The Apostolic Faith group in Teaneck, New Jersey, held several end-of-the-year activities, beginning with a Christmas program on December 18 titled “A Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.” A number of friends, family members, and co-workers attended the event, which included several Scripture readings narrating God’s redemption plan for mankind, starting with Genesis 3:8-20, recounting Adam’s sin. Other readings included God’s promise to Abraham (Genesis 22:15-18), prophecies of the coming Savior (Isaiah 9:2-7), the peace that Christ brought (Isaiah 11:1-9), the angel’s visit to Mary (Luke 2:8-16), the Wise Men led by the star (Matthew 2:1-12), and revealing the great mystery of the incarnation of Christ
(John 1:1-14).
Congregational singing and music specials were interspersed, including a vocal duet of “Sweet Were the Angel’s Tidings” from Christy Timbilla and Joy Fawole, and a cello solo, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” by Akinola Fawole, accompanied by Daniel Tetteh on the piano. Ifeoluwa Fawole sang beautiful renditions of “The Birthday of a King” and “O Holy Night.” The audience was also thrilled with the performances by the youth. John Timbilla played “We Three Kings” and “Good King Wenceslas” on the piano, while Amanda and Sarah Mperey sang a medley of “Go Tell It on the Mountain,” “Away In a Manger,” and “Gentle Jesus, Sweetly Sleep.” James Timbilla, the leader of the Teaneck group, gave a brief exhortation on the real reason for Christmas. He encouraged the congregation to remain committed to Christ as they approach His imminent return. Before the closing prayer, the congregation sang “Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne.”
The Christmas Day service began with a vocal ensemble, “Christmas Favorites Medley,” comprised of a number of well-known Christmas carols. The congregation sang a few Christmas carols before the last special. Taking his text from Isaiah 9:2, 6-7, Brother James spoke about the gift God gave to mankind through Christ’s birth and ultimate death. He encouraged the congregation to give their hearts to God, the best gift they could offer in return.
The last Wednesday and Friday of the year were devoted to special prayer meetings to reflect on the previous year. A watch night service was held on Saturday, December 31, beginning at 10:00 p.m. The attendees sang a few praise songs, and some testified of God’s goodness during 2011. Two members gave thanks to God for delivering them from serious automobile accidents, while another man told how God delivered all six of his family members from a terrible automobile accident overseas. A young lady told how God saved and sanctified her, and stressed her determination to hold fast without yielding to peer pressure. One young lady thanked God for saving her and providing a way for her to continue her education at a university following her graduation from the community college. A man recounted how God delivered him from worldly pursuits and saved him, and how his coming to America has been an added blessing in his life.
The Scripture reading was from Psalm 26:1-12. In his New Year’s Eve message, Brother James reread verse 2, as well as Psalm 139:23-24. He commended the congregation for their zeal in serving God, concluding that there was always room for improvement as exemplified by David. He encouraged all to examine their hearts and seek a closer walk with God in the year ahead.
The members returned for a special service on New Year’s Day. Brother James read Exodus 14:15 for his text, and encouraged the congregation to go forward in their walks with God in spite of the challenges they may face in the coming year. He ended the message by reading Isaiah 41:10, reminding the congregation that God will be there to strengthen and uphold them in every situation.
The Teaneck group is indeed grateful for God’s blessings in 2011, and they request prayer that God will help them to be all He wants them to be during 2012, as they continue to labor in His vineyard.