CHICAGO: United Telugu Christian Community of Chicago (UTCC) held its 2014 Christmas Carols by Candlelight on Saturday December 13 at India Mission United Telugu Methodist Church, Oak Park, a south west suburb of Chicago.
Pastors from different local churches and their congregation participated in the celebration of UTCC 2014 which was attended by around 250 people. Rev. Thomas Polepaka, Associate Pastor of India Mission United Methodist Telugu Church, welcomed the Pastors and the attendees for the event.
The opening prayer was offered by Rev. Anatha Rao Thalla, Pastor of Wesley Church of South India. Rev. Thomas Polepaka emceed the proceedings successfully. UTCC Choir sang the popular Christmas Carols songs with joy. It was an evening of praise and worship to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
The Group songs were sung by different local church choir members with enthusiasm and excitement of joy and ecstasy. Solo songs were sung by Rev. Mallela Chandran, Vinod, Surekha Veerala, Suchith Karri, Jenner Kurut and Master Vamshi.
Dr Willie Wilson, Member of Governor Bruce Rauner’s Transition Team and the Mayoral Candidate for City of Chicago and Richard Boykin, Commissioner of the Cook County First District, graced the occasion as Guests of Honor. Introducing Dr Wilson, Dr Vijay Prabhaker, a community activist, mentioned his humble beginnings as a Janitor at a McDonalds to becoming the owner of Four McDonalds and then as President of his present medical equipment business.
He has donated over 30 million dollars a year to various charitable causes, Prabhakar pointed out.
Dr. Wilson thanked UTCC for having him and announced his candidacy for the Mayor of City of Chicago seeking the community’s support for his campaign. He asked the audience not to forget from where they have come. He presented a check for $5000 dollars to India Mission Telugu Methodist Church, Oak Park on the occasion.
Gerard Moore, a team member of the U S Rep. Danny Davis, introduced the Commissioner Richard Boykin as a rising star who ensures the protection and promotion of minorities in all his endeavors.
Boykin in his address thanked the UTCC for inviting him and outlined his agenda for 2015 stressing the need to involve the community in all aspects of County services. Boykin said he would strengthen the Mental Health System, County Jail Services, Health care and programs for the youth.
India Baptist Telugu Church of Greater Chicago staged a Christmas Drama enjoyed by all. Bro. Prabhudas Bhooshi gave a brief description of the Eliezer Ministry of Matrimony for the Telugu Christians who are residing in North America. He asked for coordination and help of the local pastors.
Guest Speaker Pastor T. Bhupathy Rao from Fort Wayne Indiana spoke about three important things for Christmas – Joy, peace and love. He articulated the above three words in a very appealing way that touched everybody’s heart.
Proposing a vote of thanks, Rev. Wilson Doma expressed gratitude to God for His Grace to celebrate the Candlelight Christmas Carols and to all volunteers and supporters for the successful conclusion of the event.
Prem Mitra announced UTCC events for the year 2015 and invited all to participate in UTCC Choir-led last song for the evening with the entire congregation with Candlelight singing Silent Night Holy Night.
The event concluded with prayer by Rev. Rajamani Gonu, Pastor of the India Baptist Telugu Church of Oak Park. UTCC Christmas Sambaralu Telugu Songs CD were given to all for free as a Christmas gift.
Surendra Ullal
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