LEICESTER Special Service on DECEMBER 7TH, 2025
Sunday, 7th December, was a truly enriching day in our church, marked by worship, music, and heartfelt reflection. The morning service began at 10:30 a.m. with an organ prelude performed by Brother Anu Bakare and Brother Victor Dada, whose soulful playing created an atmosphere of calm reverence and prepared the hearts of the congregation for the blessings ahead.
Following this, Sister Shade Daodu welcomed everyone warmly and led the children’s song, “There Is Power in the Blood of Jesus,” supported by a set of young violinists whose performance added colour and warmth to the worship. The congregation joined together in singing the hymns CGS 111 and CGS 119, after which a heartfelt prayer was offered and everyone marched to their respective classes for Sunday School.

The Sunday School session for the adults was taught by Brother Samuel Eluyemi, who expounded on the lesson titled “Elisabeth and Zacharias.” The teaching explored themes of faith, patience, and God’s unfailing timing, laying a foundation of reflection that carried meaningfully into the devotional service that followed.
As the congregation reconvened, the devotional service opened with another gentle organ prelude at 11:45, deepening the sense of worship already building through the morning. The choir ministered the song “Standing on the Promises” (BH 115), and the congregation joined by singing CGS 175 and CGS 119, led by Brother Olugbenga Dada, who also offered the prayer afterwards.
Announcements were taken by Brother Godwin Jimmy. Soon after, the choir delivered a stirring rendition of “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” which harmonised meaningfully with the scripture reading by Sister Emem Jimmy from Exodus 13:17–18. The special song, “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” created a bridge of reflection leading into the sermon.

Reverend Toyin Emitola then preached the message titled “The Way Through the Wilderness.” He explained that the wilderness, though often misunderstood as punishment, is in fact God’s workshop – a place where He shapes His children, strengthens their faith, and prepares them for where He wants them to be. His message brought reassurance to many hearts, reminding us that God’s leading, even through unfamiliar or difficult seasons, is always purposeful and filled with grace. The service drew to a close with the hymn CGS 23, “The God Who Led His People Through the Parted Sea,” after which Brother Godwin Jimmy gave the altar call, and many knelt in prayer, seeking God’s strength and guidance.

Later that evening at 4 p.m., the Christmas concert began, drawing together members, friends, families and visitors for a joyous celebration of Christ’s birth. The program opened with the congregational carol “See Amid the Winter’s Snow,” followed by an opening prayer from Sister Busayo Daodu, which ushered the audience into a time of festive worship.
An orchestration titled “All Is Well” followed beautifully, transitioning smoothly to the choir’s spirited rendition of “Sing We Now of Christmas.” The atmosphere deepened with an expressive solo, “Breath of Heaven,” sung by Sister Liberty, and the excitement continued as the choir performed “Carol of the Bells.” The male choir added a rich and sonorous presentation of “Behold the Star,” and the choir and orchestra joined together gracefully in “Christmas Canon.” A trumpet solo by Brother Stephen brought yet another layer of musical richness before the choir concluded the first part with a vibrant performance of “African Noel.” The interval featured a charming presentation by the children, who sang “Ding Dong Merrily on High.” Their joyful contribution blended delightfully into the second congregational carol of the evening, “Come and Worship,” as the audience prepared for the next section of the concert.

The second half opened with the choir’s uplifting “Sing O Heavens,” followed closely by a reflective piece from the youth choir titled “Somewhere in Your Silent Night.” The female voices then presented “Birthday of a King,” before the choir returned with a beautifully arranged “Festive Christmas Trilogy,” raising the spiritual tone of the evening even further.
This prepared the way for the sermonette delivered by Reverend Lazarus Simbanegavi, who reflected on the message of Christmas and the gift of Christ to the world. He emphasised that true and lasting peace is found only in Christ – peace that leads not only to comfort in this life but ultimately to salvation. bringing the focus of the concert back to the true message of Christmas: Jesus, our Saviour and the source of all peace.
Following the sermonette, Brother Stan Nyakuhwa offered warm closing remarks, appreciating all who took part in making the day a success. Brother Toyin Emitola gave the vote of thanks on behalf of the church. The evening drew to a beautiful conclusion as the congregation sang “Love Divine, All Love Excelling,” and Brother Odejimi offered the closing prayer, after which everyone departed with hearts full of joy and gratitude. The entire day, from the morning worship to the evening concert, was a testimony of God’s grace and the unity of the church. It was a day filled with inspiration, music, fellowship, and spiritual renewal, leaving all who attended deeply blessed and refreshed.