Vietnam Evangelical Covenant Church – On Sunday, October 4, 2026, our church gathered for the combined worship service that opens the fourth quarter of the year. The morning was warm, reverent, and full of God’s presence. After a journey with the theme “Footsteps…” in the third quarter, this quarter the church was invited to reflect on one important truth: in every step we take, God never lets us walk alone.
Photos: album “Combined Service Q4 – 2026” (31 photos) on the church’s Facebook page
Looking Back on the “Footsteps…” Journey
Over the past three months, the church reflected together on footsteps of obedience, footsteps of proclaiming the Gospel, and footsteps of compassion. These were calls to action: to go, to do, to serve. But a long journey will tire anyone at some point. So as we entered the fourth quarter, the message shifted its focus from “how we walk” to “Who is walking with us.”
The Word Dwelt Among Us
The message began with the opening words of the Gospel of John:
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)
Jesus came near to us. He stepped into our world and chose to walk with us. He did not stand at a distance to observe, but He is present on every stretch of the road of life, including the hardest parts.
Three Gifts God Gives When He Walks With Us
Through passages in the Gospel of John, the church was reminded of what the Lord brings when He walks with us:
- True freedom (John 8:31-36): Jesus came to set us free from slavery to sin. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
- Abundant life (John 10:10): He does not merely let us exist; He gives us a life full of meaning and purpose.
- A fruitful life (John 15:4-5): only when we remain in Him can we truly bear fruit.
“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.” (John 15:4)
What Matters Most Is “Who Walks With Us”
Sometimes the road ahead is full of hope, but there are also times when we are weary, confused, and unsure how to keep going. The message reminded us that what makes the difference is not the circumstances we are passing through, but Who is walking with us.
This is a comfort for anyone going through loss, illness, pressure at work, or difficulties in the family. God does not promise that the road will always be smooth, but He does promise that He will never leave us alone on that road.
United in the Combined Worship Service
Like every combined worship service at the start of a quarter, this was an occasion for believers from all our congregations to come together for worship and fellowship. The hymns, prayers, and worship music made for a warm morning. Many believers shared their gratitude for being reminded of familiar verses from the Gospel of John, words that many hold close as a companion for their life of faith.
For a church spread across several congregations in Hanoi and Phu Tho, these combined services are an important rhythm. They remind every member that we belong to one family in Christ, even when we worship in different places on most Sundays. Newcomers are always welcome to join, and it is a good opportunity to meet the wider church family.
A Prayer for the Fourth Quarter
We pray that during this fourth quarter, each person will know God’s presence more deeply, learn to remain in Him, and let Him lead every step. Because the Lord has come, the Lord is with us, and the Lord wants to keep walking with us on every road.
Read more about church life on our News page, or plan a visit with our I’m New guide. Contact the Church Office at 0942 248 688 (Zalo available).
