The widely publicised National Retreat of the C.C.C. UK Diocese held on Saturday May 25th 2024 was a great success, to the Glory of God. Efforts of all the participants (organising committee and delegates) deserve commendation. The venue, in a serene environment in the Oldham area of Manchester, was an added advantage to facilitate enhanced …
The widely publicised National Retreat of the C.C.C. UK Diocese held on Saturday May 25th 2024 was a great success, to the Glory of God.
Efforts of all the participants (organising committee and delegates) deserve commendation. The venue, in a serene environment in the Oldham area of Manchester, was an added advantage to facilitate enhanced learning.
On arrival on Friday, May 24th, delegates ere treated to a sumptuous meal. The hospitality and management of the hotel was top-notch, from the accommodation of guests to the delicious breakfast and arrangement of the Conference Centre, inclusive of all audiovisual gadgets.
The Head of C.C.C. UK Diocese, Most Senior Evangelist Amos Olabode Fatusin (JP) MPIC, arrived at the venue with his entourage made up of AMSE Solomon Adepetun (a.k.a. FADA), AMSE Oladipupo Johnson (Superintendent for Outer London Region), VSE Taiwo John and others.
The event began as scheduled at 12 noon prompt with the C.C.C. Hymn 694 and prayers from VSE Taiwo John. After recognising the presence of Head of C.C.C. UK Diocese and some other dignitaries, the anchor of the event who also doubled as the Secretary General of the Organising Committee, Senior Evangelist Seun Olubamwo, humbly invited the Head of C.C.C. UK Diocese to deliver his welcome address, which was read by his Personal Assistant, Superior Evangelist T ‘Bisi Odukoya.
After his address, the Head of C.C.C. UK Diocese, Most Superior Evangelist Amos Olabode Fatusin JP MPIC, declared the National Retreat open.
In his speech, the chairman of the Organising Committee, AVSE Sunday Onabanjo, appreciated the honour bestowed on all members of the Organising Committee to have entrusted them with such a significant spiritual assignment, the first of its kind. He then implored every delegate present to align with the theme of the Retreat, ‘Let’s Work for the Purification of our Souls.’
The first facilitator / lecturer of the day, Assistant Superior Evangelist (Pro) Abiodun Sule, enjoined all participants to work in one accord to promote the efficiency of Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide in general and the UK Diocese in particular. Using the illustration of the varied perceptions of an elephant by six (6) blind men, he highlighted how various spiritual gifts and capabilities should be harnessed to project the greatness of the elephant (Celestial Church of Christ).
We should not allow the limitations of our understanding to truncate the spiritual mission of the church. He emphasised that being a Shepherd in the Celestial Church of Christ is an apostolic calling, and not just by wish or mere interest. It is a divine and spiritual assignment which has to go through various stages before confirmation and ordination.
There was a question and answer session immediately afterwards. Consequently, the Head of Diocese officially inaugurated the Outer London Chapter of the Celestial Women Council, before a short break, while Mother Celestial Esther Lawal entertained with C.C.C. Hymns and Songs.
Kickstarting the second session was VSE (Dr) Charles Adeshola Wusu, Rector of C.C.C. UK Seminary and Theological School, whose presentation centred on stewardship. VSE Wusu emphasized that a Shepherd / Church Worker is more of a steward than a master. A Shepherd is assigned to lead God’s people and will give account of his stewardship. A Shepherd must have someone that he looks up to (mentor) and many people that look up to him (mentees). This will continually make the Shepherd a leader to be accountable and he will continually strive to improve on his development. He stressed that a Shepherd is a Jack of all trade and master of all.
A Shepherd is a preacher, a drummer, a singer, a prayer warrior, a counsellor, etc. This doesn’t necessarily imply that he must do everything. A Shepherd must be able to delegate, but must also know how to do everything, in case there’s laxity in any area. Confidentiality must be a key watchword of a Shepherd, ability to listen more but talk less, be able to discern what is what. A Shepherd must be well equipped in all areas of service and worship to God, including the liturgy of the church.
The interactive session anchored by AVSE Adeniyi Adenuga, was very interesting and informative. Delegates were divided into three groups, each with different Bible scriptures focussing on what had been thought earlier. VSE Kola Olaiya raised the awareness of similar but in a bigger Convention next year and members were appointed as launchers.
The National Retreat came to an end with a short prayer session by the Head of Diocese.
In his closing remarks, the HoD appreciated the efforts of all for the success of the event. He expressed his delight that all facilitators were internal, members of the Celestial Church of Christ and also within the C.C.C. UK Diocese. On this note, he pronounced the National Retreat 2024 closed and declared that preparations for C.C.C. UK Diocese Convention 2025 should begin.
“On behalf of His Eminence, Reverend Emmanuel Mobiyina Oshoffa, the Pastor and Spiritual Head of the Celestial Church of Christ Worldwide, I, Most Superior Evangelist Amos Olabode Fatusin, Head of CCC UK Diocese, hereby declare this C.C.C. UK Diocese National Retreat – Manchester 2024, closed. The journey towards Convention 2025 starts now. See you there in 2025, by His Grace. Thank you.”
By C.C.C. UK Diocese Media and Publicity Team
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