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With the approval of the Church Administration, the former Stavanger Group Worship Service recently became a full-fledged local congregation under the Ecclesiastical District of Northern Europe, while at the same time its former members residing in Stord municipality in Vestland county, Norway were organized into a separate GWS.
The brethren from both newly established groups gathered together as one congregation for the last time on February 18, 2024 during their joint inaugural worship service.
Brother Vizar Balcita, the district supervising minister, officiated at the holy occasion held at Lille Terrinen Hall, Hotel Sverre in Sandnes, Norway.
In his Bible-based homily, he expounded on the significance of bequeathing the true faith to the next generation, instilling in them obedience to God’s teachings while safeguarding them from unchristian ideologies.
“Praises be to our Almighty God for His love and concern for the brethren here as they all the more dedicate themselves in their services unto the Lord,” Brother Balcita later said in the interview.
After the sermon, Brother RC Catalasan, district secretary, administered the oath-taking of the pioneering set of officers of both the local congregation and GWS.
“We feel so blessed because of God’s lovingkindness to Stavanger GWS, more so now it has become a full-fledged local congregation,” remarked Leo Yangat, head deacon in the newly established congregation.
Brethren from Stord “usually travel to the house of worship in Stavanger for more than three hours via regional bus,” recalled Felixberto Zamora Jr., deacon in the Stord GWS. “It’s even harder for us during winter because our home is far from the bus station and we must strive to reach the bus schedule.”
The Stord GWS now conduct regular worship service in the residence of Marizel Økland at Skyttarhaugvegen 6, 5416 Stord, while the new local congregation in its current place of worship at Hillevågsveien 100 Stavanger. — With reports from Ana Jane Mejia of INC News Section
