By MELVIN DINESHRAJ
THE Rev James Nagulan, President
of Emmanuel Tamil Annual Conference (ETAC), has urged conference
members to offer themselves as a living sacrifice which, he said,
is the true act of worship ( Rom 12:1).
He was delivering a sermon entitled
"Having the Mind of Christ", at ETAC's annual Festival
of Praise at Ang Mo Kio Methodist Church on Feb 4, 2006. The sermon
was based on the text from Philippians 2:1-5.
"Having the mind of Christ," he said, "should transform
us to be a people who would desire to know and do the perfect
will of God."
He urged the conference to remain united and synergised just as
it had been for the duration of the Festival of Praise. He challenged
the people to have the same spirit by joining their hearts and
hands in prayer, witness, outreach and missions.
The festival was organised by the Board on Laity. It saw all seven
ETAC churches congregating as one unified body as they engaged
themselves in joyful worship, deep adoration and heartfelt praise
for the Almighty.
Opening introit a petition
for spiritual renewal
Various local churches contributed a series of song and dance
items with the newly-formed conference youth band in attendance.
The Pastors & Wives and ETAC-Women's Society of Christian
Service also rendered some songs.
The evening began with Ang Mo Kio Tamil Methodist Church Choir
rendering a melodious Hebrew introit entitled "Hashi Venu"
with piano accompaniment. The piece, aptly based on Lamentations
5:21, is a petition for spiritual renewal.
In launching a series of conference-level events for the year,
the Festival of Praise attracted about 250 members. The festival
proved itself to be an event at which ETAC truly praised God with
its God-given gifts and talents.
The celebrations turned out to be a platform from which churches
could network and synergise with, motivate and encourage one another
for the ministry. The event concluded with a dinner fellowship.
Melvin Dineshraj is a member of Pasir Panjang Tamil Methodist Church.
Members of the ETAC-Women's Society of Christian Service presenting their song item. -- ETAC picture.