INC District Minister for Australia-Oceania Emmanuel Era officially opening Appreciation Day to welcome residents of Minchinbury and other suburbs // Photo: TFA
What better way to start Spring than to demonstrate the spirit of GIVING!
Last weekend, September 3, the members of Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Minchinbury congregation celebrated the warm day by throwing away a Neighbourhood Appreciation Day.
Present were INC District Minister Emmanuel Era, who did the ribbon-cutting ceremony signalling the start of the open day festivities, and church officers and members who welcomed residents in Minchinbury and neighbouring suburbs.
The fast-growing Christian organisation thanked the local residents for their continuous support and hospitality by providing amazing FREE treats including Kids games, rides and crafts centre while the adults availed FREE services including health screenings and Wellness Education from licensed medical professionals, photo souvenir from the busy Photo Booth, and surprise gifts from Dad’s Corner.
We also couldn’t resist indulging in the Beauty & Nail Bar, Hair Bar, Massage Bar plus the FREE food, drinks and live entertainment.
As I know very little about the church, what I enjoyed the most was the chapel tour where we learned that this growing organisation that was started in 1914 by Brother Felix Y. Manalo in the Philippines is now present in over 90 countries and territories.
The church group has also been in Western Sydney for the last 24 years with over 700 active members promoting equality and brotherhood. Initially, the members used rented community halls for their worship services until August 1996 when they moved to the Minchinbury church building.
Apparently, last Saturday’s Neighbourhood Appreciation Day is the very first INC event of its kind staged in Australia.
It is part of the INC philanthropic program, launched in the United States last April, to help families and communities during challenging economic times by leveraging on the skills and expertise of Church members in implementing positive solutions and offering services focused on the basic needs of their neighbours.
Other Neighbourhood Appreciation Days are being planned in other congregations in Metro Sydney and in other Australian capital cities.
To the organizers – we thank you for a very enjoyable day where we felt part of the family. A true brotherhood at work indeed!
*** Bless Salonga is a freelance writer whose passion includes business management & coaching, choreography and music. She is also the co-founder and the Media & Community Coordinator for The MOB radio.
Photos: The Filipino Australian
