Worship Service Write-up
June 28, 2015 Sunday Worship Service
Time: 11.00 am
Induction ceremony of 8 new members were held and Sr. Pastor prayed for them.
Short report from BYF’s Summer Retreat team (third edition) about their visit to YMCA Centre, Sattal was presented. The team members accompanied by Upa Khamkhokam, Chairman EBCC Aizawl, were gladful with their tour programme and the hospitality shown by the YMCA Centre was lauded. The team, flagged-off at the residence of L/Upa Songzalian, left for Sattal on June 24 at 2:43pm and reported back safely on June 27 at about 9:00pm. During the retreat, the team was divided into several groups. Three main worship services were held daily:- A morning Devotion and worship services were also held later at noon and evening. Inspirational sermons based on the lives of biblical characters – Jacob, Mary & Martha, Peter, David and Apostle Paul were given by Pastor Biakson. Some groups could also had tent fellowship before late night. Final report about this tour programme will be out shortly in DEW/ EBCC website.
Sr. Pastor Nenglian Vualnam read portions from Acts 20:24, Matt 28:19&20 and Rev. 7:9 and preached on the topic – The Task of Making Disciples. His sermon could also be called his Hyderabad itenarary reports as much of his sermon was taken from what he observed during ‘United Christian Prayer of India consultations’ at Hyderabad.
The consultation was thronged by about 650 church leaders from various denominations. This consultation is the fourth of its kind. Consultants were divided into groups of about 5 members. Each group was assigned topics for discussion and their feedbacks were collected. Their schedule spread from 8:00am through 7:30pm each day which was full of elaborate discussion on - how to win hearts for Christ, where to focus, etc. which might be summed up as ‘the task of making disciples’. This consultation seems to be more fruitful than the last one which was held on January this year at Bangalore.
Only 2.4% Indians were Christian (2001), which is diminishing as compared to the British colonial period of 1940’s which stood at 2.6%. The main problem we faced is about how to convert hearts for Christ. These days the lives of people in general are moving from bad to worse; immorality, corruption, godlessness, sin and crime are on the rise. Meanwhile, the steps taken of late by the Government is not seen as favouring the Christians. However, some church organizations are sincerely taking steps to bring souls to Christ.
The Christian denominations need to stand united and fight the battle against the Devil. Lest the meagre 2.4% would reduce further. Through united prayer and action we can see positive results:-
Prayer:
1. We should pray for the nation during our worship services.
2. Fasting prayers should be conducted.
3. Specific people/ place should be chalked out for prayer programme.
4. We should also resort to Prayer walks.
Actions:
1. We must send Missionaries.
2. Distribute Tracks and build friendship with non-believers also.
3. Envisioning Meetings.
4. Observe National Day of Prayer (tentatively on October 2)
5. Releasing the laity.
A retired Catholic Priest about 78 years old enthusiastically opined, “reaching the unreached nation (Indian) in our lifetime through united prayer and action.” EBCC at present is in a stage of Worshipping church. We need to become a Witnessing Church.
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Evening Worship Service was hold at 4:00pm at the church premises.
Announcements:
ü Question Paper for Sunday school is out. Last date for submission of answer papers is 1st Sunday of July i.e., 05/07/2015.
ü Next Worship service which will also be observed as Grace Bible College Day on July 5, 2015 at 11:00am and 4:00pm. Sr. Pastor Nenglian Vualnam will be delivering his sermon at those services. Pastoral Prayer will be said by Pastor Biakson at 11:00am Service.
ü Induction Ceremony of new Church members will be held at next worship service scheduled at 11:00am.
ü For anyone desiring to be a member of this church it may be noted that in addition to recommendation letter from permanent membership church, one should also submit duly filled in proforma available in this church for updating in this church’s record and for future communication, as may be necessary.
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By- Lian Suantak, Content Writer, EBCC Delhi.
