In Indonesia, the congregation that worships in the Holy Stadium in Semarang (Jemaat Kristen Indonesia — JKI) includes dancers during the worship through music. This introduces creative, expressive art and provides another ‘language’ to worship the Lord. An expression of the heart, movements symbolize honour, adoration, joy and thanksgiving. Dance can include tambourine, ribbons, banners and other objects. Movements are usually structured with specific meanings; the patterns are familiar across churches. The dance team follows the lead of the worship leader and music director, united in one heart to glorify God and to usher the congregants into God’s presence.
Holy Stadium, Semarang, 28 June 2020 (Minute 11:14) The first service since the pandemic.
Each year, Anabaptist-related churches around the world celebrate Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday. This provides an opportunity to remember our common roots, celebrate our worldwide Anabaptist movement of faith, and to pray for each other. Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday is usually held on a Sunday close to January 21.Each year, Anabaptist-related churches around the world are encouraged to worship around a common theme on a Sunday close to 21 January, usually the fourth Sunday in January.
Hoi Thanh Mennonite Church, Vietnam. Photo: courtesy Hoi Thanh Mennonite ChurchRegensburg Mennonite Church combined Sunday brunch with a family church service. Photo: Liesa UngerBaptism, Dominican Republic, 2020 Photo: Mariano Ram√≠rez “When we are one in our diversity we show who God is,” said César García.The churches of Iglesia del Dios Viviente de la Convención Menonita de Nicaragua gave thanks to God for the first Anabaptists who gave their lives and passed on a radical identity as messengers of peace. Photo: Abel MendozaOn 2 February 2020, Communauté Evangelique Mennonite celebrated Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday with joy. Photo: Jean Félix CimbalangaChildren at First Mennonite Church, Kitchener, Ont., Canada, created this cardboard poster, about 30 cm x 45 cm (12 inches x 18 inches), as part of their Anabaptist World Fellowship Sunday service. Photo: Arli Klassen
This year our theme is centered around one of the Shared Convictions as Anabaptist-related churches within Mennonite World Conference: The Spirit of Jesus empowers us to trust God in all areas of life so we become peacemakers who renounce violence, love our enemies, seek justice and share our possessions with those in need.
