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Transcript of The Grape Vine- September
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8/3/2019 The Grape Vine- September
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Volume IV Issue No. 8 The Official Newsletter of St. Johns UMC September 2011
St. Johns UMC1100 Ontario Street
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 386-5882
Open Hearts. OpenDoors. Open Minds.
By Kathlyn Talapian
The Lord continues to bless St.Johns as the church welcomed
Pastor Cecilia Granadosin, a Mas-
ter of Divinity student at Garrett
Evangelical Theological Semi-
nary, on September 25 for her
field education.
Pastor Granadosin has always
admired the ministries at St.Johns. After recently moving to
Chicago from Seattle in August
2009, she and her husband, Pas-
tor Steve, visited St. Johns be-
cause of friends who told them
that this church would make them
feel like they were in their home
church in Washington. She hassince then come back to the church
to support the Saturday Night Alive
and other activities.
I see how alive the ministries
are in this church, and I see that St
Johns has a lot of potential. The
ministries of St. Johns are very im-
portant and I want to be part of it. Iwant to help in any way I can, Pas-
tor Granadosin said.
Pastor Granadosin will be in-
volved in different activities of the
Pastor Granadosin: A New Pastor Fullof Hopes for St. Johns Ministries
Continue on page 3
St. Johns expresses gratitude through songs
of hope, words of encouragement and food
Remembering the Veterans on 9/11By Linette Romualdo
In commemoration of 9/11,
St. John's UMC under the leader-ship of the Outreach Committee
visited brave Americans who
helped the country become a
better place to live in at Hines
Veteran Hospital. Lolit Flores
shared that the veterans loved
the visit because "nobody visits
them anymore and they are by
themselves most of the time. By
visiting them, we make them
feel special. We give them com-
pany and they dont feel lonely."
15:2 Exodus and Rejoice!
Continue on page 2
By Joash Mencias
Just when people thought there
were enough nurses at St. Johns,
the church hosted the Mary Johns-
ton College of Nursing Alumni Sun-
day service on September 25, and
dozens of nurse graduates from the
Greater Chicago Chapter of the hon-
orable school were present. The spe-
cial Sunday service focused on the
nurses as the St. Johns congregation
welcomed them with open doors,
hearts and minds.
Members of the Greater Chicago
Chapter participated in the service.
Jan Ina Junio, a member of St. Johns
and a Mary Johnston graduate, led
the service as the liturgist. Members
from the Class of 1990 offered a ren-
dition of the classic hymn, Blessed
Assurance. Lydia Roasa-Ward,
member of the Board of Directors of
the Greater Chicago Chapter, took to
the pulpit and delivered a message
about promises, which included an
extensive featuring of all the present
Mary Johnston alumni in the congre-
gation.
Honoring Nurses
& Gods Promises
Continue on page 6
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The Good NewsPage 2 September 2011
By Kathlyn Talapian
A Filipino adage says that
people must never forget to
look back where they came
from. As Filipinos living in the
greener pasture, we are called
to celebrate the gift of our eth-
Fighting Malaria the Youth WayBy Joash Mencias
Several youth from St. Johns joined dozens of other youths at
Glenview United Methodist Church for the annual Nothing But
Nets event on September 24. The district event aimed to create
fellowship with other youth members while raising money andawareness for the Imagine No Malaria campaign.
Youth members participated in various activities such as dodge-
ball and played board games and guitar
hero with other district young people.
Besides dodgeball, members also par-
ticipated in creating blankets for ill peo-
ple in the hospital and children in pov-
erty. Lunch was provided for the atten-dees after an active morning.
Imagine No Malaria is a United
Methodist campaign that provides mos-
quito nets for prevention and malaria
treatment in Africa. Its aim is to eradi-
cate malaria by the year 2015. For more
information on how to help, visit imagi-
nenomalaria.org or nothingbutnets.org
Prayer is the soil in whichhope and healing grow best.
Remembering the Veterans
Continued from front page
Dancers sang songs of worship and
hope for the veterans, who sang and
clapped along. Rev. Jerry Grim gave a
message of inspiration, applauding the
veterans for their great work and dedication to the United States. "Hope
Now" by Addison Road was sung by
15:2 Exodus in closing and a prayer
was led by Rev. Reuel Talapian.
In appreciation to the veterans for
all their hard work and for welcoming
St. John's warmly, the youth and adults
served refreshments such as peanu
butter and jelly sandwiches, cookies
and soda.
Rejoice! Dancer Jocelyn Mendoza
had a wonderful experience in the
visit. She said, "I was glad to give out
the food and to share my prayers with
them. I would be very blessed and
happy to visit and see all the veterans
again."
nicity and share our blessings to
our brothers and sisters in need
in the Philippines.
In this premise, several Filipino
pastors of the Northern Illinois
Conference (NIC) convened on
September 12 at Prince of Peace
UMC and officially founded theFilipino-American
United Methodist
Ministry of NIC. Be-
cause of the grow-
ing Filipino groups
and church leaders
in the conference,
the pastors decided
to organize the
caucus group and
Bonded by Faith and EthnicityFILIPINO-AMERICAN UNITED METHODISTS
Continue on page 3
http://imaginenomalaria.org/http://imaginenomalaria.org/http://nothingbutnets.org/http://imaginenomalaria.org/http://nothingbutnets.org/http://nothingbutnets.org/http://nothingbutnets.org/http://imaginenomalaria.org/http://imaginenomalaria.org/http://imaginenomalaria.org/http://imaginenomalaria.org/ -
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Page 3 September 2011
The Good NewsPong Javier Testifies About the Joys
& Hardships of Walking with God
By Linette Romualdo
"Parents should not send their
children to church. Parents should
take their children to church. See
the difference?"
Aquilino Javier Jr., more com-
monly known as Pong Javier,
shared a testimony of his personal
journey with Christ during the re-
cently concluded Saturday Night
Alive entitled "Promises." Also
present that night was the Gath-
ering Place Praise Team of 1stUMC in Oak Park, who offered a
song of worship.
As a "Jesus Freak" at a young
age, Mr. Javier became an activist
and went to several countries,
such as Puerto Rico and Zim-
babwe, sharing God's love and
word to others. Having Christ in
his life, Mr. Javier went through
trials, but overcame it through
God's word and promises."There is power in love. God
is love." he said.
He also talked about his
son, James, who is continu-
ously recovering through
Gods grace after his acci-
dent in 2009. An organiza-
tion called "Miles for James"
was established by his
friends and family, and it holds
annual marathons to raisefunds for James medical costs.
Mr. Javier ended his inspiring
story with the idea of the
meaning of JOY. Indeed, to re-
ceive joy, one must put Jesus
first, Others second, and Your-
self last.
New Pastor
Continued from front page
church, mainly with the youth
and the young adult groups. In
October 1, she started teaching
Sunday School among high school
and college youths. She also led
the Childrens Moment, creatively
teaching the kids that God is the
Cornerstone with which we build
our church. In the near future,
she will also participate in themonthly SNA, the production of
The Grape Vine, and other min-
istries.St. Johns members warmly
welcomed Pastor Ganadosin
with enthusiastic hearts. Staff-
Parish Relations Committee
Member Evelyn Vicera is very
happy that she has come to St.
Johns because she will be an
asset to our church. She will be
a big help because she is tal-
ented, and she can contribute a
lot in our ministries.Pastor Granadosin received
the call to serve God in
2007 and today, she has
the credentials and certifi-
cation to become a local
pastor. She and Pastor
Steve are graduating in
May, after which they have
to return to Seattle and
serve in the Pacific-
Northwest Conference.
Filipino-American UM MinistryContinued from page 2
elect officers.
St. Johns Pastor, Rev. Reuel Tala-
pian, was elected as the Vice-
President of the Fil-Am United
Methodist Ministry. Serving with
him as officers are Rev. Cerna Rand
as President, Pastor Cecilia Grana-
dosin as Secretary and Rev. Noah
Panlilio as Treasurer. The officerswill be installed on Oct. 29
th, during
the Fil-Am UM Ministrys Thanksgiv-
ing meeting.
This caucus group seeks to
strengthen the relationship among
all Filipino-Americans (clergy and
lay) in our conference, and to cre-
ate a meaningful connection with
the Filipinos in the Philippines and
here in the US, Rev. Cerna Rand
explained.
Continue on page 4
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Page 4 September 2011
Fruits of the Vine9/11
By Kathlyn Talapian
Sept. 11, 2001 marks the date that
changed the lives of many people in
the United States and the world. After
a decade, we continue to remember
the victims who died in this tragic
event as well as their loved ones.
St. Johns Youth gathered for a
prayer activity in the church sanctu-
ary in remembrance of 9/11. The ac-
tivity was initiated and facilitated by
the youth council headed by PresidentJoash Mencias.We should never forget what 9/11
cost many people. We want to honor
and remember them even in little wayssuch as in prayer, Mencias explained.
The Prayer for Peace program
started with singing of a hymn led by
Celinne Mencias. Afterward, the youth
recited the renowned prayer of St.
Francis Assisi. The youth then wrote
their prayers with dissolving ink. As
SNA
Continued from page 3
The highlights of the night in-
cluded a song offering by The Gath-
ering Place, covering ChrisTomlins This is Our God with
guitar and djembe. The popular
poem "Footprints in the sand" was
read by Adrian Farrales to further
remind us that God is always thereto keep His promises.
Afterward, Rev. Reuel
Talapian reflected on the
theme and theme verse of
the night, which was He-
brews 13:5: "God has said,
'I will never abandon you
or leave you.'" He talked
about Sarah and Isaac, who
longed and prayed to God
for a child. The Lord had
heard them and He gave
in our Hearts even 10 Years Later
they placed their papers in a bowl of
water, they reflectively watched their
concerns washed away.Pastor Jerry led the youth in prayer
for peace, hope and inspiration. The
youth departed in silence.
Sylvia Brown appreciated the activ-
ity because it reminded me that the
world is not just about me. So many
people are out there suffering because
of war and violence. We have to dowhat we can for them, she said.
them twins, Jacob and Esau.
15:2 Exodus and Rejoice! Danc-
ers led the praise singing with
songs like "Promises" and "You are
my All in All" by Hillsong. They also
led an act of adoration, where eve-
ryone was invited to write down
their words of thanks to God in a
paper that looked like an alabaster
jar and to take it to the altar as an
offering.
THE PRAYER OF ST. FRANCISLord, make me
an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred,
let me sow love.
Where there is injury, pardon.
Where there is doubt, faith.
Where there is despair, hope.
Where there is darkness, light.
Where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master,
grant that I may not so much
seek to be consoled,
as to console;
to be understood,
as to understand;
to be loved, as to love.
For it is in giving
that we receive.
It is in pardoning
that we are pardoned,
and it is in dying that we are
born to Eternal Life.Amen.
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Page 5 September 2011
Fruits of the VineBy Gloria Domingo
Who is the most important per-
son in the church? Why do you
come to St. Johns to worship? Are
you here because somebody in-
vited or forced you to attend the
service? Is it because of the fellow-
ship, family or the food (just kid-
ding!)?
Is it about you? Wont it be
wonderful if youre here because
you can
f e e l
Its Not about Youthe presence of the Lord?
Your being here is not an acci-
dent. God brought you here.
Please look and meditate your per-
sonal reason why you are here. If it
is because of the pastor, a certain
person, the music or the fellow-
ship, then you could be in for a dis-
appointment.
The pastor is only human, and
he is not perfect. This is a common
mistake of many church members.
They think that since the pastor
brings us the Good News, he
should be as holy and sinless as
Jesus. Well, the pastor cannot al-
ways please everyone. He may give
sermons not to your liking. If you
have the wrong expectations, the
pastor may disappoint you.
In the same way, the choir and
praise team may not always sing
heavenly to your ears. Members
may say something unacceptable
to you or do something that will
MEMBER SPOTLIGHTBy Joash Mencias
Gaspar Marcelo
Member, United Methodist Men
The Grape Vine (TGV): How did you find
St. Johns?
Gaspar Marcelo (GM): We found out
about the church through Vren Esguerra
when we attended their church (Calvary
UMC) one Sunday.
TGV:What makes St. Johns unique?
GM: From food to special culture days,
Filipino culture is present in every aspect
of the church.
TGV:How has St. Johns helped you transition to life in America?
GM: The members here are very supportive since many of them
came from a similar position before. Many of us are Filipinos, and
that makes me feel a little closer to home.
make your faith stumble. Yes.
People can be a disappointment.
Well, how about putting God
first. Come because you want to
worship God; because you can feel
Gods spirit here. Its about God and
not about you.
Do you feel that when you leave
St. Johns, that you dont leave God
behind? That in fact You are bring-
ing Him with you to share with oth-
ers His love for us and your faith in
Him? We dont only talk about
among people at our church but
also to everybody who needs Him.
Congratulations to the
Newly Weds!
Gino and Jill Villanueva
Welcome to the Christian
Family of St. Johns,
Princess Edda Lofranco!
Continue on last page
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Page 6 September 2011
The Grape JellyG N B D Z S I Z H N R B T H N C B D U N
X J R S A H N A S I Q X O A D Z R K X Z
O B L D Z H L V D K S F B L E A V A A I
U A L M A L P M G P L U L P H R U C U K
W O K L O A X E J M B U B C A T T J T C
C H M W V Y H O F U J L R M P R O Z U I
O R E D I C O N A P A O N T U F A C M R
U E A U T W M S E M U T S O C L Q D N T
N L N Q G D E P I C N I C A B N O N E R
M H H L H W C V J E M M P G G C K C J N
Z V Y O T D O M N G S P X H E M A X R F
J I D U E L M J T S L C B B R Q J K B S
V G C B L P I Q V E E U O Y J M N Y A E
C S M N X Y N F K F J F X R P Y N I B O
B X C F B I G P R G M M H O D X D Y J F
I C Z P T L H Q W S E K V G F M C A J R
U Q S K T R H X P F Q I F T B G I G N G
I K R A O I C L R I S C C W U B E D R P
E L G R Q B K F E K V V E H W U A M B H
R E D Q O J V V B F W J P F Y C U S R J
** Word Search **
APPLE
AUTUMN
CIDER
RED
OAK
ORCHARD
PICNIC
PUMPKIN
COLD
COLUMBUS
COSTUMES
HALLOWEEN
HOMECOMING
PARADE
TREAT
TRICK
The Grape VineSTAFF
Kathlyn TalapianEditor-in-Chief
Joash Mencias
Linette RomualdoReporters
Gloria Domingo
April Cyrwus
Adrian FarralesContributors
Ronald Romualdo
Pastor Steve GranadosinResources for Photos
Rev. Reuel TalapianAdviser
By April Cyrwus
Honoring Nurses
Continued from front page
The Mary Johnston College of Nursing Alumni of theGreater Chicago Chapter expressed deep gratitude for
St. Johns hospitality and also their ongoing support for
the education of future nurses in the Philippines.
Its Not About YouContinued from page 5
Its all about God and His sav-
ing grace. Let us focus on God not
on ourselves. Yes, it is about God.
Look at the Good news about God
and what is good in His creation.
Bless Him and ask that St. Johns
really be a place for Him to dwell.God loves us. Keep Him always in
your heart, mind and life.
Always pray to Him! Ask Him
that He use you to spread His
love! Ask yourself: What can I do
for God today? How can I please
God today?
Keep on asking and along the
way you will find the opportunity
to serve Him. Yes! Its all about
God!
:Chickenscanttalks
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thechickente
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thetruth?
Ifyoulookyouc
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canmakeanyth
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wanthappen,b
utlater
everythinggoes
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A:Yourimagination