The Gift of Christmas

St. Johns revisits the story of Christmas through music and reflection of the Word
By Joash Mencias In a collaboration of the Celebration Choir, Childrens Choir, and young people, the talented singers of St. Johns raised their voices to proclaim that the gift goes on and on. The combined choirs performed a cantata entitled The Gift of Christmas: Worshipping the Gift and the Giver, created by Claire Cloninger and Gary Rhodes, published by Word Music. The cantata was weaved within the worship service during the third Sunday of Advent. Popular songs included The Gift Goes On, featuring a solo by Ce- Sharing Christmas in a Simple Way linne Mencias and background voices by the Childrens Choir and By Kathlyn Talapian Breath of Heaven performed by Pennies were given a new value Kayla Mendoza as Mary and Adrian as St. Johns Outreach Ministry Continue on page 2 launched Pennies from Heaven during last years Christmas Season. Remembering the emphasized that Veterans, Showing Love The initiativekindness can make even small acts of a big By Kathlyn Talapian difference in the world. Campaign Coordinator Kazelyn St. Johns shared the spirit of Talapian explained that Pennies Christmas with the veterans of the from Heaven was conceptualized Hines Veterans Hospital through from the observation that, we dont food, fellowship and music on Dec. appreciate pennies nowadays be23. The event was initiated by Lolit cause of its little value. But if we Flores, who also works in the hos- combine our pennies with others, it will surely become significant. Things pital. Continue on page 2 The veterans are very happy that we always remember them, the true meaning of Christmas. especially in Christmas, she said. The Outreach Ministry distrib15:2 Exodus sang Christmas caruted crosses to the veterans, which ols while the veterans listened and were made by the women during enjoyed some refreshments the Women-to-Women on Dec. 17. brought by members of the church. The members spent time to know Gigi and Celinne Mencias, along more the veterans afterward. with Roselin Romualdo, sang O Coming here and singing for the Holy Night, as well. Pastor Reuel veterans made my Christmas more Talapian gave a short devotion on meaningful, Celinne Mencias said.

Pennies from Heaven

Volume V Issue No. 1 January 2012

St. Johns UMC

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

Open Hearts. Open Doors. Open Minds.

The Good News

Page 2 January 2012

Fil-Am UM Ministry Celebrates Christmas and Filipino Culture through Simbang Gabi
By Kathlyn Talapian Many of our Filipino members miss the vibrant cultural Christmas in the Philippines. Thus, it was a joy to have a taste of the culture as the FilipinoAmerican United Methodist Ministry of the Northern Illinois Conference hosted the first joint Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) of the Methodist Filipino churches in IL. The originally nine consecutive services were condensed to three Simbang Gabis scheduled on the three Sundays before Christmas. Every Sunday, St. Johns worshipped with the other members of the Filipino churches, singing Christmas carols and enjoying the tasty Filipino food. The first two Simbang Gabis were held at Prince of Peace UMC (Elk Grove) and Glenview UMC (Glenview) respectively. The last service was hosted by St. Johns.

You are called with a holy calling The light of the world to be; To lift up the lamp of the Savior That others His light may see. - Anon.

Pennies from Heaven

Continued from front page become big because of the small things that started it. A similar campaign was started by Pastor Nancy Hunter a month earlier, with a big coin bank, which sadly disappeared. This did not discourage the Outreach Ministry, and they launched Pennies from Heaven with 500 ml bottles which the members took home to fill up themselves. More than 50 bottles were distributed by Ms. Talapian in November. Many members returned their bottles as a White Christmas Offering during the Christmas Sunday worship. The Outreach Ministry expects more bottles to be returned this year. So far, over $_ was received from the donations. Pennies from Heaven is one of the many fundraising initiatives of the Outreach Ministry for a program for the needy in 2012. Ms. Talapian is expressed her gratitude to all the members for supporting the initiative. She said, St. Johns is a church of generous and loving people. I am thankful that we, as a church, are always eager to help others.

The Gift of Christmas

Continued from front page Farrales as Joseph. Another song to note was The Best Gift of All performed by a male trio including Leo Mon-Alon, Noel Junio, and Ronald Romualdo. Perhaps the most lauded performance

included liturgical dancing provided by The Sisters with music by Gigi Mencias performing Gift of a Lifetime. Within the inspiring and festive songs, Bob and Nancy Hunter provided transitional narration that enhanced the meaning of each song. The performance received positive response from the congregation. The kids were wonderful, said Lea Reniva. The whole choir was great and the message of Jesus as the gift at Christmas really resonated with everybody.

The Good News

Page 3 January 2012

youth answers the CALL of DUTY

By Linette Romualdo The young people of St. Johns spent their last week of the year with church friends and mentors as they attended the North Central Jurisdiction Christmas Institute at Wesley Woods Conference Center in Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Bearing the theme, Call of Duty, the camp was held from Dec. 26 to Dec. 29. The theme was inspired by 2 Timothy 2:3, which says, "Endure hardships with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus." Over 70 youths and adults from 10 churches attended the annual camp, and 23 delegates came from St. Johns. Youth Percy Villaflor experienced a great retreat. "CI was so much fun. We learned about the armor of God. My favorite is the shield of faith because I like to protect in what I believe in, which is Jesus Christ." The camp delegates embarked on a journey with Christ learning about answering their call to duty through the leadership seminars, bible studies and interactive lectures about each armor piece. Nine young people stepped up to commit their lives to the ministry of the church. The delegates also participated in various creative ministries such as hand mime, praise dancing, choir, juggling and visual arts. All ministries showcased their talents during the Talent Fest, which also featured entertaining performances, including the memorable dance by the pastors and adult chaperones. New this year is the Hawaiian themed Mr. & Ms. CI Pageant and each bible study group was represented. Among the candidates were Sylvia Brown as well as Kai Talapian and Pamela Villaflor, who were crowned as the first Mr. & Ms. CI. The young people held their election and plenary on the last day. They elected the 2013 officers who will be trained next year by the current officers. The newly elected officers are Joash Mencias, Adrian Farrales, and Mark Bibat. Kathlyn Talapian was also elected as the CI Director. After elections, the young people approved resolutions, written and presented by the first Resolution Committee. Consisting the committee are St. Johns delegates, Joash Mencias and Linette Romualdo, as well as two
Continue on page 5

The Good News

Page 4 January 2012

SNA: Glorifying the Reason Behind the Season

By Linette Romualdo Pastor Cecilia Granadosin emphasized the reminder that the birth of Jesus changed everyone's lives" during her reflection in the recently concluded Saturday Night Alive. In celebration of the birth of our Savior, open microphone worship was held for everyone to sing their praises to God. The evening started off with a special music by Edilson John Fernandez, who dedicated a song in thanksgiving to his successful passing of the nursing licensure exam. Afterward, Gaspar Marcelo shared a testimony of his life. He said that his mission was to have his testimony an eye opener and inspiration to his brothers and sisters in Christ. Mr. Marcelo faced many troubles in life as he fulfilled his responsibilities as the head of his family. In pain and hardship, he turned to God and found peace with him. He then began to listen to Christian music and wrote plenty of quotations, songs, and poems dedicated to the Lord. He reflected, "I have to be righteous to have peace. When I have peace, I can share love." The reflection of the Word was given by Pastor Cecila Granadosin, who underlined why Jesus is the reason for the season. Pointing out that many people prioritize material things in life, she said, "It is not the wealth or power, but love. Love is the spirit that guides us." The Open-mic Worship began with Mrs. July Cyrwus song, "Its Christmas Time, followed by Frank and Darlene Rodriguez, who energized the audience with "Feliz Navidad." Many more St. John's members shared

songs like "We Are" from the Talapian kids and "Grown Up Christmas List" from Gigi Mencias. Lastly, the night closed with Ronald Romualdo singing with 15:2 Exodus and Rejoice! Dancers a Christmas favorite, "Angels We Have Heard On High."

A Time for all Women, A Time For God

By Linette Romualdo St. Johns Women gathered again for the last Women to Women to fellowship with one another and listen to life lessons shared by fellow women. With the theme, Jesus is the Reason for the season, the event was held by Darlene Rodriguez and the Outreach Ministry of St.Johns. The women enjoyed delicious food while Eleah Reniva and Corazon Managuelod talk about their journey with God and their families. Afterward, Pastor Nancy Hunter facilitated a discussion about the Bible verses referring to the theme. The women had time to reflect and write about what they were thankful for and how they can help others. The second part of the program was craft making. The women along with other present kids created decorative ornaments and crosses which they hanged on Christmas trees in the fellowship hall. Later on, they brought some of the decorations to the veterans at Hines Veterans Hospital. Women to Women is an activity to encourage women to get to know each other and build their relationship with God.

Christmas Institute
Continued from p.3 other young people. They were guided by Pastor Cecilia Granadosin. Among the significant resolutions approved was the resolution for the establishment of the Northern Illinois Christmas Institute, effective immediately. This years Christmas Institute was led by youth leaders from different churches. The camp dean was Pastor Reuel Talapian. The over-all experience for St. John's UMYF delegates was positive and memorable. "I met a lot of new people this year and as we learned the armor of God and about the breastplate of righteousness and that it protects the heart," Angelo Mon-Alon shared.

Fruits of the Vine

Page 5 January 2012

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
By Linette Romualdo Camille Agpaoa Youth Coordinator The Grape Vine (TGV): When and how did you find St. Johns? Camille Agpaoa (CA): Two years ago through Ptr. Vic Melad when Ptr. Vic Melad was invited to be guest preacher at St. John's. We attended the service and we felt at home already. TGV: How would you describe your 2011? CA: It was the year I was given another chance to live, surviving the car accident. It was also the year that God had sustained me and Mark with His unfailing love and bountiful blessings. TGV: What is your ultimate goal this year? CA: To be a better servant of God and of people TGV: What are you excited for as 2012 starts? Why? CA: My wedding and the life with my hubby. If God permits, 2012 will be the start of my life as a loving wife.

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9 11 17 20 23 28 29 30 31

Emma Lofranco Mike Gula Ben Vidad Princess Lofranco Gus Marcelo Nina Junio Daniel Romualdo Rowena Yalung JJ Ramos Cristy Villaflor Irene Verdegan Kazelyn Talapian Jobert Reniva Danny Eftimoff Brandon Arnold

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
6 24 Noel & Nina Junio Albert & Rowena Yalung

"It is a place of silence, not because it is untouched by all the activity of our lives, but because it is capable of wonder. Every prayer begins with silent wonder before it turns to words. Our first response to God is dumbstruck awe at who he is and what he has done for us." - William Frebuger

The Grape Jelly

Page 6 January 2012

By April Cyrwus

Have you always wanted to know how many books there are in the entire Bible, as well as how many are in the Old Testament and the New Testament? You can by remembering just two numbers! The numbers are 3 and 9. - There are 39 books in the Old Testament. - Multiply 3 X 9 and the answer is 27 - There are 27 Books in the New Testament. - If you add 39 and 27 and the answer is 66 - There are 66 books in the entire Bible.

The sentence Do not be afraid was used 365 times in the Bible, which happens to be the number of days in a year. This only means that God wants us to have the strength to face everything, EVERY DAY.

BODY AND SOUL January 22, 2012 BOWLING ON THE SWEETEST DAY February 11, 2012 In charge: Mary Rose Smith

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