From the Pastor’s Desk…
Serving One Another in Love
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 7 September 2025
Dear WAC family,
I give thanks to God for each of you and the way you have supported the chaplaincy under our care.
Last month we held our SAMS Family Outing at SAFRA Jurong, where more than 30 families and almost 170 people participated. The children enjoyed themselves at the huge indoor playground, while their parents attended an engaging session with our guest speaker, June Tan, who shared practical insights on parenting children with special needs. After the talk, the parents were given time to share their own challenges and struggles in small groups.
This was the first time we intentionally engaged the SAMS parents separately, while our Befrienders and volunteers lovingly cared for the children in their play. It was truly encouraging to witness their joy, laughter, and the bonds formed that day. We plan to follow up with the parents through Zoom sessions to find out if and how they are applying those parenting tips, and to continue supporting them on their parenting journey. Continue reading
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Theological Studies for Some, Theology for All
Written by Pastor Justin Chua
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 3 August 2025
It feels surreal to say this, but I recently began my fifth and final year at Trinity Theological College. I remember how I used to dread the start of a new semester, bracing myself for the mountain of readings and assignments. I never saw myself as a good student, let alone one studying theology! Yet, this year, I felt a genuine excitement to start the new semester. The journey has transformed my view of what it means to study theology. Continue reading
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Keep Out Impurity, Live Out Holiness
Written by Pastor Chan May Yee
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 6 July 2025
A person’s sense of humour is linked to their character, life experiences and values. Good humour, the kind that is cultured and thoughtful, can help ease tensions and bring people together. But humour without restraint can easily become flippant, inappropriate or even crude. The Bible says, “Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving” (Ephesians 5:4). Continue reading
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This Is My Father’s World
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 1 June 2025
The recent tariff wars initiated by US President Donald Trump have caused significant anxiety and burden across many nations. People around the world now face uncertainties and challenges, especially as rising prices threaten their livelihoods. As I reflected on this global situation, a verse from the Gospel of Matthew came to mind: “Matthew 22:21 “…Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” Continue reading
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Don’t Just Say You Love the Lord
Written by Pastor Chan May Yee
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 4 May 2025
Christianity speaks of “love” not merely as a doctrinal concept, but as a declaration of the very nature of God, for “God is love” (1 John 4:7-8). This love – in all its beauty and greatness – was made tangible through His Son, Jesus Christ, who came in flesh to bring us the gift of redemption. For Christians, to love God and love others is not an option – it is a commandment from Him. It is also not about paying lip service, but a requirement that our Lord Jesus places on all who believe in Him. Continue reading
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Faithful in Small Things
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 6 April 2025
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…” (Luke 16:10 )
At first glance, the words “little” and “much” seem like opposites. Yet, Jesus places them on the same level. This is because faithfulness is not about the size of the task but about the heart behind it. For example, a person who demonstrates commitment in minor tasks proves their reliability and trustworthiness in greater responsibilities. The essence of faithfulness lies not in the task itself but in the commitment to it. Continue reading
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Together in Love and Harmony
Written by Pastor Chan May Yee
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 2 March 2025
I once attended a children creative teaching seminar run by a Japanese Christian organisation. Their creative teaching method uses fun activities and simple instructions to help children grasp the fundamental tenets of the Christian faith. Over the course of the seminar, in addition to understanding the overall philosophy of this creative teaching approach, what left a deep impression on me was the “intergenerational ministry” that was demonstrated. Continue reading
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A Mind of Our Own vs The Mind of Christ
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 2 February 2025
“For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)
The Bible presented this profound rhetorical question: Who has understood the mind of the Lord? (1 Corinthians 2:16). This question underscores the truth that no one can fully comprehend the mind of God. His thoughts are higher than ours, and His ways are beyond human understanding (Isaiah 55:8-9). However, the Apostle Paul also introduced a remarkable reality: “But we have the mind of Christ.” Continue reading
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From Suffering to Glory
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 5 January 2025
Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. (Romans 5:3-5)
When I read Romans 5:3-5, I wonder how many of us perceive suffering in this positive light. For example, if I wanted to develop endurance, I could sign up to run a half or full marathon. If I sought to cultivate good character, I might strive to imitate Christ’s character and remain open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. As for hope, my salvation already assures me of eternal life. So why, then, must we go through suffering to attain endurance, character, and hope? Continue reading
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Being One in the Body of Christ
Written by Pastor Chan May Yee
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 1 December 2024
It is general knowledge that the basic elements for plant growth are light, air, and water. I once read an article about the ecology of trees in forests. It explained that when trees grow in dense forests, not every tree has access to sunlight or water. During their growth, the roots of the trees will naturally intertwine and grow together in the soil. As long as some trees can access light and water, the other trees that are connected to them can also continue to grow, demonstrating a communal and interdependent growth pattern among them.
This interconnected and unified ecological pattern of branches and roots prompted me to reflect on how the body of Christ fulfils the mission of Kingdom’s work through the roles that each member plays. Continue reading
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Give Thanks
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 3 November 2024
You would have heard of a popular saying, “The cup is half full or half empty.” It is a metaphor that is often used to reflect a person’s mindset and attitude towards life. Seeing the cup as “half full” suggests an optimistic perspective, focusing on what is present or what one has. However, seeing it as “half empty” suggests a more pessimistic view, focusing on what is missing or lacking. This concept highlights how two people can look at the same situation and interpret it very differently. It also encourages self-reflection: Do you tend to see life with gratitude for what’s available, or do you focus on what’s lacking? Continue reading
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Living Sacrifice
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 6 October 2024
“Are we prepared to live sacrificially?” It is not a popular notion because every sacrifice carries a cost. To be punctual for church service would mean having to sacrifice time for more sleep or to do personal things. To be faithful in tithing would mean having to sacrifice our bank balance or cut down on personal expenses. To serve and not to be served would mean having to sacrifice our pride and personal time. The list goes on. It is not that we do not sacrifice at all, but we tend to do it selectively, especially when our instinct is to gratify our own desires. When we live sacrificially, we put our trust in God. We believe by faith that God will make up for us whatever shortfalls we have as a result of our sacrifice…. Read letter in full
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“We Welcome You”
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 1 September 2024
Dear Friends, do you find the title “We Welcome You” familiar? I am sure you do because it is the message of our banner outside SAMS…
Continue Reading
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My Heartfelt Gratitude
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 4 August 2024
As a young adult, I began my Christian faith journey at Jurong Christian Centre (JCC). In 2000, JCC merged with Bukit Batok Christian Centre (BBCC) to form Westside Anglican Church (WAC). Our partnership with Jurong Anglican Church Mandarin (JACM) has been growing stronger for the past three years.
I was ordained three years ago, after going through part-time theological education for four years and ordination training for two years. I had mixed feelings about being the Priest-in-charge for both WAC and JACM. Perhaps the reason is that I knew most of the church members well, and was concerned that my status change would affect my relationships with them. Nonetheless, I submit to Bishop’s directive to provide stability to WAC and JACM until my next posting… Continue Reading
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True Freedom Is To Love and Serve One Another
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 7 July 2024
You have often heard that “it is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” What are we free from? We are free from the bondage of sin, free to approach God, free from the fear of death, and so on. Each of us has experienced different types of freedom, but some of these freedoms are open to abuse because of the fleshly desires that are still in us. So, what can we do to ensure that our fleshly desires are indeed crucified with Christ and that our freedom is used to accomplish God’s will?… Continue Reading
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I Will Do My Best For God
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 2 June 2024
I always remember the gentleman who was an usher at a church in Shanghai. Be it winter or summer, he would station himself at the front door, greeting the people with a big smile as they entered the Church. Likewise, after the church service, you would see him at the door again to bid everyone farewell. He was always dressed appropriately and smartly. I once approached him and thanked him for the excellent job, and his response was, “I will do my best for God.” That was his motivation to put in the best – he was doing for God and not for men…. Continue Reading
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My Greatest Enemy
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 5 May 2024
In our weekly church staff meeting, the first thing on the agenda is sharing the Word of God and reflection. At one of these devotion sessions, Pastor Gladys asked the question, “Who hindered you from obeying the truth?” (Galatians 5:7). As for me, the greatest enemy that hinders me from living out the truth is myself… Continue Reading
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The Love of Christ Compels Us
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 7 April 2024
A recent Pastors Conference has encouraged me and renewed my strength in pastoring the church. What had been explicitly spoken to me was a sharing based on 2 Corinthians 5:14.
Love is an invisible, powerful force that has enabled us to do things that surpass our understanding. The principal of SAMS, Mrs Wong, once shared with me a story about her friend who has two children with autism… Continue reading
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The Truth Will Set You Free
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 3 March 2024
There are many people, including Christians, whose lives are ruled by fear. You would have heard from your friends that their new house renovations are guided by fengshui. The fengshui teacher warned them about the consequences if nothing is done to mitigate the bad fengshui. As for others, it may be superstitions. A famous example is the number 4 because it sounds like death in Cantonese. Another one is to avoid taking pictures in threes because the one in the middle will die. Indeed, these people are not free because the decisions they make arise out of unfounded fear.
As believers in Christ, our lives are to be guided by the Word of God – the ‘Truth’ … Continue reading
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Understanding the Heart
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 4 February 2024
In our recent clergy retreat, Revd Edwin Tan shared about “Understanding Your Heart.” He started with the verse in Proverbs 27:19, “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects the man.” As I reflected after the sharing, the first part of the verse (As in water, face reflects face…) was literal and easy to understand. However, when I came to the part “…the heart of man reflects the man”, I struggled to find the connection between the heart and the man… Continue reading
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To Serve with Gratitude
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 31 December 2023
Dear Brothers and Sisters in-Christ of WAC and JACM, this is the last devotion for 2023. It is important that we hear from the Lord what He has to tell us.
God punished King David for taking the census by sending a pestilence on Israel. Many people were killed. David realized he had sinned and pleaded with God to withdraw His punishment on the people. Gad the prophet told David to build an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah so that the plague might be averted from the people. Araunah willingly offered David what he needed without cost, but David declined and said, “…I will buy it from you for a price. I will not offer burnt offerings to the LORD my God that cost me nothing…” Continue reading
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A Change of Heart
Written by Pastor Joann Lin
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 24 December 2023
This Sunday will be the last day of Advent. This whole season of Advent continually reminds us to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Jesus’ birth (Christmas) and for His second coming. How has your preparations been so far?
Mary was prepared by angel Gabriel for Jesus’ “first coming”. And in this recorded narrative, Mary was prepared by having a change of heart during her meeting with the angel… Continue reading
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Pause and Reflect
Written by Pastor Gladys Zhong
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 17 December 2023
Hello WAC family! As we approach the end of 2023, our lives are filled with various activities – some are gearing up for a holiday, others are busy with festive preparations or clearing year-end backlogs, and the list goes on.
In the midst of all this hustle and bustle, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your journey this year and the lessons you have learned. Find a quiet space for your heart and mind. Let’s pause and pray, asking the Lord to reveal key lessons from the past year. Take time to ponder the goodness, grace, and mercy of our loving God. I have prepared five reflection questions inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24… Continue reading
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Storm-tossed?
Written by Pastor Joann Lin
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 10 December 2023
We are now entering the second week of Advent – the period where we prepare ourselves to, (a) celebrate the time when Jesus first came to us, and (b) to look forward to His second coming.
How to prepare ourselves? John Piper suggested that we can:
1. Pursue Christ-likeness now
2. Ready yourself for suffering
3. Work faithfully for Christ
“Ready yourself for suffering” is a particularly significant reflection because we are reminded of the true nature of our era… Continue reading
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Year-End Reflections
Written by Pastor Michael Yeong
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 3 December 2023
In a matter of weeks, 2023 will come to a close! As we look back at the year that has passed, I wonder what comes to your mind. For some of us, reflecting on this year brings a smile to our faces as we recall with thankfulness God’s grace and comfort during the difficult moments, as well as His wisdom and strength to accomplish for His glory what He has laid upon our hearts. For some of us, 2023 was marked with a sense of regret as we remember missed opportunities, damaged relationships, or unaccomplished goals.
As I personally reflect on 2023, I ask the Lord for grace to be able to do 5 things before the year comes to an end… Continue reading
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The Presence of God
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 26 November 2023
In Exodus 33:3, God ordered Moses to move into the Promised Land, but He would not go with them. The people had earlier taken to idolatry with the golden calf while Moses was away meeting God at Mount Sinai. However, as we advance to verse 14, we read that God made a different decision and went with the people.
When I was meditating on Exodus 33, I found myself struggling to understand what it means to be in the presence of God. What’s more, the presence of God comes with a reward. The reward is “…and I will give you rest.” Who doesn’t want true rest? Continue reading
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What is Your RSVP?
Written by Ps Gladys Zhong
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 19 November 2023
In the Parable of the Great Banquet, a host prepared a banquet and sent out invitations to many guests. When the time for the banquet arrived, he sent his servant to inform the invited guests that it was ready. However, one by one, those who were invited began to make excuses. One person had bought a field and wanted to inspect it, another had purchased oxen and needed to test them, and another had recently married and couldn’t attend.
These excuses reflected their misplaced priorities and indifference to the invitation… Continue reading
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Ministry of Reconciliation
Written by Revd Kelvin Koo
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 12 November 2023
Praise the Lord, the ministry of reconciliation is a gift of God to everyone. The parable of the one lost sheep, the prodigal son, and the great banquet speaks about the reconciliation between God and man. God is the one who initiated the reconciliation by sacrificing His Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem our sins so that we are once again reconciled back to God… Continue reading
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Equally Yoked and Rested…
Written by Ps Joann Lin
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 5 November 2023
Very recently, I attended a chaplaincy thanksgiving gathering organised by the Anglican Preschool Services (APS). During one of the sharings, someone mentioned being thankful that we are so ‘equally yoked’, meaning to say that we are a group of people bearing the same burdens together – APS, the church, and centre leaders moving together in reaching out to bless the children, teachers, and families of all the childcares and kindergartens under APS. The cooperative missional spirit was evident during the session, and I gave thanks for it too.
That particular sharing caught my attention, because we seldom hear the words ‘equal’ and ‘yoke’ put together in a positive expression. We are familiar with the ‘unequally yoked’ expression in 2 Corinthians 6:14. Comparatively, ‘equally yoked’ sounds more positive, smooth, and affirming. It led me to reflect and meditate on being equally yoked with Jesus… Continue reading
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Take the Back Seat
Written by Ps Gladys Zhong
Posted on WAC Bulletin on 29 October 2023
Since young, I was taught that an adult or someone of seniority should always sit at the front passenger seat in a car. It appears to be an unspoken etiquette rule that I have grown up with when deciding where to sit in a car. This scenario draws a parallel to the parable of the Wedding Feast that Jesus taught in Luke 14: 7-11.
Jesus observed that people were striving to secure the best seats – ‘places of honour.’ Do we, too, find ourselves rushing to claim the front passenger seat, seeking comfort and recognition? Or do we consider the needs and preferences of others, willingly taking the ‘lowest place’ in the backseat? Of course I am not only talking about the choice of seats but also the choices we made in our daily lives. Are we pursuing recognition, honour, status, and validation, sometimes at the expense of neglecting the needs and feelings of others?
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