UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

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

Job M. Raduban, son of Mr. & Mrs. Melchor Raduban, and 4 daughters of Mr. & Mrs. Joel Altamina, Kristel Anne Joie, Jhoanna Krizel, Luisa Ann Jhustine, and Jhanne Anne Pauline, were baptized last October 13, 2007 at Villa Lim Resort in Pacita, San Pedro, Laguna. Job, after hearing the message of Ptr. Andy Ducay on baptism last Saturday, October 6, 2007 requested for baptism along with Bro. Joel, the father of the four children. --Pastor Nomer U. Venus

WCG Bulacan Marks 24 Years

147 brethren, mostly young people were gathered Sunday, October 14 in Baliuag, Bulacan to celebrate the 24th anniversary of the Worldwide Church of God in the province. Members and attendees from Pulong Paraiso and Lawang Pare in San Jose del Monte City; Sta Maria and Baliuag/Malolos church congregations met for the first time together to celebrate God’s love and faithfulness to the worshippers in those churches and Bible study groups.

The occasion was highlighted by the commissioning of an all woman Pastoral team of Pulong Paraiso, Paradise, SJDM church (the village was formerly called “Pulong Diyablo”), made up of Sisters Felina Geocada, Jovita Capili and Cecilia Capili. Likewise, Brother Gerry Faustino was designated new Chairman and Senior Pastor of Baliuag/Malolos church. Area Superintendent, Pastor Rex dela Pena officiated both ceremonies and he encouraged the Bulacan members to continue standing up in obedience to Jesus in his sermon. He noted the profile of the memberships, pointing out that God is raising the next generation of church leaders in Bulacan, who will continue what the Lord has started with the present leadership. He enjoined the Pastoral team members and the parents of the youth to support their desire to hold a retreat sometime in November.

The theme of the celebration was “You are included, You are accepted, You are loved.” --Emilio C. Cabigao

Cebu City, Philippines---The Mactan Cluster had their second year anniversary last October 8. The celebration was held two days earlier. On Saturday, October 6, they stayed in a resort in Punta Engai, and had dinner together. The next day, Sunday, October 7, there was a worship service in the morning which was attended by the members and their invited guests including the owner of the resort. The messages given during the service were about relationships and evangelism.

A Communion service followed after the message. After a sumptuous lunch, they had fun games that everyone participated in. One of the members commented saying "this is the only time that I really laugh aloud". They also enjoyed the waters, especially the children who would not want to get out of the water, had it not been for the ice cream before they left for home. God is really glorified. The celebration strengthened the bond among the members, as they looked forward to the next year's celebration. --Vee S. Dequito

Christ the Rock Fellowship – Sta. Lucia Celebrates 2nd Year Church Anniversary

Christ the Rock Fellowship – Sta. Lucia, the daughter church of Chirst the Rock Fellowship – San Pablo City, celebrated its second year church anniversary last September 23, 2007. It was attended by 83 persons including members from Rizal Outreach Bible Study of Pastor Tom Sotalbo. The guest speaker was Pastor Ric Sayo of Agdangan Congregation in Quezon Province, who spoke on “Living Victorious Christian Life.” The chapel located at Brgy. Sta, Lucia was renovated and expanded due to the growing number of attendees just in time for the anniversary celebration.

The congregation was a product of our training in Evangelism Explosion (EE), The Bible League- Church Planting Institute (TBL-CPI) and Bible Training Center for Pastors (BTCP).

The stewards of this congregation are the husband and wife team of Pastor Claro and Sister Grace Ting. Besides the San Pablo City and Sta. Lucia congregations, they also take care of the Los Baños Bible Stud Group with the help of Pastor Pol Makahiya.

Praise God for the growing number of congregations in the Southern Tagalog area. --Pastor Claro Ting

Baguio Singles Start Discussions for Singles’ Retreat in December

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Several singles from the WCG Baguio City – La Trinidad met last Sunday, Oct. 7, to discuss the possibility of holding a Singles’ Retreat in December this year. Joining them were Orly Osillos from Metro Manila and Noel Almera from Mindanao. Officers were also selected during the meeting with Monia Tomilas, Cohen Talsan, Cynthia Tomilas and Myla Faminialagao serving as president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, respectively. Pastoral team member Amadeo Faminialagao will serve as adviser/mentor to the group. --Area Supt. Arlan Aquino, Northern Luzon

The four festival sites for Mindanao this year are the following: Davao City (Oct. 27-28), Quezon, Bukidnon (Oct. 25-28), Cagayan de Oro City (Oct. 26-28), and Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay (October 26-28).

Robert Liwag and Donnabel "Biela" Madrigalijos made their wedding vows before 100 guests at Saint Louis College Development Center, Bauang, La Union last October 5, 2007.The couple will reside in San Fernando City, La Union. --Orly Osillos

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)