KUCHING: Christians from all denominations are invited to the Association of Churches in Sarawak (ACS) Joint Christmas Service at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre, Jalan Stampin, this Thursday (Dec 18).
ACS secretary-general Elder Ambrose Linang said the 7.30 pm service, hosted by the Anglican Church, calls on believers to set aside divisions and celebrate a shared Saviour.
“Let us remove from among us every divisive spirit and every divided heart. Let us come together, transcending denominational lines, to celebrate a shared Saviour.
“We gather to build and strengthen relationships, to share experiences, and to bring all Christians closer. Let the love of the cross be the sign of our unity, and let the presence of the Holy Spirit be the seal upon our fellowship,” he said at a press conference today (Dec 16).
Held under the theme ‘Emmanuel God with Us’, the service will feature prayers and Scripture readings in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, Iban and Bidayuh Biatah.
The evening will feature a carol procession led by the Boys’ Brigade Drums and Bagpipes, the lighting of Christmas candles by heads of churches, and a children’s performance titled ‘God with Us’ by children from the Sunday Schools of St Thomas’ Cathedral and St Basil Church.
The opening prayer will be led by Reverend Timothy Ling, while the benediction by the heads of churches will be led by Roman Catholic Archbishop of Kuching Datuk Dr Simon Poh.
“Music will feature prominently, with a strong combined choir of 85 members from ACS member churches, conducted by Evelyn Lim, leading congregational carols.
“The choir will be accompanied by an eight-member string orchestra from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) and two sape players,” he said.
Ambrose said the service is coordinated by ACS through a joint organising team, with Archdeacon Joseph Dusit as the organising committee chairman.
Meanwhile, the Christmas message will be delivered by Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Kuching and ACS chairman Reverend Datuk Danald Jute.
He pointed out that ACS remains committed to nurturing the spirit of ‘Segulai Sejalai’, promoting togetherness, unity, mutual respect and religious tolerance among Sarawakians.
This spirit was reflected in the strong participation at recent Christmas parades across the state, which drew tens of thousands of participants.
