On Sabbath, October 11, 2025, a solemn worship service was held in Bánovce nad Bebravou to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the congregation’s founding in Dvorci Osadě, which was later relocated to Bánovce nad Bebravou.
The festive program took place throughout the day and was filled with singing, music, prayers, and spoken words that reminded everyone of the shared faith and community that has lasted for a century. One of the opening songs, performed by the local choir, was titled "100 Years of Gratitude" and served as a symbolic tribute to the generations that have carried the gospel for decades. Patrik Rolín, the elder of the congregation, in his presentation "100 Years of Gratitude of the Congregation in Bánovce nad Bebravou," brought the history of the congregation closer—its beginnings in Dvorci Osadě, the years of growth, and the periods of trials that were overcome thanks to God's guidance. Alexej Muráň accompanied the musicians on guitar, and the program also featured songs performed by children and other artists.
František Kolesár (president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Slovakia), Pastor Rastislav Vimpeľ, and Pastor Ivo Madzin took turns in their speeches, emphasizing the importance of gratitude across generations in both the past and present of the local congregation. They also addressed the unchanging nature of God in contrast to the changing nature of people and the world, the need for Christians to bear spiritual fruit, share faith, build friendly relationships, and serve God and people.
After a children's story, there was a sermon by David Čančík, secretary of the Czecho-Slovakian Union Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with a biblical message from the Gospel of John 15:1-6. He emphasized how important it is for every follower of Jesus Christ to have a personal relationship with the Savior and reminded those present that God continually renews His people, offers new opportunities, and leads His community even after a hundred years of service. He urged those present to ensure that the congregation remains a place of living testimony, openness, and faith that is passed on to future generations.
After a communal lunch, there was time for discussion panels with pastors who had previously served in the congregation. Their memories of service and testimonies of God's guidance over the decades not only evoked nostalgia but also served as inspiration for future generations of believers.
The celebration concluded with a communal song, a prayer, and a blessing of all the present pastors, pronounced by Bohumil Kern, thus closing a day full of memories, gratitude, and renewed commitment to continue serving God.
The replay of the festive Sabbath can be found in the recording below:
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