Concepcion, Marikina Congregation turns 36

Family Fun Run
On April 16, households from the local congregation participated in the fun run. The starting point for the activity was the compound of the local congregation’s house of worship along J. Molina Street, Concepcion Uno, Marikina City. The finish line was set up in a tennis court along the same street. The participants run a 500-meter course in the activity.

“We looked forward for the anniversary of our congregation and in this fun run, together with my husband, we gladly participated,” Angela Rabara-Ramos, a choir member, expressed. “We were together with other brethren and this reinvigorated us. Because of the pandemic, we missed one another so we knew the importance of this activity,” she added.

PNK Friendship Day
On April 17, Children’s Worship Service (CWS) officers led a PNK Friendship Day through videoconferencing. The CWS members enjoyed virtual fun games which gave them a chance to bond with one another. Winners of the games were given prizes. In the activity, those who actively participated in various activities of the PNK during the lockdowns were also given recognition.

“I am happy because with this activity, my child becomes more active in Church activities,” Myrna Franco, a Buklod member, said. “The CWS members, including my child, gained more friends and became closer to the CWS officers. Even in this pandemic, modern technology is being used for all us to be active in our faith,” she added.

Business and Financial Seminar
Buklod and KADIWA members attended a Business and Financial Seminar at the congregation’s house of worship on April 19 for them to learn new ideas and gain insight on alternative sources of income, especially in this time of hardships.

Farrah Del Monico, a financial consultant and a Church member from the Local Congregation of Tundo, Manila, served as the speaker.  She discussed to the attendees how they can manage their income as well as investment and savings strategies.

Socialization event
On April 24, the socializing event of the local congregation was held at a covered court along J. Molina Street, Concepcion Uno, Marikina City. They watched a video presentation of the congregation’s history from its establishment up to the present. Afterwards, select brethren, candidates for baptism, and doctrinal instructees performed live presentations of Iglesia Ni Cristo original music.

“We wholeheartedly thank, first of all, our Lord God for giving the success to the Church as a whole and our congregation is included in the parade of victories. We also thank our beloved Executive Minister, Brother Eduardo V. Manalo, and Brother Angelo Eraño V. Manalo, the CFO Coordinator, for approving our activities in commemoration of our congregation’s anniversary,” Brother Mamato said. “These activities all the more keep the zeal of the brethren aflame in serving God. We promise to all the more strengthen our faith and we will continue to put our faith in God’s blessings to receive the promised salvation,” he added.

Evangelical Mission
On April 25, an evangelical mission was conducted at the congregation’s house of worship. Brother Mamato preached a Bible-based lesson about how death can be overcome, and that is by becoming a member of the true Church Of Christ. This is so, he clarified, because the Lord Jesus Christ promised to the members of His Church salvation and eternal life. Should they die before His return, He will raise them up on the Day of Judgment and spare them from the second death in the lake of fire.

“As part of our congregation’s anniversary and after our Holy Supper, we are eager to fulfill our obligation as Christ’s branches [members of His Church] that we should bear fruit, one of which, is through inviting more people to listen to God’s teachings so they could return to Him,” Dante Bonifacio Jr., one of the head deacons, enthused. “We extend our concern for our fellowmen and our desire for them to be included in God’s work of salvation. We feel God’s help in our endeavors and we offer all the glory to Him.” — With reports from INC News Section