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February 24-27, 2010 Middle PAC, Wesleyan University Auditorium, Cabanatuan City

March 3-5, 2010 Southern Tagalog Provisional PACE, Jesus Reigns UMC, Pila, Laguna

March 10-12, 2010 Palawan PAC, Good Shepherd UMC, Rizal Ave., Narra, Palawan

March 17-19, 2010 PAC – Cavite, Tagaytay Mission Camp, Tagaytay City

March 24-26, 2010 WMIDPAC, Wesley UMC, Olongapo City

March 29-31, 2010 Rizal PACE, PACE Campsite, Kaytikling, Tagaytay, Rizal

April 7-9, 2010 Southwest PAC, Roxas UMC, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro

April 20-22, 2010 – BULPAC, Club Royale, Malolos, Bulacan

April 25-28, 2010 PAMPANGA PAC, Mexico UMC, Mexico, Pampanga

May 19-21, 2010 QCPACE, St. John UMC, Aurora Blvd., Cubao, Quezon City

May 25-28, 2010 PAC, Tagaytay Mission Camp, Tagaytay City

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Northwest Philippines Annual Conference -March 25-30, 2010 Kalilangan UMC, Bukidnon

Visayas Philippines Annual Conference April 22-24, 2010, To be decided by the VisPAC C.O.M.

Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference May 20-23, 2010 Spottswood Methodist Center, Kidapawan City

East Mindanao Philippines Annual Conference May 27-30, 2010 Cathedral: The United Methodist Church, Davao City

Bicol Philippines Provisional Annual Conference June 3-5, 2010 St. Luke UMC, Daet, Camarines Norte

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Kaalinsabay ng pasimula ng ika-20 siglo ay pagkatatag ng Iglesia Metodista sa Atlag. Ito rin ang simula ng pamamahalang Amerikano na pumalit sa mga Kastila. Dala ng mga Amerkano ang mga bagong kaugalian at kaalaman, subalit ang buong pusong tinanggapng mga Pilipino ay ang kalayaan sa pananampalataya.

Dumating sa Atlag ang ebanghelyo sa pamamagitan ng kapatid na Narcisa Dimagiba. Siya ay nahikayat sa pangangaral ni Pastor Nicolas Zamora sa isang malaking Servicio Ebanghelista sa Bangcusay, Tondo. Si Pastor Nicolas Zamora ang kauna-unahang ordenadong pastor na Pilipino na itinilaga noog Marso, 1900. Ang kapatid na Narcisa Dimagiba ay masiglang nagbalita sa kanyang mga kakilala, mga kaibigan at mga kamag-anak tungkol sa bagong pananampalatayang kanyang narinig.

Ang mga unag mananampaltaya ay nagsimulang manambahan sa isang kamalig ni Gng. Hilaria Dimagiba Santiago noong Nobyembre 1901 sa pangunguna ng mga misyonero. Sa taon ding iyon ay kanilang naitinding ang sariling bahay sambahan na yari sa pawid at kawayan. Naging masigasig ang mga kapatid sa Iglesia sa kanilang mga gawain sa nagbunga naman ng maraming nagsianib sa pananampalatayang Kristiyano.

Noong Agosto 24, 1902 ay itinalaga sa pamamagitan ni Ptr. Nicolas Zamora ang pangalawang bahay sambahan sa Atlag na yari sa kahoy at yero. Noong sumunod na taon, 1903 si Ptr. Luis Ocampo ay nagsimulang naglingkod sa Iglesia sa Atlag bilang palagiang pastor. Si Rev. Willard A. Goodel ang nakatalagang misyonero ditto sa kanlurang Bulakan.

Higit na sumigla ang mga gawain, lalo na sa ebanghelisasyon. Bagamat nakatatanggap sila ng mga paglait at pasala at binabato ang kanilang mga pagsamba at pagpupulong ay nagpatuloy sila sa kanilang gawain sa kalapit bayan ng Bulakan, Paombong, Guiguinto, at mga nayon ng Matimbo, Santa Isabel, Pamarawan, at Namayan sa bayan ng Malolos.

Noong taong 1915, sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon ay ginanap sa Atlag Methodist Church ang isang sama-samang panalaningan at pag-aaral sa lahat ng mga Pastor at manggagawang babae sa Bulakan (spiritual retreat) sa pangunguna ni Rev. Joshua Cottingham.

Noong taong 1929, ang bahay sambahan sa Atlag ay nasunog. Ngunit ang pangyayaring ito ay nagging isang patoo sa katatagan ng mga kapatid. Muli nilang naitayo ang isang bahay sambahan nga masmalaki, yari sa sement, atip na yero at capiz ang mga bintan. Ito ay natayo sa pangangasiwa ni Ptr. Bartolome Manalastas.

Isa png pagsubok ang hinarap ng Iglesias a Atlag ng humiwalay sa kapulungan ang halos kalahati ng kanilang bilang. Noong 1930-1931, ang kahilingan ng mga kapatid na panatilihin si Ptr. Francisco Aguilar ay hindi pinagbigyan ng Kumperensya Anwal. Ang pagkakaroon sa Atlag ng Iglesia Unida de Cristo at ng Iglesia Ebanghelika na ngayon ay UCCP (United Church of Christ in the Philippines) ay katunayan lamang ng paghihiwalay na nangyari.

Nagpatuloy na naglingkod ang Iglesia Metodista sa Atlag noong ikalawang-digmaang pandaigdig sa kabila ng mga panganib mula sa pananakop ng mga hapones noong taong 1944, ang taunang Kumperensiya sa Pilipinas ay ginanap sa iglesia ng Atlag, kung sann galling ang mga delegado mula sa iba’t-ibang lugar sa Pilipinas. Sa pamumuno ni Obispo Dionisio D. Alejandro, ang kauna-unahang Pilipinong Obispo at sa tulong ng mga kapatid, ang kumperensiya ay matagumpay na naisagawa.

Dekaba 80, humarap sa isan malaking pagsubok ang iglesia. Pansamantalang naging dalawa ang gawain at pagsamba. Nagkaroon ng pananambahan sa barangay Matimbo ang ilan kapatiran at ilan naman ay nanatili sa Atlag. Ngunit hindi hinayaan ng Panginoon ang tuluyang magkahiwalay ang iglesia. Muli ay nagsama sa isang gawain at pananambahan sa Atlag ang buong kapatiran. Lalong napalalim ng pagsubok na ito ang pagkakapatiran. Sa panahon din ito ay naging extension ng Lingkod Pangkabataan ang Atlag UMC. Sa huling bahagi ng dekadang ito ay dumating sa iglesia ang Evangelism Explosion. Sinanay ang buong kapatiran sa pagbabahagi ng salita ng kaligtasan.

Dekada 90, naisilang ng Atlag UMC ang isang iglesia sa kalapit na barrio, ang Calero United Methodist Church. Naging Clinic Base din ang iglesia para sa pagsasanay ng Evangelism Explosion.

Taong 2001 pinagdiwang ang ika-isang daang taon ng pakakatatag ng Iglesia. Muli ay pinasimulan ang pagtatayo ng bagong bahay sambahan sa atin ng makikita sa kasalukuyang panahon.

Sa kabila ng maraming pagsubok, pag-uusig at kahirapan, Ang Nagkakaisang Iglesia Metodista sa Atlag ay patuloy na lumalago at nagsisilbing bantayog ng pananampalataya na nagsasabog ng kanyang liwanag mula sa Diyos.

Papuri sa Diyos sa ika-108 taon ng pagpapala.

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Relief Operations
The past two months saw many relief operations take place. Botolan, Zambales was a recipient on at least three (3) separate occasions. Rice, old clothes and money were distributed to flood victims and their kin with the cooperation of Kapatiran Kaunlaran Foundation, Inc. (KKFI), United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Phils. Field Office and MEA cabinet.

A kamalig (barn/warehouse) was begun in North Aurora with the intention of speeding up relief response times in the area. It has been stocked with 20 sacks of used clothing. Dilasag, Aurora also received relief goods like canned food, instant noodles and medicines, with the help of the Regional Office and Ms. Emma Cantor.

Aid was not limited to Luzon; AAPMCI was also able to reach Mindanao. Members of the Manuvu tribe received a total of PhP 5,000.00 from Asuncion Perez, through the assistance of Kasimbayan.

Sharing God’s Blessings
While we all receive blessings from above there are those who have a bit more and share. AAPMCI is grateful to the following for their donations, either cash or in kind:

Bishop Rudy Juan
Miss Remedios Santiago
Wesleyan University – Philippines (WUP) High School department
NELPAC WSCS
Mrs. Beverly Jerusalem
San Juan UMC
Collection from devotions at UMC Headquarters

National WSCS leadership have also pledged their support, with MidPAC WSCS pledging PhP 10,000.00 annually.

If you would like to support Asuncion Perez in any way, please contact Mrs. Merlyn Sebastian at 0928.213.0963.

For more information, please visit Asuncion Perez’s Multiply site.

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By Bishop Rodolfo A. Juan

Introduction

Bishop Rudy Juan

The Episcopal journey is not a bed of roses. If it is, then maybe because roses have thorns. But it is replete with wonderful lessons and evidences of God’s constant love and boundless compassion. The great truth of God’s faithfulness is even more powerfully affirmed when we endure the heat of spiritual testing at the helm of leadership.

I can truly identify with the Apostle Paul when he said, “No testing has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NRSV).

As I greet you and account for the work of the Church in the Baguio Episcopal Area today, may God’s presence unite us in our common journey of faith, mission and service. Amen!

Our report will address the four key result areas encapsulated in my first report to you entitled “BEA With A Great Future.”

Developing Principled Christian Leaders for the Church and the World

Christian leadership training is one of the hallmarks of Methodism. Our Methodist heritage in this task is an interesting story. For his PhD dissertation, Dr. James L. Garlow analyzed the journals of John Wesley in mentoring others. He discovered that the capability of Methodism’s founder to empower others increased with time and experience. He concludes: “Secure leaders release power to others. Wesley did. So can you.”

So far, since January until July this year, we have conducted three (3) Encounter God Retreats and three (3) Lay Congress activities. Lay Speaking Seminars and Church Council Officers’ Seminars are continuing education programs. The UMYFers held Summer Institutes and District/Annual Youth Conferences all over the Baguio Episcopal Area. The UMYAF held Caravans and training seminars while the UMM and UMW held their own versions of leadership development exercises in the District and Annual Conference Levels. These programs are primarily intended to serve the Laity.

Read the full report from the UMC Baguio Episcopal Area website.

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Grace to you and Peace from our Lord Jesus Christ!

Rev. Leo Soriano

It is with joy that we come to you again today to give some updates on the work that we are doing in the Davao Area. Since the start of the New Conference year, three months have already passed and we are here to share with you highlights that have transpired during that brief period of time.

All Annual Conferences within the Davao Episcopal Area made the “Four Areas of Focus” as the hub of their programs. The Bishop made the “Four Areas of Focus” the primary content of his Episcopal Address to the 2009 Session of the Annual Conferences. The Bishop’s Office Staff prepared a power point presentation and a lecture on the four focuses. Consequently, District Conferences and Local Churches defined their ministries as well under this theme. Programs of the Local Churches must be reflective of the four focuses, respective District Superintendents are expected to ensure it at the Charge Conferences.

Leadership Development

Bishop Han Theological Seminary

The Bishop Theological Seminary has formally started last June 16, 2009. A delegation from the partner church, Joo An Methodist Church in South Korea, came to attend the inauguration service. It offers Masters in Divinity. Its present Dean is Dr. Noel Guzman, Ph.D. Doctor Guzman finished Masters in Theology at Princeton Theological Seminary in New Jersey, U.S.A. in the field of Church History. He finished his Ph.D. in Boston University, Massachusset, U.S.A., also in the field of Church History focusing on Luther’s Theology. The registrar is Dr. Arnold Estrella, who finished his Ph.D. in South Korea. Bishop Han Theological Seminary, which is named after Bishop Han, is located in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon. The first batch has nine students, 2 of whom come from Baguio Episcopal Area. Part of the thanksgiving worship, of which Bishop Rudy Juan was the preacher, was a ground breaking ceremony for the school’s multi-purpose gymnasium. This gymnasium will be the seventh structure to be built in approximately two hectares of land. Are present there are now six buildings there: the administration building, two dormitories, a cafeteria, a guest house, and the chapel.

Women Leaders

The Bishop appointed to his cabinet for this Conference Year four women district superintendents. Two in the Visayas and two in Mindanao. All four have something in common: all are very committed and very industrious. We have also endorsed another committed woman pastor to pursue doctoral studies.

Read Bishop Soriano’s full report at the UMC Davao Episcopal Area website.

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Countless praise and thanksgiving we offer to our God Almighty through our Lord Jesus Christ who gives us NEW LIFE and NEW HOPE in the midst of pain and suffering. Yes, if we are in Jesus Christ all things would be possible to them who put his trust on Him. Most of the time the process of change would be painful just like the transformation of the ugly cocoon into a beautiful butterfly. But once we have overcome the difficult stages of change, the rays of HOPE, which come from God, would dawn on us.

GLIMPSES OF HOPE

For the last seven months, the Office of the Bishop of the Manila Episcopal Area (MEA) together with its District Superintendents, staff, and volunteer lay and clergy, had tread the paths of transforming the visions that I reported in the February 2009 Coordinating Council Meeting into reality. The Comprehensive Church Action Programs and Projects (CCAPP) which has been my ministerial life slogan and banner and guided by UMC’s Four Areas of Focus: Leadership Development, Church Growth, Ministry with the Poor, and Global Health, we at MEA did our best to integrate it in our multifarious ministries from the Annual Conferences, Districts, Local Churches down to the grassroots and with the help and support of some UMC agencies and institutions.

I. On Leadership Development. Developing Principled Christian Leaders for the Church and the World.

The following were the programs and activities implemented by MEA under this focus ministry:

A. STRATEGIC PLANNING – WORKSHOP

Since the overarching goal of MEA is to develop principled Christian leaders, MEA conducted a Strategic Planning Workshop last June 11-13, 2009 at Tagaytay Mission Camp and Conference Center. 27 District Superintendents (DS Joel A. Capulong – Laguna District, DS William A. Umipig – Quezon District; DS Glorioso T. Baluntong – Occidental Mindoro District, DS Nehemia P. Allera – Oriental Mindoro/Romblon District; DS Roger A. Marquez – North Palawan District, DS Norberto S. Saranilla – Central Palawan District, DS Rodolfo G. Gentalian – South Palawan District; DS Crisolito D. Mendoza – North Bulacan District, DS Ismael M. Sarangaya – South Bulacan District, DS Benito Orbe – East Bulacan District, DS Emiliano Macarasig – West Bulacan District; DS Arturo Andres L. Bautista, Jr. – Northwest Quezon City District, DS Hilario C. Carolino – Southwest Quezon City District; DS Zosimo T. Mabuti – Rizal District, DS Alvin Alcantara – Metro District; DS Deogracias A. Cruz, Jr. – West Pampanga District, DS Reynaldo M. Calalang – East Pampanga District; DS Allan Casuco – Northwest Metro-Manila District, DS Johann M. Osias – Southwest Metro-Manila District; DS Dominador A. Valencia – Bataan District, DS Victor Violenta, Jr. – Zambales District; DS Numeriano C. Lasco – South Nueva Ecija District, DS Benedicto M. Dulay – Central Nueva Ecija District, DS Apolinario V. Cunanan – North Nueva Ecija District, DS Joey L. Lapitan – Aurora Mission District; DS Arestedes C. Balatan – Northeast Cavite District and DS Magusig Manalo, Jr. – Southwest Cavite) from the 11 MEA Annual Conferences (Southern Tagalog Provisional PACE, Southwest PAC, Palawan PAC, Bulacan PAC, Quezon City PACE, Rizal PACE, Pampanga PAC, Philippines Annual Conference, West Middle PAC, Middle PAC and PAC Cavite), 9 Conference Lay Leaders, 9 AC BOOM Chairpersons, 7 CODS Chairpersons, and 13 representatives coming from the UMC agencies and institutions, including Rev. Jeremiah Gabriel of BulPAC as Facilitator and 2 Documentors attended the Strategic Planning – Workshop. The goal was to help create cohesive and well-coordinated plans among the Annual Conferences, Districts, Local Churches, UMC agencies and institutions within MEA. A handbook on Strategic Planning – Workshop was produced to serve as guide for District Superintendents, Clergy and Lay who will provide information on how to conduct a Strategic Planning Workshop in their respective areas of ministry.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our brothers and sisters in Christ, including a Korean Pastor and friend, some of our agencies and institutions, who provided financial and heartfelt support to make this Strategic Planning – Workshop a reality. We were able to solicit funds in the amount of P74,000.00.

The same Strategic Planning-Workshop was echoed in the following Annual Conferences:

1. Palawan PAC (North Palawan District)- held on July 3-4, 2009 at San Manuel UMC, Puerto Princesa City with more than 30 participants coming from clergy, deaconesses and lay.

2. Pampanga PAC (East Pampanga District) – held on July 4, 2009 at Galilee United Methodist Church in Pampanga.

3. PAC-Cavite – held at the Church By The Highway UMC last July 4, 2009 and attended by key Church Leaders from the 2 Districts and Local Churches.

The statement and core values were circulated to all Local Churches of the district for information and adoption. This will help us travel with new hope and sense of direction in accomplishing the mandate of Christ to go and make disciples of all nation for the transformation of the world. As stated in Proverbs 29:18 (KJV) – “For without vision people perish . . .” from NIV and NLT – “where there is no revelation, the people cast off restraint. . .”; “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild . . .” We as a district was inspired by the clear guidance and passion for mission of our beloved Bishop Lito Tangonan. We believe that if we will join hands together with love, unity and commitment in facing greater challenges ahead of us and will have a clear vision and mission, this district will truly make a great difference and impact not only in Cavite but also even beyond. The Southwest Cavite District of the PACC has also adopted the eleven goals of MEA for this quadrennium and we have come up with a program thrust for our district. This was approved during the first District Conference held last July 4, 2009 at CBTH UMC, which was attended by the key leaders of all Local Churches of the district. We have come up with a four-fold program emphasis: (Acronym of Southwest Cavite District – SWCD)

- Strengthening Clergy and Lay leadership (Goals 1, 2 & 3)

- Winning souls for Christ (Goals 4 & 7)

- Caring for the needy (Goals 5, 6, 8, 9& 11)

- Developing ministry facilities (Goal 10)

4. Quezon City PACE – held on July 30, 2009 held at Village UMC, No. 12 Pugad Lawin Drive, Project 8, Quezon City with 30 participants. Quezon City PACE said that they would be the lead Annual Conference in this undertaking.

5. Bulacan PAC – held on August 9, 2009 at Seed of Faith UMC, Sta. Maria, Bulacan, while the District (4th District of Bulacan PAC) Strategic Planning – Workshop was held last July 18, 2009 at Bethany UMC. Bulacan PAC on the other hand said they would be the model Annual Conference.

6. Middle PAC – held on August 9, 2009 at Wesleyan 3rd UMC with 45 workers.

Future Schedules for echoing the Strategic Planning:

1. West Middle PAC – Zambales District originally set this on August 14-15, 2009 with Rev. Jeremiah Gabriel as Facilitator, but due to the recent floods, it was postponed indefinitely.

2. PAC – on September 12-26, 2009

3. Southern Tagalog Provisional PACE – on October 2-3, 2009 at Jesus Reigns UMC, Pila, Laguna.

4. Rizal PACE – on October 2009

5. Southwest PAC – on October 29-31, 2009

The MEA Strategic Planning – Workshop came up with Our Unifying VISION STATEMENT, Our MISSION STATEMENT, Our CORE VALUES, 11 STRATEGIC GOALS and STRATEGIC CONCEPTUAL PLAN (2009-2012). Please see ANNEX A.

B. WRITER’S WORKSHOP

To support the communication needs and skills of the church leaders especially in the Annual Conferences, the Manila Episcopal Area conducted a Writer’s Workshop last July 18-20, 2009 at Tagaytay Mission Camp with the National Innovative Ministries Partnership Program (NIMPP) as Co-Sponsor. Due to budget constraints, the participants were reduced from 30 to 17 Clergy, Deaconesses, Lay, Youth, and Staff. Mr. Fort Nicolas, the Editor of MEALAB, facilitated the workshop, aside from dealing with news writing, feature writing and editing. The participants said they were initially apprehensive in attending the Writer’s Workshop because it entails writing exercises. But at the end of the Writer’s Workshop, they felt thankful they attended as they learned so much from it. They promised to be regular Contributors to MEALAB. Some of the results of the Writer’s Workshop were published in MEALAB, which we timed for release during this meeting of the Coordinating Council Meeting.

C. MEALAB (Manila Episcopal Area: Alay-Liwanag, Alay-Buhay para sa Iglesia at Sambayanan)

This Newsletter is the Official Publication of the Manila Episcopal Area. The maiden issue was sent out last April 6, 2009 during the launching of the Moral Force at Central United Methodist Church. 2,000 copies of this issue were printed and circulated. The 2nd issue, which you may be holding right now, features the results of the MEA Strategic Planning – Workshop. Church Leaders who attended the Writer’s Workshop held last July 18-20, 2009 are trying to be regular Contributors of the newsletter.

D. LAUNCHING OF THE MEA MORAL FORCE

The MEA Moral Force was launched last April 6, 2009 at the Central United Methodist Church. The activity gathered around 600 people from all walks of life — Bishops, District Superintendents, Clergy, Deaconesses, Lay People (Women, Men, and Youth), ecumenical friends and partners here and abroad. Our ecumenical friends gave their solidarity messages in the name of the institutions they represent, namely, the NCCP, the PCEC, the CBCP-NASSA, the PBS, etc. The affair received a live coverage from mainstream media. The Hon. Reynato S. Puno, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, delivered the keynote address, focusing his speech on John Wesley as a transformational leader.

E. NATIONAL INNOVATIVE MINISTRIES PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (NIMPP) Lay/Workers’ Continuing Education

1. Lay and Clergy Partnership Training was held at Wesley UMC in Olongapo City on April 14-16, 2009 and was attended by 36 participants from different churches of Zambales District in partnership with KKFI. Topics on Organizing, participatory project management, and program planning were discussed.

2. Church Women Workers’ Formation Program was held at the Hesed House IRC, Muntinlupa – 35 women (clergywomen, deaconesses, and WSCS leaders) attended the Women’s Orientation Program using the module of IRC and the Board of Women’s Work. Participants from the Southern Tagalog Provisional Philippines Annual Conference East (STPPACE) and SWPAC produced district action plans after a 3-day training jointly sponsored by MEA-IMPP, IRC, BWW, GBGM Regional Office and Southwest PAC Committee on the Role and Status of Women.

II. Church Growth. New Places for New People and Renewing Existing Congregations.

In my CoCo report last February 2009, I shared some notes on MEA Annual Conferences like Pampanga PAC, West Middle PAC, Rizal PACE, Bulacan PAC, Quezon City PACE, PAC and Middle PAC that adopted and had supported modest Annual Conferences and Mission Churches in Palawan, Calamianes group of Islands, STPPACE, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Batangas, and Aurora Mission District. Their financial support and human resources had helped strengthen our ministries in these areas. Again, in the recently concluded Annual Conferences held last February until May, Church Growth and expansion of MEA are continuing in full swing.

A. CREATION AND ORGANIZATION of New Districts, Local Churches and Congregations – Support and Adoption:

1. West Middle PAC

* West Middle PAC, during its Annual Conference session held last May 20-23, 2009, decided to make further study on the possibility of Bataan District dividing into 2 Districts in the future.
* Zambales District might also become 2 Districts in the future in preparation for their vision to become a Regular Annual Conference. If this will be realized, West Middle PAC will indeed become two Regular Annual Conferences by next quadrennium. At present there are 24 new mission areas and 5 worshipping congregations in the District of Zambales.

2. Middle PAC

* The possibility of making Maria Aurora Mission District a Provisional Annual Conference is under study. The South Nueva Ecija District would like also to become a Regular Annual Conference and same is true with the North Nueva Ecija District. That means that there is a possibility that Middle PAC will become four Annual Conferences in the future.

3. PAC- Cavite

* The newly organized Christian Fellowship of Cavite Province shall be named The Cavite Ecumenical Movement.
* PAC-Cavite adopted the Municipality of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro as its Mission Area. Our missionaries identified the need to equip and train our Lay People in Oriental Mindoro for Lay Leadership. We plan to extend “Trainers’ Institute of Southwest Cavite District (TISCAD) to facilitate these training needs.

4. BULPAC Support to STPPACE

* East Bulacan District pledged to adopt 6 Municipalities and a city in Quezon, namely, Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Lukban, Pagbilao, and Lucena City with the following commitments:

- Supporting the above City and Municipalities with Workers, finances, and accommodation.

- Monthly rental of the house to be used for DS Office, Workers’ dwelling, and eventually District Parsonage.

CHALLENGES

A. Other districts of Bulacan PAC have pledged support to the mission work in the Quezon District.

B. Effectivity of said commitment is pending upon further study of the same by the officers of the other districts of Bulacan PAC.

C. Municipalities of Quezon provinces shall be assigned to the different districts of Bulacan PAC for placement and support.

5. PAC

During the last term of DS Ruby-Nell Estrella, the Dubai Mission of Knox UMC was recognized as a Regular Local Church. We praise and thank God for the founding of the First UMC of Dubai in the Middle East.

Northwest Metro-Manila District, in cooperation with Oriental Mindoro/Romblon District, launched its mission initiative last May 18-20, 2009 through its Mission Task Force headed by Mrs. Luz Makil. The mission program included a visit to Calapan Mayor, Atty. Doy Leachon. DS Allan Casuco and DS Nehemiah Allera presented a Bible as gift for the mayor. A Bible Study and an evangelistic night were held and 44 persons accepted Jesus Christ.

In a span of 5 months MEA has organized 7 New Local Churches as follows:

1. Franville UMC – Quezon City PACE

2. The Resurrection UMC –Pampanga PAC

3. Tabernacle UMC – Pampanga PAC

4. Camachile UMC – Pampanga PAC

5. Coastal Bay UMC – PAC-Cavite

6. The Good Shepherd UMC – West Middle PAC

7. First UMC Dubai, United Arab Emirates – PAC

B. EPISCOPAL VISITS

Episcopal Visits were conducted in the following areas:

1. PAC Northwest Metro-Manila District was done last July 28, 2009 with DS Allan Casuco and Rev. Roger Olermo and some Clergy and members of the Northwest Metro-Manila District. The following Local Churches and Mission Areas were visited respectively: Redeem UMC, Full Grace UMC, Lake View UMC, Sto. Tomas UMC Mission and Cuenca Mission in Batangas.

2. PAC South West Metro-Manila District visited 3 Regular Churches in Batangas last August 13, 2009 namely: Higher Ground UMC, Faith UMC and Knox-Crossville UMC in Batangas. A newly organized Mission Point in Barangay Pulang-Bato, San Juan, Batangas were also visited through the leadership of Rev. Rene Ramos of Knox-Crossvile UMC where 120-150 worshippers gathered every weekend. SWMMD continues to expand its mission work in Batangas, with the ongoing activities in the towns of Padre Garcia, San Pascual and Mabini. Together with the group were DS Johann M. Osias, Rev. Romeo Miguel and Rev. David Pateña.

3. PAC-Cavite. Out of 32 Local Churches in Cavite, 28 were visited last July 30-31, 2009. 16 Local Churches of South West Cavite District and 12 Local Churches from North East Cavite District were visited too. Tahanan Ground Breaking Ceremony for Naic UMC for the new Church building construction was also done. Together with the group were DS Magusig Manalo, DS Arestedes Balatan and some Clergy and members of the two Districts of PAC-Cavite.

4. Southern Tagalog Provisional PACE. An Episcopal visit was held from August 10-12, 2009 in the newly created district of STPPACE, Quezon District, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. William A. Umipig as the DS and Rev. Joe Vicente as the Supervising Elder. DS Benito Orbe of East Bulacan District, being among the Sponsors of BULPAC, joined the visit with his pastors, Revs. Marinel Laderas, Sonny San Pedro, Elino Rivera, and Dominador Guevara, and a youth son of DS Orbe, Albert John Orbe. DS Joel Capulong of Laguna District (STPPACE) and DS Zosimo Mabuti of Rizal District (RPACE) also joined the visit. The group was welcomed by the governor of Quezon, the Hon. Raffy P. Nantes. We also visited a House prospect for our District Office and Headquarters in Quezon located at Pleasantville Subdivision, owned by a Methodist family living in Albano, Isabela. The group proceeded then to Southeastern part of the Quezon District. Churches and places visited in these areas were Tinambulan in Calauag, Lopez, Gumaca and Atimonan UMC’s, respectively.

C. FIRST AREA WIDE CONVENTION of Preachers’ and Deaconess’ Kids

The first MEA Wide Convention of Workers’ Kids was held last April 5-6, 2009 at Tagaytay Mission Camp and Conference Center. The convention had gathered the children and grandchildren of Pastors and Deaconesses for fellowship and program planning. The PKs would be the extension of their parent’s ministries. Ms. Riva Tabelisma, PK Vice-President for MEA led the gathering.

III. Ministry with the Poor. Engaging in Ministry with the Poor.

A. Launching of Barangay Empowerment for Spiritual and Socio-economic Transformation (BESST) Mission Team (Day Care/Livelihood Project as reported in the CoCo meeting last Feb).

BESST was launched last July 6, 2009 at the MEA Office. A group of 4 women composed of 2 former Deaconesses (Mrs. Jeanette Nacpil and Mrs. Teresita Marmol,) and 2 laywomen (Ms. Marilyn Austria and Mrs. Leilani Sagun) formed a mission team to reach out and help our brothers and sisters especially in the indigent communities belonging to the annual conferences of MEA. They will start their mission work by conducting environmental scanning at Bongabong, Mindoro on August 21, 2009. The group initially forged a partnership with the Northwest District of PAC through DS Allan Casuco. They will conduct Medical/Dental Mission in Calapan and Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro on October 22-24, 2009.

B. Emergency Relief Operations

The recent typhoons and monsoon rains brought flooding to particular areas in Pangasinan and Zambales. With the help of our Annual Conferences, through their respective District Superintendents and some members of their local churches, and also with the assistance of Asuncion A. Perez Memorial Center Inc. (AAPMCI), the Office of the Bishop of MEA distributed relief goods to areas in Anda, Pangasinan

severely affected by the typhoon. In the presence of a District Superintendent of Pangasinan PAC of BEA, together with their Lay Leader, Mr. Art Millan, and some faithful members, Annual Conferences of MEA gave approximately more than P20,000.00 cash for the repair of the District Parsonage and Asbury College and thousands worth of rice, groceries and bags of used clothing.

Again last week, typhoon Kiko battered Zambales with strong rains and flooded 10 Barangays of Botolan, Zambales where Carael UMC is. UMCOR, through its Executive Director Ciony Eduarte, Rev. Victor Violenta, our District Superintendent in Zambales District, the members of MEA Disaster Preparedness Committee, Rev. Noel Santiago, Merlyn Sebastian of AAPMCI, the KKFI staff, together with our Clergy and faithful Church members distributed emergency relief goods to Barangays Carael, Bucao Elementary School, Porac Elementary School and Ramon Magsaysay Technological University Branch in Porac, Botolan, Zambales. Yesterday, the Church By The Highway UMC and its Christian Values School led by DS Magusig Manalo conducted also Relief Operation there. Last August 3, 2009, Tangos UMC was razed to the ground by fire due to faulty electrical wiring. The Office of the Bishop sent a circular letter requesting all our constituents to make a special offering for the reconstruction of Tangos UMC, and to gather relief goods for the victims of flooding in Zambales. It also encouraged all Local Churches to insure their church buildings. Most of our Churches responded to the requests. A MEA Cabinet Expanded Relief Operation for Zambales is scheduled for August 30-31, 2009.

We are grateful to UMCOR International for holding a timely Training/Consultation on Disaster Response last July 21-24, 2009 at Tagaytay Mission Camp and Conference Center. The training has helped our Clergy and Lay in honing their skills in responding immediately to calamities.

C. KAMALIG

As reported in the last CoCo meeting, MEA will be instituting Kamalig through the assistance of Ms. Merlyn Sebastian of AAPMCI to all its Annual Conferences for the year-round collection of relief goods. Last April 18, 2009 Kamalig was launched at the women’s property in J. Bocobo, Malate, Manila. Our women’s organization had brought relief goods in preparation for any disaster that will hit the country. The visibility of AAPMCI, one of the UMC agencies for social concerns, not only during times of calamity but also in giving support to our less fortunate brothers and sisters has strengthen our social services and ministry to the poor.

D. PAC-Cavite: Support our Coop and Foundation.

The PAC-Cavite Cooperative called “Gintong Kinabukasan na may Pag-Asa” aims to ease poverty and meet the financial needs of the members of the PAC-Cavite. The 2nd General Assembly will be held this coming August 21, 2009 at Pala-pala UMC in Cavite. The PAC-Cavite BOT Chairman, Engr. Emil Bosita had initiated some programs towards the fulfillment of its goal.

E. MEA- Innovative Ministries Partnership Program

1. Ministry with the Indigenous People (IPs)

Pampanga PAC and West Middle PAC have a unique Christian ministry with the indigenous people, particularly with the Aeta communities in Pampanga, Zambales, and Bataan. The candidates for the ministry and Deaconess Service from the Aeta community are growing. After graduation, these candidates plan to return to their own community and make disciples from among their own brothers and sisters. The Rev. Elmer Victoria, the first Aeta Pastor who graduated last April 2009 from UTS with honors and with Masteral Degree now served as the Assistant Director at the Immanuel Bible School (IBS) in Tarlac. The Aeta dream is to be able to establish more Aeta Local Churches that will later constitute an Aeta District in the near future. With the help and support of IBS and in coordination with MEA-IMPP, their respective District Superintendents, and other Church Workers and Lay, their dream is bound to come true in the not so distant future.

The literacy sponsorship program for Aetas and other IPs in the MEA continues to gain support from individuals and friends of IPs. On the 3rd year of the program 206 aeta children and youth are enrolled in the elementary, high school and college levels through the leadership of PIM Rev. Leslie Dela Cruz. Out of the 206, 4 are in pre-theological and one is in HMC. For the first time, 4 Dumagat youth were able to enroll in the education course of HMC. Five (5) Mangyans were also given high school tuition fee assistance. To date, the MEA-IMPP and MEA PIM for Aetas have received and distributed the cash amount of P 60,950.00 and in-kinds amounting to P81,696.25 from individual supporters and the Mariam Spottswood Scholarship Foundation.

2. Ministry to OFWs

With the use of e-mails and signature campaigns, another OFW- Cecilia Alcaraz was saved from capital punishment by firing squad in Taiwan. Even the President of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Women, Dr. Chita Millan, had helped by writing to international church leaders like the Bishop in Taiwan. The sentence was commuted from death to life.

We appealed to the DFA the case of another OFW, Ms. Balleseros, from Isabela who was sold by her employer to another employer in Riyadh. After one and a half months she was able to return home and joined her family.

We are still working on the cases of Resley Palisoc, OFW in Singapore. Palisoc was not allowed to eat on time, go out, and communicate with relatives. She was also not given the agreed upon wages, and the Agency holding her contract was asking her a large amount to be able to get home to the Philippines.

Ellen Gascon Taborno in Singapore has a similar problem – she is being denied her right to go home unless she pays a big amount.

Sheryl Abad Pascasio, a member of the UMC, was referred to the MEA-IMPP with a request to be helped to get home to the Philippines. Her employer in Singapore was allegedly starving her.

IV. Global Health. Stamping Out Killer Diseases of Poverty by Improving Health Globally

1. Philippine Central Conference (PCC) – Board of Discipleship (BOD) Health Workshop

PCC-Board of Discipleship Health Workshop. The PCC-BOD which is under my supervision will be conducting a Health Workshop to produce Health Week Guidelines and publications. The guidelines will be launched February next year in coordination with BCEC during the MEA-BEA Joint DVCS Trainor’s Training.

V. UPDATES AND HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ANNUAL CONFERENCES:

PAC-CAVITE

* Construction of the Multi-Purpose PAC-C Headquarters in Biga, Silang, Cavite
* Development of an on-line website: umc-pac-cavite

MIDDLE PAC

INTEL AND CRITICAL THINKING SEMINAR. This will be held every 3rd Saturday of the month. This is a program given by Wesleyan University –Philippines headed by Miss Gladys Mangiduyos, Dean of College of Education and Dr. Randy Sansait, Dean College of Computer Science. We started our training last July 25, 2009, 9am – 3pm, at the Computer Science building, and will continue until September 19, 2009.

SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR WORKERS. This conference year 2008-2009, we gave much time and efforts in looking for needed funds for our workers especially students and those who assigned in small local churches. Judge Raymundo Z. Annang donated Fifty Thousand Pesos (Php 50,000.00) for scholarship funds. The district also started to generate the Two Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php 200,000.00) of Equitable Salary funds and will earn Six Thousand Pesos (Php 6,000.00) every month. We also approved that all tithes of workers will be given to Equitable Salary Fund to support our pastors and volunteer workers who are receiving minimal amounts that cannot support their daily living.

A newly constructed church building in Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija, Gabaldon UMC was realized and inaugurated last August 11, 2009 with the help of our Korean friends. Marikit UMC in Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija had been constructed last August 1, 2009. Inauguration was set for October 2009.

Expediting of the sale of a UMC saleable properties, and a portion of the income to be given to the Board of Pensions.

Prof. Palomo promised to give $1,000.00 yearly out of his own pocket in support of the Board of Pension.

WEST MIDDLE PAC

Bataan district joined the Interfaith Prayer rally to oppose the reopening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant held in Balanga Plaza last June 20, 2009.

West Middle Philippines Annual Conference (Bataan and Zambales) conducted a conflict Management Seminar and a lecture on Family Code for Pastors and Bataan Deaconesses as part of our Worker’s continuing education and leadership development last July 9-11, 2009 at Bethel UMC. Our lecturers were: Bishop E. P. Nacpil, Dr. Daniel Bawan and Atty. Joe Frank Zuniga.

West Middle Philippines Annual Conference (Bataan and Zambales) conducted a leadership Seminar for the Young People of the two Districts called “Lead To Last” in cooperation with the SUCCESS GROUP OF COMPANIES – a consulting and training company based in Manila and was held last July 31 to August 1, 2009.

SOUTHWEST PAC

A. OUTREACH

MANGYAN MINISTRY – through the leadership of the PiM, the indigenous people of Mindoro were enabled to participate in this program – gathering the Hanunuo Mangyans for an assembly and assembling the Buhid Mangyans for their congress. 10 Hanunuo Mangyans were baptized.

B. WITNESS

MARINDUQUE MISSION: Confirmation classes were held and confirmation rites were given at the First Marinduque United Methodist Mission Church. Dialogues between the clergy and lay were initiated leading to a reconciliation. The Mission celebrated its 2nd anniversary.

PINAMALAYAN MISSION: The Mission Team of Northwest Metro Manila District, through the leadership of DS Allan Casuco, again visited Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro. NMMD sent a Pastor Gonzales to do mission work here.

LOOC MISSION- Pastor Joselito Ibanez, a newly graduate romUTS is assigned to open mission work in Looc, Romblon. Makati UMC of Southwest Metro Manila District is supporting the missionary pastor in the area.

MANGYAN MISSION: Hanunuo mangyans were baptized at Bait, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro. We now have a regular Mangyan worshipping congregation at Amaga, Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.

VI.OTHER CONCERNS:

A. PCC Boards under my Supervision

1. Board of Discipleship (pls. see plan of action)

2. Board of Church and Society will be having its organizational and consultation meeting on August 24, 2009.

3. Board of Trustees: Projects under the Development Committee is on-going

4. Board of Ordained Ministry had met only once and will reorganize soon.

5. MEA Board of Pension Committee – met last July 22, 2009 and was able to organized the Committee with the following officers:

Chairperson – Ms. Liz P. Mariano

Vice-Chairperson – Mrs. Lydia Aherrera

Secretary – Rev. Edgardo Cruz

Alternate MEA BOP Execom Member – Mrs. Soledad Ganaden

B. Connectional Relations

1. Volunteers in Mission was with us last May 28-June 10, 2009. Dr. Liwliwa Robledo was with them when they visited us.

a. Drew University Seminary Students visited us last June 10-25, 2009. Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Tapia was with them when they came here.

b. Ms. Rebecca Asedillo, Executive Secretary for Connectional Relations Mission Contexts and Relations of GBGM visited us last July 24, 2009.

c. California-Pacific Conference, together with Bishop Brown and Rev. Ruth Cortez, were guests of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines last July 17-27, 2009.

VII. UP-COMING EVENTS:

A. MORAL FORCE FACILITATOR’S TRAINING

The training will be held on August 25-27, 2009 at Villa Consuelo Retreat House. The training was a response to the call of Chief Justice Puno to form moral forces to thwart the evil forces in society. The training is to equip our church leaders, especially the District Superintendents, and the Chairpersons of the Boards of Church and Society and other outreach programs, in planning appropriate programs of action in relation to the UMC Social Creed and Principles. The activity is in co-sponsorship with the General Board of Church and Society (GBCS). Resource Persons for the event are: Rev. Levi Bautista, Asst. General Secretary of GBCS and President of CONGO, Mr. Joseph Kim, Program Assistant of GBCS, Ms. Fe Duldulao, Rev. Marie Sol Villalon of NIMPP, Congressman Neri Colmenares of the House of Representatives, Ms. Darlene Marquez-Caramanzana, former UMC Executive Director of the Board of Women’s Work, now Program Assistant for Women’s Work at the NCCP, and Rev. Igmedio C. Domingo, former District Superintendent of STPPACE, now assigned at St. John UMC. Topics will include: Overview of the UMC Creed and Principles, GBCS UN Programs, Wesley’s Social Teachings, Discerning the Signs of the Time: Tools for Social Analysis, Moral Force Concept, The Creative and Responsive Moral Force Program, and sharing on the current National Situation of the country.

B. Ladderized HRD Program for MEA District Superintendents

MEA is planning to engage its District Superintendents in various trainings and seminars as part of its capability-building program. The objective of the in-house training is to equip MEA DSes with tools and skills in order to prepare them in shaping their churches into vital faith communities. The HRD Part I would deal on “Conflict Management and Administration and Church Management” for the newly appointed District Superintendents. The activity is scheduled either last week of September or mid October. An HRD Committee was formed last June 13, 2009 during the MEA Cabinet meeting right after the Strategic Planning Workshop.

C. Schedule of MEA Annual Conference for 2010

STPPACE – February 24-26, 2010

PAC – CAVITE – March 3-5, 2010

PALAWAN-PAC – March 10-12, 2010

BULPAC – March 17-19, 2010

QCPACE – March 24-26, 2010

Rizal PACE – April 7-9, 2010

PAMPAC – April 14-16, 2010

SWPAC – April 20-22, 2010

WestMidPAC – April 25-28, 2010

MIDPAC – May 18-21, 2010

PAC – May 25-28, 2010

D. MEA 50TH FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

a. MEA-WIDE UMC SCHOOLS FELLOWSHIP

b. MEA-WIDE CHURCH WORKERS CONVOCATION

c. MEA-WIDE PREACHER’S KID CONVOCATION

d. MEA-WIDE LAY ACADEMY

e. MEA-WIDE CHRISTMAS INSTITUTE

MEA 50th FOUNDING ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION with the following Officers:

1. Mrs. Gloria Dimalanta – Chairperson
2. DS Johann M. Osias – Vice-Chairperson
3. Deaconess Cleanor Ladia – Secretary
4. Rev. Marie Sol S. Villalon – Treasurer
5. Bishop Lito C. Tangonan – Ex-Officio

VIII. RECOMMENDATIONS on Church Related Institutions:

1. Let us support the PCC Board of Trustees as they implement the re-conveyance of Transfer of Titles No. 25085 and 11666 to its original owner-Union Theological Seminary.

2. Let us continue to support the continuous operation of Philippine Christian University as an ecumenical partnership between the United Methodist Church and United Church of Christ in the Philippines.

3. Let us now review the composition of the 20 UMC members of the PCU Corporation.

4. Let us support the recommendation of the PCU Management Committee regarding the new composition of the PCU BOT to wit: 7 from the UMC (2 UMC Bishops only); 7 from UCCP (2 UCCP Bishops only) and; 1 from the PCU Alumni Association.

5. To review the composition of CTE of Wesley Divinity School and support the seminary in the improvement of its facilities.

6. That through the leadership of the College of Bishops and the Coordinating Council, convince the BOT of Wesleyan College of Manila to return to Wesleyan University-Philippines its operation, management and properties without conditions.

CONCLUSION

The scripture says “Don’t get tired of doing what is right for in due season you shall reap if you don’t faint and don’t grow weary.” (Gal. 6:10)

Truly, the journey to reach our vision would take long as there surely will be pot holes and humps along the way. Troubles and stormy weather will certainly cross our paths and hinder us from fulfilling our goals. But if we are determined and will keep godly attitude despite all odds and disappointments, God will keep on journeying along with us. It doesn’t matter how people treat us, if we just keep on doing the right thing, because God will be with us and will fight our battles with us.

For almost two months now we had been battered not only by natural calamities but also by human made calamities. Amidst these calamities, the whole of Manila Episcopal Area is in full swing in implementing its programs and activities, and in accomplishing even more excellent jobs. We believe God wants us to be people of excellence and integrity. According to Rev. Joel Osteen, “integrity is the foundation on which a truly successful life is built. If we don’t have integrity, we will never reach our highest potential. God wants us to be people of integrity, people of honor, people who are trustworthy.”

Though we cannot say that we have already weathered the storm, we at the Manila Episcopal Area are one in our faith journey. I am grateful to the members of my Cabinet, the MEA District Superintendents, my staff, both clergy and laity, who have shown their trust and confidence in me; for all your prayers of encouragement for me to carry on the struggle as your Bishop of MEA. To my wife Jeanne Grace, my son Kerussein Shalom and my beloved mother-in-law, Mrs. Biyaya Kasiguran Domingo, thank you for being there with me always. And above all, to our God, the Giver and Sustainer of life, who gave me strength, wisdom, knowledge, perseverance, and courage.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Lito Cabacungan Tangonan
Resident Bishop
Manila Episcopal Area

Delivered during the Second Coordinating Council Meeting on Aug 21-22, 2009 at Wesleyan University-Philippines, Cabanatuan City, Philippines.

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The United Methodist Church, through the United Methodist Communications, is launching a new campaign called “Rethink Church.” This is meant to make Methodists think about their involvement, or the lack of it, in the life and ministry of the church. The Rethink Church campaign is a multi-pronged communication campaign designed to make the broader public (at least in the United States) be aware of what the United Methodist Church is all about.

David Briggs reports through the United Methodist News Service that the Rethink Church advertising and Welcoming campaign video will appear at the New York City Times Square where thousands of people walk each day.

According to the news report:

On July 1, the church began airing spots on the CBS “Super Screen,” a full motion, 26-by-20-foot screen on 42nd Street between Seventh and Eighth avenues. Two 15-second spots per hour will air 18 hours per day through Sept. 30.

“Times Square is an ideal fit for our Rethink Church campaign,” said the Rev. Larry Hollon, chief executive of United Methodist Communications. “You’ll find people of all ages, backgrounds, and ethnicities in Times Square, and we want to tell each of them, ‘There’s a place for you in The United Methodist Church.’”

Rethink Church, the next evolution of The United Methodist Church’s “Open hearts” welcoming and advertising campaign, highlights the many opportunities available within United Methodist churches to engage with the world.

With the growing distrust of the church and the continuing decline of the United Methodist Church in the United States, the Rethink Church campaign is a timely campaign to make people, both inside and outside of the Methodist Church, think of how the church could better interface with the broader culture and society it is situated. Log on to 10thousanddoors.org for more of the Rethink Church campaign.

While the membership of the UMC in the Philippines is not declining as the church in the U.S., it would still make sense for Methodists to Rethink the church in terms of what it could be instead of what it is now.

Watch the Rethink Church video below.

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Article 2. The trustees shall meet immediately upon their election by the Central Conference to elect a chairperson, a vice-chairperson to complete the officers of the Board. The elected Central Conference secretary and treasurer shall respectively be the secretary and treasurer of the Board.

Taken from Section VIII of the Discipline of Central Conference Administration, 2008 Handbook for Delegates, United Methodist Church Philippines Central Conference.

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Article 2. On call of the assigned bishop, the Board shall organize itself soon after the adjournment of the Central Conference to elect the officers of the Board who shall be a chairperson, vice-chairperson and a recording secretary. The Central Conference treasurer shall be the treasurer of the Board. The officers and the incumbent bishop shall compose the executive committee of the Board to serve for the quadrennium. The chairperson of the Board shall be the chairperson of the executive committee. The executive committee shall mee annually bu whenever necessary special meetings may be called by the chairperson or the assigned incumbent bishop.

Article 3. The Central Conference Board of Pensions shall administer the integrated pension fund and other pension programs of the Central Conference and give guidance to the different Annual Conference Board of Pensions.

Article 4. the Board shall work in close cooperation with the United Methodist Publishing House in so far as the amount set aside from the net earning of the operations for conference claimants.

Article 5. The Board shall make the recommendations to the Central Conference or to the Coordinating Council, as the case may be, for its action and determination.

Article 6. The Board of Pensions shall submit as soon as possible to the Central Conference or to the Coordinating Council a plan to achieve an efficient, equitable and adequate national pension system for all ministries and deaconesses and their families.

Article 7. The Central Conference Board of Pensions shall look for ways and means of building the integrated fund so that annuity rates can be increased enabling ministers and other qualified church workers to retire with dignity and hope. The Board shall study the creation of special funds within the pension fund such as but not limited to fixed income fund, or money market fund in which ministers and other qualified persons and church members can invest their personal contributions at a reasonable rate of interest. The Board shall study and review institutions for possible investment of the pension fund and other special funds and to identify businesses or institutions which are not proper for investment portfolio such as, but not limited to, manufacture of alcoholic beverages, tobacco farming or manufacture of cigars and cigarettes. Upon notice, each Annual Conference Board of Pensions Statistics and date necessary for actuarial study and review of the pension fund and for this purpose the Central Conference Board of Pensions shall develop a model for reporting information.

Taken from Section VII, Discipline of Central Conference Administration, 2008 Handbook for Delegates, United Methodist Church Philippines Central Conference.

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Article 2. The Board Members are to be elected quadrennially by the Central Conference. Membership to the Board shall be nominated by each annual conference, but no more than four shall be recommended by the overall annual conference delegations from each Episcopal Area for election by the Central Conference. Such nominatinos shall be rotated among the annual conferences of the respective Episcopal Areas. In addition, there shal be one incumbent bishop, the area finance officer of the World Division of the General Board of Global Ministries, and the presidents of the national UMWSCS, UMM, UMYAF, and UMYF to sit on the board. Each Annual Conference shall be entitled to nominate one alternate member who shall be elected in the manner herein provided.

Article 3. The Board shall be organized upon the call of the College of Bishops, by the election of a president, a vice-president, a recording secretary. The treasurer of the Central Conference shall act as treasurer of the Board.

Article 4. The Board may, upon nomination of the executive committee, employ such personnel as may be needed for the work of the Board. The Board shall have the authority to fill vacancies ad interim.

Article 5. The Boards shall meet annually and at such time as may be necessary. The Board shall submit to the Council of Finance and Administration a budget for its operation during the quadrennium.

Article 6. The Board shall promote the programs of lay activities and devise ways and means to activate, encourage, assist and guide the Annual Conference promotion of Christian stewardship in the Church as provided in the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, and to provide direction and suppport to the programs of the UMM and to work of lay leaders on the Annual, District, and local church levels.

Article 7. The Board shall initiate plans, develop literature, and perfect its organization to be utilized effectively in the work of the Church and in the development of Christian character teh vital doctire of Christan stewardship.

Article 8. To further the work of lay activities, one Sunday each year shall be designated as Lay Sunday, the program and service to be under the Administrative Board of the Local Church. The official date of Lay Sunday shall be set by the Board which it shall transmit to the bishops of each area at least three months in advance so that every local church in each area can make preparations for the day. There shall be a special collection during the worship service for the work of the Board which amount shall be remitted through proper channels to the treasurer of the Central Conference. The treasurer shall credit funds received for the account of the Board.

Article 9. The Board shall give special consideration to men’s work, correlating it with the total program of lay activities. The National United Methodist Men, the Conference Methodist Men, the District Methodist men and the Methodist Men in the local church shall be auxiliary boards to the board.

Article 10. The Board shall include in its quadrennial report to the Central Conference the annual reports of the Annual Conference lay leaders and the national president of the Methodist Men.

Taken from Section VI of the Discipline of Central Conference Administration, 2008 Handbook for Delegates, United Methodist Church Philippines Central Conference.

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Article 2. There shall be a Central Conference Board of Discipleship whose members are to be elected quadrennially by the Central Conference. The membership to the Board shall be nominated by each annual conference, but no more than four shall be recommended by the overall annual conference delegations from each Episcopal area for election by the Central Conference. Such nominations shall be rotated among the annual conferences of the respective Episcopal areas. In addition, there shall be one incumbent bishop, the area finance officer of teh World Division of the General Board of Global Ministries, and the presidents of the national UMWSCS, UMM, UMYAF, UMYF to sit on the board. Each Annual Conference shall be entitled to nominate one alternate member who shall be elected in the manner herein provided.

Article 3. The Organization of the Board shall be elected soon after the adjournment of the Central Conference. The Chairperson of the Board shall be selected by the incumbent bishops and shall serve for the quadrennium. The Board shall elect from its membership a vice-chairperson and a recording secretary. The Central Conference Treasurer shall be the treasurer of the Board.

Article 4. There shall be an executive committee composed of the officers of the Board and two members to be elected by the Board from among its members. The chairperson of the Board shall be the chairperson of the executive committee.

Article 5. The Board may, upon nomination of the executive committee, employ such personnel as may be needed for the work of the Board.

Article 6. The Board shall meet annually and at such other meetings, upon the call of the chairperson or one-half of the executive committee upon proper notice. The executive committee shall report its actions to the Board.

Article 7. The Board shall perform the following function:

a. To give particular emphasis to the development and promotion of full, well-rounded and practical programs of evangelism at the Annual Conference level so that persons without church affiliation will be included within the responsibility of some local church. To this end, it shall give guidance and assistance to the Annual Conference Boards of Evangelism.

b. To provide guidance to the Church in using the appropriate days and seasons of the Christian calendar for special evangelistic emphasis.

c. To set standards for Annual and District Conference evangelism and make those standards known to the Church at large through the presiding bishop of each Annual Conference.

d. To cooperate with the various agencies of the church in the training of ministers and deaconesses for leadership in the field of missions and evangelism and to promote these causes in the areas of our jurisdiction.

e. To establish and strengthen Christian Congregations where opportunities and needs are found, so that these congregations may be units of missions in their places.

f. To assist local churches and Annual conferenceres in missions and in their own communities.

g. To promote interest of hospitals, service institutions, clinics and homes related to or connected with the United Methodist Church in the Philippines.

h. To encourage the local church and its members to enter the field of direct service ministry especially to the poor and needy and to support both institutional and non-institutional on-going projects.

i. To study and organize, with approval of the Coordinating Council, a program for the entire United Methodist Church in the Philippines which shall unify the work of the health and welfare ministries of the Annual Conferences, so that provisions for material assistance and relief may be sent directly to church members who are victims of calamities, turmoil or natural disasters.

j. To designate a Sunday each year as Hospital and Health Sunday in each local church. The Board shall transmit to the bishop of each area at least three months in advance, the date selected so that every local church in the areas can make preparations for the day. There shall be a special collection during the worship service for the work and commitment of the Board which amount shall be remitted to the treasurer of the Central Conference to be credited for the account of the Board.

k. To negotiate with the institutions concerned towards further aid and assistance to ministers, deaconesses and eligible members of their families in the matter of hospitalization and medical attendance.

l. To formulate guidance for ecumenical discussions and cooperation with other churches and religious communities.

m. To encourage churches to participate in reciprocal ecumenical experience, such as joint worship and undertakings.

n. To study means of putting into effect the objectives and purpose of the Board and submit it to the Central Conference or to the Coordinating Council.

Article 8. The Board shall submit to the Council on Finance and Administration a budget of its operation for the quadrennium.

Article 9. The Board shall submit its study and recommendations of the matter of apportionments through the Annual Conferences to the end that the cause of missions to be brought to the entire life of the Church and not to organizations alone and that support for both local and world missiosn be included in apportionments to the local churches in all Annual Conferences.

Article 10. The Board through the bishops concerned may directly appeal to the Annual Conference Council on Finance and Administration and local churches for additional financial help.

Taken from Section V of the Discipline of Central Conference Administration, 2008 Handbook for Delegates, United Methodist Church Philippines Central Conference.

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• Board of Christian Education and Communications
• Technology and the UMC
• Introducing the Methodist Links and Stories
• 2nd BEA Report to the Coordinating Council, August 2009
• Bishop Leo Soriano’s Report to the Coordinating Council August 2009
• Bishop Lito Tangonan’s Report to the Second Coordinating Council
• Bishop Rudy Juan’s Episcopal Address to Annual Conference Sessions
• Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno on the Need for a Moral Force
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Article 2. The Board shall be auxiliary to the Division of Education of the General Board of Discipleship and shall cooperate with it in advancing the interest of educational institutions and of the entire program on Christian education in the local church.

Article 3. Membership to the Board shall be nominated by each annual conference, but no more than four shall be recommended by the overall annual conference delegations from each Episcopal area for election by the Central Conference. Such nominations shall be rotated among the annual conference of the respective Episcopal areas. In addition, there shall be one incumbent bishop, the Area Finance Officer of the World Division of the General Board of Global Ministries, and the presidents of the national UMWSCS, UMM, UMYAF and UMYF to sit on the board. Each annual conference shall be entitled to nominate one alternate member who shall be elected in the manner herein provided. Care should be taken that only one person who is qualified for the work of the Board by reason of experience, training and interest in the objectives and strategies of the Board should be nominated. In case the elective members of the Board are not re-elected to, or are retired from, their national positions, they automatically vacate their membership in the board without any further action and their duly elected successors shall be qualified for membership in the Board.

Article 4. The organization of the Board shall be effective soon after the adjournment of the Central Conference but in no case beyond 30 days after said adjournment. The College of Bishops shall convene the members of the new Board for organization, provided ample notice shall be given to all members to enable them to be present. The officers of the Board shall be a chairperson, a vice-chairperson, a recording secretary. They shall be elected quadrennially. The treasurer of the Central Conference shall be the treasurer of the Board.

Article 5. There shall be an executive committee of the Board composed of the officers and one incumbent bishop. the chairperson of the Board shall be the chairperson of the executive committee. The executive committee shall meet on call of teh chairperson or one-half of its members and shall transact the business of the Board ad interim under such regulations as the Boards may adopt. The executive committee shall report its action to the Board during its annual meeting. The executive committee shall prepare and recommend to the Board a budget for the operation of the Board for the quadrennium.

Article 6. The principal strategies to implement the objectives of the Board are to foster among the members of the Church, in cooperation with the Annual Conference and the pastors of the local churches, a knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith and readiness to witness the gospel in every area of life, as well as the preservation of our Christian beliefs and Methodist heritage.

Article 7. The Board shall also perform the following functions:

a. To administer any and all funds, gifts, bequests which have been or may be committed to the board and, subject to existing church laws and regulations, to solicit or create special funds for its projects. The purpose for which the funds are given and accepted shall be strictly observed.

b. To seek ways and means of promoting the attendance of children, youth, young adults and families in the church school and inform the local churches in all phases of church school work.

c. To provide guidance for local churches in organizing church schools and to produce indigenous curriculum resources for their use.

d. To initiate programs for recruitment of teachers for church schools and volunteer workers for Christian service.

e. To develop contextual study materials for church institutes, retreats and for types of camping.

f. To disseminate religious knowledge and useful Christian literature as well as church school materials.

g. To develop an awareness upon our members and groups of the objectives and strategies of the Board through education, communication, publication and cultivation.

h. To study other means of effectuating the objectives and purposes of the Board and submit to the Central Conference or to the Coordinating Council as the case may be.

i. To screen and recommend to the Coordinating Council for approval applications of scholarship and study grants. Not within the jurisdiction of the Board are scholarships and grants handled by the Annual Conference and agencies organized by special agreements and trust funds.

Article 8. The Board shall submit to the Central Conference or to the Coordinating Council for approval the stipulations to be included in all contracts between the students and the Board as well as the procedure governing applications for national scholarships and study grants.

Article 9. The different Annual Conference Methodist Youth Fellowship and the different Annual Conference Methodist Young Adult Fellowship as well as the National Associations of Youth and Young Adults of the Church shall be auxiliarty bodies to the Board.

Article 10. At least ten percent of the net income from the operation of the Book Room, Inc. and the other publishing activities of the Board shall be remitted to the Central Conference treasurer to be used for the benefit of the Central Conference claimants.

Article 11. The Board may employ such persons as necessary to effectuate the policies and objectives of the Board upon such terms and conditions of employment prevailing in the national headquarters of the Central Conference.

Article 12. The Board shall be the nominating body of the members of the Board of Trustees of educational institutions connected with or related to the church, or the members of the Board of Trustees of agencies connected with or related to the Board.

Article 13. The Board shall recommend to the Council of Finance and Administration its operating budget for the ensuing quadrennium.

Taken from Section IV of the Discipline of Central Conference Administration, 2008 Handbook for Delegates, United Methodist Church – Philippines Central Conference.

Related Articles

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• Technology and the UMC
• Introducing the Methodist Links and Stories
• 2nd BEA Report to the Coordinating Council, August 2009
• Bishop Leo Soriano’s Report to the Coordinating Council August 2009
• Bishop Lito Tangonan’s Report to the Second Coordinating Council
• Bishop Rudy Juan’s Episcopal Address to Annual Conference Sessions
• Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno on the Need for a Moral Force
• Bishop Lito Tangonan’s Episcopal Address to Annual Conference Sessions
• Board of Pensions