Volume IV Issue No.

The Official Newsletter of St. Johns UMC

Oct.-Nov. 2011

St. Johns Faces 2012 with Hope & Inspiration

By Joash Mencias church that transcends the message beyond the There are times church walls. He ended by when lunch time at St. providing a hopeful mesJohns is delayed due to sage that as a church, the prolonged worship serpossibilities are endless. vice or discussion durThe congregation also ing the adult Sunday heard other good news school. But on October from various functions of 23 fellowship time was the church as membership not delayed for those increased and new proreasons, but rather, the jects for the restoration of congregation partici- St. Johns is blessed with three candidates for ordained ministry. the aging building. New pated in deciding the near future was given by Pastor Reuel. He church leaders were also preof the church. summarized the report by saying sented and approved. The 2012 The annual local church con- that St. Johns celebrates, con- fiscal budget, which included an ference, presided over by district nects, and contributes. He also increase in the salaries of church superintendent Rev. James Pre- stressed the direction of the workers, was approved as well and ston, approved various items re- church of enriching discipleship supported by the congregation. lated to church from budget in- and becoming a missionary Continue on page 3 creases to candidates for ordained ministry. UMM Breakfast: The meeting began with a video from the Northern Illinois Conference with the message of Together We Serve, United By By Linette Romualdo Love, in which St. Johns was featured to underline the Annual Alan Bond, a missionary who Conferences diversity. DS Preserves through the program ston then delivered a short mesJews for Jesus, shared a presensage based on Philippians 2. tation during the UMM Breakfast Afterwards, a clergy report on October 30th. St. Johns was filled early morning with members enjoying breakfast and the St. Johns UMC fellowship time. 1100 Ontario Street The presentation talked about roots of the Christian faith. The Oak Park, IL 60302 the Jews for Jesus mission and the feast is observed with lulav and (708) 386-5882 "Christ in the Feast of Taberna- etrog. The symbolical blessing that cles," which aims to help the includes lulav is also known as Open Hearts. Open church's understanding of the gos- Sukkot. Candles are lit and the Doors. Open Minds. pel by going back to the Jewish Continue on page 3

A Taste of Culture and Wisdom from Jews for Jesus

The Good News

Page 2 Oct.-Nov. 2011

Food, Dancing & Fun for Christmas Institute

By Joash Mencias A thumping beat drove people to dance all in the name of supporting Filipino youth to attend Christmas Institute (CI). St. Johns, Edison Park, and other area churches joined together in a benefit dinner and dance on October 7 to raise funds for the North Central and South Eastern Jurisdictions CI to be held on the last week of December in Leitchfield, Kentucky. Before the festivities, guests viewed a short presentation about the cause they were supporting. Youth leaders from various planning committees emphasized this years theme of spiritual development and hearing the call of duty. Also stressed were various options of finding more information about Christmas Institute through social media. The festivities went underway immediately after as food was served buffet style and as music radiated throughout the fellowship hall. Entertainment was also provided as the Edison Park MYX, the renowned juggling and dancing youth group, performed classic Filipino dances such as tinikling. But the dancing was not limited to youth as other guests including the young at heart participated in line dancing and ballroom classics. Many people were delighted to support the cause. Lea Reniva praised the efforts of the youth. The dance was fun, she exclaimed. It shows how passionate our youth is in benefiting their spiritual development.

Created in Gods Image, Called to Reflect His Love

By Linette Romualdo Tou Yang, an interning pastor at Christway UMC in Wisconsin, shared the story of his journey with God on Saturday Night Alive (SNA), October 15. Entitled Gods Reflection, the key verse of the night was John 13:15, which says, "I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." Yang illustrated the theme through a clip of Lion King where Rafikki the money said to a guilty and ashamed Simba, Look deeper. These words enabled Simbad to see his father in his reflection on the water. Yangs faith was shaky when he was young, but as he experienced God in different ways as time went by, it became firm and solid. Through being a pastor, he is reminded that God is found in everything we do. He also pointed out that there is love in everything God does. Through the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, "God shows how he wants us to reflect Him in the world. We should serve each other. That is the main image," Yang said.
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Lord, help me to love with both words and deeds, To reach out to sinners and meet their needs; Lord, burden my heart for those lost in sin, With mercy and love that flows from within. Fitzhugh

The Good News

Page 3 Oct.-Nov. 2011

UMM Breakfast Continued from front page lulav has a variety of tree leaves. The UMM Breakfast began with an opening prayer by the Vice President, Ronald Romualdo. Following the introduction of the speaker by President, Sadiri Dela Cruz, and the presentation, a free-will offering was held for the Jews for Jesus. Closing prayer and remarks were given by Rev. Reuel Talapian, concluding the breakfast gathering. Mr. Romualdo believes that the breakfast activity was one of the most successful events of the UMM. "There was a huge and significant number of attendance and delicious food prepared by the members. The guest shared interesting information about the Jewish culture and history about the Jewish traditions and culture," he explained.

Church Conference Continued from front page Candidates for the ordained and other ministries, which included Eric Reniva, Nancy Hunter, and Darlene Rodriguez, were all unanimously approved to continue on their education and path to serving the church. The congregation prayed for each candidate. Rodriguez was recognized by DS as the first deaconess of the district. Indeed, as the church continues to celebrate, connect, and contribute to society, the possibilities for St. Johns are endless in 2012.

Fall is St. Johns Apple & Fellowship Season

By Kathlyn Talapian St. Johns enjoyed a rare warm weather as they picked apples and picnicked on October 8. The annual fellowship is held during the Columbus weekend to take advantage of the long weekend for students. We go apple picking yearly because for many, picking apples is a tradition, and we want to do it with our family, which is St. Johns, apple picking coordinator May Mendoza explained. Members and friends gathered at Edwards Apple Orchard in Poplar Grove early in the morning to shop favorite delicacies, apples and donuts in the orchard store. At about noon, they rode a wagon that brought them to two stations of Apple Delicious and Golden Delicious. Children and adults tasted and filled their buckets with apples. Members headed to Rock Cut State Park in Loves Park for the picnic. The group enjoyed lunch in benches under a big yellow tree. Bellies were filled with tasty food brought and cooked by members. Afterwards, the kids played in the playground and enjoyed the scenery of the lake. The adults on the other hand chit chatted and took pictures. New members such as the Yalongs, Marcelos and Sylvia Brown joined this years fun. The Granadosins and Esguerras were also present to fellowship with St. Johns. This is my first time to go apple picking and it was a really good experience for me because of St. Johns. Thank you so much, Brown shared.

Fruits of the Vine

Page 4 Oct.-Nov. 2011

Saturday Night Alive Continued from Page 2 SNA kicked off the night with praise and worship by 15:2 Exodus and Rejoice! Dancers. The Christway youth band gladly shared their worship through songs of praise. Pastor Cecila Granadosin reflected on the theme and key verse, sharing memories of her grandfather who taught her how to learn and appreciate the things she used to fear when she was little. She was followed by Noemi Binag and Pastor Steve Granadosin, who played the violin and guitar respectively. The next SNA is on November 19th and it bears the theme, Gratitude Expressed. Everyone is invited in this time of praise and thanksgiving.

I Asked God
By Gloria Domingo You know there are things in life I ponder. I wrestle in it. I reflect in it and I even meditate its burdensome and weight so I think I better ask God. I asked God how can I lone someone who are unable? How can I forgive those who had done me wrong? I asked God how can I have patience to those who had been contrary? How can i be kind to those who are all mean, cruel, and uncharitable? And be gracious to those who are offensive and disagreeable? How can I be merciful to the ruthless, callous, heartless and uncaring people? I can think of a lot more, I tell you. But I realize how depressing, heartening and futile to think of negative things in life. For come to think of it, I, myself, had been guilty of like wise.
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St. Johns Meets Heroes & Characters!

By Kathlyn Talapian The fellowship time on October 30th at St. Johns was star studded with different characters such Darth Vader, Superman, Indiana Jones and Marilyn Monroe. Kids and adults alike paraded different costumes while Trick or treating on the tables. The costume parade is always fun. We can be anyone we want and we see different and creative costumes every year! said Elizabeth Cyrwus who was Snow White during the parade. Joining the fun were kids in costumes of ninjas, a cheerleader, hello kitty and Bat Girl. Even babies at church such as AJ Ramos and Esther Junio were dressed cutely as a duck and a dinosaur respectively. Right after Sunday School Time, everyone dressed up in their costumes and prepared for the parade. The kids were showered with candies, chocolates and chips from members. Afterward, many of them stayed in the gym to enjoy munching on what they received. Its nice to see the kids enjoying themselves through the parade. We thank the members for supporting and giving candies, said Kazelyn Talapian.

Fruits of the Vine

Page 5 Oct.-Nov. 2011

Its Not About You Continued from Page 4 But this I know: I know God is love no doubt about that. He had proved His love a thousand times at that. He pardons even though we don't deserved it. He forgives even though we don't ask for it. He loves even the unlovable. He's merciful, He's kind and I thank Him for His Love.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
By Linette Romualdo Virginia Evangelista Member Emeritus The Grape Vine (TGV): When and how did you start going at St. Johns? Virginia Evangelista (VE): 6 years ago in Christmas. We were invited by the Mencias family. TGV: How do you describe St. Johns? VE: St. Johns is a good church with good pastor and friends. I am very happy whenever I go to church on Sundays. TGV: What were your struggles in moving to America? VE: My husband just died when my daughters took me here. I didnt want to go here at first, but Mary Rose told me that I should spend time and be with my kids in America, because Ive been separated with them for a long time. TGV: What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving Holiday? VE: I am very thankful that I came here because life is better here. We are happy. Our life is full of hard times but we are happy together. My kids are very obedient and they love me. TGV: What are prayers for the future? VE: I pray that God will give me more years to live so I can further guide my grandchildren in living a life with Him. NOVEMBER 15 Bhu and Kristine Reniva 18 Frank and Darlene Rodriguez 19 Eden and Elsa Guttierez

NOVEMBER 1 Elisa Managuelod Krista Lariosa 2 Ed Mendoza 5 Amy Arnold 6 Percy Villaflor 7 Shanti Thangaraj 10 Natalia Avina Andrew Tardecilla 11 Aloja Criador Urpi Pariona 13 Ryan Flores 19 Rev. Romir Esguerra 20 Alvin Vidad 24 Kai Talapian 26 Linda FlorCruz Kathlyn Talapian 27 Mary Rose Smith Brian Farrales Gigi Estacio 28 Chantal Ramos 29 Lyndon de Ocampo Yvonne Afable Gian Carlo Managuelod 30 Mel Magdayao

Congratulations to the Siniguian family for their new home!

NOVEMBER 19, 2011 (6 PM)

The Grape Jelly

Page 6 Oct.-Nov. 2011

U U B Y Q H I S G J Q V F M G Z M Y X L C M A Y F L O W E R P L D G S F G L I R Q B M Y V T Y H O Z U T Y J P A H W W N X A E Y O T T S V G R K N C I M J I R S U Q C K G Y P Q A P I R Y W L I O U H H V Z F T D T F O B O T T Q A G L R F D P U A D B H P X E A B A G S P R Y E O C I F V Y I M H W U C U N T W O I S V O R H E R R Z U V R D S A H G X R M C X T A S H T U O M Y L P S Z R E W W S P P B N W D H N S C T H A N K S G I V I N G A B O L B N W T C F O O D W V S B Z L D L E L I L J P X U Y J J O A Q F N D G Q L R L U D P F C C F C E F X T X M Z S A T R E C O D Z M A Q F A I F A K F B H N U I F E G E X R E P L I W D U C V X K E R E D A J I T E Q L T R N X Z G R S W B K S Z N V F P Y V Q G K L G K M F B E F E U B A I K M H U B Y Q H I S G J Q I V Y F M G Z M Y X L C L D G S G L I R P Q B M Y PILGRIMS THANKSGIVING MAYFLOWER PURITAN GRACE GOD TURKEY STUFFING CRANBERRIES PIE FOOTBALL FALL FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FOOD PLYMOUTH

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The Grape Vine

STAFF
Kathlyn Talapian
Editor-in-Chief ktalapian_8@yahoo.com
I turn polar bears white and I will make you cry. I make guys have to pee and girls comb their hair. I make celebrities look dumb and normal people look like celebrities. I turn pancakes brown and make your champagne bubble. If you squeeze me, I'll pop. If you look at me, you'll pop. Can you guess the riddle? too much. > Pressure in your bladder makes you have to pee. > Peer pressure makes girls comb their hair...! > Celebrities usually crack under pressure. > Many normal people will shine under pressure. > Pancakes turn brown thanks to pressure generated by the heat. > Champagne will bubble until the pressure of the carbonation has disappeared. > If you squeeze something un> Polar bears are white because der pressure, BAM, there it goes. the pressure at the poles is low, so If you are "looking" at pressure, they have to be able to absorb you're in it, like in an airplane, and heat. your ears pop. > Pressure makes you cry if it's

Joash Mencias Linette Romualdo

Reporters

Gloria Domingo April Cyrwus Adrian Farrales

Contributors

Resources for Photos

Rev. Reuel Talapian

Adviser

A: Pressure

Celinne Mencias Pastor Steve Granadosin

By April Cyrwus