Volume IV Issue No.

The Official Newsletter of St. Johns UMC

September 2011

Honoring Nurses Remembering the Veterans on 9/11 & Gods Promises St. Johns expresses gratitude through songs
By Joash Mencias Just when people thought there were enough nurses at St. Johns, the church hosted the Mary Johnston College of Nursing Alumni Sunday service on September 25, and dozens of nurse graduates from the Greater Chicago Chapter of the honorable school were present. The special Sunday service focused on the nurses as the St. Johns congregation welcomed them with open doors, hearts and minds. Members of the Greater Chicago Chapter participated in the service. Jan Ina Junio, a member of St. Johns and a Mary Johnston graduate, led the service as the liturgist. Members from the Class of 1990 offered a rendition of the classic hymn, Blessed Assurance. Lydia Roasa-Ward, member of the Board of Directors of the Greater Chicago Chapter, took to the pulpit and delivered a message about promises, which included an extensive featuring of all the present Mary Johnston alumni in the congregation.

of hope, words of encouragement and food

By Linette Romualdo In commemoration of 9/11, St. John's UMC under the leadership of the Outreach Committee visited brave Americans who helped the country become a better place to live in at Hines Veteran Hospital. Lolit Flores shared that the veterans loved the visit because "nobody visits them anymore and they are by themselves most of the time. By visiting them, we make them feel special. We give them company and they dont feel lonely." 15:2 Exodus and Rejoice!
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Pastor Granadosin: A New Pastor Full of Hopes for St. Johns Ministries
By Kathlyn Talapian The Lord continues to bless St. Johns as the church welcomed Pastor Cecilia Granadosin, a Master of Divinity student at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, on September 25 for her field education. Pastor Granadosin has always admired the ministries at St. Johns. After recently moving to Chicago from Seattle in August 2009, she and her husband, Pastor Steve, visited St. Johns because of friends who told them that this church would make them feel like they were in their home church in Washington. She has since then come back to the church to support the Saturday Night Alive and other activities. I see how alive the ministries are in this church, and I see that St. Johns has a lot of potential. The ministries of St. Johns are very important and I want to be part of it. I want to help in any way I can, Pastor Granadosin said. Pastor Granadosin will be involved in different activities of the
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St. Johns UMC

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

Open Hearts. Open Doors. Open Minds.

The Good News

Page 2 September 2011

Fighting Malaria the Youth Way

By Joash Mencias Several youth from St. Johns joined dozens of other youths at Glenview United Methodist Church for the annual Nothing But Nets event on September 24. The district event aimed to create fellowship with other youth members while raising money and awareness for the Imagine No Malaria campaign. Youth members participated in various activities such as dodgeball and played board games and guitar hero with other district young people. Besides dodgeball, members also participated in creating blankets for ill people in the hospital and children in poverty. Lunch was provided for the attendees after an active morning. Imagine No Malaria is a United Methodist campaign that provides mosquito nets for prevention and malaria treatment in Africa. Its aim is to eradicate malaria by the year 2015. For more information on how to help, visit imaginenomalaria.org or nothingbutnets.org

Remembering the Veterans Continued from front page Dancers sang songs of worship and hope for the veterans, who sang and clapped along. Rev. Jerry Grim gave a message of inspiration, applauding the veterans for their great work and dedication to the United States. "Hope Now" by Addison Road was sung by 15:2 Exodus in closing and a prayer was led by Rev. Reuel Talapian. In appreciation to the veterans for all their hard work and for welcoming St. John's warmly, the youth and adults served refreshments such as peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies, and soda. Rejoice! Dancer Jocelyn Mendoza had a wonderful experience in the visit. She said, "I was glad to give out the food and to share my prayers with them. I would be very blessed and happy to visit and see all the veterans again."

FILIPINO-AMERICAN UNITED METHODISTS

Bonded by Faith and Ethnicity

By Kathlyn Talapian A Filipino adage says that people must never forget to look back where they came from. As Filipinos living in the greener pasture, we are called to celebrate the gift of our ethnicity and share our blessings to our brothers and sisters in need in the Philippines. In this premise, several Filipino pastors of the Northern Illinois Conference (NIC) convened on September 12 at Prince of Peace UMC and officially founded the Filipino-American United Methodist Ministry of NIC. Because of the growing Filipino groups and church leaders in the conference, the pastors decided to organize the caucus group and
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Prayer is the soil in which hope and healing grow best.

The Good News

Page 3 September 2011

Pong Javier Testifies About the Joys & Hardships of Walking with God
By Linette Romualdo "Parents should not send their children to church. Parents should take their children to church. See the difference?" Aquilino Javier Jr., more commonly known as Pong Javier, shared a testimony of his personal journey with Christ during the recently concluded Saturday Night Alive entitled "Promises." Also present that night was the Gathering Place Praise Team of 1st UMC in Oak Park, who offered a song of worship. As a "Jesus Freak" at a young age, Mr. Javier became an activist and went to several countries, such as Puerto Rico and Zimbabwe, sharing God's love and word to others. Having Christ in his life, Mr. Javier went through trials, but overcame it through God's word and promises. "There is power in love. God is love." he said. He also talked about his son, James, who is continuously recovering through Gods grace after his accident in 2009. An organization called "Miles for James" was established by his New Pastor Continued from front page church, mainly with the youth and the young adult groups. In October 1, she started teaching Sunday School among high school and college youths. She also led the Childrens Moment, creatively teaching the kids that God is the Cornerstone with which we build our church. In the near future, she will also participate in the monthly SNA, the production of

friends and family, and it holds annual marathons to raise funds for James medical costs. Mr. Javier ended his inspiring story with the idea of the meaning of JOY. Indeed, to receive joy, one must put Jesus first, Others second, and Yourself last.
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Filipino-American UM Ministry Continued from page 2 elect officers. St. Johns Pastor, Rev. Reuel Talapian, was elected as the VicePresident of the Fil-Am United Methodist Ministry. Serving with him as officers are Rev. Cerna Rand as President, Pastor Cecilia Granadosin as Secretary and Rev. Noah Panlilio as Treasurer. The officers will be installed on Oct. 29th, during the Fil-Am UM Ministrys Thanksgiving meeting. This caucus group seeks to strengthen the relationship among all Filipino-Americans (clergy and lay) in our conference, and to create a meaningful connection with the Filipinos in the Philippines and here in the US, Rev. Cerna Rand explained.

The Grape Vine, and other ministries. St. Johns members warmly welcomed Pastor Ganadosin with enthusiastic hearts. StaffParish Relations Committee Member Evelyn Vicera is very happy that she has come to St. Johns because she will be an asset to our church. She will be a big help because she is talented, and she can contribute a lot in our ministries. Pastor Granadosin received the call to serve God in 2007 and today, she has the credentials and certification to become a local pastor. She and Pastor Steve are graduating in May, after which they have to return to Seattle and serve in the PacificNorthwest Conference.

Fruits of the Vine

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9/11 in our Hearts even 10 Years Later

By Kathlyn Talapian Sept. 11, 2001 marks the date that changed the lives of many people in the United States and the world. After a decade, we continue to remember the victims who died in this tragic event as well as their loved ones. St. Johns Youth gathered for a prayer activity in the church sanctuary in remembrance of 9/11. The activity was initiated and facilitated by the youth council headed by President Joash Mencias. We should never forget what 9/11 cost many people. We want to honor and remember them even in little ways such as in prayer, Mencias explained. The Prayer for Peace program started with singing of a hymn led by Celinne Mencias. Afterward, the youth recited the renowned prayer of St. Francis Assisi. The youth then wrote their prayers with dissolving ink. As SNA Continued from page 3 The highlights of the night included a song offering by The Gathering Place, covering Chris Tomlins This is Our God with guitar and djembe. The popular poem "Footprints in the sand" was read by Adrian Farrales to further remind us that God is always there to keep His promises. Afterward, Rev. Reuel Talapian reflected on the theme and theme verse of the night, which was Hebrews 13:5: "God has said, 'I will never abandon you or leave you.'" He talked about Sarah and Isaac, who longed and prayed to God for a child. The Lord had heard them and He gave

they placed their papers in a bowl of water, they reflectively watched their concerns washed away. Pastor Jerry led the youth in prayer for peace, hope and inspiration. The youth departed in silence. Sylvia Brown appreciated the activity because it reminded me that the world is not just about me. So many people are out there suffering because of war and violence. We have to do what we can for them, she said. THE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCIS Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. Where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled, as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love. For it is in giving that we receive. It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life. Amen.

them twins, Jacob and Esau. 15:2 Exodus and Rejoice! Dancers led the praise singing with songs like "Promises" and "You are my All in All" by Hillsong. They also led an act of adoration, where everyone was invited to write down their words of thanks to God in a paper that looked like an alabaster jar and to take it to the altar as an offering.

Fruits of the Vine

Page 5 September 2011

Its Not about You

By Gloria Domingo Who is the most important person in the church? Why do you come to St. Johns to worship? Are you here because somebody invited or forced you to attend the service? Is it because of the fellowship, family or the food (just kidding!)? Is it about you? Wont it be wonderful if youre here because you can feel the presence of the Lord? Your being here is not an accident. God brought you here. Please look and meditate your personal reason why you are here. If it is because of the pastor, a certain person, the music or the fellowship, then you could be in for a disappointment. The pastor is only human, and he is not perfect. This is a common mistake of many church members. They think that since the pastor brings us the Good News, he should be as holy and sinless as Jesus. Well, the pastor cannot always please everyone. He may give sermons not to your liking. If you have the wrong expectations, the pastor may disappoint you. In the same way, the choir and praise team may not always sing heavenly to your ears. Members may say something unacceptable to you or do something that will

make your faith stumble. Yes. People can be a disappointment. Well, how about putting God first. Come because you want to worship God; because you can feel Gods spirit here. Its about God and not about you. Do you feel that when you leave St. Johns, that you dont leave God behind? That in fact You are bringing Him with you to share with others His love for us and your faith in Him? We dont only talk about among people at our church but also to everybody who needs Him.
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Congratulations to the Newly Weds! Gino and Jill Villanueva

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
By Joash Mencias Gaspar Marcelo Member, United Methodist Men The Grape Vine (TGV): How did you find St. Johns? Gaspar Marcelo (GM): We found out about the church through Vren Esguerra when we attended their church (Calvary UMC) one Sunday. TGV: What makes St. Johns unique? GM: From food to special culture days, Filipino culture is present in every aspect of the church. TGV: How has St. Johns helped you transition to life in America? GM: The members here are very supportive since many of them came from a similar position before. Many of us are Filipinos, and that makes me feel a little closer to home.

Welcome to the Christian Family of St. Johns, Princess Edda Lofranco!

The Grape Jelly

Page 6 September 2011

G X O U W C O U N M Z J V C B I U I E R

N J B A O H R E L H V I G S X C Q K L E

B R L L K M E A N H Y D C M C Z S R G D

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

By April Cyrwus
D K A C J Z C D N C X K Y I Y A G D M S U X A U T U M N E J R B A B J J N R B R N Z I K C I R T R N F S E O F R G P H J

Honoring Nurses Continued from front page The Mary Johnston College of Nursing Alumni of the Greater Chicago Chapter expressed deep gratitude for St. Johns hospitality and also their ongoing support for the education of future nurses in the Philippines.

APPLE AUTUMN CIDER RED OAK ORCHARD

PICNIC PUMPKIN COLD COLUMBUS COSTUMES HALLOWEEN

HOMECOMING PARADE TREAT TRICK

The Grape Vine

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

Joash Mencias Linette Romualdo

Reporters

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Gloria Domingo April Cyrwus Adrian Farrales

Contributors

Its Not About You Continued from page 5 Its all about God and His saving grace. Let us focus on God not on ourselves. Yes, it is about God. Look at the Good news about God and what is good in His creation. Bless Him and ask that St. Johns really be a place for Him to dwell. God loves us. Keep Him always in

Ronald Romualdo Pastor Steve Granadosin

Resources for Photos

Rev. Reuel Talapian

Adviser

your heart, mind and life. Always pray to Him! Ask Him that He use you to spread His love! Ask yourself: What can I do for God today? How can I please God today? Keep on asking and along the way you will find the opportunity to serve Him. Yes! Its all about God!

A: Chickens cant talks