of Chin Lien Bible Seminary, as guest speaker.
WHY COME TOGETHER?
BPCIS was formed in 2011 to bring BP churches together. For over 20 years, we went our separate ways after the denominational body was dissolved in 1988. Our 11 churches which now make up BPCIS have helped one another in sharing resources (e.g. acquiring or renewing church sites), building friendships and raising the next generation of pastors and elders.
Let us affirm and strengthen our solidarity by coming together. For Good Friday at ACSI, we have a 1800-seat auditorium to fill. Thank the Lord for the 600 who have signed up so far. With 3 weeks to go, let us plan to be there. Bishop Emeritus Robert Solomon will be our guest speaker, and the service will be helmed by our younger pastors, all ordained since 2011.
”I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’”
Psalm 122:1 ESV
Finally, every year, BPCIS honours presbyters (pastors and elders) who have faithfully served in BP churches and are now in active retirement. We are glad to honour four elders this year. You may read the citations for each of them on our website, bpcis.org.sg.
Pastor David Wong
General Secretary, BPCIS
