Bringing the Church to the People: A Sunday Service in Payatas
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, many churches around the world had to close their doors. The faithful were left longing for worship, fellowship, and spiritual nourishment. However, as our church believes, the body of Christ is not confined within four walls—it is a living, breathing community of believers. In response to this, we launched an initiative to bring the church to the people, ensuring that the Word of God continues to reach those who need it most. One of the most significant fruits of this effort is our small yet thriving outreach located in Brgy. Payatas, Quezon City.
James says, “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
A Sunday of Worship and Fellowship
Every Sunday afternoon, a small but passionate group of believers gathers to worship the Lord and grow in faith. Our outreach program is divided into two services: one for children and another for adults, allowing us to cater to different age groups and spiritual needs.
Children’s Service: Planting Seeds of Faith (3:30 PM – 4:30 PM)
Jesus said in Matthew 19:14, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” With this in mind, we dedicate the first hour of our Sunday outreach to the young hearts of Payatas, ages 3 to 12.
In this special service, we teach the children simple yet powerful Bible stories that introduce them to God’s love and His promises. They learn about the faith of David, the obedience of Noah, and the courage of Esther. Through these lessons, they begin to see that God has a purpose for each of them, no matter how small they are.
Music is a vital part of our children’s service. We teach them lively worship songs that they can sing with joy, allowing them to express their love for Jesus through music and movement. Seeing their little hands raised in worship and their voices lifted in praise is a reminder of how God calls us all to have faith like a child (Matthew 18:3).
Beyond songs and stories, we also teach them simple prayers, showing them that they can talk to God anytime, anywhere. This time of worship not only brings smiles to their faces but also lays a strong spiritual foundation for their future.
Adult Service: Strengthening Faith and Fellowship (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
As the children finish their service, the adults begin gathering for their time of worship and biblical teaching. This session is a time of deep reflection and encouragement, focusing on the Word of God and its application in daily life.
We begin with a time of worship, lifting our voices in praise and surrender. The presence of God is felt in every heartfelt song and every whispered prayer. Then, we dive into the Word, studying passages that bring comfort, guidance, and conviction. Hebrews 10:25 reminds us, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” This verse captures the essence of our gathering: to strengthen one another in faith and to remind each other of God’s promises.
Each sermon is crafted to address real-life struggles, whether it be financial difficulties, family challenges, or personal doubts. Through the preaching of the Gospel, we remind everyone that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). We encourage discussions, allowing attendees to share their testimonies and prayer requests, fostering a community of support and encouragement.
At the end of the service, we gather in prayer, lifting up one another’s burdens before the Lord. It is always a humbling and powerful moment to witness how God moves in our midst, bringing hope and renewal to those who seek Him.
Weekly Life Group Sessions: Building Meaningful Relationships
Beyond our Sunday services, we are committed to nurturing faith throughout the week through our life group sessions. These small group gatherings provide a space where attendees can deepen their understanding of God’s Word, share personal experiences, and build meaningful relationships within the community.
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
Acts 2:42
Inspired by this model, our life groups serve as a support system, helping individuals stay connected to their faith and to one another. These sessions allow us to follow up with attendees, pray for their needs, and encourage them in their spiritual journey.
Through these life groups, we strengthen our sense of family within the church, ensuring that no one walks alone in their faith. Whether it’s through Bible study, worship, or simply sharing a meal, these gatherings create an environment of love, accountability, and discipleship.
The Impact of This Ministry
Our outreach in Payatas is more than just a Sunday gathering—it is a beacon of hope in a community that faces daily struggles. It is a place where children learn about the love of Jesus, where adults find comfort in God’s promises, and where the lost can be found.
We have seen firsthand how lives are being changed. Children who once knew little about God are now singing His praises. Adults who once felt hopeless are now standing firm in faith. Families are being strengthened, and the love of Christ is spreading one heart at a time.
As Isaiah 55:11 says, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” We trust that God is using this ministry for His divine purpose, and we are honored to be part of His work.
