A White Sunday celebration was the focal point for members of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa at Faleula, but the heavy loss of life globally from the COVID-19 pandemic also weighed heavily on their minds.

Attire coloured yellow was chosen by the church’s congregation to be worn on White Sunday – either as ribbons or neck ties – to accompany the mostly white dresses, shirts and ie lavalava that most were dressed in.

Members of the congregation watched as the children performed various skits and dances throughout the church service.

Reverend Elder Fili Matalavea of the C.C.C.S. at Faleula said the church while celebrating White Sunday also paid homage to those who lost their lives to COVID-19.

“And while other countries have been severely affected, we were also affected not in terms of the severity of the lives lost, but our theme for today’s service is God is the greatest healer,” he said in an interview with the Samoa Observer.

Rev. Elder Matalavea said that White Sunday is a day celebrated by all churches in Samoa and emphasised that it is a special day for children.

He said it is the only day of the year where children convey messages through scriptural recitations, biblical story reenactments and gospel dance performances.

“The children relayed an important message for parents, saying that they have been alert with carrying out their parental duties or responsibilities,” said Rev. Elder Matalavea.

“Parents are usually tasked to teach, nurture, and care for their children so that when they grow up they will be the future of families, villages, churches.

“Another message from the children was advising parents not to have any favoritism when it comes to loving their children.”

The virtue of obeying parents was also highlighted during the church service according to 

Rev. Elder Matalavea, who said it was one of the messages that was conveyed to the congregation.

“For Sunday it will be for children to spend it with their families while they will be spoiled by their parents,” he said.

“However, on Monday the children will do some fun activities such as playing sports but not forgetting their ice cream to conclude the day.”

The Sunday school class comprised 80-plus children with the congregation numbers going over 250 people.