December 4

This is one of the Sundays where we have to be at the church from the morning service to vesper service. For one, today is the quarterly release of the NOW bulletin and Dad has to pick it up from the printing press and bring it to the church for distribution; two, the Little Ambassadors for Christ has a scheduled rehearsal at 1pm; and three, we were designated to light the candles in the advent wreath for the vesper service.

So that it won't be a long and tiring day for the kids, shuttling from home to church, twice in a day, we initially planned to go to church in time for the children's practice at 1pm, however, it was a rainy Sunday and taking public transportation with the kids is not a good option.

I did not have enough sleep as I also worked on my altered CDs starting 1:30 am. Ish just came home from a high school get together that time. I found it too hard to focus and understand Ptr. Arevalo's message.

Practice started after lunch. LAC will be playing Away in  a Manger in Handbells and Angklung. I was in charge of practicing the kids with the Angklung. The handbells are a delight to see but gives so much pain on the neck to perfect their piece. After practice, we released the shirts for the Christmas Concert. I was able to take time to nap after practicing the kids which lasted for about an hour. After which we all decided to eat the Causeway to avail of their PhP45.00 dimsum offer.

Back at church, during the vesper service, we lighted the advent candle. At the same time, during the offering was also decor the Christmas tree, where we decorate the Christmas tree with colored envelopes containing our offering.

TGSUMC: Angklung Ensemble

Around September this year, with the pledges and donations from the church members and The Good Samaritan Christian School (TGSCS), the much awaited instrument is finally home at The Good Samaritan United Methodist Church and so the TGSUMC Angklung Ensemble was launched during the celebration of CE month.

Renewal of Vows - Part II

Here's some more pictures...

Renewal of Vows

Last February, part of worship service is the renewal of vows among couples. Couples renewed their lifelong commitment to their respective partners which was sealed by a prayer from our Pastor.  Here are some photos snapped during the service.



I have a lot more pictures to share so watch out for it.

Cell Group Fellowship

Later today our cell group will have fellowship with church members belonging to other cell groups. The 6-year class was launched last February and I cannot believe the first semester is over. Below are some pictures during the launching.

You've Got the Power

Stewardship committee in partnership with MYAF brings you Rene “Rex” Ressurreccion in a seminar entitled “The Power to Create Righteous Wealth”.


Who should attend this seminar? We encourage everyone to come and learn about biblical way of earning, saving and giving generously.

Why should we attend? Did you know that there are 2,350 verses in the Bible on how to handle money? That’s more than the verses about heaven and hell combined. And 2/3 or 16 out of 38 parables taught by Jesus talk about money.

This only means that God wants to protect His children from financial bondage.

Let me tell you a short testimony about how God is transforming us towards His promise of abundant life. About two years ago, my husband Ish and I attended Asenso Festival. Organized by DZAS, Asenso Festival is a whole day gathering with sessions that talk about how we can experience abundant life. We attended the seminar to learn how to become good stewards but God has bigger lessons for us in the seminar. He impressed in our hearts that He can give us an abundant life. Last year, we took a step of faith as we ventured into a business. And thus began our journey in claiming God’s promises. True to His word, God is now at work transforming us to being what Brother Rene referred to in his book as Army of Providers. We planned our business to be a simple neighborhood bigasan, but God has bigger and better plans for us. He gave us more than our neighborhood bigasan as customers, even clients we never imagined we will be servicing at this early stage of operations. All these because of our willingness to learn and to be used by God.

As what God said in Ephesians 3:20 says Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us. What He does in our life and business is more that we can think of or imagine.

God wants what is the best for us. If we think we are doing good and satisfied with our lives, God can take us further, to our fullest potential, He can give us more than we can ask or think.

There are so many talks about money organized by various organizations and financial institutions. Personally, we pick and attend those that are founded on God’s principles. Last year, I attended another seminar and I paid Php 2500.00 to learn. We are blessed because our Stewardship Committee brings us the same kind of seminar with a minimal fee of only Php 250.00.

Malacchi 3:10 says Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

The floodgates of heaven are waiting to be opened for God’s blessings to pour upon this church. And we hold the key. August 22, 2-4 pm here at Good Sam. With a minimum investment of Php250.00. Let us test and try God. What God has done to us, He can do it to all of us.