The Update from WCG Philippines is an official e-mail weekly newsletter from the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines. To subscribe, unsubscribe, give comments or suggestions, write to Len.Joson@wcg.org.    

October 17, 2003

National Director Declares Two Local Churches

National Director Eugene M. Guzon declared All for Christ Fellowship - Sta. Maria of Poblacion, Sta. Maria, Bulacan and All for Christ Fellowship - Minuyan of Brgy. Minuyan, San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan as new local churches of the WCG-Philippines Saturday, Oct 11, 2003. Inspite of heavy rains, 43 from Minuyan and 68 from Sta. Maria were able to come for the significant occasion. Some 14 OBS participants from Brgy. Paradise 3, San Jose Del Monte City also came to witness the event. Led by the Ptr. E. Guzon, who was accompanied by Mario Natividad, pastoring All for Christ Fellowship - OCS, Quezon City, the congregations prayed for their respective pastoral leaders namely: Dom Guevarra, Rox and Emy Sedonio, Fernando Baltazar, Lisa and Carol Sison for Sta. Maria and Rogelio Escleta, Gilbert and Myrna Imburnal, Josenia Diones, and Socorro Mijares for Minuyan.

In his message the National Director emphasized what it means to be in the body of Christ. He used the acronym C.H.U.R.C.H. to give an overview of what a church really is: C - centers us in Christ, H - helps us deal with our problems, U - upholds our faith, R - releases us for ministry, C - communicate the good news and H - hopes for eternity. --Ma. Ivy R. Cruz

3 Baptisms in WCG Batangas City

Batangas City -- The Pillars of Grace Fellowship (WCG Batangas City Congregation) had three baptisms last October 12 namely: Lorna Caguicla-Sanots, Leonisa "Liza" Briones and Sarah Suzanne Lanto. Dr. Rey Taniajura, Dann Pasia and Patrick Mella performed the baptism ceremony at the swimming pool of Days Hotel after the afternoon worship service. A number of the brethren witnessed the ceremony including Mrs. Susan V. Lanto, Sarah's mom and wife of Efren. Both are church members since 1989 and Sarah is their second Child. --Dann Pasia

Spiritual Retreat in WCG Pampanga

City of San Fernando, Pampanga -- Under the shade of mango trees, thirty-four young men and women attended the Spiritual Retreat held last October 11 & 12, at the family farm of Pastor Carlos Castro. Fourteen of the participants are among the many students of the free computer training courses being sponsored by the church, 11 are students of Informatics, 7 are from the S.C. Lover Garments, and 2 are members of the church.

Ms. Tess Asuit, assisted by Mrs. Gladys Teng and Yolly Abastillas of the Quezon City church, conducted the retreat that was focused on "Living A Fulfilled Life." The topics were not only interesting but very revealing and challenging. Some of the topics were from "The Purpose Driven Life" of Rick Warren.

On the second day, pastor Carlos Castro gave a devotional on John 15:1-17 where Jesus said, "I am the vine and you are the branches." He demonstrated this teaching of our Lord by the use of the mango trees under which, they conducted the retreat.

The Pastoral Team led by Pastor Pio Umlas gave their full support together with some volunteers who did the food preparation and serving. Many of the participants were very appreciative of the retreat. Right after the retreat, one of the participants, Myra Quiambao was baptized at the Villa Azucena Resorts. --Carlos Castro

Festival Information

Happy Festival! Brethren from various parts in the Philippines are now getting ready and are once again excited to meet each other after some time. For your planning purposes, here is the schedule below: 

Baguio City: October 19-26, 2003 at Teacher's Camp, Baguio City. Festival Coordinator, Jerry Ortiguero. Phone Nos., (074) 444-86-24 or 0920-903-8377.

Bicol Region: Oct. 16-19, 2003 at Tanchuling Beach Resort, Bacacay, Albay. Festival Coordinator, Dr. Jose Manzano. Phone, 0917-205-0018. Or call Ruth Concepcion at 0919-826-3018.

Cagayan de Oro City: Oct. 23-26, 2003 at Limketkai Center, Cagayan de Oro City. Festival Coordinator, Jerome Manriquez. Phone No. 0917-706-2771.

Cebu City: Oct. 22-26, 2003 at the Cebu Normal University Auditorium, Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City. Festival Coordinator, Tiburcio Rota. Phone: (032) 322-5665 or (032) 322-5803. For festival schedule, please check this site: http://churches.wcg.org/cebu-ph/festival.htm. 

Bacolod: Oct. 23-26, 2003 at the Mambukal Mountain Resort, Bgy. Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental. Festival Coordinator, George Escara. Phone Nos. (034) 433-5917 or 0918-573-9196. Check their website at http://www22.brinkster.com/jbos/wcg. 

Palawan: October 19-26, 2003 at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. Festival Coordinator, Marvel Rosario. Phone Nos. (048) 434-3235 or 0920-611-6265.   

Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you." (2 Thessalonians 3:1)