Evangelization meeting for children in Naujene

This year the church «God's Covenant» in cooperation with the mission «Samaritan’s Purse» started to carry out a series of children's holidays on which Gospel is preached among a special audience – children and teenagers!

The first evangelization passed in the settlement of Naujene where a rural school opened its doors for the Good News.

The team of children's and youth service of our church organized a holiday during which children and teenagers could hear about the mission «Samaritan’s Purse», which main appeal is the message of Jesus Christ's – «Go and do likewise!» from the parable about the good Samaritan.

Each child can become a hero who doesn't pass by those people who are in need, in trouble or difficulty.

During the holiday everyone could hear the preaching of Gospel. By means of slide demonstration on the screen children could observe visually the message about God, sin, Jesus Christ and salvation, and eternal life with the Lord.

Certainly there were also games, prizes and quizzes, and all children received gifts at the end, and they were about 120.

Now we work with all children who are willing. We give fascinating classes for children using books «Greatest travel». The classes are carried out by the employee of children's Sunday school in our church Anna Cirulis. During these classes children study bible stories with interest, watch biblical animated films, play, sing and draw!

Press centre of God's Covenant Church

Photo - Evgenia Melnikova

Water baptism on Easter Sunday

This Sunday, April 8, there was a double holiday in "God's Covenant" church. First, it is day of Easter when there was a festive church service, and secondly, water baptism took place in the church. Right after the church service 7 people made covenant with the Lord by means of water baptism.

It was a real celebration! Wonderful solemn atmosphere filled the place where baptism service was held. Pastor Stanislav Zlobin gave short bible preachment about the meaning of water baptism which was finished with a collective prayer. After that one by one people entered into the water where baptism was made. Baptism was made by pastor Stanislav Zlobin and the apprentice pastor Sergey Filipov. Each person solemnly professed the belief in Jesus Christ, the Lord and Saviour, and made the promise to God of kind conscience; then followed baptism by complete immersion into the water.

The fact that baptism was accepted at once by two young married couples - the husband and the wife was remarkable. One of the young women on the eve of baptism caught a cold and in the day of baptism had fever, but despite it, she made the firm decision to make a covenant with God. After her baptism from temperature remained no trace, and it rose no more! Thank God for His miracles!

The baptism service ended with a collective prayer of gratitude to God and a prayer for everyone who was baptised separately.

We want to thank God for these fine people who made the decision to follow the Lord and confirmed their decision with means of water baptism. 7 more souls are completely rescued!

Press centre of God's Covenant Church

photo - Victor Petrochenko

BENEFIT CONCERT

A benefit concert with participation of the well-known violinist virtuoso Sergey Popov took place in the large conference hall of the hotel Park Hotel Latgola in the city of Daugavpils on April 4. The concert passed under the motto - "To Israel, With love ". Representatives of the Jewish community of the city, evangelical Christian churches and inhabitants of Daugavpils were invited to the concert.

The concert was opened by the pastor of Daugavpils Evangelical Christian church "God's Covenant" Stanislav Zlobin. He told that the concert took place thanks to joint efforts of the church "God's Covenant" and the Jewish community of the city of Daugavpils, with assistance of the International Christian embassy in Jerusalem. The representatives of the embassy from Latvia Ilze and Maris Saulitis also were present at the concert. Pastor Stanislav told about the main goal of the concert - to begin a fund raising for the restoration of the Memorial complex to Holocaust victims in the city of Daugavpils.

Historian Joseph Rachko, the board member of the Jewish community of the city of Daugavpils, told in detail about the history of the establishment of the Memorial complex and the Holocaust tragedy in Daugavpils. His father appeared to be the one of the few who survived in this terrible tragedy by miracle.

After the opening speeches, Sergey Popov began the concert program. From the first notes the hall was literally plunged into the unusual atmosphere of God's presence and everyone was touched to the bottom of their soul and heart.

Wonderful compositions accompanied by a video display were interrupted by Sergey Popov's wise message in the form of stories and parables; they didn't leave anybody indifferent, and it was testified by the reaction of the audience - tears, pleasure, affection, prolonged applause. After the concert Sergey received a large number of thankful words from Jews, Christians and all who were present, and wishes for more such concerts.

The benefit concert served as a start for fund raising for the restoration of the Memorial complex of victims of the Holocaust in the city of Daugavpils. After the concert anyone could make the donation in fund for restoration of the Memorial.

Opening of the restored Memorial is planned on July 4 during the meeting at Remembrance Day of victims of the Holocaust that is officially held in Latvia.

Anyone can take part in fund raising for the restoration of the Memorial. You can send your donations to special bank account:

“Swedbank” AS, Daugavpils filiāle (“Swedbank” JSC, Daugavpils branch)

Account (IBAN): LV25HABA0551030324580

Code (SWIFT): HABALV22

Beneficiary: Daugavpils Evangelical Christian church "God's Covenant” (Daugavpils Evaņģēlisko Kristiešu draudze “Dieva Derība”)

ID: 90000166572

Details: Ziedojums/Donation (Memorial)

For more information please contact us by e-mail: dievaderiba@inbox.lv, or by phone: +371-654-21829

God’s Covenant Church press-centre

Photo - Ilona Melnikova, Andrey Kopylov

 

Purim in Daugavpils – Returning of the Tradition

On the 11^th of March, 2012 (the year 5772, according to the Jewish calendar) in Daugavpils, Latvia, the first vernal, most cheerful and colourful Jewish holiday of Purim has taken place. This event was significant this year thanks to the revival of the tradition in Daugavpils to celebrate the holiday of Purim with a performance and carnival.

The large hall of the hotel "Latgola" has been overcrowded. Purim is a Jewish holiday and at the hall there were mostly representatives of the Jewish population of the city, but, along with them there were also people of other nationalities. Visitors from other cities of Latvia: Riga, Ogre, Kraslava, Rezekne and other countries: Lithuania, the USA, also have arrived for the holiday.

With a speech of welcome and congratulations on the holiday Stanislav Zlobin, the pastor of Daugavpils Evangelical Christian church «God’s Covenant», one of initiators of the revival and organization of the Jewish holidays at a wider level in the city, has spoken.

Raisa Abramovna Ustinskova, the trustee of Daugavpils Jewish community, has told about the history of the holiday, its precepts and traditions.

This Purim was special for the Jews of the city also because after a 25-year break Purim Spiel (the dramatized performance) - an integral part of the holiday of Purim narrating about a wonderful rescue of the Jews from extermination in Ancient Persia, thanks to wisdom of Mordechai, the leader of Jews, and courage of Esther, was shown. Purim Spiel was real. With costumes, decors, appropriate make-up for actors and requisites. All of it precisely transferred the events of that time.

The spectators at the hall watched the performance with kindness, interest and attention. Some of them heard about the history of the holiday of Purim for the first time today.  The history of the rescue of the Jews from extermination in Persia is known not for everyone. Amateur actors played so pathetically that many spectators had tears in their eyes.

Musical compositions of klezmer chapel, vocal ensembles, the adult "Mazel Tov" and children's "Faerleh", under the direction of the composer, the musician and conductor Grigory Kagan, and dancing ensembles "Aviva" and "Halom" - head Dmitry Morderer from Daugavpils Jewish community, have complemented the performance, underlined the importance of particular moments and allowed to feel the link with the historical past.

But on the scene, following the historical narration, came the carnival - also an integral part of the holiday of Purim. Purim carnival drew in the actors who have put on masks and turned at once into carnival characters, spectators in the hall, and visitors. All the people in the hall danced accompanied by the cheerful Jewish melodies. Everyone at this day was united by the holiday of Purim. Unusual atmosphere reigned in the hall: congratulations, flowers, smiles, friendly embraces, wishes of the further meetings and holidays.

But the holiday did not end on that. There were so many Purim suits and masks that it was simply necessary to hold the competition of carnival suits. And it was organized; none of the participants in the carnival suit remained without a prize.

The Jewish wise men say: “While Jews are united, no enemy can destroy them. Every generation of Jews should strengthen their unity to overcome the enemies”. Therefore in Purim, Jews say: “We send fruits and gifts to increase mutual love which protects us during all the year, and thanks to that, no enemy will have the power over Israel!”. Therefore, our holiday also came to the end with a delivery of gifts!

The holiday has come to the end, but it seems that it will remain in our hearts for a long time because empathizing, rejoicing and having fun we have also a sense of responsibility to each other. In such a friendly atmosphere there is a certain unity which should be protected and developed.

Alla Terehova - the director of the performance of Purim Spiel.

PURIM - ON HOLIDAY`S EVE

The most cheerful, bright, joyful and dramatized Jewish holiday of Purim draws closer; this year it is held on the 8^th and 9^th of March. In Daugavpils (Latvia) there will be a celebratory charitable action devoted to Purim on March, 11^th at 4 pm.

The holiday program is interesting and saturated: Purim Spiel, devoted to the holiday; Purim’s carnival; competition for the best Purim’s suit; prizes and gifts; traditional Purim’s treat  «Haman's ears» (hamantash).

The main event of the holiday – Purim Spiel narrates about a wonderful rescue of Jews from the extermination in Ancient Persia. The audience will plunge into the year 3392 from the day of the creation, at the time of king’s Achashverosh reign. Malicious first minister of the king – Haman, who hated Jews, hatched a plan and, with the consent of the king, passed a decree about the extermination of Jews in one day – Adar 13^th. But The Supreme, once again, rescues Jews from the extermination.

The performance, at the given stage, is on the finish line, with the participation of amateur actors and youth drama studio "Smile" of Evangelical Christian Church «God’s Covenant» in Daugavpils.

Collectives of the Daugavpils Jewish community will take part in the performance: a klezmer chapel, two vocal collectives, adult "Mazel Tov" (good luck) and children's "Faerleh" (Sparks), two dancing ensembles "Aviva" (spring) and "Halom" (Dream). Jewish klezmer melodies, vocal performance of national Jewish songs, dancing compositions, will fill the performance with special feelings, underlining the tragic and joyful moments of Jews` life in Persia, displayed in the performance, creating a unique Jewish colour.

Both scenery and suits for the performance have been made by own means, with the help of the church and actors; everything was done with a strong desire, creative approach and uplift.

The forthcoming holiday is unique because the present Purim Spiel will take place in Daugavpils 25 years after the last performance of Purim Spiel in 1987.

After performance, according to the tradition of Purim, Jews of the city, invited to attend the holiday, will receive grocery packages (150 packages in total).

If you want to visit this holiday, contact us by e-mail – dievaderiba@inbox.lv, or by phone +371-29254626. The quantity of seats is limited.

We will be glad, if you support the organization of this holiday financially, by making a donation for the God’s Covenant Church, the organizer of the holiday:

Bank: „Swedbank” AS, Daugavpils filiāle (branch)

Account (IBAN): LV25HABA0551030324580

Code (SWIFT): HABALV22

Beneficiary: Daugavpils Evaņģēlisko Kristiešu draudze “Dieva Derība” (Daugavpils Evangelisko Kristiesu draudze “Dieva Deriba”)

Registration NR (ID): 90000166572

The purpose of payment: Donation

Alla Terehova

The head of youth drama studio "Smile"

Ministries at God’s Covenant Church – Women’s Club „Lily”

Women’s club “Lily” exists already more than 1,5 years at God’s Covenant Church. Regular meetings of the club pass monthly, every third Sunday of the month. Apart from the regular meetings of the club, other remarkable actions, such as excursions, conferences, country trips and many other things, have also been organized. Each time various topical and important themes for women are discussed at the club meetings.

It is well known that it is important for the woman to pay attention not only to the appearance, but also to the beauty of her inward state. Women's club pays special attention to this important theme. Therefore, there are always vital topics about internal transformation of the woman at the club meetings.

Organizers of the club constantly invite visitors, speakers, experts in various areas, and participants of the club to share their life experiences which is always useful to the others.

Thanks to the work of the club, women get a lot of interesting and helpful information on how to create a family, how to serve God, how to obtain promotion, how to be successful, etc. Moreover, participants of the club share their interests and hobbies.

The main aim of the club is to encourage, inspire, and support the woman so that she realizes her calling and mission.

Every meeting of the club passes in its own special way and is unique - practical trainings and tests, seminars, sermons, games, songs, verses, parables, testimonies, various video materials, conversations over a cup of coffee or tea and many other things.

We’ll be glad to see every woman at the meetings of our club!

Welcome!

Karina Guseva

Christmas meeting

Once again the Christmas meeting has taken place in the God’s Covenant Church (Daugavpils). People of different age were gathered for the celebration, especially there were many children. There have arrived visitors from Lithuania. Each person and child who has come for the celebration could fill with holiday atmosphere. Festive attires, decorations, smiling faces and actors, singers and dancers who could be seen in elegant suits – all of it created a special celebratory mood.

Preparation for a holiday went at a full speed: participants, worrying, rehearsed and prepared for their performances; and spectators took convenient places in the hall, so that it was possible to take pleasure in the celebratory program, and to present the applause to the participants in gratitude for their celebratory concert. The celebratory program was led by Anna Cirulis. The program was interesting and saturated; there were a lot of participants.

After the glorification of the Lord, children began their performance. Accompanied by a Christmas song about the birth of Jesus Christ, small children turned, danced as snowflakes and caused affection and smiles of the parishioners. Under the direction of Alla Terehova, the church drama school showed a performance about the birth of the Christ, about His Love for every person and family.

Many songs about Christmas were performed. The group «David's Harp» sang a well known song "Silent night". Men who sang sincerely with all their hearts a song «You are my pearl, Jesus» also congratulated us. Many verses and words of congratulation were spoken on this great holiday!

In the conclusion of the celebration leader Anna, all participants and parishioners sang a song – «This holiday in the middle of winter. We’ll never forget it!». The feeling of pleasure and sensation of a holiday overflowed all people! After a concert all went to the church cafe, continuing celebrating.

A separate celebratory program has been prepared for the children. There were sketches, quizzes, riddles, prizes, a sweet festive table and a concert. In the end of a holiday all children could watch a cartoon film about Christmas. All children were very happy!

Thanks the Lord for gifts, for all who endowed money for the children of Sunday school. Thanks to you, we have given gifts, a festive table for children; have bought a projector to watch videos on the big screen!

Special gratitude to the members of God’s Covenant Church for donations and the help for children's service, and also to Alla and Ruslan Vanin for gifts to our children, and thanks our friends from Denmark for their support, toys and the financial help! For many children the Sunday school is a place where they are loved, welcomed and where we are always glad to see them!

It is planned to have a big holiday for the children of the city in the beginning of 2012.

Article written by Karina Guseva