Dwell in Unity - LCS Retreat in Batam - Jurong Christian Church

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Jurong Christian Church (JCC) is more than just a single congregation. We are part of a larger family, the Lutheran Church in Singapore (LCS), which includes five other congregations ‒ Bedok Lutheran Church, Queenstown Lutheran Church, Yishun Christian Church (Lutheran), Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer and Thai Good News Centre.

Last month, this LCS family had a fantastic opportunity to come together for a combined retreat in Batam from June 14th to 17th, 2024. It was a long-awaited event, the first of its kind in 18 years! Over 300 enthusiastic LCS members, including 102 from both the English and Chinese sections of JCC, gathered for a time of spiritual renewal and fellowship.

The theme of the retreat, “Dwell in Unity,” resonated throughout the program. Bishop Lu Guan Ho expressed his gratitude to God in his welcoming message for this “rare opportunity” to reunite. He cited Psalm 133 and the Apostle Paul’s words in Ephesians 4:2-3 to emphasize the importance of unity. The Bishop envisioned the retreat as a chance to build each other up, strengthen faith, and share the Gospel message as a united LCS family.

Highlights of the Retreat

Inspiring talks by Rev. Dr. Wilfred J Samuel (English) and Rev. Aaron Yap, (Mandarin), explored the theme of unity and its significance in our Christian lives. Rev. Dr. Wilfred J Samuel is the ordained pastor of Evangelical Lutheran Church Malaysia and Director of Lutheran Study Centre. Dr Yap is former bishop of the Lutheran Church in Malaysia.
Engaging games, energizing activities, and group discussions fostered laughter, fellowship, and a deeper understanding of one another.
A Combined Worship Service with Holy Communion was held on 16^th June. The offering collected during this service supported a local theological school known for its commitment to integrating social ministry into its training programs, equipping future church workers to serve the community.
The retreat culminated in a grand gala dinner that doubled as a joyous Parents’ Day celebration, truly embodying the spirit of community.

A Retreat for the Entire LCS Family

While some members couldn’t make it to Batam, the message of unity wasn’t out of reach. The thoughtful retreat committee ensured that the core message – “Dwell in Unity” – was shared with all LCS members at their Sunday worship services in Singapore on 16^th June through the same sermon delivered by the retreat speakers in Batam.

A Heartfelt Thank You

A big thank you goes to the dedicated organizing committee who tirelessly managed the logistics of this large-scale event. Their hard work and dedication ensured a smooth and enriching retreat experience for everyone. We are also grateful to God for enabling this wonderful gathering and allowing us to strengthen our bonds as the LCS family.