New churches are always a joy for the believers. Who does not like to move into a new house? On 4th October Semarang celebrated a special Thanksgiving Day. Their new church was dedicated. Now over the weekend of 12/13 December all District Rectors from Indonesia gathered for their National Assembly and the District Apostle conducted a Divine Service with the reading from 1st Chronicle 29:8-9. “The people of Israel were already full of joy by just gathering the material for the new temple. Building a temple is also a picture for building the Church of Christ and our own soul’s salvation. Just like the first Christians who put everything together and had all things in common let us also offer our gifts and strength and support to build God’s temple and contribute to the accomplishment of God’s work thus our own salvation” The District Apostle elaborated.

 District Apostle and the District Rectors

The first church was built in 1979. Over the years the building began to deteriorate and even risked to collapse due to soil erosion and underneath flooding. 2011 the church was not fit for occupancy anymore and a great challenge was faced in rebuilding it. Another lot was envisioned but unfortunately no permit could be obtained. Finally a contractor had the solution, removed the old structure and stabilized the lot with piles and a steel platform. Today a beautiful and also architecturally appealing building stands for the honor of God and the joy of the church goers.

On Saturday 12th the house was filled with joyful sound by the choir, the children, orchestra and of course the Anklung. Officials from local government and other Christian churches attended.