Los Angeles County District establishes a new congregation in Santa Monica

“It’s very important that attending worship services be made more accessible to brethren, so that they can further dedicate themselves to worshiping God,” Pierre Perez, district Christian Family Organizations (CFO) overseer, said. “When local congregations are established to more cities and communities, the brethren also further share their faith to their fellowmen who do not know yet about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ).”

“Having the place of worship close to us,” Lazarus Aviel Santos, choir member, said, “our family can better perform our services to God.”

Brother Artemio Pilon Jr., district supervising minister, led the holy occasion. He taught the brethren in his Bible-based homily about how children should be raised in Christian discipline, that is, according to the teachings of God written in the Bible.

After the biblical preaching, the pioneering set of Church officers took oath of their respective duties. One of them was Justin Malabanan, who took oath as the congregation KADIWA president, and said, “I want to contribute in fostering a welcoming environment for my fellow youth members. I will help in strengthening their faith, as well as our love of brotherhood.”

Brethren in Santa Monica used to attend worship services with the Local Congregation of Los Angeles prior to their being organized as a separate congregation. “Heavy traffic going to the house of worship was a constant challenge,” shared Cindy Valenzuela, head secretary. “God has finally answered our devotional prayers; we now have a place of worship nearer to our homes.”

Succeeding worship services of this newly established local congregation will be held at 2116 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica. — With reports from Eva Basallaje of INC News Section