CUMC Online Resources: October 2009

The priority programs for the ministry of Central Church this conference year were identified based on the following:

Firstly, the opportunities presented by our strategic location, our traditional role as a historic church, and the strengths and needs of our congregations.

To mention a few: (1) Central Church is surrounded by universities and schools, hence the need to strengthen our historic tradition of youth and student ministry. (2) Central is near to the port areas and recruitment agencies for seafarers and OFWs, thus the imperative to develop a sustainable OFW and maritime ministry program. (3) Central’s proximity to Luneta where the homeless and street people are, should challenge us to offer sustainable programs for health and feeding among the poor. (4) The average worship attendance in all worship services is 1,200. The potential is great for leadership development programs. (5) There is also a need to foster closer fellowship and accountable discipleship among members, thus the establish neighborhood cell groups.

Secondly, the recent General Conference session prescribed four program thrusts for ministry in local churches. These are:

1. Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.

2. Creating new places for new people by starting new congregations and renewing existing ones.

3. Engaging in ministry with the poor.

4. Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally.

With the above considerations, we have identified 10 Priority Programs from those submitted by the Nurture, Outreach and Witness ministries.

Nurture

1. Cell Groups / Bible Studies- Being a large congregation at Central Church, one of our big concerns is that members need time and venue to establish closer relationship and fellowship and growth for themselves. To respond to this need, we will establish sustainable cell groups and neighborhood Bible studies in identified places.

2. Worship – The thrust of the worship committee is to create a heartwarming, memorable and transformative worship for Central. The proposal is for some innovations to make the liturgy more Filipino and observing Special Sundays with meaningful rituals.

3. Youth and Campus Ministry- Since time in memorial, this had been the strength of Central Church. Our Upper Box Youth Service is held every Friday, and our Campus Ministry at PNU and PCU is still going on. What we need to set up are volunteers.

Outreach

4. Operational Medical Clinic & Occasional MODEL- On a Saturday or on a Sunday basis, we intend to sustain our Medical Clinic by providing regular doctors and nurses. Occasionally, during the Conference Year we will be conducting Medical Optical Dental and Legal services in the church, particularly at Christmas and Anniversary, and to other places especially in depressed areas, mission areas as the need arises.

5. SAGIP BATA – The church is committed to support the remaining 34 children/ students until they finish High School. Based on our Memorandum Agreement with the FHI, we are committed to help them until they will graduate.

6. Feeding Program to the Street People. This is in partnership with the CCT (Center for Community Transformation). For more than two years now, feeding program had been conducted here at the church lawn to the street people. Our trust for this year is to deepen our participation in this ministry. We encourage members to participate and involve themselves in this ministry, by being counselor or any service that they can render to these street people.

Witness

7. OFW and Seafarers Ministry- Since we have identified that this is one of our opportunities, we intend to have a sustainable ministry among the OFW and Seafarers. We suggest that the Witness committee to plan for this and also explore the possibility of conducting a PDOS (Pre Departure Orientation Service), which is required of all who will be working abroad. It will serve as a venue for witness and evangelism.

8. Lay Speaking Seminar (Methodist Heritage) Central Church will offer continuing seminar and leadership training among members. Another concern that we have is the need of our members to know our Methodist Heritage. Related training modules for ministry will be offered during the year.

9. Developing New Congregation (Chinese) For more than two years, our Chinese Worshipping Congregation is making progress. Little by little they are establishing among themselves cell groups, growth study and activities that would develop their spiritual lives. We recognize that our Chinese Congregation is a new congregation, and in her infant stage we need to support her in all areas.

10. Website- There is already a preliminary effort and work being done with our website. We recognize that setting up our own website will enhance and improve our communication and promotion. This will also serve as our window to our members abroad who will eventually facilitate support, comments, suggestions and connection.

With these 10 Points Priority Programs we tried to place them under the Area Focus where they belong.

1. Developing principled Christian leaders for the church and the world.

Lay Speaking
Communications

Cell Group Leaders

Worship

2. Creating new places for new people by starting new congregations and renewing existing ones.

Cell Group / Bible Study Groups

Youth and Campus Ministry

OFW / Seafarers

Chinese Congregation

3. Engaging in ministry with the poor.

Sagip Bata

Feeding Program

4. Stamping out killer diseases by improving health globally.

Medical Clinic & MODEL

With these 10 Priority Programs we need YOU!

These programs are opportunities for you to serve. If you are available and your skill calls you to be of help in any of our priority programs, well why don’t you consider enlisting? We need the ff:

Doctors, dentists, nurses, med.techs,

Cell group leaders, Bible Study leaders, teachers,

youth leaders & volunteers, counselors, computer encoders, graphic design artists and anyone who has a teachable heart.

Please prayerfully consider meeting our above needs.

God loves you so much He sacrificed His only Son. He gave freely so that you may live….how will you respond?

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last…” John 15:16

For Nurture contact Rae Marcuelo - 09157881771

For Outreach contact Cora Bondoc – 375-6704 / 710-2219

For Witness contact Linie Pascua - 09178013052

Or any of our pastors thru the Church Office 525-7329 / 525-7590 or

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