Our Bureau
Illinois
United Christian Cultural Association hosted a grand Christmas Carols Nite Banquet brimming with carols, colorful dances, skit, and inspiring yuletide sermonette. Singer and composer Quincy Chett entertained the guests with his melodic compositions. The interfaith and interdenominational celebration was held at the Monty’s Elegant Banquet here, drawing over 300 guests.
UCCA women’s team Havilah Maddela Devarapalli, Ujwala Neela, Saritha Pasumarthi, Persis Dadepogu, Sujata Pulikuri, Margaret Sanyogita Charles and Dr. Ramya Joshua honored Krishnamoorthi and his wife Dr. Priya with shawls and flower bouquets in appreciation and gratitude for his inspiring remarks.
T.D. Bhutia, Deputy Consul General of India, offered special greetings on behalf of the office of the Consulate General of India. Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, the chief guest, highlighted the significance of Christmas as a time of coming together of all religions.
Earlier, Dr. Heyer Paul Devarapalli emphasized that UCCA is deeply committed to advancing the culture and faith of the Christian community and added that UCCA has conducted several charitable mission drives including hosting health fair for underserved families.
In his yuletide sermonette, the Rev. Peter Pereira presented the contemporary vision of Christmas and said Christmas is timeless, and the same message is still relevant today. In fact, the central story of Christmas has a lot to say about the world we live in today wherein the birth of Savior Christ gives us hope to the entire world, said Rev. Pereira.
Raju Pasumarthi Enoch, UCCA President, said that UCCA has been initiating innovative programs to empower the Telugu Christian community to make a difference in the lives of the people. UCCA Vice President Emmanuel Neela announced the vision statement of the UCCA and its future programs, which include music festivities, cricket tournaments, and family retreats.
The event was attended by a large number of Christian families, complemented by the presence of representatives from the Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh communities.
