Filipino-American United Church of Christ

Dr. Angel C. Alcala visits New York

    We had the rare opportunity of hearing Dr. Angel C. Alcala deliver the sermon at the Sunday Worship Service of Fil-Am UCC on June 22, 2008. He spoke on a very timely and relevant topic: "Cyclones, Earthquakes, Tsunamis: A Christian View."
    A surprisingly sunny day (a thunderstorm was forecast in NY that day), the whole experience of worship was made even warmer by the presence of several Silliman alumni who traveled far and near to listen to Dr. Alcala.
    We excitedly welcomed the presence of Teran Stark, who introduced herself as the granddaughter of Drs. George and Jan Beran, two well-loved professors who served Silliman from 1960 to 1973. Almost every Sillimanian there had either or both of the Berans as their professor. Those who went to SU elementary school knew Teran's mother, Anne Beran, and her uncles Bruce and George.
    Music at the worship service was phenomenal. We were blessed with the renditions of a string quartet composed of alumni of the Children's Orchestra Society (COS), under Michael Dadap: Kevin Shue, Violin; Miyuli Miyagi, Violin; and Noa Albaum, Cello. Yeou-Cheng Ma, wife of Michael Dadap and Executive Director of COS, played the viola.
    After the sumptuous fellowship lunch prepared by the Fil-Am UCC ladies, we were treated with a powerpoint presentation by Dr. Alcala on his works in marine conservation. This was followed by a lively Q&A.
    You may read Dr. Alcala's sermon by clicking here.
    There are also pictures uploaded in the Photo Album.

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From New York Conference - UCC
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Alfa, Junjun, Cloy and Faye

Youth Leading Sunday’s Contemporary Worship

Every third Sunday, the Board of Elders designed our worship service in a contemporary format. Our youth provides music using guitar and piano for songs that are close to their hearts. With the leadership of Junjun Rivera, Cloy Pal, sisters Alfa and Faye Manigsaca Garcia the whole congregation joins in giving praise and honor to Jesus, the risen Christ.

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The Children's Orchestra Society and The Philippine Montessori Center Instrumental Ensemble 2007 at the Queens Theater in the Park with Maestro Michael Dadap, Conducting.

A Dazzling Treat from Gifted Filipino Children

Our community of faith as well as many families, children and friends were treated with inspiring music by The Philippine Montessori Center Instrumental Ensemble. This group of 16 cute and amazing children with ages ranging from 4 to 6 years old performed twice at the Queens Theater in the Park on Saturday with The Children's Orchestra Society. The final performance was Sunday evening at COS Place in Manhasset. The concert was very impressive and touches the heart of many who attended. There were a lot of surprises as the children flawlessly played and even rotated to handle other instruments. They sang two beautiful and moving pieces of music expressing their prayer and plea for peace worldwide as they wrapped up their concert in Manhasset. Everybody was awed by their performance and made all of so proud of being a Filipino. Directing the PMCIE is Ms. Lois Malaki-Espinosa who considers Fil-Am UCC as her home church when in New York. Gingging, as we fondly called her sings in our choir and offers her talent in music every time she is around.

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Fil-Am Ladies Preparing the Hall for Reception - Jen, Pinky, Debbie, Eva, Julia, Dina, Dayday & Rachel

A letter of Thanks from the Children’s Orchestra Society

To Fil-Am UCC

Dear Pastor Bong and Dear Brothers and Sisters:

On behalf of the COS I am writing this letter to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for the generous support and help you gave us during the performance of the PMCIE at the Christ Episcopal Church in Manhasset. Yeou-Cheng, our production staff, (Patrick, David, and Shirley) and myself are very fortunate to have you helping us with the food, and preparation for the reception. I have received comments from our guests that décor and food at the Guild Room was simply High Class.

DAGHANG SALAMAT KANINYONG TANAN:

Pastor Bong and Gangging, Joel, Jen, Claude, Romy, Prossy, Mana Rachel, Dayday, Debbie, Julia, Robert, Julius, Meg, Sony, Lily, Eva, Boy, Pastor Manong Saling and Manang Jean,Pinky, Nang Lydia, Pablo, Dinah, Leofe, Emily - Wala na akoy laing ikalitok tungod kay ang akong dughan, na togub sa dakong kalipay ug pagdayeg kaninyong tanan.

Wishing you Peace, Love, and God's Blessings,

Michael & Yeou-Cheng

Directors,
Children's Orchestra Society

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Home Cooking Session

Sonny Manalo, one of Fil-Am UCC’s chefs leads a Home Cooking Session last Saturday, April 12. Intended for the men to take domain in the kitchen work, he introduced ways to prepare and cook; the crispy fried chicken, the tasty buffalo wings, the creamy ginata-an and the delicious pansit lumi. Sonny added that the chopped pieces of chicken meat dipped in the mixture of flour, corn starch, salt, seasoning, saffron and water can be packed in small plastic bags, stored in the freezer which can easily be pulled out for cooking when needed. It is best serve when hot. These recipes are helpful for family use or serving guests who come for a visit.

Lily Manalo, Sonny’s better half extended warm welcome to all who came. All delighted and savored the well cooked recipes while it’s hot and steamy. Watch out for more cooking sessions in our calendar as our chefs will introduce other choice recipes and variety of Filipino and Asian delicacies.

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Music Ministry

In their report to the Church Council, the Board of Elders presented the coordinating lines in doing our task as a congregation. They agreed that the Music Ministry is coordinated by Michael Dadap with the assistance of Rachel, our Choir Director. Music is one of the God-given gifts where we are strong and we intend to make it stronger so that we can offer our best to the Lord. We look forward to the Canata in Christmas and Lent but most of all to enhance the worship experience on Sundays through well planned and selected music consistent with the given theme. Offertory music will be lined up featuring local talents and invited guests. If you have suggestions and concerns related to music ministry, Elder Michael Dadap is the person to contact.

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Christian Education and Nurture

One of the exciting things that are going on in our life is the nurturing programs for all levels. We have seasoned teachers in our Sunday Schools – Ms. Leofe Ramos-Sitoy, Ms. Faye Manigsaca Garcia and Ms. Laura Malaki-Lambert. Sunday Schools starts at 12:30 and ends at 1:15. Adult lessons are also conducted on the same hour. As we grow coordinating task is also important, the Board of Elders assigned one of its members, Eva Tubo to oversee this area of ministry. The Elders encourages everybody to make use of the Daily Devotions posted in our website. Please keep in touch with Eva on matters relating to Education and Nurturing Programs.

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Daily Devotions

Our daily devotional material, which we associate with the mustard seed in Jesus parable, is also a blog page. Like a seed planted on the soil, it is our prayer that God's Word will grow in us as we nurture it in our hearts. Allow the seed to germinate. Your reflections and responses are welcome.

Past Daily Devotions are archived at the bottom of the Sermons page.

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First Wedding Rite

We had our first wedding of the year last Saturday afternoon, April 5. Zach Davis Bates and Vanessa Baloncio Polo were joined in the Marriage Rite officiated by the Rev. Reuben Cedino and the Rev. Noel Vanek.

Vanessa is the daughter of Elmer and Rosita Polo of Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. Zach hails from the State of Washington and the son of Phil and Kathy Bates. Together with his sister Julia, the family flew in from Seattle to New York for the wedding. Vanessa's mom Rosita and sisters Cynthia and Rosel together with some friends came to celebrate the occasion.

Mr. & Mrs. Joel and Jennifer Pal and Dr. & Mrs. Romeo and Prossy Dagdayan stood as sponsors of the wedding. Reception followed at The Water Club, 500 East 30th Street.

Congratulations to Zach and Vanessa. Our prayers for a long and lasting relationship as husband and wife with Christ at the center of your lives.

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2008 Confirmation Class Thanksgiving Celebration

Members of the Class together with their parents and friends came to celebrate the completion of this year's Confirmation Class. It was a joint program between The Fil-Am United Church of Christ in Richmond Hill and The Church in the Gardens in Forest Hills. The class started November last year and formally ended yesterday. There were four young people from our church in this class: Rochelle Merecido and Rhodellise Trumata, and brothers Julius and Robert Noya. Their classmates from the Church in the Gardens were Jordan and Taylor Bak, Austin Bushmann, Nelson Pascuuzzi, Tim and Patrick Lazar and Chris Woo. Our Confirmation Rite was held Easter Sunday while The Church in the Gardens had their ritual the following Sunday. The Rev. Reuben Cedino and the Rev. Noel Vanek co-taught the class using the Apostles Creed as the framework of the curriculum.

During the brief program the Fil-Am UCC ladies performed for our guests the 'bulaklakan" or the spring flower dance choreographed by Julia Noya and coordinated by Prossy Dagdayan.