Chinese New Year is one of the most anticipated occasions for families in Singapore.

Three churches tell Salt&Light how, in spite of restrictions this year, they are taking the opportunity to share blessings this festive season.

Worshipping with our spiritual family: Bukit Batok Presbyterian Church

The festive season should not just be spent with our biological families, but is also an occasion to get together with our spiritual family, says Reverend Chang Chian Hui, Senior Minister of Bukit Batok Presbyterian Church.  

“God not only gave us our biological family, but he also gifted us with our spiritual family, with whom we can come together to worship and honour God.”

In fact, on all occasions “whether it is Chinese New Year or Christmas, worship is life. And because life is centred on God, we worship Him at all times, and especially during Chinese New Year when we want to give Him the first place” says Rev Chang.

“We need to be intentional to come together to thank God for His grace, and seek God’s blessings for the new year.”

Worshippers at Bukit Batok Presbyterian Church celebrate the festive occasion every year with a Chinese New Year themed service, complete with New Year songs and a sermon for the season. Members receive specially designed red packets with Scripture verses to use, as a testimony of their faith.

The church also takes the celebration to the neighbourhood, handing out goodie bags and a welcoming flyer introducing the church and its activities.

English services will be held at 9am and 10.30am on Sunday, Feb 14, and the Indonesian service will be held at 9am. Chinese services will be at Providence Presbyterian Church Bukit Batok at 8.30am, 10am and 11.30am. Photo courtesy of Reverend Chang.

These church traditions are continuing this year, as well as Chinese New Year services held on the third day (Feb 14). The services will be both in-person and on-site, in order to accommodate all church members and visitors.

“We can demonstrate to loved ones how Christians honour God during festive seasons,” says Rev Chang.

Blessing others in this season, such as those who do not have friends, or who live by themselves, like the elderly, is particularly important, he adds.

Make the intentional effort to encourage others and to pray, not just for blessings, but that God would allow us to speak about His grace when we go visiting.

Although this Chinese New Year is unusual, it is still a great opportunity to share God’s love and grace with those we meet, says Rev Chang. The pandemic is a natural conversation starter that can lead to deeper topics.

“Ask if you can pray for your friends and relatives. Most people welcome that.”

Offering blessings of healing and friendship: Trinity Christian Centre

At Trinity Christian Centre, Chinese New Year services this year will see the whole family attending combined services, with Mandarin translation included.

This is in contrast to other years, when the congregation was split into different language services and by age groups.

The change will allow families to be together, before they leave for visitations that day.

“Chinese New Year is a time we visit family and friends. Shouldn’t we honour God first, before we carry His blessings and presence as we visit friends and family?” said Pastor Janice Chng, director of corporate communications.

Added Diana Lim, deputy director of corporate communications: “It’s also a good way to start the conversation with relatives: ‘I just came from church, and I heard such a good word from the pastor.'” 

This year, Rev Danny Leong will be preaching a Chinese New Year sermon entitled: Walking in God’s Blessings.

“Chinese New Year is not just a cultural celebration, but a way through which believers can carry the blessings of God to others. It is an occasion that the congregation can tap upon to bring blessings of healing, provision and presence,” said Ps Chng.

“We meet our relatives once a year, and it’s a good opportunity to mend relationships that are broken or strained.

“Also, many people have ailments, whether mental or physical, and anxiety, among other challenges. Chinese New Year is a good opportunity to bring the blessings of healing.”

This year’s new red packet designs by Trinity Christian Centre.

Another form of blessing Christians can bring is that of provision, particularly to those who have lost their jobs, or are in financial need. Trinity’s Life Fund supports those who are facing difficult financial challenges brought about by Covid-19.

“Other than blessing people with traditional blessings, go beyond the superficial relationship and listen to people,” suggests Ps Chng. “They may have the need for a friend, for strength, for wisdom. In listening to them, we hear the felt need. Whether it is healing, or provision, or something else.”

Besides listening, Lim says that we can share about what God has done for us.

“Sometimes people may not want to share so soon, but you can share. We all went through the Circuit Breaker. You could talk about how God helped you. Rather than lamenting, we can be bold to share our testimony, whether it is financially, like how God gave us hope, or maybe how God was our strength.

“By sharing, you encourage the other person to open up as well.”

Add Ps Chng: “The greatest need of everyone is Jesus, though they may not know it.” How about bringing to our loved ones the blessing of God’s presence by inviting them to church?

Welcoming those far from home: Faith Methodist Church

Do you know of people who may be unable to return to their home country to be with their families this year?

For these friends, Faith Methodist Church has rolled out “Home away from Home Festive Cheers” from February 11 to 26.

“This year, we’ll be having CNY celebrations in the ‘new normal’,” says Jocelyn Choo, a pastoral staff in the witness & evangelism ministry of the church. “There are people who, for the first time, are far away from their families in an foreign land. 

“We want them to know that, even if they are away from home, there is another home, a spiritual home.

“As a body of Christ, we can help them feel home away from home. And just as they may be longing to be reunited with their family but are unable to do so, God is waiting for them and missing them.”

Home Away from Home involves three parts: Firstly, bringing invitees out for a meal; secondly, organising a watch party, or physically attending the church’s Mandarin Evangelical Service on 14 February, 10.15am, together; and thirdly, taking them out over the Chinese New Year period for a time of interactive fun.

Resources like Christian versions of Chinese New Year songs and Gospel tracts are provided by the church.

“This is a small initiative to encourage those who are far away from home, to let them know that we are here for them. It is a little gesture to show we love them, that they are not alone in this alien country.”

Choo, who is Malaysian, points out that there are many Malaysians who used to commute daily to Singapore, but are now unable to do so because of Covid restrictions. As a result they are staying put in Singapore.

They cannot reunite with their families this year, and might spend the New Year in their bedrooms if no one reaches out to them.

“Many of us Malaysians usually celebrate Chinese New Year with our families for about 10 days. This year, it will only be one or two days for those of us who are unable to return home. 

“Asking them out for a meal is a small gesture on our part, but it is like telling them that they will be loved in this land, and that church is a place they can find love, hope and truth.”

As with any festive period, Chinese New Year is an opportunity to reach out to those who have yet to know God, she says.

“Don’t be afraid about offending family and friends when sharing your faith. Instead of saying gong xi fa cai, you can say things like ‘God bless you’, ‘God prosper you’, or some variation. People usually will not reject these blessings. After all, Chinese New Year is a season of blessings.”

As someone who works in church, Choo has had many opportunities to share about what she does. She is not afraid to have spiritual conversations, even when people may be critical.

When others challenge the faith, Choo feels it is best not to be defensive, but to be calm and to smile.

“I am from a non-Christian background, and I know that there are many misunderstandings regarding the faith,” she says. “It is our role to help others understand. Once they understand, they will no longer be against you.”

But more than words, Choo reminds that we are Christ’s ambassadors through our actions. If we say God is love, we have to demonstrate it through our lives.

Christine Cheah, chairperson of the witness & evangelism ministry, adds: “It is not easy to share the Gospel when we go visiting because we typically only meet these relatives once a year. If we really want to share God’s love, we need to have a strong relationship with the other person. Keep in contact with them – perseverance is very important.”

Cheah suggests offering prayers and support.

“While Covid has many restrictions, we are not prevented from doing good. Hopefully through these small actions we can touch the other person, and show that this love does not originate from us, but from God.”

MORE CHINESE NEW YEAR STORIES:

What if parents use ang baos and reunion dinner to share about God?

How churches are celebrating CNY in this unusual year

On call: Taxi drivers’ simple faith drives a profound impact