ICCM Admin Recognizes Top Students

28 June 2011, ICCM Chapel. Select students of the International Christian College of Manila (ICCM) who excelled academically were recognized today in a simple Recognition program, by the College administration led by Dean Ross Wissmann, President Arthur Santiago and BOT Chair Dr. Josue Falla. The ceremony was honored too with the presence of a visiting professor from Johnson Bible College (JBC) in Tennessee, USA Ms. Susan Calderon.

Each of the top (one) student per subject during the preceeding semester was recognized through a simple certificate of recognition and gift certificates from the ICCM sari-sari store. Two prestigious categories were likewise honored - they are those who made it in the Academic List and the President's List.

Those who made it in the President's List were Velinda Montellana, Aileen Vargas, Mark Garcia and Francis Tagulao.

ICCM with campus in Antipolo City, is a boarding co-educational bible seminary of the Stone-Campbell Restoration Movement. It was established in 2001. In 2005, the College received accreditation from the Philippine Commission of Higher Education (CHED) offering Bachelor of Theology, with four majors (Education, Worship, Ministry and Outreach). Currently, ICCM has 104 students coming from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. (JSF reports)

Same Sex Marriage Revisited

The issue of homosexuality (gays, lesbians, transgender, et. al), is as old as Sodom and Gomorra, and as controversial as many issues of the times. The recent news about the union of eight homosexual couples in Baguio City really rocked the boat, the Church in particular. Its recent legalization in the world’s leading civilization, New York City, is another blow to Christianity.

In Vol. I, No. 6 issue of SUNBEAM, this writer noted same-sex marriage in Canada, the 3rd country which legalized same sex marriage after Belgium and Netherlands. The punchline then in my column, “From the Grapevine”, another Sodom and Gomorra in the making?

Are nations which accepted same-sex marriage doomed to destruction as God did to Sodom and Gomorra?

According to my psychometric professor in UP, masculine/feminine behavior can be better viewed as a continuum rather than a dichotomy. An array of behaviors branded by society as masculine or feminine, can be found in any individual regardless of gender, at the varying degree. For example, powdering one’s face is branded as feminine behavior, and yet we can see many “macho” men powdered their faces. Thus, effeminate behavior should not always be equated to being gay (male homosexual).

One artist interpreted Jesus Christ as gay upon observing him to be leaning on John’s shoulder during the Last Supper. And certainly, the Saviour is not homosexual. Therefore, outside manifestation of one’s behavior should not be equated to homosexuality. But the question is, when does one (gay or lesbian) become homosexual?

The Bible teaches us to love homosexuals, but not their homosexual acts. Same sex marriage definitely leads to homosexual acts. Thus, the Bible, using simple logic, prohibits same sex marriage.

Bro. Dave, the SUNBEAMer in Baguio called me up, telling me that the case of Baguio same sex marriages is more intricate than what we only heard. It includes marriage of gay male and lesbian female, and so, technically and physiologically, they are still male and female, and thus exempted from the definition of same-sex marriage. What’s my opinion?, he asked.

Let me stick to the Bible standard-teaching, love the homosexuals but not their homosexual acts. I think the issue at hand, in my opinion, is not on legality nor technicality of the matter. It is more of a Christian morality issue. Sex within marriage is God’s plan for mankind. I cannot equate being gay or lesbian to homosexual immorality, not until he or she practices homosexual acts. Thus, sex within marriage of a gay and a lesbian is acceptable (at least to this SUNBEAM editor). (JSF)

NSO Conducts Seminar for CCNE @ Synchronized Men's and Women's Fellowships

25 June 2011, Abar 1st Elementary School, Nueva Ecija. A four-member team from the provincial NSO (National Statistic Office) branch in Nueva Ecija conducted a day-long seminar on Solemnizing Marriage. Led by its Provincial Statistics Officer Mrs. Elizabeth Rayo, the team of resource persons discussed, among others, the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) governing the registration of the authority to solemnize marriage with Church leaders and other designated authorities. The resource persons zeroed-in their talks on the Family Code and the definition of marriage. They emphasized the three basic requirements for solemnizing marriage such as (1) valid marriage license issued by the local civil registrar, (2) the authorized solemnizing officer as licensed by the Civil Registrar General, and (3) the appropriate marriage ceremony. Details of these requirements were discussed.

The CCNE, Inc. (Church of Christ in Nueva Ecija) has so far, nine NSO-authorized solemnizng officers. They are Roger Miguel, Bernard Dayag, Josue Falla, Miguel Nad, Jr., Noel Hermoso, Ryan Sombrito, Ernani Canoy, Bartolome bernardo, Jr. and Noel Alfonso. There were 25 attendees in today's seminar, many of them are yet to apply for CRASM (Certificate of Registration for Authority to Solemnize Marriage).

Meanwhile, close to 80 Christian women of Nueva Ecija converge in this school for their quarterly provincial fellowship. One activity of the day was the election of officers (of the SPKK-NE) for July 2011 to 2013 (or 2 years term), where Lani Juliano of Maligaya CoC was elected as president, and Imelda Salazar (STCC) and Nanette Arandilla (Munoz CoC) as vice-presidents. (JSF reports)

11 Fathers Honor on Fathers' Day 2011

19 June 2011, STCC, CLSU Campus, Nueva Ecija - Eleven fathers who are regular members of Sto. Tomas Church of Christ (STCC) were honored today in celebration of this year's Fathers' Day. The honorees are Bros. Mario Salazar (Elder), Enrico Sagun (Deacon), Ramon Caibio, Sr. (Deacon), Josue Falla (Elder-Minister), Rodrigo Nonog (Elder), Rodolfo Torres (Deacon), Nick Flores (Deacon), Jose Pantanilla (Deacon), and father-leaders Bros. Joshue Ian B. Falla, Ramon "Jojo" Caibio, Jr. and Rosmel Baluran. They were awarded a plaque containing the poem "To Be a Man" and a recognition statement by the STCC administration.

In his Fathers' Day message, this reporter shared the Psalms 23 (The Lord is My Shepherd), emphasizing the role of every father as the shepherd of his own household. Each representative of the households, either wife or children, gave response expressing tributes to the fathers. They received special benediction from an elder of the church.

Celebration was capped through a simple merienda after the worship service, where selected families brought something to eat and drink (on a "Pot-Luck" system).

Meanwhile, as an extended celebration of this event, son and now a father too, Bro. Ian, treated our family to a mall in SM-Rosales (Pangasinan) enjoying the foods in a pizzahouse and the kiddie rides for our grandcildren. All praises be to the Father in heaven. (JSF Blogs)

Coping-up with Changes in the Family

"Nothing in this world is permanent except change". This is the reality that everyone has to contend with, our family is not an exception.

Comes July 30, 2011, wife Rose will fly to San Francisco, California to migrate and join daughter Danna-Rose, who opted to live in that part of the globe. She will try life in the West, upon the petition of our Americanized citizens Dominic and Cristina, who are with the US Navy currently assigned in Atsugi NAF, Japan.

I could not join them in the USA at the moment for many unfinished local commitments. I think I need to wait until 2014 soon as I get my monthly pension, which is issued to government retirees at age 60.

Yet, no regrets afterall. We live in the age and generation where the entire globe may be considered as a small global village. Distance was now conquered by cybertechnology - texting, chat and similar communication wonders can very well close the physical gaps.

Posted photo here along with our immediate family is Ron and Dory Graham, who were really instrumental in getting members of my family in the USA.

For my family members out there on the other side of the globe, "have you taken your meals, or have you taken your medicines?" - reminders as if we are still living in one roof. Take care. . . Dad Josh here!

668 Registered Delegates in the 4th National Church Leaders' Convention; Sulit, Santiago Top CACD Election

11 June 2011, Teachers' Camp, Baguio City. As in the first three national conventions of Church leaders, the 4th forum was participated by 668 registered delegates, as reported today by the CACD Chair Bro. Ernie Sta. Ana. Actual count, however, exceeded the official count as many local brethren (from Baguio City)just sat-in for fellowship or as observers.

The Convention went-on smoothly as planned. The three main Exposition speakers were Bro. Ross Wissmann (ICCM Academic Dean), Bro. Leonardo Salvador (MBS Professor) and Bro. Arhur Santiago (ICCM President). Other speakers include Bro. Erap Sison, Bro. Juan Bautista and Bro. Mel Maldupana.

This SUNBEAM editor-reporter's assignments in the Convention include the introduction of the speaker (Ross Wissmann) and as facilitator in one Break-up session on Leadership and Mutual Submission workshop. He also supervised the distribution of the new issue of SUNBEAM Christian newsmagazine were over 100 copies only were sold during the Convention.

Re-launching of Sulo-ng-Kristiano, an older sister magazine of SUNBEAM formed too as the highlight of the Convention, as well the election of the new CACD (Convention Action and Coordinating Directorate) board.

Bro. Dan Sulit and Bro. Art Santiago, of MBS and ICCM, respectively, topped the CACD elections, garnering a total votes of 171 and 154, respectively. Others in the new CACD Board are: Gener Alava, Ambrose Rodriguez, Erap Sison, Danny Calpito and Juan Bautista (Metro Manila representatives); Ernie Sta. Ana (CALABARZON); Sammy Batac (Central Luzon); Dan Roca (Ilocos region); Vic Dungo (Cagayan Valley); Rustom Pel (Bicol Region); Juanito Magbanua (Visayas) and Jonathan Obelidon (Mindanao). The newly elected CACD members will take-over after the next general Convention, which will be held in the summer of 2012 in Davao City, as announced and promoted during this Baguio forum.

Finally, it was announced that the next national fellowships of Christian men (KKK) and women (SPKK-National) shall be held in Nagsangalan, Vigan City (Ilocos Sur) on Nov. 26, 2011. (JSF blogs)

Two More CCNE Pastors Get License to Officiate Marriage

2 June 2011, Munoz, Nueva Ecija - Two more pastors under the Church of Christ in Nueva Ecija, Inc. (CCNE, Inc.) received Certificate of Authority to Solemnize Marriage (CRASM) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO). They are Bro. Bartolome Bernardo, Jr. of Aliaga Church of Christ and Bro. Noel Alfonso of San Francisco Church of Christ. This addition brings to nine the total CCNE pastors authorized by the Philippine government to officiate marriage and similar Church rites like Children's dedication and thanksgiving.

The Soleminizing Officers' licenses are good for three years and may be renewed thereafter. Some CCNE solemnizing officers are authorized to operate province-wide, while some opted to operate only in their respective area (municipalities) of jurisdiction. (JSF Blogs)