( By: Rev. Benjie D. Gevera Administrative Minister of UCCP-Sabang Church of Christ Disciples )

I. Introduction :

As we come together to celebrate Mission Emphasis Month, we are again reminded with

our primary task to do God’s mission in the world. Hence, we are a true church, only in so

far as we are faithful to this calling. But a question may come to us, “ How do we do our

mission in the world?”

II. Jesus Christ’s Model Of Doing Mission :

We do believe that there is no other model for us in our task of doing mission than our

Lord Jesus Christ Himself. Our Scripture lesson is about the so-called Temptation of Je-

sus. We could glean from this Biblical story some lessons on how we should do our mis-

sion, the Christ Way.

The story says that after being baptized by John and having received God’s Spirit to start

his ministry, Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

III. The Allegory Of Temptation; A Paradox For Seduction:

a.) Temptation used in the translation does not mean to seduce a person to do evil as

commonly understood. It is unthinkable that God’s Spirit should make a person a sinner

or wrong doer. Such test or trial is not meant to seduce us into sin; but rather it is meant

to enable us to conquer sin. It is not meant to weaken us; rather it is meant to make us

stronger, and finer, and purer.

b.) Moreover, we should not think of this experience of Jesus as an outward one. Rather,

we should think of it as a struggle that went on in Jesus’ own mind and heart and soul,

which shows to us that it is through our inmost thoughts and desires that the Tempter

come to us.

IV. Interpretation :

Our text says that Jesus, as he began his mission, was tempted in three different

ways such as:

a.) The temptation of turning the stone into bread.

Jesus himself knew that he had this power in him. At that time in the wilderness, Jesus was

facing the choice on how he could fulfil his mission, how he could win people to God’s

Kingdom. What method he use to embark upon the task God had given him to perform?

How he would turn the vision of the Kingdom into actuality? One sure way to persuade peo-

ple to follow him would be to give them bread or material things. However, to give people

bread would have been a serious mistake. It would have been to persuade people to follow

him for the sake of what they could get out of it. For Jesus had been calling people to a life

of giving, and not a life of getting. Hence, to bribe a people with material things would have

been the denial of all the things he came to proclaim. True, people are hungry. But the

question is, why are people hungry? Why are people poor and without food? Is it because of

their own laziness and foolishness? Or, is it because there are some who selfishly possess

too much to have, while others possesses too little or even nothing at all? The real way to

MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF UCCP SABANG CHURCH OF CHRIST DISCIPLES

410 DON PLACIDO CAMPOS AVE., SABANG, DASMARINAS, CAVITE 4114, PHILIPPINES ; Tel. No.: 416-0221

Website: sabangdisciples.org Facebook Account : Uccp Sabang AUGUST 2015 VOLUME 13 NUMBER 8

“ DOING MISSION THE CHRIST WAY “

Matthew 4:1-11

INSIDE this ISSUE

Pastor’s Corner 1 &

2

D’newsbits 3

Life Principle #7:

The Dark Moments

in our Life

4

DLA Section 5

Health Section 6

Stewardship /

Celebrators Corner

7

Church Calendar 8

cure poverty and hunger is to remove the causes which are deeply rooted like a cancer in the

hearts and minds of people and in the system of the society. And above all, there is the hun-

ger of the human heart, like the hunger for justice and righteousness, the hunger for love

and peace, which material things can never satisfy. Indeed, the real way to true fulfilment in

life is the way which has learned its complete dependence on God alone.

2. The temptation of jumping or throwing himself down from the temple that was built on the

top of Mt. Zion.

This is an act of flying downward like Superman. This had been the method followed by false

messiah, a phenomenon with magical allusion which offered sensation to attract people. A

Gospel founded on sensations is foredoomed to failure. This is not the way to use the power

entrusted by God. “ You must not put God to the test” ( Deut. 6:16) said Jesus. For a faith

dependent on signs and wonders is not really faith. God’s rescuing and redeeming power is

not something to be played with experiment; rather it is something to be quietly trusted in

sustaining providence in our everyday life.

3. Thirdly, Jesus was again tempted by saying; “ Fall down and worship me, and I will give

you all the kingdoms of the world.” What the tempter in fact saying was; “ compromise with

the world! Follow the ways of the world! Do what the rulers of the world have been doing!”

But Jesus answered, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him alone you will serve

“ ( Deut. 6:13). Jesus was quite certain that we can never defeat evil by compromising with

evil.. The world needs a new way of life, a new kind of relationship based on God’s justice

and righteousness. Fulfilling mission in the ways of Jesus is not bribing the people with any

material things, but persuading them to faith and complete trust in God.

V. Conclusion :

As we do our mission today, let’s do it in Christ’ way. So that when temptation comes

we can also honestly say with Christ, “ We shall worship the Lord our God and Him

Alone we shall serve.”

Sources : The Student Bible; The Bible League; New International Version

A Guide To Celebration; Theme: Reclaiming Our Dynamic Heritage And Renewing Our Commitment For

Mission And Unity

Living Together In The Household Of God; UCCP. Calendar Planner, 2007-2008

Page 2 Volume 13, Number 8

DNEWS

Editorial Board

WRITERS/Contributors

Wilma B. Pelagio ,

Anjell Samonte,

Trisha Mendoza,

Rev. Remy Gevera,

Rev. Benjie Gevera,

Justin Libao & CROs

LAY OUT DESIGN

Ms. Rose Calungin

WEBSITE Manager/

DNEWS Contributor

Ms. Violeta Jardiniano

&

Ted Malamug

PHOTO ARTISTS

LENS CLUB

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES Fellowship every Saturdays ;5 pm

Sunday School ages 15-22;

8:30 am Sundays

Contact: Avin Matro

SCHEDULE

OF

ACTIVITIES

Regular Fellow-

ship: Saturdays 5PM; Conference

Room Facilitators: Pastor Jing & Kuya Joey For info: Joey Belmonte

Contact #: 09257099122

- Regular Fellowship, Tues., 7PM

- Monthly Visitation-1st Tues.4pm

- Officers Meeting-3rd Tues,5pm

- Joint Fellowship with UCM-last

Sat. of the month

For Info: Cristy Belmonte

09196519832

YOUNG ADULT CORNER

the young leaders—the mobilizers & advocates

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES Fellowship w/ Bible Study: 1st and 3rd Sunday of the Month

Contact: Myrna Espejo

Music Ministry Schedule Saturday Rehearsals

4:00 pm Jesus Kids Choir

3:00-4pm Praise & Worship

Team /Tambourine

Dancers

7:00-9:00 Chancel Choir

LECTIONARY FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 2015

THEME:

MISSION: THE LIFE AND WORK OF THE CHURCH

Matthew 5:13-16

DATE TOPIC OLD TESTAMENT NEW TESTAMENT

2 COMMUNION SUNDAY

Satisfying our Deepest Needs

Psalms 145 Matthew 14:13-21

9 Together, The Church on Mission Isaiah 6:1-13 Matthew 9:32-38

16 Mission is Confirmation that God is With Us Psalms 48:1-14 John 14:1-3

23 Mission is Bringing the Light of Christ to our

Neighbor

Psalms 91:1-16 Matthew 5:14-16

30 Mission is Proclaiming the victory of Christ Psalms 78:1-18 John 6:24-35

D’news

Papuri't pasalamat sa ating Diyos na buhay sa katagum-

payan ng ating 89th Founding Anniversary celebration. Tu-

nay na ang Diyos ay mabuti sa lahat ng oras! Hindi Niya

tayo iniwan mula sa pasimula ng ating gawain. Naging

matagumpay at napakasaya ng ating Sportsfest na may te-

mang PALARONG PINOY. Ito ay ginanap sa Maliksi farm at

ang volleyball at basketball sa Saki Court na dinaluhan ng

125 members mula sa Kids, UCM, CWA, CYAF & CYF.

Hindi matatawaran ang kasiyahan at walang humpay na

tawanan sa bawat laro at cheering competition na mapa-

panood mo na kung saan makikita natin ang pagkakaisa at

pagtutulungan ng bawat team para makamit ang panalong

inaasam. Kaya, kaming mag-asawa bilang Anniversary Chair-

persons ay pinaabot namin ang lubos na pasasalamat sa

inyong lahat na nakiisa at nakibahagi sa ating pagdiriwang.

Maraming maraming salamat sa mga sumusunod:

1. Prayer Service Preacher na si Rev. Nelson Frani at sa

ating Anniversary Sunday Preacher na si Rev. Nathaniel

Romaquin na dinaluhan ng higit sa 350 members.

2. Sa lahat ng kababaihan at kalalakihan na tumulong sa

marketing, pagluluto at paglilinis ng ating bahay sam-

bahan. Truly, we can accomplish more together than we

can alone!

3. Sa lahat ng kapatiran na nagkaloob ng cash and in kind

here and abroad. May God bless you all in return!

4. Sa Sportsfest Chairman Eric Tumbaga with committees

Bro. Louie de Ocampo, Sis. Jhem Fauni, Bro. Avin Matro,

Bro. Darwin Siervo, Sis. Mhier Espejo and Sis. Princess

Mabbatung.

Indeed, when Christians are united in serving the Lord, they

can become a mighty force for God in fulfilling His purpose

for the church!

"We Christians have a kinship with all others who believe.

And from that bond of faith and love a mutual strength re-

ceive" - Hess

Page 3

D’newsbits

MGA PALARONG PINOY

ANNIV. COMMITTEE WITH THE BOARD OF JUDGES

Green Team

Yellow Team

Blue Team

Red Team

Sunday Worship

D’news

By Charles F. Stanley

The dark moments of our life will last only so long as is nec-essary for God to accomplish His purpose in us. 1 Samuel 30:1–6 If you want God’s best for your life and desire to be used by Him, at some point you will have to travel the road of adver-sity. This means that God can and will use adversity in your life for a good purpose—and yet, sadly, many people view adversity as only negative and defeating. But you don’t have to be among them. God has designed adversity, regardless of its source, to be-come a turning point from which you take your greatest leaps forward in spiritual growth. He allows adversity to remain in your life only until He accomplishes His purpose in you. He will not keep it in your life one second longer than is necessary. Some people are almost wiped out by trials, while others learn to stand in the confidence of God’s faithfulness. The latter have an overwhelming sense of stability and immov-able strength. They weather the storms, heads held high, confident, bold, and not discouraged by any obstacle that comes along. They feel absolutely certain God is going to see them through the heartache and bring them out whole, joy-ful, and more mature on the other side. Adversity also shows us where we stand in our faith. Do we doubt God? Or do we thank Him for His faithfulness during the stressful, heart-wrenching times? Do we trust that He will never leave or forsake us? Adversity is God’s most accu-rate measure of our faith—it reveals our endurance level. None of us knows how much difficulty we can withstand until we are tried. Right now, right where you are, remember this: God has put a limit on all adversity.Because you are a child of God, the Holy Spirit is living inside of you, and He knows how much you can bear. The psalmist said: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Ps. 34:19). And, “Just as a father has compassion on his chil-dren, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust” (Ps. 103:13, 14). When we learn and mature in the midst of tremendous ad-versity, God is pleased because He sees His purpose being fulfilled in us. We are growing spiritually, becoming stronger in areas of weakness, and increasingly being con-formed to the likeness of Christ. God is thrilled when we respond correctly to adversity!

There are three principles we can learn when we face ad-versity: 1. Adversity is God’s choice tool for building godly, spiri-

tual character into our lives. Until we experience heartache, disappointment, and pain, we are not properly equipped for service (2 Cor. 1:3–7). He uses adversity to mold and shape us; He does not bring it into our lives without purpose.

2. Adversity usually comes in the areas where we feel the most confident. God wants to break us of the idea that we are sufficient on our own. He made us for a loving, intimate relationship with Himself, and He uses adversity to remind us of the fact that we are dependent upon Him.

3. God’s ultimate design is to conform us to the likeness of Jesus. Through adversity, God develops the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, good-ness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Gal. 5:22, 23)—in us.

God also accomplishes several goals in our lives by allow-ing suffering and heartache. Adversity:

gets our attention. reveals our weaknesses and strengths. increases our aversion to sin. demonstrates His faithfulness. strengthens our faith. removes our pride and self-centeredness. prepares us for future service. enables us to comfort others facing adversity.

Through adversity, God is molding you into a mature and effective servant. When you know Christ as your Savior, God sees you as a saint—sometimes struggling, some-times falling, but justified, redeemed, forgiven, and recon-ciled to Him. He sees a person full of His unconditional love, indwelt by His presence, sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise, whose name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. He also sees all of your potential—all the good you could accomplish for His kingdom. So take comfort—adversity won’t take up permanent residence in your life. But when it’s present, it can develop good things if you’re willing to trust Him. Therefore, no matter what dark mo-ments you may walk through, be confident He’s going to bring you into the light. And when He does, it will cer-tainly be worth it.

Adapted from The Charles F. Stanley Life Principles Bible, © 2009.

Page 4

LIFE PRINCIPLE 7: THE DARK MOMENTS IN OUR LIFE

D’news Page 5

Election of the Iskul Munting Konsilyo ( IMK )was done through the facilitation of Mr. Cedric Abril De Guzman and help of the assigned COMELEC. Congratulations to the winners:

President Austin Clark Castilla Gr 6 -- Makabayan Vice President Allysa Elein Fauni Gr.6 -- Makabayan Secretary Shaina F. Matro Gr. 5 -- Makabayan Treasurer Erich BernadetteTumbaga Gr. 5 Makabayan Auditor Kassandra Gimenez Gr. 4 - Makabayan PRO Atasha Fauni Gr. 4 – Makakalikasan Councilors: Maxine Redge De Castro Gr. 6—Mkbyn

Nicole Andrea Gulapa Gr. 6 - MKBYN Kyla Mae Antolin Gr. 6 – MKKLKSN

The Head Teacher attended the Formal

Education Board Consultation Meeting

last July 10, 2015 held at UCCP-

Salinas Church. The objectives of the

activity are the following:

1. Present the profile of the LCSMC

church-owned school and identify im-

plications to church- school rela-

tions.

2. Share current status of the respec-

tive schools specifically in admini-

stration, operation, and curricular

program in connection with the fast

developing implementation of the k12

Basic Education Program.

3. Established a network system of re-

source sharing among church owned

schools primarily in keeping pace and

complying with government monitoring

requirements.

The Head Teacher attended the First Ex-

ecutive meeting held last July 3, 2015

at Bulwagang Kongesyunal, Congressional

National High School with the theme:

“Strengthening Private Schools through

Teamwork and Collaboration. The City

School Division Office is in the fol-

lowing trust mandated by the national

office to do the following:

The D.O. is presently working on the

permanent reference number for each

student which will be used until

they finished their Basic Education

Program.

Miss Estrella Frias had been offi-

cially assigned as ICT and LIS Coor-

dinator. Coordination with the LIS

of the D.O. can only be transacted

by the ICT Coordinator and then to

the Head Teacher.

Disciples Learning Academy

School Beats & Pieces

Co – Curricular Activities will take off this month offering the

children different activities which they may find interesting

such as scouting, Choir, News writing,

Dance Troupe and Young Readers. Anyone

who is interested can inquire to Miss

Gloria Pagupat.

D’news Page 6

OATME

INGREDIENTS

1/3 cup skim milk, liquid

1/2 cup oatmeal, instant

1/2 cup flour, cake

1 1/4 tsp baking powder

6 tbsp sugar, brown

2 pcs eggwhites, beaten

1/4 cup white beans, boiled and mashed

2 1/2 tbsp margarine, melted

Nutrient Content per Serving-

Portion, 50g

Energy = 145 kcal

Protein = 2.9 g

Calcium = 76 mg

Iron = 0.6 mg

Vit. A = 30 ug RE

Thiamin = 0.10 mg

Riboflavin = 0.12 mg

Niacin = 1.6 mg

Vit. C = 2 mg

PROCEDURE: Pour milk over oatmeal. Let stand for 5 minutes. Sift together flour, baking powder, andsugar. Stir eggwhites

into oatmeal. Add dry ingredients and mix the beans and margarine. Blendwell to make a smooth batter. Pour 1/3 cup of the

batter into a slightly greased pan. Turn the other side when bubbles appear. Cook until golden brown. Do the same with the

rest of the batter. Serve with Fruit Shake.

GUYABANO NATA-CHILL

2 bars colorless gulaman

3 cups boiling water

1/2 cupevaporated milk

2 cups guyabano nectar

3/4 cup red nata, shredded

3/4 cup sugar

1 can Nestle cream, 170g

1/4 cup green nata, shredded

PROCEDURE: Cook gulaman in 3 cups boiling water until dissolved. Strain then stir with the rest of theingredients ex-

cept nata. Arrange red nata on the bottom of the custard mold. Pour 1/3 cup of the mixture. Chill. When half set, top with red

and green nata. Yield: 14 pieces

CORN CHOWDER

2 tbsp margarine

1/4 cup onion, chopped

1/4 cup ground pork

2 cups fresh corn, grated

1/2 cup potatoes, cubed

1/2 cup carrots, cubed

Celery

Chicken cube

Salt & pepper to taste

Skim milk

PROCEDURE: Saute onion in margarine until transparent. Add ground pork, corn, potatoes, carrots, celery, and chicken cube. Pour water and bring to a boil. Cook until corn and vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pep-per. Stir in skim milk.

Page 7 Volume 13, Number 8

SUNDAY COLLECTION JUNE 2015 JULY 2015

Tithes 102,220 85,095.00

Loose 27,679 21,324.00

Sunday School 1,132 862.00

Midweek 1,238 2,101.30

Lovegifts/pledge/donations/ solicitations

3,070 2,250.00

89th Church Anniversary solicitation

900 71,370.00

Anniversary Offering 10,632.00

Project Nehemiah Vehicle/Painting

4,670 8,000.00

Mission Offering 2,309.30 2,070.25

Least Coin 415.30 620.45

TOTAL 143,633.60 204,325.00

When I stand before God at the end of my

life, I would hope that I would not have a

single bit of talent left and could say, I

used everything you gave me. - Erma Bombeck

1 – Augusto Abando 15 – Mae Ann Frani

1 – Ronald Sapida 15 – Carissa Calungin

1 - Mark Xian Miano 16 – Richard Castillo

2 – Estares Araneo 16 - Shirly Luna

3 – Sheila Kizzy Cortez 17 - Juviar Cernito

3 - Jeline Roldan 20 – Juaning Calungin

3 - Beth Tirona 20 – Juliet Dayrit

4 – Chona Fauni 20 - Elma Soncuan

5 – Irene Saquiton 20 - Ria Lizaso

5 – Sonny Matro 21 – Emelyn Seachon

5 – Aaron Job Samonte 22 – Teresa Gene Dakis

6 - Sixto Saquilayan 23 – Rolando Cosme

6 - Karl Jakob Mabbatung 23 - Marilyn Ladaga

7 – Carleng Fauni 24 - Rodalee Aviles

7 – Remedios Gonzales 24 - Joel Lladones

8 – Chelsiea Atasha Ancheta 24 - John Vincent Agapay

8 – Herbie Isaiah Abas 25 – Ronnie Sapida

9 – Renato Tirona 25 – Rollie Sarno

9 - Keilyn Tapawan 25 – Benward Abas

10 – Jeshidy Ann Tamparong 26 – Jaigelyn Camerino

10 - Orlando Tapawan 26 – Arnie Jay Docusin

11 – Lito Medina 26 - Armando Sapida

11 – Willie Ramos 27 – Catherine Sanchez

11 - Donato Toledo 27 – Avin Son Matro

11 - Perly Ala 28 – Kim Adam Ferrer

12 – Jezreel Gervacio 29 - John Michael Castillo

12 - Mark Joseph Cantire 29 - Pauline Cernito

13 – Mitchelle Gray Perez 31 - Analiza Castillo

15 – Danilo Tio 31 - Erich Bernadette Tumbaga

August 4 David & Irene Rimbon

August 8 Vivencio & Maritess Calles

August 23 Rolando & Liza

August 26 Romer & Melanie Avilez

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 30 31

1

Kids Choir/Tambourine/Praise & Worship/Chancel

Choir Practice

2

Communion Sunday

Preacher: Rev. Benjie

Songleader: Cherlene Sapida

Liturgist: Raymond Fauni

CYAF Fellowship

Outreach Class

3

Daang NIA

cellgroup

4

CWA Fellowship; 7

pm

Cellgroup: Silver-

town

DLA Faculty & Staff

Devotion; 4pm

5

Pastoral Team

Devotion; 4pm

Prayer Service; 7

pm

6

Cellgroup: Olaes

Compound, 3pm

Bible Study; 7 pm

7

8

Kids Choir/Tambourine/Praise & Worship/Chancel

Choir Practice

BOT /BOD/BCE

Meeting 3pm

9

Preacher—LM Wilma Pelagio

Songleader: Allan Saquilayan

Liturgist: c/o Elders

BOD /BCE Meeting

Outreach Classes

10

Daang NIA

cellgroup

11

CWA Fellowship; 7

pm

Cellgroup: Silver-

town

12

Pastoral Team

Devotion; 4pm

Prayer Service; 7

pm

13

Cellgroup: Olaes

Compound, 3pm

Bible Study; 7 pm

14

15

Sportsfest 2015

Kids Choir/Tambourine/Praise & Worship/Chancel

Choir Practice

16

Preacher: Rev. Benjie

Songleader: Dionyl Babasa

Liturgist: c/o Elders

Council Meeting—2pm

Outreach Classes

17

Daang NIA

cellgroup

18

CWA Fellowship; 7

pm

Cellgroup: Silver-

town

DLA Faculty & Staff

Devotion; 4pm

19

Pastoral Team

Devotion; 4pm

Anniversary Prayer

Service; 7 pm

20

Cellgroup: Olaes

Compound, 3pm

Bible Study; 7 pm

21

22

Kids Choir/Tambourine/Praise & Worship/Chancel

Choir Practice

23

Mission Sunday

Preacher: Rev. Ruth Billena

Songleader: Lilit Crisostomo

Liturgist: c/o Elders

24

Daang NIA

cellgroup

25

CWA Fellowship; 7

pm

Cellgroup: Silver-

town

26

Pastoral Team

Devotion; 4pm

Prayer Service; 7

pm

27

Cellgroup: Olaes

Compound, 3pm

Bible Study; 7 pm

28 29

Church Calendar for AUGUST 2015

MISSION MONTH