Wesley Podcast

DIS Conversations: A Fulfilling Journey - Faith, Ageing, and Purpose

What does it mean to grow old with grace, purpose, and joy? In this second episode of DIS Conversation, we explore the beauty and depth of life’s later seasons. Pastor Ray sits down with Geok Cheng, and Alvin— two individuals whose lives reflect what it truly means to age with purpose, faith, and joy. Listen in as they share heartfelt stories of grandparenting, ministry, health challenges, and spiritual growth in their senior years. From singing Sunday School songs with grandchildren to leading church-wide events after retirement, their journeys are rich with wisdom, vulnerability, and faith. 💬 “Don’t write off the seniors—we haven’t reached our expiry date!”💬 “Ministry is not just programmes—it’s presence, listening, and love.” Whether you're a senior, caring for one, or simply want to understand how to finish life’s race well, this episode will inspire and challenge you. So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and join us as we discover how ageing can be not just endured—but embraced—as a deeply fulfilling journey. ******* DIS Conversation is an insightful podcast by Wesley Methodist Church that explores real-life societal issues through the lens of Christian discipleship. With heartfelt conversations and practical reflections, each episode encourages believers to live out their faith with compassion and purpose—bringing Christ’s love into everyday spaces and serving His purpose in the world. About Our Guest Koh Geok Cheng is married to Henry Tan. They have 2 married adult sons and are grandparents to a 4½ months old grandson. Geok Cheng was an accountant and retired 25 years ago to be homemaker to raise her sons. She has served in the Parents Support Group in her sons’ schools, and in various ministries in church including Family Life, Small Group Ministry, Missions and WSCS. Currently she serves as a worship leader in the Traditional service and as Chairperson of Glowing Years Ministry (GYM). Alvin Tay retired as a newspaper editor in 2018 and now spends his time in church ministry and a charity he co-founded. Alvin is the Chairperson of the Local Church Executive Committee (LCEC). He and his wife, Wendy Tan, are known among their circle of friends in church as the A&W couple. A&W enjoy baby-sitting their first grandson, Micah. They have two sons, Daryl and Keefe, who are married to Gina and Charlotte, respectively. About Pastor Ray: Rev Raymond Fong, known in the church community as Pastor Ray, is the Pastor-in-Charge of ⁠⁠Wesley Methodist Church⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/].

DIS Conversations: Loneliness

Wesley Podcast introduces a new podcast series, “DIS Conversation”, to talk about issues in society today. This is in line with Wesley Methodist Church’s Directions 2025, Discipleship in Society [https://wesleymc.org/dir2025]. In this first episode on “Loneliness", Pastor Ray and Ms Charmaine Lim explore the profound impact of loneliness on singles and the broader community. Charmaine shares her struggles with loneliness and finding unexpected blessings and a richer life through singleness. Inspired by Henri Nouwen's writings, she discusses transforming loneliness into solitude and finding communion with God. They highlight the importance of community and practical steps the church can take to support those feeling isolated. Charmaine addresses the challenges singles face, including unhelpful comments and misconceptions, and shares positive experiences of being included in families' lives. The conversation also touches on the stigma of loneliness, the reality of marital loneliness, and the need for authentic connections beyond social media.  Tune in to this call to action for the church to foster a more supportive and inclusive community where everyone, including singles, can find companionship and spiritual growth. ******* Join Charmaine as she prepares for an upcoming women-only talk on loneliness, organised by Wesley WSCS. For more information on “Finding Christ & Community through Seasons of Loneliness”, visit this page: https://wesley.sg/findingchristncomm-event [https://wesley.sg/findingchristncomm-event] About Our Guest Charmaine is currently an in-house legal counsel in a bank. She is a member of Wesley Methodist Church and is serving in the Small Group Ministry, as an usher in TSS, and a facilitator for Companions in Christ. She is also passionate about Christian Spirituality and exploring what fruitful Christian singlehood looks like. She loves spending time with her family, especially her lovely niece and nephew, and her wonderful godchildren. About Wesley Women’s Society of Christian Service (WSCS): Visit this page for more info: https://wesley.sg/about-wscs [https://wesley.sg/about-wscs] About Pastor Ray: Rev Raymond Fong, known in the church community as Pastor Ray, is the Pastor-in-Charge of ⁠Wesley Methodist Church⁠ [https://wesleymc.org].

Lectio Divina 7: Death and Resurrection of Jesus | John 20:1-31

LENT 2025 Devotional⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/images/lent2025/Lent-Booklet-2025.pdf] ⁠⁠Lectio Divina 7 | Seven Signs In John⁠⁠ [https://tidings.wesleymc.org/bible-reading-drive/19-april-2025/] Death and Resurrection of Jesus ( John 20:1-31) [https://tidings.wesleymc.org/bible-reading-drive/19-april-2025/] 19 April 2025 Facilitator:  Ms Liana Seah Chairperson BeTween Ministry ⁠⁠Wesley Methodist Church⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/] This is an audio guide in a time of sacred reading, "Lectio Divina", as we read and reflect on Scripture, and more importantly, respond to what God may be saying to us.  Find a quiet space and quieten your heart before you begin. Sit comfortably, both feet on the ground. Have your ⁠Lent Devotional ⁠ [https://wesley.sg/lentdevotional2025]or journal and pen ready for you to jot down your thoughts and reflections.  _________________________ Lectio Divina, which means sacred or holy reading, is an ancient practice of Christian meditation. It has four basic movements: lectio (reading), meditatio (reflecting), oratio (responding to God), and contemplatio (receiving and resting in God).  Or simply the 4Rs – Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest. Over the seven Saturdays during this Season of Lent, church leaders of ⁠⁠Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/], will take turns to guide you through a session of lectio divina, adapting from one of the exercises in the Companions in Christ spiritual formation course. To find out more about Lent 2025, click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/lent2025]. For more information on Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore, visit this ⁠⁠link⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/].

Lectio Divina 6: Raising Of Lazarus | John 11:1-45

LENT 2025 Devotional⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/images/lent2025/Lent-Booklet-2025.pdf] ⁠⁠Lectio Divina 6 | Seven Signs In John⁠⁠ [https://tidings.wesleymc.org/bible-reading-drive/12-april-2025/] Raising Of Lazarus (John 9:1-16) [https://tidings.wesleymc.org/bible-reading-drive/12-april-2025/] 12 April 2025 Facilitator:  Ms Wendy Tan Companions in Christ Volunteer Discipleship & Nurture ⁠⁠Wesley Methodist Church⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/] This is an audio guide in a time of sacred reading, "Lectio Divina", as we read and reflect on Scripture, and more importantly, respond to what God may be saying to us.  Find a quiet space and quieten your heart before you begin. Sit comfortably, both feet on the ground. Have your ⁠Lent Devotional ⁠ [https://wesley.sg/lentdevotional2025]or journal and pen ready for you to jot down your thoughts and reflections.  _________________________ Lectio Divina, which means sacred or holy reading, is an ancient practice of Christian meditation. It has four basic movements: lectio (reading), meditatio (reflecting), oratio (responding to God), and contemplatio (receiving and resting in God).  Or simply the 4Rs – Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest. Over the seven Saturdays during this Season of Lent, church leaders of ⁠⁠Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/], will take turns to guide you through a session of lectio divina, adapting from one of the exercises in the Companions in Christ spiritual formation course. To find out more about Lent 2025, click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/lent2025]. For more information on Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore, visit this ⁠⁠link⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/].

Lectio Divina 5: Healing The Blind Man On The Sabbath | John 9:1-16

LENT 2025 Devotional⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/images/lent2025/Lent-Booklet-2025.pdf] ⁠⁠Lectio Divina 5 | Seven Signs In John⁠⁠ [https://tidings.wesleymc.org/bible-reading-drive/5-april-2025/] Healing The Blind Man On The Sabbath (John 9:1-16) [https://tidings.wesleymc.org/bible-reading-drive/5-april-2025/] 5 April 2025 Facilitator:  Mr Kevyn Lai Pastoral Team Member Organisational Learning and Development Ministry ⁠⁠Wesley Methodist Church⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/] This is an audio guide in a time of sacred reading, "Lectio Divina", as we read and reflect on Scripture, and more importantly, respond to what God may be saying to us.  Find a quiet space and quieten your heart before you begin. Sit comfortably, both feet on the ground. Have your ⁠Lent Devotional ⁠ [https://wesley.sg/lentdevotional2025]or journal and pen ready for you to jot down your thoughts and reflections.  _________________________ Lectio Divina, which means sacred or holy reading, is an ancient practice of Christian meditation. It has four basic movements: lectio (reading), meditatio (reflecting), oratio (responding to God), and contemplatio (receiving and resting in God).  Or simply the 4Rs – Read, Reflect, Respond, Rest. Over the seven Saturdays during this Season of Lent, church leaders of ⁠⁠Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/], will take turns to guide you through a session of lectio divina, adapting from one of the exercises in the Companions in Christ spiritual formation course. To find out more about Lent 2025, click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/lent2025]. For more information on Wesley Methodist Church, Singapore, visit this ⁠⁠link⁠⁠ [https://wesleymc.org/].