UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

An official weekly e-mail newsletter from the Worldwide Church of God - Philippines

A Delightful Visayas Pastor’s Conference

With the theme “Living in the Light” (Ephesians 5:8-9), pastors and leaders all over the Visayas (highest attendance was 55) enthusiastically attended the Pastor’s sessions from September 7 to 9 at the Victo Retreat House, Cebu City. The facilitators were Ptr. Rex dela Peña (AS Metro Manila), ND Eugene Guzon and Dr. Rey Taniajura (AS Bicol Region) respectively.

The topics discussed were The Pastor’s Call (Rex dela Peña), International Elder’s Conference Update and Understanding our Theology (Eugene Guzon) and Understanding our Theology Part II with Questions and Answers (Dr. Rey Taniajura). The sessions were participated with such warmth and laughter from the brethren who obviously miss one another and love each other. The discussions were much appreciated and applauded from first to last.

One of the most touching and inspiring presentation was the 5 ½ minute video presented by Ptr. Eugene in the U.S. The video showed the accomplishments of the WCG Philippines Church during the past several years and months in terms of missionary church planting here and abroad.

In the discussions about our church theology there were a number of pastors and leaders who freely expressed their minds and asked questions. The panelists deftly and graciously answered all questions.

On the last day of the conference there was a worship service held and some of the brethren attended. The total attendance was 95. During the service Pastor Eugene again showed the much applauded video. And he proceeded to give an expository sermon titled “What’s Your view of God” based on Psalm 27.

In the afternoon of the last day there was a ceremony held where the pastors of the eleven declared local churches in the Visayas were given “charters” and copies of the expanded 35 Statement of Beliefs of the Church. Dr. Rey Taniajura and AS George Escara presented the copies of the charter and Statement of Beliefs to the pastors.

Afterwards the brethren went their separate ways with gladness of heart and eagerness to share what they had learned to their congregations. --Ranulfo L. Suan

Announcement: Festival Dance in Baguio

Are you missing the afro groove of the 70s or the new wave colors of the 80s? Are your dancing shoes itching to be out of the closet and on to the dance floor? The long wait is over, folks, as we unite these two decades in RETRO FEVER - BLAST FROM THE PAST. Come in your grooviest, zaniest, and hippiest costumes which best represent the 70s or 80s and have the time of your life on September 22 (Saturday), 7 PM, Benitez Hall, Teachers' Camp, Baguio City. This is one Dance Night you won't want to miss! Cool prizes await those who shake it on the dance floor in their unforgettable attires. See you there! --Sheila Dela Peña

The most awaited dream of Dr. and Mrs. Manzano had finally come true. Their mothers Antonia V. Manzano & Irene A. Bongat were baptized by Dr. Joe Manzano, Asst. Area Superintendent for Bicol, last August 12, 2007 at Palali Beach, San Lorenzo, Tabaco City. So far they are probably the oldest members (ages 82 and 88 respectively) of Tabaco City Church. Also baptized with them was Ines Borlagdan who is attending in Barangay Pinagbobong, Tabaco City OBS. The celebration was witnessed by family members and friends.

Two weeks later, August 26, 2007, 16 were again baptized. Two were from Bangkilingan, six from Pinagbobong and eight from Nagsipit. One thing worthy of remembering about this date is the baptism of 3 couples, 2 from Nagsipit and one from Pinagbobong OBS. They are all recipients of an on-going Food for the Hungry Philippines (FHI) livelihood project initiated and coordinated by area superintendent for Southern Luzon, Dr. Rey Taniajura, and Drs. Joe and Gie Manzano. --Joe & Gie Manzano

Cabanatuan City, Philippines – Area Superintendent for Northern Luzon, Pastor Arlan Aquino visited Cabanatuan City Congregation last August 19, 2007. Pastor Arlan met the brethren in the new church site located in Valdefuente, Cabanatuan City, about three (3) kilometers north of Cabanatuan. The “house church”, as the members fondly call it, is erected on a private lot owned and a courtesy of a family and long-time members in the locality. It is where the members meet every Sunday, starting September of last year.

Around fifty (50) people attended the morning service including visitors/brothers and sisters from other religious denominations. The brethren were blessed by the messages they received from the Lord that day especially the youths who intently listened to Pastor Arlan Aquino while he was discussing and explaining clearly the verses on the book of Genesis. One visitor even commented “I am truly blessed in attending the service, I never thought I would be enjoying being here”.

The service happily ended with joyful songs that the members sang while being led by Brother Jefferson Gaspar, who was the worship leader for that day and one of the youth leaders of Cabanatuan City congregation.

Blessing of three (3) children followed immediately after the service and a sumptuous lunch was served and shared by the members.

Pastor Arlan had a brief meeting with the Pastoral Team members during the occasion wherein he discussed the plan of starting Bible Studies Series beginning on the third week of October. Everyone was enthusiastic about the upcoming Bible Study Series. After the meeting, Pastor Arlan and the Cabanatuan City Pastoral Team proceeded to another church area in Curva, Science City of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija. The Curva Congregation is a new church and still in the process of initial growth both in terms of membership and spiritual consciousness. Said congregation is being shepherded by Pastor Ely Toledo and wife Linda. The afternoon service was attended by 63 people including children. Pastor Arlan delivered the main message with the theme “Ambassador of Christ”. The service was closed by the prayer of Pastor Ruel Salazar of Amazing Grace Born Again Church. --Virgie Samson

Al-Jedidiah Aquino and Catherine Ann Laureano got married last Sunday, September 9, at the Sunny Point Function Plaza in Davao City. Close friends and family from various parts of the country and abroad came to join in the wedding ceremony and celebration. Mindanao Area Superintendent Len Joson officiated in the church wedding ceremony. The newly-weds will be residing in Cagayan de Oro City.

To subscribe, unsubscribe or send comments, please write to Len.Joson@wcg.org. This Weekly Update can also be viewed at www.wcg.org/ph/updatelist.htm. The Update from WCG Philippines is an official e-mail weekly update from the Worldwide Church of God in the Philippines.

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)