1.THE BIBLICAL TEXT : ACTS 2:1-4 “ When the day of Pentecost come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak on other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.” 11 THE PENTECOST SEASON : Pentecost Season, is a celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus had promised, upon His disciples. This is the mark of the “ Empowering “ of the church by the Holy Spirit as its life-giver, counsellor and comforter. Fire is the symbol of the Holy Spirit which descended upon the Apostles during the Pentecost. It also depicts the zeal of the early Christians, and even of those who died for the faith. Pentecost was originally an Old Testament festival and associated in Acts 2. This outpouring of the Holy Spirit on those in the „Upper room‟ is to enable the people of God to witness to Jesus Christ. This season is the starting point of the day to celebrate hope. The hope evoked by the knowledge that God through the Holy Spirit is at work among all people and the whole creation. In our Statement of Faith it says: “ Sumasampalataya tayo na; Ang Diyos ay gumagawa upang lubusin ang Kanyang Gawain na pagtubos sa pamamagitan ng pagkasi sa bawat tao tungo sa isang bagong katauhan at ng buong sanlibutan tungo sa Kanyang kaharian. Ang Kaharian ng Diyos ay naroon na kung saan; Ang pananampalataya Kay Jesu- Cristo ay ipinahahayag, ang pagpapagaling ay ibinibigay sa mga may karamdaman, ang pagkain ay ibinibigay sa mga nagugutom, ang liwanag ay ibinibigay sa mga bulag, ang kalayaan ay ibinibigay sa mga bihag at mga inaapi, ang Pag-ibig, Katarungan at Kapayapaan ay mamamayani.” Pentecost, is a celebration of newness, of recreation, of renewal of purpose, mission and calling as God‟s on-going work in the world. The focus on mission of the church to the world, is the enabling presence of God through the work of the Holy Spirit in the family, in the Com- munity of Faith, in the society, and in the field of our individual expertise. To empower that mission is to provide a powerful impetus for the individual self, and for the entire Community of Faith, by truly “ Discerning and obeying God‟s Will “. This is a great opportunity and persis- tent challenge to use this sacred time to call people, church, and society for genuine trans- formation, in order to revive private and public trust in the work of service. 111. CHALLENGE AND CONCLUSION: The gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church at Pentecost prompts and guides our response through this long season of growth in discipleship and service through two-fold Biblical im- perative that calls and warn us: 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 MAY 2014 VOLUME 12 NUMBER 5 INSIDE this ISSUE Pastor’s Corner 1 & 2 D’newsbits 3 Health Corner 4 The Right View of Resurrec- tion 5 Church Election Result/1Camp Insights/Reminders 6 Stewardship/Birthday 7 Calendar 8 THE PENTECOST SEASON By: Rev. Benjie D. Gevera Administrative Minister of UCCP-Sabang Church of Christ Disciples
Transcript
1.THE BIBLICAL TEXT : ACTS 2:1-4
“ When the day of Pentecost come, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound
like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they
were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on
each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak on other
tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”
11 THE PENTECOST SEASON :
Pentecost Season, is a celebration of the descent of the Holy Spirit, as Jesus had promised,
upon His disciples. This is the mark of the “ Empowering “ of the church by the Holy Spirit as
its life-giver, counsellor and comforter. Fire is the symbol of the Holy Spirit which descended
upon the Apostles during the Pentecost. It also depicts the zeal of the early Christians, and
even of those who died for the faith.
Pentecost was originally an Old Testament festival and associated in Acts 2. This outpouring
of the Holy Spirit on those in the „Upper room‟ is to enable the people of God to witness to
Jesus Christ. This season is the starting point of the day to celebrate hope. The hope evoked
by the knowledge that God through the Holy Spirit is at work among all people and the whole
creation. In our Statement of Faith it says: “ Sumasampalataya tayo na; Ang Diyos ay
gumagawa upang lubusin ang Kanyang Gawain na pagtubos sa pamamagitan ng pagkasi sa
bawat tao tungo sa isang bagong katauhan at ng buong sanlibutan tungo sa Kanyang
kaharian. Ang Kaharian ng Diyos ay naroon na kung saan; Ang pananampalataya Kay Jesu-
Cristo ay ipinahahayag, ang pagpapagaling ay ibinibigay sa mga may karamdaman, ang
pagkain ay ibinibigay sa mga nagugutom, ang liwanag ay ibinibigay sa mga bulag, ang
kalayaan ay ibinibigay sa mga bihag at mga inaapi, ang Pag-ibig, Katarungan at Kapayapaan
ay mamamayani.”
Pentecost, is a celebration of newness, of recreation, of renewal of purpose, mission and
calling as God‟s on-going work in the world. The focus on mission of the church to the world,
is the enabling presence of God through the work of the Holy Spirit in the family, in the Com-
munity of Faith, in the society, and in the field of our individual expertise. To empower that
mission is to provide a powerful impetus for the individual self, and for the entire Community
of Faith, by truly “ Discerning and obeying God‟s Will “. This is a great opportunity and persis-
tent challenge to use this sacred time to call people, church, and society for genuine trans-
formation, in order to revive private and public trust in the work of service.
111. CHALLENGE AND CONCLUSION:
The gift of the Holy Spirit to the Church at Pentecost prompts and guides our response
through this long season of growth in discipleship and service through two-fold Biblical im-
perative that calls and warn us:
MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES
ence Room Facilitators: Pastor Benjie & Bro. Jerry Pelagio
For info: Gerry Pelagio
Schedule of Activities
Regular Fellowship Tuesdays 7PM
For Info: Emma Acuña
(416-0221)
D’news
Nominations and Elections On Going The nomination for the Church Council and
different members of the Board was held last Febru-ary 16 to March 9 and the election was done last April 27. The newly-elected officers are to be in-stalled on the last Sunday of May. In coordination with this, the different CROs also should have also their election during this season, as per the two year term policy of the church for elected positions. The renewal of term of our Administrative Pastor was already announced during the third Sunday of April yet the installation rites are yet to be done. The Church is blessed to have servant leaders who made their selves available for the ministry of our Lord.
Youth Camp: Tatak Kristiyano Ako! Last April 7 through 11, the Christian Youth Fel-
lowship held their annual Summer Camp with the theme
Fruits of the Holy Spirit taken from Galatians 5:22-23,
entitled Tatak Kristiyano headed by Avin Son Matro as
the Senior Camp Leader and Lay Minister Wilma Pelagio
as the Camp Chaplain. There were also 10 staff and 3
counselors who helped manage the camp program guid-
ed by the Christian Board of Educators. The camp held in
Dayrit‟s Farm in Naic, Cavite was attended by 24 camp-
ers who learned and enjoyed at the same time. New
members of the CYF who came from the recent commu-
nicants‟ class also joined the camp.
VCS 2014: www.jesus.vcs
During the third week of April, from 21 through
25, the annual Vacation Church School was conducted
with the title www.jesus.vcs (We‟ll Wallk With Jesus, Vic-
torious Christ and Savior). The different rooms of the
multipurpose hall and the DLA were utilized to accommo-
date 156 children from nearby barangays and outreach
ministries of the church. Headed by Lay Minister Wilma
Pelagio as Sunday School Coordinator, together with 22
teachers from different CROs, the VCS tackled different
stories all centered in the life of Jesus Christ. As for the
preparation, the teachers engaged in a 2-day workshop
where the manual was dissected for further learning and
better comprehension, arts and crafts were learned and
made for samples and the songs were heard and stud-
ied. The manual for the VCS is provided by the LCSMC-
CEN, they also conducted a 1-day teachers‟ workshop for
the information and dissemination of the manuals, at-
tended by the different UCCP churches.
Page 3
D’NEWSBITS Lectionary and Schedule of Preachers for
MAY 2014 as Pentecost Season
Theme:
Salvation is Believing in the Lord Jesus Christ Acts 16:31
4 Communion Sunday; The Holy Spirit: The Best Gift from God
Preacher: Pastor Benjie Gevera;
Psalm 66, Acts 8:5-8; 4-17
11 The Coming of the Advocate
Psalm 138, Acts 16:22-24; LM Wilma Pelagio
18 Psalm 149; John 15:26-16:4;
Preacher: Pastor Benjie Gevera
25 Christ Still present with us today
Psalm 47; Matt 28:16-20,Pastor Benjie Gevera
Summer Outings for CROs
Due to summer heat, resort outings are in sea-
son and the CROs like CWA and UCM were first in having
their summer getaway for a day. UCM held theirs in Pan-
sol, Laguna last April 9 attended by their regular members
while the CWA held theirs last April 29 in Batis sa Makil-
ing also located in Laguna, where 19 members attended
together with Pastor Benjie and Pastor Remy as their
speaker for their short meditation. This „mini‟ summer
gatherings help each organization in uniting and strenght-
ening their bond as brothers and sisters in Christ while
enjoying and basking in summer sunshine.
Holy Week Celebration For this year, Holy Week was celebrated through
April 13 through 19, some of the Highlights for this year‟s
commemoration of the Holy Week were the traditional
Maundy Thursday evening service with the speaker Pastor
Benjie, it was also in this service where the graduates for
the communicants‟ class of 2014 were welcomed and
they are as follows: Lanz Eivren Belostrino, Johnwayne
One misconception is that diabetics can eat as much
fruits as they have been used to. Learning the truth about
diabetes will help manage and control the disease effec-
tively.
We all know that fruits are important sources of
other dietary essentials like vitamins, minerals,
and fiber. These are very nutritious since they
contain good amounts of beta-carotene, vitamin C and
vitamin B complex. These vitamins protect the eyesight,
keep the skin smooth and clean, prevent the occurrence
of some bleeding gums and easily- bruised skin, and in-
crease body resistance against infection.
They are also good sources of fiber. Fibers can be
water-insoluble or water-soluble. Generally, water-
insoluble fibers help the colon by speeding up elimina-
tion of waste, sugar and fat from the body. These are
found in wheat, rice bran, whole wheat bread, fruits and
vegetables. Water-insoluble fiber includes the plant cell
wall structural component and the woody structure in
plants,
The general belief is that fruits contain natural
and complex sugars perceived to be beneficial to the
body. The sugar in fruits, however, is different from the
pure simple sugars. Some fruits contain more fructose
than glucose and may contain fructo-oligosaccharides or
other complex carbohydrates Fruits may cause an in-
crease in blood sugar when taken in excess.
Is it safe for diabetics to eat as
much fruits as they want? By MIGGlorioso, Senior Science Research Specialist, TDSTSD
May 4 Pistang Kabuhayan
May 5-7 Kids Camp
May 17 Summer Volunteer’s Evaluation
May 12-16 OCC Class/Shoe box giving
May 26 Installation of Officers
A diabetic person should include at least
one exchange of fruits rich in vitamin C daily in the
diet and take more often fruits rich in dietary fiber.
Remember, it is important to take fruits in
combination with main meals and consumption of
these should be spread out during the day. A dia-
betic person may also consult a dietitian about the
frequency, amount and types of fruits to be eaten.
The dietitian can recommend low glycemic index
(GI) fruits such as mango, banana and calculate the
glycemic load of particular meal. GI is the measure
of the glucose response of an individual to food.
Knowledge on GI of particular foods will help in the
proper control and management of diabetes melli-
tus. Fruits that are prepared or canned in syrup
should not be given to diabetics even if the syrup is
rinsed off. Choose canned fruits and juices that
state "no sugar added" or "unsweetened".
No Tuition Fee Increase
D’news Page 5
The Right View of the Resurrection
By Dr. Charles F. Stanley Scripture: Philippians 2:5-11
I. Introduction: Christ's resurrection is the defining event of
our faith and all of history. It demonstrates Jesus' power over
death, confirms His divinity, and provides a powerful example
of the Lord's ability to keep His word. The resurrection of Jesus
is critical to the gospel message and to Christianity itself.
II. The disciples initially responded to the resurrection
from a human, rational perspective, rather than a godly one.
a. Although Jesus had told the disciples He would be killed and rise
three days later, they thought the crucifixion was the end. They had
seen Him perform miracles, listened to His sermons, and watched
His life for years. But the Scriptures give no record that any of the
Lord's followers waited outside His tomb for the resurrection.
b. Examples of unbelief:
The women who visited the grave after the Sabbath
came prepared to anoint a dead body.
The disciples could not comprehend the eyewitness re-
port of the empty tomb; the women's words "appeared to them as nonsense" (Luke 24:11). Peter, who ran to the grave, simply marveled at the vacant burial place (Luke 24:12). I believe he didn't yet realize that Jesus had risen.
The two men on the road to Emmaus didn't recognize
Christ at first (Luke 24:13-35). Thomas told his friends that he would have to touch the wounds on Jesus' hands and side before he would believe their good news (John 20:25).
III. What difference does it make if we believe in the resurrection?
a. The biblical concept of the afterlife includes the resurrection of all
people and then the judgment. But some people choose to believe
that when this life ends, they will cease to exist. This perspective
enabled some within the church at Corinth to justify immorality.
b. Paul challenged the Corinthian church, "If Christ has not been
raised, then our preaching is vain . . . your faith is worthless . . .
you are still in your sins" (1 Cor. 15:14, 17). Our entire faith rests
on the resurrection. If Jesus did not rise from the dead, then Bible
study, tithing, sharing the gospel, and all other spiritual practices
are a waste of time. But the fact is, He did rise from the grave. The
moment we receive Him as Savior, the Holy Spirit resides within us
and gives us the power to live victorious Christian lives.
c. Those who don't believe Jesus rose from the dead must rely on
themselves. That may work during this life. But even those who
were confident that death would bring oblivion often have last-
minute doubts when facing their own mortality and God's judgment
(Heb. 9:27).
IV. What is the evidence that Christ
is risen?
a. When Jesus rose from the dead,
He ascended to the Father and offered
Himself as the only adequate sacrifice
for the sins of mankind. Right now, He
sits at the Father's right hand and
makes intercession for you and me.
Not only did Christ die for us; He lives
eternally for us and promises never to
leave or forsake us (Heb. 13:5).
b. Evidence for the resurrection:
We have a clear conscience and
the assurance that our sins are forgiven.
In the midst of life's challenges, you and I have supernatu-
ral confidence and peace. I can testify personally that in more than 60 years of walking with the Lord, He has prov-en His sufficiency in every circumstance of life.
V. What if you don't believe Christ rose from the dead?
a. Jesus predicted that He would be killed and then rise
within three days (John 2:19-21). If He lied about that,
how much confidence can we place in His other promis-
es? I believe that those who deny the resurrection also
reject Jesus.
b. If you don't accept that Christ rose from the grave, then
you have no hope of reuniting in heaven with your loved
ones who have passed on to glory. Death is the end. In
contrast, those of us who believe in the resurrection have
the promise that if we are "absent from the body . . . [we
are] at home with the Lord" (2 Cor. 5:8). We can look for-
ward to living forever with our believing friends and family
(Eph. 2:8, John 3:16; 6:40, 47; 10:28, Acts 11:14; 16:31).
VI. The Proclamation of Jesus' Name
Christ told His disciples that "repentance for forgiveness of
sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations" (Luke
24:47). Missions can include medical attention or supplies of
food and clothing, but their primary goal should be to proclaim
the name of Jesus. If we don't share the gospel with people,
we are ignoring their most important need—forgiveness of sins
so they can experience eternal life.
VII. Conclusion: Without the resurrection, Christianity would
lose its unique and powerful message. The gospel promises us
that the Son of God came to earth to die for our sins—and that
He rose on the third day, triumphant over the grave. Because
He is risen, you and I can face both life and death with confi-
dence, knowing He is always with us.
Copyright 2014 In Touch Ministries, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.intouch.org. In Touch grants permission to print for personal use
BOARD OF ELDER Acuna, Emma Dayrit, Juliet Fauni, Raymond BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Sapida, Mitchie Espejo, Myrna Rimbon, Irene TREASURER Tumbaga, Cherry FINANCE SECRETARY Tabing, Malou
Page 6 Volume 12, Number 5
RESULT 2014
BOARD OF DEACONS Fauni, Shonnie Fauni, Violy Tirona, Tina, BOARD OF TRUSTEES Belmonte, Joey De Ocampo, Louie Mendoza, Cecille AUDITOR Samonte, Jo Ann
LITURGIST FOR THE MONTH OF
MAY AND JUNE 2014
MAY 4 ELDER NURENG REMULLA
MAY 11 LODIE MATRO
MAY 18 EFRAIM PINTUAN
MAY 25 PAUL DELA CRUZ
JUNE 2 ELDER
JUNE 9 NEY POCULAN
JUNE 16 MARILOU TABING
JUNE 23 CHERRY TUMBAGA
JUNE 30 JHEM FAUNI
TO ALL CROS AND BOARDS:
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR ELECTION
RESULT BEFORE
3RD SUNDAY OF MAY
YOUTH CAMP INSIGHT… By Mark Louise Mabbatung
“Tatak Kristyano”, yan ang aming tema sa camp. Ma-saya ang pag attend sa mga ganitong activity, nandyan ang pagkakaroon ng bagong kakilala, kaibigan at ka close. Siyempre hindi mawawala ang pag-aaral ng Salita ng Diyos.
Ang aming pinag-aralan ay tungkol sa “Bunga ng Espir-itu” na makikita sa Galacia 5:22-23. “Subalit ang Bunga ng Espiritu ay pag-ibig, kagalakan, kapayapaan, kati-yagaan, kahinahunanat pagpipigil sa sarili, walang ba-tas laban sa mga ito. Marami akong natutunan mula sa verse na ito. Nalaman ko Kung ano-ano ang mga bun-ga ng Espiritu at papaano ko ito patuloy na ipakita sa aking araw-araw na pamumuhay. Andiyan na nasubok ang aming pag-ibig sa camp na iyon kung paano nam-ing tanggapin ang isat-isa sa aming grupo. Nai-papadama ang aming kagalakan sa aming kap-wa.Kapayapaan at katiyagaan sa bawat laro na aming gingawa na kailangan naming tapusin kahit kami ay nahuhuli na. Katapatan na dapat naming gawin sa lahat ng oras lalo na sa bawat laro na aming ginawa, kailangan naming maging tapat sa aming ginagawa upang magawa at matapos naming ang kailangan nam-ing tapusin. Kabaitan at kabutihan na kailangan namin sa pagtanggap ng pagkatalo. Sa pagtatama ng isang maling ginawa ng iyong kasama, kahinahunan at pag-pipigil sa sarili ang kailangan mo pa ring ipadama.
Sa camp na iyon ay nagkaroon kami ng tatlong grupo, nadiyan ang Team Honesto, Agape at Galak’tik. Ngunit ang hindi malilimutang grupo ay ang team United, yan ang grupo ng campers sa camp na iyon. United kami sa pag-aaral ng salita ng Diyos, sa pagpupuri at pagsam-ba sa ating Panginoong Diyos, sa pagkukuwentuhan, sa pagbibigay ng kaalaman o experience, sa pag share ng aming natutunan sa camp na iyon at ang sabay-sabay naming pagsasapamuhay ng aming natutunan sa camp patungo sa aming tunay na buhay.
To God be the Glory!
Page 7 Volume 12, Number 5
SUNDAY COLLECTION MARCH APRIL 2014
Tithes 113,066.00 43,000.00
Loose Offering 23,193.00 19,613.25
Sunday School 1,316.75 765.00
Midweek Services 1,828.75 1,145.75
Least Coin 903.15 447.40
Alay Pasasalamat para sa Isang Taong Biayaya 2,377.10 1,275.75
Lovegift/Donations/ flower 51,710.00 1,625.00
One Day Wage/Holy Week Offering 15,501.00 5,790.25
Mission Offering/Fund
Piso mo Para sa Kinabukasan Ko Support to DLA 2,418.80 1,228.50
