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North Luzon Highland District
1. CRM Denver Dagano was called, ordained and installed as pastor at Trinidad Lutheran Church, La Trinidad, Benguet.
2. Ptr. James Ma was called, intalled as local pastor in Philex Mine.
North Luzon Lowland District
NORTH LUZON LOWLAND DISTRICT PRESIDENT?S YEAR-END REPORT
LCP-BD Meeting Jan. 19-24, 2009
2008 has been another year that has gone so seemingly short for NLLD to accomplish things for the advancement of the kingdom of God. We had our usual annual activities such as youth camps but it seemed nothing so unusual has been attained. What has been done in the previous years that came and have gone has just been repeated over again.
The district lacked manpower and the congregations seemed to help just a little in the works of the church. Pastors and workers? concentrations seemed to be focused among the members because they seemed to have not grown spiritually strong through the years.
Most congregations do not have their own pastors because they just can?t afford to have financial responsibilities for that matter. We seem to have a problem in the area of stewardship and mission.
There?s a congregation though, the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Candon City that wanted to Call a pastor but the person they have chosen has not yet been certified by the Board of Control for CRM status until now.
We had our special conference for the purpose of ratifying all approved resolutions by the District Board and District Conferences and LCP Board and Conventions from the years 2003-2008. We had our theme as ?NLLD responding to the church?s needs? to make a wake up call for the whole district in its duties and responsibilities. We invited the LCP President, the Rev. James Cerdeňola, as our lecturer and he lectured about the responsibilities of congregations and members in the church. He also had a lecture about the decline and demise of the Christian faith. Hopefully NLLD will soon grow mature and strong and become fruitful in its works.
After the said conference we installed a pastor, the Rev. Eradin Alvarez, in Badoc, Ilocos Norte. It was attended by the LCP President, Rev. James Cerdeňola who preached the sermon, and two District Presidents; the Rev. Felipe Ehican, Jr., NLHD President and the Rev. Henry Paul Roa, SLD President.
Before the year ended, one good thing happened in Ilocos Norte, it was the opening of a new station in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte, about 30 kms. away from Badoc. Hopefully, it will soon be added as an LCP congregation.
Another good thing that happened last year was that we were able to send three young men to the Seminary. One of them though, opted not to continue.
NLLD had its ups and downs. It is struggling and hoping. Struggling its way to get things done. Hoping to be strong and fruitful.
Prepared by:
REV. REYNANTE O. LAGADON
NLLD President
South Luzon District
Lutheran Church in the Philippines
South Luzon District
4461 Old Sta. Mesa, Manila
SOUTH LUZON REPORT OF ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 2008 AND COMING ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 2009.
We praise God for the blessings and the inspiration that He showered to the South Luzon District for the year 2008. Generally, all our plans and programs were accomplished as planned despite of some problems that has also affected the ministry of the district, such as, financial problems that would help to sustain our programs, however, this was not really a hindrance for us not to pursue our plans. God truly works in the Church wonderfully, though financially constraint we were able to accomplished things which God laid down for us to do. Legal problem that besets the Church is truly a nuisance in the ministry, but again, God loves and protects the Church, that He continually sustain and inspire us to do the task He prepared for us.
We had our District Conference last August. Represented by appointed members of all the congregations.
We have programs for our young people; developing them to be more active in the church and functional in the ministry. As part of nurturing, therefore the District made programs that will make them more concern about the church and its ministry. We had our annual youth camp that was held at Gloria Dei Church compound. We were also able to send our young people to the annual sportsfest, this was participated by congregations coming from the three (3) districts of Luzon. Financial aspect of these activities was truly a problem, however, we were able to raised the necessary funding. We also had our one day retreat and it was hosted by Christ the King congregation.
We also had our yearly joint Reformation celebration participated by all the congregations of SLD: Christ the King Congregation (GMA, Cavite), Grace Congregation (Pasay), Gloria Dei Congregation (Sta.Mesa, Manila), Faith Congregation (Marikina), and Olongapo Congregation (Olongapo). This is the time where all congregations can meet together to worship and to have fellowship with other congregations and to take communion together, and through this, we will edify one another?s faith.
We thank God for calling a new worker in the field. Pastor Eduardo Alarcon Jr., was called to be the local Pastor of Olongapo Lutheran Church. And the ministry there is doing good, its growing and at present they have two people who are under going the catechism class.
The Rev. Chris del Monte tendered his resignation from the Gloria Dei Congregation, in effect, he also resigned from the following offices: as SLD President, as member of the LCP-BD where he was the elected Secretary.
The Rev. Seth Florentino was called and installed as the new Pastor of the Gloria Dei Congregation. And presently, he is also the Counselor of our young people.
Our TEE program is still very much alive. Regularly we met two Saturdays a month. At present we have 9 lay participants. Our aim is toward the functionality of our lay in their involvement in the ministry. They had just received their certificates at the seminary for accomplishing four subjects. It was done during the Seminary graduation rites.
The Gloria Dei Christian School is still operational, despite of the financial woes. At present we have 63 students and we have 10 staffs. Financially, the school is operating on a deficit budget due to few enrollees, however, the enrollment has improved compared last year. With hope and prayers and hardwork we will increase our enrollment this coming school year.
ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR 2009
The activities for this year is generally similar to last year?s activities, although with some additional planned events.
1. YOUTH ACTIVITIES ? We will be having our annual summer youth camp. This time, we planned to hold our camp outside Manila, presently, we are considering to hold it at Cavite. We are now raising funds for the camp, for the payment of the retreat house. We are preparing for P50,000 budget for this camp, hopefully we can raise this amount.
- We are also preparing for the coming sportsfest, and our budget for this activity will be P50,000.
- We will also going to have our District Vacation Bible School. This is a program that aims toward our ministry to the children. But this VBS will be a District endeavor which is also aimed toward helping a chosen congregation in their ministry. This year the District will conduct the VBS together with the Christ the King congregation in GMA, Cavite. Our budget for this program will be P20,000.
2. TEE ? This program will continue and is held regularly. At present we have 9 active students. At present, we are studying the Gospel of Mark and it will be followed by studying the Book of Acts.
3. SLD MAGAZINE ? the District is planning to have a District magazine. This will feature our programs and activities and theological writings that will help to uplift the faith of the Church. We appointed the Rev. Seth Florentino, Mr. Noel Sagaydoro and Mr. Bart Jiloca to spearhead this project.
4. LENTEN RETREAT ? We are also planning to hold a Lenten retreat aimed towards helping our church in understanding the season and for the strengthening of our faith. We are doing this for the good of the church.
5. MISSION ? The District is also planning in actively helping congregational mission and ministry. We will utilize our TEE class to participate in this noble endeavor. Our focus of attention for this year will be: Cavite, Antipolo, San Mateo, Bicutan and Zambales.
- one concern for us is the Bicutan area, we have an active ministry, however, we have one problem ? place to gather. We are now looking for individuals in the District to help us to finance the rent. Our mission in Bicutan is generally geared toward the young people in the community.
6. CONGREGATIONAL CONTRIBUTION ? We will continue our contribution to the District. And beginning this year we will give our monthly contribution for the support of the LCP President. The District is requiring all congregations to contribute P800 a month: P500 will be for the District activities and P300 will be the District?s contribution for the support of the LCP President.
These are our activities for this year, we hope and pray that we will be able to accomplish these programs. We always believe firmly that God will help us though all these endeavors.
In Christ,
Rev. Henry Paul D. Roa
SLD - President
Minadano District
Lutheran Church in the Philippines
MINDANAO DISTRICT
Holy Trinity Lutheran Catholic Church
Linamon, Lanao Del Norte
PRESIDENT?S REPORT
Presented to the- LCP BOARD OF DIRECTORS-
FELLOW WORKERS IN CHRIST?S VINEYARD,
They say that the Church is on a journey with its Lord filled with the rhythms of life reflected in the many
different ways that we gather together: for worship; witness; for fellowship and service. The past year,
2008, has been both a challenging and a good year for LCP Mindanao District. We have seen many good
things happen as we have lived out our common life, mission and ministry. But we have also met
different challenges that have thus far strengthened our faith in our Lord Jesus Christ! Many things have
happened that we ought to be thankful about and these are:
IN THE AREA OF FELLOWSHIP
YOUTH CAMP
52 CAMP MIZPAH
April 7 ? 11, 2008
Medina National High School
The Camp Datu for last year?s camp, The Rev. Bernardo Caday, had in mind the participation of the
youth with the work of the Church; thus the thrust and theme of last year?s camp was, ?Involving
ourselves with the work of the Church?. There were more than 70 youth participants, and 5 pastors who
joined the Camp. As we all know, youth camps are a vital aspect to the growth of the church?s youth. In
the molding of their Christian values and in the guidance of their journey of faith, camps are indeed a
vital part of the church?s ministry. While we face the challenge of so much secularization in our day and
time, that young people are already being led away from the church ? it is the prayer of the churches in
MDD that Camp Mizpah be maintained and be given more emphasis. Camps are more than just a
?vacation activity? for many children ? it is a teaching tool to instill into the minds and the hearts the joy
of being a part of the family of God. The Youth Camp, even though it?s attendance, has declined as
compared to the previous year?s camp due to monetary predicament was a huge success in terms of the
input towards the Campers. It is the hope of the Camp staff and lecturers this year that the fervor of this
year will carry through Camp Mizpah 2009. Next year?s Camp Datu is the Rev. Sonny Mercado.
PASTORAL CONFERENCE
DECEMBER 1 ? 5, 2008
Christ our Savior Lutheran Church
Matina Aplaya, Davao City
For two years in a row now, the Pastoral Conference in Mindanao has been an oasis for MDD Pastors,
who need both Spiritual and Physical refreshment. It continues to be a venue where relations are
strengthened, common burdens are shared and theological and confessional grasp of doctrine is
strengthened. It is still the resolve of the district that we continue to hold this Pastoral Conference on
the district level and hope for a yearly national pastoral conference and retreat. The benefit gained from
activities like this can never be quantified and will always be an integral part of the growth --- of the
clergy and the person in the ministry. This year?s conference focused on the Biblical, and Thus
Lutheran, understanding of fellowship. This topic has been chosen in the light of the many critical
discussions that LCP as a whole is undergoing. It not only underlines the basis for our fellowship ? but
strengthens our fellowship with each other. Last year?s Pastoral Conference was attended by a majority
of the pastors with 1 absence due to illness and another due to a personal emergency. Next year?s
Pastoral Conference Chairman will be The Rev. Sonny A. Mercado.
IN THE AREA OF SERVICE
RESIGNATION OF THE REV. ARWYN LADLAD
Dec. 31, 2007
Sometime December 2007, we were saddened when the Rev. Arwyn Ladlad, rendered his resignation
from the office of Public Ministry. His reason for the resignation was that: he received a job offer in
Bahrain. Pastor Arwyn announced his resignation during the 2007 Pastoral Conference. While he was
waiting for his flight to Bahrain (September 2008), he was helping the ministerial works of Redeemer
Lutheran Congregation ? his former parish. And his help in the management of the civil cases in Iligan is
also recognized. In his absence, I and rev. Abel Caesar Villos alternately served the Redeemer Lutheran
Congregation. While this is sad news since the MDD is now in ever short supply of Pastors for the
congregations and outstations, the sorrow has been replaced with joy as Rev. Arwyn Ladlad has
returned from Bahrain (January 2009) and has signified to the District his intention of coming back to
the ministry. So we welcome this year ? with an addition to the roster of clergy in MDD pending his
letter of application, board action and concurrence of the Board of Control.
CHURCH ACCOUNTING AND TAXATION SEMINAR
April 18, 2008
Davao City
On April 18, 2008, a much needed and the much awaited Church Accounting and Taxation Seminar was
conducted at Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church, Matina Aplaya, Davao City. This seminar was attended
by 15 pastors and treasurers from the different congregations of the Mindanao district. In my absence, I
requested Rev. Sonny Mercado and his father Rev. Edwino Mercado (Ret.) to do the arrangements in my
behalf. It was during this time that my presence was needed at the court for the issuance of the
Preliminary Mandatory Injunction regarding the Forcible Entry case filed by LCP against Edwin Huevos,
et al.
It was highlighted during the seminar the need for transparency and accountability within the church
administration, especially in the area of finances as we are called to become good stewards of the gifts
that God has blessed His Church. In addition, the awareness and concern for the church?s (LCP)
reportorial requirements was impressed in the minds of the participants and it became a sort of an
update as to where LCP stands today in terms of the legal requirements of a religious corporate body.
NEW REPORTING SCHEDULE & REPORT FORMS FOR CONGREGATIONS
As a result of Church Accounting seminar held in Davao, a report form ? with its corresponding reporting
schedule (Financial Report for the congregations to be submitted to district office) was developed by the
Secular Support Office of the Mindanao District. It is the hope of the Mindanao District of LCP, that not
only will the congregations be faithful in their own reportorial requirements to the district, (Regular
Financial Reports) but will also be encouraged to support even more, both in prayers and monetarily,
the work of the church, in the district and national level. The Congregations are made to understand
that for the church ? as a corporate body ? to function efficiently, there must be cohesiveness in its goal
and directions.
REPOSSESION OF THE REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH PROPERTY
(Portion of the Chronology of events ? PLEASE SEE SEPARATE SHEET)
On February 24, 2008, the early morning hour, armed neither with a court order or decency and
truthfulness, Glen Longakit?s group together with their counsel Attorney Leo Zaragoza, assisted by
armed security guards and employing stealth, intimidation and force entered the premises of the
Redeemer Lutheran church; padlocked the two gates and the optical clinic; occupied the church and
used the school facilities otherwise exclusive for school children; posted 6 security guards in the
premises; and barred and prevented the members of the congregation of the Redeemer Lutheran
Church as well as the district assigned vacancy pastor from entering the church and it?s premises, thus
depriving them of the use, management and occupation of the premises.
On April 22, 2008 ? two days short of being 2 months from the date of the forcible entry by B group?s
Glen Longakit, the MTCC Branch 2 Sheriff Eduardo Quiamco Jr. served the Writ of Preliminary
Mandatory Injunction to defendants Edwin Huevos, et al. (Repossession was effected due to the
decision of the court to the plaintiff?s complaints)
In light of all that has happened in Iligan, we have seen that any court case is very financially straining to
the church, not to mention the time that it takes to meet with lawyers and attend court hearings. It puts
a lot of stress on a lot of people that are involved, but it is in my humble view that it was just right and
proper that a court case was filed in Iligan since it was an act requiring intervention by the duly
authorized institution, which is the Judicial branch of this land. Not only was it legal, but it would be a
Christian thing to do and not resort to the same kind of tactics and trickery used by individuals who
have nothing in their minds but to regain possession of something they believe belongs to them. We
must remember the Government belongs to the Left Hand Kingdom that was given authority by God to
discipline the erring members of the society. And any disorderly conduct, deceitfulness and childishness
by any group bent on destroying the work and status quo in the church shall be dealt with the full extent
our Christian love for these people. And in this case, Christian love meant that rebuke, discipline and
application of the fullest extent of the law be implemented.
The saints in redeemer Lutheran Church, the faithful remnant are being served by me and the rev. Abel
Caesar T. Villos. We pray for the speedy resolution of the case in Iligan and for the strengthening of the
members in that congregation.
MINDANAO DISTRICT CONFERENCE
The MDD in Conference was convened on June 30 ? July 4, 2009, with 7 Pastors, 17 Officioal Lay
delegates and 4 guests. The District ion Conference the highest policy making body in the district level
was able to make 8 vital resolutions that were needed for the efficient operation of the ministry of the
church in the district level. Part of these was the election of a new set of officers and the adoption of a
new table of organization that help chart the work of the church in the future. Part of the effort that the
district is focusing is the sustainability of all the plans of the district.
MINDANAO DISTRICT BOARD MEETINGS
The Mindanao District Board were able to have its regular meetings and proper reporting and
submission of minutes and copies of resolutions were provided for the MDD congregations. The MDD
Board is thankful that in spite of the many challenges that were faced by the district, normal district
operations continued. The District was even able to hold special meetings that were called to address
matters that needed the District?s attention.
The main focus of the District is still very much in line with the Vision, mission and goal of LCP. And
because of this many pastors were encouraged to open up new work in their respective assignments.
Many congregations responded with the love of God by strengthening their own ministries that
complemented the district?s holistic effort of bringing the MESSAGE to the people. As support of this
work, MDD following the call to become good stewards of the gifts of God, has embarked on many
projects that will help the District become financially mature. One of the efforts being done is the
maximization of all LCP properties. The first project being undertaken is the development and lease of
the Redeemer Lutheran Dormitory. (Please see attached resolution and Contract). The Project aims the
completion of the RLD Dormitory by private individuals, the lease thereof, but the ministry to the
dormitory residents shall still be borne by the district and the congregation where it is located.
IN THE AREA OF WITNESS
MDD-BD VISITS MAWAB CONGREGATION & LCP?S ALABEL PROPERTY
After the Pastoral Conference in Davao, the members of the MDD ? BD split up and visited the Mawab
congregation in Compostela Valley and the LCP?s property in Alabel, Cotabato province. Revs. Canoy and
Villos went to visit the members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, while Rev. Caday and Mr. Salcedo, went to
Alabel to follow up the lease of the property there. St. Paul?s congregation was visited by district
servants to follow up on the work that the church is doing in that area. Among congregations in the
MDD it is the congregation that is least visited, perhaps because of its location. So, I and rev. Villos went
to visit the congregation in time for the pastoral Conference.
Rev. Caday, in their visit to Alabel has also found out that there were many people there who were
?familiar? with the Lutheran teachings, since mission works were established in the area during the time
of LCMS missionaries. So it is now the goal of MDD, by God?s grace, to set up new work in that area,
while also putting the property there into good use.
DISTRICT MISSION WORKS
District sponsored mission work is severely handicapped due to insufficiency of workers and funds,
except for congregation initiated mission work. And examples of such congregation initiated mission
work are:
a. Naawan, Misamis Oriental
b. Tinago, Linamon, Lanao del Norte
c. Tagum City Mission (reported by Sonmer as related to Him by Area pastor Rev. Daniel Pondevida)
The mission initiatives of the different congregations still continue as they reach out to the communities
where the congregation is located. While the challenge and the work is not easy because of the
secularization of the world ? there is also so much reason to be joyful and thankful since the Word of
God is still being preached and the Sacraments administered to the hurting souls of this world. It is the
prayer of the district that indeed, it will be the light that shines the glory of Christ in this sin darkened
world. I am happy to report that all congregations in MDD, in spite of all the difficulties are holding fast
to the Word of God.
CONGREGATIONAL WITNESSING ACTITIVITIES
Most congregations continue with the task of being bearers of the light in this sin darkened world and as
such many congregational activities are geared towards this goal. Congregations are continuing the
Vacation Bible School, the Sunday school of different congregations where members can invite and
bring their friends. There is also the opening up of the church to the community?s unbaptized children
and leading their parents into catechetical instruction. There is also feeding program by one
congregation to the community?s out of school youth. Home Bible studies continue and also TEE classes
and lay trainings are being done to equip members for the work of the church. While there have been
many problems that congregations face, while there are a fewer pastors than ever before ? the work of
God continues in these most trying and difficult times. So we praise God whom all blessings flow.
IN THE AREA OF WORSHIP
The church is God?s instrument on earth to further the work of His kingdom. But the church is also full of
people who are less than perfect; furthermore we are faced with many problems from all sides. We live
in a complex world. There are pressures on us from every direction. The Mindanao District is lacking in
pastors, officers and financially it is in the red margin. At times, we feel as if we cannot take any more.
We just want to be rescued from the troubles and trials. So we go to the Lord and beg him to rescue us.
And when we think that God doesn?t rescue us there is a temptation to give up on the work that He has
entrusted to us. But the Bible tells us that God hears our cries? and that it is God that sustains us!
Because of the graciousness of God ? we come into His altar and bring our praise and adoration. A
response to the outpouring of the love of God to His people. Worship continues and will continue in
MDD, together with historic Christianity ? and with all the angels and archangels ? we laud and magnify
His glorious name!
?Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that
hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured
the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who
endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.?
With this in our hearts and minds, the Mindanao District of the Lutheran Church in the Philippines,
continues to persevere in the face of the many challenges that comes. It continues with perseverance to
do its business, knowing that it is the Lord?s business that it is doing and in the midst of all trials, we are
strengthened in the knowledge that we have One who already ran the race for us! And as such we do not grow weary and we do not lose hope. Brethren, partners in the ministry, ?Let us not become weary
in doing good works, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.? (Gal. 6:9)
2008 has been a good year, a year of gratitude for us all. Our blessings will only multiple as we continue
to rely on the strength and grace that only God can give. Many, many thanks to you all for allowing me
to be a part of, the change, the metamorphosis, the transformation of LCP from being a disappearing
church to a dynamic and vibrant church guided by God to be the light in 21st century. A witness, a light
to this community that we call our home, the Philippines.
I will continue with singleness of heart to look ahead this New Year --- to growing in Grace and growing
in the work that God has entrusted to me. Brethren, let us together Love and Serve the Lord.
Onward Christian Soldiers!
Verbum domini! Manet in Aeternum!
AMEN.
Fraternally yours,
The Rev. Joseph C. Canoy
LCP-MDD-President
Pastor
Holy Trinity Lutheran Catholic Church
Linamon, Lanao del norte
ACV/011809
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