METAMORPHOSIS

A Feature Story on Saint Stephen the Martyr CEC Taguig Mission Church

Many of us are uncomfortable with, or even frightened by, change – especially when the changes seem primed to take us down, such as the monumental change that has shaken us to our core, the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone has had to adapt in one way or another, and that includes Saint Stephen the Martyr CEC Taguig Mission Church:

The pandemic has had a huge impact on our Church, ceasing our Saturday and Sunday activities, as well as all other face-to-face ministry. Shifting to a virtual setup has been difficult, as most of our attendees possess neither smartphones nor access to the internet. Two families from our congregation even had to return to their provinces to cope with the financial demands caused by COVID-19; nevertheless, they found ways to continue their participation in our online masses.

It took almost a year before we could maximize the social media platforms on a regular basis. Currently six members, inclusive of the ministers, are present on-site during our online masses. Except for the Children's Ministry, some of whose members now belong to St. Stephen’s Ablaze Youth Taguig, all our pre-pandemic activities are now being regularly conducted online. Hopefully, we’ll be able to resume our activities with the children virtually upon getting their parents’ approval.

These adjustments have been difficult; but we perceive them as opportunities for growth, especially for our youth. We have accepted that this is the ‘new normal’ to which we need to adapt; otherwise, the ministry will stop. It has been a collective decision among all members of the congregation.

Still we remain grateful, for our God is a great God! His provisions are ever present and He continues to work in our midst. During that time of us striving to rise above the pandemic and the economic crisis, God proved Himself powerful by graciously blessing us with our own Church building! That milestone is something we will never ever forget.

All glory and praise to Him who is the Source of all things!

Truly, Sis Lani Miguel’s testimony clearly shows us that change – though uncomfortable – can bring out the best in us; and that, many times, God’s ways are unfathomable, but are always on point. This is the heart and core of ‘metamorphosis’.

#StStephentheMartyr #Mission #MissionChurch #Taguig #COTK #CEC

Mary Grace Subijano on interview with Sis Lani Miguel

To know more about St Stephen the Martyr Mission Church, or if you want to get involved, feel free to visit their page and send them a message: https://www.facebook.com/TaguigMissionChurch