'A new and exciting way of worshipping in the church' 

The birth of the Tambourine and Banner Ministry in The Filipino International Church, by Kit Torres

The Filipino International Church (TFIC), a Baptist Union-member church in Newcastle upon Tyne known for its lively and inspiring Sunday services, has been offering grateful homage in praise and worship songs for the past 14 years. However, following the emergence of the Tambourine and Banner Ministry in 2021, the church’s service has never been more alive!

Members of the ministry, both children and adults, share the joy and freedom using tambourines and banners as a means to worship our Lord as they encourage the congregation to join in meaningful, heartfelt prayer, and praise.

Tambourine ministry leader, Marietta Malos Arca has assembled a group of young children and women who are willing to commit themselves in service of the Lord.

Their first presentation was during the church’s Christmas party in 2021. The church service was livelier than ever with women and girls dancing with their tambourines and boys waving their colourful banners – boldly and joyfully expressing their praise and honour to our Almighty God.

This presentation was applauded and gained so much positive feedback, it encouraged those involved to proceed and continue. They believe it is God’s way of telling them to pursue their calling and to be bold in presenting their talents for the love of Christ.

The ministry was recognised and consecrated by The Filipino International Church’s pastor, Reverend Virgilio Pansacala on the 26th of December 2021.

The vision of the ministry is: “To glorify God by offering our bodies as living sacrifices, holy, and pleasing to Him.” Romans 12:1.

Its mission is: “To give God the highest form of worship, glory, honour, praises, and thanksgiving with our hearts,” and “To exalt our Lord, Jesus Christ through the art of dance with tambourines, banners, flags, and other musical instruments.”



The appeal to encourage members to join the ministry was very encouraging. Five young girls and three boys joined, and there are now 17 members, both young and adults. ‘I wanted to teach members on how to use, care, and respect the tambourines, banners, flags,’ said Marietta, ‘and to treat them as like a Bible that is offered for God’s glory.’

The ministry draws inspiration from the Bible. The first instance of the word tambourine used in scripture is found in Genesis 31:27 “Why did you flee in secret and deceive me and not tell me? I would have sent you off with joy and singing to the music of tambourines and lyres.”

Tambourine and banners have been used for declaration, celebration, worship, and battle throughout history, and Exodus 15:20 is one of Bible verses that inspired the ministry:

“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing.”
 
The ministry is now flourishing and growing by God’s grace, built around a shared compassion to exalt God with the use of tambourines and banners. Their revived use in TFIC has introduced a new and exciting way of worshipping in the church, and has brought enormous breakthrough in uplifting the church atmosphere.
 
 
The following are the members of the tambourine and banner ministry:

Marietta Arca – Tambourine ministry leader (pictured with Noah Arca and their son, Shem)

Ladies Tambourine dancers:
Mirasol Ramirez
Juliet Dela Cruz
Judith Lina
 
Young girls tambourine dancers:
Rapha Torres
Marie Arquintillo
Princess Arquintillo
Ericka Gunayon
Elysha Gunayon
Jhendy Permalino
 
Banner Dancers:
Noah Arca – Banner ministry leader
Shem Arca
Jason Cadagat
Martyn Cadagat
Clarke Primero
Francis Baricaua
Ivan Puso