Over 100 members of the Children’s Worship Service (CWS) in the Ecclesiastical District of Los Angeles County, California gathered for the CWS Connect graduation on September 29, 2024.

The CWS Connect, which began in 2022, is a five-week supplemental learning program held in the summer months of August to September. Led by CWS teachers and officers, it aims to help “connect” the young brethren with their faith by participating in carefully designed projects centered around Christian values. 

Classes were held each by the 11 congregations in the district, namely, Eagle Rock, Glendale, Lancaster, Los Angeles, Monterey Park, North Hollywood, Oxnard, Pasadena, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, and Woodland Hills.

“The benefit and positive impact of the program was that the children were able to express their faith while also learning and being reminded of how great and blessed it is to be among God’s chosen ones,” said Nathan Zenir Famatigan, a CWS teacher from the Eagle Rock Congregation.

Accompanied by their parents and relatives, the CWS members who finished the program gathered for their joint graduation ceremony at the James Monroe High School Auditorium in North Hills, CA.

The ceremony opened with a rendition of INC original music by the members of each of the 11 CWS Connect classes.

“Seeing the culmination of our efforts through the CWS Connect graduation is a testament to the love and care the Church Administration has for our families,” said Ivan Sanchez III, CWS chairperson of the Lancaster Congregation. “These opportunities help the CWS remain strong in their faith and create core memories that they will always cherish.”

The young graduates, wearing their gold caps and gowns, were called to the stage one by one according to their respective classes to receive their certificates handed by Brother Artemio T. Pilon Jr., the district supervising minister. He was assisted by brothers Erwin Brillo, assistant district minister; and Pierre Cardin Perez, district Christian Family Organizations overseer.

“The graduation was fun,” exclaimed 11-year-old Lucas Phillip Luminario from the Glendale Congregation. “We prepared a special performance, and learning the song was inspirational.” His 9-year-old sister, Ada Marie Luminario, added, “We felt special receiving our certificates in our caps and gowns because we know the CWS officers worked hard to prepare everything for us.”

The parents expressed gratitude for the program, noting how the Church Administration has helped them nurture their kids. Aileen Luminario, Lucas and Ada’s mother, shared, “Through the program, our children learned the power of prayer and how it connects us with God and each other. The activities fostered a sense of belonging and emphasized the importance of unity within the Church.”

“Our son has learned to value Church activities as he prepares both physically and mentally,” Leilanie Schumacher observed with appreciation. “These activities have allowed him to spend quality time with his friends in the Church, enhancing his spiritual and social development.”

The graduation ceremony was followed by a socialization activity, which also served as a learning process for the children regarding the bond of brotherhood in the Church. — With reports from Eva Basallaje