Rest / Metaneos Christmas Party
Rest. Sometimes, we forget that we need to rest. Not necessarily sleep per se, but in the sense where you can relax and recover strength both physically and spiritually.
Last Saturday night, December 1, 2018, WIMO’s Metaneos young adults ministry held their annual Christmas party, themed “Pajama Party” in the West congregation’s building. The idea was simple: to create a space where we could rest, relax and fellowship with each other, complete with good food, games, and some time to dwell on the word of God.
Walking into the main sanctuary of our West congregation almost felt like entering into someone’s living room – draped blankets were backdrops to Christmas lights, stacks of pillows rested on cozy inflatable beds, and Christmas trees were lit up next to gift boxes. With over 25 in attendance, everyone’s pajamas ranged from colorful sweaters and fluffy slippers to pet plushies and zip-up onesies. This was a relaxing contrast to last year’s theme of a classy ballroom gala, and to be completely honest, I’d rather wear my pajamas over a tuxedo any day.
The night started with a buffet-style Chinese dinner. We ate out of Chinese take-out boxes using chopsticks, perfectly replicating those lazy, relaxing nights when ordering-in sounds way better than cooking.
The game master (yours truly) organized a few competitive group games that were a test of calmness in races of dexterity. Hilarity ensues the Christmas carol chant-off that showed who had the largest repertoire of songs and who was best at lip-syncing.
Pastor Edmund Nopuente spent some time sharing about the biblical principle behind rest. He recounted how the prophet Elijah was burnt-out despite performing miraculous deeds – a relatable concept to many young adults trying to keep up with a busy life. Pastor Edmund focused on how Jesus demonstrated solitude in prayer as a regular practice: a simple, yet powerful principle we all need to make a conscious effort to do.
Bro. James Juan also shared God’s calling for him to minister to non-believers. As our church’s first missionary, James announced his funding goal is nearly complete for his next missions trip in February 2019.
Bro. Miguel Reyes was called up to the front as a graduating member of the ministry, soon to move to a local life-group.
Bro. Karl Lucriana, young adults ministry head, also formally announced that the role of ministry head is now passed on to Bro. Marjay Rigor, a leader in the ministry. After several years of service, our ministry is incredibly thankful for the work Bro. Karl and his team have done.
We concluded the formal program with a word of prayer for the graduate, missionary, new and previous ministry head.
Afterward, the night was open to midnight snacks and video games. While we enjoyed the warm, freshly-made waffles topped with cereal, whipped cream and Nutella, some of us played Mario Party mini-games on the overhead projector screen.
All-in-all, this was probably the most relaxing Christmas party I have ever attended. I personally feel like it was timely too. After recently going through an incredibly busy fall, this was exactly what I needed just before jumping headlong into the activity-filled month of December.
In Matthew 14:22-23, Pastor Edmund cited a clear example of Jesus resting:
Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd. After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. Later that night, he was there alone.
Jesus rested, so it is biblical to do the same! I’m just incredibly thankful that we get to rest with fellow believers in Christ!
– Miguel Reyes
