By Karren Jay G. Asgar
CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy delivered his affirmation of service during the University White Gift Service on December 11, 2024, at the University Church.
On December 11, 2024, ĢƵ held its University White Gift Service at the University Church, attended by the CPUĢƵs administrators, faculty, staff, and students.
The event began with affirmations of service given by CPU President Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy and University Church Senior Pastor Rev. Cris Amorsolo Sian, respectively.
ĢƵI welcome you to this yearĢƵs White Gift Service which is part of a series of events we have here at the University leading up to Christmas. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ whom God sent into the world as the greatest expression His love as well as of His desire to bring salvation to sinners,ĢƵ said Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard B. Dagohoy.
In his message, Rev. Sian emphasized the event as a tradition that invites the Centralian community to reflect on the true meaning of giving and to share all blessings with those in need.
A meditation song was led by the pastors and staff members of the University Church.
ĢƵWe refrain from gathering goods because we spend a lot of time in hauling, storage, and repacking, and even if our schedules are loaded during the season, we really need to distribute it because some of the goods are perishables. So instead, we gather cash and deposit as restricted funds for emergencies. So far, because of this fund, we have responded promptly to help our communities during calamities and emergencies,ĢƵ Rev. Sian emphasized.
After heartfelt messages, a call to worship was followed. The lighting of the advent candle was led by Rev. Dr. Ernest Howard Dagohoy. Ella Kathrina A. Gutierrez, Career Development Officer of the HRDO, led the singing of a hymn of affirmation.
ĢƵIf you are struggling, let the hope of Jesus give you peace and strength. A baby changes everything. This Christmas, let the birth of Jesus change your heart, your lives, and your future. Merry Christmas, ĢƵ,ĢƵ Pastor Justine Palmes Mije, Associate Minister for Campus Ministries, said in her message.
Afterward, a meditation song was led by the University ChurchĢƵs pastors and staff members, followed by the reading of the Litany of Reflection in Advent. The event continued with the White Gift offerings from different units and departments. The event concluded with a closing prayer by Rev. Karel Grace D. Victoria, followed by the singing of the Hymn of Commitment, and a benediction by Rev. Franz Hestia Lovejoy Q. Leysa.