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Joining their fellow members in commemorating the 111th anniversary of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church Of Christ) on July 27, brethren from the San Diego County, California Ecclesiastical District held various activities from July to August 2025.
Such commemoration began on July 5 with the INC Unity Games: Ultimate Frisbee Edition. Held at San Dieguito Academy High School along Santa Fe Dr, Encinitas, California, this sports event brought together brethren from all the district’s eight local congregations, fostering camaraderie and physical wellness through friendly competition.
“This is a sport that not many have played,” remarked district Buklod president Justin Martin. Thus, with brethren learning the game together, “it has allowed us to uphold the love of the brotherhood in a unique way.”
Throughout the day, players competed from eliminations, semi-finals, up to the finals. Vista Congregation won; North San Diego and Chula Vista congregations placed second and third, respectively.
A special meeting of officers was led by district supervising minister Brother Matthew Capistrano on July 21, during which 88 new officers took oath of duty. It was hosted from the Chula Vista Congregation’s house of worship, while other congregations connected via livestreaming. Over 80 deacons and deaconesses were recognized and awarded a certificate of appreciation for their unwavering service to the Church for 30 years and more.
“Being entrusted with this duty is truly a blessing from God,” enthused newly sworn deacon Rufino Bernardo from the Menifee Congregation. “I promise to fulfill it faithfully, for as long as I’m able, in service to God and the brethren.”
At respective venues, brethren in every congregation shared the faith via Pasugo: God’s Message magazine distribution and held community outreach events on July 26 and 27.
“I’m always happy to hand out Pasugo magazines because it’s a simple way to share God’s words,” said Chula Vista Congregation Light of Salvation secretary Luida Florendo. “I hope the magazine will inspire others to learn more about the truth.”
Meanwhile, blood donation drives were held in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank and the Felix Y. Manalo Foundation at San Diego Blood Bank along Gateway Center Avenue in San Diego on July 26, and at the function hall of the National City Congregation on July 27.
“Donating blood could be a small act, but it can mean so much to someone in need,” said choir member Jasmine Mananquil from the Temecula Valley Congregation. “It’s a way of showing love for my fellowmen, just as the Bible teaches.”
There were 52 donors who were able to contribute a total of 40 units of blood.
On July 28 and 30, district supervising minister Brother Capistrano and assistant district supervising minister Brother Alex Oñate respectively received certificates of recognition at National City and in one of the district offices of the State of California. Coinciding with the Church’s 111th anniversary, the National City officially declared July 27 as “Iglesia Ni Cristo Day.” California Legislature Assemblymember, David Alvarez, congratulated the Church in “celebrating over a century of faith, service, and dedication to the community” and “commitment to uplifting and supporting generations of congregants.”
The district held INC Giving activities on August 2 and 3. These included the beach clean-up drive by Chula Vista members at Coronado Beach, clean-up drive by Vista and North San Diego brethren-volunteers at Brengle Terrace Park in Vista, school supplies drive for students in need by members in Menifee and Hemet congregations at Winchester Swap Meet in Newport Rd, providing food preparation assistance by brethren in El Cajon at Transitional Living Center, and a free food distribution by members in the National City at their congregation’s parking lot.
“We wanted to make sure students start the school year feeling prepared and supported,” said head deacon Ken Smith from the Menifee Congregation about their school supplies drive. “It’s our way of showing them that their community cares and is rooting for their success.” — With reports from Christian Benedict Co and Justin Allen Lugtu of INC News Section
