LOVE IS THE GREATEST EPIPHANIC POWER

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1 d news MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF UCCP-SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES DON PLACIDO CAMPOS AVE., SABANG, DASMARINAS, CAVITE 4114, PHILIPPINES Tel. No.: 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 ) For counselling and prayer request, please contact your Pastors robeebraian@yahoo.com Pastor Benjie or (Office) Care to write? Send us your article for the month and contact our Pastors for the lectionary robeebraian@yahoo.com UCCP Sabang or find us at our website Sabangdisciples.org 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

2 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. 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 2 nd Sundays CYF Choir 4 th & 5 th Sundays KIDS Choir 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 coworkers 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 2

3 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 Feb 10 Feb 17 Feb 24 MARCH 3 MARCH 10 MARCH 17 MARCH 24 MARCH 31 ELDER REMY GABRIEL ROMEO REMULLA JO ANN SAMONTE TESS DAKIS ELDER SUSAN MABBATUNG JANINA FAUNI TRUSTEE MONINA FRANI TEACHER JINGLE ANCHETA JOHN ARGIE MENDEZ 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 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... 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 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. FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 3

4 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, 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 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, 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, 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, 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 4

5 CONTINUING WORKS for the CHURCH... PN8 was launched during the 86 th 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, B: P161, COLOR THE SEASON: P 4, 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 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 Matagumpay na naisagawa ang Christmas Camp noong nakaraang December 26-29, 2012, Ito y dinaluhan ng ibatibang 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 naguusap, 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! FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 5

6 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 paguugali, 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. Church Calendar and activities (February to May 2013) Feb 9 &16 Discovery Class Feb 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 VCS Training for Teachers and Volunteers April 1-5 VCS Church Based April 8-9 UCWO General Naic Cavite April Youth Summer Camp April Kids Summer Camp May 3 and 4 LCSMC 15 th 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 Mission Challenge Mindoro 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. 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: 1 st & 3 rd Sunday of the month For info: Contact Teena Saquilayan CYF CORNER Schedule: Saturdays, 7:30 pm Sunday School: ages: For more info: Contact Avin Son Matro FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 6

7 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 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. FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 7

8 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 8

9 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 29 th 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, 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) 1 st Tumbaga, Erich Bernadette* Justine Janelle Reyes 2 nd Tumbaga, Enrico Gabriel* Cerbo, Kenneth 3 rd Gervacio, Jeremiah* Mangubat, Chad Selwyn Science Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 1 & 2 Science Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 3 & 4 1 st Tumbaga, Erich Bernadette* Fauni, Allyssa Ellein* 2 nd Tumbaga, Enrico Gabriel* De Castro, Maxine Redge 3 rd Matro, Shaina Mae* Mangubat, Sean Codey Science Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 5 & 6 HEKASI Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 1 & 2 1 st Baldelobar, Blue Raven Son, Kurt Andrew 2 nd Agapay, John Vincent* Maristela, Princess Eula Mae 3 rd Hormillosa, Neilyn Mae Estares, Princess Nicloe* HEKASI Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 3 & 4 HEKASI Quiz Bee Contest Gr. 5 & 6 1 st Dela Cruz, Elijah Paul* Dipasupil, Dennise Adrienne 2 nd Cajelo, Simone Alexandra Medina, Phobe Joy* 3 rd Catubig, Phillippe James Mangubat, Austin Paul Mathrathon Gr. 1 & 2 Mathrathon Gr. 3 & 4 1 st Tumbaga, Erich Bernadette* Pare, Josef 2 nd Maristela, Princess Eula Mae Escober, Michelle Ann 3 rd Lomadilla, Sophia Pearl Catubig, Phillippe James Mathrathon Gr. 5 & 6 Spelling Bee Contest Gr. 1 & 2 1 st Medina, Phoebe Joy* Son, Kurt Andrew 2 nd Amon, Christina Gail* Maristela, Princess Eula Mae 3 rd Galang, Aimee Jasmin Lomadilla, Sophia Pearl Spelling Bee Contest Gr. 3 & 4 Spelling Bee Contest Gr. 5 & 6 1 st Agapay, Nicole Grace* Cantada, Safelia Collen 2 nd Barroquillo, Isabel Delos Santos, Patrick Kjell 3 rd Dela Cruz, Elijah Paul Aleonar, Graham Ford Sportsfest Over-all Champion RED TEAM 1 st Runner Up YELLOW TEAM 2 nd Runner Up BLUE TEAM 3 rd Runner Up GREEN TEAM MOST VALUABLE PLAYER HAYAG, VAN HALLEN Grade 1 Grade 2 1 st Atasha grace Fauni* 1 st Princess Eula Maristela 2 nd Kassandra Ross Gimenez 2 nd Shaina Mae Matro* 3 rd Ashley Nicole Mangaring 3 rd - Sophia Pearl Lomadilla 4 th Elljen Ian Louis Fauni 4 th Erich Bernadette Tumbaga* 5 th Corvin Yves Sadiwa 5 th Ma. Kim Louise Bedano Grade 3 Grade 4 1 st Austin Clark Castilla 1 st Simone Alexandra Cajelo 2 nd Maxine Redge De Castro 2 nd Michelle Ann Escober 3 rd Alyssa Ellein Fauni* 3 rd Phillippe James Catubig 4 th Sean Codey Mangubat 4 th Elijah Paul Dela Cruz* 5 th John Paolo Tabing * 5 th Elish Therese Sangcajo FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 9

10 Grade 5 1 st Justine Janelle Reyes 2 nd Graham Ford Aleonar 3 rd Lyka Ann Jimenez 4 th Neilyn Mae Hormillosa 5 th Austin Paul Mangubat Grade 6 1 st Phobe Joy Medina* 2 nd Joven Hembrador 3 rd Safelia Collen Cantada 4 th Dennise Adrienne Dipasupil 5 th Aimee Jasmin Galang *SCCD church members Enrolment for SY begins. Enrolment for SY 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 P 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 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. COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT of Church Financial Life YEAR Projected Budget Actual Expense FUND BALANCE (Deficit) ,600, ,577, ,134, , ,640, ,268, ,220, , ,640, ,625, ,486, , ,748, ,592, ,764, (171,219.28) ,800, ,676, ,869, (193,757.84) ,000, ,229, ,531, (302,124.15) ,800, ,811, ,812, (910.51) FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 10

11 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 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. 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 February 7 Mr & Mrs. Apolinar 20 Wilson & Bea Almanzor 8 Raymond & Sarah Tapawan 26 Mr & Mrs. Wiliam Abdon 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 25 5 th Ave. Dec Jan COLLECTION REPORT DECEMBER january Tithes 70,693 71,305 Loose Offering 21,634 17,849 Sunday School 1,632 1,519 Midweek Services ,469.6 Least Coin 1, Lovegift/Donations/ flowers 47,960 5,670 Everybody s B-day 500 Simbang Gabi Collection 11, Happy Birthday Jesus 34, ,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, ,789.2 FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 11

12 Faith, hope & love... but the greatest of these is L O V E. 1 Corinthians 13:13 February 2013 ROOTED & GROUNDED IN LOVE Membership Renewal Month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 Cell Silvertown 3:00 pm 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 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 Naty Compund Church Bible Study -7:00 p.m Facilitator: Pastor BS: Phillip & the Eunuch 8 Cell Silvertown -3:00 pm 2 Communicants Class am Maricris /Daang NIA Childrens Outreach PCC meeting 1pm BOE 3PM & BCE 5pm CYF : 7:30 p.m UCM: 7:00p.m 9Communicants Class 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 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 Communicants Class 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 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 Silvertown -3:00 pm 23 Communicants Class 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 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 FEBRUARY 2013 PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES Page 12