1,000 gather at joint Christmas service

KUCHING: Around 1,000 people from various churches and denominations gathered at the Association of Churches Sarawak  (ACS) Joint Christmas Service here last night (Dec 14).

The service was hosted by Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) under the leadership of the main organising committee chairman Harry Pudun.

Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute, the Anglican Bishop of Kuching, congratulated Harry on a “marvellous and effective” gathering and thanked BEM president Rev Bina Agong for a “tremendous job done”.

“I would like to thank everyone present, especially friends of other faiths, it is such an honour and joy for us to have you join us here.

Closing benediction led by Danald (2nd left) together with Rev Monica Siaw (1st left), Archbishop Simon Poh (2nd right) and Bina (1st right)

“There are others that we must thank, the choir, the worship leaders, ushers and every one of you; we are reminded tonight (Dec 14) through Christ the promised one, He (Jesus) is the reason for the season.

“He (Jesus) must be there, that is why we are preparing for Christmas as the head of churches, we wish you a very blessed Christmas and a very blessed new year,” he said before leading the congregants to a closing benediction.

Representatives of the interfaith groups such as Buddhist, Hindu, Bahai and Sikh were also present.

The service held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre (CEWC), Jalan Stampin was a gathering of different churches – Roman Catholic Church, The Seventh-day Adventist Church, Baptist Church, Methodist Church, Anglican Church and the BEM Church.

Henry speaks to reporters after the ACS Joint Christmas Service.

In addition, Datuk Henry Harry Jinep who was present at the service, reminded the public to continue to be vigilant and mask up during house visits and family gatherings.

“Tonight was a good turn out, and with a good blessing, the weather was good, people are in a good Christmas mood already. We are all looking forward to having a Christmas celebration.

“However, it is important to take good care of ourselves, that is the most important thing, remember to practise safety measures during the Christmas celebration,” he told reporters after the service.

Also present were UNIFOR director Datuk Jack Aman Luat, Batu Kitang assemblyman Datuk Lo Khere Chiang and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai.

The congregation recites the responding prayer led by Rev Roselind Ijah.

The team of carollers from different churches leading the congregants to Christmas songs