Goal and Mission of the Church
SCHEDULE OF SERVICES
The goal of Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is to render religious and secular services in the community; to reconnect and educate the displaced and disposed African descendants back to their true culture and lineage of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church, in a special and meaningful way, to improve lives and promote peace, order, and purpose into the life of the individual.
One common misconception is that we are a "Rastafarian Church." On the contrary, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is the oldest Christian Church in the World; and has biblical roots (Acts 8: 26-39) the baptism of the Ethiopian Eunuch. We welcome those of diverse spiritual backgrounds; however, membership in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church is reserved only for those who believe and accept Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as Creator and Savior of the World. The doctrine of the Church is grounded in the teachings of the Apostles, whom our Lord Jesus Christ commissioned to promulgate the Faith before His Ascension into Heaven. Thus the doctrine of the Church is built on the Foundation of the Prophets and the Apostles and not on heresy; read more about our church doctrine here.
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The Mission of Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church In New Jersey is to:
- Preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ through the teaching of the Apostolic Faith.
- Share ancient Christian doctrine and principles.
- Provide spiritual education and guidance to empower and be productive.
- Reach the needs of our community.
- Restore the people to unity with God and each other.
The Services of our Church can be placed into two categories:
- Spiritual Services
- Community-based services
The main feature of our Church is the (Spiritual Services) the Divine Liturgical Services. This is held every Sunday, beginning at 7:00 am and on special Holy Days throughout the Calendar year, including Christmas, Easter, Epiphany, The Transfiguration of Our Lord, The Ascension of Our Lord, New Year and Maskel (The Founding of the True Cross). Other spiritual Services include Sacrament Class, Bible Class, Marriage, Funeral, House Blessings, Family/Youth Counseling, Amharic Classes, St. Yared's Chants, and Training of Clergy.
Community-based Orientated services include Charity for the less fortunate (Food/Clothes) conducted through Soup Kitchen and Clothes Drive, Prison Ministry, Health Awareness and Fairs, Job Readiness, College Preparation, Campus and Community Collaboration etc.
We desire to make the Church a pillar in the community where people can get effective help through Health Fair, Clothing Drives, Soup Kitchen, College preparation, etc. Also, we want to be a beacon of light in the area through our religious services to enlighten and empower the people. What is important to our Church is that people can understand the message of the Gospel, the Good News of Jesus Christ, in a fresh, meaningful way and can apply it to their daily lives.
We desire to serve God's people irrespective of race, gender, creed or age. Our philosophy is to conduct all affairs with faith, positivity, a high degree of integrity, harmony, peace, love and tolerance, educating the community through religious teachings and secular services. The short-term changes we foresee include extending more services to the community. Long-term services include expanding our membership and outreach programs. We will develop and grow and have efficiently enough trained, competent and result-oriented staff to promote the development of our Church.
As the demographics show, most of the Oranges and surrounding cities are between the ages of 18-65 and a relatively high percentage are unemployed and living below the poverty line. Although some can sustain an adequate lifestyle, there is a dire spiritual famine. Many are seeking the truth and meaning to their lives, and others are lost. Our Church is tremendously rich spiritually and has all the tools necessary to fulfill this need.
We want to attract all who seek a better way of life, not any particular people or groups. Many are successful materially but realize something is lacking. Some want to connect with their true culture and heritage; others want the truth; still, others want relief from the pressure of life and a way to handle it. Today, many people suffer from various emotional pains, depression, boredom, anxiety, restlessness, inability to learn, inability to work, inability to make commitments, and lack of freedom to be human.
The growth potential of our church is great. We have a universal message which promotes the Fatherhood of God and The Brotherhood of Man. We are all God's children, created and cared for by Him. The foundation in the message is love which Jesus Christ openly showed on the Cross. Unfortunately, because of some hopelessness and confusion, many have resorted to drugs and illegal activity as a means of escape. Others have the attitude of indifference, and still, others seek to find the truth and real meaning of their lives.