Association of Churches in Sarawak to host annual joint Christmas service on Dec 14

Ambrose (fourth left) and others in a group photo following the press conference on the yearly joint Christmas service held at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre in Kuching on Dec 11, 2023.

By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, Dec 11: The Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) will host its yearly joint Christmas service on Thursday (Dec 14) at 7.30pm at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre, Jalan Stampin, here.

According to ACS secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang, over 1,000 people are expected to attend the service with the theme ‘Jesus, The Promised One’.

“All Christian members of the State and Federal governments, heads of departments, and community leaders have been invited to attend.

“As usual, representatives of interfaith groups such as Buddhist, Hindu, Bahai, and Sikh who have previously attended our functions were also invited,” he said during a press conference held today at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre.

He also invited all Christians in Kuching and the surrounding areas to come together on the joyous occasion to fellowship and praise God in unity to enrich one’s spiritual realms through prayers and songs.

Ambrose continued: “Borneo Evangelical Mission (BEM) serves as the host church. The chairman of the main organising committee is Harry Pudun, and the secretary is Ronny Kee Leong.

“Rev Bina Agong, president of the BEM, will share the reflection on the chosen theme. Rt Rev Datuk Danald Jute, Bishop of Kuching, shall lead the benediction at the close of the service. All heads of churches are expected to attend.”

Furthermore, he highlighted that the recitation of the Holy Scripture will be in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin, Salako, and Iban.

“There will be prayers for reconciliation, world peace, for Kings and Leaders, for the poor, destitute, refugees, and migrants, and for Christian unity. Steve Harold will lead the combined praise and worship.”

The ACS secretary-general went on to say that ACS has always worked to strengthen friendship and brotherhood among all Sarawakians through its many activities at all divisions because unity and social cohesiveness are the pillars of the State’s economic progress and development as outlined in Sarawak’s Post Covid-19 Development Strategy (PCDS) 2030.

“ACS would like to affirm its commitment towards promoting harmony and unity among all Sarawakians of different faiths. Let us all take concrete steps to promote structured interreligious dialogues between all faiths.”

He also praised the large number of Christians and non-Christians who participated in recent Christmas parades in Kuching, Miri, Serian, Sibu, Sarikei, Bintangor, Bintulu, Limbang, Sri Aman, Kapit, and other divisional towns.

“ACS would like to express gratitude to State ministers and local YBs (elected representatives) for attending the Christmas parades in their respective divisions.

“May this Christmas season bring only happiness, peace, love, and joy to you and your family. May you and your family be gifted with countless blessings this coming New Year,” he added. — DayakDaily