CLP 2009

Let's invite our friends to our CLP!

WHO: All single men and women ages 20 to 35

WHAT: Singles for Christ - Christian Life Program 

WHEN: September 25, 2009 and succeeding Fridays 

WHERE: ICC Formation Center

ech yu ech yu ech yu.... (msg ko sa mga yahooroups)

huhuhu!!!
bakit ako umiiyak?
WALA NA AKONG CELLPHONE!

hahahahaha!
bakit ako tumatawa?
kasi nga WALA NA AKONG CELLPHONE!

malinaw ba?

pero, eto... seryoso na.......

mga kapatid,

sa teknolohiyang internetan nyo muna ako matatagpuan at maaambunan ng mga impormasyon sa kadahilanang ang aking selyular pown ay nawalang muli....

nawa'y magtsek ren kayo ng inyong mga inbaks araw araw nang sa gayon, bilang moderator ng mga pausong yahoogroups,
ay maambunan ko ren naman kayo ng mga mensahe mula sa langit tulad ng mga sumusunod:

1. GK Team (chapter reps) update-meeting once a month.
2. Dance Ministry Practice every Sunday (na palaging TBA ang oras at venue)
3. CYD plannings and team meetings (Arkong Bato and Caliwag)
4. Music Ministry infos
5. Atbpang mga pauso ko lang...

baydawey haywey...
sasabayan ko na ren ang pabugsu-bugsong ulan ng pabugsu-bugsong panawagan ng suporta:

1. GK Chapter Reps:

(a) sipagan pa natin sana ang pag-iinvite ng mga kachapter natin na
makiiisa sa mga programa ng GK naku lalong lalo na sa CYD dahil sa
kasabihang " ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan; at ang mga SFC ang
inaasahan" (imbento ko lang yung kalahati)

(b) tuloy-tuloy pa ren ang ating suporta sa GK Tarlac kaya kung may
naiisip kayong fundraising maliit man o malakihan, i-suggest na natin
para makaipon tayo ng pangShare sa ating COMMITMENT na isa pang GK
House. (balita ko basang basa na ng ulan yung isang pamilya ng Aeta
dahil nga wala pang matuluyan, nasa imahinasyon pa lang natin yung
bahay nila...)

(c) calling the attention of Sta Rosa Chapter, punta tayong Arkong
Bato, tulungan natin si William. At makisaya ren tayo sa SAGIP at SIGA.
Ang saya dun sobra!!! =) mamili kayo. JOY or SORROW? hehehe.... ;-)

2. Dance Ministry:

(a) open pa, pwede pa sumali. text nyo lang ako... ay! wala na nga pala akong cellphone. sali na lang kayo sa sfc_centralb_ dancemin@ yahoogroups. com, okidok?

(b) Praktis sa Linggo: TULOY!
8am, magkita-kita tayo sa Jollibee PALENGKE. sakay lang ng jeep Pasig
Palengke at bumaba mismo sa tapat ng Jollibee. pasensya na sa mga
taga-taguig ha... Pinagbuhatan tayo. TBA ulit yung sureness. basta ako
bahala. =)

*Ate Emz, pwede ka pa ren magKerygma ng 12... kasi hanggang 11am lang tayo. ;-) pasensya na po ah...
*Kath at She,mga sistarets, may numbers kayo na ng lahat diba? patext naman sila.... porpabor bapor.... MARAMING SALAMAT!!!!

3. CYD SAGIP Team ng Arkong Bato!!!!!!!! !

(a) Syempre this Saturday, 1st week, Education tayo at ang team ng June ay Honesty!
may mga bibisitang PYC from ICC kaya sana naman may mga SFCs.. maraming
SFCs... silang makilala dahil ipinagmamalaki ko ang kadakilaan nyo sa
kanila.... baka pag 2 lang kami ni ate Jane dun, isipin nila, una,
magaganda pala ang SFC, pangalawa, dalawa lang pala ang SFC....

(b) Importante at nagmamadaling balita: PWEDE BA KAYO MAGHAUSHOLD THIS SUNDAY 8pm kina ATE BERNA?????
kailangang kailangan nyo magCOnfirm kung uura itong short notice na imbitasyon ng ating mga big Ate at big Kuya! =)
dahil KAILANGANG KAILANGAN natin mag pahinga sandali, magkamustahan, at
ibalik ang sigla at PAG-IBIG sa ating service at sa ating BIG BOSS in
heaven. ;-) text na lang kay kuya Julius, or Kenji kung sino ang
darating... sana sana sana... biglang pumwede...

4. Music Ministry:

nalalapit na ang kauna-unahan for the year, na music min sector assy, workshop at empowerment! ihanda na ang mga instrumento at ang inyong PUSO dahil kakausapin tayo ni God para ituro sa atin ang tamang tipa ng gitara, tamang paghawak ng mikropono, tamang chords... at higit sa lahat, tamang attitude at tamang focus sa pagseserve sa music ministry na tatawagin na nating WORSHIP MINISTRY.... ;-) cool diba???

5. At sa ATBPang pauso ko lang, UKAY-UKAY items baka meron kayo, maghalungkat na kayo at iplastik nyo na, tapos text nyo na lang si Kenji para makolekta namin at maibenta... ang proceeds nyan ay mapupunta sa pambili ng pandenyog at juice at iba pag pwede ipameryenda at ipamigay sa mga batang aalagaan natin sa GK Caliwag.... (mahirap lang din kasi kaming mga nagpapauso, meron kaming oras at drive na mailalaan, pera wala... hehe! we need your help! sawamat!!! text na!!!)

************ ***

whew!!!!!!!! !!
ang dami noh???
inisang sulat ko na lang, dahil nakikiinternet lang ako hehehehe....
sayang kasi yung P15 para sa isang oras, pamasahe ren yun sa trysikel papuntang ICC, ahehehe!!!

************ **

at nananawagan na ren ako, baka may cellphone kayo kahit hugis sabon, at kasing laki ng wireless landline, basta tumutunog at magagamit sa komunikasyon. .. ibenta nyo na lang sakin.... babayaran ko kahit magkano wag lang lalagpas ng bente pesos... (joke)

wala na akong masabe.... babalik ren yun... sabi nga sa Habbakuk 2:3... if it delays, just wait, It will surely come.

************ **

PLS PASS sa mga chapter yahoo groups nyo.. (ha, pareng jerry? =p wabyu!)

************ ****

GOD BLESS US all....

Tinatawagan ka ng Republika ng CYD!!!

by Rhea Bernardez

Kamusta na po mga ka-CYD???

kongrats pO!
sa IKV sa Laguna, sa SAGIP Olympics na nakakuha ng 39 medals,
sa SIGA olympics, at marami pang matagumpay na activities.. .

ang SAGIP arkong bato tuloy-tuloy ang sagip sessions... nagagawa naman ang ating Virtue for the month (galing sa KFC Team Conference) - integrated sa ating 4 components which are the Education, Creative, Health and Sports.

sa awa ng Diyos nasasabik pa ren sila sa Krispy Kreme every Saturday kaya salamat nang marame sa ating sponsors.

andyan ren sina tito Joel at tita Eva ng KFC... nakakonek palagi! hanep!

every sat, masaya pa ren naman, kahit marami ang nakakamiss kay kuya kenji dahil may pasok na sya pag sabado. (special mention?)

ang SIGA.. mabubuhay nang muli! hayyy thank God dahil napakasipag ng pagsisimula ni kuya Freizer at ate Joy! Bilib ako! sana dumami pa ang SIGA team ng SFC para mas maging masaya at epektibo ang gagawing mga activities ng mga youg adult nating alaga sa arko.

at syempre, kuya Mike! goodluck sa pagsisimula ng CYD sa Caliwag! huwag kang mag alala, nasa likod mo kami. =) super exciting simulan ang CYD sa Caliwag dahil marami na namang bata ang matututong maligo araw araw at marami na naman tayong magiging mga kapatid at anak-anakan na kukulitin at pasasayahin ang araw natin. mahirap man at nakakapagod. ... fulfilling naman! Diba kuya Jepoy at kuya Marlon?

sa SIBOL, tuloy tuloy ang suporta ng mga generous PMs nating sina Vee at William, at eto pa ang pinakamainit na balita... mukhang magti-teacher Rhea na naman ako.. ahahayyy!! goodluck sa buhay ko! pero excited ako kasi lovelife yan eh.. mga chikiting gubats na bulilit... =)

hayyy... sana wag tayong iwan ni kuya Julius muna.
ang lungkot kasi ng feeling ng iniiwan. (uyyy...)

at mabuti na lang may big mommy Grace at big daddy Rey na palaging andyan. isa sila sa mga assurance na God is with us. God will help us. and God will provide us.

at sana marami pa tayong madiscover na mga selfless SFCs na handang itaya ang buhay, iwanan ang comfort zones, at pumunta sa mga GK sites para magmahal... at mahalin.

kung ang hinahanap mo ay tunay na saya... humanap ka ng kapwa na matutulungan.

diba Rolly?

tara, magtulungan lang tayo. tuloy-tuloy lang...
walang iwanan.

para sa bansa at para sa Diyos. =)

Singles Engagement Retreat Pics

Battle to Fight

Noong tinanong kame ni Ate Medz to be part of Pateros CLP core team sobrang honored and excited talaga kame. The first week/month of meetings lahat talaga kame excited and kabado kase we will be working with some brothers and sisters from Lower Taguig. Sadly as days pass by at habang tinitingnan namin ang mga mangyayari, the resources we have and the supposed to be team pinanghihinaan na kame ng loob. Iniisip naming na hindi kaya kase kulang yung team, wala pang sure na venue at kung ano ano pa.We were thinking of giving up at wag ng ituloy yung CLP but with the continuous encouragement of some brothers and sisters we keep on going. Ang astig talaga ni God dahil ilang days lang we have completed the core team at may bonus pa na mga brothers and sisters who committed to be facilitators ang galling talaga. Okay na ang lahat, yung venue, yung promotions, yung team, ayos na ayos na ang lahat we even have a name for our team (Lower ICC). Pero totoo nga service and work for God is a real battle to fight kase although it seems to be na okay na ang lahat almost everyone from the team encountered and faced personal and individual conflicts. We even have a core member who unfortunately gave up on his battle and decided to leave us. Karamihan nagka-conflict sa schedule and sa work, na halos di na maharap ang mga meetings and preparations for the CLP. Iba- ibang struggles ang lumabas pati na mga conflicts and misunderstanding within the group. Some of us were really thinking of backing out pero the team has always been reminded of God’s love for us. HE NEVER GIVES UP ON US AND THAT NO ONE AND NOTHING CAN STOP HIM FROM LOVING US so why would we stop, why would we give up on someone who never gives up on us. If He had love and continuously loving us that way we have to pay Him back just the same.

 

WE WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON HIM AND NOTHING AND NO ONE CAN STOP US FROM SERVING AND HONORING THE ONE WHO NEVER GIVES UP ON US.

CLP Prepation SAP

by Cel Amoroso

CLP? Team Lead? How? Why me? mga tanong na aking nasabi when I was asked to Lead San Agustin Parish CLP with Brother Zander Abuyen.Pero True Enough, sobrang faithful si God saten. Kelan nya ba tayo pinabayaan? kelan nya tayo iniwan? walang sagot diba. Dahil never nya ginawa at gagawin yon kasi nga faithful God sya. May mga worries at takot din pero dahil alam kong nandyan lang si God, everything will be fine, kontrolado at planado nya lahat. Ang kailangan ko lang gawin ay makinig, sumunod at ihanda ang puso ko para sa service na ito.  Alam ko na hindi papayagan ni God na magkaroon ng mga sagabal sa mga CLP at sa buong service team.

Medyo nahuli ng konti sa preparation ang Team. Ganunpaman kampante ako at gaya ng nasabi ko kanina, kontrolado at planado na ni God.  Kaya namna ng makapag meeting na ang core team, tinalakay na namin ang lahat ng dapat pag usapan.  Una pinaliwanag ni Zander ang responsibilities ng bawat isa.  Nang sa akin na ang pinapaliwanag, nalaman ko at napatunayan na napakalaking responsibility ang gagampana ng isang team leader.  Nagkaroon na naman ako ng mga tanong.  “Paano ko gagampanan ang mga ito”?  Ako ang mag oversee sa mga sisters lalo na sa mga facilitators.   Isang malaking reponsibilidad ito kung aakuin ko mag isa.  But if I’ll ask the grace and wisdom of God, He will equiped me and fill me with love na pwede kong maibahagi sa mga ka sisters ko lalot higit sa mga participants.

 

Nang matapos kami sa aming core team meeting, agad kaming nag leafleting.  Sobrang nakakatuwa ang unang araw na iyon,  sinupotahan kami ni Bro Butch at ng pari ng SAP.  Sa line-up ng speakers, wala rin kaming naging problema.  Sobrang nakaka amaze si God.  Ang tanging concern na lang ng core ay ang pag buo ng CLP team at mga participants.  Pero hindi ito magiging hadlang bagkus patuloy pa kaming eencourage at maghihikayat ng mga singles para sumali sa ating community.

 

Sobrang salamt kay God sa pagkakataon para makapag serve sa Kanya patuloy na paghahandaan ng buong service team ang CLP’n ito.  At higit sa lahat ihahanda narin namin ang aming sarili at puso sa mga pagsubok.  TO God be the Glory.

 

Waiting

A book review from (Confessions of an impatient bride by Rissa Singson-Kawpeng)

 

“Everything that happens in this world happens at the time God chooses.”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1-11)

 

Being impatient and running ahead of God’s perfect timing can have disastrous consequences. Do you believe that the Lord has ordained certain times and seasons for everything? A baby needs nine months in his mother’s womb and being born prematurely brings on complications. You can’t pull out an emerging butterfly from its cocoon or else you’ll cripple its wings for life. Hurrying a fruit to ripen doesn’t make it as sweet as when it does on its own.

Life has its seasons and we need to learn to respect them. I bet one of the hardest things God has asked you to do is to wait:

To wait for Him to speak.

To wait for His plans to unfold in your life.

To wait for a long overdue answer to prayer.

Often, when God asks us to wait, it seems like a waste of time. “Nothings happening, Lord!” we want to cry out. Here’s a story about the potters in Japan that will change your perspective in waiting.

The story goes that after molding the clay, experienced potters put the vessels on shelves and keeps them there for some time before putting them into fire. This stage is called “resting the clay”. They do this to allow the air trapped in the clay to escape.

            But inexperienced potters, out of impatience or lack of knowledge, would shortcut this process and immediately put the vessel inside the furnace. When they do, the bubbles in the clay expand with the heat and burst out, causing the vessels to be deformed.

So you see, God has a purpose for our waiting. He’s actually preparing us, so that when it’s time for us to move on, we won’t crack under pressure.

Finally

“Sis, ikaw, kelan ka ikakasal?”. Sounds familiar ba? Yan kasi ang madalas na itinatanong sa ating mga sisters kapag napag-uusapan ang lovelife. Hindi na rin mabilang ang dami ng beses na itinanong sa akin yan. Ang madalas ko lang naisasagot noon, “Bukas na lang tulog na (o kaya busy) kasi si Father”. Hindi naman sa ayaw kong makasal, gusto ko lang talagang i-enjoy ang pagiging single ko at ang SFC. At dahil nga sa matagal na kami ng GG ko, madalas akong biruin ng newsletter team na dapat daw makasal na kami, yun daw kasi ang hudyat para makasal na din sila. At para pang minamadali ako. Hmmm…domino effect ba ito?

Kaya nga nung minsang nagmeeting kami (February 2009) at sabihing kong ikakasal ako, gulat na gulat sila. Ang bilis naman daw! April 25, 2009 kasi ang napili naming date ng kasal. Siyempre excited ako nun pero somehow malungkot din kasi nga iiwan ko na ang pagiging single. At ibig sabihin nun, iiwan ko na din ang SFC lalo na ang newsletter. Then na-realize ko, oh no, gone are the days na napupuyat ako dahil may meeting, pati na rin ang maraming pagkain at chikahan sa meeting. Naku, hindi na rin pala ako mape-pressure kasi wala pa akong article para sa Peekaboo eh bukas na ito due for release. Haay, ang dami-dami ko palang mami-miss. Willing na ba akong i-give up lahat ng mga ito kapalit ang bagong stage ng buhay ko kasama ang GG ko?

 

 

 

Pero naisip ko, siguro nga ito na ang tamang panahon, matagal na rin naman ako sa SFC at marami din akong experience dito na ite-treasure ko habang buhay. Masuwerte din ako at naging member ako ng newsletter team bago ako nagpakasal.

At ngayon nga, isa na akong maybahay. Tuluyan ko nang iiwan ang single life ko at haharapin ang married life. Well, hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin naman nagsi-sink in sa akin na misis na ako. Siguro dahil bago pa lang, feeling ko kasi mag-gg pa rin kami ng husband ko. Pero ganunpaman, may mga bagay na nakasanayan ko mang gawin dati ay hindi ko na siya gagawin ngayon. Isa na dyan ang pagsusulat para sa newsletter. Ito na marahil ang huli kong article para dito. At gaya ng nabanggit ko sa simula, mami-miss ko ito (hikbi).

Paalam and enjoy reading brothers and sisters!

*writer’s note: Finally… ang title ng article for 2 reasons:

1. Finally ikinasal din kami matapos ang maraming taon, at

2. Ito na ang final article ko for the newsletter

One in mind and in Heart

SAGIP team agreed to start the year with a blast, kaya naman last March 1, 2009 the first ever site conference ng Arkong Bato ay naganap. Kids aged 9 to 13 were invited to attend at makisaya sa mga activities na inihanda ng mga ate’s and kuya’s. The activity was entitled TEAM CONFERENCE and follows its anchor verse One in Heart and in Mind from Acts 4:32. It was a whole day activity specifically tailored-fit to introduce the household amongst the SAGIP and encourage them to always work us a team and personally practice the 7 values of a good team player which our obedience, loving, prayerful, honest, respectful, diligent and generosity.

 

Pagkatapos ng nakakapagod na mga activities umuwi ang mga SAGIP kids na may dala-dalang mga bagong natutunan. It was really a victorious day hindi lang para sa mga bata kundi sa mga ate’s and kuya’s din. Sobrang nakakatuwa dahil maraming brothers and sisters from other chapters helped us that day. Parang Sector Assembly talaga ang araw na yun kumpleto ang lahat, meron from ICC, from Upper & Lower Taguig at hindi rin nagpahuli ang Sta. Rosa at St. Francis ang kulang na lang AVP from each chapter sector assembly na talaga yun.

 

It was just one of the proof that Central B mapa B1, B2, B3, B4, B5 and so on and so forth pa we are just ONE TEAM, One in Mind, One in Heart for our only One God.

Santacruzan

 

In many places in the Philippines, during the month of May, many processions are held in honor of the Virgin Mary. Sometimes, one is reminded only that it is the month of May when one meets such a procession downtown or in a sidestreet of the city. That is the Santa Cruz de Mayo. Many versions of the procession have evolved through the years. And this makes it interesting to find out what it was really like inthe time of our grandfathers.

The Santacruzan was a novena procession commemorating St. Helena's mythical finding of the cross. St. Helena was the mother of Constantine the Great. According to legends, 300 years after the death of Christ, at the age of 75, she went to Calvary to conduct a search for the Cross. After some archeological diggings at the site of the Crucifixion, she unearthed three crosses. She tested each one by making a sick servant lie on all three. The cross where the servant recovered was identified as Christ's. St. Helena's feast day falls on August 8 but the anniversary of the finding of the Cross is on May 3rd, in the Philippines, this celebration took the form of the Mexican Santa Cruz de Mayo.

As another legend puts it, Constantine the Great, facing a battle against the Mighty Roman Emperor, Maxentius in the year 312 A.D. turned despairingly to the new Christian God for help. Constantine cast his eyes heavenwards and saw in the nightsky a glowing sign of the cross with the words "In hoc signia vincit", meaning "By this sign thou shalt conquer". He adopted the Cross as his battle insignia with the words and forthwith went to vanquish the Roman Army and entered Rome a victor, pledging his faith in Christianity.

The Santacruzan is a procession that differs from most other religious processions in that it does not parade images of patron saints. Instead, biblical and historical characters are represented by the local people dressed in appropriate costumes.Nine days of prayer, (a novena) in honor of the Holy Cross preceds the Santacruzan. On the 9th night, the procession is long and colorful. Bamboo clappers herald the procession led by the bearded Methuselah, bent with age, riding a cart where he is toasting grains of sand in a pan over a fire. This is a reminder to everyone that all that glitters will end up as dust like the sand he is toasting. Behind him walks the Banderada, a lady in red carrying a miniature Philippine flag, symbolizing the Christian army. Next follow half-clad boys, their bodies blackened with soot, representing the Negritos or the Filipino pagans and finally Reina Mora in a Muslim costume representing Muslim Philippines.

Today, the Santacruzan is a cross between a beauty pageant and a religious procession. Now the highest tribute that could be paid to a woman's beauty is to be selected as Reina Elena. Gone are the days when people, candle in hand, crowded the streets to pay homage to a Catholic myth and throw Sampaguitas at the passing beauties. Gone are the days when or could enjoy the dazzling splendor amid; the flowers of May and the smell of burning native candles. The Santacruzan played an important role in the spiritu, and religious life of our forefathers. It was a bayanihan endeavor and a community show. The current Santacruzan is just a remnant of what was once a grandise tradition. But it still lives. And come May, for whatever reason, girls line up th streets in procession, invoking that which is holy, searching for the true Christial spirit.

---------------------------------
By Eileen S. Guerero 

Salamat, Sis Dely…

Marami ang nakakabasa ng SFC Newsletter na kamakailan lamang ay tinawag nating The Herald.  Maraming beses na nating nasilip kung paano nagbago ang ating newsletter sa bawat issue.  Ngayon  naman ay ating kilalanin ang isang member ng newsletter team na nagbigay buhay at pagbabago sa The Herald.  Sya si Dely Antolin, kilala ng lahat bilang Sister Dely, sa iba naman sya ang kapatid ni Ate Let.  Sa April 25, 2009 ay haharapin nila ni bro Erich ang bagong yugto ng kanilang buhay.

 

Nasa ibaba nito ang bahagi ng aming panayam kung saan mararamdaman natin kung paano binago ng SFC ang kanyang buhay:

 

Who invited you at SFC?  When was that?

• Ate ko. Kakatapos din lang nila ng CLP nun. June 1999 pa yon.

 

Who is your inspiration at SFC?

• Madami. Pero siyempre una na dun ate ko. Sobra kasing committed siya sa service nya, minsan hindi ko alam kung paano niya nahahati  yung time niya between work and SFC. Marami ding SFC akong nakilala na sobrang hanga ako sa service nila kay God, yun bang parang hindi sila napapagod. 

 

What made you decide to stay at SFC?

• Si God, pati na rin yung kapwa SFC ko. Pati na rin ang iba’t-ibang experience ko dito sa SFC – minsan mahirap pero kadalasan masaya. Iba kasi yung samahan dito, hinding hindi mo makikita sa labas

 

What is the impact of SFC in your life?

• It helped w/ my faith. Naging mas deeper ang faith ko kay God. Sobrang naiinspire ako sa iba’t-ibang kwento ng mga brothers and sisters natin, w/c somehow  served as inspiration para maging stronger ako sa pagharap sa mga problems at laging maging positive ang outlook.

 

What are your unforgettable moments at SFC?

• Sobrang dami, mula pa lang sa pag-join ko sa  CLP hanggang ngayon, especially yung mga moment sa conference. Isa sa mga hindi ko makakalimutan ay yung first time kong umattend ng conference – yung Intimacy conference sa Baguio. First time ko din kasi nun sa Baguio kaya ang saya saya ko. At siyempre sobrang especial yung mga moment naming sa newsletter. Every meeting sobrang masaya at unforgettable talaga.

 

What are your advices to fellow SFC members?

• Keep the faith. Hindi perfect ang community natin, pero kung naka-focus sila kay God, anumang imperfections na makikita nila ay magiging inspiration nila para itama ito or tumulong na mabago ito. Lagi lang nilang iisipin na everything has its  reason. May reason kung bakit sila tinawag ni God na maging bahagi ng SFC at maging inspiration sa kapwa SFC. 

 

Alam namin na mamimiss ka ng The Herald Reader’s at  siyempre ng Newsletter Team. Mamimiss namin ang mga light moment naten, ang food trip, mga jokes, senti times at marami pang iba. 

 

Hayaan mong magpasalamat kami sa iyo sa pagbabahagi ng iyong Time, Talent & Treasure.  Sa mga panahong busy halos ang lahat, mag-isa kang nagpupuyat para tapusin ang paglay-out at pati si Erich iniistorbo din namin madalas.

 

We know that God will bless you more and your married life.  Wala ka man sa SFC at sa Newsletter Team, hindi natatapos ang lahat.  Narito pa din kami, mga kaibigan mo na nagmamahal sayo.

 

We love you sis – Newsletter Team

Should We

Who would ever expect such thing could happen

Is it true my mind has been beaten?

For so long I believe that I am full and complete

Until such time I felt my heart beat

Something is inside that is quite confusing

I can’t explain, why I have such feeling

My heart keeps on telling that something is missing

But I can’t accept the fact that I’m longing for something

For so many nights I think and I pray

Thinking and wondering why am I feeling this way

At first I thought am I going insane

Coz’ everything I feel was really not the same

I don’t know what was happening

All I know is that he keeps me smiling

It’s a feeling so comfortable and gentle

It makes my heart melt like candle

Every time he looks at me and smile

I felt I was in heaven for a while

And when he speak words to inspire

It only gives me more reasons to admire

Oh how sweet his words are

I wanna be captured by his arms

There is this feeling I can not deny

It’s on him I want to rely

As I’ve come to know him better

I find my feelings grow much deeper

And as we share our thoughts and dreams

I’m realizing that I am falling for him

Thoughts of him occupied my mind

His sweetness and care got me blind

Does he find me the prettiest and the best?

Or for him I am just like the rest

Oh my, is this feeling so true

Or it is because he took me out of the blue

Is it him I’ve been waiting?

Or am I just day dreaming

I wanted him to know

I’ve got so much love to show

But I know he’s just a friend

How I wish his feelings would extend

Oh, why wouldn’t he ask?

I know the feeling that he has

Is he as afraid as I am?

When would our fears be gone?

Doesn’t he recognize my feeling?

Can’t he feel that I am just waiting?

I know both of us got something

But we both keep on pretending

Should we take the risk?

And wait for our fairy tale kiss

Or ignore our feelings for fear

That one would be rejected and bring the other to tear

SMB Snapshots

Images from SMB 2009... 

Sarap Maging Bro (SMB 2009)

April 18 - 19, 2009

Boso-boso Highlands Resort, Antipolo

Registration fee: PhP700.00

(inclusive of food, kit and accommodation)

Contact Persons:

Sis Cali – 09167736098

Sis Meanne –09296985288

Sis Dada - 09064534379

Hosted by Upper Taguig

Sarap Maging Babae (SMB 2009)

all the single ladies!

Experience and embrace  sisterhood…

...Know the essence of a  woman

Discover why  women are truly

amazing and simply beautiful…

Registration fee: PhP700.00

(inclusive of food, kit and accommodation)

Contact Persons:

Sis Cali – 09167736098

Sis Meanne –09296985288

Sis Dada - 09064534379

Hosted by Upper Taguig

Reflection Night

SFC-ICC is inviting you to spend your Holy Monday reflecting upon the seven last words through music... 

April 6, 2009

7:00 P.M. - 10:00 P.M

ICC Formation Center

SFC UNVEILS RESTATED VISION AND MISSION

By Jerry Palma

With over 7,000 delegates from all over the world, SFC International Coordinator Aldy Katigbak, unveiled the restated vision and mission statements of the Singles for Christ during Session 4 in the recently concluded SFC ICON held in Cebu City last February 20-22, 2009. The theme for this year’s ICON was in sync with the Couples for Christ’s “Forward in Christ”.  

We have been all too familiar with our SFC vision “A generation of leaders and martyrs”. As a result of the series of SFC congresses held nationwide last year, the SFC Council discerned the need to restate the SFC vision and came up with its new vision statement - “Every single man and woman all over the world experiencing Christ”. 

With the restatement of the vision, a new mission statement was likewise unfurled. Aligning with the CFC’s mission, SFC’s new mission statement is “ Building the church of the home and the church of the poor”.

The vision gives shape and direction to the community’s future. It is a statement of what the community wants to become. And that is precisely what the new vision depicts– that in the future, all single men and women everywhere, without exception, shall be experiencing Christ in their everyday lives and making this world a new heaven on earth. This is a particularly tough vision but appropriate given that SFC is now everywhere and reaching towards the ends for the earth. 

The mission statement is a brief but broad description of what we do, with/for whom we do it and why we do it. Building the church of the home and the church of the poor means that we are committed to live in God’s righteousness and holiness, evangelizing people through a life of love and service; we shall work for the renewal of families that will serve God and build generations of Christian leaders; and, we shall pursue Total Christian Liberation through social justice, respect for life, and work with the poor.

As SFC member, we should embrace the same vision and mission and with commitment, passion and dedication, move forward to bring Christ’s love to everyone and, to be effective, be an example of a person experiencing Christ in our daily lives.

In order to move forward, we learned from Session 4 that SFC’s must have a posture of Jesus’ heart   – C (Catholic); H (Humility); R (Radical); I (intercessory); S (Sacrificial) and; T (Togetherness). Only in Christ Jesus following His heart’s posture will we be able to move in the right direction, with the right attitude and with sufficient love. 

As we all know, the vision cannot be attained by just memorizing it or talking about it – we should make a move and take action. And now I would like to pose a question, in our own little way, – 

WHAT CAN I CONCRETELY CONTRIBUTE TO THE ATTAINMENT OF OUR VISION?

post your replies here :)

Saint of the Month

St. Christopher

Catholic Patron Saint of Travel Safety

The one-time Catholic patron saint of travellers, Saint Christopher -- whose name means "Christ carrier" -- is not mentioned in the Bible. While there may have been a 3rd century Greek martyr named Christopher, the story told of him is now generally acknowledged to be a 12th century addendum to the Christian canon. Christopher is typically depicted as a tall, middle-aged, bearded man with a staff who wades across a river carrying the Christ child on his shoulders. As the story goes, the extremely robust Christopher devoted his life to carrying people across an otherwise unfordable stream. One day a little child appeared before him and asked to be carried across. To Christopher's surprise, as he forded the river, the child steadily increased in weight until Christopher found his tiny burden so heavy that it was amost impossible to bear. When he asked the holy babe why he weighed so much, the child replied that he carried the world's sins upon his shoulders. As a reward for his service, Christopher's staff was miraculously transformed into a living tree, and Christopher himself became the Patron Saint of travellers.

 

Christopher was a widely popular saint, and was especially revered by mariners, ferrymen, and travellers. HIs feast day was July 25th, except in Greece, where it was celebrated on March 9th. In modern times a major center of his cult was in Italy and among Italian-Americans, a fact that did not stop the Vatican from de-canonizing him during a late 20th century purge of the list of saints. Saint Christopher medals and holy cards are more difficult to find now that his status has been downgraded to that of a mere legend, but they are still being manufactured and many Mexican and Italian Catholics still believe that his image is the best amulet to carry in one's wallet, wear on a necklace while on a journey, or hang from the rear view mirror attachment of one's car. The enamel and silver Saint Christopher medal shown here dates from the 1930s

Our Theme Song

by Jeba Angeles

Everywhere you go… love stories. Every theater shows… romantic movies. Every radio station plays… love songs. Every T.V. show has a Valentines’ day special. What’s up?! Yes, it’s February, or THE LOVE MONTH, as some people would call it. This is the month when most people become extra sweet, some even go to different heights just to express how much they love the one God has given them. And yet for some, they say, it’s just another month, “what’s the big deal?” They are the ones who affectionately call themselves “the loveless”. What?! “LOVELESS?” as far as I know, nobody in this world should be called “loveless”… maybe there are some in Mars or Saturn, but not here, no way! There is always a God who will love you no matter what.

 

“There will always be a God who will love you…”, this became the driving force that led a group (Darren, Bugs, Rhea, Jeba, Poyee, Rolly, and I hope I didn’t forget anyone) into organizing a “Valentine concert”. Many titles for the event were brought forward, but one stood out among the others, “Our Theme Song”. The title was only fitting because the event’s main objective was to let everyone, with or without GG, feel that they are loved - that we all are loved. The team shared ideas; from the songs to the food, from the venue’s set up to the invitations. It was amazing. Everyone was so excited.

 

And so, on February 15 at the ICC Formation Center, the big night came. The place was just as wonderful. One of the guests even told me that she really felt the love when she entered the venue. But of course, there were some problems during the program, but with God’s amazing grace, the whole of the program ran smoothly. Smiles were in every person’s face that night, love songs made our hearts jump for joy, inspiring messages uplifted our already high spirits… Love was really in the air that night. After the concert, only happiness can be traced in the face of everyone who came.

 

Should the love month ends? Should the sweetness, the romance, and the tenderness end, too? The love month doesn’t happen only once a year, it happens the whole year, and it lasts for eternity. In my opinion, we should stop calling it “love month”, instead, we call it “Eternal Love”, plain and simple, because love makes the world go ‘round and ‘round… “What is LOVE?” to me Love is a mystery that starts with the letter “L” and ends with a…. nah! It never end. 

Icon Experience

by Kathy Jacob

What can I say, I really had a great time during the 16th SFC ICON. I'm having a hard time putting in words how happy i am to be a part of this community. Let's start with the city tour we had last Feb 20th. i can't believe that I've seen Magellan's cross for real. it may sound funny and childish, but i got teary eyed when i saw it. this landmark started it all that Christianity was spread all over the country.

Another amazing thing in Cebu was that churches were built on every corner of the street. people from Cebu will not have any excuse not to attend mass. the structure and architecture of each church explains how rich Christianity is on our country. going to different historical places in Cebu, it was like taking history class again! lol!

 

the whole conference was really memorable. almost 7000 thousand SFC's all over the world gathered in SM city's parking lot to celebrate this wonderful event. the sessions and sharings were very inspiring.

 

but there's one quote that struck me most during one of the sessions. It was given by Brother Siok.He quoted "Hope is the Antedote of Fear".It made me realize that , whenever we are uncertain of some decisions in our lives, sometimes we are afraid to take the risk. We are scared of failures, rejections and disappointments. But if we just believe that the our greatest "ICON" is with us every step of the way, we should not fear. We should not let our inhibitions lead our lives, because we are moving forward everyday with Christ.

The conference song "Move" has very catchy lyrics as well.

I will move, I will run
I will climb the highest mountain
For you are my priceless Gold
I'll be swift, I'll be bold
from this land I'll conquer the world
For you are my king and my God
I will move

Starting this year, all SFC should start to do some bold moves to inspire and to be instruments to other people no matter what the status in life, gender, age, nationality and religion, to let the world know that God is always on our side and his promise of eternal life is true

First Time Moments

by Pearl Arellano

Cebu ICON was one of the most memorable, exciting and adventurous event for our group, for many of our “First Time Moments” happens there……

 

February 19, 2008, Ate Alyn, Donna and I met in Pasig and decided to go to the airport together, we met before lunch coz’ we don’t wanna be late for our flight. And as planned we arrived very early at the International Airport 3 -it was our first time to be at that particular airport so we were really excited.  But our excitement was replaced with tense upon learning that we should not be on that place but at the International Airport 2 instead, and so we hurried up and went to the right place. Kenji & Donna was much more excited than us coz’ it was their first time to travel miles away from Manila, first time to check-in in an airport, first time to ride an airplane and first time to be in Cebu. And after an hour we’re there.

 

From the airport we went straight to Dumanjug, Cebu for a side trip. Indeed, the place overwhelmed us with its captivating white beach and breakwaters. Even before the conference proper started, we already felt the deep love of God by just allowing us to be mesmerized by the wonders of His creation which are open to be explored by everyone. That love of God was much more realized and felt after having the taste of Cebu’s lechon for free, haha, no not really, but after listening and internalizing the talks during the conference. With the experiences we had before and during the conference, I believe that all the delegates agreed that we all have to forget what lies behind and have to move on; we all need to move forward in Him, and move to be like Him.

 

But that was not enough, after the conference we went to Bohol for another side trip. It was all our first time to be there. We travelled to Bohol by ship (roro) and it was Kenji & Donna’s first time to ride that kind of vessel that’s why they were both excited & a little tense. The beauty of that small island captivated our eyes. We went on an “amazing race” like tour, running from one place to another. Our day was fulfilled by the view of white beaches along the road, pictures with huge python and cute tarsiers, crossing a hanging bridge, lunch in a floating restaurant crossing the Loboc River while being serenaded by good local performers, and most importantly a bite of Chocolate Hills. It was a tiring day but all the sweat was worth it 

Pride of Central B

GK1MB Head Mari Oquinena launched the SFC Bayani on the 2^nd day of the SFC ICON held in Cebu City last February 20-22, 2009. Our very own Julius Ulep was nominated by our Sector Head and was chosen as one of the 12 SFC Bayanis for his love and service for the poor and he will be serving as one of the Gawad Kalinga Ambassadors. The SFC Bayanis, together with known stars in the movie industry who are also GK Ambassadors, were presented and honored during the launching. Mari Oquinena talked about how our love of God is concretely exemplified in loving and serving His people especially the poor who have less in life.

Cheers to Ambassador Ulep!!! Keep it up…

Heart of a Servant

Central B is so blessed to have a very committed and dedicated GK volunteer in the person of Julius Ulep. Julius, who joined the Singles for Christ in Pasig in 1999 and formerly the GK Sector Rep, has been serving Gawad Kalinga in Arkong Bato since the early stage of SAGIP program in 2003. His consistent weekly visits in the site endeared him with the kids. In fact, he was able to establish the closest bond not only with the SAGIP kids but also with their parents.

 

When he was asked to lead the Child and Youth Development (CYD) in Arko, he did not hesitate to accept the service considering that he also participates actively in the SAGIP Program  as a Sports Coordinator/Trainer.  Being a longtime SAGIP facilitator, then a Program Manager and now a CYD coordinator, Julius is very instrumental in influencing fellow SFCs to serve in GK. His enthusiasm in serving the poorest of the poor is really admirable and contagious. That’s also one of the reasons why GK volunteers in Central B continue to thrive.

 

Julius is a classic example of a selfless servant. While he was doing all the GK works he was also serving as Unit Head in Central B3 until last year when decided concentrate on his work as head of the CYD. Energetic as he is, he still found time to be the Central B’s Sports Coordinator today.

 

We can only hope and pray that every SFC member can be like him…someone who never gets tired of serving and loving God and His people.  That is the heart of Julius, a heart of a true servant.