Report on the First Anniversary of Aberdeen Church Celebration.

Aberdeen Kingswells Church

Friday, August 29 – Sunday, August 31, 2025

Introduction

The Aberdeen Kingswells Church held its First Anniversary Programme from Friday, August 29, to Sunday, August 31, 2025. This three-day event was filled with worship, fellowship, and thanksgiving. The programme served as both a spiritual reflection on God’s faithfulness and a celebration of the church’s growth since its establishment last year.

Day One: Singspiration, Testimonies & Prayer Session

Date: Friday, August 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

The anniversary program started with an opening prayer by Sister Ireti Olukitibi (Edinburgh) after which Reverend Adeniyi Olayisade the Scotland Regional Director, warmly welcomed everyone and gave a brief exhortation. He thanked God for the establishment of the church in Aberdeen, recounting the journey of the brethren from one meeting location to another for many years, until God in His infinite mercy, provided a permanent tabernacle. He emphasised the need to hold firmly to God regardless of circumstances saying, delay is not denial.

Following this, Brother Toye Sobukola (Edinburgh) led the singspiration session, which featured spirited congregational singing and uplifting testimonies. Reverend Matthew Ibukun, the Aberdeen Church pastor, testified of how God made an unprecedented way for himself and his family for an extended work and stay in the United Kingdom. Sister Tolulope Ibukun (Aberdeen) attested to the divine restoration and elevation of her career after a few years. Sister Damilola Osifeso (Aberdeen) testified of how God gave her the blessing of a promised child after a few years. Sister Olatundun Akinosi (Aberdeen) praised God for a safe baby delivery and the supernatural rejuvenation of her health after a period of ill health.

Sister Ireti Olukitibi explained how God turned things around for herself and her family by providing a workplace certificate of sponsorship at the nick of time. Brother Emmanuel Momoh (Stirling) thanked God for his life, health and God’s help in his academic project after a few back and forth. The program reached a climax with “I Believe Medley” led by Brother Adewale Oladokun (Aberdeen). The evening was rounded off with a closing prayer by Brother Chima Anih (Aberdeen), marking a powerful start to the anniversary celebrations.

Day Two: Ministers’ Meeting & Family Fun Day

Date: Saturday, August 30, 2025

Ministers’ Meeting

Prior to the family fun activities, Brother Adeniyi, held a ministers’ meeting with leaders from across Scotland. Key highlights included:

– A summary of lessons from the ministers’ retreat presented by Reverend Olusola Adesope (General Superintendent – Apostolic Faith Worldwide).
– Establishment of a quarterly rota for teachers’ duties.
– Deliberations on pulpit exchange services across Scotland to strengthen fellowship and unity among congregations.

Family Fun Day

The family fun day commenced at 2:00 pm, with the moderation of the program carried out by Sisters Abimbola and Tolulope Ibukun. The activities featured games such as egg race, musical chairs, and a talent show. There was also a bouncing castle for children and a variety of food enjoyed by all attendees. The atmosphere was vibrant, the weather was fair, and the program ended at 6:30 pm.

Day Three: First Anniversary Thanksgiving Service

Date: Sunday, August 31, 2025
Time: 10:00 am – 1:30 pm

The Sunday service started with congregational singing led by Brother Tunbosun Oyedokun (Glasgow), followed by congregational prayer. A piano solo by Brother Iyanu Oladokun (Aberdeen) prepared hearts for worship. The memory verse drill and class distribution were handled by Brother Tunbosun Oyedokun, while the Search Sunday school class was taught by Brother Enewaji Owo (Glasgow). Sister Annie Owo (Glasgow) and Sister Debbie Olorunsaiye (Edinburgh) taught the Answer and Primary Pal classes respectively. The total attendance during Sunday school was 100 (32 children and 68 adults).

The devotional service began at 11:15 am with a well delivered trumpet solo by Brother Edimaobong Matthew (Glasgow). This was followed by a program performed by the children church. Brother Matthew welcomed everyone from far and near and gave a brief introduction to the service. Highlights included a beautiful orchestra presentation (Humoresque and Majesty), powerful choir ministrations (Majesty Medley and Goodness of God), congregational singing led by Sister Damilola Osifeso, and congregational prayer by Reverend Ola Balogun (Peckham Church pastor). Brother Matthew once again welcomed all visitors to our midst, appreciated all who were involved in planning of the anniversary celebrations and announced meeting times for the week and upcoming week. The special song “How great thou art” was nicely rendered by the choir and the Scripture reading was taken by Reverend Seun Ogunleye our Stavanger, Norway pastor, from 2 Corinthians 5:17. The sermon titled ‘A New Chapter’ was delivered by Brother Adeniyi. He spotlighted that the acquisition of a permanent place of worship had indeed marked a new chapter for Apostolic Faith Mission, Aberdeen which is the reason God’s people came to celebrate the first-year anniversary post the acquisition of the church. Similarly, referencing 2 Corinthians 5:17, an unsaved soul born again has begun a new chapter with old things passing away and all things becoming new. The service concluded with a closing song and the closing prayer was led by Brother Adebanji Alade (Bexley). The attendance for the devotional service was a total of 103 which included 28 children and 75 adults.

The congregation enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship together and a lunch of assorted provisions. Next, a group photograph was taken by Brother Samuel Osifeso (Aberdeen), featuring everyone with the 1st year anniversary cake.

General meeting

The meeting took off with an opening prayer by Brother Henry Kodzaniso (Edinburgh). Brother Adeniyi moderated the meeting and welcomed everyone. A brief history of the early stages of Apostolic Faith Church, Aberdeen was given by Brother Seun Ogunleye. He also explained how they effectively evangelized in the area, and some of the struggles they faced and how God gave them victory. He encouraged members to serve God faithfully and that there is blessing in devoted service. He stated that the product of the Aberdeen church today is a result of the steadfast and unwavering commitment of the pioneer leader (Late Brother John Aina). There was an opportunity to ask anything and various questions were addressed by Brother Adeniyi. Overall, we were encouraged to evangelise more and most importantly, be prayerful for sown seeds to germinate. The meeting ended with a closing prayer by Sister Mercy Adeyemi (Ireland Group Leader).

Prayer meeting

The prayer meeting started some minutes past 4pm and was led by Brother Chima. The session included congregational singing, inspiring testimonies from individuals and a prayer session. The prayer meeting was soul lifting, and we felt the presence of God. It ended by 5pm. The total attendance at the evening prayer meeting was 36 (20 adults and 16 children).

Conclusion

The three-day first anniversary program was a testimony of God’s grace and provision. From the worship sessions and testimonies to the fellowship during the fun day and the thanksgiving service, God’s presence was evident throughout. The anniversary marked one year of God’s faithfulness in establishing the Aberdeen church and serves as a launching pad into a new chapter of growth, unity, and deeper spiritual commitment.