Vantage Point

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) Real, Bacoor, Cavite congregation celebrated it’s 16^th founding anniversary last Sunday, September 16, 2007 & I was invited to cover the event.

For those who don’t know yet, I grew up in a Protestant culture although not the UCCP denomination. This chuch is just a few steps away from our house, when we transferred to the place about 17 years ago, we (the family) has a hard time going to our church, it’s quite far from our place & during those time, transportation is one problem that we are facing, it’s a little bit costly for us.

After the establishment of this church (formerly known as Real Worshiping Congregation) Nanay decided to attend this church while I continued on attending the church where I grew up & comfortable of attending.

A lot of times that I was invited to attend the chuch which most of the time I did, I was once assigned as presider during it’s family week where we were the sponsor family. It’s safe to say that I saw how this church evolve from a mere Worshiping Conrgregation into being acknowledge as a church some 14 years (or more) ago. I was a witness when this building was built in 1995.

Anyways, like the usual worship service, the activity was opened by the traditional processional, after all the guest has entered, a tambourine dance followed. The dance was performed by selected Sunday Schoolers from age 10.

Then the Chancel Choir rendered a song.

The Children’s Choir won’t be left behind, my 8 year old niece/inaanak Christine Dawn (CD) is a member of this choir (2nd row, 2nd from the left).

The current Resident Pastor, Rev. Edwin Catungal introduced the Guest Speaker for this special occasion.

Then it’s time for the “Word”, the guest speaker is a professor of Worship from PCU-UTS (Philippine Christian University - Union Theological Seminary) in Dasmañas, Cavite, Rev. Dr. Ferdinand Anno.

The former Resident Pastor Rev. Armando Carlos was present to great & celebrate with the congregation.

After the worship, it’s chow time, the Women’s Organization of the Church prepared a lunch for the attendees.

For some, this may just be another worship service or for a photographer like me, just another assignment, but I look at it on a different perspective, I’m glad & honored to be celebrating this momentous occasion, I know that the good Lord will bless this church in the years to come.

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