New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

Posted on November 29, 2022November 29, 2022 by pasugoeditor

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

By JENNELIN GUANZON and RONNIE H. MUTYA

Date Posted: November 29, 2022

A group worship service of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) was recently established by the Ecclesiastical District of Australia West leadership in Geelong, the second largest city in Victoria, Australia.

To formally mark the establishment of the Geelong GWS, which is under the care of the Wyndham Congregation, an inaugural worship service was held on November 20, 2022 at the Newcomb Hall along Wilsons Road in Newcomb, a suburb of Geelong.

Brother Romeo Beltran officiated at the sacred gathering, to which the new GWS’s bona fide and prospective members also brought guests.

In his homily, the district supervising minister exhorted the brethren to completely obey the commandments of God taught to them and prioritize their services of Him because that is pleasing to Him. He reassured them through Bible verses that whatever their troubles were, they could expect God to help them.

Subsequent worship services of the new GWS would be conducted at a property by Brother Ronaldo Dela Rea along Princes Highway, Norlane, in northern Geelong.

“We are very thankful to God for guiding and helping us through the Church Administration [and for the approval of] our request to have a GWS here in Geelong,” Brother Ronaldo, a choir member, said. “This will help us to do more for our service to God, in the edification of the brethren, and participation in the work of propagation. We will strive to remain and progress in our services to God and our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Brother Romie Cartalaba, resident minister, found the location of the new GWS strategic for the propagation of the true gospel as “Geelong is a big city. It’s a place where people are considering to live because this place is developing and progressing.” He added, “the establishment of Geelong GWS is vital to the brethren as majority of them are residents of the various suburbs of the city; they can all the more fulfill their duties to God.” — With reports from INC News Section

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Posted on November 15, 2022November 15, 2022 by pasugoeditor

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

By ARGEL MAÑEBOG and MARK ANDRO MILAN

Date Posted: November 15, 2022

The new and bigger house of worship of the Local Congregation of San Francisco-Concepcion, Ecclesiastical District of Capas, Tarlac was recently dedicated to the Lord God.

The special worship service for the dedication held on October 28, 2022 was officiated at by Brother Rene J. Panoncillo, the Church’s General Secretary.

The sacred edifice which can seat 852 worshipers is situated along the Magalang-Concepcion Rd., in the town of Concepcion, Tarlac Province, Philippines. It replaced the former house of worship which could only accommodate 120 individuals.

In his homily during the worship service, Brother Panoncillo encouraged the brethren from the San Francisco-Concepcion Congregation to always pray and seek refuge in God, in their house of worship in which He promised to listen to the cries of His servants.

The new house of worship is equipped with a Johannus Organ and a LED wall. Within it are the Technical Support for Videostreaming (TSV) room, a baptismal pool, a conference room, and office spaces for the congregation’s various departments. Constructed as well were the parsonage, caretaker’s house, and the generator house.

“Having witnessed the inaugural worship service for our new and beautiful house of worship has edified me in the faith,” said Ermelita Soliman, choir member. “This is yet another source of inspiration as I continue devotedly fulfilling the Church duties entrusted to me. Praises be to God!”

Established on December 7, 1985, the local congregation’s membership has grown over the past decades as a result, among others, of their fervent efforts in sharing their faith to others. Domingo Castro, head deacon, attested, “It was a struggle to find a living back then but with God’s help, the brethren here were not hindered leading many people into the true Church.”

The local congregation is about nine kilometers away from the district office in Capas, Tarlac. Brother Nelson Pamintuan is the current resident minister. — With reports from INC News Section and Via Monica Vergara

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

Posted on November 9, 2022November 9, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

By CHRIS ANTONETTE PUGAY and MARK ANDRO MILAN

Date Posted: November 9, 2022

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), through the Ecclesiastical District of South Korea, donated to the Korean Red Cross (KRC) a sum amounting to 5,000,000 South Korean won (KRW).

Brother Roderick Yome, the district supervising minister, led a delegation of ministers and brethren at the turn-over ceremony which was held at the KRC’s headquarters in Jongno, Seoul City on October 31, 2022; also the birthday of Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister.

“This act of kindness was done in honor of God’s teaching, which is to help those who are in need,” said Brother Yome.

Mr. Lee Cheong Seon, Secretary General of the Korean Red Cross, received the donation. He said, “I would like to thank the Church Of Christ for the generous cash donation it extended. This donation will be helpful in carrying our mandate of saving people’s lives.” He went on to say that “in pursuit of our global mission to protect and save lives, precious donations [to the KRC] will be delivered to the vulnerable groups, such as single elderly households, children raised by grandparents, and others who do not receive government support.” — With reports from INC News Section

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

Hundreds take oath as Church officers in Bacolod City District

Posted on November 7, 2022November 7, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Hundreds take oath as Church officers in Bacolod City District

By FINLEY SANGLITAN and NOEL DELIGERO JR.

Date Posted: November 7, 2022

In the Ecclesiastical District of Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, hundreds of brethren, from various local congregations, took oath as Church officers on October 23, 2022, during a special gathering officiated at by Brother Rolando Esguerra from the Office of Edification of the Church’s General Secretariat.

The sacred occasion was held at the house of worship of the Local Congregation of Talisay City and was witnessed via video streaming by brethren from 43 other local congregations.

Prior to the oathtaking, Brother Esguerra delivered a Bible-based homily reminding the Church officers, old and new alike, to not falter in fulfilling their duties. He reminded them that God expects those whom He entrusted with duties in the Church to continue taking care of the flock even in times of adversities. He admonished the attendees to remain faithful until the end so that they will receive God’s blessings not only in this life but, more importantly, salvation when Judgment Day finally comes.

After the homily, Brother Stanley Rivera, the assistant district minister, administered the oathtaking of the new Church officers.

Children’s Worship Service (CWS) teacher Eduardo Magallanes III, who took oath as an officer in the Buklod organization, enthused, “This sacred occasion brought me so much inspiration. I realized how significant my duties are. I promise that I will value my duties inside the Church and I will do my best to become an effective helper of the Church Administration in taking care of the brethren.”

The Ecclesiastical District of Bacolod City, which is in Negros Occidental, Philippines, is currently led by Brother Ronaldo Canlas, the supervising minister. — With reports from INC News Section

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

Karaoke on the Go

Posted on October 28, 2022October 28, 2022 by Paul Matthew Cascante

Karaoke on the Go

By EV MEDIA and INCPC

Date Posted: October 28, 2022

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

Christchurch, NZ brethren plant trees for a greener Aotearoa

Posted on October 22, 2022October 28, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Christchurch, NZ brethren plant trees for a greener Aotearoa

By ROXANNE ROSQUITA and RONNIE H. MUTYA

Date Posted: October 22, 2022

One with the Church Administration in lending a hand in taking care of the environment, brethren from the Christchurch, NZ Congregation planted trees at the Harrington Park on September 14, 2022.

The said activity for environmental protection was also in line with the campaign of the New Zealand government to have a greener Aotearoa (Māori name for the country).

Located along Peveral Street, within a residential area in Riccarton, Christchurch City, Harrington Park boasts of several playgrounds and a relaxing landscape.

Brother Rafner De Castro, resident minister, together with the head of each household, spearheaded the brethren in the said environmental movement. Peter Simmons, Chairman of the Residents Association in Harrington Park, joined the brethren in the activity.

“I’d like to thank the Church Of Christ for coming here, together with the local residents, in this tree planting activity. [The help] exceeded my expectation and it’s fantastic to see that so many people are willing to help out the local community,” he said.

For Rolando Decena, a deacon and the congregation’s Light of Salvation (LOS) overseer, participating in such activity is vital because “it helps our community clean and safe to live. This is also our unity with the Church Administration in upholding the Church’s ongoing program in preserving our environment.” — With reports from INC News Section

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

Lae City Congregation in PNG extends help to quake survivors

Posted on October 18, 2022October 18, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Lae City Congregation in PNG extends help to quake survivors

By QUIZA QUIÑOLA and RONNIE H. MUTYA

Date Posted: October 19, 2022

The Local Congregation of Lae City held a Care for Humanity event on September 19, 2022 to provide help to the survivors of the recent 7.6-magnitude earthquake that struck northeastern Papua New Guinea. The activity was held at the congregation’s place of worship.

Towns in Morobe Province are still reeling from the impact of the quake that was also felt in Lae City, Morobe’s capital. Papua New Guinea is within the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region that sees frequent earthquake and volcanic activities.

Part of the humanitarian event was the stress-debriefing seminar led by Brother Edmark Velasco, the resident ministerial worker, during which victims received Bible-based encouragement. He also taught the victims ways to cope with their fears when such calamity strikes the country again.

Afterwards, the brethren handed out relief packages containing basic necessities including canned goods and some grocery items to the residents.

“We thank God for using our Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, in extending His love to the people here in Papua New Guinea,” said Brother Velasco. “Not only we were given prompt help through the relief packages, but most importantly, we were taught the words of God that serves as our inspiration in upholding our services to God despite the calamities.” — With reports from INC News Section

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

Brethren from Barcelona, Spain express volunteerism in blood donation drive

Posted on October 11, 2022October 11, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Brethren from Barcelona, Spain express volunteerism in blood donation drive

By NOEMI JIMENEZ and RONNIE H. MUTYA

Date Posted: October 11, 2022

The spirit of volunteerism among Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members from the Local Congregation of Barcelona, Ecclesiastical District of Spain has remained vibrant as ever, expressing it by their willing and unselfish participation in a blood donation drive on September 11, 2022.

The humanitarian activity was organized by the district Christian Medical Dental and Paramedical Society (CMDPS), in collaboration with the Spanish Blood Bank in Barcelona. It was held at the multipurpose hall of the ecclesiastical district’s office along Calle Dante Alighieri, in Barcelona.

On behalf of the Spanish Blood Bank, Mark Mateu, a nurse, said, “Nosotros solemos decir que con una bolsa de sangre salva 3 vidas y todo ha sido gracias a la buena voluntad de todas las personas que han hecho posible este acto. Así que muchas gracias. [We usually say that one blood bag saves three lives and everything was because of the goodwill of all the people who have made this act possible. So, thank you very much.]”

Among the volunteers who passed the screening process and successfully donated blood was Lorrein Andrea Anor, a KADIWA officer. She said, “Knowing that by voluntarily donating blood, I can be of help to others, makes me happy.”

“The small amount of blood I donated would mean a lot to those who really need it,” said Alberto Jose Jr, another volunteer and a Buklod officer.

Another blood donor, Igmedio Gumangan, Society of Communicators and Networkers International (SCAN) member, expressed, “I’m grateful because not only I was able to volunteer in a meaningful way, but I’d also united with the Church Administration in extending any help that we could.” — With reports from INC News Section

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

INC gives prompt aid to Typhoon Noru victims

Posted on October 8, 2022November 11, 2022 by pasugoeditor

INC gives prompt aid to Typhoon Noru victims

By RONNIE H. MUTYA

Date Posted: October 8, 2022

Just a couple of days after central Philippines got battered by Typhoon Noru on September 25, 2022, the Administration of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) instructed the districts in the region to provide aid to their countrymen who suffered the raging storm.

Considered to be the strongest typhoon yet to hit the Philippines this year, Karding, as it was named in that country, left a wake of devastation in Central Luzon, as well as Metro Manila.

The concerned ecclesiastical districts carried out the instruction by conducting Care for Humanity events as early as September 27 onwards to extend immediate help and relief to those affected.

September 27

Quezon City
The Care for Humanity events in this district were simultaneously held in three flood-prone barangays in Quezon City, namely Bagong Silangan, Payatas, and Commonwealth.

In Brgy. Commonwealth, it took place at the MRB Covered Court, Pilot Area, adjacent to the chapel compound of the Pilot Congregation. The one in Bagong Silangan was conducted at the barangay covered court, while the other was in the chapel compound of the Local Congregation of Payatas.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries in their barangay, Brother Siegfred Ronquillo, resident minister of the Bagong Silangan Congregation, said, “It’s such a great feeling because we were remembered by the Church Administration in these difficult times.”

“Although we aren’t members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo, we still received help from the Church. So, thank you. It’s a big help for us,” expressed Josie Murillo, resident of Brgy. Payatas.

The humanitarian efforts were supervised by the district supervising minister, Brother Virgilio Del Rosario Sr.

Bulacan North
“A day after we were hit by Bagyong Karding, the Church immediately sent us the help that we needed,” said Lilia Layno, one of the beneficiaries.

Led by Brother Rainier Sabino, supervising minister, the Care for Humanity event in the Ecclesiastical District of Bulacan North was held at the district office in San Miguel.

“When we learned that the province was under Signal No. 5, we’ve already prepared the relief packages to be given out,” said Brother Sabino. “We thank Brother Eduardo V. Manalo because we felt his love through the swift assistance to our district.”

Palayan City, Nueva Ecija
There were more than 3,500 relief packages distributed to the typhoon victims in the Palayan City, Nueva Ecija District. The humanitarian event was simultaneously held in the respective chapel compounds of the local congregations of Gabaldon, Dingalan, Ibuna, Umiray, and Matawe.

Brother Luisito Rivera, district supervising minister, said, “We are blessed to have a Church Administration who truly cares for the welfare of the brethren and also to those who are not members of the Church.”

September 28

Pampanga East
In the Ecclesiastical District of Pampanga East, many brethren volunteered to prepare thousands of relief packages, which were then transported to every one of the 59 local congregation. These were then distributed by the congregations to the villagers, Church members and non-members alike.

Tarlac City, Tarlac
Conducted at the Tarlac City Congregation’s chapel compound, the brethren handed out 2,500 relief packages as Tarlac was one of the provinces in Central Luzon that was greatly devastated by the typhoon.

The relief efforts were led by Brother Emil Santiago, district supervising minister.

September 29 – 30

Quezon North
“We were devastated by the typhoon but we never felt scared because we know that God will help us through the Church Administration,” said Efren Gucilatar. He was one of the beneficiaries of the Care for Humanity event held by the Quezon North District at the chapel compound of the Real Congregation on September 29.

The following day, September 30, a delegation of ministers and ministerial workers distributed relief packages to the residents of Polillo and Jomalig Island, and of the coastal municipality of Panukalan, Quezon.

Grateful to Brother Eduardo Manalo, the Executive Minister, Brother Alex Alimon, district supervising minister, said, “We truly feel his genuine concern to us. The prompt aid that we received will surely help the brethren as many of their livelihood was affected by the typhoon.” — With reports from INC News Section

News

New GWS rises at the second largest city of Victoria, Australia

San Francisco-Concepcion house of worship dedicated to God

Iglesia Ni Cristo donates to Korean Red Cross

NZ brethren help preserve Petone beachfront’s cleanliness

Posted on October 7, 2022October 11, 2022 by pasugoeditor

NZ brethren help preserve Petone beachfront’s cleanliness

By LEAH GRACE JAIME and RONNIE H. MUTYA

Date Posted: October 7, 2022

Church members, including candidates for baptism, from the local congregations of Wellington, Hutt Valley, Waikanae, and Palmerston North in the New Zealand Ecclesiastical District joined hands for a beachfront cleanup drive at Petone Beach on September 4, 2022.

Popular to many beach-goers, Petone Beach is situated in Wellington Harbour, also called Port Nicholson, the southern tip of North Island, New Zealand.

Kim Tancock, a candidate for baptism from the Wellington Congregation, was motivated to join in the activity as he “wanted to help [in the protection of] the environment.” He added, “It’s very much better to see that the shore was cleaned up.”

Representatives from the local government and the Philippine Embassy were also present during the activity.

“It’s an honor to be here,” said Josh Briggs, the City Councilor of Hutt Valley. “A huge thank you to all of the members and the leadership who organized the event and brought the community altogether, not only the Church, but also the members of the community like myself.”

Auckland City Council Members Pamela Gill and Alanah Mullin expressed their gratitude to the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members for extending their help to the environment. “We love to see you every year. I’ve been seeing you since 2009 and it’s been fantastic to connect with you doing community outreach programs,” said Mullin. Meanwhile, Gill, appreciated the Church for its “long-term support projects. So, two thumbs up to you!”

Mrs. Querobine Laccay, Philippine Embassy Chargée d’Affaires to New Zealand, shared her thoughts about the activity, “We are here represented by the embassy because we’ve found most of your initiatives very meaningful. I hope that the Church will continue to remain strong and a good example among the community, especially abroad.” — With reports from INC News Section