We all come from varied backgrounds and experiences and each one of us possesses unique personal circumstances only we ourselves can understand. Yet if we listen closely, our hearts yearn to commune with our brethren despite the divergence. We choose to be one with our brothers and sisters because we were created as social beings. We choose to leave the comfort of our homes and spend time to associate with others.
In Couples for Christ, the General Assembly (GA) provides such an avenue where we can catch up and learn from one another. Usually held monthly, this chapter activity brings to fore the importance of community.
Last weekend's GA was an eventful start for the Surrey 2 Chapter as it forges ahead under a new leadership. Many continued to show their support by the simple act of showing up.
 |
| Meticulously planned, Surrey 2 holds its first General Assembly for the year at the Jubilee Hall of St. Matthew's Parish. |
We attend the General Assembly for many reasons and I have listed a few common ones.
Singing praises to our Heavenly Father is regarded as a form of worship. The Bible contains over 400 references to singing and 50 direct commands to sing.
 |
| The Music Ministry has certainly come a long way. Those who are musically inclined and gifted are invited to join in the regular practice. |
 |
| Members engage in praise and worship songs. |
A wealth of knowledge and wisdom can be downloaded by listening to the
teachings and
sharings of the speakers. They often volunteer life lessons and experiences that serve as inspiration.
 |
| Chapter leader Jim Diaz leads the opening praise and worship where he calls on the Lord to take free reign in our lives. He continues to praise the Lord and tells our Heavenly Father that He is larger than our own lives. |
 |
| Pete Dela Paz reminds us that our ministry extends beyond the church. He points out that we should be setting good examples as other people especially our children are observant of our actions. |
 |
| Ed Cosico, seen here with spouse Carmel, discloses that as a result of his family background and upbringing, he used to have a hardened heart remiss of compassion. He has now come full circle after realizing that there are people who look up to him as a role model. He further declares that there is no room for a double life; that we should embody what CFC teaches, whether we are in church or at work. |
 |
| Belle Diaz asserts that CFC is truly a global community evidenced by the time when her son stayed at a CFC sister's residence during a YFC conference in Calgary. |
 |
| Jun Guevarra, flanked by son Isaac and spouse Malou, testifies that evangelization starts from the home because it is not easy to show our love to those who are near us. They gave witness that God has moved them as a family and that they are now family evangelizers. |
 |
| Reggie Cardeno holds his Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics jacket to emphasize that the same fire, zeal, passion and commitment felt during the games should be the same qualities exuded in pursuit of spiritual growth. |
 |
| Chito Marfori, whose colourful history deserves a separate chronicle, summons us to render service not only when times are easy but also when it is difficult and challenging. He tells us to love those who cannot reciprocate our love. |
Fellowship is an opportunity for us to meet and mingle with members from other households. It allows us to encounter brothers and sisters who are familiar in faces but whom we cannot seem to associate a name with. Let us take that first step in knowing them more.
 |
| All smiles and laughter during this ice breaker moment. |
Food. We gather in communion with our brothers and sisters to feed our souls. In the GA, we also feed the body.
 |
| No gathering would be complete without food. We are encouraged to share whatever we can. |
Prayer and
blessing. Those celebrating their birthdays and anniversaries are prayed over by the multitude. The more prayers there are, the better we are heard.
 |
| Birthday celebrants Art Carpizo, Didith Lachica, Becky Noriega and George Elamparo sit close together as prayers for blessings are recited for them. |
Announcements and
reminders are often done during GAs.
 |
| Gerry Petines holds a check while he announces to the body that Surrey 2 topped Ablaze Ministry's sales figure for 2013. The check was turned over to the Chapter. |
There are times when the General Assembly will be held jointly with another chapter or with the whole cluster. In any which case, let us continuously show our support to our leaders and organizers who make each endeavour a meaningful experience. Allowing our presence to be felt builds a kinship with our brothers and sisters and strengthens our commitment to our Creator.
 |
| CFC members attentively listen to the speakers. Close to 60 members attended the chapter's initial General Assembly. |
Remember, our presence is a blessing to others.
See more photos from the event:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.522475421199658.1073741840.100003116154867&type=1&l=a8d33ae4b9
No comments:
Post a Comment