A series of activities was held for the 10th anniversary of the Local Congregation of Applewood, in the Ecclesiastical District of Southern Ontario, this October 2024. The said activities were organized by the local leadership led by Brother Fernando Manaloto, resident minister.

Pasugo, Pamphlet Drive

On October 19, 2024, the brethren actively participated in distributing copies of the Pasugo: God’s Message magazine and religious pamphlets of the Church at the Mississauga Valley Park and Erindale Park.

More than 120 copies were distributed to people from different walks of life, Julie Ann Lebumfacil among the recipients. She said, “I thank the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) members for handing me a copy of Pasugo. I believe it will help me learn more about the teachings upheld by the Church.”

Musical presentation

The next day, a musical presentation was held. During the program, talented adult and young brethren showcased their rendition of INC original music which edified the attendees in the faith.

Included in the program were a video presentation featuring a brief history of the congregation and greetings by some ministers, such as Brother Ranniel Serreno, the district supervising minister, who graced the event.

“I’m deeply grateful to our Lord God for the blessings He has bestowed upon our congregation. Since its inception, the congregation continue thriving because of His abiding help. May this event we held today give honor and glory to Him,” enthused Diomar Clemencia, a head deacon.

“Were it not for God’s help, the event would not have been successful. I am very happy because all our hard work and efforts for this event have paid off,” expressed Kenneth Balingit, one of the event organizers.

Blood Donation

On October 21, a blood donation activity was participated in by the brethren at the Canadian Blood Services Donor Centre in Heartland, Mississauga. Prior to the actual donation, donors underwent a thorough screening process to determine their eligibility.

“Participating in this activity brings me great joy,” said Riquesa Toribio, a donor. “I hope that the collected blood will help those in need,” she added.

Worship services

The highlight of the congregation’s anniversary congregation happened on October 23 and 24 as worship services in commemoration of the anniversary were held. After said gatherings which were officiated at by Brother Serreno, and Brother Leopoldo Ricardo, assistant district supervising minister, respectively, they read to the brethren a letter from Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ).

In his letter, Brother Eduardo Manalo enjoined the brethren to be thankful to the Lord God for the blessings He bestowed upon their congregation and he extended his warm congratulations to them on their 10th anniversary. He commended the brethren’s continuing zeal in their Church membership despite life’s challenges and called upon them to continue living in holiness, to be strong in the faith, and to remain active in their services to God, to be sure of receiving God’s promise of salvation. — With reports from Blair Manaloto of INC News Section