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.

CE Month Celebration

September is Christian Education month celebration in our church. Our theme for this year is a future with HOPE. Honesty, Opportunity, Peace and Equality.

We were introduced to tie dying technique in one of the Sundays during this month long celebration. The kids were asked to bring white shirts.

Using rubber bands, the shirts were tied whatever way you want that will become the design of the shirt.

Then the shirts were dipped in a hot water with purple dye. After few seconds, the shirts were rinsed in a clean, cold water. Joie was not joining when the shirts were tied. He was busy playing with his balloon but then got curious when Teacher Roselle started "cooking" the shirts. Only then he was convinced to tie his own shirt so that he can have it cooked.

Now, the purple shirt is one of the boys' favorite shirts.

Behind Bars

The hospital building looks dilapidated. Almost next to an abandoned building. Then we entered a basketball court full of hospital beds and I couldn't help but wonder, why here?

I felt my heart as if it stopped beating as I entered the Pediatric Ward of the Philippine Orthopedic Hospital. The patients looked as if they are behind bars. I can see the sadness in each child's eyes being locked up in beds, no freedom to run, explore and be carefree. Some of the patients have been there for three weeks already, others for only few days.

So we started with the program, introduced the Little Ambassadors for Christ. A group of young children singing for Christ, spreading joy to everyone. The patients enjoyed, some who are on their wheelchair managed to go in front to get a better view.
Here are the pictures during the TGSUMC Young Adult Fellowship and Little Ambassadors for Christ joint hospital ministry at the Philippine Orthopedic Center

Sneak Peak

Here's a sneak peak of the Little Ambassadors for Christ concert this Saturday, December 20 at The Good Samaritan United Methodist Church. The kids have been practicing for more than two months in preparation for the concert. Last November 15, they sang during the worship services in our church. I am already excited because Bujoi has his solo part in this concert.