On a bright and cheerful day, the residents of Upper Kapiti Neighborhood gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Willis Odhiambo to celebrate a special occasion — the Saint Mathias Mulumba SCC Thanksgiving Day. This day was full of faith, unity, and lots of joy, as people came together to share in the spirit of worship, fellowship, and reflection. Let’s take a look at how this beautiful event unfolded and how it brought people closer, both to each other and to their faith.
A Day Rooted in Worship
The day kicked off with a solemn Mass celebration, led by Father Phelix Johya, a member of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate from Kisaju Parish. The Mass was the heart of the celebration, where everyone gathered to worship and give thanks to God.
During the sermon, Father Phelix shared the virtues of the patron saint, Saint Mathias Mulumba. Saint Mathias is known for his deep faith, love, unity, and sacrifices for others. His life serves as a perfect example of how we can all live out our faith by being blessings to others in our community. Father Phelix also led intercessory prayers for the hopes and dreams of the Jumuiya, which includes praying for the country, the Church, families, the sick, travelers, and those in need.
Families and Officials Introductions
After the Mass, it was time for the families and officials present to introduce themselves. Everyone stood up and shared a bit about themselves, making the event feel more personal and welcoming. The officials also took this opportunity to explain their roles in both the church and the community, helping everyone understand how they serve and support the growth of the Jumuiya (community).
One of the most heartwarming parts of the introductions was the welcoming of new members and visitors. This showed how important it is to make everyone feel like they belong. The church isn’t just a place to worship; it’s a place where people can build relationships and support one another.
A Feast of Fellowship
What’s a celebration without food? After all the introductions, the group gathered for a sumptuous family luncheon, which was not just a meal, but a symbol of love and unity. The lunch allowed everyone to enjoy great food, chat with each other, and strengthen the bonds within the community. The atmosphere was warm, friendly, and filled with laughter, as everyone shared stories and got to know each other better. The luncheon also encouraged a spirit of community bonding, where everyone, young and old, came together to celebrate.
Strengthened Bonds Among Men and Women
The fellowship didn’t end with the lunch. After enjoying the delicious meal, the community gathered for different sessions aimed at strengthening relationships and deepening their faith.
- The Men’s Session focused on topics such as leadership, fatherhood, and the importance of networking. This session was about how men can be strong leaders in their families and communities and how they can build deep, meaningful connections with each other.
- The Women’s Session focused on faith in the family, the importance of prayer, and the role of mentorship. It was a time for women to share experiences, encourage each other, and discuss how they can play a key role in nurturing faith within their families.
Both sessions were not just about learning, but also about creating an environment where everyone felt heard and supported. These discussions helped strengthen the unity between men and women, empowering them to work together for the good of their families and the community.
Enriched the Youth
One of the most exciting parts of the day was the Youth Talks, which were designed to speak directly to the young people in the community. The talks focused on several important themes, including spiritual growth, integrity, and healthy relationships. These discussions aimed to give practical insights into what it takes to become a responsible, strong, and wise future leader.
The youth were encouraged to focus on faith and values, which would help them navigate the challenges of life. A new Patron volunteered to guide the youth and help them stay focused on their spiritual journey, making sure they have someone to look up to and rely on.
This session was especially important because it showed how the community is committed to empowering the next generation. The youth are not just the future; they are the present, and they are being equipped to be strong, compassionate leaders.
Celebrating Achievements and Vision Sharing
After reflecting on the day’s discussions, the community turned its attention to the achievements of the Jumuiya. They looked back on the progress they’ve made in key areas such as fellowship, discipleship, mission, evangelization, worship, and acts of mercy. Everyone celebrated these successes, knowing that they were all part of a greater journey toward strengthening their faith and their community.
However, the day wasn’t just about celebrating what had been achieved; it was also about looking forward. The community shared their vision for the future, discussing challenges they’ve faced and how they can overcome them. With a renewed commitment to the Jumuiya’s mission, everyone left with a sense of inspiration and determination to do even more in the coming months.
Sweet Moments
A highlight of the day was the cake cutting ceremony, which symbolized the unity and blessings of the community. As everyone gathered around the cake, it was a reminder of the sweet moments they shared together and the importance of community in faith.
In addition to the cake, trees and fruits were planted within the compound by the visiting father, family head, and Jumuiya officials. This was a gesture aimed at supporting the environmental awareness campaign the community has been running. By planting trees, they not only marked the occasion but also took a step toward protecting the environment for future generations.
Closing Reflections
As the day came to a close, everyone took a moment for reflection. It was a time to think about the lessons learned, the relationships built, and the promises made. The Jumuiya made a commitment to continue strengthening unity, deepening their faith, and being a blessing to others.
They also focused on the importance of fellowship and outreach initiatives, knowing that their collective efforts would help spread God’s love and make a difference in the world. The closing reflections were a reminder of the power of community, and how, together, they could accomplish great things.
Conclusion
The Saint Mathias Mulumba SCC Thanksgiving Day was much more than just a celebration; it was a time for faith renewal, community bonding, and vision sharing. From the solemn Mass to the cake cutting, every part of the day was filled with meaning and purpose.
This event showed the strength that comes from working together as a community. Whether it was through the discussions between men and women, the empowerment of the youth, or the commitment to environmental sustainability, everyone left with a deeper sense of purpose and belonging.
As the Jumuiya continues its journey, this Thanksgiving Day will be remembered as a day of great unity, deep faith, and a renewed commitment to being blessings to others. Together, they are not just a church, but a family, and with God’s guidance, they will continue to grow stronger, more united, and more faithful.
