17 Apr 2025, 16:57Lloyd Makonese | Adina Lupu | Edited by SM CommunicationsDundee City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Dundee and Glasgow Churches Unite for a Day of Fellowship and Outreach
On 12 April 2025, the Dundee and Glasgow churches united for a Day of Fellowship under the theme "Worth Redefined."
On Saturday, 12 April 2025, the churches of Dundee and Glasgow united for a memorable Day of Fellowship under the theme "Worth Redefined", a gathering that welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds for a day of meaningful worship, connection, and outreach.
The day began with a panel-led Bible discussion for adults, while parallel sessions for children and youth explored the theme "Comfortable in Your Own Skin", focusing on identity and self-worth.
A Message of Grace and Redemption
The service that followed was highlighted by a sermon from Pastor Rory Mendez, Director of the Ellen G White Research Centre. Drawing on the story of David and Mephibosheth, Pastor Mendez focused on key themes of compassion, promise-keeping, love and grace, which he described as central to the church's mission. "Your past and your pain do not define you," he said. "You are defined by the One who calls you His own." He encouraged the congregation to embrace the life-changing power of God's grace and to see themselves as "new Davids," called to reach out to those in need, like Mephibosheth, and bring them to God's table, where brokenness finds belonging and worth is redefined.
Music, Fellowship, and Mission
Music played a central role in shaping the day's experience, with performances by gifted musicians Favorite Nwokocha, Buntu Ndlovu, and the Da Silva family. The praise team, drawn from both Glasgow and Dundee churches, led the congregation in uplifting songs, while the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC) added depth to the worship experience with their renditions of "Musica Est Pax" (Music is Peace) and "To His Glory".
The lunch break offered a welcome opportunity for further fellowship and connection, reflecting the day’s spirit of inclusion and community.
The afternoon featured a presentation titled "Mission 150", commemorating 150 years of Adventist mission. Pastor Mendez further challenged the church to embrace cultural awareness and spiritual discernment, stressing that "Mission begins with connection."
Singing for A Cause: The Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir Concert and Personal Testimony
The event culminated in a concert by the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC), led by musical director Maestro Samuel Santos. The concert was not only an opportunity to engage the local community but also served as a fundraiser for the Beatson Cancer Charity. The performance was part of their year-long initiative to bring joy and encouragement to people in church settings, local care homes, and hospitals.
A deeply moving moment came when Maestro Santos shared his personal testimony. After undergoing two major open-heart surgeries in 2024, Santos faced significant health challenges that nearly prevented him from attending the concert. However, after undergoing an alternative treatment, he was able to travel and participate in the concert – a powerful testament to his unwavering faith and determination.
Several pastors offered a prayer for his continued recovery, underscoring the deep sense of community and faith that characterised the day.
The concert also featured the Glasgow Adventist Melodies Choir (GAMC), a singing group for children and teens aged 10 to 17, led by Allan Zukowski. They performed alongside the adult choir, marking an important moment of encouragement and growth for the younger singers.
The concert featured a rich array of spirituals, including "Kumbaya" and "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian", as well as international pieces like "Hatikvah", with audience participation adding to the sense of shared worship and community.
Reflections on the Day
Reflecting on the event, Maestro Santos expressed his gratitude for Dundee Church’s warm hospitality and the dedication of the GAGC singers. "If there are moments in life that remain etched in our memory forever, I hope that the Saturday we shared in Dundee when we felt the power of God through music and prayer will be one of those essential memories to keep for life," he said.
Pastor Claudiu Popescu, who helped coordinate the event, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the biblical role of music in worship and its power to convey God’s truth and love. He thanked Dundee Church for their support and acknowledged the profound impact the songs and testimonies had on those present.
In response, local church pastor Njay Ndlovu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host such a meaningful joint event.
A video compilation of the concert can be accessed here.
Video credit: Samuel Vieira
On 12 April 2025, the Dundee and Glasgow churches united for a Day of Fellowship under the theme "Worth Redefined."
On Saturday, 12 April 2025, the churches of Dundee and Glasgow united for a memorable Day of Fellowship under the theme "Worth Redefined", a gathering that welcomed people of all ages and backgrounds for a day of meaningful worship, connection, and outreach.
The day began with a panel-led Bible discussion for adults, while parallel sessions for children and youth explored the theme "Comfortable in Your Own Skin", focusing on identity and self-worth.
A Message of Grace and Redemption
The service that followed was highlighted by a sermon from Pastor Rory Mendez, Director of the Ellen G White Research Centre. Drawing on the story of David and Mephibosheth, Pastor Mendez focused on key themes of compassion, promise-keeping, love and grace, which he described as central to the church's mission. "Your past and your pain do not define you," he said. "You are defined by the One who calls you His own." He encouraged the congregation to embrace the life-changing power of God's grace and to see themselves as "new Davids," called to reach out to those in need, like Mephibosheth, and bring them to God's table, where brokenness finds belonging and worth is redefined.
Music, Fellowship, and Mission
Music played a central role in shaping the day's experience, with performances by gifted musicians Favorite Nwokocha, Buntu Ndlovu, and the Da Silva family. The praise team, drawn from both Glasgow and Dundee churches, led the congregation in uplifting songs, while the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC) added depth to the worship experience with their renditions of "Musica Est Pax" (Music is Peace) and "To His Glory".
The lunch break offered a welcome opportunity for further fellowship and connection, reflecting the day’s spirit of inclusion and community.
The afternoon featured a presentation titled "Mission 150", commemorating 150 years of Adventist mission. Pastor Mendez further challenged the church to embrace cultural awareness and spiritual discernment, stressing that "Mission begins with connection."
Singing for A Cause: The Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir Concert and Personal Testimony
The event culminated in a concert by the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC), led by musical director Maestro Samuel Santos. The concert was not only an opportunity to engage the local community but also served as a fundraiser for the Beatson Cancer Charity. The performance was part of their year-long initiative to bring joy and encouragement to people in church settings, local care homes, and hospitals.
A deeply moving moment came when Maestro Santos shared his personal testimony. After undergoing two major open-heart surgeries in 2024, Santos faced significant health challenges that nearly prevented him from attending the concert. However, after undergoing an alternative treatment, he was able to travel and participate in the concert – a powerful testament to his unwavering faith and determination.
Several pastors offered a prayer for his continued recovery, underscoring the deep sense of community and faith that characterised the day.
The concert also featured the Glasgow Adventist Melodies Choir (GAMC), a singing group for children and teens aged 10 to 17, led by Allan Zukowski. They performed alongside the adult choir, marking an important moment of encouragement and growth for the younger singers.
The concert featured a rich array of spirituals, including "Kumbaya" and "Lord, I Want to Be a Christian", as well as international pieces like "Hatikvah", with audience participation adding to the sense of shared worship and community.
Reflections on the Day
Reflecting on the event, Maestro Santos expressed his gratitude for Dundee Church’s warm hospitality and the dedication of the GAGC singers. "If there are moments in life that remain etched in our memory forever, I hope that the Saturday we shared in Dundee when we felt the power of God through music and prayer will be one of those essential memories to keep for life," he said.
Pastor Claudiu Popescu, who helped coordinate the event, echoed that sentiment, highlighting the biblical role of music in worship and its power to convey God’s truth and love. He thanked Dundee Church for their support and acknowledged the profound impact the songs and testimonies had on those present.
In response, local church pastor Njay Ndlovu expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host such a meaningful joint event.
A video compilation of the concert can be accessed here.
Video credit: Samuel Vieira
