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| NEWSLETTER Monday Edition May 21, 2012 | |
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Greetings!
The recently concluded Jesus Seminar was a most welcome one, giving us not only a review of, but also a better understanding of the Jesus of the Bible. Our knowledge was challenged by the way with which each topic was presented by first informing us what the critics of Jesus charged and disproving them with historical facts or events. A careful and logical exposition on the topics followed and the conclusion of each lecture was a "How to..." instruction in an easy to absorb A, B, and C fashion. Attendance was best on Sundays, with people usually staying a little longer after the lectures to visit with each other, or to enjoy the snacks, refreshments or meals prepared for them. We thank our Senior Pastors John and Jessie Tulio who came for the three-weekend series despite their busy schedule of ministry in the Philippines. The Church Staff
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| MONTHLY DINNER FELLOWSHIP HELD SUNDAY |  |
 | | Joy, Johnny, Vim, Chris and Junior are among the younger generation who attended. |
Our monthly fellowship dinner was held last evening, Sunday, at the Asia Buffet on Gale Ave. and Fullerton Road. We gathered at the venue as the annular solar eclipse took place outside. Nestor Aguila provided the gadget so we could look at the progress of the eclipse without squinting against the sun. Fifty-some of our congregation came to the fund-raiser which also served as a celebration for the Jesus Seminar just concluded and as another send-off for our senior pastors John and Jessie Tulio who are leaving for the Philippines tomorrow, Tuesday, May 22nd. There was a good mix of the younger and more mature generations in the crowd. Johnny and Nellie Chua, who have been making all the arrangements for these monthly dinners, were already planning for the next one in June, which we ordinarily do on the third Tuesday evening of the month. |
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| DEBT ERASER SEMINAR | |
 The last three lectures of the Jesus Seminar were held this past weekend, on Friday evening, Saturday afternoon, and Sunday morning.
Friday's topic was "The Insider: How Jesus Empowers Us." Pastor John emphasized how Jesus planned for His followers to live powerful lives and that the Holy Spirit provided the internal power system in people to accomplish what was needed to live new lives and "supernatural" lives.
On Saturday, in his talk about "Destination: Jesus: What Jesus Planned for Us," he showed us that our divine destiny is to be transformed into the image of Jesus Christ and that our journey begins and ends in the person of Jesus and that as our lives are transformed we think with His mind, relate to others with His compassion, serve by fulfilling His ministry and move in His name and power.
The final lecture of the series, "Jesus Culture: How Jesus Becomes Real to People," Pastor John explained our role in relation to the "seven mountains" as Christ sends His followers to the world as His ambassadors. When we live, love, serve, and influence culture like He did, we become real to the people around us and are as "salt of the earth" and "yeast" that makes the dough rise.
Again, a set of "How to..." instructions relative to the topic were listed at the conclusion of each lecture. It was a very informative, instructional, and worthwhile seminar that gave us a clearer view of what salvation through faith in Jesus was about, and the practical ways that salvation affects our lives. Too bad for those who missed attending. Please let Royal Garcia know if you want to purchase a jacket of all nine lectures of this seminar. |
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| MEMORIAL SERVICE | |
 | | Ammiel F. Pasco |
A Memorial Service was held on Saturday morning at 11 a.m. for Ammiel F. Pasco, brother of our members, Ademir and Kay Pasco, and cousin of Ruby Dijamco, our Fellowship Lunch Coordinator. The singing group Brown Brothers, U.S.A. offered several songs including Beyond the Sunset, The Lord's My Sheperd, God Made a Way, and It is Well with My Soul. There were several other vocal and instrumental renditions interspersed between several tributes from relatives and friends of Ammiel. Pastor John Tulio gave the homily towards the end of the memorial service. Ademir emceed the program. Those who attended were invited to join the family at the Fellowship Hall to share lunch with them. |
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| CORE GROUP MEETING | |
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A members only Core Group Meeting was held yesterday afternoon after lunch. An update was given by Pastor John regarding our church's finances and related matters. The progress of the work they are doing in the Philippines was also reviewed.
The members were also reminded about our church staff structure and that any concerns, suggestions and critiques should be brought to the attention of the staff rather than be fruitlessly discussed among groups or individuals who may not be able to do much about them. Items brought to the attention of the staff can then be brought to the staff meetings when needed, or to the Core Group when deemed necessary. Otherwise, each member of the pastoral staff can help resolve any issue especially when the particular issue is within their area of assigned responsibility.
A prayer circle was formed by joining hands as prayers were offered at the end of the meeting. |
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| BRIEF REPORT | |
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We are glad to hear that about 120 pastors and leaders in the Philippines gathered to learn about the Basic 10 curriculum this past weekend at a resort in Puerto Galera, Mindoro Oriental, in the Philippines. The resort is reportedly owned by the mayor of Puerto Galera who is also one of the pastors of the group.
Pastors Prom and Norma Amoguis conducted the sessions. A new set of GOGL (Global Outreach of Gospel Life) reports will be published this week. |
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| MARKETPLACE MINISTRY | |
Possessions of the Kingdom
"But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves, and afterward they will come out with great possessions." - Genesis 15:14 Whenever God brings you through a time of great adversity, you can expect to come out of that experience with great possessions, if you have been faithful through the trial. This is a universal truth. Wisdom comes from obedience, not knowledge. When we have been tested and proven, the reality of our faith results in possessions from God that we would never receive if we had not gone through those trials. These are precious in His sight and should be valued greatly. Those who know you will be amazed at the wisdom that comes from your mouth. It is one of those mysteries of the gospel that only those who experience incredible testing and hardship can explain. God kept the people of Israel enslaved 400 years, but when the time came to free them from the bondage of slavery, they came out with great possessions. These physical possessions symbolize the spiritual possessions we receive when we come out of being enslaved to those things that have hindered us all our lives. These possessions are to be shared with others so that they also can know how they might become free. What has God freed you from that allows you to share your possessions with others? Share what God has done in your life with someone you work with today. It may be the possession they need most in their life.
(Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.) |
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| Meditation |
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Dear Lord, many are the wonderful works You have done. You have put a new song in my mouth and praise in my heart. You gave new life to my steps and peace in my soul.
You have lifted me up and placed me upon solid ground. Thank You. May my life bless You and my Words exalt You, O Lord. In Jesus' name, amen. |
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