by Pastor Abel Vergara | WMC Communication Director
November 15, 2023
In a momentous event signaling a significant shift in the landscape of Adventism in Mindanao, the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC) has announced a Farewell Sabbath Worship on December 30, 2023. This spiritual gathering is designed to unite Adventist churches across the region just before the formal dissolution of SPUC, officially documented for December 31, This dissolution opens the door for the emergence of two new unions: the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SEPUM) and the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SWPUC).
The schedules for the constituency meetings of these two unions have been set: December 3-5, 2023, for SEPUM and December 5-7, 2023, for SWPUC. The momentous transition to SEPUM and SWPUC will take effect on December 31, 2023, making December 30, 2023, the chosen date for the Farewell Sabbath Worship.
This poignant event will witness the face-to-face participation of administrators and directors from various missions, conferences, and institutions. Simultaneously, all churches and field pastors will engage virtually through Zoom, with live coverage extending across different Hope Channels in South Philippines.
As the Adventist community prepares to bid farewell to SPUC, this gathering holds profound significance. It symbolizes not just an end but also the dawn of a new era in spiritual unity and organizational structure. The Farewell Sabbath Worship aims to blend reflection and anticipation, celebrating the rich legacy of SPUC while embracing the promise embodied by SEPUM and SWPUC.
Adventists from all corners of Mindanao are encouraged to join this historic event virtually, as the South Philippines region navigates this transformative moment in its religious journey. The Farewell Sabbath Worship promises to be a powerful testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Adventist community in the face of change.