6
church that transcends the message beyond the church walls. He ended by providing a hopeful mes- sage that as a church, the possibilities are endless. The congregation also heard other good news from various functions of the church as membership increased and new pro- jects for the restoration of the aging building. New church leaders were also pre- sented and approved. The 2012 fiscal budget, which included an increase in the salaries of church workers, was approved as well and supported by the congregation. Volume IV Issue No. 9 The Official Newsletter of St. John’s UMC Oct.-Nov. 2011 St. John’s UMC 1100 Ontario Street Oak Park, IL 60302 (708) 386-5882 Open Hearts. Open Doors. Open Minds. By Linette Romualdo Alan Bond, a missionary who serves through the program Jews for Jesus, shared a presen- tation during the UMM Breakfast on October 30th. St. John’s was filled early morning with mem- bers enjoying breakfast and the fellowship time. The presentation talked about the Jews for Jesus’ mission and the "Christ in the Feast of Taberna- cles," which aims to help the church's understanding of the gos- pel by going back to the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. The feast is observed with lulav and etrog. The symbolical blessing that includes lulav is also known as Sukkot. Candles are lit and the UMM Breakfast: A Taste of Culture and  Continue on page 3 St. John’s Faces 2012 with Hope & Inspiration Continue on page 3 By Joash Mencias There are times when lunch time at St. John’s is delayed due to prolonged worship ser- vice or discussion dur- ing the adult Sunday school. But on October 23 fellowship time was not delayed for those reasons, but rather, the congregation partici- pated in deciding the near future of the church. The annual local church con- ference, presided over by district superintendent Rev. James Pre- ston, approved various items re- lated to church from budget in- creases to candidates for or- dained ministry. The meeting began with a video from the Northern Illinois Conference with the message of “Together We Serve, United By Love,” in which St. John’s was fea- tured to underline the Annual Conference’s diversity. DS Pre- ston then delivered a short mes- sage based on Philippians 2. Afterwards, a clergy report was given by Pastor Reuel. He summarized the report by saying that St. John’s “celebrates, con- nects, and contributes.” He also stressed the direction of the church of enriching discipleship and becoming a missionary St. John’s is blessed with three candidates for ordained ministry.  

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church that transcends the

message beyond the

church walls. He ended by

providing a hopeful mes-

sage that as a church, the

possibilities are endless.

The congregation alsoheard other good news

from various functions of 

the church as membership

increased and new pro-

jects for the restoration of 

the aging building. New

church leaders were also pre-

sented and approved. The 2012

fiscal budget, which included an

increase in the salaries of church

workers, was approved as well andsupported by the congregation.

Volume IV Issue No. 9 The Official Newsletter of St. John’s UMC Oct.-Nov. 2011

St. John’s UMC 1100 Ontario Street 

Oak Park, IL 60302

(708) 386-5882

Open Hearts. Open

Doors. Open Minds.

By Linette Romualdo

Alan Bond, a missionary who

serves through the programJews for Jesus, shared a presen-

tation during the UMM Breakfast on October 30th. St. John’s was

filled early morning with mem-

bers enjoying breakfast and the

fellowship time.

The presentation talked about the Jews for Jesus’ mission and the

"Christ in the Feast of Taberna-

cles," which aims to help the

church's understanding of the gos-

pel by going back to the Jewish

roots of the Christian faith. The

feast is observed with lulav and

etrog. The symbolical blessing that

includes lulav is also known as

Sukkot. Candles are lit and the

UMM Breakfast: A Taste of Culture and

Wisdom from Jews for Jesus 

Continue on page 3

St. John’s Faces 2012 with Hope & Inspiration 

Continue on page 3

By Joash Mencias

There are times

when lunch time at St.

John’s is delayed due to

prolonged worship ser-

vice or discussion dur-ing the adult Sunday

school. But on October

23 fellowship time was

not delayed for those

reasons, but rather, the

congregation partici-

pated in deciding the near future

of the church.

The annual local church con-

ference, presided over by district 

superintendent Rev. James Pre-ston, approved various items re-

lated to church from budget in-

creases to candidates for or-

dained ministry.

The meeting began with a

video from the Northern Illinois

Conference with the message of 

“Together We Serve, United By

Love,” in which St. John’s was fea-

tured to underline the Annual

Conference’s diversity. DS Pre-

ston then delivered a short mes-sage based on Philippians 2.

Afterwards, a clergy report 

was given by Pastor Reuel. He

summarized the report by saying

that St. John’s “celebrates, con-

nects, and contributes.” He also

stressed the direction of thechurch of enriching discipleship

and becoming a missionary

St. John’s is blessed with three candidates for ordained ministry. 

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The Good NewsPage 2 Oct.-Nov. 2011

By Joash Mencias

A thumping beat drove peo-ple to dance all in the name of 

supporting Filipino youth to at-

tend Christmas Institute (CI). St.

John’s, Edison Park, and other

area churches joined together in

a benefit dinner and dance on

October 7 to raise funds for the

North Central and South Eastern

Jurisdictions’ CI to be held on

the last week of December in

Leitchfield, Kentucky.

Food, Dancing & Fun for Christmas Instituteserved buffet style and as music radi-

ated throughout the fellowship hall.

Entertainment was also provided asthe Edison Park MYX, the renowned

juggling and dancing youth group,

performed classic Filipino dances

such as tinikling. But the dancing was

not limited to youth as other guests

including the young at heart partici-

pated in line dancing and ballroom

classics.

Many people were delighted to

support the cause. Lea Reniva

praised the efforts of the youth. “Thedance was fun,” she exclaimed. “It 

shows how passionate our youth is

in benefiting their spiritual develop-

ment.” 

Lord, help me to love 

with both words and deeds,

To reach out to sinners 

and meet their needs;

Lord, burden my heart 

 for those lost in sin,

With mercy and love that  flows from within. —Fitzhugh 

By Linette Romualdo

Tou Yang, an interning pastor at Christway UMC in Wisconsin, shared

the story of his journey with God on Saturday Night Alive (SNA), Octo-

ber 15. Entitled “God’s Reflection,” the key verse of the night was John

13:15, which says, "I have set you an example that you should do as I

have done for you."

Yang illustrated the theme through a clip of Lion King where Rafikki

the money said to a guilty and ashamed Simba, “Look deeper.” These

words enabled Simbad to see his father in his reflection on the water.

Yang’s faith was shaky when he was young, but as he experienced

God in different ways as time went by, it became firm and solid.

Through being a pastor, he is reminded that God is found in everything

we do. He also pointed out that there is love in everything God does.

Through the story of Jesus washing the disciples' feet, "God shows how

he wants us to reflect Him in the world. We should serve each other.That is the main image," Yang said.

Before the festivities, guests

viewed a short presentation

about the cause they were sup-porting. Youth leaders from vari-

ous planning committees empha-

sized this year’s theme of spiri-

tual development and hearing

the “call of duty.” Also stressed

were various options of finding

more information about Christ-

mas Institute through social me-

dia.

The festivities went underway

immediately after as food was

Created in God’s Image, Called  to Reflect His Love

Continue on page 4

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Page 3 Oct.-Nov. 2011

The Good NewsUMM Breakfast 

Continued from front page

lulav has a variety of tree leaves.

The UMM Breakfast began

with an opening prayer by the

Vice President, Ronald

Romualdo. Following the intro-

duction of the speaker by Presi-

dent, Sadiri Dela Cruz, and the

presentation, a free-will offering

was held for the Jews for Jesus.

Closing prayer and remarks

were given by Rev. Reuel Talapian, concluding the breakfast gather-

ing.

Mr. Romualdo believes that the breakfast activity was one of the

most successful events of the UMM. "There was a huge and signifi-cant number of attendance and delicious food prepared by the mem-

bers. The guest shared interesting information about the Jew-

ish culture and history about the Jewish traditions and cul-

ture," he explained.

Church Conference

Continued from front page

Candidates for the ordained and

other ministries, which included

Eric Reniva, Nancy Hunter, andDarlene Rodriguez, were all unani-

mously approved to continue on

their education and path to serving

the church. The congregation

prayed for each candidate. Rodri-

guez was recognized by DS as the

first deaconess of the district.

Indeed, as the church continues

to celebrate, connect, and contrib-

ute to society, the possibilities for

St. John’s are endless in 2012. 

Fall is St. John’s Apple &

Fellowship Season 

By Kathlyn Talapian

St. John’s enjoyed a rare warm

weather as they picked apples and

picnicked on October 8. The annual

fellowship is held during the Colum-

bus weekend to take advantage of 

the long weekend for students.

“We go apple picking yearly be-

cause for many, picking apples is a

tradition, and we want to do it with

our family, which is St. John’s,” ap-ple picking coordinator May Men-

doza explained.

Members and friends gathered at

Edwards Apple Orchard in Poplar

Grove early in the morning to shop

favorite delicacies, apples and

donuts in the orchard store. At

about noon, they rode a wagon that

brought them to two stations of Ap-

ple Delicious and Golden Delicious.

Children and adults tasted and filledtheir buckets with apples.

Members headed to Rock

Cut State Park in Loves Park

for the picnic. The group enjoyed

lunch in benches under a big yel-

low tree. Bellies were filled with

tasty food brought and cooked by

members. Afterwards, the

kids played in the playground

and enjoyed the scenery of 

the lake. The adults on the

other hand chit chatted and

took pictures.New members such as the

Yalongs, Marcelos and Sylvia

Brown joined this year’s fun.

The Granadosins and Esguer-

ras were also present to fel-

lowship with St. John’s.

“This is my first time to go ap-

ple picking and it was a really

good experience for me because

of St. John’s. Thank you so

much,” Brown shared. 

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By Gloria Domingo

You know there are things in life

I ponder. I wrestle in it.I reflect in it and I even meditate

its burdensome and weight 

so I think I better ask God.

I asked God how can I lone someone

who are unable?

How can I forgive those

who had done me wrong?

I asked God how can I have patience

to those who had been contrary?

How can i be kind to those who are all

mean, cruel, and uncharitable?And be gracious to those

who are offensive and disagreeable?

How can I be merciful to the ruthless,

callous, heartless and uncaring

people?

I can think of a lot more, I tell you.

But I realize how depressing,

heartening and futile

to think of negative things in life.

For come to think of it, I, myself,

had been guilty of like wise.

Page 4 Oct.-Nov. 2011

Fruits of the Vine

By Kathlyn Talapian

The fellowship time on October 30th at St. John’s was star stud-

ded with different characters such Darth Vader, Superman, Indi-

ana Jones and Marilyn Monroe. Kids and adults alike paraded dif-ferent costumes while Trick or treating on the tables.

“The costume parade is always fun. We can be anyone we want 

and we see different and creative costumes every year!” said

Elizabeth Cyrwus who was Snow White during the parade.

Joining the fun were kids in costumes of ninjas, a cheerleader,

hello kitty and Bat Girl. Even babies at church such as AJ Ramos

and Esther Junio were dressed cutely as a duck and a dinosaur

respectively.

Right after Sunday School Time, everyone dressed up in their

costumes and prepared for the parade. The kids were showered

with candies, chocolates and chips from members. Afterward,

many of them stayed in the gym to enjoy munching on what they

received.

“It’s nice to see

the kids enjoying

themselves through

the parade. We

thank the members

for supporting and

giving candies,”

said Kazelyn Tala-

pian.

St. John’s Meets Heroes & Characters! 

Saturday Night Alive

Continued from Page 2

SNA kicked off the night with praise and worship by 15:2 Exodus

and Rejoice! Dancers. The Christway youth band gladly shared their

worship through songs of praise. Pastor Cecila Granadosin re-

flected on the theme and key verse, sharing memories of her

grandfather who taught her how to learn

and appreciate the things she used to

fear when she was little. She was fol-

lowed by Noemi Binag and Pastor Steve

Granadosin, who played the violin and

guitar respectively.

The next SNA is on November 19th

and

it bears the theme, “Gratitude Ex-

pressed.” Everyone is invited in this timeof praise and thanksgiving.

I Asked God 

Continue on page 5 

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Page 5 Oct.-Nov. 2011

Fruits of the VineIt’s Not About You 

Continued from Page 4

But this I know:

I know God is love

no doubt about that.

He had proved His love

a thousand times at that.

He pardons even though

we don't deserved it.

He forgives even though

we don't ask for it.

He loves even the unlovable.

He's merciful, He's kind

and I thank Him for His Love.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHTBy Linette Romualdo

Virginia EvangelistaMember Emeritus

The Grape Vine (TGV): When and how

did you start going at St. John’s? 

Virginia Evangelista (VE): 6 years ago in

Christmas. We were invited by the Mencias

family.

TGV: How do you describe St. John’s? 

VE: St. John’s is a good church with good

pastor and friends. I am very happy when-

ever I go to church on Sundays.

TGV: What were your struggles in moving to America?

VE: My husband just died when my daughters took me here. I didn’t 

want to go here at first, but Mary Rose told me that I should spendtime and be with my kids in America, because I’ve been separated

with them for a long time.

TGV: What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving Holiday?

VE: I am very thankful that I came here because life is better here. We

are happy. Our life is full of hard times but we are happy together. My

kids are very obedient and they love me.

TGV: What are prayers for the future?VE: I pray that God will give me more years to live so I can further

guide my grandchildren in living a life with Him.

NOVEMBER

1 Elisa Managuelod

Krista Lariosa2 Ed Mendoza

5 Amy Arnold

6 Percy Villaflor

7 Shanti Thangaraj

10 Natalia Avina

Andrew Tardecilla

11 Aloja Criador

Urpi Pariona

13 Ryan Flores

19 Rev. Romir Esguerra

20 Alvin Vidad24 Kai Talapian

26 Linda FlorCruz

Kathlyn Talapian

27 Mary Rose Smith

Brian Farrales

Gigi Estacio

28 Chantal Ramos

29 Lyndon de Ocampo

Yvonne Afable

Gian Carlo Managuelod

30 Mel Magdayao

NOVEMBER

15 Bhu and Kristine Reniva

18 Frank and Darlene Rodriguez

19 Eden and Elsa Guttierez

Congratulations to theSiniguian family for

their new home! 

NOVEMBER 19, 2011 (6 PM) 

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I turn polar bears white

and I will make you cry.

I make guys have to pee

and girls comb their hair.

I make celebrities look dumb

and normal people look like

celebrities.

I turn pancakes brown

and make your champagne

bubble.

If you squeeze me, I'll pop.

If you look at me, you'll pop.

Can you guess the riddle?

—> Polar bears are white because

the pressure at the poles is low, so

they have to be able to absorb

heat.

> Pressure makes you cry if it's

too much.

—> Pressure in your bladder

makes you have to pee.

—> Peer pressure makes girls

comb their hair...!

—> Celebrities usually crack under

pressure.

—> Many normal people will shine

under pressure.

—> Pancakes turn brown thanks

to pressure generated by the heat

—> Champagne will bubble until

the pressure of the carbonation

has disappeared.

—> If you squeeze something un-

der pressure, BAM, there it goes.

If you are "looking" at pressure,

you're in it, like in an airplane, and

your ears pop.

Page 6 Oct.-Nov. 2011

The Grape Jelly

U U B Y Q H I S G J Q V F M G Z M Y X L

C M A Y F L O W E R P L D G S F G L I R

Q B M Y V T Y H O Z U T Y J P A H W W N

X A E Y O T T S V G R K N C I M J I R S

U Q C K G Y P Q A P I R Y W L I O U H H

V Z F T D T F O B O T T Q A G L R F D P

U A D B H P X E A B A G S P R Y E O C I

F V Y I M H W U C U N T W O I S V O R H

E R R Z U V R D S A H G X R M C X T A S

H T U O M Y L P S Z R E W W S P P B N W

D H N S C T H A N K S G I V I N G A B O

L B N W T C F O O D W V S B Z L D L E L

I L J P X U Y J J O A Q F N D G Q L R L

U D P F C C F C E F X T X M Z S A T R E

C O D Z M A Q F A I F A K F B H N U I F

E G E X R E P L I W D U C V X K E R E D

A J I T E Q L T R N X Z G R S W B K S Z

N V F P Y V Q G K L G K M F B E F E U B

A I K M H U B Y Q H I S G J Q I V Y F M

G Z M Y X L C L D G S G L I R P Q B M Y

** Word Search **

PILGRIMS

THANKSGIVING

MAYFLOWER

PURITAN

GRACE

GOD

TURKEY 

STUFFING

CRANBERRIES

PIE

FOOTBALL

FALL

FAMILY 

FELLOWSHIP

FOOD

PLYMOUTH

The Grape VineSTAFF

Kathlyn TalapianEditor-in-Chief 

[email protected]

Joash Mencias

Linette RomualdoReporters

Gloria Domingo

April Cyrwus

Adrian FarralesContributors

Celinne Mencias

Pastor Steve GranadosinResources for Photos

Rev. Reuel TalapianAdviser 

    B   y    A   p   r   i    l

    C   y   r   w   u   s

  A  :   P  r  e  s  s  u  r  e

We remember in our hearts:

Jun de Ocampo