[Introduction message by Bp Anthony Loh, VP NCCS]
An Invitation to Prayer and Reflection. As we prepare for the season of Lent, beginning on Ash Wednesday (18 Feb), let us come to pray together as God’s children. The theme of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2026 is One Body and One Spirit just as you are called to One Hope of your calling. (Ephesians 4:4) 只有一个身体和一个圣神，正如你们蒙召同有一个希望一样。(以弗所书 4:4)
The four prayer services include one in Mandarin for the first time, will be held at the following venues. No registration is required.
- Bible House (Mon, 19 Jan @ 12pm)
- Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator (Wed, 21 Jan @ 8pm)
- Blessed Sacrament Church (Thur, 22 Jan @ 8pm)
- Queenstown Lutheran Church (Fri, 23 Jan @ 8pm) – Mandarin service
You are also invited to a Heritage Gallery Tour of the Armenian Apostolic Church of St Gregory the Illuminator on 21 Jan @ 7.15pm prior to the service. Please register for this tour. For more information, see LINK
Visitors from the Institute of Religious Studies of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences (SASS)were welcomed by NCCS on 23 December. The SASS is a leading think-tank and China’s oldest institution for the humanities and social sciences. It is the largest academic institution of its kind in China outside of Beijing. Our guests are researchers in the fields of religion, history, philosophy, and law:
- 晏可佳, 研究员 Professor Yan Kejia, Researcher
- 佘凌, 副所长/副研究员 Dr. She Lin, Deputy Director/Associate Researcher
- 石丽, 副研究员 Dr. Shi Li, Associate Researcher
- 赵博阳, 助理研究员 Dr. Zhao Boyang, Assistant Researcher
- 李强, 助理研究员 Dr. Li Qiang, Assistant Researcher
They were all warmly received by NCCS President Bishop Philip Lim, Vice-President Archbishop Dr Titus Chung and Associate General Secretaries Rev Edwin Tan and Rev Dr Chiang Ming Shun. Our visitors learned about the Council’s history, mission and role in fostering unity and cooperation among member churches in Singapore. Professor Yan Kejia responded by sharing a brief insight to the scope and academic focus of the SASS Institute of Religious Studies.
This was followed by an open discussion on contemporary religious and social issues pertinent to both societies. Topics included the challenge of deviant cults, the global concern of religiously-motivated violence, and the evolving societal discourse on homosexuality. Recognising that Shanghai and Singapore are both cosmopolitan cities facing similar modern complexities, the dialogue proved particularly fruitful. Participants explored parallels in their respective contexts and shared perspectives on potential pathways forward, acknowledging the value of such cross-cultural exchange.
Our guests also visited the Armenian Apostolic Church, the oldest surviving Christian church building in Singapore before being hosted to fellowship lunch which included Dr Bernard Low of the United Bible Societies who coordinated the visit. PHOTOS
Play “越风雨，见证辽阔” (“The Unsent…”). The Chinese Work Committee of the NCCS founder denominations is organizing a play performance at Capitol on 17 and 18 April. This play tells the true story of a Christian, who overcomes a painful past to help prison inmates, only to discover her own father was among them, ultimately finding strength in faith and family. It is a testament that through life’s storms, love guides one to witness immense hope and healing. More information at this LINK
Notice Board. NCCS would like to share with you the following upcoming events and other matters that may be of interest to members and friends (details are found in the relevant links):
NCCS Church Online Directory. We are pleased to announce that the Church Online Directory now has a fresh new look with smarter features:
- Map feature – Locate churches and Christian organisations with ease
- Service times – Find out when and where to worship
- Smart filters – Search by denomination, language, or service timing
Churches are encouraged to update their church information in the directory by clicking “login” with email address. See Directory Link
An invitation to the Alpha Partners’ Dinner. On 12 March 2026, Alpha Singapore will gather under the theme “Thriving On New Ground” to celebrate what God has done through Alpha and the lives touched across churches, workplaces, families, and communities. This dinner is a time to give thanks, deepen relationships, and align hearts around the mission ahead. Alpha Singapore invites churches and friends to see how their prayers, generosity, and partnership are creating safe spaces for people to explore faith and encounter Jesus. More information at this LINK
D6 Family Conference 2026. Bible Society of Singapore invites churches to join in for a two-day conference which will be held from 24—25 July 2026 (Friday and Saturday). Rooted in Deuteronomy 6, this conference seeks to raise generations who love the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength.
The theme for the 2026 conference is Foundations, highlighting the vital role of Christ-centred marriages in building a firm foundation for generational discipleship. The conference will feature keynote speaker Brad Rhoads, co-founder of Grace Marriage, together with a distinguished lineup of local speakers who will share biblical wisdom and practical guidance for individuals in every season of life. More information at this LINK
Ministry of Home Affairs reminds churches and religious organisations to update changes within their governing body and/or changes to its Constitution, Memorandums, Articles of Association, Trust Deeds, or other equivalent instruments which directly/indirectly affect the religious group’s size or composition (or both) of its governing body. To make changes login to this LINK.
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