"...and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." - Matthew 16:18
June 1 - Dr. Rey Taniajura and he spoke about the significance of the number 40 in the Bible and its implications.
June 8 - We celebrated Pentecost Sunday and Ptr. Banggay Alwis gave the sermon on the "Holy Spirit"
June 15 - Ptr. Rene Marquez (a former pastor of our local church years ago) gave a message about "God's love seen at the Atonement"
June 22 - Youth-led service with atleast 25 youth and guests visited our church. Ptr. Audie Santibanez gave the message on "Nothing Can Separate Us From God's Love", The church enjoyed the visual aids used by pastor in delivering his message. After the service, the youth had a short activity of food fellowship,presentation,game and the photobooth.
June 29 - Our church concluded the 40th Anniversary by going to Pooten's Resort for a church outing and we have invited our members from our sister church in Mankayan. My family and I arrived at the venue early to prepare the hall,sound system and the Lord's table ready for the worship service. I am even more excited as our church members arrive family per family. A bunch of smiles, hugs, kisses and greetings flooded the registration booth. The worship service started with the weekly 'Speaking of Life' by our Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach Jr. entitled - "What Would God Not Do". The worship service was led by the Seniors Ministry and our Senior Pastor Dr. John Tinoyan as the worship leader. After that, Engr. Danny Flores shared his testimony before the main message by Ptr. Rex Dela Pena. Ptr Rex spoke about the significance of the church being A BODY, A FELLOWSHIP, A FLOCK and A FAMILY. The message was concluded by the partaking of the bread and wine in the Lord's Table. The seniors rendered a song entitled - "I Love You Lord" in english and filipino version as the offerings are being collected. Mrs. Gloria Pedro, led the church in the congregational prayer. We had our last songs and Ptr. Adel Areola gave the final blessings/benediction.
The first part of our anniversary program was a musical presentaion from the special guests invited by the Flores family, they are Rey Casuga and Wind Gigante, youth pastors of another church. They gave a musical rendition of the songs - "Still" and "Mahal na Mahal Kita Panginoon" Kuya Rey on saxophone and Kuya Wind on keyboards. We were so blessed! The youth of GCI Baguio also gave a dance presentation of the SEP modern dance - "Alive" by Hillsong Young and Free.
Before the second part of the anniversary program, overflowing potluck lunch was served and enjoyed by everybody. By 1:30 pm, photo entries from the "Photoshoot-for-a-cause" was submitted and judged by kuya Willy Tinoyan. 1st prize was awarded to ate Jaleh Gacayan, 2nd prize was awarded to kuya Rey Casuga and 3rd prize was awarded to tita Sheila Dela Pena. Consolation prizes were given to the participants. The proceeds of the photoshoot was given to tita Maria Sumalnap and tita Gloria Pedro.A short game called "The Wall of Trivia" was played by the kids. They won different prizes for playing the game.
The day would not be complete without the swimming part. This year's outing was extra memorable for me because, when I jumped into the pool (all the youth were watching), my right leg was strained! I asked help from the youth but they were just laughing (they thought it was a joke! LOL). Thank God for Ptr. Adel, Ptr. Banggay, uncle Romy and Mr. Donato for saving me...Thank you po!
I was tired by the time we arrived home but my heart is full of thanksgiving to Abba, Jesus and Holy Spirit for planting me to GCI - Baguio City/La Trinidad Church. A church where God's love is felt and seen! With all my heart I say..."This is my church!" I will serve the church as long as I live! Happy 40th Church Anniversary to all of us!
I believe that GREATER things have yet to come in our journey as a church!
As for now, I am preparing for my practice teaching (in-campus) starting this week. And for our Youth Ministry here in GCI Baguio City/La Trinidad, we are to launch our K-GROUPS (small group discipleship) in two weeks!! I am excited!
Let us continue to love one another!
