1 Aug 2025, 11:15Leslian Elli, Communication TeamWelling, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
No Cruising – Mission Possible: Serving Like Jesus
Welling Church Kids Celebrate, Serve, and Surprise Seniors
Sabbath, 12 July 2025 will be marked down in Welling Church’s calendar as an unforgettable Children’s Ministries Day.
The children, as news readers and correspondents, reported on their activities in the community in serving others like Jesus did. Their report was interspersed with joyous singing, inspiring us all to serve with acts of kindness, a willing heart, and love for all.
The afternoon programme was filled with intrigue. This was indeed a covert mission to honour our elderly members aged 70 years and above, with the eldest being 96 years.
With adeptness, the team, in order to ensure that our elders stayed for the afternoon programme, requested of them to sing for the children.
Behind the scenes, there were weeks of planning to invite family members who once attended the SDA Church, other Christians and Muslims. As they arrived in the afternoon, four generations of family members were represented. They were seated in an area out of the view of their families; this added to the intrigue.
Then the moment arrived: “The Great Reveal!”
Each beloved senior member was escorted by a child from the sanctuary, passing through a guard of honour to the hall. As they approached the hall, the melodious playing of our young saxophonist Kalechi could be heard with the rendition of “Jesus, He Is Wonderful.”
The hall was decorated with white linen for the tables, gold centrepieces, and table settings. Blue and gold balloons, as it were, floated off the tables, and there was a blue plaque on the wall with words honouring our elders.
There was surprise and delight on their faces. Yet even more surprise was to come as the special guests came in after their parents, grandparents, and siblings. It was a joy to behold.
We were welcomed by our hosts Abigail and Daynea, and prayer was offered by Blessing Okafor. Thereafter, delectable food was served throughout the afternoon with generosity.
Favour and Reuben presented short biographies on all honourees. They were:
Wilfreda Alexander, Ivy Blake, Priscilla Chambers, Gillian Harrison, Elizabeth Kavanagh, Leo and Monie Norris, Mercy Nworgu, Elizabeth Ogun, Elsia Quamina, Esmie Rennie, Patricia Samuel, Gurdel Thomas, Neville Walker, and Charles and Rachel Whittle.
Their stories outlined their determined spirit to rise above the challenges of settling in a new land, having emigrated from the Caribbean Islands, Ireland, and Nigeria. They met the challenges without shrinking and went on to exceed, beyond the expectations of some narratives which wanted to suppress their ambitions.
They came to faith and found strength in the Lord. Each honouree’s favourite scripture and song was highlighted, exemplifying to all of us what it means to walk worthy of our calling.
Priscilla Chambers gave encouragement to all, and especially the children, with her poem “The A–Z with God.”
The honourees then sang “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.”
Jaidenlee delivered the charge to our beloved elders.
Inspired from the words of the Apostle Paul: to keep the faith, for there is a crown of righteousness awaiting each and every one.
This wonderful day, expressed by all and re-echoed by our senior members and special guests, culminated in prayers by Elders Halicon and First Elder Jerry.
Sabbath, 12 July 2025 will be marked down in Welling Church’s calendar as an unforgettable Children’s Ministries Day.
The children, as news readers and correspondents, reported on their activities in the community in serving others like Jesus did. Their report was interspersed with joyous singing, inspiring us all to serve with acts of kindness, a willing heart, and love for all.
The afternoon programme was filled with intrigue. This was indeed a covert mission to honour our elderly members aged 70 years and above, with the eldest being 96 years.
With adeptness, the team, in order to ensure that our elders stayed for the afternoon programme, requested of them to sing for the children.
Behind the scenes, there were weeks of planning to invite family members who once attended the SDA Church, other Christians and Muslims. As they arrived in the afternoon, four generations of family members were represented. They were seated in an area out of the view of their families; this added to the intrigue.
Then the moment arrived: “The Great Reveal!”
Each beloved senior member was escorted by a child from the sanctuary, passing through a guard of honour to the hall. As they approached the hall, the melodious playing of our young saxophonist Kalechi could be heard with the rendition of “Jesus, He Is Wonderful.”
The hall was decorated with white linen for the tables, gold centrepieces, and table settings. Blue and gold balloons, as it were, floated off the tables, and there was a blue plaque on the wall with words honouring our elders.
There was surprise and delight on their faces. Yet even more surprise was to come as the special guests came in after their parents, grandparents, and siblings. It was a joy to behold.
We were welcomed by our hosts Abigail and Daynea, and prayer was offered by Blessing Okafor. Thereafter, delectable food was served throughout the afternoon with generosity.
Favour and Reuben presented short biographies on all honourees. They were:
Wilfreda Alexander, Ivy Blake, Priscilla Chambers, Gillian Harrison, Elizabeth Kavanagh, Leo and Monie Norris, Mercy Nworgu, Elizabeth Ogun, Elsia Quamina, Esmie Rennie, Patricia Samuel, Gurdel Thomas, Neville Walker, and Charles and Rachel Whittle.
Their stories outlined their determined spirit to rise above the challenges of settling in a new land, having emigrated from the Caribbean Islands, Ireland, and Nigeria. They met the challenges without shrinking and went on to exceed, beyond the expectations of some narratives which wanted to suppress their ambitions.
They came to faith and found strength in the Lord. Each honouree’s favourite scripture and song was highlighted, exemplifying to all of us what it means to walk worthy of our calling.
Priscilla Chambers gave encouragement to all, and especially the children, with her poem “The A–Z with God.”
The honourees then sang “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.”
Jaidenlee delivered the charge to our beloved elders.
Inspired from the words of the Apostle Paul: to keep the faith, for there is a crown of righteousness awaiting each and every one.
This wonderful day, expressed by all and re-echoed by our senior members and special guests, culminated in prayers by Elders Halicon and First Elder Jerry.
