Pastor Bruce Atkinson of Kensington Temple City Church thanked the church’s Filipino members for enriching the church’s ministry during the church’s celebration of the 120th year of the declaration of Philippine independence. Photo by Stacy Garcia
28 June 2018 LONDON—"Whenever there is a need, whenever volunteers are called for, it’s always the Filipino community that is there at the heart of it, especially… in all things that are required to make this ministry grow and be effective,” said Pastor Bruce Atkinson in a speech during the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence at the Kensington Temple City Church in Notting Hill on 28 June 2018. “So much of it is being done by Filipinos and we are so grateful for you. We are also grateful for your attitude, we are also grateful for your heart.”
Pastor Atkinson recognized the contributions of the church’s Filipino members who continue to actively participate in the church’s ministry. In his message, he commended the humility of Filipinos in willingly serving others, especially those who are living and working in the United Kingdom.
First Secretary and Consul Kristine Leilani R. Salle represented the Philippine Embassy during the said event.
“We, in the Embassy, are proud to be part of a community who enjoy the respect of its host country including that of other nationalities and ethnicities that form part of the United Kingdom. Of course, we would also like to thank the UK for providing the Filipinos here an environment that allows Filipinos living and working here to hone their full potential and talents,” said Consul Salle in her remarks.
This year marks the eighth year since the church’s Filipino community led the celebration of Philippine Independence with a program featuring an all-Filipino worship team as well as selected Philippine dances.
Kensington Temple City Church is known as the largest Elim Pentecostal Church in London with around 2,500 churchgoers attending its Sunday service. More than 110 nationalities are represented in the church’s congregation, with Filipinos representing one of the largest groups.
The Filipino community members of Kensington Temple City Church together with Pastor Ron Salamat (6th from left) and Pastor Bruce Atkinson (11th from left) wore traditional Philippine clothing during the special service held in celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of Philippine independence. Photo by Stacy Garcia
Members of the Filipino community present a traditional dance from Mountain Province in the Philippines. Photo by Stacy Garcia
Davaoeño Carlos Mapano leads the worship team during the opening of the Philippine Independence Day service. Photo by Stacy Garcia