On October 26th, Newlife SDA Church celebrated a vibrant Cultural Sabbath centered on the theme One in Christ. The day was marked by a rich tapestry of cultural expressions, unity, and spiritual nourishment.The key text for the day, Galatians 3:26-29, served as a foundational text for the day's message. It reminded attendees that faith in …
On October 26th, Newlife SDA Church celebrated a vibrant Cultural Sabbath centered on the theme One in Christ. The day was marked by a rich tapestry of cultural expressions, unity, and spiritual nourishment.
The key text for the day, Galatians 3:26-29, served as a foundational text for the day’s message. It reminded attendees that faith in Christ transcends cultural barriers and that all believers are heirs to the promises of God.
Pastor Chigemezi Wogu delivered an inspiring sermon, Disciples of All Nations but One in Christ, that emphasized the unifying essence of Christ’s message. Pastor Wogu highlighted that in Christ, all believers—regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or background—are united as children of God. He passionately encouraged the congregation to embrace this unity and to actively participate in fostering a welcoming community that reflects the diversity of the body of Christ.
Cultural Expressions
As we gathered in unity, we glimpsed the world through diverse perspectives and traditions that enriched our collective purpose.
The day featured various cultural presentations, allowing members to share their heritage through greetings, music and food. This celebration not only enriched the worship experience but also fostered a deeper appreciation for the diverse backgrounds within the church community.
As each country was introduced, the room came alive with joyful voices offering their own unique greetings of “Happy Sabbath – Happy Day.” From Swahili to Shona, Hindi to Spanish, each greeting echoed a warmth and unity that crossed borders, connecting us all in the shared joy of the Sabbath. It was a beautiful reminder of our diversity, yet a testament to our oneness in faith.
Inspiration in music
Our brothers (Vocal Faith Quartet) blessed us with a heartfelt rendition of Nannanu Parikshisi , a song sung in the Kannada Language of India. This moving piece, whose title means “Search Me, Oh God,” resonates as a deep prayer, asking God to examine and purify our hearts. This soulful performance captured the essence of surrender and faith, inviting everyone to reflect on their own journey with God.
Our beautiful choir filled the room with a heartfelt rendition of Siyahamba , a stirring song that translates to “We are marching in the light of God.” Voices rose together, transcending borders as they sang in Swahili, Shona, and other languages. Each verse echoed our unity in faith, capturing the essence of marching together, side by side, in the light and love of God.
Diverse Potluck
Our Cultural Sabbath feast was a delicious journey around the world, with an array of dishes that delighted every taste bud. Naturally, there was Nigeria’s beloved jollof rice, paired with Kenya’s classic ugali and chapati. Platters overflowed with fresh salads, crispy samosas, and warm boiled corn. Cakes and mandazis added a sweet touch, each dish a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the cultures we celebrated.
Visitors
We were thrilled to have visitors join us for our Cultural Sabbath celebration. Seeing new faces in the congregation added special energy to the day, making our time together feel even more meaningful. Sharing admonition, songs, and meals with guests reminded us that our community extends far beyond the familiar faces we see each week. Together, we experienced the beauty of unity in Christ, with each person—new or known—bringing something unique to our celebration.
Closing Reflections
The Cultural Sabbath was a powerful reminder of the call to be disciples of all nations, united in Christ. It reinforced the message that while our cultural backgrounds may differ, we are all part of one family in the eyes of God. The church left feeling uplifted and committed to living out this unity in their daily lives.
