Tonga is among the Pacific nations being celebrated during the 10-day Apia Samoa Central Stake’s 10th Anniversary Celebration that kicked off on Saturday morning with a parade on Beach Road. Vaimoso Ward is representing the island kingdom of Tonga in the Miss Apia Samoa Central Pageant on Wednesday, 1 November, 2023. Photo: Campaign Fidow/Facebook
by Tina Mata’afa-Tufele Elise
(MEDIA RELEASE) – A colourful parade in Apia township led by the Samoa Police Band kicked off festivities celebrating Apia Samoa Central Stake’s tenth anniversary on Saturday morning.
Members of all ages representing 11 wards (congregations) were joined by missionaries of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-day Saints for the parade.
The procession ended at Malaefatu where stake members gathered for Market Day, an opportunity for members to sell food, produce, handicrafts and other merchandise.
The parade is the first in a series of activities that span ten days and marks 10 years since the establishment of Apia Samoa Central Stake.
Contestants for the Miss Apia Samoa Central Pageant set for Wednesday, 1 November, made their first public appearances during the parade.
On Sunday, 29 October, members convene at 6 p.m. in the evening for a Musical Devotional at Pesega Gym.
A Zumbata session at Friendship Park is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Monday evening and on Tuesday, 31 October (7 p.m.) it is Tagata Pasifika Culture Night at Pesega Gym.
An Awards Night and Celebrating Success in CHRIST Concert is set for Thursday night, 7 p.m. at Lotopa Stake Center and to promote Home Domestic Violence Awareness, and to stop violence against women.
Members gather for Prom Night “The Last Dance” on Friday night at Lotopa Stake Center.
Leadership training sessions will be held for Stake and Ward Leaders in Motootua on Saturday starting at 8 a.m.
A new Stake Presidency will be set apart following the 10 a.m. General Session at Pesega Gym on Sunday.
Apia Samoa Central Stake is made up of 11 congregations: Alamagoto Ward, Alafua Ward, Moamoa Ward, Vaimoso Ward, Pesega II Ward, Mt Vaea Ward, Motootua 1st Ward, Mottotua 2nd Ward, Vailima Ward, Vaoala Ward and Malololelei Branch.
Stake President Muagututia Hans Jason Joseph emphasizes the overarching theme drawn from Ephesians 1:10 “To Gather Together in One All Things in Christ.”
The verse reads: “That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.”
“This is the unique message to be one in Christ in all we do,” President Joseph said.