The Journey Continues

Monthly Publication of Sabang Church of Christ Disciples Sabang, Dasmariñas, Cavite 4114, Tel. No. 046-416-0221 AUGUST 2006 VOLUME 4, NUMBER 8 visitors and conferring of awards to the honorees not to mention the praise and worship at the beginning. Mostly held on despite their grumbling stomach and cope with the humidity given few wall fans around, as the electrical outlets are not all functioning yet. It was a celebration amid the discomfort and inconveniences. It was a picture of the weeds and wheat growing together in the The Journey Continues field with the weeds not being pulled out as it could root up the wheat in the process. Such picture of the SCCD Now we are sitting, standing and walking on the 80th Founding Anniversary celebration shows that the Promised Land spiritual journey continues. The church community with two building standing on the Promised Land is not the end of the structures on it, story but the beginning of another chapter. the church sanctuary and Hence, to stand on the Promised Land is to survey the school. After 18 whole area and discern where God is leading the church months of to live out the reason for her existence, which is to do construction work mission. Real work now begins and so we are called the church upon to roll up our sleeves and toil in order to be a light sanctuary was to the community, making the kingdom of God present dedicated by sharing faith in Jesus Christ, giving healing to the Sunday, July 30, sick, food to the hungry, light to the blind and freedom 2006 marking the occupancy and use of the worship for captives and oppressed. As one minister put place henceforth. Celebrating 80 years of church together in his sermon two popular English phrases, existence and the 18 months long construction of the “What in the world are you doing?” and “For heaven’s structure was indeed so grand! The countless number sake!” challenging Christians to answer it five times of visitors and guests who came from here and abroad emphasizing progressively a different portion of these to witness the dedication of the church was awe- combined expressions, we might as well do the same. inspiring. It signifies a prophetic vision of SCCD growing What in the world are you doing in leaps and bound in the coming years. What was thought of as a big worship space turned so crammed for heaven’s sake? and therefore small to accommodate the influx of people. What in the world are you doing for heaven’s sake? It was also quite embarrassing to have invited people but What in the world are you doing food run short. Where indeed was the claim that God could feed five thousand people with two fish and five for heaven’s sake? loaves of bread? Well people were still fed but only in What in the world are you doing each of their own homes deciding to just leave and let go for heaven’s sake? of their food share. Some balikbayans (returning What in the world are you doing compatriots) deserve adulation for despite the sizable for heaven’s sake? donation they gave to shoulder food cost, when they saw The journey continues as the story of God working in the the overflowing crowd and feared of food shortage, they, lives of His people continues also to unfold. too, let go of their share. They ate out.

The service took three hours starting at about 9:40 a.m. and ending at about quarter to 1:00 p.m. because of added features in the worship such as greetings from wider ecclesial bodies and local church leaders, anniversary offering, dedication rites, recognition of responsibility yet considering their being a young married couple. Recently they moved to Parklane and plan to have their house in Goldenville rented or eventually sold.

2. Arthur Fulleros, the husband of Linda Fulleros, just recently retired from working overseas in the Middle East for twenty years. He related how he was part of a Christian fellowship prior to his working abroad as well as his active involvement Disciples Learning Academy in a Christian group meeting in Saudi Arabia where religions other than Islam were banned. Arthur and Linda have four grown sons with just Lectionary for August the youngest left single and unmarried. He has With schedule of preachers been an active member of the UCM since his Theme: “The Continuing Missionary Journey” joining SCCD early this year. One of the many Text: John 9:4 faithful volunteers who were never absent in all August 6 - Communion Sunday the appeals and calls for bayanihan (volunteer “Mission: Church’s Reason for Existence” service) in the new church building construction OT: Micah 6:1-8, NT: Matthew 13:24-30 site was Arthur. He also attends regularly the Preacher: Pastor Leng weekday Prayer Meeting and Bible Study. August 13 ………………………………………………………………. “Church: A Light to the World” OT: Isaiah 49:1-7, NT: Matthew 5:14-16 Preacher: Sis. Trudy Fauni-Reyes August 20 - Mission Sunday “Church: A Refuge for the Lost” Exchange GettingPulpit with UCCP Salinas to OT: Joshua 20:1-9, NT: Luke 15:1-7 Preacher: KnowPastor Rudy TigasNewly- August 27 “Church: A Center of HealingReceived for the Brokenhearted” OT: Psalm 147:1-11, NT: Acts 20:25-38 Preacher: Pastor Leng LubangMembers of SCCD

On July 15, 2006 three people were formally received and dedicated as regular members of SCCD. They have been sitting as worshippers during Sundays for quite sometime now but finally decided to officially embrace SCCD as their spiritual home. Let’s get to know them…

1. Stephen and Evelyn Tigas were members of UCCP J.P. Rizal (Disciples) in Makati before moving to Dasmarinas, Cavite. Having purchased a house in Goldenville Subdivision in 2004 they started attending SCCD whose Disciples background made them feel at home. For quite sometime they opted to just be plain worshippers, which was a struggle because both of them were actively involved as leaders in their home church. What hastened their decision to settle in SCCD were their two growing kids, the eldest of whom PJ is now a Kindergarten pupil of DLA. Angel, their youngest is still more than a year old. Stephen works as ECE in FCIE while Evelyn is a stay-home mom managing fulltime the affairs of their household. They hope to be more and more involved in the church but in not so big or major MINISTRY Some people have a JOB in the church, others involve themselves in a MINISTRY. WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? If you are doing it just because no one else will, it’s a JOB. If you are doing it to serve the Lord, it’s a MINISTRY. If you quit because somebody criticized you, it was a JOB If you keep on serving, it’s a ministry. If you’ll do it as long as it does not interfere with other activities. It’s a JOB. If you are committed to staying with it even when it means letting go of other things, it’s a ministry. If you quit because no one praised you or thanked you, it was a job. If you stay with it even though nobody recognizes your efforts, it’s a ministry. It’s hard to get excited about a job It’s almost impossible not to be excited about a ministry. If our concern is success. It’s a job. If our concern is faithfulness, it’s a ministry. An average church is filled with people doing jobs. A great and growing church is filled with people involved in ministry. Where do we fit in? What about us? If God calls us to do a ministry, don’t treat it like a job. If you have a job, give it up and find a ministry….

D’ NEWSbits!

 SCCD closes old sanctuary, dedicates new building. The old church site was closed in a moving ritual on July 23, 2006 after a brief the catalysts in the fund-raising campaign in the fellowship that followed the worship service. The United States. He is married to SCCD’s daughter Tirona sisters Beth Ramos and Volet Jardiniano Precy Sapida. Other guests that added color to the were present to receive the key to the old celebration were South Luzon Jurisdiction Bishop sanctuary, which was turned over to them with the Jessie Suarez, Conference Minister Armando oldest surviving member of SCCD Lola Ina Carlos of the LCSMC and Cavite Governor Ayong Taganas-Villanueva watching. The morning Maliksi. About 600 people including members worship featured four testimony sharers describing graced this occasion. an experience in the life of the church where a seemingly hard stone that is a stumbling block  Sagip-Bambang signature campaign to turned out to be a stepping-stone. These were continue. The promise of Cavite Governor Ayong Rene Cantada, Shonnie Fauni, Myrna Espejo and Maliksi uttered in his greetings during the Beth Ramos. It was a day of feasting amid rain for Anniversary Sunday worship to donate toward the the Potluck Luncheon Fellowship brought a wide completion of the “bambang” or waterway in front of variety of dishes from member households. After the church building does not stop the signature some presentations of church organizations, the old campaign for the Sagip Bambang project launched chapel was closed with the bringing down of the in July to cover the expenses advanced earlier cross from the chancel wall and carrying it to the amounting to P400,000.00. To date about new sanctuary across the street by the Elders. A P9,000.00 had been generated from this signature prayer of dedication was said by Pastor Leng after campaign easing the heavily strained construction the members have gathered in the new house of fund. In related concern, the finishing work of the worship as an initial blessing before furniture and church building had temporarily ceased due to fund equipment were transferred the following day. shortage. It is hoped that those who pledged in the  Medical Mission serves 200 patients. The Project Nehemiah 2: Raise the Roof and have not Medical Mission conducted on July 8, 2006 as an completed it yet would keep their promise though Anniversary offering of SCCD to the community the roof had already been installed. brought in at least 200  Souvenir Program generated fund for church patients for building. A total amount of P245,000.00 from the both medical souvenir program collection of P314,000.00 to date, and dental was added to the church building fund aiding services significantly the finishing work required before the despite the dedication last Anniversary Sunday, July 30. The heavy advertisement and greeting pages came from both downpour here and the United States posting a 57% (US) to that day. 43% (local) proportion which could be considered a Volunteer good performance for the local fund-raisers. doctors and dentists from the University of the Proceeds of this souvenir program were used to Philippines Pahinungod attended to the patients fund some anniversary expenses on top of the assisted by our local church volunteers. This printing cost. Families who subscribed in the family activity was coordinated by Sis. Sheila Sapida who photo directory section are requested to settle the is also a UP dentistry student. fee of P700.00.  Balikbayans add color to 80th Founding Anniversary. Close to 40 balikbayans including young children arrived from the United States some weeks prior to July 30 to celebrate with the church

community the 80 years of its founding and witness the dedication of the new church building. These members of SCCD in the US are actively involved in their churches there while maintaining close contact with SCCD, their childhood church here in the country. They have contributed significantly to Project Nehemiah since it’s launching in December 2004 covering about 80% of the total collections. They are indeed a generous lot of people, hence, a blessing and a great resource of SCCD. As an Anniversary gift to the church they subsidized cost of food with their donation of $500.00. The Anniversary guest preacher, Rev. Vicente “Jojo”Ruffy, is a balikbayan himself who was one of I-N-A-Y ( I wrote this article inspired by the love, joy and peace I saw and felt in the person of Lola Epang Cadatal Fauni, whom I met for the first time on July 16, 2006 when we visited her. Lola Epang you’re a gem of the purest ray serene. I love you!) My mother, Prilenta Arroyo Legaspi was a hard working woman. She used to take to the market whatever crop my father harvested from the farm he tilled. Together with my father, she raised nine children (actually we were twelve but three died). Despite her age she stood her full five feet always even when working. She didn’t use cane and her face was flawless except for the brown spots – the age spot prominent among other Arroyo’s. Her neck was free of winkles but her arms and fingers were indications of long-fought hardships and pains. Her hair was black – black as the night and 1 – Augusto Abando 15 – Mae Ann Frani ankle length. You see, she never had a haircut since she became a 2 – Estaresteenager. Araneo Her eyes15 – Ana were Carissa good and she could read and sew even without spectacles.Calungin 2 – Sixto Saquilayan 20 – Juaning Calungin 4 – Chona Fauni 20 – Juliet Dayrit JUNE JULY I remember her appearing good every morningst and half of the day. 5 – Irene Saquiton 21 – Emelyn Seachon 1 Sunday 165 160 After her morning prayer, she watered 2hernd Sunday plants while160 humming188 a 5 – Sonny Matro 22 – Teresa Gene Dakis favorite tune. I loved to look at her 3whilerd ProjectSunday standing161 besideNehemiah 190her 5 – Jobgumamela Samonte and santan23 – Rolando plants. Cosme She looked4 thlike Sunday a childUpdates145 but sometimes231 6 – Laurolest. Espejo Lest, ever25 –since Ronnie Sapidashe got widowed5 thin Sunday 1979. Her memory partly510 9 – Renatodeteriorated. Tirona She25 – Rolliecould Sarno remember thingsAverage that happened158 years 256ago 11 – Litobut Medina could not remember27 – Catherine what Sanchez happened Totalearlier Collection in as the of June day. 30, 5,782,226.01 11 – Willie Ramos 27 – Avin Son Matro 2006 12 – JezreelLike Simonothers, I 28was – Gemma brought Lising up by a lovingAdd July Tatay Collection and Nanay. They allowed me freedom ofAugust expression 8 and individuality.1. Project Nehemiah I was 1 very 4,645.00 Gervacio 2. Project Nehemiah 2 20,250.00 13 – Samsonclose Tabiando to my parents31 – VivencioLiezle that Gabriel other & members of 3.theUS family Dollar remittance would often 96,748.50 15 – Danilocall Tiome “sipsip”. OnMaritess the contrary, I thought4. Sagip-bambangI was loving and 16,309.00 thoughtful (that’s whatCalles sipsip means Sub-totalto me). for July Collection 137,952.50 Total Collection as of July 31, 2006 5,920,178.50 Born in 1911, Nanay was already aliveTotal when Expenses: the shotConstruction in Sarajevoin 6,508,275.30 triggered World War I. She suffered theProgress pains, as of Julyphysical 31, 2006 and mental tortures of World War II. Nanay used (partial)to tell stories of the CollectionJapanese occupation, which almost endedBalance her as life.of July 31, Like 2006 a fatal (588,096.80) scene in a movie, she braved Japanese checkpoints to bring her Reportproducts to the market.

Looking at her while she was still alive, I could not recall how I brought up my three children aged: thirty-three, Churchtwenty-seven Building and nineteen. I did not feel glory for I had my Exceptthree for and the backshe exteriorhad plastering and nine. Her motherhood was incomparable to mine. She climbed a June July mezzanine stairs, the whole church mountain. I climbed a hill. structure is done. Some doors are Tithes 43,755.00 52,968.50 yet to be installed and electrical Loose LookingOffering at her13,989.00 before the39,732.15 angels took her to heaven,works I finished.would Halfnot of the box Missionbelieve Offering that she2,254.00 used to carry3,272.50 me and her seeminglyculvert small stretch isframe already completed covering the church frontage parking space. Only a Sundaycould School have done1,262.50 the task of1,399.50 nurturing me and eight other children. small portion is left undone. Weekday Services 879.00 1,010.75 When final moment for her to rest came, I promised myself that she Anniv. Offering 29,887.60 School Building will always be the moon for me. Like Thethe whole moon school over complex our had heads been fully every occupied. Meal Ticketnight, she will always be there10,650 to lightPermanent and area guide for canteen me. had been set-up. Only Lovegift/donations 25,765.00 finishing touches for comfort rooms and exterior wall OthersFor all the years of my life,12,050.00 I will always be telling people, young and old, “Mahalin at Igalang ang mga magulang. Huwag maging TOTALsuwail.” 62,139.50 176,736.00 Souvenir Program 113,498.25 19,046.75 Inay, deep in my heart, I know, I can only repay you by teaching plastering are scheduled for completion this coming week.

August 2006 Mission Month Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 DLA DLA Chapel Cell Group Cell Group Childrens Teachers’ Servic - Gregy’s – 9 - Const. Site Choir Devotion e am - Malagasang 2- Practice – 2 Cell Group - Malagasang B p.m CWA Home Malag. 2-C;3pm 2-F 3:00 pm Bible Study - Prayer CYF 8:00 pm Mee Church Fellowship: Choir Practice ting Bible Study 6:00 p.m 8 p.m 8:00 p.m UCM: 8:00 E- Elder Juliet p.m Nahum 1:7-15 Joel 3:9-17 Dayrit Mikas 4:1-5 Choir S – Emma Acuña Practic Amos 9:11-15 e: 8:00 p.m Rev. 21:21-27 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Sunday Bible Study CWA Home Cell Group – Cell Group Cell Group CWA & UCM Wor @ Dexterville Bible Malag. 2-C; 3 - Gregy’s – 9 - Const. Site Joint shi 4:00 pm Study/Fellow p.m am - Malagasang 2- Fellowship p ship - Malagasang B Rev Leng 8:00 p.m Prayer 2-F 3:00 pm Childrens Lubang Meeti Choir 2:30 pm Pastoral Team Efren Frani DLA ng Practice – 2 Church Bible Meeting–3:30 Louie De Teachers’ 8:00 p.m p.m Study 8:00 pm Ocampo Devotion Exhorter: CYF p.m BOE Meeting Cell Groups Raquel Ramos Fellowship: 6:00 p.m Simborio: 2 pm Job 5:1-8 Songleader: Choir Practice Mary Cris: 7 Elder Taleng 8:00 p.m UCM:8:00 pm Cantada p.m Psalm 98:1-9 BOD Meeting Choir Job 6:1-11 Psalm 67:1-7 Psalm 96:1-13 CEN Regular Practic Meeting e: Revelation 22:1- 8:00 7 Psalm 142:1-7 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Sunday Bible Study CWA Praise Cell Group – Cell Group Cell Group Childrens Worship @ Dexterville and Malag. 2- C; 3 - Gregy’s – 9 - Const. Site Choir Sis. Trudy 4:00 pm Worship p.m am - Malagasang 2- Practice – 2 Reyes 8:00 p.m - Malagasang B p.m Elder Juliet Prayer 2-F 3:00 pm Dayrit DLA Meeti 2:30 pm CYF Allan Teachers’ ng Pastoral Team Fellowship: Saquilayan Devotion 8:00 p.m Church Bible Meeting–3:30 6:00 p.m Exhorter: Study pm UCM: Cell Groups Shonnie Fauni 8:00 p.m Isaiah 65:17- 8:00 p.m Simborio: 2 pm Songleader: Choir Practice 25 Mary Cris: 7 Carl Aguilar 8:00 pm Choir Jer. 31:31-34 pm I Cor 11:23-32 Hebreo 10:16-25 Practic Council John 13:31-35 e: Meeting-2 pm 8:00 p.m Psalm 143: 1-12 2 Peter 3:1-10 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 Sunday Bible Study CWA Home Cell Group – Cell Group Cell Group Childrens Worship @ Dexterville Bible Malag. 2- C;3 - Gregy’s – 9 - Const. Site Choir Rev.Rudy Tigas 4:00 pm Study/Fellow p.m am - Malagasang 2- Practice – 2 Wilma Pelagio ship - Malagasang B p.m Wilson 8:00 p.m Prayer 2-F; 2:30 pm 3:00 pm Almanzor Meeti Church Bible Pastoral Team CYF DLA ng Study Meeting–3:30 Fellowship: Cell Groups Teachers’ 8:00 p.m 8:00 p.m: pm 6:00 p.m Simborio: 2 pm Devotion Exhorter: UCM: Mary Cris: 7 Luke 14:25-33 Taleng 2 Cor. 5:17-21 Choir Practice 8:00 p.m pm Cantada 8:00 pm Choir Songleader: Philippians 1:18- Practic