Executive Minister leads dedication of six houses of worship

Posted on January 21, 2022January 22, 2022 by pasugoeditor

Executive Minister leads dedication of six houses of worship

By JUN MIRANDA and VINCE T. BASCO

Date Posted: January 21, 2022

Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), led the dedication to the Lord God of six new houses of worship on January 8, 2022 through livestreaming worship service.

In the first pastoral visitation of the Executive Minister for this year, the house of worship of the Local Congregations of Lagawe, Nagtrigoan, Delfin Albano, Lumintao, Langka, and Limbaan, all in the Philippines, were dedicated to God. Brethren from local congregations and ecclesiastical districts that celebrated their milestone anniversaries also connected and attended the worship service.

With this development, the number of constructed and renovated houses of worship of the Church Of Christ during the pandemic has risen to 210.

Lagawe
The Local Congregation of Lagawe, Ecclesiastical District of Nueva Vizcaya became a full-fledged congregation on August 30, 1978. Its house of worship is located in Barangay Poblacion North, Lagawe, Ifugao.

Sustaining damages over time, the congregation’s 150-seater house of worship underwent major renovation beginning on January 20, 2021 and finished on December 18, 2021.

The walls of the house of worship were reinforced, the roof was replaced, new floor tiles were placed, the chairs were fixed, and a parsonage was constructed. Other additions included a Johannus Organ, a new sound system, videoconferencing system, four CCTV cameras, two chandeliers, fire alarm system, and fire suppression system.

“The house of worship is important to us, members of the Church Of Christ, because in here we conduct the worship services and other Church activities. During worship services, we receive the words of the Lord God that all the more strengthen us in our divine election. We are thankful to our Lord God that through the Church Administration, He willed that a beautiful house of worship rise for our brethren here in Lagawe,” Brother Fermin Pacquiao, district supervising minister, said.

Nagtrigoan
Situated in Barangay Nagtrigoan, Pinili, Ilocos Norte, the new house of worship of the Local Congregation of Nagtrigoan, Ecclesiastical District of Batac City, Ilocos Norte can sit 120 worshipers at a time. With the growing number of brethren, the former 60-seater provisional chapel was replaced. Construction of the new house of worship started on January 2, 2021 and was finished on December 11, 2021.

Additions to the house of worship included CCTV cameras, two chandeliers, sound and fire alarm system, and a Johannus Organ. There is also a parking area, concrete fences, and front fence.

“One of the importance of the house of worship for us is this is where we confide to our Lord God our needs and we believe that He listens to our prayers. We promise to God and to the Church Administration that we will love, take care, and value this house of worship,” Brother Cesar Cruz, assistant district supervising minister, said.

Delfin Albano
The house of worship of the Local Congregation of Delfin Albano, Ecclesiastical District of Isabela East is located at Purok 5 San Antonio Delfin Albano, Isabela. The construction started on March 27, 2021 and ended on December 24, 2021. A parsonage was also included in the edifices in the compound.

“We looked forward in having a beautiful house of worship here in our place. We thank the Church Administration for giving as a larger house of worship compared to our former place of worship,” Arcelie Valencia, a deaconess, said.

The former house of worship can only sit 60 worshipers at a time while the new house of worship has a 150 seating capacity.

“We are joyful because we witnessed the dedication of this beautiful house of worship for our congregation. We promise to take care, maintain the cleanliness, and guard our house of worship,” said Abraham Villanueva, head deacon.

Lumintao
A former extension of the Local Congregation of New Dagupan, the Local Congregation of Lumintao, Ecclesiastical District of San Jose, Mindoro Occidental was elevated to local congregation status on October 28, 2009.

Needing a larger house of worship with the increase in number of brethren due to their propagation efforts, the local congregation was blessed with a new one with 110 seating capacity. The construction of the house of worship started on April 10, 2021. Additional edifices in the compound are parsonage, office, and guard house.

“When the local congregation was established in our place, it was a great blessing for us. We are thankful for the local congregation’s establishment,” Jerry Farro, the head deacon, said.

“Our hearts are overflowing with joy because a beautiful house of worship was made for us. We thank our Lord God because, with the Church Administration, He did not forsake us, we will continue to worship Him and fulfill our Church duties, together with our household,” Abel Calpatura, choir leader, expressed.

Langka
Langka Congregation, Ecclesiastical District of Davao Oriental became a local congregation on July 29, 1991. Its 120-seater house of worship stands in Barangay Langka, Lupon, Davao Oriental. Construction of the house of worship began on February 27, 2021 and ended on December 24, 2021.

The new house of worship was fitted with a videoconferencing system, seven CCTV cameras, two chandeliers, sound system, a Johannus Organ, fire alarm system, and fire suppression system. In the compound, a parsonage was built together with a guard post and concrete fence.

“The brethren in Langka are joyful because of the great blessing they received. The house of worship is very important because in here the brethren feel peace and receive joy that serves as an inspiration for them to uphold their active services to the Lord God,” said Brother Wilfredo Sacayanan, district supervising minister.

Limbaan
Brethen in the Local Congregation of Limbaan, Ecclesiastical District of Davao del Norte united in thanking and glorifying God for blessing them, through the Church Administration, with a new house of worship located at Purok 2-A, Barangay Limbaan, New Corella, Davao del Norte.

Limbaan first started as an extension in 1975; within the same year it gained local congregation status. The congregation’s first semi-concrete 88-seater chapel was dedicated to the Lord God on September 14, 2001.

With the continuous addition of new members, the Church Administration approved the construction of a new house of worship that can sit 110 worshipers at a time. Its construction started on April 25, 2021 and took nine months for its completion.

Additions to the new house of worship included CCTV cameras, two chandeliers, fire alarm system, and a Johannus Organ.

“The house of worship is very important to me. Here, I can tell the Lord God of my problems and I can also ask for the blessings that I need. I am thankful for this blessing that was given to us in the local congregation. I will continue to fulfill my duties, together with my family, I promise to unite in all Church endeavors,” Gilda Liubit, one of the brethren, said. — With reports from INC News Section

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Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) rededicates worship building in Surrey, BC amid pandemic

Posted on July 31, 2021July 31, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) rededicates worship building in Surrey, BC amid pandemic

Date Posted: July 31, 2021

SURREY, British Columbia - Despite the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC or Church of Christ), an international religious organization, overcame all impediments and completed the renovation of a house of worship in Surrey, BC.

The church building, formerly owned by the Surrey Pentecostal Assembly, was purchased for approximately $2,300,000.00 in October 2002 by the INC through voluntary contributions from its members. It then went through renovations to meet INC worship building standards and was first dedicated on October 11, 2003.

As for the INC congregation itself, it was established in June 1996. Hence, the INC in Surrey has been part of the community for the past 25 years.

The 328-seater worship building, located at 15145 68 Avenue, Surrey, BC V3S 2B8, once again opened its doors while adhering to current government restrictions. Via live video streaming from the Philippines, INC Executive Minister Brother Eduardo V. Manalo led a special worship gathering on July 24 to mark the 107th Anniversary of the INC, which re-emerged in the Philippines on July 27, 1914. The gathering also served to simultaneously dedicate several houses of worship in different parts of the world, including the newly renovated chapel in Surrey. To date, 143 worship buildings have been built and renovated during this time of the pandemic.

Despite unavoidable delays due to COVID-19 restrictions, the project officially received its Fire Safety Renovation Permit from the Surrey Fire Department in January 2020 and its Demolition Permit from the City of Surrey in July 2020. More than $1.3 million worth of renovations went into beautifying the property, all through the voluntary contributions of INC members.

District Minister of British Columbia, Brother Moriel Cadacio, explained the importance of houses of worship.

“It is important for us inside the Church Of Christ to beautify the house of worship because it is the house of our Almighty God. His name dwells in the house of worship, and we would like to give honor and glory to our Almighty God. It is for the worship service to our Almighty Father. That is the reason we did everything, through prayers, striving hard, with all the brethren helping so that the renovation would be completed although there were hindrances along the way.”

During the renovation, the facade was demolished and rebuilt in accordance with the INC’s architectural design, including the adding of three steeples that are prominent in worship buildings worldwide.

The building went through extensive upgrades and fitted with a new, expanded raised podium and choir loft, redesigned ceiling, modernized lighting system in the sanctuary, and a balcony on the second floor to accommodate more worshipers. Stairs were built, one on each side of the foyer. Sanctuary windows were replaced in offices and rooms.

Other upgrades were also done in the building’s facilities. An automatic standby generator was also placed, while a new intrusion system, a security video system, a brand-new organ, and audio and video systems were also installed. Volunteers worked on the exterior of the worship building which was finished with a completely new stucco wall. An open concrete walkway and canopy on one side of the building leading to the podium were also added. Finally, concrete walkways were built to facilitate exits to the front and rear doors of the sanctuary.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo was first registered in the Philippines on July 27, 1914 by its first Executive Minister, Brother Felix Y. Manalo. After 107 years, it has spread to 158 countries and territories with its members belonging to 147 nationalities and races.—Courtesy of INC Public Information Office

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Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister leads dedication of four houses of worship

Posted on June 26, 2021June 26, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister leads dedication of four houses of worship

By VENICIO T. BASCO

Date Posted: June 26, 2021

Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), officiated at the dedication service to the Lord God of three newly constructed and one newly renovated houses of worship in the Philippines on June 12, 2021.

The special worship service, highlighted by the preaching of the Executive Minister and the ministers-led prayer for the dedication, took place at the Church’s Central Temple and livestreamed to the new houses of worship being dedicated as well as to those of local congregations celebrating their milestone anniversaries in June.

Dedicated to God were the new houses of worship of the local congregations of Maysan, Sagayen, and Manook, ecclesiastical districts of CAMANAVA, Davao del Norte, and Sorsogon, respectively, and the refurbished house of worship of San Jose Local Congregation, Antique Ecclesiastical District.

In his preaching of God’s words, the Executive Minister encouraged the congregants to persevere in safeguarding their membership in the true Church come what may in their lives, to be worthy of receiving salvation on Judgment Day. He advised them to always draw near and pray to God, especially inside the house of prayer, to ask for His favors.

Maysan

A former area of the Local Congregation of Bagbaguin, the Maysan Local Congregation was established on March 31, 2021 to shepherd the increasing number of brethren in this part of Valenzuela City, Metro Manila.

“From all of us in our district, we are thankful, first, to our Father in Heaven and to our Executive Minister for this momentous occasion because despite the pandemic, the Church continuous to triumph and this is evident not only to the brethren but also to all people how the Church’s victory do not falter,” Brother Senen Capuno, CAMANAVA District supervising minister, said. “There is no pandemic that can hinder the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Church ... we will use this new house of worship to continue our worship and services to our Lord God.”

The new house of worship that can sit 500 worshipers at a time is situated at No. 47 Maysan Road, Valenzuela City.

“I am joyful and thankful to our Lord God for giving us a beautiful house of worship,” Elena Nolasco, deaconess from Maysan Congregation, expressed.

Sagayen

The Local Congregation of Sagayen, formerly an Extension of the Local Congregation of Pamacaun, was approved by the Church Administration to become a full-pledged local congregation on January 23, 1983.

“I am out of words in expressing how grateful I am to our Lord God and to Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, for the dedication of our new house of worship,” Manuel Tenaja Sr., head deacon of the congregation, said.

The construction of the house of worship started in March 2020 and was completed after more than 12 months of work.

“In the house of worship, we receive the words of God through the teaching of the Church Administration. This is the Lord God’s guidance, especially in this time of pandemic,” Brother James Silva, district supervising minister, explained. “Church Of Christ members further need God’s guidance being received in the house of worship.”

Manook

The Local Congregation of Manook was approved by the Church Administration to be established from Gubat Congregation in December 2015. Its first place of worship service was formerly a Children’s Worship Service (CWS) sanctuary of the Gubat Congregation situated along Padrique St., Barangay Manook, Sorsogon. Since it could no longer accommodate the growing number of the brethren, the Church Administration built the 110-seater new house of worship for the local congregation.

San Jose

The Local Congregation of San Jose was established on November 30, 1964. Because of the fast growing number of brethren, the Church built for them a 250-seater house of worship along Bantayan St., Barangay 2, San Jose, which was dedicated to God in December 1975. It underwent general repair in 2003, bringing its seating capacity to 525. In 2019, the Church Administration approved that the house of worship be refurbished again, with improvements such as an LED video wall.

With the addition of these four houses of worship, the Church Of Christ has, from March 2020 up to this writing, dedicated to the Lord God 114 houses of worship amid the pandemic. — With reports from INC News Section

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Executive Minister leads dedication of Cauayan City house of worship, ordains 16 new ministers

Posted on May 19, 2021May 19, 2021 by pasugoeditor

Executive Minister leads dedication of Cauayan City house of worship, ordains 16 new ministers

By PRECIOUS DEL VALLE and MARK ANDRO T. MILAN

Date Posted: May 19, 2021

Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, the Executive Minister of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ), led the dedication to the Lord God of the newly renovated 1,605-seater house of worship of the Local Congregation of Cauayan City.

This was during a worship service he officiated in the Templo Central in Quezon City on May 15, 2021 during which he also ordained 16 new ministers, the third ordination so far this year. The Cauayan City Congregation, together with congregations that marked their milestone anniversaries, connected to the main site via livestreaming.

“The Church Of Christ members from the Local Congregation of Cauayan City received more than what they expected. Theirs is the biggest house of worship ever built in Region 2-Cagayan Valley [Philippines],” said Brother Gil Caberto, district supervising minister of the Ecclesiastical District of Isabela East.

On behalf of the congregation, resident minister, Brother Reyno Lacambra, said, “We thank the Almighty God, and the Church Administration He utilized so that we be blessed to have a big and beautiful house of worship. We promise that we will take good care of it.”

“This is a great blessing from God. Despite the pandemic, it is now completely constructed. This has inspired us to all the more be united in all Church activities,” said Brother Oliver Francisco, congregation’s head deacon. “Through our faith and trust in God, we firmly believe that He will give us spiritual blessings here in the house of worship.”

Sister Remedios Yango was grateful that despite her old age she was not only able to witness the sacred occasion but even performed her duty as choir member. “We will value this new house of worship. Here we will take refuge in God, especially when we have problems. Thanks so much to Him. He let me reach this special day,” she said. — With reports from INC News Section