Special gatherings in 3 Canada districts prime choir members for upcoming activities
By ERIC PEREY, ROSE LHYN GAVIOLA, and SHARMAINE ANTAZO
Date Posted: February 12, 2021
The respective leaderships of the Ecclesiastical Districts of Manitoba, Calgary, and Southern Ontario called and led special gatherings for choir members through videoconferencing to further edify their faith and prepare them well for further intensified activities launched by the Church Administration.
On January 29, 2021, the Ecclesiastical Districts of Manitoba and Calgary gathered the choir members virtually. Brothers Sidney Santos and Rolando Gaviola, district supervising ministers of Manitoba and Calgary, respectively, led the holy occasions, delivering Bible-based homilies.
The choir members were reminded that whatever problem they face during the current pandemic, they should always put their trust in God by being devoted more to their duties and to participating in all Church activities. The Lord God, they were assured, will always provide for the needs of the people of His nation, which in these last days is the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
“Even though we’re still in the situation wherein we’re being isolated because of the pandemic, we’re still seeking the help of God in worship services. It gives me relief and encouragement to continue on, even though there are many things that are happening in this world,” said Ivan Tolentino, from Downtown, Alberta Local Congregation.
Marphiene Leung, from the Local Congregation of Pineridge, Alberta, expressed, “With the help of God, and with our faith, He can really make miracles. Even though we have problems and trials in life, God can really help us as we hold on to our faith that with Him, nothing is impossible.”
Part of the biblical lesson that the congregants received was the importance of fulfilling the duty to share the Good News of salvation. They were inspired to be part of the Church’s work of propagation further intensified by its Administration.
“I find it easier to share my faith when I connect with my friends. Connecting with them, forming strong friendship, and constantly having conversations about my faith are important in the work of propagation,” Nasreen Sayed, choir member from Capitol Hill, Alberta Local Congregation, said.
In Manitoba Ecclesiastical District, after the worship gathering, the district choir leadership organized a Choir Day, a virtual socialization, wherein the choir members enjoyed participating in some fun but worthwhile games. Choir members who have served for 25 years or more were given a certificate of recognition.
Meanwhile, choir members from Southern Ontario Ecclesiastical District held their special gathering together with the officers’ general meeting on January 31.
Brother Raul Adalla, district supervising minister, officiated through videoconferencing.
In his homily, he emphasized the importance and need of Church officers. He advised them to be active and caring helpers of the Church Administration, always ready to unite in all its campaigns, one of which is the more intensive work of propagation. — With reports from INC News Section