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The times they are a-changing…
For a very long time (too long, some would say!), since its inception aeons ago, the BRMC Seniors Fellowship (SF) was simply about Bible study, which was held on the first and third Sundays of every month. A grand total of about six committed individuals would attend faithfully – and that was about all there was to it.
Then about a year or so ago, the winds of change blew forcefully into the SF. It brought a number of younger enthusiastic members into the group… and a transformation was under way. Cobwebs were swept away, and new programmes and activities were introduced. For the first time ever, SF members took part in a concert – BRMC’s Parables of Jesus last December – and sang and danced into the hearts of all who were present that enchanted evening.
Then, monthly social gatherings were held on Saturday afternoons when members imbibed spiritual food, sang songs of praise to our Creator and Redeemer, gave voice to melodies of old, moved their still-nimble feet while line dancing, sat down to board games, and partook of food for the body. And the numbers grew… and continue to grow, by God’s grace. Attendance now varies from 45 to 55.
As the group blossomed, and more not-so-senior seniors made their presence felt, the SF committee decided it was time to rename the group BRMC Glowing Years Ministry – to play down the staid ‘seniors’ image and emphasize a group that is bright-eyed and bushy tailed. This was done officially on Nov 8 this year.
Now the GYM committee hopes to be able to hold the Saturday gatherings twice a month, perhaps from the coming year, as members have expressed a wish to meet more frequently. It also hopes to have Bible-study sessions every Sunday instead of just twice a month. Both of these, of course, depend on whether rooms can be made available for the group’s use.
‘Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching.’ (Heb. 10: 22-25)
Mrs Sheila Dharmaratnam, Lay Ministry Staff, BRMC Glowing Years Ministry
Celebrating the birthdays of some GYM members
GYM Bible study on a Sunday morning
Fellowship around makan during a Saturday GYM gathering
Full turnout for an excursion to an organic wheatgrass farm
Sheila sharing on the theme, ‘I am the vine and you are the branches…’
GYM chairman Chan Kai Yau giving thanks for the food at a social meeting
David Wong (centre, seated) plans excursions for members
Mr Ong Kah Bee (treasurer) and Mrs Ong waiting for members to arrive at a monthly meeting
enjoying sumptuous home-cooked food at Susan Tong’s home
Singing songs of praise at a monthly gathering
Popular oldies put these members in the mood for some dancing
Pianist Yvonne Tan and song leader Joyce Patel (in red blouse) get members to open up their vocal chords
Dolly Chooi (right) helps in leading the singing of popular oldies
Kathryn Ooi (centre) showing the way in line dancing
For those less inclined to dance, board games are just the thing
GYM’s pastor-in-charge Rev David Wee sharing thoughts with treasurer Ong Kah Bee
Quadriplegics Thomas Chua (left) and Eddie Leow, two of the younger GYM members
Celebrating the birthdays of some GYM members
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