One MCS—ETAC Highlights

The opening procession

The attendees of the Methodist Women’s Conference from Malaysia and Singapore

Every year, the Emmanual Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC), under the co-ordination of the Worship & Music Board, gathers to celebrate God’s faithfulness to His Church and receive the vision, direction and plan for the coming year.

On 1 Feb 2020, 300 members of the eight ETAC churches came together to celebrate their Annual Thanksgiving Service at Tamil Methodist Church, Short Street. Each church presented a song of thanksgiving according to the theme and this year, it was “God’s Grace”.

The service commenced with church leaders, along with WSCS and MYF, carrying their respective banners as part of the procession led by the pastors of the Conference. Emmanuel Praise, the ensemble of ETAC’s musicians and singers, led the congregation in beautiful hymns and songs. Each church rendered their Tamil and Telugu songs in various styles—folk, classical and modern contemporary. At the end of the joyful service, the pastors and their spouses led the congregation in the Benediction song.

ETAC President, the Rev James Nagulan, addressed the congregation, inspiring them through the growth of the early Church from Acts 2. He also shared statistics of churches’ growth, and elaborated on the new plans and strategies of the Conference in the year ahead. He explained that though the road ahead could seem daunting and uncomfortable, a paradigm shift in our thinking was necessary in today’s society. Many were motivated and reassured of the potential growth in ETAC, realising the significance of their roles and responding enthusiastically.

The Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC), Singapore, and Tamil Annual Conference, Malaysia, jointly organised the first ever Methodist Women’s Conference from 7 to 9 Feb 2020. The theme of the conference, “Together We Serve”, provided a platform for leaders from both countries to learn from each other on the ministry opportunities and challenges, as well as to network and foster friendship. ETAC WSCS, Singapore, hosted and welcomed the 14 delegates from Malaysia. A total of 160 delegates and guests from all our ETAC Churches attended the conference.

Our Malaysian delegates were thrilled to visit The Methodist Church in Singapore (MCS) at Barker Road as the first stop. They were warmly welcomed by our Bishop Dr Chong Chin Chung.

The opening service was held at Tamil Methodist Church (TMC), Short Street. ETAC President, the Rev James Nagulan, and his wife, Kalaimathi, warmly welcomed the delegates. In his message, the Rev James Nagulan encouraged the women to serve together in the Lord’s vineyard.

The opening service was followed by a sumptuous dinner and country sharing by both presidents—Mrs Kalaimathi Nagulan and Mrs Kany Jayabal.

The two days were scheduled with a mix of worship, theme talks, meetings, a forum and fellowship. The women were also able to make some time for sightseeing at Gardens by the Bay and shopping at Little India.

The conference ended with TMC Short Street WSCS hosting a farewell luncheon. We praise God for the meaningful time of learning and fellowship.