I was glad to be able to facilitate a day retreat with the Yishun Christian Church (Anglican) worship ministry. It was held on a Saturday at the church sanctuary of the Tamil congregation. There were twenty-plus participants. It was from 9.30AM to 4PM. We had four sessions in all, with lunch in the middle and short breaks between sessions in the morning and in the afternoon.

There was a fair bit of tiredness, but also an openness and generosity. They were sacrificing their Saturday to seek God and allow Him to love them. We did not focus on skills development but on introducing key insights and contemplative practices. We focused on BEING rather than DOING. Here are some of the topics:

SPIRITUAL CHECK: “SEARCH ME, O GOD”- To replace performance with presence, we need to talk honestly about ourselves before we talk about worship.

IDENTITY: “WORSHIPPER FIRST”- How we think about ourselves affects how we serve.

ABIDING: “RECEIVING BEFORE RELEASING” – You cannot give what you have not received.

SUSTAINABILITY: “LISTENING CIRCLES” – Listening for God in one another. Create a safe space for deep conversations and spiritual community.

ONE TAKE-AWAY: one insight, and one practice.

There was a lot of time for quiet reflection, journaling, silent waiting on God, sharing and prayer for one another in small groups, learning to listen attentively.

I knew the Lord was present because, as I waited, while they reflected individually or shared in groups, the Lord was inspiring me with truths and insights to share that were not in my notes. That was a lovely experience for me. I believe those were words in season.

I was glad to meet with Ps Japheth and his wife Bev (a beloved leader from my home church) and Dani (the Vicar’s wife), a dynamic worship leader, whom I got to know when I preached at their church camp in 2015. These are wonderful and effective leaders, God’s gifts to the church, and I pray they will not be taken for granted, but deeply appreciated.

I was getting tired by 3PM and was praying for God to strengthen me over the line. He is faithful. He never fails me. I surrendered my five loaves and two fish to the Lord. He took them, gave thanks, and gave them out. Everyone went home filled. Although I was tired, it was a satisfying day retreat, and I was so glad to be used by the Lord to bless their worship ministry.