UPDATE from WCG PHILIPPINES

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

Advisory Council Meeting & Retreat Held in Tagaytay

National Director Eugene Guzon called for a 2-day meeting and retreat last November 22-23 at the Christian Development Center in Tagaytay. Among those who attended were the members of the National Director's advisory council, some Metro Manila pastors, all area superintendents, several national office staff members, Mrs. Lulu Guzon, Joyce Guzon, and couple, Arnold & Bituin Aquino. Mr. Reggie Acedillo and his wife also facilitated part of the meeting in the aspect of clarifying vision, mission and in strategizing.

The 2-day retreat was called for by the national director to review and re-evaluate where we are as a national church and where we are going (values, vision and mission) especially as the next year 2009 approaches. Specifically, the 4-point vision ("Ends") and 8 strategies ("Go 4 8!") were reviewed and evaluated in light of where we are right now (Trinitarian theology, global economic crisis, other challenges and opportunities, etc.). The national director is committed to pursuing this direction in the next 3 or 4 years.

The meeting ended Sunday afternoon with renewed commitment from everyone to continue working together as a team. --Len Joson

Negros Brethren Celebrate Festival 2008

Dumaguete City, Philippines -- "Renewed in Christ" was the theme for this year's festival, where around 120 people gathered together for a 3 day celebration of God's goodness and faithfulness in the lives of the brethren and the church as a whole. Brethren from San Carlos, Bacolod, Bayawan and Manila joined and stayed at Le Toundra Resort from October 31- November 3, 2008.

Messages were given by different Pastors including our guest, Ptr. Rex dela Pena who shared about abiding in Christ quoting the scriptures in John 15. Other activities were Seminar-Workshops on Parenting and Childrearing handled by Ptr George Escara and wife, Pam; Love, Courtship and Marriage by Ptr. Rex dela Pena; Film showing on " Facing the Giants" and group prayer; and the Talent night where the brethren enjoyed a showcase of presentations performed by the respective families.

Even if some of the brethren were experiencing difficulties and loss of loved ones, still it did not hinder them from worshipping and rejoicing before God. Indeed it was a refreshing time for all of us, we went home joyful, satisfied and filled with the presence of God. To God be the glory! --Debbie Ouano

Bulacan Church Celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Worldwide Church of God, Bulacan on November 9, 2008 celebrated its 25th Anniversary. One hundred thirty brethren, guests and children attended the celebration worship service at the Rocka Village Multipurpose Hall in Plaridel, Bulacan. The Bulacan members credited the congregation's longevity to the ever faithfulness of God in their lives.

They recall that on October 8, 1983, the first service, then called "Sabbath Service" was conducted by the first pastor of Bulacan Church, Mr. Reynaldo Taniajura so they saw it fitting that as it reaches a milestone of its existence, "Dr Rey" will still be the one to give the inspiration and encouragement for the members to hang on and move on. The members unanimously chose the theme "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" for its 25th year. Dr. Rey
spoke on "the plan of God in John 1" which showed that God created heaven to make earth livable for man, and that He created man for Himself, for His pleasure.

God's work through WCG Bulacan started with the group that first held services in Bocaue then transferred to different venues until it settled in Baliuag where the church now holds weekly Sunday morning worship services. The "work" however also found its way in other towns of the province namely: Sta Maria, where members in that area meet on Saturday afternoons; Lawang Pare and Pulong Paraiso in San Jose del Monte, both of which have meetings on Sunday morning. A potentially significant harvest of souls is taking place in Norzagaray at the Northern Hills Village, site of a recent Medical outreach mission arranged by the National Office which benefitted hundreds of people in the community. Most of those who were given medical, dental and optometrical services begin to attend bible study conducted every Sunday afternoon. --Pastor Emil Cabigao

Speaking of Life 116: Thanksgiving

Dr. Joseph Tkach

The American holiday of Thanksgiving is a time when Christians reflect on God’s grace and love. For believers, of course, giving thanks to God is not confined to a single day, but is the keynote of our lives and the center of all our worship.

The Bible has more than 550 references to thankfulness.

Paul wrote in Ephesians 5:19-20: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Because they were devoted to giving thanks to God for everything, Greek-speaking Christians gave the name eucharist, which means “thanksgiving,” to the Lord’s Supper.

And no wonder, because the greatest gift of all is the gift of God's Son, Jesus Christ. He has washed away all our sins and includes us in the fellowship he has with the Father.

In Jesus, we find that the Father loves us unconditionally. We find that he sent his Son not out of anger or a need to punish someone, but out of his immeasurable love and his unbending commitment to our redemption.

Even though none of us deserve God’s favor, he loves us anyway. And he not only forgives all our sins, but also sends the Holy Spirit to live in us and transform us into people who love others just as God loves us.

The apostle Paul wrote in Titus 2:11-14: “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.”

No matter where you go and what you do, God will never give up on you. He loves you, and he not only saves you, but also transforms you by his Spirit so that you can experience a life of love with him and with your fellow human beings.

Is it any wonder that the Bible has so many references to giving thanks? What other response could we have to such amazing good news?

Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!”

Yes, on Thanksgiving Day, as on every day, we have much to give thanks for, because God has saved us and made us his own through Jesus Christ.

I’m Joseph Tkach, speaking of life.

WCG Philippines website: http://philippines.wcg.org.

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)