Three Things to Love about Child Friendly Worship Services in Isabela

I have always advocated for the inclusion of children in the worship service. The worship is not exclusive for adults only. Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." (Matthew 19:14 NIV) That is why I love attending worship services in Isabela because they are intentional in being inclusive of children. Here are three things I love about our Child-Friendly Worship Services:

1. One of the Methodist tradition I appreciate is allowing the children to take part in the Lord's Supper. In fact, children are called first to take the Holy Communion before the adults. 
2. Another thing that I truly appreciate is the participation of the children in the litrugy. These churches make sure that during the worship service, the kids are part of the Litrugy with their participation in the lighting of candles and opening of the Bible. These seems a small task but this ritual is very formative and sends a strong message on the role of children in worship. I especially admire churches that have included children and junior youth in the choir.
3. Another thing that I love about churches is the importance given to the growth and development of children. While there is Sunday School, it is important to have a dedicated time for children during worship even with a simple prayer time for them. The churches here in Isabela have Children's moments for teaching kids about the Lectionary Readings at least once a month or have a prayer time for chldren alternatively. 

Santiago Central United Methodist Church is one of the churches in Isabela that has continued this practice of allowing kids to take part in the Lord's Supper and giving them a space in worship. If you want to bring your kids during the First Sunday of the Month for Holy Communion, they have 2 worship services in the morning (7 AM and 9 AM) and another Vesper Service in the afternoon at 6 PM.

Santiago Central UMC is located along Abuag St in downtown Santiago City.

3 Things to Know about Wesleyan Heritage in Surigao City

There is no United Methodist Church in Surigao City. Do not worry. You will still not miss your worship service when you visit this region. There are many Protestant churches in this area that shares a Wesleyan heritage with the United Methodist Church. So here are three things to remember about our Wesleyan heritage:

1. We share a lot of common things with other faith denominations that share our Wesleyan heritage. That includes the liturgy, the hymns, and even the church architecture all feels familiar. You won't feel like a stranger when you visit other denominations that share our heritage. 
2. The closest church with a Wesleyan heritage is the United Church of Chirst in the Philippines that shares a rich history with the United Methodist Church in the Philippines. In fact, they have close historical ties with the Methodist Church and the United Bretheren as part of the merging churches that formed the UCCP in 1948. 
3. We can participate in their sacrament of Holy Communion. When we were in Surigao, we had our worship service with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines as we also celebrated the marriage of my brother in the same church. The co-celebrant of the communion was shared between the clergy of the UMC and the UCCP. As our Wesleyan heriate, the table of the Lord is open for all those who believe in Christ as divine Lord and Savior. The worship service was such a blessing. It helped that the congregation was very helpful and welcoming too.

The UCCP in Surigao is a big church with the first floor serving as a school with multipurpose classrooms. The second floor is the sanctuary which is beautifully designed to host more than a hundred worshippers.

The United Church of Christ in the Philippines in Surigao is located along Narciso St., Downtown Surigao City.

Kadayawan sa Davao

The most fun fiesta in the country is in Davao. The month of August is the harvest season in the city and Dabawenyos give thanks to the divine for a bountiful harvest through the Kadayawan Festival. 

I was back in Davao for the Health Program review of the United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Mission Center along 104 CM Recto Ave. is a perfect place to have meetings. It is accessible and convenient. It also give a good view of the festivities in the city.

Book for meetings and conferences at the United Methodist Mission Center in Davao City. Transient stay is also available. 

Warmth and Love in Isabela

 Isabela is known to be one of the hottest place in the Philippines. But it is also home to the warmest welcome of the Filipino people.

Joined the fellowship of the Emmaus Retreat Group of NEPAC here in Santiago City, Isabela.

The church in Sinsayon UMC was the venue for the fellowship. What a very warm welcome and fellowship we experienced that day. 

We shared in the Lord's Table and had a feast afterwards. 

The Sinsayon UMC is on Barangay Sinsayon, Santiago City. Worship service is at 9am Sunday morning.

Ride the 'Rela in de Oro

 A visit in Cagayan de Oro is never without experiencing to ride the 'Rela (Motorela).

The 'Rela is the primary means of transport within the city although the jeepney is slowly taking its role as king of the road. 

The 'Rela is designed to seat 8 people. The best seat is beside the driver as it gives you a front view of everything you pass-by. Go around the city riding the 'Rela. The fare is at minimum.

Whenever you are in the city, take the 'Rela and go to church in the First United Methodist Church in Cagayan de Oro along Mortola St., Cagayan de Oro City near Oro Rama Center. 

Worship on Sunday morning is at 10 am.

Convention Destination Sugbu

Cebu has been the favorite destination place for many conventions.

Attending this month the Weekend Leadership Convention in the new SM Mall. This place offers many places to visit. Cebu is known for it's religious historical significance. The cross of Magellan is famously located in the heart of the City. The Cathedral of the Sto. Nino is also in Cebu.   

This Sunday was also the celebration of Father's Day. It was great to celebrate Father's Day together with my wife here in Cebu. 

On Father's Day, we went to worship at the First United Methodist Church in A. Lopez St., Labangon, Cebu. There is only one worship service that morning. Sunday school at 9:30 am followed by the Worship Service at 10:30 am.  It was a blessing to see the worship service being led by the youth. Most of the members here are youth and young professionals. 

When in Cebu, never miss to visit this church.

Davao Life is Here

Coming home.

Came to attend the PMA National Convention but it was also a homecoming experience. 

There are new places to visit in Davao but a visitor should never miss these three things:

1. The Philippine Eagle Foundation in Malagos and visit "Pag-asa". The PEF is world renowned because of the endangered species that was succesfully conserved by the PEF. Pag-asa was the first Philippine Eagle bred in captivity. I volunteered here when I was student.

2. Torres St. Fruit Stand and get a taste of native Davao Durian. Look for the variety of "Arancillo" being the most famous local variety named after a local farmer. If the Chanee variety is available, try is too.

3. Visit the religious places and give thanks. On a Sunday, there are places of worship you can go to. The San Pedro Cathedral is in downtown Davao and there are also four United Methodist Churches in the city. The Cathedral The United Methodist Church is along CM Recto Ave at the heart of the city. 

I grew up in this church. The church is known for the warm welcome of the members. There are two services in the morning. Starts at 8:30 am and 10:30 am. 

I was surprised that some of my colleagues missed their opportunity to experience the life in Davao.