For its 73rd anniversary, the Local Congregation of Lemon, in the Ecclesiastical District of Agusan Del Norte in the Philippines, hosted a series of activities. These were the INC Unity Games finals, evangelical missions, and musical event held on June 21, 22, and 29, 2025, respectively.

INC Unity Games

The Unity Games finals transpired at Brgy. Lemon covered court in Butuan City, on June 21, 2025.

For this finale, basketball players from each of the four areas comprising the congregation, including the Pigdaulan Extension, formed teams representing the Buklod and KADIWA organizations. Teams that won in the preliminary rounds a month ago advanced to the championship games held at the said venue.

Area 1 and Area 4 vied to win in the Buklod category; Area 2 and Area 3 for the KADIWA category.

Upon showcasing their skills and sportsmanship, by the end of the tournament, Area 1 emerged as the Buklod champion, Area 3 in the KADIWA. The winning teams received trophies.

“I thank the Lord God for His unwavering guidance and blessings upon our congregation. Today’s activity has truly strengthened our faith and deepened the bond among brethren,” attested deacon Arvin Gorgonio of the winning team.

Evangelical Mission

To further bring glory to God, the brethren in Lemon actively participated in an evangelical mission that was held at their house of worship on June 22, 2025.

District Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer Brother Alfred Yonson led the preaching of God’s words. Through the Bible, he emphasized the importance of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) to receive salvation on Judgment Day, being the Church into which Christ commands people to enter in order for them to be saved on that day.

As a result of the brethren’s united efforts, many guests attended, among whom was Salvador Pis-o. “I’m thankful having been invited to the evangelical mission. The lesson was clear—man needs to enter the Church to receive salvation,” he shared.

Musical Competition

A week after the evangelical mission, the congregation held a musical competition on June 29, 2025, at the covered court of Brgy. Lemon, Butuan City.

Represented by their respective choral groups, the four areas of the congregation, with the Pigdaulan Extension, competed by presenting their own renditions of the INC original music piece “Ikaw na Aking Hinawakan Mula sa mga Wakas ng Lupa.”

Choir directors Saturnino Cupay, Paulo Bernardo, and Yodelyn Estose, together with district production company member Rizza Deah Delima, served as the judges. Voice quality, costume/props, and audience impact were their criteria for judging.

After the competition, Area 2 was declared the champion; Areas 3, 1, and 4 as the first, second, and third runners-up, respectively. They all received trophies.

“Participating in this activity inspires me even more to hold fast to my calling,” said choir member Charlene Siaton. On behalf of the winning team she was part of, she added, “I thank the Lord God for guiding us throughout this event and for the blessings He has bestowed upon our congregation through the years.”

Resident ministerial worker Brother Reynold Gonzaga said, “On behalf of all the brethren in our congregation, I thank the Lord God for His countless blessing upon us, and to the Church Administration as well, for the unwavering love and tireless efforts in overseeing our spiritual well-being. We will remain united with the noble aim of continuously doing what pleases God.” — With reports from Shiene Gomez