Congregation Worship Service- 5th August 2012: 5th Annual Dorcas’ Conference, EBCC, Dwarka:
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It was the first Sunday of August and the second day of the 5th Dorcas’ Annual Conference at EBCC, Dwarka, New Delhi. As the congregation filed into the church, a heart-warming rendition of the hymn, “ Zing ninou hong suah chiang”, was sung, led by the worship team. Nu Ruth Ngaihlun read a verse from the Bible and made the opening prayer.
The worship hymns, “ Aw Toupa na siamsil bawlte” and “Hon siamthak nawn in Toupa”, were sung in God’s praise as the ushers made the day’s collection and the offertory prayer was made by Elder KhamKhanPau Guite.
Nu Telkhoching gave a brief Dorcas’ Day message with an exhortation to husbands to cherish their wives as the most beautiful and intelligent woman in the world.
The Dorcas then presented a recitation of the names of the books in the Old Testament and enthralled the congregation with their melodious choir when they sang, ”Tunglam Jerusalem khopi lianah”.
The Pastor, Nenglian Vualnam then prayed for the mothers in the congregation reading a verse from the Bible; Proverbs 31:30- “ Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised”He asked God to bless them so that they could become the much needed change that would transform families, thereby transforming the society that we live in.
Before he began his sermon the Pastor welcomed the first-timers to the EBCC, Dwarka service.
He then highlighted the topic of his sermon : “ Siangthou dinga sap” or “ An appeal for a holy life”.
Leviticus 19:2- “ Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel; ans say unto them, Ye shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”
God searches for holy men and women and he has given us the holy scriptures, his own words to guide us in the path to a holy life. To lead a holy life there must be a change, which is both intrinsic and extrinsic- a change which must take place within and without. One must change one’s ethical, physical and spiritual norms to lead a holy life. One example can drawn from the context of the Israelites who wanted to ‘see’ God on Mount Sinai. God gave word through Moses that they must first cleanse themselves of all impurities, both of the body and the mind for seven days, for God’s holiness demands it. After acknowledging the fact that he has accepted us and forgiven our sins, that he has cleansed us of our sins, we can no longer dwell in that perpetual state of existence. We must change, even if it means forfeiting all the principals that we held dear. We must not use our short-comings as an excuse to falter or deny change but rather over-come them and let our outer attributes reflect the change that God has created in us.
Stressing further on the concept of principalities, the Pastor cites three main rules that one must adhere to in living a holy life.
1) If we are to follow God’s decree towards living a holy life, we must put God above all things that rule our body and intellect.
2) To overcome worldly norms and not let principalities overshadow our spiritual devotion to God.
3) To be holy in all our thoughts and deeds.
The rewards of change:
To receive God’s love and protection! Could there be a greater reward?
The Pastor exhorts congregation to show the change God has brought about in their life and go further by becoming an instrument of change in others. He concludes his sermon with a prayer.
The Baptist Dorcas Fellowship presented a harmonious special number singing, “Muanding leh belhding Toupa” and the Secretary, BDF gave a brief secretarial report. The eagerly awaited moment of prize-distribution came as the four groups, Itna, Lemna, Muanna and Kipahna took turns accepting awards for their remarkable achievements. God be praised for the talents he has given these mothers, wives, care-givers and steadfast pillars of the church!
The winners of the Bible- in- Action team gave a brilliant act, followed by a solo performance by the winner of the singing competition.
Nu Haumuankim addressed the congregation with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contribution of those who made the Dorcas’ Conference a success.
A special token of appreciation was given to the two eldest members of the BDF and the last hymn for the day, “ Enven ka tenna gamnuam” was sung.
The Vice-Chairman of the TBSUC, elder T. Kaithang then, declared the 5th Annual Dorcas’ Conference officially closed and said the benediction. Thus, ends the church service for the day.
By- Kimte
Media Team
