Reports of conferences and conventions continue to come in as numerous organizations continue to conduct them during the holiday season. Following are the reports from Angami Catholic Union, Association of the Gorkha Baptist Churches of Nagaland, Satakha Range Students’ Union, and the Tungu, Ennio and Kinghen Union.
ACU leaders meet and convention concludes: The three-day 2nd Leaders Meet and 11th Convention of Angami Catholic Union (ACU) held under the theme, “Rooted and build up in Christ,” (Colossians 2:7) culminated with an eucharistic celebration on Sunday at St. Clare Higher Secondary School, Phevima, Kacharigoan in Dimapur.
Publicity Committee member, Max Marius Khieya, in a press release said that Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil, bishop of Kohima Diocese presided over the Eucharist along with many priests concelebrating the Holy Mass on Sunday.
Delivering his homily, James Thoppil stated that on the day, the Church celebrates the feast of the baptism of the Lord, marking the end of the Christmas season and the beginning of the Ordinary times of the Liturgical year.
He reminded the gathering to ask themselves if they were living by the values and principles of Jesus or if they ignore Him in their lives. “If we have ignored Him, let us repent and seek His mercy and grace to live an authentic Christian life,” he added. During the Mass, Dr. Kekhriesenuo Christina translated the homily of bishop into Angami.
Lhouphrevilie John, Vizomenuo Merlyn and Rev. Fr. George Keduolhou read the Word of God; Ahienuo Janet offered the ‘Prayer of the faithful’ and Phevima Catholic Union led the offertory procession.
Angami Catholic Youth Association choir presented songs and also led the songs with Kevituonyii Simon conducting the service.
A short felicitation function was held after the Mass where outgoing ACU president, Kevituonyii Simon handed over the Constitution to the new ACU president, Lhusarovi Paul Rino. Nagaland Catholic Women Association (NCWA), Catholic Youth Movement (CYM), various Churches in Phevima, sisters, priests, guests and a host of individuals were also felicitated during the function.
A vote of thanks was proposed by Nohoshil John and Lhoubizoto Reuben and benediction was said by Saku Francis. A fellowship meal was also organised after the function at the campus of St. Leo Church .
523 registered delegates from all Angami inhabited areas in Kohima and Dimapur attended the meet and convention hosted by St. Leo Catholic Church.
AGBCN Annual Conference concludes: The three-day 11th Annual Conference of Association of the Gorkha Baptist Churches of Nagaland (AGBCN), held under the theme “New life, New vision,” hosted by Nepali Baptist Church Phek at Christian Mission Higher Secondary School, concluded on January 13.
A press release by AGBCN Council Secretary, Moon Thabah stated that DC of Phek, Orenthung Lotha exhorted the Nepali community on Sunday. In his speech, he called upon them to think of contributing to the places they stay in. He also encouraged them to uphold the traditions of working hard and humility.
Pastor of Phek Town Baptist Church, Thepuchuyi Khesoh as the main speaker of the conference, dwelt on the conference theme from Isaiah 44:18-19 in the devotional service and also touched on the topics “God’s vision for you” in the inaugural service on January 11 and “New vision for missions” in the closing service held Sunday evening.
AGBCN women secretary, Shanti Pradhan as the speaker of the Saturday vespers service shared on the topic “Your future lay within you” from Jeremiah 29:11.
Pastor Surjay B Sapkota, NBC Kohima and pastor, Dawa Lama, NBC Zunheboto, conducted the morning Bible studies.
A Business Session was held with planeries for the welfare and mission works of the council on Saturday, where reports for the year 2018 of various departments including the Church & Mission, Women, Youth, Resource & Development and Pastors’ Fellowship were presented by the respective secretaries and chairman.
Special musical cultural presentations by member Churches and Phek Town Baptist Church choir were also attractions of the conference.
Pastor of Bible Hill Baptist Church Phek, Rev Nuvosai Vese, vice chairman of Oriental College Kohima, Gopal Basnet, associate pastor of PTBC, Vesatolu Chuzho, AGBCN chairman, Tek Gurung and pastor of Ao Baptist Church Phek, Rev. T Alem also exhorted the congregation during the three day services.
Besides the devotion and prayer services, the conference was marked by the farewell to outgoing women secretary, Shanti Pradhan, who served for two terms and also the installation of the new women secretary, Beena Thapa by AGBCN executive secretary, Santabir Rai. The AGBCN Executive Council lauded the efforts of NBC Phek in hosting the conference which commenced on January 11 hosted around 250 delegates from 31 affiliated Nepali and Gorkha Baptist Churches and fellowships from across the State.
SRSU holds biennial conference: Satakha Range Students’ Union (SRSU) held its 34th Biennial Conference under the theme, “Quest for excellence”, from January 10 at Kilo Old Village.
A press release by SRSU stated that in the introductory session, SRSU former president, Kakuto Shohe, who was the resource person, called upon the students to first seek God, remain steadfast and embark on their endeavours. He also urged the students to maintain and preserve their identity and culture.
During the program, head GB Kilo Old Village, Nikhuje Swu, delivered the welcome address while president, GBs Association Satakha Area, Hokugha Chishi, exhorted the gathering. The inaugural session on January 11 was graced by minister for Agriculture and Cooperation, G. Kaito Aye, as the special guest.
After the inaugural session, the students took part in various games and sports including indigenous games and cultural items.
The cultural session was held with joint director, H&FW Department, Dr. Hotokhu Chishi, as the resource speaker who spoke on the topic, “Sumi of today.”
TEKU convention concludes: The two-day convention of Tungu, Ennio and Kinghen Union (TEKU) held under the theme, “Growth is the fruit of Unity and Brotherhood”, concluded on January 11 at Libemo Memorial School Hostel compound, Blue Hill Colony, Wokha.
A press release by TEKU stated that special invitee, SDO (Civil) Mokokchung, Thungjanbemo Tungu, called upon the clans to maintain the spirit of brotherhood and extend help to each other in times of need. During the convention, new TEKU office bearers for the tenure 2019-2022 were also selected.