The City
Annual Report 2025
Lead Pastor’s Address
Dear Church Family,
As I reflect on this past year, I keep returning to Jesus words in John 15:
“Apart from me, you can do nothing.”
These words are both humbling and liberating.
Humbling because they remind us that no amount of strategy, effort, gifting, activity, or planning can produce the life that only God can give. Liberating because they remind us that the future of the church does not ultimately rest on our shoulders. Christ builds His church. Our invitation is simply to remain close to Him.
In many ways, this past year has been another invitation into that posture of dependence. As I look back, my heart is filled with gratitude for what God has done among us.
We have seen new people walk through our doors and find friendship, belonging, and faith. We have watched community deepen as people opened their homes, shared meals, prayed for one another, and carried burdens together. We have seen people take meaningful steps in discipleship, serve sacrificially, discover new areas of calling, and continue saying yes to the ordinary rhythms that slowly shape a life with God.
And perhaps that is worth pausing to reflect on.
We often look for God in the dramatic and visible moments, yet much of His work happens slowly and quietly. It happens in conversations after service, around dinner tables, in prayer meetings, in LifeGroups, in moments of repentance, in unseen acts of generosity, and in the decision to keep following Jesus one ordinary day at a time.
One especially meaningful moment this year was the appointment of two homegrown pastors from within our own community. Moments like these matter not simply because new leaders emerge, but because they remind us that discipleship takes time. Spiritual formation rarely happens quickly. Most often, it unfolds quietly and beneath the surface long before it becomes visible.
To see leaders raised from within the life of our church is a reminder that God remains faithful to build His people through ordinary acts of obedience repeated over many years. It reminds us that discipleship works. That patient investment matters. That what God plants, He intends to grow.
At the same time, every year reminds us that church life is never simply a collection of victories and milestones. Many in our community have walked through difficult seasons this year. There has been grief, illness, disappointment, waiting, transition, unanswered questions, and moments where faith felt costly. There have been seasons where joy and sorrow sat side by side.
Yet, one of the gifts of being the church is being reminded again and again that we were never meant to carry these things alone. Some of the clearest places we encountered God this year were not in moments of strength, but in moments where people stayed present with one another through weakness. We encountered Him in meals delivered, prayers offered, tears shared, practical help extended, and the quiet faithfulness of people who chose to keep showing up for one another.
Perhaps one of the lessons God continues to teach us is that faithfulness often looks less spectacular than we imagine. More often than not, it looks like abiding.
As we look toward the year ahead, our hope is not simply that we would do more, but that we would go deeper.
Deeper in discipleship. Deeper in prayer. Deeper in community. Deeper in mission.
We remain convinced that our calling as a church is to help people be with Jesus, become like Jesus, and do the works of Jesus in our city.
This means continuing to invest in formation rather than mere information, relationships rather than transactions, and presence rather than performance. It means raising leaders, strengthening families, building community across generations, expanding our missional imagination, serving our city with courage and compassion, and creating spaces where people encounter the living God.
Our prayer is not simply that our church would grow larger, but that we would grow deeper. That we would become a people marked by love, holiness, hospitality, courage, generosity, and the presence of God.
To every volunteer, leader, staff member, giver, and member of our church family: thank you.
Thank you for your faithfulness, much of which will never appear in reports or statistics. Thank you for your generosity, your prayers, your patience, and your willingness to keep building together. Thank you for serving when no one noticed, praying when nobody asked, giving sacrificially, welcoming newcomers, discipling others, and helping carry the life of this church.
Most of all, thank you for believing that God is still at work among ordinary people.
The story of the church has never finally depended on human strength, giftedness, or strategy. It has always depended on the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, who promised that He would build His church.
And because that promise remains true, we step into the next season with gratitude, expectancy, and hope.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Andre Tan
Next-Gen Ministries
GROWING OAKS KIDS
“They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor.”
Isaiah 61:3
Our Vision: From Acorns to Oaks
Back in 2020, God placed a vision on my heart for the children of our church rooted in Isaiah 61:3. Though they may seem small and delicate now, like tiny acorns, through our love, our prayers, and the power of the Holy Spirit, they are growing. Rooted in Christ, they are becoming oaks of righteousness: strong, steadfast, and living to glorify God.
Out of this vision, God gave us a new name for the ministry: GO Kids — Growing Oaks Kids. This new season marks a renewal and realignment, not just for the ministry, but for family discipleship as a whole. I believe God is raising up a generation of children who will flourish, stand firm in Him, and glorify His name.
The name carries a prophetic purpose and imagery. It builds on the “growing” theme from our past, pointing us forward — from strength to strength and glory to glory. And this growth is not only for the kids. It is an invitation for all of us to grow deeper in Christ together.
What GO Means for Us
• GO Kids — Our children’s ministry
• GO Fam — Our church families
• GO Team — Our volunteers
As Jesus welcomed the little children, so must we. Let us love them, pray for them, and grow them — from acorns to oaks — for His glory.
———— Phoebe Wu, Children’s Pastor
LEGACY YOUTH MINISTRY
2025 was a year of transition for our youth ministry. We recognised that pre-teens (ages 12–13) are at a particularly formative stage, growing in independence not just as individuals, but in owning their faith. More than a programme shift, the move from Sunday School into youth ministry marks a step toward becoming committed believers. With the support of passionate parents and selfless leaders, we piloted and launched the GROOTs (Growing Roots) Class — a space for pre-teens to explore their faith in a genuine way alongside experienced guides as they step into their teenage years.
We also relocated our youth gatherings from 66 Kampong Bugis to Pico Creative Centre. This move has given our youths greater ownership of their space. One where they encounter God, build community, and invite friends to know Jesus. It also sparked a new initiative within the main worship ministry to start a mentoring programme to champion youths in their musical gifts, equipping them to lead and serve their peers at Saturday gatherings.
By God’s sovereign grace, we saw growth in the ministry, including youths from more challenged backgrounds come into the fold. This season has stretched our youths who grew up in church to love across differences in background and struggle. I am endlessly proud of the amazing youth leaders who have pastored our youth through this season of growth, the social service practitioners in our midst who advised and equipped us in helping youths-at-risk, and the mentors and pastors who stepped into the mix to show love and care to these youths who are lavishly loved by our Heavenly Father.
As we step into 2026, we do so with a greater clarity of the task before us to disciple the youths of The City to be young people who love God’s presence, are formed through deep relationships, and carry the compassionate heart of Jesus to their friends. May our young ones start living lives of consequence and radical obedience to our Lord now.
———— Timothy Seow, Youth Director
The Life Of A Disciple
The Life of a Disciple sermon series was a key focus for our church this year, intentionally guiding the congregation into a deeper and more holistic expression of discipleship. Over 16 weeks, the series was anchored on three key dimensions: cultivating a lifestyle of hearing God’s voice, embracing Christlike character through the Beatitudes, and living out our faith through intentional witness and mission.
The series began by re-establishing the centrality of relationship with God, equipping believers to recognise and respond to His voice with greater clarity and confidence. This foundation flowed into a season of inner transformation, where the teachings of Jesus in the Beatitudes challenged and shaped our attitudes, values, and daily conduct. In the final phase of the series, the church was mobilised outward. We were stirred to embody the Gospel through acts of love, bold evangelism, and Spirit-led engagement in everyday life.
The impact of the series has been both tangible and encouraging. Across the congregation, there has been a deepened hunger to hear God intimately, a greater desire to be formed into the likeness of Christ and a growing boldness in living out one’s faith. This has been expressed in meaningful and practical ways, some members have opened their homes during festive seasons, intentionally welcoming and sharing meals with those who might otherwise have been alone, reflecting the heart of Christ in simple yet profound acts of hospitality. Many have also stepped into new levels of obedience, surrender, and missional living. More significantly, the series has contributed to a strengthening of our church culture where discipleship is increasingly understood not as a programme, but as a lifelong journey of becoming like Christ and participating in His mission.
As we reflect on this season, we give thanks for how God has used this series to anchor our church more firmly in Him, drawing us into a deeper walk with God and a renewed commitment to live as faithful disciples of Jesus in every sphere of life.
Evangelism
GRACEHAVEN
In late March 2025, we had the privilege of welcoming the Gracehaven team from The Salvation Army to share about their Befrienders for Families (BFF) programme. This initiative supports families who are being reunified after their children have been placed in care, helping them navigate the transition and rebuild strong, healthy relationships together. The programme plays an important role in easing this adjustment period and equipping families with tools, guidance, and support for long-term stability.
The response from our church was deeply encouraging. About 50 members stepped forward to volunteer, reflecting a shared desire to be part of this work of restoration. Following onboarding and preparation, volunteers were gradually paired with families from May onwards, beginning a journey of consistent presence and care.
Through the BFF programme, volunteers serve as befrienders, walking alongside families, offering encouragement, practical help and relational support. Our volunteers have been visiting regularly, building trust with both parents and children. Others have offered support such as helping children with schoolwork, or simply being a steady, caring presence in the home. These small but intentional acts contribute meaningfully to strengthening family bonds and creating a sense of belonging.
It has been deeply heartening to witness how our church has mobilised in compassion and unity. As this journey unfolds, we trust that the Lord is at work in each home, using these simple acts of love to bring healing, restoration and hope.
MISSIONS REPORT
By Teo Paulin
We got our first miracle before we even landed. Our shipment of donated clothes was stuck in warehouses and had threatened not to arrive in time for the giveaway bazaar. But on the morning of our first group meeting in Sonshine Center, the three giant cardboard boxes were already sitting in the next room. God had made sure of it.
This was The City’s third mission trip to Iloilo, and our first time at Sonshine Center’s new building in Atria Park District. In the weeks leading up to the trip, team leader Pastor Phoebe had called for aweekly fast for all 21 members. We prayed for everything from travel safety, physical health, good weather, spiritual encounters, to signs and wonders. Chief intercessor Carol sensed that God would show us miracles, and boy, did He.
During our home visits to disadvantaged communities, our guide Florence led us to her grandmother’s house because she was ill from fever. We laid hands on her arms, and felt her temperature drop from hot to cool in a matter of seconds. At another site, an elderly man suffering from a stroke for 10 years on the right side of his body felt electricity when we prayed for him. “You won’t believe me, but I’m telling you, I feel electricity,” he told our guide and translator in disbelief.
The weather forecast said there would be showers throughout the week, but we saw only sunshine in the day and warm breezes at night. God gave us good weather so we could move about and do home visits with great ease. Another plus? Our 4 teenage boys - Joshua, Lucas, Judah and Emmanuel - could play basketball in the center’s playground with the Sonshine staff every day. Sports really is the biggest cultural ice-breaker.
On day 3, right when we were gearing up for a few key ministry events, three members of Calvin’s family went down with vomiting and diarrhoea. More fell in quick succession - 9 out of 21 were eventually hit. Unfazed, Pastor Phoebe rallied the troops with medicine, comfort food and some quick adjustments. Margaret, who was not rostered to share that night, was roped in at the last minute. With her powerful message of covenant in the face of heartbreak and loss, she was the unexpected super-sub who knocked the ball out of the park. At least four attendees gave their lives to Christ last night. The enemy wanted to play, but the Lord always wins.
There were healings and forecast-defying good weather. But the greatest miracles we witnessed were the lives that God transformed through the work of Sonshine Center. As we served alongside the staff over 5 days, we heard story after story of hope and redemption. Pastor Zach, 29, said he was a penniless street kid who was drawn to Sonshine Center for one thing only: “Snacks.” He, along with the scores of children and youths who have passed through its doors, grew up attending its weekend programmes of worship and teaching. Today, he is building a church to do outreach ministry in the outskirts of Iloilo, and soon to marry a fellow Sonshine youth leader.
Then there is Juvy, a single mother of three with different fathers, who is now into her 20th year working on staff. Her life is now a complete 180 from her past, thanks to her children who attended Sonshine and drew her into its orbit.
We got to know the center’s youth leaders (called “leaders-in-training”), whose education is sponsored by Sonshine and who serve at the center’s programmes, and were instantly struck by their crazy top-notch singing, dancing and MC-ing skills. Some are attending college, others have dreams of becoming teachers (at Sonshine!) and pastors. We saw first-hand how invested and intentional its kids ministry directors Nomil and Valerie were in recruiting, nurturing and training the LITs to serve the community. Warm, confident, and full of joy and energy, the LITs are Sonshine’s biggest ambassadors.
Sonshine’s centre director and lead pastor Chris and his wife Ma’am Des didn’t need a bunch of Singaporeans to help with their already well-run operations. The things we did - grocery-shopping to make food hampers, sorting donated clothing items, visiting homes in the underprivileged areas, hosting the kids and youth parties - could all be done without us. Yet they welcomed us to share in the work and witness how God is moving among them.
The trip allowed the 11 youths on our team to step up like never before. Nataniah boldly shared her testimony at the youth party; Shaniah and Emiliah led in games; even our 4 boisterous boys volunteered to lead morning devotion. Adeliah, Joshua and Judah prayed earnestly for healing and blessing at the home visits, and all 11 made new friends with the LITs through karaoke, dodgeball and photobooths.
Overall, this mission trip felt like church camp - but on steroids. We bonded over hotel breakfasts (best Filipino dish is undoubtedly Chicken Tocino, much like bakkwa!), worshipped and served together, supported one another through sickness, ate and prayed together, but with healings, Xian Yi’s Tiktok memes and dusty rides on the iconic Jeepney thrown in. “Family” took on a fresh new meaning.
Back in Singapore when we had a post-mission gathering, we pondered over the highlights. Andrew, our tireless church missionary who trained and prepared us from the start, said it was seeing how well our team blended in and connected with the locals. Kate was proud that her dad Ivan’s message at the youth party “transformed hearts”. Emiliah said the Ukaay Ukaay bazaar was fun but sobering at the same time, alluding to the stark realities that some in Iloilo live in. The kids’ party, where we met so many beautiful and precious children, showed us what gratitude and child-like wonder look like in their purest forms.
Moving forward, Calvin and Joyce’s family have decided to sponsor a child in the Sonshine programme. Choon Ling, whose faith was ignited during the home visits, has found boldness in praying for strangers in Mandarin - a new ministry is born. Paulin, having seen the unbridled joy on the faces at the Ukaay Ukaay bazaar, has already started a donation pile of good-quality clothes at home. When asked if we would do this again, there were lots of yes’s and one emphatic arm shot up high. We had the greatest time. All glory to God.
CHRISTMAS CAROLLING AT ST. ANDREW’S HOME
On 14 December, a group of about 20 volunteers, young and old, came together for a Christmas carolling visit to St. Andrew's Home, located just across Nexus International School. It was a simple but meaningful opportunity to step out as a church and bring joy to the residents during the festive season.
Moving from floor to floor, our volunteers sang familiar Christmas songs filled with hope and joy. The atmosphere quickly warmed as residents responded with smiles, clapping along to the music, and some even joining in the singing.
Beyond the songs, it was a chance to offer companionship and to remind the residents that they are seen, valued and not forgotten. Not just spreading cheer, but sharing the greater hope of Jesus.
We are thankful for the opportunity to bless the residents of St. Andrew’s Home and for the willingness of our volunteers to give their time and presence. It was a small expression of love, but one that carried warmth, joy and the message of hope that this season proclaims.
Community
THE CITY X GRACEHAVEN BEACH OUTING
On a sunny, breezy Saturday morning, The City volunteers partnered with Gracehaven for a meaningful day out at the beach with families from the Befrienders programme. It was a simple but intentional time of creating space for connection with the families we are caring for.
We kicked things off with group games that quickly brought out the competitive spirit, especially among the children and teens, all eager to win the snack hampers. Laughter filled the air as teams cheered one another on, and what started as friendly competition soon became a shared sense of excitement and camaraderie.
Over lunch, we slowed down to connect more personally, catching up with the families and listening to their stories. These unhurried conversations became a highlight of the day, reminding us that presence often speaks louder than programmes. Each family also received a bag of goodies, including Popular vouchers for the children and board games to encourage meaningful and fun moments together at home.
Our volunteers went above and beyond to thoughtfully plan every detail, ensuring the families felt welcomed and cared for. For some, it was their very first time visiting Sentosa’s beaches. This was a small but significant experience that made the day even more special. We are deeply grateful for every volunteer who gave their time, energy and heart to make this day one of joy and lasting impact.
APPOINTMENT OF PASTORS
On 6 April, we gathered as a church family for a significant and joy-filled moment — the appointment of pastors within our community.
The day began with a sharing by Pastor Andre on spiritual leadership, where he drew from his years in ministry to reflect on both the responsibilities and the posture required of those called to lead God’s people. He spoke candidly from his own journey, offering insights shaped by experience, growth and ongoing dependence on the Lord.
Following this, the appointment segment for Phoebe Wu and Christine Indrali commenced. Pastor Andre shared words of encouragement before introducing each of them and their appointed roles within the church. It was a meaningful moment of recognition, affirming the call of God upon their lives, and the roles they were stepping into.
The pastoral candidates then stood together to read a set of declarations, committing themselves afresh to the work of the Lord, and to the life and mission of the church. This was a public pledge to serve with faithfulness and devotion.
A time of anointing and prayer followed, led by the pastors and elders of the church, together with invited mentors who had journeyed closely with the ladies. They prayed over each individual, entrusting them to God’s guidance and empowering for the work ahead.
It was a meaningful day marked by celebration and joy as the church welcomed its newly appointed pastors. As they stepped into their roles, the congregation stood together in support and gratitude, looking ahead with expectation for how God will continue to work through their lives in serving His people and advancing His mission.
RESURRECTION SUNDAY + BAPTISMS
On 20 April, we celebrated the water baptism of eight members of our community, each one taking a meaningful step of obedience in following Jesus. It was a deeply encouraging moment for our church, as we witnessed lives publicly declaring faith and new life in Christ. Ps. Andre also brought our series on the Seven “I Am”s of Jesus to a close, preaching on Jesus as the Resurrection and the Life, reminding us that because He is risen, we too are raised to new life in Him.
Following the service, we gathered for a Community Lunch as a church family, sharing a meal and enjoying unhurried time with one another. There was a warm, celebratory atmosphere as conversations flowed across tables and generations connected. A special highlight this year was the flower bar, where everyone could build their own bouquet to bring home, a simple but thoughtful touch that added colour and joy to the day.
Altogether, it was a beautiful and memorable time of celebrating God’s work in our lives, marking new beginnings, strengthening our sense of family, and giving thanks for all that He has done and continues to do in our midst.
HOLY SPIRIT SUNDAY: INTER-GENERATIONS
Our intergenerational Holy Spirit Sunday was a meaningful celebration of the unity of God's family across generations. On this special Sunday, children and youths joined the wider church congregation, not merely as participants but as active contributors in the service, reflecting the biblical vision of every generation worshipping and serving the Lord together.
The service began with a time of worship led by a team comprising of GO Kids, youths and adults. Some of them were also on the side worshipping with flags and streamers.
Throughout the service, the children and youths also took part in leading various prayer segments. It was a beautiful expression of a community where faith is not simply passed down, but shared and lived out together.
A particularly significant moment came during a dedicated time of intercession for the next generation. As a church family, we gathered in prayer for our children, youths, and young adults, asking the Holy Spirit to raise up a generation that would know God's presence, walk in His truth, and courageously fulfil His purposes. Parents, leaders, and congregation members joined together in laying hands, blessing, and praying over the younger generation, entrusting them to God's care and calling.
The service served as a powerful reminder that the church is strongest when generations journey together. As we sought the Lord as one family, we were encouraged afresh to continue investing in, empowering, and praying for the generations that will carry the faith forward. We left the service with renewed faith that God is at work among our children and youths, and with a deeper commitment to nurture them as they grow into all that He has called them to be.
CAMP PILGRIM: REFUSING TO SETTLE
This year, our church gathered for Camp Pilgrim, a camp centred on one clear call: refusing to settle. Drawn from Genesis 11:27–32, the theme reflected on the journey of Terah, who set out for Canaan but stopped in Haran. Haran was comfortable. Familiar. Safe. It felt like progress, yet it was never the destination God intended. In many ways, we often face the same temptation in our own walk with God — to move just enough to feel changed, but not far enough to fully obey His call.
Throughout the camp, our community was challenged to reflect on areas where we may have settled into comfortable faith instead of continuing the pilgrimage God has called us into. Through powerful sessions, worship, prayer, and times of seeking God together, we sensed the Lord inviting us deeper — beyond familiarity, beyond convenience, and into wholehearted obedience.
We were deeply blessed by the ministry of guest speaker Dan Yan from FCC Perth, whose messages encouraged and stirred the church to keep pursuing God with faith and surrender. His teaching reminded us that the Christian life is not about arriving quickly, but about continuing faithfully and refusing to stop short of where God is leading.
Beyond the sessions, camp was also filled with joy, laughter, and meaningful community moments. From energetic games to a memorable gala night, there was a strong sense of togetherness as different generations gathered, connected, and journeyed alongside one another.
More than just a getaway, Camp Pilgrim became a sacred reminder that we are a people on a journey with God. We believe the Spirit is calling our church into something deeper and somewhere we have not gone before. As a community, we left camp not wanting to settle in Haran, but choosing instead to continue toward the fullness of God’s call together.
Longing For Home
By Chelsea Chew
It was only my second Christmas at The City, but it had already become one of the events I look forward to, not just because it is Christmas, but because of the storytelling journey that makes it so much more meaningful. I had heard that “Jesus: In Scripture and Song” is a beloved tradition in The City, and this year’s theme, “Longing for Home,” was woven beautifully into every detail of the day.
At breakfast, I felt a growing hum of anticipation in the air. People gathered around the grazing table, filled with homemade treats, while others stood in line for their morning coffee, catching up and sharing a laugh. As I walked into the hall, warm lights guided me to photos pinned on the walls. I smiled at a group photo from church camp as it stirred a fond memory in me. At the center of the hall stood a glowing house structure, which became the anchor of the entire service. It did not just look like a celebration. It was filled with tangible comforts and felt like a place of belonging.
The journey through the five movements was meaningful and thought-provoking, made even more immersive through the changing lights and sound effects that marked each stage. In the fourth movement, we observed the symbol of peace. It was something new for many of us: a simple handshake that broke barriers between strangers, and an acknowledgment of a shared peace that unites us. The message felt grounding and relatable for both believers and non-believers as it touched on our felt-needs. It became a moment to pause, pull back the noise, reassess our focus, and consider how we wanted to move forward. I leaned in to reflect on these two things: We have a God who made all and pursues a lost people for reconciliation, and that the emptiness or longing in our hearts can only be fulfilled by God. As service came to a close with a few joyful carols, I felt a wave of gratefulness to have God as my Father and to be surrounded by a community that loves as He does.
I left with a simple reminder: even in our longing, we can take heart! For we are not far from home.
Closing
As we close this year, we do so with gratitude for all that God has done among us. Through worship gatherings, discipleship, outreach, prayer, and countless quiet acts of service, we have seen His faithfulness again and again. Every moment — both seen and unseen — has played a part in shaping our church community and drawing us closer to Christ.
This year was not simply about doing more, but about becoming more rooted in who God is calling us to be. In times of celebration and in moments that stretched us, He continued to guide, refine, and sustain His people. We have witnessed deeper connections, renewed faith, and a growing desire to pursue Him wholeheartedly.
Looking ahead, God is leading us onward with fresh faith and greater dependence on Him. Like pilgrims on a journey, we are reminded not to settle for comfort or familiarity, but to continue walking in obedience wherever He calls. We believe He is preparing our church for deeper maturity, stronger unity, and a clearer witness to the world around us.
May we remain a people marked by humility, courage, and love. May we continue to raise and encourage the next generation, care for one another faithfully, serve our city with compassion, and keep Jesus at the centre of all we do.
The journey continues, and we move forward trusting the One who has led us every step of the way.