PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE, EBCC DELHI: Brief Report
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Date: 1st April, 2012 (Sunday)
Time: 11 A.M.
Place: EBC Church, Nasirpur, New Delhi
1st April, 2012 is celebrated as Palm Sunday by Christians throughout the world. This auspicious day is celebrated to mark the triumphal entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, the week before his death and resurrection.
2. As the Ber Sarai-Munirka Bus reached the Dwarka Flyover, the booming voice of Mr. Mung Ngaihte can be heard from the back end of the bus, shouting slogans like “Tungnungpen ah”, “David tapa kiang ah”, “Sabengtung tung a tuangpa kiang ah”, etc and his fellow passengers responded in unison with “Hosanna”. This reminded the church-goers that this is not an ordinary Sunday, but a day to mark the triumph of Jesus Christ. The bus stopped and all passengers alighted at Nasirpur Gate, far from its usual terminal point. Palm leaves were distributed and from there, the passengers marched, shouting “Hosanna” all the way to the church.
3. The Service started at exactly 11.00 am, as scheduled, with the Pastor reading out from the Scriptures (Psalms 8) and having the opening prayer. The Worship Team led the congregation such songs as “Sa in ka phat ding hi”, “Aw pau sang tampi’n la sa ding” and “Van a Pa aw Nang kong pahtawi uhi” in succession. The last song was interspersed with the customary Mass Prayer, with the song played in the background while the congregation prayed to the Almighty, giving thanks and asking for his help and guidance. While the ushers collected the offerings, the song “Toupa Vang Kiamlou” was sung. Upa Tuanmuanthang had the Offertory Prayer.
4. While the Baptist Children Department (BCD) were getting ready, Pastor V. Nenglian conducted the child dedication service for Miss Chingbiakhoih, daughter of Mrs & Mr.N.Paukhanmang. BCD students then went round the church building, shouting “Hosanna”. They then entered the church, led by their Sunday School teacher Sonlal Mangte, who shouted slogans like “Tungnungpen ah”, “David Tapa Kiang ah”, “Gam hongtung ding i Pa David gam a hampha hi” with the Sunday School children responding with “Hosanna”, at the top of their voices. The little ones then presented their lovely number “Hosanna”, giving glory to the King of Kings. What a sight to behold!
5. Ber Sarai Prayer Cell then presented the song “Hosanna, Toupa” composed by our very own Mr. V. Nunlian. This was followed by the customary Pastoral Prayer held on the first Sunday of the month. He prayed for those having examinations in the near future, academic as well as competitive examinations; for those having their birthday and marriage anniversary in the month of April; for those who came to Delhi for medical check-ups, for official and personal purposes, etc. The Pastor prayed to the Almighty for and on behalf of all of them.
6. The Pastor then took to the pulpit to deliver his Palm Sunday message to the congregation. He first of all reminded the congregation of his 2010 and 2011 Palm Sunday messages: - that in 2010 he spoke about Palm Sunday as a way in which Jesus declares his Kingship and that in 2011 he spoke of two ways to glorify the Lord-obedience to Him and giving our all to God. He then read the Scriptures Luke 19:28-40 and Phillipians 2:1-11
7. He explained the etymology of the word “Hosanna” stating that it is a Hebrew word expressed in Greek, with “Hosan” meaning save or save us and “na” referring to prayer. Thus, Hosanna means prayer to save (us), O’ Lord save us and grant us success (Psalms 118:25). He then went on to explain what is meant by “Who Comes in the Name of the Lord”. It means coming from God, as in Jesus who comes from God, and in the name of the Lord to save all of us. He explained Jesus as
- The Great High Priest;
- Prophet who spread/spoke God’s word;
- Doing Mighty Deeds; and
- Leaving his heavenly abode and coming down to save us.
To live life in the name of the Lord or in other words, to live the Lord’s way, we have to:
- Have good relationship with God through/by believing in Jesus Christ, His son;
- Making/Giving time for him, as he made/gave time for us, through our riches, knowledge and intellect. Whether our riches, knowledge and intellect prevents us from following Him or whether these bring us closer to Him; and
- Giving highest glory to Jesus
8. After the Pastor’s message, Upa K. Songkhotuan of Central Lamka, Manipur had a brief sharing wherein he thanked EBCC Delhi for their contributions to FMPB, Project Nehemiah, etc and stated that EBCC Delhi members are the creme de la creme of our society and referred to them as the salts of the earth (Matthew 5:13). The congregation then rose to sing “Tumlam Phaizang Apan” and the service ended with Benediction by Upa Khamkhanpau.
-Joyful Tonsing (Media Team)
