National Evangelical Church of Beirut

Christmas Traditions at AUB

Rev. Habib Bader with Mrs Wadia and many other ladies from our church were invited by the Women's League at AUB West Hall on Monday, Dec. 14, 2015. Rev. Habib presented the Christmas traditions and the Gospels stories, and all cheerfully sang few Christmas songs: We Wish You a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year.

Honoring Rev. Habid Badr

On the occasion of Rev. Habib Badr's accomplishing thirty years of ministry at the National Evangelical Church of Beirut the Church Council honored him on Saturday, November 28, 2015. During those years, "Rev. Habib was a teacher and an advisor for many, a brother and a father.. dedicated his life to care for his parish in all circumstances", said Dr. Cedric Haddad member of the Church Council. "He is the man of all seasons, served his community and others faithfully and wholeheartedly", Mr. Nabil Rahhal described him in his address on behalf of the Church Council. "He is a good shepherd who deeply loved his flock, and our community reciprocated his love with love and honor", added Mr. Rahhal. "Today, we will not turn off the candles over this anniversary cake, but we will keep them on for us and for many people".

Esteem who lead you in the Lord very highly in love (1Th 5:13)

International Twin-Consultation Conference

An International Twin-Consultation Conference took place in São Leopoldo, Brazil, from 19-23 of November 2015. Our church participated in this global educational conference and Rev. Nabil Maamarbachi represented NECB along with more than 100 representatives from different international theological institutions, churches and christian ecumenical organizations:

Bread for the World (BftW, Berlin)

The Association of Protestant Churches and Missions in Germany (EMW, Hamburg)

The Theological College Faculdades EST in São Leopoldo, Brazil (EST)

The Francke Foundations and University of Halle (Germany)

And many other international partners: Lutheran World Federation (LWF), World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC), the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), World Council of Churches (WCC), and The Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS).

The conference aimed at contributing from intercultural and ecumenical perspectives to issues concerning “Reformation and One World”

For more details in this regard, please follow THIS LINK

General Dalal Rahbani

General Dalal Rahbani, former acting director of Lebanese General Security, sharing her 30-year experiences with the Helping Hand Society on Friday November 13, 2015.

Leading Age Conference and Expo in Boston

Moadieh Evangelical Center was represented by its General Manager, Joyce khouri Eid  in Leading Age Annual Conference and Expo held in Boston November 1-4, 2015. Joyce presented with Mr. Reimer, CEO Palm Village Retirement Community a lecture “Assisted Living in Lebanon: An International Partnership” where they discussed the challenges and opportunities of collaboration between Long Term Care Centers. The session was an inspiration to many as the service provided to seniors crosses all  geographic and religious boundaries. Moadieh Evangelical Center was acknowledged for its exceptional leadership in aging services as well as its leading role in Lebanese Interfaith Elder Care.

To read about this in local news click on http://anbaaonline.com/?p=387469

Affirming the Christian Presence and Witness in the Middle East

Rev. Habib Badr attended the Executive Committee meeting of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), held at St. Mark Cathedral, Abbassia in Cairo, Egypt from 3-5 November, 2015. The meeting was hosted by the Coptic Pope, Tawadros II. The leaders and representatives of the four Christian families (Evangelicals, Eastern Orthodox [Greek], Pro-Chalcedon and the Catholic) tackled many critical issues and agreed upon several details, such as the possible unification of the Easter Day as a sign for their common witness and the urgency of dialogue with Muslims (as all share the same destiny). Also it has been agreed to consider the forced displacement and refugees’ crisis as priority for humanitarian assistance, remembering the Armenian martyrs as indication of Christians facing persecution. Finally, the meeting called for the election of a president of Lebanon, signifying the unity of the nation and promoting stability. The Executive Committee also considered the General Assembly of MECC that will take place next year, as a new General Secretary will be elected then.

150 Anniversary of Translating the Bible

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of publishing the Arabic (Boustani - Van Dyck) version of the Bible an opening service took place at our church on Sunday, November 1, 2015. This was an introduction for a two-day international Conference on the occasion of this translation (PROGRAM). Different evangelical churches along with Coptic, Maronite, and Orthodox churches participated in the Conference.

During the opening service the congregation joined the organist Martin Hollenriegeland sang an old Arabic hymn written by Ibrahim Sarkis who brought the first copy of the Bible from the American Printing Press (a room near our church which does not exist anymore) into the church in 1865.

Rev. HabibBadr, the pastor of the church, and after 35 years of ministry, summed up his spiritual experience of the Bible by saying: "I love the word of God... It is the lamp of my feet and the light of my path".

Celebrating Reformation Sunday

On the occasion of Reformation Sunday on October 25, 2015 a special service took place in Rabieh Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Many faithful people from different Evangelical churches in Lebanon came together to celebrate the reformation day. The organizing committee prepared a blessed service reflecting on the richness of the Reformation heritage that keeps reforming our communities. The general theme: "As Lively Stones" (1Pt. 2:5) POSTER (pdf)

Honoring Dr. Raja Hajjar

"By love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13)
Honoring Dr. Raja Hajjar upon the occasion of his retirement after many years of distinguished service and dedication to the National Evangelical Church of Beirut (NECB). This momentous occasion was celebrated with a reception in his honor on Friday, October 16, 2015, at NECB.

When time was given to Dr. Raja to say his word, he summed up his life quoting Peter in the Gospel of Luke 5:5, "Master... at Your word I will let down the net". Therefore, Dr. Raja said, "because I relied on Jesus's word, my life was full of blessings and graces". He also recalled a unique personal story that changed his life when he was young. When Rev. Moufid Abd El-Karim raised his hand and the end of the worship service and said the benediction, a dove accidentally entered the church from the window and sat upon the communion table, something moved in his soul made him rely more on His word. And now, at the "autumn years of my life", Dr. Raja conclude, "I will rest on Your word". 

Interfaith and Community Service

Dr George Sabra was invited by U.S. Department of Education Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships that works with the White House, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, to participate in the President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge.

The gathering, according to press materials, “offers an opportunity for students, staff, and administrators to share experiences, learn from experts, and meet Obama Administration officials who share a commitment to community service with an interfaith engagement component.”