MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES

410 DON PLACIDO CAMPOS AVE., SABANG, DASMARINAS, CAVITE 4114, PHILIPPINES ; Tel. No.: 416-0221 Website: sabangdisciples.org Facebook Account : Uccp Sabang JUNE 2014 VOLUME 12 NUMBER 6

“ THE TRINITY AND KINGDOMTIDE REFLECTION “ ( By: Rev. Benjie D. Gevera Administrative Minister of UCCP-Sabang Church of Christ Disciples ) This season follows the end of and continues through until the beginning of the Season. It is the period so indicated for the growth of the church in the Kingdom. Thus, it looks upward with the ascension in awareness of Christ’ eternal kingship and looks ahead to His coming again as the ultimate judge and the redeeming Savior.

There are no great historic religious festivals during this season, yet it stands solidly in the midst of our daily responsibilities. Implicit thus is the emphasis of the rulership of Christ in all of life and at all times, an affirmation of the whole-gospel kingship as indicated in the celebration throughout the Christian Year.

Green is the color for this season to stand for the growth and aliveness of those who live their life wholly under the Kingship of God through Jesus Christ. It also symbolizes new life and new beginnings for those who acknowledge his kingship and draw upon the teachings INSIDE this ISSUE for the conduct of their lives.

Pastor’s Corner 1 & 2 This Sunday starts the ecclesiastical year of the church. It is good to note that we start our church calendar year with the celebration of the Trinity and anticipating Pentecost Sunday. D’newsbits 3 While we begin to carry our derivative ministry by affirming our belief in the Triune God, we also begin with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus to em- DLA Corner 4 power him before he began his public ministry ( Luke 4:18 ). The Holy Spirit also came upon the disciple to equip them for their public ministry ( Acts 1:6-8 ). Define Definites After Death 5 The previous years, the UCCP. celebrated the Golden Jubilee of the Church. The theme was; In the Eyes of Faith 6 “ Reclaiming our Dynamic Heritage and Renewing our Commitment for Mission and Unity.” Our heritage is rooted in the Bible. We believe that the Church borne of the Pentecost. The Stewardship/Birthday 7 Church is the present body of Christ in the world today! Calendar 8 Perhaps it is good to reflect on how far have we, as the body of Christ, gone in relation to our prayer of affirming that the Holy Spirit is with us, guiding, teaching, and empowering all our longings and decisions making in life. Base on this Divine reality, have we felt the Holy Spirit’s presence or His empowerment? Are we still confined in the four walls of the church thereby not being seen in the community? Have we been led to Shalom already?

Perhaps it is good to be reminded of what happened at Pentecost to the Body of Christ and get a concrete example of how the people of God lived out their Spirit-filled life. Luke, the writer of Acts, tells us some actual evidences of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit who came upon the early church: They devoted themselves to the Apostle’s teaching and to the fellowship, and to the break- ing of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and have everything in com- mon. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Everyday Page 2 Volume 12, Number 6

DNEWS Editorial they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and Board ate together with a joyful and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. ( Acts 2:42-

WRITERS 47 ). Wilma B. Pelagio , John R.W. Stott, in his commentary on the message of Acts, made four significant observa- Anjell Samonte, tions as evidences found in the Spirit-filled Body of Christ. They are the following; Trisha Mendoza, Rev. Remy Gevera 1. It was a learning church. For they devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching and re- Rev. Benjie Gevera, ceiving instructions for the way they live daily. Justin Libao, 2. It was a loving church. For they devoted themselves to fellowship and sharing their pos- Bethel Relao sessions with one another, and caring each other. LAY OUT DESIGN 3. It was a worshipping church. For they devoted themselves to the breaking of bread and Ms. Rose Calungin/ Justin Libao to prayer with a joyful and a sincere hearts. And It was an evangelistic and witnessing church. For they devoted themselves in sharing of the WEBSITE Manager/ Gospel. That’s why the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. DNEWS Contributor Ms. Violeta Jardiniano & Ted Malamug Conclusion :

PHOTO ARTISTS LENS CLUB Looking at this evidences in the early church, perhaps it is also good to look at our own church as to NEED COUNSELLING? weather she has possessed similar Don’t hesitate to evidences as a result of the pres- text/contact our Pastor ence and empowerment of the Holy Benjie @ 09164514094 Spirit today. We should also reflect on the entire life and ministry of our church for the past years, and see what has our church done in the Music Ministry community in relation to our prayer Schedule for the affirmation of the Holy Spirit Saturday Rehearsals to root us in community. If we all full 4:00PM short of those evidences, we are Cherubim Choir challenged to open ourselves and continue to pray for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and for 7:00 PM the Holy Spirit to equip us with power and might as He brings us to the community and leads Sanctuary Choir us to shalom! 4:30-6:00

Praise & Worship Team Sources : The Student Bible; The Bible League; New International Version The Book Of ; United Church Of Christ In The Philippines, 1998

A Guide To Celebration; Theme: Reclaiming Our Dynamic Heritage And Renewing Our Commitment For Mission And Unity

UCM CORNER YOUNG ADULT SCHEDULE OF Schedule of Activities ACTIVITIES

CORNER SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES Regular Fellowship the young leaders Regular Fellowship: Tuesdays 7PM the mobilizers & advocates Fellowship every Saturdays 5 Saturdays 5:30-6:30PM; Confer- pm ence Room For Info: CRISTY BELMONTE SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES Facilitators:

Sunday School ages 15-22; Pastor Benjie & Bro. Jerry Pelagio Fellowship w/ Bible Study 8:00 am Sundays

1st and 3rd Sunday of the Month For info: JOEY BEMONTE Contact: Avin –09262404990 D’news Page 3

D’NEWSBITS Lectionary and Schedule of Preachers for JUNE 2014 as Kingdomtide Season Theme: Pistang Kabuhayan Freedom in Christ – Galatians 5:1 On the first Sunday of May 4 the annual Pistang Kabuhayan is held where offering of the first fruits of labor is done during the Worship Ser- June 1 Trinity Sunday/Communion Sunday vice. After the service a small fellowship is held Gen. 1:26-31/Mat 28:16-20 inside the multipurpose hall to sell the goods of- June 8 Freedom Sunday/Pentecost Sunday fered earlier, each church recognized organization Freedom: the truth of the Holy Spirit had their products to offer like the CYF with their Ex 14:13-31/John 16:5-16 pastillas and graham balls and the CYAF with their June 15 Father’s Sunday pastries and ice candies. The total amount gathered Proverbs 4:1-27/Eph 6:1-4 for this event is P4,883.50 , which will go to the June 22 Freedom in Christ General fund of the church. Ex 6:1-10/Gal 5:1

June 29 Evangelistic Sunday with Guest speaker Summer Volunteers (worship service) Evaluation Theology of Worship by Dr. Simon Chan (afternoon) The summer volunteers evaluation is held annualy to let the team of volunteers talk about the strengths, weakness, threats and opportunities of the OPERATION CHRISTMAS summer’s activities like the Youth Camp, Kids Camp and Vacation Church School. For this year, CHILD 28 volunteers joined the evaluation and discussed improvements by LM Wilma Pelagio for next This project began in Wales by David Cookie, year’s activities. It was a one day affair held in Dou- adopted by Samaritan’s Purse in 1993, since ble V Resort, last May 19, 2014. 1993 over 100 million gift boxes have been sent off to over 124 countries. The project was started

Kids Camp 2014: in the Philippines last 2002. The main objective of the program aims to Walking with Jesus demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to the Held in Kota Verde, Alfonso, Cavite last needy children which is done through local Bible May 5 through 7 the Kids Camp 2014 , which is believing churches. It’s goal is to share the good held annually, was attended by 36 kids and 21 staff news of Jesus Christ. led by Sis. Trisha Mendoza as the Senior Camp Leader and LM Wilma Pelagio as the Camp Chap- After receiving the 159 boxes, a 3 day class was lain. This year’s theme for the camp was adapted scheduled to beneficiaries from ages 8-14 yrs. from the VCS theme We’ll Walk With Jesus, Victo- old. Graduation and Distribution was done on May rious Christ and Savior taking the lesson on its final 15, 1pm. day as the main subject and title Walking with Jesus with the theme verse from Isaiah 41:10. The main The OCC Teachers & Pastoral Team have wit- idea of this year’s camp is to let the children know nessed how happy the kids were after receiving and realize how vital it is in their lives that they put their gifts. Truly, may the Lord continue to bless their trust in Jesus Christ. the project & that more kids will know Christ through their program. Page 4 Volume 12, Number 6

Disciples Learning Academy Section

SCHEDULE June 4, 2014 - Pupil’s Classroom Orientation June 9, 2014 – Regular Classes Begins for grade 1-6 Classroom Orientation for Kinder 1 and 2 June 8 Sunday School Promotion June 13- 2014 – Pupil’s Orientation and Parent’s Orientation and Sunday Meeting Recognition of Summer DLA TEACHERS Volunteers Two of our teachers attended the K12 for Grade 3 Seminar /Workshop last May 20 – 23, 2014 held at Blessed Mary Academy to prepare June 15 Father’ Sunday them for this school year implementation of K12 Grade 3

We have the same line –up of teachers for this school year 2014- ...Pinapaabot din po ng Pastoral Team ang taos 2015 pusong pasasalamat sa lahat ng sumuporta sa Ms. Marilou Cordez Grade 1 ating Summer Activities like VCS, Kids Camp, Youth Ms. Genievieve Subion Grade 2 Miss Jasmine Lopez Grade 3 Camp. Ang pagpapala ng Diyos ay sumainyo! Mr. Cedric Abril De Guzman Grade 4 Adviser Mr. Johnrey Sapon Grade 5 Adviser Ms. Irma Nepaz Grade 6 Adviser

SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM There are 11 pupils who are beneficiary of the Scholarship Program for Defined Definites After Indigent Children, they are as follows: Hanna Lorraine Carrasco Grade 2 - with Sponsor Death Martinez, John Michael Grade 6- Gen. Solicitation/parent’s share Estares, Princess Nicole Grade 4 – Partial/ Gen. Solicitation Galo Darlene Grade 2 – LCSMC Worker’s Discount Gervacio, Jeremiah Grade 5 – LCSMC Worker’s Discount Fauni, Allysa Ellein Grade 5 – sponsored/Parent’s share A response to “Undefined Definites” by Justin Ulbata Ashley Grade3 - Parent’s share/ sponsored Libao, April, 2014 D’News Matro, Shaina Grade 4 – Gen. Solicitation /parent’s share Tamparong, Jeshidy Ann Grade 5 - Parent’s share/ sponsored Aguila, Patrisha Mae Grade 5 – Parents share/ sponsored Question: "What happens after death?" Martinez, Jericho Grade 4 - sponsored/parent’s share Answer: Within the Christian faith, there is a signifi- Let us continue to support the SPIC by our prayers and financial sup- cant amount of confusion regarding what happens port. If you wish to be part of the program by giving any amount, after death. Some hold that after death, everyone please contact the following: ―sleeps‖ until the final judgment, after which everyone Head Teacher Cristina S. Gervacio Rev. Benjie Gevera will be sent to heaven or hell. Others believe that at Miss Jhem Fauni – Chairperson of the Scholarship the moment of death, people are instantly judged and Committee sent to their eternal destinations. Still others claim that when people die, their souls/spirits are sent to a REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE ―temporary‖ heaven or hell, to await the final resur- Repairs done as preparation for this school year: rection, the final judgment, and then the finality of  Painting of the classrooms, hallways and school frontage. their eternal destination. So, what exactly does the  Repair of the doorframes Bible say happens after death?  Fencing of the open canal.  Other minor repairs First, for the believer in Jesus Christ, the Bible tells us that after death believers’ souls/spirits are taken to heaven, because their sins are forgiven by having received Christ as Savior (John 3:16,18,36). For believers, death is to be ―away from the body and at home with the Lord‖ (2 Corinthians 5:6-8;Philippians 1:23). However, passages such as1 Corinthians 15:50-54and1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 D’news Page 5

describe believers being resurrected and given glorified Are you ready to choose the place where you want bodies. If believers go to be with Christ immediately after to spend your eternity? If you choose heaven, then death, what is the purpose of this resurrection? It seems you have to follow these 4 steps: that while the souls/spirits of believers go to be with Christ immediately after death, the physical body remains in the grave ―sleeping.‖ At the resurrection of believers, the physi- 1) Acknowledge that your mistakes separate cal body is resurrected, glorified, and then reunited with the you from a relationship with God. soul/spirit. This reunited and glorified body-soul-spirit will be the possession of believers for eternity in the new heavens ―For all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious and new earth (Revelation 21-22). He will wipe every tear standard.‖ Romans 3:23 from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Rev. 21:4) ―For the wages of sin is death.‖ Romans 6:23

Second, for those who do not receive Jesus Christ as 2) Realize that God wants to offer you help and Savior, death means everlasting punishment. However, hope. similar to the destiny of believers, unbelievers also seem to ―But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: be sent immediately to a temporary holding place, to await While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.‖ Ro- their final resurrection, judgment, and eternal destiny.Luke mans 5:8 16:22-23describes a rich man being tormented immediately after death.Revelation 20:11-15describes all the unbelieving 3) Turn away from your sin and turn toward God. dead being resurrected, judged at the great white throne, ―Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins and then being cast into the lake of fire. Unbelievers, then, may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may are not sent to hell (the lake of fire) immediately after death, come from the Lord.‖ Acts 3:19 but rather are in a temporary realm of judgment and con- To repent means, ―to reverse one’s course.‖ It’s a demnation. However, even though unbelievers are not in- wholehearted turn in a new direction. stantly sent to the lake of fire, their immediate fate after death is not a pleasant one. The rich man cried out, ―I am in 4.) Trust Jesus Christ as your savior through agony in this fire‖ (Luke 16:24). faith. ―Have faith in the Lord Jesus and you will be Who will go to hell? But to the cowards, unbeliev- saved! . . .‖ Acts 16:31 ers, detestable persons, murderers, the sexually ―For by grace you have been saved through faith; immoral, and those who practice magic spells, idol and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not worshipers, and all liars, their place will be in the as a result of works, so that no one may lake that burns with fire and sulfur. That is the se- boast.‖ Ephesians 2: 8-9 cond death.”( Rev. 21:8) And the devil, who de- ―But to all who believed him and accepted him, he ceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning gave the right to become children of God.‖ John sulfur, where the beast and the false prophets had 1:12 been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever(Rev. 20:10) Anyone whose name If you are willing to take these steps, please pray was not found written in the book of life was thrown this simple prayer: into the lake of fire.( Rev. 20:15) “Dear Jesus, I want to know you person- Therefore, after death, a person resides in a ―temporary‖ ally and have a real relationship with heaven or hell. After this temporary realm, at the final resur- you. Thank you for dying on the cross for rection, a person’s eternal destiny will not change. The pre- cise ―location‖ of that eternal destiny is what changes. Be- my sins. I know that I’ve messed up in lievers will ultimately be granted entrance into the new the past, but right now I open my life and heavens and new earth (Rev. 21:1). Unbelievers will ulti- receive you as the Forgiver and Leader of mately be sent to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-15). These are my life. Thank you for forgiving me of my the final, eternal destinations of all people—based entirely on whether or not they had trusted Jesus Christ alone for sins and giving me eternal life so that I salvation (Matthew 25:46;John can experience your love, life and 3:36).(www.GotQuestions.org) strength each and every day. Please turn me in the right direction and help me to

live the rest of my life for you. Amen.”

Page 6 Volume 12, Number 6 IN THE EYES OF FAITH BY ALLYAN JELL SAMONTE ********************************************************************************************************************************* Unbound What does freedom mean and what does it really mean to be free? As independence day for the country is nearing, we commemorate the 116 years of our freedom from our conquerors, this is the freedom that we know that is celebrated every 12th of June but how about the freedom that is celebrated thousand of years ago with not even a specific date, fought not by guns and wars but by the blood that is spilled on the cross?

Many people have different notions of freedom, some even have erroneous ones. But us christians do we really grasp the meaning of being “free”? Throughout history people have fought over freedom, meaning that the idea being free is vital in our humanity, if not people would not have shed blood for this belief. So we may say that fighting for freedom requires sacrifice, as this may be true in history of Christi- anity. When Jesus died on the cross, we have been fully taught that this act is the atoning sacrifice for our sins (For the wage of sin is death. Romans 6:23) and this paved the way towards our freedom – freedom from sin, bondage, error, ignorance and guilt.

So we realize that amongst other concepts of freedom, the one true freedom that is within us is brought by our Lord Jesus Christ. In John 8:32 Jesus tells us that “If you continue to follow my teaching, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, the truth will set you free.” The freedom that is given to us will only be exercised through the truth, and what is this truth? The truth is God’s word and so is Jesus Christ, affirmed in the John 14:6, Jesus tells his disciples that He is the way, the truth and the life. From this, we realize that freedom, is really knowing the truth, and that truth is Jesus Christ. Knowing Jesus Christ and following his deeds is the true exercise of freedom- it is by being unbound by our sins in the past.

How then can we remain being free? The answer is simple, by remaining in Jesus Christ, in the Holy Spirit – Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is present, there is freedom (2 Corinthi- ans 3:17). As we near our independence day, we also near the of the church, where we re- member that we are not alone in this world, that now is the era of the Holy Spirit bringing forth guidance, comfort and freedom.

LITURGIST FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE & july 2014 JUNE 2 ELDER SUSAN JULY 6 ELDER JUNE 8 NEY POCULAN JULY 13 BETHEL RELAO JUNE 15 MARILOU TABING JULY 20 ELMA BELOSTRINO JUNE 22 CHERRY TUMBAGA JULY 27 JO ANN SAMONTE

Page 7 Volume 12, Number 6

1—ALLAN SAQUILAYAN 2—MELODY MEDINA Acuña Juan Jr. & Emma June 13,1981 3—CHONAH GACHO, JUSTIN DE OCAMPO, ROSHELLE ANN SAQUILAYAN De Ocampo Louisito & Sally June 25,1997 4—EMILYN JOY DOLORITO, AMPARO SAPIDA, HENRY LABAYNA, AILEEN CATAYONG Dela Cruz Paul Carlos & Cecilia June 15,1997 5—REYNALDO CANTADA, MARCUS DANIEL SAPIDA 6—ANGELICA MAE CALUNGIN, KAREN MABBATUNG, LIZA ALMENDRAL, Fauni Jesieto & Elsa June 6,1980 CHERLYN MONTEZ Fauni Adonis & Chona June 25,2002 7—CORA FAUNI 8—IRMA MAIKE, LODIE MATRO Maike Aurelio & Irma June 8,1988 9—REAVER BUENO, VANLESTER BUENO, MANUEL CHRISTINE MANUEL Panes Rommel & Kimberly June 5,2010 10—JOLO LAYABAN, ALTHE MAUREEN ANCIADO 12—JOHN MICHAEL MARTINEZ, ROSIE TABING, CAROL SANCHEZ Sapida Amparo & Manolito June 16,1974 14—AMELITA LARA, EDGARDO REYES, JOHN PHILIP MENDOZA Saquilayan Ralph & Dolores June 4,1995 15—CRESENCIA LORICO, DOLORES CAPATI, AN AZENNETH JUIN GUARDA 16—DAISY REYES, ELAYSSA DAWN ANCIADO, TRISHA MENDOZA, ACE GENESIS PERDON, LYDIA FRANI 17—MLADEN PAUL CANTADA 18—VIRGINIA SAPIDA 19—ELDER DELOS REYES, STEPHANIE CLAIRE CATAYONG 20—QUEENIE ROSE QUEZON, VER ALMONTE 21—CHITO FAUNI, 23—ABELARDO DACUA, CONNIE PANGANIBAN, MAGDALENA MIKAMI 24—JUANITO BELMONTE 25—RAMON REYES, JONATHAN FRANI, JEYFFREY MABBATUNG, JERUEL CANTADA 26—FAITH CALUNGIN 27—JOSHUA CALEB PELAGIO, VAL HALLEN HAYAG, ELISHA FAITH SAQUILAYAN, REINALYN CASTILLO 28—EDRIEL REYES 29—GLEN CANTADA, THEY SARNO

SUNDAY COLLECTION APRIL 2014 MAY 2014 Tithes 43,000.00 74,996.00 Loose Offering 19,613.25 21,919.00 Sunday School 765.00 1,443.75 Midweek Services 1,145.75 1,207.50 Least Coin 447.40 808.10 Alay Pasasalamat para sa Isang Taong Biyaya 1,275.75 Pistang Kabuhayan 4,883.50 Lovegift/Donations/ flower 1,625.00 One Day Wage/Holy Week Offering 5,790.25 Mission Offering/Fund 1,228.50 1,871.00 Piso mo Para sa Kinabukasan Ko Support to DLA 3,045.50 TOTAL 77,936.40 107,128.85 JUNE 2014 FREEDOM IN CHRIST

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 COMMUNION SUNDAY Daang NIA CWA Fellowship; 7 Church/Pastoral Cellgroup: Olaes- Cellgroup: Silvertown Outreach Class: Preacher: Rev. Benjie Cellgroup pm Staff Devotion 4 Compound, 3pm Daang NIA pm— Songleader: Dionyl Kids Prayer Service; 7 Choir/Tambourine/Pr Liturgist: Elder Susan Bible Study; 7 pm pm aise & Wor- Pastor visitation with Shut-ins ship/Chancel Choir elders Practice

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Preacher: LM Wilma Daang NIA CWA Fellowship; 7 Church/Pastoral Cellgroup: Olaes- Cellgroup: Silvertown Outreach Class: Songleader: Bhudz Cellgroup pm Staff Devotion 4 pm Compound, 3pm Daang NIA Calungin Prayer Service; 7 Kids Liturgist: Ma. Ney Poculan pm Bible Study; 7 pm Choir/Tambourine/Pr aise & Wor- BOD Meeting 12nn Pastor visitation with ship/Chancel Choir CEN Meeting after service elders Practice BOT Meeting 6pm

15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Preacher: LM Wilma Cellgroup: Silvertown Outreach Class: Songleader: Budz Daang NIA CWA Fellowship; 7 Church/Pastoral Cellgroup: Olaes- Daang NIA Liturgist: Malou Tabing Cellgroup pm Staff Devotion 4 pm Compound, 3pm Kids Choir/Tambourine/Pr FATHER’S SUNDAY Prayer Service; 7 pm aise & Wor- Council Meeting; 2pm Pastor visitation with Bible Study; 7 pm ship/Chancel Choir elders Practice

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Preacher: Pastor Benjie Daang NIA CWA Fellowship; 7 Church/Pastoral Cellgroup: Olaes- Cellgroup: Silvertown Outreach Class: Songleader: Bea Cellgroup pm Staff Devotion 4 pm Compound, 3pm Daang NIA Liturgist: Cherry Tumbaga Prayer Service; 7 Kids pm Choir/Tambourine/Pr Pastor visitation with Bible Study; 7 pm elders aise & Wor- ship/Chancel Choir Practice

29 30 Preacher: Pastor Benjie Daang NIA Songleader: Louie Cellgroup Liturgist: Jhem Fauni Teachers Workshop