NBCC urge followers to observe family sunrise service
Kohima, April 7: In view of the country-wide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year Baptist Church will observe Family Sunrise Service on Easter Sunday.
General Secretary of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho in a letter to Executive Secretaries (ES) of its members stated that though Baptist Churches will not be able to congregate to conduct public sunrise service, called upon its followers to come out of their homes from 4:45 am to 5:40 am to have Family Sunrise Service in their own compound. “This can be on the porch, yard, terrace, garden or any place outside of their home but not going out of the compound,” he said. He said meaningful messages and other creative arrangements are being prepared for families to have meaningful workshop and family time together, which will be sent soon.
“May this sunrise service bring us closer to God to experience God in each of us and in our family. This is not a ritualistic program but to proclaim His salvation and proclaim to the world that we are thankful and grateful for the salvation He has brought to us through the birth, life, suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” Rev. Keyho said.
He further said as public gathering and worships are suspended people have come to experience that there is deep longing in people to seek God for deliverance from the current situation.
“As the events of the week unfold and lead us to the jubilation of the resurrection of our Lord, we are aware that the world is reeling under fear of not knowing what tomorrow will bring,” he said.
The world today with all its advancement and knowledge offers no solution at this point of time. But in the midst of the crisis people are noticing things they did not expect before. “For instance in Kohima the birds are singing again and in many metropolitan cities they say the sky is clearing and the air quality is improving and probably even conflict situations in many countries are put on hold. This may be temporary but it also reminds us that human problems are eternal-and the body of Christ which was placed in the tomb was only for a brief time before rising to eternal life on that resurrection morning. Christ the hope of the world brings to us the glorious statement that death does not have the final say,” the NBCC General Secretary said.
Rev. Keyho said he was deeply strengthened that Baptist families in the State have been working in resounding solidarity extending whatever help possible to each other and the vulnerable in our midst.
President of Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN), Johnny Raungmei also said that all Good Friday and Easter Sunday services and celebrations have been cancelled in compliance with lockdown notification of the government.
He, however, said that the mass and messages of the different services will be delivered online by the respective Catholic churches.
KBPF president Dr Kevichalie Metha said the service will not be held this year due to the lockdown.
Family Sunrise Service sequence as per NBCC
On April 12, 2020 at 4:50-5:40 AM
4:30 AM: First Church Bell: Ring for 60 times.
4:49 AM: Second Church Bell : Ring for 20 seconds. By this time family should be out and be standing where they will worship.
4:50 AM: Hymn: Christ Arose!
4:54 AM: Prayer of Thanksgiving : Mass Prayer Prayer points: Thank God – For the new day, the day of resurrection? That even in situation such as this we can worship Him? For the salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord? For the hope we have in Jesus Christ? For the family (mention the names one by one)? For good health? For what we have experienced Him thus far(More prayer points can be added)
5:06 AM: Reading of the Word: Luke 4: 1-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12-22
5:15 AM: Prayer of confession & Intercessory Prayer : Prayer Points. ? Prayer of confession and Repentance. Pray that we will seek His face by humbling ourselves through repentance.? Pray for our state/nation, that God will be merciful to us? Pray for those in leadership position, pray that God will give wisdom and guidance as they deal with the pandemic. That our leaders rise to the challenge of promoting unity and a shared responsibility in all of our countries.? Pray for those who are suffering from the present pandemic that God will have mercy and heal them? Pray for the bereaved for comfort? Pray for health care workers for protection and all those involved during these difficult times such as Administration, Police, Bankers, Relief Workers etc. ? Pray that God will be merciful to our state and protect us
5:30 AM Hymn : He lives (I serve a risen Saviour)Benediction
5:35 AM Prayer of Blessings: Head of the family (pray for the protection of the family and bless them)
The head of the family say: JESUS IS RISEN The rest of the family will : HE IS RISEN INDEED! (This will be repeated three times)
(Page News Service)
