CSL Sportsfest Attracted More Than 400 Participants
More than four hundred members attended the annual Sportsfest of Classis Southern Luzon last June 9, 2008 at the Rizal Recreation Center in Rizal, Laguna. They were divided into four groups which assigned representatives to compete in ten fun games fielded by the Fest.
The Blue Team anchored by Elder Dodie Virina (New Jerusalem CRC) bagged the over-all championship title. The Blue Team led by Elder Noel Mendoza (San Pablo City CRC) netted second place.
The Sportsfest was organized by the classis' Communications and Fellowship Committee headed by Rev. Zaldy Lomibao. Members of the committee include Eld. Fred Bravo, Ptr. Lito Plan, Ptr. Rene Caraan, Dea. Zeny Belen and Dea. Louie Platon.
Those who attended expressed delight and satisfaction over the affair and looked forward to another exciting Sportsfest next year.
Installed last August 10, 2008 by the Christian Community Church of Novaliches was Ptr. Eli Mirasol as their Elder-Pastor for the next two years. Ptr. Eli who hails from General Santos City was formerly associated with the CAMACOP where he obtained his BTh degree from its school, the Shekinah Alliance Bible College in Mindanao.
Ptr. Eli, 34, is married to Sis. Angela, an executive of the BPI. They have two children, Samuel Reu, 7 and Danielle Rej 4.
According to Ptr. Eli, he is challenged by the unique opportunities of the church in evangelism and hopes to develop a strong evangelistic zeal, initially among the leaders.
The CCCN consistory is currently chaired by Bro. Jerry Caguicla who shares the leadership with 3 other elders and 5 deacons.
Churches Send Help to Iloilo Church Typhoon Victims
Last June 21, 2008 typhoon Frank battered a large part of Iloilo submerging areas where some of our churches are located with record-height floods. The following day, our Diaconal Program, in cooperation with the Disaster Response Teams of the five classes, coordinated with the Disaster Response Team of Classis Panay in sending donation to the victims. Priority assistance was given to our brothers and sisters in our churches in Pavia, Sta. Barbara, Zaraga, and Leganes.
With additional donations from CRWRC and other CRC friends, Classis Panay received a total amount of more than P600,000.00. Volunteer members from the churches of classes were mobilized and assigned different responsibilities to cover the whole process of relief distribution. The Lord has used the collaborative efforts of the churches to provide relief to about 1,045 households, many of whom were not members of our churches.
RMA Reports 28 Students for the First Semester
Twenty-eight students registered for the first semester of the school year at our Reformed Ministry Academy. Classes are held at the Centers in Classis Southern Luzon and Classis Panay and two churches in Classis Metro Manila South.
Most of those who enrolled are currently serving as church pastors and office bearers, taking up subjects that would lead to completing a degree in pastoral ministry. The instructors this year include Rev.Virgilio Bernardino, Rev. Alex Caballero, Rev. Adel Gonzales and Rev. Dwayne Thielke.
RMA also welcomed to its staff Bro. Mel Cartera as Coordinator and Sis. Jaz Cuaycong as Registrar. Rev. Ver Bernardino continues to serve as the Academy's President
CMMN Pastors Described the Ideal CRC CMMN Pastor
In the monthly fellowship of CMMN pastors held lat August 8, 2008, a miniworkshop was conducted to steer the group to agree on the characteristics of an ideal CMMN pastor.
Initially, several qualities were suggested but on further deliberation,
they were trimmed down to ten essential characteristics. the pastors together
concurred that an ideal CMMN pastor would be described as follows:
1. Possesses integrity (primarily shown in being honest and transparent)
2. Rooted in the Word (faithful obedience to the Word that flows in powerful
preaching)
3. Humble (behaves with gentleness and patience)
4. Aims for excellence in life and ministry
5. Able to disiple
6. Exercises self-control
7. Compassionate (generous, gracious, forgiving)
8. Firmly committed to his calling
9. Prayerful
10. Demonstrates faith grounded in God's total sovereignty
It was also suggested tht future trainings should be done to teach and encourage the pastors in attaining the named qualities. Meanwhile, thses qualities will be explained and promoted among the passtors and narratives of their evidences will be shared in the succeding fellowships.
Rev. Benny Maligalig Starts Missonary Work in Thailand
Rev. Benny Maligalig of Classis Southern Luzon arrived in Thailand last August 20, 2008 as a missionary connected with International Teams. He is temporarily assigned to a local church named Friendship Church to work with a team on discipling young Christian members. But even while learning the culture and language, he has already been given a preaching schedule and visitation work in the church.
Rev. Benny hopes that his wife Glo and two younger children will be able to join him soon, after their travel documents have been completed.
Essay Writing Contest Winners Known
Thea Andrea Bravo, a member of the youth group of Springs of Living Water CRC, Calamba received the judges' highest grade to earn second prize in the College level of the Essay Contest. No one qualified for the first prize.
The contest was launched last June to promote the vision of our denomination which was revised last April, 2008. Young people from our churches were challenged and encouraged to submit their essay entries on the title, "What The Young People of our Church Could Do to Help Attain the CRCP Vision".
A 'Special Mention" prize was added. Four young people merited this award: Zandra May Comendador of Payatas CRC, Ezekiel Gesulgon of Redeemer CRC, Juris Paolo Bravo of SLWCRC and Beverly Nabuab of Redeemer CRC.
Thea Andrea gets a cash prize of P2,000.00 while each of the four with special mention recives P500.00.
Mrs. Rose Lavinia Orteza and daughter Grace, a free-lance editor, both of the True Vine CRC capably served as judges.