Outreach and Social Concerns Ministry (OSC)

The OSC ministry drives TMC's efforts to meet the social, financial, educational and spiritual needs of the underprivileged in our society. We focus on reaching, befriending, assisting and bringing the Gospel to the unchurched in our community, especially those who are marginalized and vulnerable. Some of our efforts include running Youth Avenue (a youth activity centre at Serangoon North) and partnering Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home.

You can read more on how our church has been supporting these organizations through the links below:
Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home: https://issuu.com/tmccomms/docs/jun16 (pg 4)

Youth Avenue, Chen Su Lan Home, IMH: https://issuu.com/tmccomms/docs/dec15 (pg 8-10)

We are always looking for volunteers to join us in our programmes and outreach efforts and you can check them out below. If you are interested to find out more or volunteer for any of our programmes, please fill in this form.

BEFRIENDING THE HOMELESS

We started Shelter@TMC to house persons rendered homeless by the restrictions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, we have learnt that there are many more out there who are homeless and sleep rough in void decks, parks and outside coffee shops. Most of whom are middle aged and elderly men estranged from their families, and some of them suffer from chronic illnesses which makes rough sleeping dangerous. The Shelter@TMC provides them a safe and secure place to sleep while TMC, together with government agencies, help to secure them a proper place to stay (usually a rented flat or room) and employment for those who are still physically able.

  • We need volunteers to assist the Shelter Team to befriend the “Uncles” in the Shelter, to listen to their life struggles with empathy, to share a meal, pray with them and share the Gospel of Hope with those who are ready to receive. (Commitment: 6 months)

  • Volunteers can also help to organize Fellowship Meals and provide Laundry Days for the Uncles, or just give them a ride to medical appointments. (Commitment: 6 months)

BEFRIENDING DISTRESSED FAMILIES

Madam Lee (not her real name) is a single mum living in Serangoon North with her 2 teenage kids who receive tuition support at TMC’s Youth Avenue. She is a low-wage worker who has chronic health problems and is sometimes unable to work. TMC’s OSC befrienders walk with Madam Lee to administer financial support she receives from the Methodist Welfare Services and TMC, as well as provide her emotional support to help her cope with the challenges of raising her family alone.

There are other families like Madam Lee in our community who need friends to bring practical help and the Gospel of Hope. 

  • We need volunteers to assist our 18 OSC Befrienders to bring help and hope to these families. You will need to learn how to administer MWS’s financial support and be able to make contact with the befriended family at least once a month. (Commitment: 12 months)

BEFRIENDING KIDS FROM DISTRESSED FAMILIES

Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home (CSL) was founded by Dr. Chen Su Lan in 1968. Located along Serangoon Garden Way, the Home provides shelter, support and care for children aged 5-21 years old. The Home has a mission to provide loving, Christian nurture for needy and disadvantaged children of all races and religions so as to help them become happy and responsible members of their family and community.

TMC has partnered with CSL for more than 20 years and we are constantly looking for volunteers to spend time and journey with the children.

  • Monthly activity/outreach program at the Home which takes place every 3rd Saturday of the month (Commitment: Long term)

  • Lead a care group of young believers that meet weekly (Commitment: Long term)

  • Befriend current residents 1:1 by showing hospitality to them, inviting them to meals at your home, giving them advice and providing a listening ear etc. (Commitment: Long term)

  • Befriend alumni 1:1 through TMC’s Befriender Program (Commitment: 12 months)

  • Large-scale activities where we need more volunteers to accompany the residents when they head out for X’mas shopping trip or school holiday outings etc. (Commitment: ad-hoc)