The Sunday of 19th February 2017 will remain in the minds of many people at Kashura Parish and beyond. This was the Elders (Seniors) day. It is the day to appreciate and pray for the aged people as they have served our Almighty through many ways within and without our Church.

The day was accompanied by the Sunday service that was conducted by the seniors themselves with the help of the Parish Pastor. The Parish Committee had formed a task force committee that was designated to organize the event. The target senior’s age was 65 years and beyond.

To make the event more colorful, the day was decorated by the wedding of Mr. Braison Cyprian and Harriet Charles who decided to give their vows on this special day.

Another function that was commemorated tantamount with this day’s objective is the inauguration of the church organ that was contributed by the people of Denmark. Fortunately, the people who gave up this organ were present at the event. The pastor thanked them for their dire contribution that is expected to make the work of God be run smoothly.

While the elders had prepared their own songs, all choirs in the Parish (i.e., The Kashura main choir, Upendo children’s choir, Tumani jipya, Youth Choir, Bethania women choirs, and the senior women choir) joined them to make the day pleasurable.

The service started at 09.00 (East African time) with Psalm 123: 1-4 that was read by one seniors, Mr. Onesmo Kaimukilwa. The first reading was read by another senior, Mrs. Grace Bubelwa while the Gospel was read by senior Joseph Kaimukilwa (a retired teacher).

The sermons were given by Mrs. Judith Bukambu, who expressed her gratitude to the Parish leadership for recognizing the service rendered by the elders during their energetic time. “It is a great honor to us the elders,” she commented. Mrs. Bukambu called up the all people to utilize the treasure which elders have in terms of wisdom, knowledge, life/church experience, and respect. They know many things; they have met many challenges and went through them.

Judith told the audience that “when you climb up, remember that you will come down one day at a time.” Therefore respecting elder ones is an important aspect because “Old is Gold” and “being old and reaching old age is a blessing from God.”

For the seniors, the preacher asked them to show up their treasure and share it with their juniors because God has kept them alive so that they may use their time to show His Glory.

In addition to make the day more painted, the organizing committee has invited Mr. Johansen Rutabingwa (a retired General Secretary of ELCT/NWD) to be the Guest of Honor for this commemoration. In his speech Mr. Rutabingwa also thanked the parish leadership for organizing such a big event in honor of the seniors such as him. He called up the people to respect the seniors as they are the puddle of wisdom. The Guest of honor asked the audience to read Isaiah 46:4 in order to see the wisdom of God about the elders.
At the end, all elders and invited guests had lunch together at the Kashura Women Center at which each senior also received a gift from the Parish committee.
Prepared by:

Yusto Paradius Muchuruza
SECRETARY TO THE PARTNERSHIP COMMITTEE – KASHURA