don placido campos ave., sabang, dasmarinas, cavite … · workers in the lord in occidental...
TRANSCRIPT
ddd’’’nnneeewwwsss
MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF UCCP-SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES
DON PLACIDO CAMPOS AVE., SABANG, DASMARINAS, CAVITE 4114, PHILIPPINES
Tel. No.: 416-0221 Website: sabangdisciples.org
FEBRUARY 2013 Volume 11 Number 2
“LOVE IS THE GREATEST EPIPHANIC POWER“ Biblical Text : 1 Corinthians 13:13 – ― And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of
these is love.‖
Background:` St. John, the Bishop of Ephesus exhorted that God is love. And whoever does not love, does not know God. His commandment is to love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. So much, He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. This is a marvellous action of love, the greatest Epiphanic powers the world ever had. We are challenge to exercise this power on this contemporary moment in the field of the work of service for the common good, whose fellow feeling leads us to care for and share fully with each other. For love is supreme gift of the Spirit which marks the Church as the body of Christ. ( Romans 12:9-10; Col. 3:12-15 ) The Wonderful Power of Love: Love is the most wonderful power, the most wonderful quality, in the world. The greatest of all powers and qualities is love. Love is in fact the purest reflection both of the unity and of the creative power in Life, of God, of Nature. Love is the truest knowledge any individuality, of whatever kingdom of nature, can ever possess of all that life really is, of all that life can and shall be.
Love is the Great experience, the mystical transcendence, even if only for a time in the eternity which sent time forth. Love creates the world, sustains the world, regenerates the world. Love is the beginning of growth, the end of growth. Love is the heart of all things, and shines in and through them more and more unto their perfect unfoldment. There is nothing from which love is absent, however ugly, however seemingly debased. There is nothing which love does not glorify. Love is the golden chain which makes all things one. There is no one, nothing, ignorant or devoid of love. For the love of life knows no exclusions, is constant to all things, and is present in tenderness even where no love is seen by mortal eyes.
Love is the Law and its fulfilling. Love is justice. Love is the universal friend, and comforts all according to the changing measures of their needs. Love is the Real in the unreal, the Light in the darkness, Life in the midst of that shadow of life which we call death. Love is Life, Happiness, Peace, Confidence, Endurance, Comradeship, Immortality. Such is Love as faith sees it. Such is the nature of your love. It may be a passionate love, an exacting love, an aggressive love, a bargaining love. It may be a love that comes and goes, flitting from object to object, from person to person, from desire to desire. It may be a coarse love. Yet amidst all the dross, the vulgar dross, the ignoble dross, the ugly dross, the coarse dross, there is shining a diamond, however small, of sparkling beauty and infinite promise. It is the diamond of Life‘s sublime purpose and eternal meaning, and no external circumstances, no ignorance of man, no carelessness of man, no vulgarity of man, can ever dull this diamond of love, though they may ended hide its light. Conclusion : Let us not be afraid of love, but let us place love in a sacred place and worship it. For Love is God. Let us not be afraid of falling in and out of love, but let us fall in reverently and fall out gratefully and honourably. Above all, let us cherish love‘s fruits as these may follow from action which, in their results, show that after all we are God‘s children. It is the Divine in us which cause us to be able to do the most marvellous things in the world. Hatred often stalks abroad. Cruelty often seems to go unchecked. Selfishness would appear to be the most closely followed rule of life. The oppression of the weak by the strong seems as if it would never cease. Ugliness rears its head and pours its contemptuous gaze upon the beautiful. War ever threatens. Injustice remains unchecked. Discord flourishes. Yet love is unconquered. All else shall pass away, but never love. --------------------------------------------------- Sources: The Student Bible; The Bible League; New International Version Theosophical Digest; You And Love; George S. Arundale
For counselling and prayer request, please contact your Pastors
[email protected] 09433564983
Pastor Benjie – 0926-108-1040 or 416-0221(Office)
Care to write? Send us your article for the
month and contact our Pastors for the
lectionary [email protected]
UCCP Sabang or find us at our website
Sabangdisciples.org
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 2
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
Music Ministry Schedule
Saturday Rehearsals
AM – Outreach BS for Kids (CYF) PM–3:00PM Jesus Kids Choir 3:00-4:00PMCYF Youth Choir 4:30-6:00 Praise & Worship Team w/Tambourine dancers 8:00-10:00 Chancel Choir
Worship Anthem Renditions 1
st & 3
rd Sundays CHANCEL & CYAF
2nd
Sundays CYF Choir 4
th & 5
th Sundays KIDS Choir
Thy word is a Lamp Unto my Feet
By Pastor Ma. Beate Hernandez
DNEWS Editorial Bo ard
Ms. Rizalina Reyes
Ms. Nanette Barzaga Pastor Ma. Beate M. Hernandez
Wilma B. Pelagio , Anjell Samonte William Besario, & The Pastoral
Team
Ms. Rose Calungin
Ms. Volet Tirona Jardiniano & Ted Malamug
Interested to dance for the Lord? Tambourine Dance coaching/practice Please contact Honey Belmonte Offer your talent to the Lord and join the Praise and Worship Team. Please contact Mr. Avinson Matro For schedule of practice.
Rooted and Grounded
I am currently working on writing a paper on the impact of spiritual direction
and pastoral care for church workers, a very meaningful ways to enhance and
nurture our workers in the Lord’s vineyard by way to identifying the life and
ministry of God’s workers as they go along pains and victory. These writings
have been my inspiration carried on when I had a lovely time with my co-
workers in the Lord in Occidental Mindoro. I met new friends and was able to
listen to their stories of love and sacrifice. Each word was woven together in
coming up with a good writing for inspiration. They were able to express in
language how vast are the works in the field of God’s ministry. They were able
to say in simple but powerful words their way of grounding and rootedness
despite difficulties. OMAC (Occidental Mindoro Associate Conference) comprises
of 19 church workers for 14 churches developed a more strong and bonded
relationship to expand ministry. They were true enough to express their ways
to fulfill the ministry despite suffering, weakness and pains. Indeed to root and
to ground in Jesus is so vital in their pastoral duty and in our life as well.
During this time, I was blessed to hear their share of God’s way of nurturing
them and helping them to ground and root for His glory. To ground and root are
active words developed through its paving way for possible nourishment.
Through them, I was able to glance at Jesus’ inspiring way to keep them sound
and inspired in the ministry.
Moreover, a tree in order to grow needs to ground in the depth of the earth and
develops through the passing of time, each root is able to experience both
wounds and nourishment. When its roots traverse the soil and find water in the
deep it will eventually experience the hard and easy way. These roots are
needed to find ways for the tree to survive and live long.
Our life therefore is a process of rooting and grounding, a quest for these words
lead us to find God, know Him and continue to live life through Him. Nicodemus
had a great question mentioned in John 3:1-21, he is a council member of the
Sanhedrin, one of the few religious leaders who believed in Jesus, he was
attracted by Jesus’ character and miracles, we know that he left that evening’s
encounter with Jesus a changed man.
Here we see that Jesus’ mentioning “no one can enter the Kingdom of God
without being born of water and the spirit” is a picture of continuing process,
similarly to root and ground.
When I became a pastor, I realized how God has put in my life a gift that is
very rare and splendid in words and reality. As time and years passed by I
continue to claim that life in the vineyard is both labor and love, we are not
spared from lost and pain, loneliness and distress. By this we come to realize
that we are weak in need of a strong God, and being rooted in God’s love is
always a rescue. It is His love that endures and keeps us warmth. It is said
that when we cry, He cries, when we are hurt and lost, He takes a piece of Him
too, but fills us with His grace that is always present. When we traverse this life
of danger and victory, let us continue to root and ground in the presence of God
whose love is eternal and unchanging. In the end as a church worker of God,
though we know that the ministry does come with sacrifice, it is a happy
enduring and happy persevering through it, all that is in it is a product of
rootedness and grounding in Jesus.
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 3
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
Lectionary and Schedule of Preachers for
February 2013
“Rooted & Grounded in Love”
Membership Renewal Month
3 “The Saving Love” OT: Nehemiah 1:1-8 NT: Luke 15:1-10 Preacher: Rev. Benjamin Gevera
10 “A Disciples Love” OT: Psalm 31:19-24 NT: John 15:9-17 Preacher: Rev. Bea Hernandez
17 “Love One Another” OT: Proverbs 4:5-12 NT:2 John 1-13 Preacher: Lay Minister Wilma P.
24 “Love is Involvement” OT: Proverbs 38:16-20 NT:1 John 4:7-21 Preacher: Rev. Benjie Gevera
LITURGIST for FEBRUARY & MARCH Feb 3 ELDER REMY GABRIEL Feb 10 ROMEO REMULLA Feb 17 JO ANN SAMONTE Feb 24 TESS DAKIS MARCH 3 ELDER SUSAN MABBATUNG MARCH 10 JANINA FAUNI MARCH 17 TRUSTEE MONINA FRANI MARCH 24 TEACHER JINGLE ANCHETA MARCH 31 JOHN ARGIE MENDEZ
PINAG Isang PUSO 2013 on February 17,
2013 with the Theme: The Greatest Love of
All. This year’s celebration of Valentine will
be at Tagaytay Picnic Grove with a
registration of P300/couple(tentative). Pinag-
Isang Puso is the most in-placed activity
addressing family concerns in the church and
fostering intergenerational spirit among
Church organizations, also a venue primarily
to engage Church and family ministry
advancing Christ message of hope and unity.
Membership Renewal Month. The month of February has been designated as Membership Renewal Month in the whole UCCP as per National Council Action 2007. SCCD has complied with this since 2008, the first time it was implemented, thus, she’s one of the UCCP member churches that responded to the call. For 2013, another round of campaign is set forth reiterating that the ADC goes to Property Development Program of the UCCP and that it’s not the amount of P20.00 or more that counts but the sure declaration of being a part of the church, the one Body of Christ.
Third Sunday of February is designated as OFW Sunday as part of our Membership Advocacy; the Church shall offer prayer for our Kababayans and members abroad.
DISCOVERY CLASS Batch 1 of 2013 is scheduled on February 9 and 16 at 10-12pm. Discovery Class is offered to worshippers who wish to be received formally as regular members of SCCD. This membership class is offered throughout the year, after which participants are formally received during Sunday worship following the class. Lessons include the six articles of the UCCP Statement of Faith, Worship and Sacraments and Church History and ministries of SCCD. Sunday School Teachers workshop enhanced. Over a year
of sustaining workshops through input sharing, now SCCD CEN
will venture to giving teachers and volunteer their opportunity
to teach using themes and simulate teaching process. This is to
fully train and develop teachers of SCCD.
SCCD CWA to hold a local Valentine fellowship on February at SCCD grounds to celebrate Valentines as an organization, some ihaw ihaw and fellowship singing shall be done.
MISSION EDUCATION NIGHT is set on February 2 at 7PM, designed to educate the members of the Church on the Retreat and Continuing Education of SCCD Church Workers held in Occidental Mindoro on January 14-19. This is a time to share knowledge and experience to all brethrens and extend the heartfelt gratitude to the Church for sending our Workers to this once and a lifetime learning experience.
Inviting all Church members to
attend the THURSDAY BIBLE STUDY at
7PM-8PM. This February we shall be
studying on the Epiphany lessons
Come and Learn.............
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 4
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
NOMELEC 2013 organized. The Nomination/Election Committee for this ecclesial year has elected its own officers in a brief meeting on January 20, 2013 facilitated by Rev. Bea Hernandez with the following officers as elected during the meeting, namely Elder Juliet Dayrit(Chairperson), Trustee Ronnie Sapida (Vice Chairperson), Educator Myrna Espejo (Secretary), BOD Rose Tumitit and CYFer Avin Son Matro as members. They will be meeting for Orientation on February 23, 2013. The Nomination Period is also opened formally on February 3 which will go on for one month. Needed slots for nomination are as follows: Board of Elders 4
Board of Christian Education 4 Board of Deacons 3 Board of Trustees 3 Treasurer, Fin Sec and Auditor 1 each
LCSMC ordination candidates for 2013 had a sharing fellowship and a review session with Pastor Bea on January 7, 2013 at SCCD, this is to expand the bond and be of assistance to our ordinands namely: Pastors Fritz Mata (UCGS Bacoor) Benny Rodriguez (UCCP Calumpang) and Leo Baguhin (UCCP Paliparan). This years’ ordination exam will be held at St. Joseph Lipa Batangas.
Communicants’ Class 2013 begins. Batch 2013 of
Communicant‘s Class had started on January 9 with 14 in attendance ages 12-17. This class is the equivalent Membership/Discovery Class for young people but on a longer period of three months. They are taught on the UCCP Statement of Faith, led to a walk on the history of the church from its beginnings in the Book of Acts to the present life of believers in a pluralistic world, and a life changed by Jesus Christ. The Pastoral Team and the Board of Elders take turns in handling the session with Rev. Bea Hernandez as the lead teacher being the Pastor for CEN. This class will culminate in Water Baptism on Maundy Thursday, March 28 with a Retreat and Formal Reception during worship service. They are also scheduled to go on an Educational Trip in historical places in Manila connected to the history of Protestantism in the Philippines. Meanwhile, the first quarter batch of Membership Class for adults will be offered on February 9 and 16. They will be received during worship on February 17.
Retreat and CTE at OCCIDENTAL MINDORO. The Annual Retreat of LCSMC Church Workers was held at SAGADA Mountain Province on January 14-19, 2013. Joined in by SCCD’s three workers, Pastor Benjie, Pastor Bea and Sis. Wilma. Reflections and writing on this experience shall be shared to us by SCCD Workers published on this month’s issue and shared also to us through Mission Education Night on February 2, 2013. Pastor Bea participated at the newly formed study committee on Praise and Worship Phenomenon of the LCSMC on January 24, 2013 held at the LCSMC. This is to respond to the changing and need of times in the realm of music ministry. Study Committee composed of Rev. Bobby Alguso, Pastor Ben Rodriguez, Rev Felizardo Camia and the Liturgy and Music Committee chaired by Rev. Gloria Estrella was born out of the need to enrich the dynamic heritage of the UCCP and music ministry education offered to LCSMC churches on February 26, 2013 through the Church Workers CTE at UCCP Makati Pinagkaisahan at 9AM. Camp Counselors Training and Workshop on structure command was held on January 12 at 9am led by Educator Jhem Fauni, this is aimed to educate and nurture our young people to determine and organize leadership in camp organization, prior to this meeting, CYF leader and already formulated their Camp objectives, theme and details on December 22, 2013.
Tambourine Dancers training held on January 26, 2013 at 2pm led by Sisters Teena Saquilayan and Jhem Fauni in response to the call of enhancing the tambourine ministry of SCCD that was born long time ago in the SCCD worship ministry. As of this writing our Tambourine Dancers group is led under the leadership of Sister Johannah “Honey “ Belmonte with some 15 members.
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 5
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
CONTINUING WORKS for the CHURCH... PN8 was launched during the 86th Anniversary month of SCCD. PN8 invites all members to donate and be part of this another step to continuing works of the Church; a corresponding car toy material and stained glass cartons shall be posted in the 3D Tarpauline to complete the perspective of the Chancel Area.
PN WATCH CORNER AS OF JANUARY 2013
PROJECT NEHEMIAH 8A: P126,911.25 8B: P161,733.00
COLOR THE SEASON: P 4,176.00
Come, let’s continue putting glitters at the altar!
Proceeds shall go towards the other finishing works needed in the sanctuary identified by the Board of Trustees as follows: Pn8 A – Church Stained Glass
Pn8 B – Church Vehicle
Matagumpay na naisagawa ang Christmas Camp noong
nakaraang December 26-29, 2012, Ito’y dinaluhan ng ibat-
ibang kabataan sa ating Kumperensiya at tatlo kaming
kabataan sa ating simbahan ang nabigyan ng pagkakataon
na makasama sa nasabing camp.
Ang camp na aming dinaluhan ay may temang “1
Message Receive” na mayroong Biblical Text na Jeremiah
1:9-10 na ang nakapaloob dito ay ang pagtawag ng
Panginoon kay Jeremiah.
Sa unang araw ng aming camp ay nagkaroon kami ng BTR
tungkol sa Statement of Faith na ang nagbahagi nito ay si
Dr. Ruth Billena. Sa aming pangalawang araw naman ay
tinuruan kami ni Rev. Carlos dela Cruz kung papaano
gumawa ng preaching, ito’y may tatlong bagay lamang:
Introduction, Message of the Body at ang Conclusion at
kami ay binigyan ng pagkakataon ng gumawa ng mensahe
at salamat sa Panginoon dahil nakagawa ako at ito’y
naibahagi ko sa aking grupo.
Isa sa hindi ko malilimutang pangyayari sa camp ay yung
nagbigay ng message sa amin na si Pastor Jepril Kakilala
dahil sa pagtapos niyang mag message ay nagkaroon ng
washing of feet. Ito ay hindi lang tumatak sa isipan ko
kundi pati na rin sa ibang kabataan na nakaranas na
hugasan ang kanilang paa ng kanilang counselor at
pagkatapos hugasan ang aming paa kami’y nanalangin ng
taimtim na kung saan dalawa lang kami ng Diyos ang nag-
uusap, at para din sa akin doon ko ulit Siya tinanggap sa
aking buhay at ang aking pamilya, kaibigan, maging ang
aking kinabukasan ay aking ipanalangin.
Sa pagtatapos ng camp na iyon maraming kabataang
tulad ko ang maligayang umuwi at maraming natutunan
sa camp na iyon.
Sa Diyos ang papuri at pasasalamat!
COMMUNICANTS CLASS 2013
Schedule of Classes and Topics: January 12 Orientation/Acquaintance Session Rev. Bea Hernandez January 19 Doctrine of God Elder Juliet Dayrit January 26 Doctrine of Humanity/Sin LM Wilma Pelagio February 2 Doctrine of Bible Elder Juliet Dayrit February 9 Doctrine of Church Elder Lina Reyes February 16 Doctrine of Kingdom of God Elder Juliet Dayrit February 23 Doctrine of Resurrection LM Wilma Pelagio March 2 Worship & Liturgy Rev. Benjie Gevera March 9 Church History 1
Church History – UCCP & SCCD Rev. Benjie Gevera
March 16 Educational Exposure Trip Rev. Bea Hernandez March 23 Sacrament: Baptism & Eucharist Rev. Benjie Gevera March 28 Day Retreat/Water Baptism/Communion Rev. Bea Hernandez POOL OF RESOURCE PERSONS: Rev. Benjie Gevera, Rev. Bea Hernandez, Elder Juliet Dayrit, Elder Lina Reyes Key Teacher/Adviser: Pastor Bea Hernandez
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 6
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
Church Calendar and activities
(February to May 2013)
Feb 9 &16 Discovery Class Feb 17 @ 7pm Pinag-isang Puso Feb 17 OFW Sunday Feb 23 VCS Training (UCCP Anabu) 9am February 24 Membership Renewal Month March 24 DLA Sunday/Annual Corporation Mtng. March 23 DLA Graduation and Moving Up Ceremonies March 28 MaundyThursday/Communicants WaterBaptism March 29 Good Friday Seven Last Words of Jesus March 31 Easter Sunday Family Outing March 18-22 VCS Training for Teachers and Volunteers April 1-5 VCS Church Based April 8-9 UCWO General Assembly @ Naic Cavite April 10-13 Youth Summer Camp April 22-25 Kids Summer Camp May 3 and 4 LCSMC 15th Annual Session May 4 Summer Volunteers Retreat May 6-10 VCS Outreach Based May 11 Summer Volunteers Retreat May 12 Recognition Fellowship for Summer Volunteers May 20-24 Mission Challenge Mindoro
CROs Schedule of Activities UCM CORNER
SCHEDULE:
Fellowship and Bible Study
Saturdays 7PM Conference Room Regular Fellowship
Facilitators: Rev. Benjie Gevera, Bro Jing, Elder Willie
For More information: Contact UCM Gerry Pelagio CWA CORNER
Schedule:
Regular Fellowship: Tuesday 7 pm
For more info: Contact Emma Acuña YA CORNER
The young leaders, the mobilizers & advocates
Schedule:
Fellowship & Bible Study: 1st & 3rd Sunday of the
month
For info: Contact Teena Saquilayan CYF CORNER
Schedule: Saturdays, 7:30 pm Sunday School: ages: 15-22
For more info: Contact Avin Son Matro 09262404990
Tunay na Pag-ibig Catrisha Paula Mendoza
Mahal kita, iniirog kita, sarang hae, je t‘ aime, I love you.
Ito ang mga katagang sinasabi natin sa mga taong iniibig
natin. Iba ibang lenguahe na mayroong iisang kahulugan
at binubuo ng iisang salita ―Pag-ibig‖. Ngunit ano nga ba
ang tunay na kahulugan ng salitang PAG-IBIG?
Mayroong makikitang kahulugan ng pag-ibig sa mga awit,
pelikula, pahayagan at kung saan saan pa. Ngunit sa
bibliya lamang matatagpuan ang tunay na kahulugan nito.
Ayon sa 1 Corinto 13: 4-7 ―Ang pag-ibig ay matiyaga at
magandangloob; hindi naiinggit ang pag-ibig. Hindi
pinangangalandakan ang sariling pag-ibig. Hindi nag
mamapuri o nagmamataas; hindi magaspang ang pag-
uugali, hindi makasarili, hindi magagalitin o mapagtanim
sa kapwa. Hindi nito ikinatutuwa ang gawaing masama
ngunit ikinagagalak ang katotohanan. Ang pag-ibig ay
mapagbata o matiisin, nagtitiwala, punong pag-asa at
magtitiyaga hanggang wakas.‖
Dahil sa pag-ibig ipinadala ng ating Diyos Ama ang
kanyang Bugtong na Anak upang tayo ay maligtas,
mapatawad, at magkaroon ng buhay na walang hanggan.
Ganyan tayo kamahal ng ating Diyos Ama kung kaya‘t
ganun na lamang ang kagustuhan Niya na mahalin din
natin Siya at ang ating kapwa, pahalagahan tulad ng
pagpapahalaga Niya sa bawat isa sa atin na mga anak
Niya. Nasasaad nga sa Marcos 12:30-31 ―Ibigin mo ang
Panginoon mong Diyos nang buong puso, ng buong
kaluluwa, nang buong pag-iisip, at nang buong lakas. Ito
naman ang pangalawa ibigin mo ang iyong kapwa gaya
ng iyong sarili walang hihigit pa sa mga utos na ito.‖Ito
ang dalawang pinakamahalagang utos ng Panginoon.
Ang pag-ibig ng Diyos sa atin ay walang hanggan, hindi
ito matutumbasan ng anumang material na bagay sa
mundo. Ang pag-ibig natin sa Panginoon ang nagbibigay
sa atin ng lakas ng loob upang harapin ang bawat hamon
na darating sa ating buhay.
Tunay na pag-ibig ang nagbubuklod sa atin na mga
kristiano, ito ang dahilan kung bakit tayo nandirito sa
mundong kinagagalawan natin ngayon. Ibahagi natin ang
pag-ibig sa iba, sa pamamagitan ng pagtulong sa kapwa
at pagtuturo ng salita ng Diyos. Ipadama natin sa mga
taong ligaw na ang tunay na pag-ibig ay nagmumula sa
atin dahil ang Diyos ay naninirahan sa bawat isa saatin.
Ipaalam natin sa kanila na ang Diyos natin ay Diyos ng
Pag-ibig.
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 7
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
Reflections… by Elder Rizalina Reyes
WHERE IS GOD IN YOUR LIFE?
Many of us put a lot of emphasis on material things, worldly possessions and pleasures or how high each one climbs the ladder of success. Little did we know that we will achieve only one fourth of our dreams or none at all if God is not at the center of all our endeavors. Only as we place God in His rightful place, above all else, are we able to achieve joy, peace and contentment in our lives. Psalm 25:4 says ―Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths.‖ My brothers and sisters in Christ, let us remember:
1. Life begins each morning with God. Our aims, purposes, works and success or failures need His approval.
2. Live a purpose. God has a plan for everyone. Talk to Him and He will harken unto you.
3. Count your blessings. Let not your failure put you down. Never give up. Reap a bountiful harvest.
4. Be patient. Success comes after plenty of failures. Pray and choose to persevere.
5. Start today. God wants you to succeed NOW. The desire to succeed has no secret but God‘s GRACE.
6. Work for God, not for applause. Work is motivated by God‘s grace and when we achieve success, we return to God to rejoice and glorify Him.
7. Do your BEST and God will do the REST. 8. Learn from the errors of the past. God controls
everything. Trust Him. 9. Struggle to win. Our God is a God of victory. He
watches from a distance and He leads you to victory. 10. Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the
desires of your heart. Psalms 37:4 During our Sunday School youth department class, some students are habitual absentees. I always advise them to refrain from staying late on Saturday nights so they can come on time on Sundays. May God in His infinite goodness make a miracle on my flock that they will know God should be first on their list. PRAYER: ―LORD THANK YOU FOR THE LIFE YOU‘VE GIVEN US. TEACH US TO LIVE IT TO THE FULLEST.‖ IN JESUS NAME, AMEN.
THE MESSAGE THE WORLD
NEEDS TO HEAR Mark 16:15-20
Suppose I asked what the mission of the church
is—how would you answer? Although the
church accomplishes many tasks, its only
message to the world is the gospel of Christ.
Everything else we do is merely an extension of
that primary goal. The gospel we offer the lost is
superior to every worldly philosophy. Never
outdated or in need of correction, it is always
sufficient to meet humanity's greatest need:
reconciliation with the Creator.
Although the message is always the same,
methods of making it known are many—
including the spoken word, music, printed
material, and electronic media. But all these
avenues of communication require the individual
involvement of God's people. It is every
Christian's responsibility to use his or her
spiritual gifts, talents, and abilities to help fulfill
the Great Commission.
Some Christians think that this role is given only
to pastors, missionaries, or other people with an
"up-front ministry." But all of us have the
responsibility to be involved in whatever way we
are able and in whatever opportunity God gives
us. Not everybody is called to go abroad as a
missionary, but we all can give, pray, and tell
friends and family what the Lord has done for
us.
When you're truly committed to getting the
gospel out, God will reveal what work He is
calling you to do. He has a place for every one
of us—nobody is insignificant or unusable. The
limiting factor is not the Lord's ability to use us
but our availability to His call.
For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit
www.intouch.org.
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 8
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
In The Eyes of Faith… by: Allyan Jell Samonte
Love is a Four Letter Word
In the social connotation, when people say that love is a four letter
word, it would mean a bitter and regretful memory of love. It would come
from people who have experienced great pain out of love. But as
Christians, we say… that love is not just a four letter word. We are
expected to be rooted and grounded in love.
What does it mean to be grounded and rooted in love? In
Ephesians Chapter 3 verses 17 to 18, it says so that Christ may dwell in your
hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in
love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp
how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ… This is the
prayer of Paul for the Ephesians, and what do the verses say? That being
rooted and grounded in love would help us understand how great God’s
love is.
Being rooted in love means it is the seed where we are sprouted
from, being rooted means we have grown upon love. It is where we are
built upon. God’s love is the strong foundation in which our Christian roots
came from. It is basically the truth where all truths must be rooted from.
Simply, God’s love is where we based our faith. We believe that God is love
and that His commandments must be our ways. Being grounded means,
staying strong on a solid foundation, like a house built upon a solid rock.
Our Solid Rock is God and the glue that sticks the materials of the house is
God’s love. It is what binds us with God. It is perfect love, where there is
neither fear nor condemnation. God’s love brings out freedom and
confidence to come to Him with ease and peace.
To make the love complete among us, Jesus gave us one of the
two greatest commandments: Love one another. Picture this scenario: God
loves us unconditionally, and He commands us to love one another, If we
love others, our brothers and sisters, we also show that we love God,
loving others especially the lowly and the poor means loving God, too; and
like the cycle, we are connected from the Beginning where the Fountain of
love, joy and peace come from.
In the community of faith, we are bounded by God’s love. It is the
fire which sets our hearts burning. It is what fuels us in our journey and
keeps us travelling the path God has chosen for us, a path full of love and
no fear. Indeed, we, as followers of Christ, have never been unloved and
love is never a four letter word.
LCSMC-UCWO MINDORO RETREAT
by Wilma Pelagio
Papuri sa Diyos sa matagumpay na pagkaganap ng taunang retreat ng mga manggagawa ng ating kumperensiya(LCSMC) na ginanap sa Sablayan Occidental Mindoro noong Enero 14-18, 2013 na may temang ―Church Workers: Strengthening the Bond, Expanding the Ministry‖. Tunay ngang nakapagbigay ng lakas at tibay sa bawat manggagawa ang pagsasama-samang ito lalo na sa aspeto ng pagpapaigting at paglawak ng ministeryong ginagampanan ng bawat manggagawa sa ating kumperensiya at sa bawat lokal na iglesiya sa kanilang pinaglilingkuran. Napakaganda ding karanasan ang nakadaupang palad namin ang mga manggagawa ng Kumperensiya doon(OMAC) Occidental Mindoro Associate Conference) at sa mga naibahagi nilang karanasan ng buhay at paglilingkod bilang manggagawa. Doon ay nagbigay ito ng ibayong inspirasyon at hamon sa amin. Sa ngayon ay may 14 na UCCP churches doon sa bayan ng Sablayan, at isa dito ang UCCP-Culasisi ang nabisita naming iglesiya bilang immersion o fellowship Household visit namin doon bilang bahagi ng retreat, dito‘y nakita at nakilala namin ang mga kapatiran natin na katutubo ang ―ALA-NGAN TRIBE‖, ang tribong kung saan ay napreserve talaga ang ―kultura‖ nila bilang katutubo. Ang nakakatuwa sila‘y tanggap ng pamayanan doon dahil tinuturing silang bahagi ng kasaysayan ng mga Mindoronian. Para sa akin ay mayaman karanasan at dagdag kaalaman ang naidulot ng retreat na ito sa aking buhay bilang isang manggagawa na naglilingkod sa ubasan ng Panginoon, at nais kong maibahagi ang karanasang ito sa local na iglesiya na aking pinaglilingkuran-UCCP Sabang. Sa
Diyos ang papuri/. Amen
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 9
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
DISCIPLES LEARNING
ACADEMY School Beats and Pieces
Field Demo gives glory to God through our potentials.
The DLA gives tribute to our God by using our strength were
interpreted in dance movements during the Field
Demonstration on January 25, 2013 by the various classes
closing the DLA School Week in celebration of the 29th
Founding Anniversary. These potentials were exemplified
by Bible verses which the different grade levels rendered in
graceful dance steps. Indeed, God gave his people different
abilities and potentials that could be used to develop as one
person grows and mature. A ―Wooden Heart‖ popularized
by Elvis Presley in 1970‘s by Grade 1;Enjoy and feel the
beat of the music as they moved with their pompoms to the
tune of ―Don‘t Cry‖ by Grade 2; A late 1980‘s re-recorded,
―Build me Up Buttercup‖ by Grade 3; A song used to
celebrate the Cityhood of Dasmarinas, our school, DLA has
part in this progress, ―Sulong Dasmarinas‖ by Grade 4; The
lyrics describes a young man who can‘t stop dancing and
encourages other to do the same, a 1984‖ Footloose‖ by
Grade 5; Children grow and change. They really would
express what they want and what they do not want. They
have their own style of carrying themselves. ‗Just got
Lucky‖, ―Growing Up‖ and ―I‘m so excited‖ by grade 6; the
preparatory class tell us that we are all part of the DLA
family as they danced and moved to its music, ―We are
family‖. The youngest pupil in DLA showed their ability to
moved and appreciate the beauty of music, enjoy, had fun
and play to the tune of ―What a Feeling and Footloose‖ by
Nursery and Kinder.
For the fourth consecutive year, Mr. Ronald Cabalit,
served as the Dance Instructor, a gifted professional who is
able to bring out the talent in dancing of the pupils. This
galore of dances was connected by a narration written and
narrated by Teacher Cristy Gervacio. The whole founding
celebration centered on the theme, ―DLA… Giving glory to
God through our Potentials.‖
Sportsfest adds energy to DLA School Week. The
traditional multi-level grade teams, unique to DLA during
Sports fest added energy and vibrance to the DLA School
Week held on January 21-25, 2013. Games were not only
confined to the usual ball games but also parlor games to
suit the younger children. A cheer and dance competition
opened the Sports fest on the first day, January 21.
Winners in the various
contests sports, arts,
and academic are as
follows:
Drawing Contest (Gr. 1 - 3) Poster Making Contest ( Gr. 4 - 6)
1st Tumbaga, Erich Bernadette* Justine Janelle Reyes
2nd Tumbaga, Enrico Gabriel* Cerbo, Kenneth
3rd Gervacio, Jeremiah* Mangubat, Chad Selwyn
Science Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 1 & 2
Science Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 3 & 4
1st Tumbaga, Erich Bernadette* Fauni, Allyssa Ellein*
2nd Tumbaga, Enrico Gabriel* De Castro, Maxine Redge
3rd Matro, Shaina Mae* Mangubat, Sean Codey
Science Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 5 & 6
HEKASI Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 1 & 2
1st Baldelobar, Blue Raven Son, Kurt Andrew
2nd Agapay, John Vincent* Maristela, Princess Eula Mae
3rd Hormillosa, Neilyn Mae Estares, Princess Nicloe*
HEKASI Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 3 & 4
HEKASI Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 5 & 6
1st Dela Cruz, Elijah Paul* Dipasupil, Dennise Adrienne
2nd Cajelo, Simone Alexandra Medina, Phobe Joy*
3rd Catubig, Phillippe James Mangubat, Austin Paul
Mathrathon Gr. 1 & 2 Mathrathon Gr. 3 & 4
1st Tumbaga, Erich Bernadette* Pare, Josef
2nd Maristela, Princess Eula Mae Escober, Michelle Ann
3rd Lomadilla, Sophia Pearl Catubig, Phillippe James
Mathrathon Gr. 5 & 6 Spelling Bee Contest Gr. 1 & 2
1st Medina, Phoebe Joy* Son, Kurt Andrew
2nd Amon, Christina Gail* Maristela, Princess Eula Mae
3rd Galang, Aimee Jasmin Lomadilla, Sophia Pearl
Spelling Bee Contest Gr. 3 & 4 Spelling Bee Contest Gr. 5 & 6
1st Agapay, Nicole Grace* Cantada, Safelia Collen
2nd Barroquillo, Isabel Delos Santos, Patrick Kjell
3rd Dela Cruz, Elijah Paul Aleonar, Graham Ford
Sportsfest 2013 - Over-all Champion RED TEAM
1st Runner Up YELLOW TEAM
2nd Runner Up BLUE TEAM
3rd Runner Up GREEN TEAM
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – HAYAG, VAN HALLEN
Grade 1 Grade 2 1st – Atasha grace Fauni* 1st – Princess Eula Maristela 2nd – Kassandra Ross Gimenez 2nd –Shaina Mae Matro* 3rd – Ashley Nicole Mangaring 3rd - Sophia Pearl Lomadilla 4th – Elljen Ian Louis Fauni 4th – Erich Bernadette Tumbaga* 5th – Corvin Yves Sadiwa 5th – Ma. Kim Louise Bedano Grade 3 Grade 4 1st – Austin Clark Castilla 1st – Simone Alexandra Cajelo 2nd –Maxine Redge De Castro 2nd – Michelle Ann Escober 3rd – Alyssa Ellein Fauni* 3rd – Phillippe James Catubig 4th – Sean Codey Mangubat 4th – Elijah Paul Dela Cruz* 5th – John Paolo Tabing * 5th –Elish Therese Sangcajo
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 10
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
Watch Your Weight and Waist Contributed by Dr. Lydia M. Marero, Chief, RUMD "Health is wealth". This is the most challenging statement that people must be aware of, especially duringtimes that we cannot really afford to get sick with chronic degenerative diseases like cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, etc. Let us watch our waist circumference and weights to stay healthy. It has been observed in studies that breast, colon, endometrial, kidney and esophageal cancers have been associated with being overweight and leading sedentary lives. To prevent these diseases let us maintain a healthy weight.Let us start by
understanding what Body Mass Index (BMI) is and how it is calculated. BMI is the method used to indicate whether a person is on a healthy weight or not. BMI uses weight and height to gauge health risks. It is calculated by dividing weight (W) in Kg, by the square of height (H2) in meters. That is, BMI = W/H2 . For example, you weigh 64 kg and you are 1.55 meters tall, your BMI would be: 64/(1.55)2 or equal to 26.6.A BMI of 20 to 25 is considered healthy. Below 18.5 is considered underweight and poses health problems of its own. Between 18.5 and 20 indicates underweight. BMI of 25 to 30 is considered overweight. In our example above, BMI of 26.6 is therefore considered overweight and thus, that person has to start losing weight by reviewing his diet or starting a physical activity regimen. Over 30 is considered obese and can pose serious health risks. Waist circumference takes into account fat distribution. Generally, if waist circumference is greater than 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women, it means the excess abdominal fat puts us at greater risk of health problems independent of BMI. Obesity has a detrimental effect on health. Obesity is also responsible for other ailments, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, gallstones, complications during pregnancy, heart disease, stroke, Type II diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis, and other chronic degenerative diseases.
Grade 5 1st – Justine Janelle Reyes 2nd – Graham Ford Aleonar 3rd – Lyka Ann Jimenez 4th – Neilyn Mae Hormillosa 5th – Austin Paul Mangubat Grade 6 1st – Phobe Joy Medina* 2nd – Joven Hembrador 3rd – Safelia Collen Cantada 4th – Dennise Adrienne Dipasupil 5th – Aimee Jasmin Galang
*SCCD church members
Enrolment for SY 2012-2013 begins.
Enrolment for SY 2012-2013 will begin this
month with the DLA receiving reservations
anytime with fees deductible from the down
payment during official enrolment period in
April.
Faculty and staff Christmas fellowship.
The gifts to DLA faculty and staff during the
Christmas Fellowship held on December
21, 2012 at the grade one classroom, was
rice allowance as employee benefit which
shall be given every semester for almost
two years now. It was started; 7 kilos and it
increase to 15 kilos this year allocated for
the regular personnel while the T10 faculty
members who have served at least three
year were each given 10 kilos. This is
hoped to increase over the years. Aside
from the goody bag with grocery items
worth about P1000.00. There is no
donation in cash this year. Donations in
kind which were given out as door prizes.
Profoundest thanks is expressed to the
following donors to the DLA Christmas
Fellowship: Ms. Jhem Fauni, Ms. Rose
Tumitit, Ms. Jing Ancheta, Mr. and Mrs
Allan Camero, Algems
COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT of Church Financial Life
YEAR Projected Budget Actual Expense FUND BALANCE (Deficit)
2006 1,600,000.00 1,577,945.00 1,134,967.00 442,977.70
2007 1,640,000.00 1,268,356.00 1,220,084.70 48,271.90
2008 1,640,000.00 1,625,052.10 1,486,179.59 138,872.60
2009 1,748,000.00 1,592,976.89 1,764,196.17 (171,219.28)
2010 1,800,000.00 1,676,164.96 1,869,922.80 (193,757.84)
2011 2,000,000.00 1,229,842.85 1,531,967.00 (302,124.15)
2012 1,800,000.00 1,811,645.74 1,812,556.53 (910.51)
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 11
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
February 7 – Mr & Mrs. Apolinar 20 – Wilson & Bea Almanzor 8 – Raymond & Sarah Tapawan 26 – Mr & Mrs. Wiliam Abdon
1st 2nd 3rd 4th 25 5th
Ave.
Dec. 173 177 205 168 154 170 175
Jan. 177 166 180 184 177
1 Michelle Saquilayan, Angelito Cortez
2 Joel Gervacio, John Argie Mendez, Kay Ann Docusin, Lloyd Fauni
3 Michelle Perez & Jasmine Gomba 4 Leony Saquilayan 5 Johnny Purisima, Jeffrey Purisima, Patrick
Jayson Luna 7 Leticia Sapida, Lina Reyes, Philip Fauni,
Nicajhed Lagatic Romualdo Calungin, Julie Rodriguez, Rosalinda Lumagui, Charlyn Madrid,
8 Leticia Calungin 9 Cornelio Santos Jr., 10 Michelle Mary Diane Tio, Remy Gabriel 11 Andrea Fauni, & Armond Fauni, Lourdes
Bigaran, Ellariz Riane Sarmiento 13 Christian Daniel Remulla, Lito Fauni
15 Shirly Fauni
16 Analyn Del Rosario, Abeng Sapida, Romeo Ancheta
17 Gabina Olaes, Binang Sapida, Roberto Ticao
18 Stephen Paul Tigas Sr. 19 Dennis Saquilayan, Genesis
Saquilayan, Sonia Sapida 20 Arah Reyes, Joennel Catayong,
Josephine Bautista 21 Mary Mei Danieli Tio, Cherry
Almendral, Maluna Mendoza 23 Ellen Baysa 24 Cristy Gervacio, Karen Sapida,
Wilson Benitez, Joey Ancheta 25 Efren Frani 27 Eugene Dakis, Phamila Rayco 28 Michael Almendral
On your birthday, we pray that God’s joy will fill each day of the coming year. We pray that daily
you might receive a gentle touch of God’s love.
COLLECTION REPORT DECEMBER january
Tithes 70,693 71,305
Loose Offering 21,634 17,849
Sunday School 1,632 1,519
Midweek Services 622.25 1,469.6
Least Coin 1,226.15 859.9
Lovegift/Donations/ flowers 47,960 5,670
Everybody’s B-day 500
Simbang Gabi Collection 11,135.75
Happy Birthday Jesus 34,084.65 9,572.7
Christmas Day 7,240
Mission Offering 2,351 2,544
Color the Season 4,176
New Years Eve 1,878
Gen Paid Services 4,070
TOTAL 209,222.8 110,789.2
FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 12
UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES 2013
February 2013
“ROOTED & GROUNDED IN LOVE”
Membership Renewal Month
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Faith, hope & love .... but the greatest of these is
L O V E . 1 Corinthians 13:13
1 Cell Group @ Silvertown 3:00 pm
2 Communicants’ Class 10-12 am Maricris /Daang NIA Childrens’ Outreach PCC meeting 1pm BOE 3PM & BCE 5pm CYF : 7:30 p.m UCM: 7:00p.m
Matthew 8:1-13 Luke 23:1-25 Luke 23:26-56 Luke 24:1-12 Luke 24:13-53 Hebrew 1 Hebrew 2
3 Communion Sunday Rev. Benjamin Gevera Liturgist: Elder Remy P&W: Allan Opening of Nomination for Church Election 2012-2013
Shut Ins CYAF Fellowship
4 Rev. Bea’s Comprehensive Exam for Doctor of Ministry
5 DLA Chapel Service DLA Teachers’ and Staff Devotion Rev. Bea’s Comprehensive Exam for Doctor of Ministry CWA Home Bible Study/ Fellowship 7:00 pm
6 Church and Coop Staff Devotion 4PM Prayer service 7:00 p.m , Elder as exhorter:
7 Cell Group @ Naty Compund Church Bible Study -7:00 p.m Facilitator: Pastor BS: Phillip & the Eunuch
8 Cell Group @ Silvertown -3:00 pm
9Communicants’ Class 10-12 am Coop BOD 1pm DISCOVERY Class Maricris /Daang NIA Childrens’ Outreach BOT mtg, 6 pm CYF : 6pm/UCM7pm
Hebrew 3:1-4:13 Heb. 4:14-6:12 Hebrew 6:13-20 Hebrew 7 Hebrew 8 Hebrew 9:1-22 Hebrew 9:23-10:18
10 Rev. Bea Hernandez P&W: Bhudz Liturgist: Romeo Remulla BOD Mtg 2PM
11
12 DLA Teachers’ and Staff Devotion CWA Home Bible Study/ Fellowship 8:00 pm
13 Church and Coop Staff Devotion 4PM Prayer Service 7:00 pm:
14 Cell Group Study -7:00 p.m Facilitator: Pastor BS: Growth in Holiness
15
16 Communicants’ Class 10-12 am Maricris /Daang NIA Childrens’ Outreach CYF : 6:00 p.m UCM: 8:00 p.m
Hebrew 10:19-39 Heb. 11:19-22 Heb. 11:23-40 Hebrew 12 Hebrew 13 Mathew 1 Matthew 2
17 OFW Sunday Lay Minister Wilma Pelagio P&W: Bea Almanzor Liturgist: Jo Ann S. PINAG-ISANG PUSO 7PM
18
19 DLA Teachers’ and Staff Devotion CWA Bible Study 7:00 pm EAST CLUTER Fellowship
20 Church and Coop Staff Devotion 4PM Prayer Service 7:00 pm,
21 Cell Group Church Bible Study - 7:00 p.m Facilitator: Pastor BS; Renewal in Christ
22 Cell Group @ Silvertown -3:00 pm
23 Communicants’ Class 10-12 am Maricris /Daang NIA Childrens’ Outreach CWA Love Fellowship
Matthew 3 Matthew 4 Matthew 5:1-20 Matthew 5:21-48 Matthew 6:1-18 Matthew 7
24 UCCP Renewal Sunday Rev. Benjamin Gevera P&W: Louie Liturgist: Tess Dakis CHURCH COUNCIL meeting 2PM
25
26 DLA Teachers’ and Staff Devotion CWA Bible Study 8:00 pm CTE on Enriching our Worship Experience at UCCP Makati
27 Church and Coop Staff Devotion 4PM Prayer Service 7:00 pm, Pastor Bea
28 Church Bible Study - 7:00 p.m Facilitator: Pastor BS: True Wisdom
Matthew 6:19-34