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IUMC ends 10th anniversary celebrations
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Posted on Apr 23 2005
The Immanuel United Methodist Church on Saipan celebrated its 10th anniversary as part of the Hawaii District of the United Methodist Church from April 1to 17.
The Friday night Peace Vigil in the American Memorial Park was attended by many persons coming from and going to the Flame Tree Arts Festival. Participants lit candles for peace, “fished” for peace bookmarks with peace quotes from famous people, and wrote messages of peace of a large peace banner.
On Saturday night, some 45 people gathered at Pau-Pau Beach for a barbeque and bonfire. The fire helped participants recall the Holy Spirit’s presence in their first 10 years as a congregation.
Sunday morning, some 100 persons gathered at the Marianas High School cafeteria for a special time of worship. Former pastor Norma Kehrberg of Honolulu, was the guest preacher. Special music was provided in Fijian, English, and Filipino. Scripture lessons were read in English, Filipino, and Korean.
“Success of the 10th anniversary celebrations was beyond our expectations. So many people worked together to make it a wonderful weekend,” said Pastor Bud Carroll. “We are hopeful that we can sponsor future peace vigils as a way to encourage and enable CNMI residents to express their personal and collective yearnings for world peace.”
Founding pastor Barbara Grace Ripple was originally invited to be the guest speaker for the Sunday worship. She was unexpectedly unable to attend because of a family illness. However she and her husband, Jim Ripple Sr., will be on island in late August, at which time she will be the guest preacher for the Sunday, Aug. 28, worship service.
IUMC is Saipan’s sole mainline Protestant church providing weekly worship and other activities. Persons without a church home are warmly welcome to attend. For further information contact Pastor Bud at 322-6158.
