United Church celebrates 50 years in PNG

The United Church is celebrating 50 years of missionary work in PNG.

Today, representatives from all over the country gathered at the Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby to commemorate the day the Methodist Church and London missionaries united to form the United Church in 1968.

With the theme “Past, Present and Future, In God We Trust”, the Sir John Guise stadium Indoor Complex was packed to its full capacity, with some church goers having no choice but to sit outside.

The combined United Church service also saw representatives from the Australian Methodist Church and the British Methodist Church.

Minister for Community Development, Youth and Religion, Soroi Eoe, with Rigo MP Lekwa Gure and Deputy Speaker and Member for Nipa-Kutubu, Jeffery Komal, joined the rest of the congregation in this special event. 

Before the main celebrant gave his sermon, an enactment of the agreement or covenant by the Methodist Church and London missionaries, in uniting both churches, was dramatized by the Bishops.  

While the activity was full of praise and worship, and thanking the Lord for the last 50 years, the United Church PNG Moderator, Reverend Bernard Siai, challenged the congregation to continue the work of the Lord and hold onto the next generation of United Church members.

Reflecting on the story of the Israelites fleeing Egypt to the promise land, he further challenged church leaders and reverends to be innovative in changing more lives to walk in the path of righteousness and enjoy God’s promises. 

The event was filled with more words of encouragement, songs and dance, choir and the famous Motuan peroveta.

Author: 
Charmaine Poriambep