Cheyenne Hughes, a choir member, said, “This worship service was extra special for us. It’s a spiritual and blessed worship service for all brethren and Church officers in attendance.”

She was referring to the December 22, 2023 gathering that not only marked the 10th anniversary of the Local Congregation of Woodbury, Ecclesiastical District of New York but was also the dedication of their new house of worship and their year-end Thanksgiving worship service. It was officiated at by Brother Sheridohn Santos, district supervising minister.

In his homily, Brother Santos reminded the congregants that even though in the year that passed there had been so many troubles and difficulties still, Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members have plenty of reasons to thank God. He said that this is especially true for the Woodbury Congregation.

“The Church continues to build houses of worship, in obedience to the command of God to build a house, wherein His glory may dwell; a place that is dedicated for His praise. That is why members of the Church Of Christ aspire to have a suitable house of worship for their respective local congregations, where they can worship God,” said the supervising minister.

The present 80-seater house of worship of the Woodbury Congregation was formerly a chapel of the Episcopal Church until it was bought by the Iglesia Ni Cristo in 2013.

Cheyenne added, “This house of worship is where I can come to hold my personal devotional prayers to the Father.”

Speaking on behalf of the congregation, Brother Rodelio dela Torre, resident minister of Woodbury, conveyed, “The Church Administration can expect that we will love, cherish, and safeguard our house of worship. We will fill this place with many activities that are in line with their aim and purpose, all for the glory of God.” – With reports from PJ Hughes of INC News Section