The UCG Manila Church had a well-attended year-end outing last December 24-25. Almost all those who attend the UCG Manila congregation joined the two day outing at the “Batis ng Makiling” Resort in Los Baños, Laguna some 50 kilometers south of Manila. We had the resort exclusively for ourselves for two days.

The brethren and their children really enjoyed having a private picnic ground eating together, playing games as well as dipping and swimming in the resort’s two swimming pools filled with warm water coming from the place’s natural hot springs. The resort has also a fishpond where some of the brethren tried their luck at fishing. A few fishes were caught which we ate for dinner.

In the evening after dinner, the children were treated to a film showing of that popular Disney movie entitled, “Finding Nemo.” After the movie, the brethren enjoyed a night of sing-along on video-karaoke to the delight of everyone.

A few among the brethren decided not to stay for the evening, but the rest stayed on to enjoy the fun and the fellowship until the next day. Everyone who came really enjoyed the year-end outing, commenting that this is one of the rare occasions where brethren can enjoy fellowshipping with one another as a church outside of the Sabbath and Holy day services.

2003 In a Capsule

The year 2003 seemed to have come and gone so fast for us in the Manila Church. It was a trying year for the Philippines as a country. As a result, some among the brethren could not help but feel the effect both of the economic and political crises resulting from the destabilization caused by the failed military coup attempt and terrorist attacks perpetrated by Muslim extremists.

However, we are all very grateful to our merciful and loving God for always keeping His promise to help us during trying times. Yes, 2003 was a difficult year but God in His mercy, nevertheless, has blessed the brethren in Manila spiritually. The attitude of loving concern and cooperation is very evident among the brethren.

The average attendance for Sabbath services in 2003 was 46 and for Holy Days, it was 70. Because of distance and financial limitation it was not always possible for some brethren to attend Sabbath services on a more regular basis.

Some small efforts were also put forth in the area of promoting The Good News by the distribution of the Good News subscription brochures. Plans, however, have now been made in the area of preaching of the Gospel by promoting the Good News Magazine through a news stand program and continuing and increasing the volume of the brochure distribution program as well.

With 2003 gone, with God’s help and direction, we hope to continue on in 2004 in taking an active part in this great work of God to which all of us have been called into.

UCG Manila Plan for 2004

The United Church of God in Manila is gearing up for 2004 with some plans to contribute to the efforts of the Church towards the preaching of the Gospel and preparing a people. In a meeting called last December 14, plans were made to organize a GN news stand program as well as a brochure distribution program. Requests were already made from Home Office for additional copies of the January-February 2004 issue of the Good News magazine and a replenishment of GN brochures for the program.
The Manila brethren are very excited to be able to take part in these programs. Suggestions were given on how and where to display our Good News magazines as well as our brochures.

In the effort to minister to the youth in the church, plans are likewise being drawn up to start a Sabbath School program and teens Bible study program early this 2004. The materials to be used will be those downloaded from the UCG website designed specifically for our church youths. Of course, we are all looking to God to provide us direction as well as success as we do our part in doing His work.