Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians discussed a lot of issues confronting the church at Corinth. In reading this letter one would wonder where the writer of Acts based his very ideal picture of the early Christian church where everyone shared whatever he/she had. In Paul’s letters we see a glimpse of the real early Christian church life. There were divisions in the church, bickering, struggle over cultural practices vis a vis Christian teachings. It was in this first letter to the Corinthians where the Lord’s Supper took deeper meaning from Paul’s very intense rebuke on the abuses committed against it. Spiritual gifts in the context of the church as Body of Christ was also enumerated pointing out that one person does not have a monopoly of them. In discussing the reality of these issues Paul devoted one whole chapter on love, which I see as the rallying point. He described in the thirteenth chapter what love is and closed in the statement that faith, hope and love abide but the greatest of these is love.

Have you not wondered why Paul stated strongly that of the three, love is the greatest of all? Why not faith or hope? Why love when, as commonly associated with emotion, seems to be weak and may just be seen as romance or an imbalance of hormones attracting one to another? In the naming of what love is by Paul as patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not irritable, does not rejoice in wrong doing and so forth and so on, it appears that love is not a feeling but an act, a decision to do something toward a good result. Scott Peck in his book, “The Road Less Traveled” defined love, as “the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth.” He pointed out that love is an act of will – both an intention and an action. It also implies choice. We do not have to love but we choose to love. Therefore, love, transcends emotion though it may begin with such. It is a decision translated in action. A decision to “stick it out” no matter what the cost not only for the other’s sake but also for one’s self. Oftentimes in loving the other, we neglect the self of attention, hence, stripping it of dignity.

Paul must have brought in the theme of love amid controversies in the Corinthian church to challenge the Christians to make a decision of facing the issues shaking the community not from a doctrinal perspective devoid of loving understanding of people’s personality make-up and where they come from. Love looks at the whole picture, the whole “system” from and in which people move. Love wraps all the elements needed in transforming lives. It is the thread that connects faith in the promises of the invisible God and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

Our meditations for the month of February will evolve in the theme of love being the greatest of all hoping that the very secular and narrow understanding of this word fueled by a commercialized Valentine’s Day will be deepened and broadened rooted on God who is the Source of love. After all, we love because God first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Love is an attitude – love is a prayer,

For a soul in sorrow, a heart in despair.

Love is good wishes for the gain of another,

Love suffers long with the fault of the other.

Love gives water to a cup that’s run dry,

Love reaches low as it can reach high.

Seeks not her own at expense of another,

Love reaches God when it reaches all others.

From the Speaker’s Quote Book, p. 235

Lectionary for February
and Schedule of Preachers
Theme:
”And the Greatest of These is…Love”
1 Cor. 13:13
February 5 – “Love Never Ends”
OT: Hosea 11:1-11; NT: 1 John 4:16-21
Preacher: Pastor Leng Lubang
February 12 – “Love is Patient and Kind”
OT: Deut. 7:7-13; NT: Ephesians 5:22-33
Preacher: Elder Sammy Cantada
February 19 – “Love Does Not Rejoice in Wrongdoing”
OT: 1 Samuel 25:26-31; NT: Matt. 26:47-56
Preacher: Pastor Leng Lubang
February 26 – “Love is Not Envious or Boastful”
OT: Esther 6:1-11; NT: John 21:18-23
Preacher: Pastor Leng Lubang

3rd Mission Team visits UCCP Tignoan.

A group of young people accompanied by the Pastoral Team and an elder paid a visit to UCCP Tignoan on January 28, 2006. This was the third visit since the Mission Partnership was explored in June of last year. Arranged especially for the International Intern Becky Mateer, the CYF (Christian Youth Fellowship) and the UCM (United Church Men) the visit generated excitement among the members of UCCP Tignoan who are venturing on another phase of their livelihood project which is setting up a rice retail store for the larger community. Prepared with a written report including finances and a letter of appeal, the church under the leadership of Ptr. Eman Revellame shared how the capital fund is being utilized and how the project is inspiring them to rebuild their washed out church. When previously it was aimed at only sustaining the people in their very transitory existence in a site declared to be unsafe for habitation, the project is providing them with seed fund for the building of a sanctuary on the washed out site. The previous projection of geologists on the growing widening of the river that would eventually eat up the area is changing. Measures are being made to prevent the phenomenon, which according to the residents is seemingly working. This is why the church is now making a study on the possible ways of utilizing the property, which they have fenced with branches of ipil (a fast growing tree abundant in the place).

The pig dispersal is now in its second batch of growing piglets. The first batch of 14 pigs was already sold before Christmastime. The food vending and retail store capitalization has also taken off with ten recipients. A 5% interest is charged to the P1,500.00 loan given to each, payable weekly for three months. To date, the church has a total fund of P41,000.00. The 3rd Mission Team consists of Ptr. Leng Lubang, Bro. Jing Calungin, Sis. Wilma Pelagio, Elder Juliet Dayrit, Communicant Kevin Dayrit, CYFers Joan Tirona, Anjell Samonte, Jinging Quezon and intern Becky Mateer with the transport driver Robert.

Communicants’ Class 2006 begins

The 2006 batch of Communicants Class started meeting on January 14, 2006 at the 2nd floor of the current church building. Composed of seven young adolescents ages 12 and 13 years old, this class will prepare them for full membership of the church by studying the UCCP Statement of Faith, getting acquainted with the history of the church and the various ministries of SCCD as well as responsibilities of a church member. Exposure trips are part of the class which will culminate in Water Baptism on Holy Thursday, April 13 and their First Communion in the evening of the same day. A retreat is

also planned for deeper reflection on the Christian faith on April 8 at Serenity in Tagaytay.

ECUIMM Intern moves on

International Intern Becky Mateer delivered her farewell words during Sunday worship on January 29, 2006 sharing that her three-week reflection period in Palawan for Phase 1 of the program clearly revealed to her and her coordinator that she has to shift placements for the second phase of the internship. She will try urban ministry in Manila. She expressed her deepest thanks to the whole congregation especially to her host family, the Sapida’s – Nanay Letty in particular, and the families that invited her in their homes. Becky mentioned how she enjoyed a lot the Outreach work in Daang NIA and Simborio and hoped to visit them sometime especially the children. She challenged the members to get involved in the Outreach Ministry of the church to experience the joy of serving as she did.

SCCD Strategic Planning set on Feb. 18

A 5-year Strategic Planning Workshop is scheduled on February 18, 2006 at PCU Elementary School Library in Palapala, Dasmarinas, Cavite with Dr. Perla Rizalina M. Tayko, an expert on organizational development and active UCCP member as facilitator. This activity is designed to provide directional setting for the church as she closes her eight decades of existence and face the ninth in a fast growing and urbanizing neighborhood. Settling down in the Lupang Kaloob (Promised Land) on July 30, 2006 requires a more systematic and organized church life reaching out to the community through the church-founded school the Disciples Learning Academy and a revitalized Outreach/Cell Group Ministry. Expected to participate in this workshop are the Council Officers, School Board members, Pastoral Team and representatives from new migrant members and Sunday school teachers.

Pinag-isang Puso now on its 7th year

UCCP Sabang will hold the 7th Pinag-isang Puso at South Plains Clubhouse, Dasmariñas on February 12. This activity is anchored on the theme “Magkasama sa Hirap at Ginhawa”. Pinag-isang Puso is an annual valentine activity attended by couples in our church and spearheaded by the Board of Christian Education (BCE). Unlike the previous years where the activity serves as a romantic date for the couples, this year’s program shall be full of challenges and tests for the couples. These challenges will strengthen the bond of couples. BCE promises that the couples will have new romantic yet tough experiences, as the board will do things never before done in pinag-isang puso.

80th SCCD Founding Anniversary
Watch Corner
We will feature this in every issue of DNews beginning this month for everyone to look forward to our Grand 80th Church Anniversary Celebration on July 30, 2006 where we will also be dedicating the Church and School Buildings in the Lupang Kaloob
  • 80th Anniversary Souvenir Program. Solicitation letters for greetings and advertisement pages had been distributed. If you know of any family, individuals who are not members of SCCD and owners of business establishments wanting to have their greetings printed in the Souvenir Program, please approach Deacon Joann Samonte who was assigned to coordinate the solicitation campaign. Letters are also available in the church office.
  • Family Photo Directory. Pictures of member families needed! Deadline for submission is Feb. 28, 2006 and assigned to collect them or take pictures of those who have none yet are Allan Saquilayan, Sheila Sapida, Henry Sapida, Keilyn Fauni, Machey Sarita and Joann Samonte. Check the bulletin board to see the person to whom you were assigned.
  • Global Praise Concert and Worship featuring balikbayan Myrna Sapida-Chan with accompanist Yet Gorospe and special participation of SCCD Choir on July 1, 2006 as inaugural activity at Imus Covered Court, Imus. Wait for further announcement on ticket prices and call for volunteers to help prepare for this big event that would bring in churches from all denominations in Lowland Cavite.
  • Medical and Dental Mission on July 8, 2006 at church grounds. Networking with agencies and conference office is now being made to gather volunteer doctors, nurses, dentists and other medical staff to provide medical services even only for a day as our gift to the community.
  • SCCD Choir Concert. Still being finalized at this stage but what is final is that our very own balikbayan Roel Sapida will direct this concert assisted by Tey Sarno. The concert album was already sent and rehearsals will begin soon. Choir members are now beginning to come back and join the weekly rehearsals in response to the call of preparing for this concert as another anniversary gift to the church and community. Balikbayans who were former choir members will also join and CDs will be distributed to them for their study. The date and place will be announced in the next issue.
  • Anniversary Sunday Worship and Luncheon Fellowship. Pray that the new church building will be habitable enough for occupancy on July 30 where its dedication will be incorporated in the worship service. Worship will be held in the second floor which also has a mezzanine. A luncheon fellowship will immediately follow in the ground floor of the church building. . The Anniversary Speaker is Willy “Jojo” Ruffy who is part of the group of Balikbayans that will be coming home for the grand celebration.

LCSMC CYF Christmas Camp: Isang Ulat

ni Princess Mabbatung

Unang araw ng camp, December 26, 2005 alas-2 n.u. kami umalis sa ating simbahan at halos alas-3 na kami nakarating sa UCCP Ellinwood. Pagdating namin sa Ellinwood marami ng youth ang aming nadatnan. Salamat sa Diyos kay Kuya Sammy dahil hinatid niya kami at hinintay na makaalis nang maliwanag na ang sikat ng araw. Halos inabot kami ng gabi bago nakarating sa campsite sa Kiangan, Ifugao kaya isang maikling pananambahan na lamang ang aming isinagawa bago kumain at matulog. Kinabukasan alas 5:40 ng umaga nagsagawa ng isang pormal na pananambahan pagkatapos kumain. Dito’y nagkaroon ng oras para makapag-bonding sa pamamagitan ng paghahati-hati sa maliliit na pangkat ang mga Youth. Mayroong iba na nagsasabi na “uwi na tayo wala naman tayong gagawin dito eh”. Ikatlong araw na nang para sa akin doon palang nag-umpisa ang camp. Nag-organisa ang conference ng isang programa na tinawag nilang makipag-bonding sa ibang kabataan . Nandoon ang takbo dito, takbo roon, talon dito, tawanan doon.

Sa ikaapat na araw na lamang ng camp nakita at nadama ang closeness ng bawat kabataan sa bawat grupo. Mayroong grupo ng kabataan ang nanguna sa panambahan na kung saan ay pinakiusapan nila kaming kapwa kabataan na magtanggal ng sapin sa paa. Dito namin naramdaman ang presensya ng Panginoon dahil kahit na ang klima ay napakalamig ay nabalot ng kakaibang init ang aming lugar. Maraming bagay ang hindi maipaliwanag kung bakit nangyayari subalit hindi tayo pinababayaan ng ating Panginoon na mapahamak. Ang Panginoon ay may dahilan. Sa kuwarto ng mga lalaki ay nakaramdam din sila ng pagsama ng Panginoon sa pamamagitan ng Quiet time.

Huling araw na ng camp, nagsagawa kami ng isang pangwakas na panambahan. Nagulat kami sa mensaheng sayaw at salita ni Ptr. Pekto Gianan. Sa mensahe sa salita sinabi niya na parang mayroong isang manggagawa na aalis. Naisip ko na “Sino kaya ang tinutukoy ni Pastor?” Mayroon din siyang nasabi na maraming bagay ang pumipigil na paglingkuran natin siya. Sa puntong iyon isang nakakabibinging katahimikan ang bumalot sa bahay-sambahan sa Kiangan, Ifugao.

“Sa camp natutunan ko na wag natin hayaan na may humadlang sa ating mga kabataan na maglingkod sa Panginoon”, at hayaan na siya ang magpatakbo at manguna sa ating buhay”.

Disciples Learning Academy Section
School Bits and Pieces
DLA Week celebrated with glee
Though the culminating activity of Family Day and Field Demonstration had to be postponed for another week because of the inclement weather condition, the DLA week was celebrated with fun and meaning on January 23-27, 2006. The KAIBIG (Kamay, Isip at Bibig) tradition was incorporated in the weeklong activity through Quiz bees in all elementary grade levels and Poem Recitation Contest. Winners in the Final Round of Quiz bee according to their rank from 1st to 3rd were Matthew Bryan Reolope, Adrian Justin Galang and Dilean Frani in the Primary Level; Mernard Loui Landicho, Avinson Matro and Danica Anna Villanueva in the Gr. IV-VI Level. Poem Recitation Contest winners were Elijah Medina, Denn Wendell Javier in the Primary Level; Mernard Loui Landicho, Christelle De Guzman and Yukiharu Llano in the Gr. IV-VI Level. The Sportsfest scheduled on Thursday as well as Family Day/Field Demonstration were held on Feb. 2 and 3 respectively because of the rainy weather during the previous week. The PTA officers took charge of beautifying the Field Demo grounds and undertook fund raising activity through food sale. The Field Demonstration presented various Filipino folk dances namely Igorot Tribal Dance by Gr.3, Carinosa by Gr. 1, Pandanggo sa Ilaw by Gr. 2, Tiklos by Gr. 4, Salakot Dance by Gr. 5, Lo Jota Moncadena by Gr. 6, Bulkalakan by Prep, Kumintang by Kinder and Itik-itik by Nursery class. “Sama-samang Pagdiriwang sa Kulturang Pilipino” was the theme of the celebration.

Top Five Pupils for the Third Quarter

GRADE I
CARELO, ARED BEA D.
ASIS, ARJOHN C.
SAHAGUN, JOHN KIM S.
CALUBAYAN, SHELLIE ANN
PARE, NEIL JASPER S. / 95.93
95.66
95.47
95.14
94.79
GRADE II
REOLOPE, BRYAN MATTHEW
MEDINA, GWYN ELIJAH
FRANI, DILEAN C.
JANEO, JOB C.
GALANG, ADRIAN JUSTIN D. / 94.50
94.32
94.30
94.28
94.15
GRADE III
LAYABAN, JON ADRIAN D.
JANEO, EMMANUEL
DAKIS, GENE KARLO V.
JAVIER, DENN WENDELL D.
ACUYADO,IVY RUTH DIANNE / 94.19
93.60
92.61
92.28
92.14
GRADE IV
BUELOS, JULIENE G.
NUÑEZ, CHRISTIAN Y.
DE LEON, ARSHELLE R.
LIBAO, JUSTIN RENZ M.
HERMONO, BYRON PRINCE / 92.42
92.40
92.01
91.47
91.34
GRADE V
MAMARIL, MARA ERIZA
CORCELLES, KRIS LERIN
DE GUZMAN, CHRISTELLE
BAJADE, MARIA NIÑA
COZADA, JIGZ MARK / 94.32
94.09
93.65
92.64
92.33
GRADE VI
MATRO, AVINSON
DE PEDRO,DIONYELL JULIA LANDICHO,MERNARD LOUI ODULIO, PHOEBE GIFT
VILLANUEVA, DANICA / 93.58
91.82
91.53
91.09
91.05
1 – Saquilayan, Michelle / 16 – Del Rosario, Analyn
2 – Joel Gervacio / 16 – Ancheta, Romeo
4 – Saquilayan, Leonisa / 17 – Olaes, Gabina
5 – Purisima, Jeffrey / 19 – Saquilayan, Dennis
5 – Purisima, Julius / 19 – Sapida, Sonia
6 – Calungin, Leticia / 19 – Olaes, Teodulo
7 – Calungin, Romualdo / 20 – Catayong, Joennel
7 – Lumagui, Rosalinda / 21 – Mary Mei Danielli Tio
7 – Reyes, Rizalina / 24 – Ancheta, Joly
7 – Santos, Leticia / 24 – Sapida, Karen
7 – Sapida, Leticia / 24 - Gervacio, Cristina
9 - Narvaez, Primo / 25 – Frani, Efren
10 – Michelle Marie Diane Tio / 27 – Rayco, Phamila
11 – Fauni, Armond & Andrea / 27 – Dakis, Eugene
13 – Fauni, Lito