Volume IV Issue No.

The Official Newsletter of St. Johns UMC

August 2011

We are all Children of God!

VBS Officially Welcomes Adults as Delegates

By Kathlyn Talapian With open hearts and open minds packed with other overnight retreat necessities, children, youth and adults alike gathered at St. Johns for the first official family Vacation Bible School. There were classes for all ages, and everyone learned about the stories and lessons of Simon Peters spiritual journey with Christ. Bearing the theme, SonRock, VBS was an overnight event from August 12-13. The theme verse was 1 John 3:1a, which says, How great is the love the Father that we should be called children of God! Im sure that everyone who came

to VBS went home with a smile like me, said Elizabeth Cyrwus. It was nice learning more about ourselves through studying Peters experiences with Jesus. There were more than 50 kids and adults who attended the event. Delegates were divided to five age groups, and they enjoyed Continue on page 2

St. Johns UMC

1100 Ontario Street Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-5882

Open Hearts. Open Doors. Open Minds.

Babies Hideout:

St. Johns Opens a Nursery Room for Toddlers

By Joash Mencias If youve gone upstairs to the Sunday school wing lately, you would have noticed a change in the pre-school classroom. The room was reorganized and divided to accommodate a new nursery room that lets parents take their baby and still listen and watch the service. The project, led by the Junio family, provides parents greater comfort and ease while simultaneously receiving spiritual guidance during the service. The new nursery room is located on east side of the education wing. It features a new clean beige carpet and is surrounded by foam puzzle numbers. A rocking chair and other seats provide comfort for the parents. To the back of the room are windows opened to the balcony so that parents can hear the message. And its outer upstairs location provides immediate escape during baby tantrums and weeps. April Cyrwus, a Sunday School Assistant, was impressed with the results. "Its nice to see an actual nursery room now. Parents can now worship while taking care of their child.

The Good News

Page 2 August 2011

A Sunny Picnic for People with Warm Hearts

By Linette Romualdo The picnic tables of the UMC Campground in Des Plaines, IL were filled with food and people in the spirit of fellowship as St. Johns held its church picnic on August 6 in spite of the rainy weather forecast. Fortunately, the weather was VBS Continued from front page bible discussions, music and craft times. As fun filled the air, each group made a name of what they would be known, such as the Tiger Babies (Preschoolers), the Powerpuff Boys (Elementary kids), and Voltron Force (High schoolers). During the closing worship, each group presented what they have learned in their classes. The kids recited memory verses, showcased their works of art, performed skits and danced to songs, while the adults led the hymn singing of the service. The youth group presented their symbolical art, which was made of wood and recycled materials. According to Kayla Mendoza, they all picked up things in the park that showed who they were before they accepted Christ and who they are now. They combined all their stuff to create an image of a person (an empty Gatorade bottle) kneeling down in front of a cross, surrendering his life to God and letting Him be in control. VBS Kids presented in the Sunday worship service songs that they learned in the event. Several participants and facilitators also shared insights during joys and concerns. The VBS group made a banner which was hung in narthex. Christian Education Chair Ronald Romualdo, along with Pastor Reuel Talapian, Pastor Nancy Hunter, the Sunday School teachers as well as a couple of volunteer adults, led the planning and The adult group decorated wooden crosses. execution of VBS this year. nice and warm, and it barely drizzled. It was the perfect time to enjoy summer and have fun with each other. Youth Coordinator, Camille Agpaoa, enjoyed the gathering, saying, I loved the church picnic. I would definitely go to the picnic next year. I ate lots of food, chatted with friends, spent quality time with churchmates and swam with them. It was a great experience since I got to enjoy everyone's company while enjoying the nature as well. Thank God for that wonderful day. The gathering began around lunch time and almost immediately, the campground became full of cars and people. Church members brought different food, such as chicken afritada, spaghetti, pizza, salads, chicharon and a whole lot more. The UMC Campground had lots of space for the children to run around and play. At around two in the afternoon, the pool was opened. Kids, youths and adults took advantage of the sweltering weather and relaxed in the cold water. Meanwhile, as moms chitchatted on the table and youths swam and enjoyed the pool, the men had cheers and laughs while playing bean bag toss. Some also played basketball in the court that was also available for use. The church picnic was initiated by Keith Miranda and the United Methodist Men. It was scheduled earlier in the summer season but due to severe thunderstorm on July 25th, it was postponed until August.

Dont let smaller things distract you from the bigger work of God around the world.

The Good News

Page 3 August 2011

St. Johns Reaches Out to Hepzibah for the New School Year
By Kathlyn Talapian Back in the days when I was in school, I always felt kind of bad when I didn't have any school supply like the kid next to me. There were times too when kids made fun of others because they didn't have supplies or because they only had hand-me down supplies. I know these things still happen today, and I know we at St. Johns can help and donate something for these children, Outreach Chair Darlene Rodriguez said. These insights inspired Mrs. Rodriguez to launch the School Supplies Drive back in 2009, donating boxes of art and writing materials to institutions such as Hepzibah Childrens Association, Sarahs Circle and Pacific Garden Mission. Shiela Farrales joined her team this year and accepted the responsibility of being the project coordinator. For about a month, the duo encouraged members to support the drive and think of the kids who are not as fortunate as we are. Through Gods grace, the team was able to donate 10 new book bags and approximately $70 worth of school supplies to the children of Hepzibah. The donations were brought to the charity home on August 23 by Frank and Mrs. Rodriguez. Ms. Farrales thank all the people who contributed help, time and support to the project. We have to believe that we can make a difference. We (the Outreach Committee) is not asking for a lot of money. What matters is the effort and commitment to help others, she said. Continue on page 6

UMM Concert Features Creative Musical Acts of Worship

By Joash Mencias When someone sings a Christian rendition of Ushers hit song, OMG, its not what people have in mind when expecting a church concert. But thats exactly what happened at the annual Chicago Northwestern District Mens Concert Festival. Jaquay Wilkerson, 19 years old, from Resurrection United Methodist Church performed the unconventional song with modified lyrics. Numerous churches including Resurrection and St. Johns attended the 2-hour event on August 27 at Elston Avenue United Methodist Church. Various choirs and worship groups from Resurrection, Elston Ave., Edison Park, and St. Johns United Methodist churches performed. St. Johns musical presence was definitely noticed with a variety of talent. 15:2 Exodus, the St. Johns worship team, provided praise and worship music with classic songs set to the beat of a cajon. Also hyping up the praise was the Rejoice! Dancers. The Celebration Choir performed a gospel-blues rendition of Standing on the Solid Rock that included several youth members singing. Other highlights of the night include the choir of Resurrection, who brought the audience to their feet with soulful gospel songs. As previously mentioned, one of their youths performed a rendition of Ushers OMG, which lightened up the crowd atmosphere. Pastor Dwayne Grant, also from Resurrection, accompanied the congregation in hymns with his blues and jazz renditions of classic hymns. An acrobatic interpretive dance led to the audience holding their breath as the Edison Park

MYX youth group amazed the congregation with lifts and acrobatic tumbling. The district mens president, Leon Deloney, said during the event that everyone who performed during the night will come back next year to make the concert bigger for the glory of the Lord.

Fruits of the Vine

Page 4

A Dirge of a Gentle Dove

By Kathlyn Talapian

August 2011

It really feels so sad to fail The millstone inside that seems like I cannot take I want to cry, to shout and release the pain Why do I have to be doomed in this solitude state? Isnt my hundred and one percent enough? Am I not worthy to gain the trust? Whats wrong? Could anyone please tell me why? Cause Im torn into pieces yet all I can do is to sigh Regrets, misery, distress and depression I want to run and leave this uncertain condition These repulsive feelings smother me at the present situation Could anybody save me from absolute self-dejection? I yearn to be free I desire to find serenity I want to be at ease But my sorrow, it hinders me Questions pack my mind But its the answers I could not find Can I be deaf and blind for all my life? Cause its the reality Im not prepared to abide So now I come to my Lord I seek to be filled with His heartening words I knock at His presence to be bind with one accord I long to be healed so please help me, O Lord.

SNA: GOD IS IN CONTROL

By Linette Romualdo Entitled "Mission:Possible," Saturday Night Alive highlighted a testimony of pain, hope and grace from Monica Salgado. The contemporary worship service, which was held on August 21, also featured a special performance from Heavenly Angels, Mandell UMCs youth liturgical dancers. Salgado talked about the difficult experiences she had in her life, emphasizing how she conquered the challenges put upon her through Gods help. "He completed me," said Salgado during her testimony. According to her, she is grateful that the trials and problems she had enabled her to share life-lessons to people. It also inspired her to take up the mission to help other children overcome their circumstances as well. SNA was inspired by Matthew 19:26b: "With man, this is impossible, With God, all things are possible." "This theme and verse reminds us of how powerful God is. If we only let Him be the captain of our lives, anything will be possible," Worship Chair Roselin Romualdo explained. 15:2 Exodus and Rejoice! Dancers led the praise singing, performing the songs "Here in My Life" and "All Things Are Possible," both by Hillsong. Pastor Reuel Talapian shared a message about how the Bible says many stories of the impossible becoming possible like the story of Naomi, a young widow who had no hope for herself to re-marry that she even urged her daughter-in-laws to leave her. But she met Boaz, whom she married, in a way that only God could have designed. The evening event concluded again as a success. Mrs. Romualdo said, "Worship is the best offering we can give God, and we are blessed that we can express it freely and creatively at SNA."

Fruits of the Vine

Page 5 August 2011

Food that Rock the Soul

By Gloria Domingo Food is a very interesting subject to talk about. Food is something we all need and enjoy most of the time. There is food for our bodys maintenance, but theres also: Food for thought to enrich our mind; Food for soul to feed our soul and renew our Spirit, and Manna from heaven food that God alone can provide. For Jesus is the Bread of Life, He said, I am the Bread of Life, he who comes to me will never be hungry. He who believes in me will never be thirsty. (Please read John 6:25-59) What a promise. Dont you want to enjoy the feast that Jesus had prepared for us? The invitation is open to all. Come and dine with them. Thinking of food makes me hungry and my senior citizen brain well stimulated. My soul is craving for more spiritual food that only God can satisfy. O cant wait for the time Ill have appetizing, well-prepared dinner with the Lord. Its something to look forward to. For the time being let me share with you this recipe that you may want to try (See Shrimp Salad Recipe). Now on the practical side, let me with you these tips on getting the right watermelon, thats the

Shrimp Salad Ingredients: Shrimps blanched Ginger grated Onion chopped Celery chopped Cucumber cube Lime Soy Sauce Olive Oil 1. Blanche shrimps in boiling water. Peel. 2. Mix lime, ginger, onion, soy sauce. 3. Pour oil slowly to vinaigrette. 4. Put celery and cucumber in a container. Add the peeled shrimps Pour vinaigrette. juicy fresh, sweet, mouth-watering kind. This is from Readers Digest (Bob Morrissey the executive Director of the National Watermelon Assoc.): 1. You have to check the weight. The heavier it is, the better. Melon is made up of 92% of water. 2. Color it should have a yellow, creamy bottom, which is a sign that it is not fully ripe. 3. Thump thats the sound it makes. Put the melon on the counter and give it a palm smack. The more hallow the sound is, the riper it likely to be. If you have a better way of getting good watermelon, I would like to hear from you. I hope to see and taste juicier, sweeter ripe watermelon in the church soon. Now on the Trivias side. Did you know that the biggest source of sin is food? Eden The forbidden fruit is a cause of sin. Adam and Eve were told not to eat the fruit yet the disobeyed. Esau traded his birth right to get for food, so he didnt get the blessing due for him.
Continue on page 6

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
By Joash Mencias April Cyrwus Vice-President, UMYF The Grape Vine (TGV): How long have you been attending St. Johns? April Cyrwus (AC): 15 years, since I was 1 year old! TGV: Whats the best thing about st johns? AC: It's like a family. We look out for each other while we all get together every Sunday to worship God. TGV: If you had to choose one word to describe St. Johns, what would it be? Why? AC: Together because we do our ministries and service to God together. We grow together, and she make God known to others together.

The Grape Jelly

Page 6 August 2011

Food that Rock the Soul Continued from page 5 Israelite gone to Egypt for food and became slave for many many years. In the wilderness the Israelites were given Manna bread and quail for meat yet they complained and God listened. Hence, it took them 40 years to reach the promise land. There could be other instances that you can add to these. Go on, search the Bible Happy Reading! Hope you get something out of this article. I do hope this satisfied your appetite a little bit and make you crave for more knowledge about God. Have fun, feast in the word of God. Learn more about Him. Have a relaxing moments with Him. Spend time reading your Bible. Youll be glad you sought and discovered God. Enjoy your best with God!

By April Cyrwus

** Word Search **
V U R R S E C K C I T S E U L G Y N Q O X R E P A P H P A R G I H G H D O O M L Q R E S A R E B P A P E R C A M R K T U M P E W H E S L I C N E P D E R O L O C Q E S S R E T H G I L H G I H K B X Y T F N R T I S D P L Z O R G A N I Z E R E M S E C Y T F E S E U S S I T W F L P P L B D B I A B N A F Z L F O A O A B P B T G L M L P N C S L I C N E P T Q T J E V Q O X S L V I C S F M F D O W N Q C C X X F K R E R L J S B R E S S U O L P I S R T G O R M S H G L D H R Z A N V A K F K H E S D A H N K C A Z I N I P K H R N Y E J S G R A O Q O P D D W J I C O C J J S S I R K R T E F Q G N M U E A F D B I A Z C V E P E O L G P I Y U I P N H S W U K S Y R E B E O J C D H Z X K G M T N R E P N S N O Q M T C K N L K C I K D W U J J U J E O Z S X K P H B D A V Y S P S U Z U A R K M A S F H G Q L B P G

The Grape Vine Staff

Kathlyn Talapian
Editor-in-Chief ktalapian_8@yahoo.com

Joash Mencias Linette Romualdo

Reporters

Gloria Domingo April Cyrwus Adrian Farrales

Contributors

BACKPACK COLORED PENCILS ERASER GLUESTICK GRAPHPAPER

HIGHLIGHTERS MARKERS ORGANIZER PAPER PENS

PENCILS STAPLER PENCIL THESAURUS SHARPENER TISSUES FOLDERS SCISSORS NOTEBOOK

Ronald Romualdo
Pictures Resource Person

Rev. Reuel Talapian

Adviser

School Supplies Continued from page 3 The Outreach Committee invites everyone to help pack snack lunches for the people aided by West Suburban PADS in the coming months. Please see Mrs. Rodriguez for more information