30 May 2024, 14:13SM CommunicationsInverness
International Day Sabbath Service Unites Cultures at Inverness SDA Church
On a bright and hopeful Sabbath, the 25th of May, the Inverness Seventh-day Adventist Church group was transformed into a vibrant hub of cultures and languages as members from Inverness and the neighbouring Elgin gathered to celebrate International Day.
The day began with a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the church leaders. Attendees were immediately greeted by a kaleidoscope of colours and sounds, as some had chosen to wear their national dress. Traditional outfits from countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Romania, and India filled the church, each garment telling its own story and adding to the festive atmosphere.
As the service commenced, the congregation was invited to share greetings in their native languages. This simple yet profound gesture underscored the diversity present within the group. "Sabat fericit" (Romanian), "Šťastný sabat" (Slovak), "Priecīgu sabatu" (Latvian), and "Magandang umaga" (Filipino) were just a few of the greetings that resonated through the church, each met with warm smiles and nods of understanding. It was a powerful reminder of the universal language of kindness and our united humanity, with up to 14 different languages represented by the international composition of the gathering.
The music of the service reflected the same diversity. Hymns and songs were sung in various languages, creating a beautiful symphony that transcended linguistic barriers. Each song, though sung in a different tongue, carried the same message of faith and devotion, demonstrating that the substance of worship is universal.
Pastor Wilfred Masih, in his remarks, emphasised the fundamental goal of any missional endeavour: "The desire to exalt God is the most crucial component. The Bible says that God wants to be worshipped by people from every nation, and He reveals Himself through transforming lives worldwide. . . Jesus told his followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19, NIV). This command, known as the Great Commission, was the first global mission. It was based on a straightforward plan that included bridging cultural divides to share the Good News of the Gospel."
This special gathering was a poignant demonstration of unity and diversity, showcasing how the Gospel has the power to unite people, transcending cultural differences and backgrounds, and serving as a reminder of the divine decree to “make disciples of all nations”.
On a bright and hopeful Sabbath, the 25th of May, the Inverness Seventh-day Adventist Church group was transformed into a vibrant hub of cultures and languages as members from Inverness and the neighbouring Elgin gathered to celebrate International Day.
The day began with a warm and enthusiastic welcome from the church leaders. Attendees were immediately greeted by a kaleidoscope of colours and sounds, as some had chosen to wear their national dress. Traditional outfits from countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia, Romania, and India filled the church, each garment telling its own story and adding to the festive atmosphere.
As the service commenced, the congregation was invited to share greetings in their native languages. This simple yet profound gesture underscored the diversity present within the group. "Sabat fericit" (Romanian), "Šťastný sabat" (Slovak), "Priecīgu sabatu" (Latvian), and "Magandang umaga" (Filipino) were just a few of the greetings that resonated through the church, each met with warm smiles and nods of understanding. It was a powerful reminder of the universal language of kindness and our united humanity, with up to 14 different languages represented by the international composition of the gathering.
The music of the service reflected the same diversity. Hymns and songs were sung in various languages, creating a beautiful symphony that transcended linguistic barriers. Each song, though sung in a different tongue, carried the same message of faith and devotion, demonstrating that the substance of worship is universal.
Pastor Wilfred Masih, in his remarks, emphasised the fundamental goal of any missional endeavour: "The desire to exalt God is the most crucial component. The Bible says that God wants to be worshipped by people from every nation, and He reveals Himself through transforming lives worldwide. . . Jesus told his followers to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19, NIV). This command, known as the Great Commission, was the first global mission. It was based on a straightforward plan that included bridging cultural divides to share the Good News of the Gospel."
This special gathering was a poignant demonstration of unity and diversity, showcasing how the Gospel has the power to unite people, transcending cultural differences and backgrounds, and serving as a reminder of the divine decree to “make disciples of all nations”.
