Weygan-Allan: Easter sunrise 2018 in Baguio

THE Moravians started the Easter Sunrise Service held outdoors - sometimes in parks or on the beach, or on a higher ground by a handful be and later on whole congregations.

This spread to other countries with the service starting at dawn and greeting the sunrise during the service.

This 2018 Easter Sunrise in Washington, DC they are celebrating the 40th Easter Sunrise at the Lincoln memorial which has become a tradition of ecumenical churches in that area.

In the Philippines, the NCCP has started their 69th Easter Sunrise service at 4:30 am at the Amoranto Sports complex Stadium in Quezon City.

In Baguio City, this began at 5:15 at the Malcolm Square with the Gateway Community Church providing the initial worship songs.

The first citywide Easter Sunrise Service sponsored by the Baguio Character City and Baguio Benguet Ecumenical Group with partners was in April 8, 2012 at the Rose Garden.

This happened when Mayor Mauricio Domogan allowed it to be part of the SUMMER VACATION IN BAGUIO and part of the things to do for the faithful and the tourist in the city.

Since then we have been celebrating the Easter Sunrise service as a wholesome family activity and recognizing the religious sector of our city.

From the Rose Garden we have moved to Malcolm Square in 2017. Our past speakers included Dr. Arnold Santonia, Bishop Carlito Cenzon, Chaplain Pablito Melchor, Bishop Rudy Juan, and this year we had Rev. David B. Tabo-oy of the EDNCP, who happens to also celebrate his birthday on April 1.

After I gave the opening remarks the service followed with the opening prayer by Rev. Joseph Agno of the UCCP followed by their choir leading the opening song.

Scripture readers were Congressman Marquez Go, Marlene Weygan Baluyut, Ms Erlinda Tindo. The message giver was introduced by Edith Dawaten, the Assistant Department head of the HRMO of the City.

After the message of Rev. David Tabo-oy was a call to offering by Pastor Ricardo Bagalawis Jr with the offertory song rendition by the United Methodist Church and the Zion Church. Rev. Emmanuel Bangasan led the prayer of Thanksgiving.

The intercessor came from different sectors of the city. Lolita Castro of Kalipi prayed for the family while a representative of the BCPO prayed for the government.

Jane Cadalig of Midland Courier prayed for the Media and April Joy Ayangwa of the BJMP prayed for Philippines. PB Reynaldo Cordoviz prayed for the City while Dr. Dandeo Halog prayed for Health and the health practitioners. Dr. Federico Martin of DepEd prayed for the schools, school children and the educational institutions. Father Manuel Flores Jr. led a prayer for Environmental concerns and Ms. Imelda Bisnar prayed for our economy.

Closing the intercessory prayer was the LORDs Prayer led by John Glen Gaerlan and a musical rendition of Gateway Community Church. Other choirs and music ministry were from the; Serving God Together Ministry, St Paul Episcopal Church, Baguio City Police Choir, Roman Catholic Church.

Our City Mayor Mauricio Domogan gave his message commending the show of participation and unity of the different churches and the real reason for Easter after the death and passion of Jesus Christ.

The service was ended with the acknowledgements of Lawyer Augustin Laban III, the co-chairperson of Baguio character Council, the Benediction by the Bishops, Priests and Pastors and the singing of the HALLELUJAH CHORUS.

How good it is when brethren come together and worship in one Faith praising on Jesus Christ!