CFC Surrey 2 Chapter Initiates Its General Assembly

Customarily held during the first Saturday of the month, a general assembly (GA) was convened by the Surrey 2 Chapter last February 7, its first GA of the year. It was a remarkable night as close to seventy (70) individuals came to worship, learn and fellowship with brothers and sister in faith.

A delightful activity revealed the "five love languages" which outlines five ways to express and experience love: words of affirmation, quality time, gifts, acts of service, and physical touch.

Zaldy Cortes leads the opening worship.

Jim Diaz explains the mechanics of the night's activity.

The "words of affirmation" group giggles upon learning that verbal compliments and words of appreciation are enough reasons to send their spirits skyward.

The "quality time" group listens as they are given full and undivided attention.

The "acts of service" group smiles when they discovered that they tend to seek to please their partners and express their love by serving them or doing things for them.

Comparing notes?

Aldrin & Flory Luistro performs an amusing skit. 

Belle Diaz expounds on the significance of the activity.

Malou Guevarra shares endearing ways her husband Jun show her his love.

Grace Zulueta relates how she and husband Dennis spend their time together.

The newest CLP graduates are welcomed and introduced. 

Elmer Tangco invites everyone to the forthcoming Liveloud Praise Concert.

Vic & Carol Baniqued announce programs intended for the KFC.

Birthday and anniversary celebrants stand in front of the congregation, as they are prayed over.

Covenant Orientation Arranged at Surrey

A covenant orientation was conducted January 31 at the St. Matthew's elementary school gymnasium by the Surrey 2 Chapter. The intensive half-day activity is part of the first-year formation program for all Couples for Christ (CFC) members. It focuses on the basic elements of the covenant entered into towards the end of a Christian Life Program. It aims to deepen the commitment of members to their life and calling in CFC.

It is worthwhile to note that aside from Surrey 2 members, also in attendance were brothers and sisters from neighbouring chapters in Surrey 3 and Richmond. The service team, speakers, elders and the music ministry were also on hand to show their support. A few weeks earlier, a similar Covenant Orientation was administered by the chapter in Abbotsford.

Carmel Cosico cites the living covenant God wants us to enter into to establish a lasting relationship with the Almighty. 

Participants and service team members assemble and line up for a drill.

In a huddle, an opposing group listens to instructions. 

To emphasize points in her teaching, Carmel Cosico gives directions to another group.

Everyone rediscovers the fun in learning.

Jason Soliven quotes the gospel as he expounds on the importance of prayer and scripture in the growth of Christian life.

Pete De la Paz shares his wisdom in strengthening family life.

Joanne Cardeno discusses the Christian culture in Couples for Christ.

Covenant Orientation participants.

Covenant Orientation participants and support groups.

CFC Surrey 2 Convenes Training for Household Leaders

With more than a handful of new household leaders stepping up to the plate, the Surrey 2 Chapter convened a Household Leaders' Training last January 24, 2015 at the Jubilee Hall of St. Matthew's Parish. In attendance were new household leaders covering the Fleetwood, Cloverdale, Langley and Abbotsford areas supported by the unit leaders, elders and service teams of the chapter.

Answers to riveting questions like: "Why do we serve? Who are we as servants? How do we serve?" were pointed out. Valuable insights were acquired by the attendees during the intensive half-day exercise.

Mary Ann Marfori reviews materials being used in the teaching as everyone settles in.

Jim Diaz outlines the day's agenda.

Chito Marfori engages the participants while delivering his talk on servanthood.

Gerry Petines shares his thoughts with regards to the inner workings of a household.

Pete De la Paz conveys his insights on being leaders of households.

Pat Carlos imparts his knowledge in reference to building relationships with members.

Dina Elamparo clarifies a question during the open forum.

A group photo taken after the event.

CFC Vancouver Evangelization Rally 2015 LOVE MORE

Gathering members of Couples for Christ and its Family Ministries in the Greater Vancouver Area, this year's Evangelization Rally heralded the celebration of 2015's theme: LOVE MORE. The E-Rally was held January 17 at St. Patrick's Parish in Vancouver, BC.


The following are contents from the memo of the CFC International Council signed by Joe Tale, Chairman, and George Campos, Executive Director:

Our hearts overflow with thanksgiving for the word of the Lord to the global family of Couples for Christ: “Love more!” This shall be CFC’s theme for 2015.

“Love more!” is inspired by John 21: 15-17 (NAB Revised Edition):

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.”

He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, “do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.”

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was distressed that he had said to him a third time, “Do you love me?” and he said to him, “Lord, you know everything you know that I love you.” [Jesus] said to him, “Feed my sheep.”

The theme is a result of beholding God’s love, and after pondering how beloved we really are. It is an expression of gratefulness—for the grace, mercy and compassion showered to us by Him who became poor to make us rich, and had to suffer and die on the cross, and resurrect to initiate reconciliation and fellowship with Him.

It springs from a gentle reminder of the Lord that of the many things that we are called to do, we must make sure that we do not miss on the most essential: loving God and loving our neighbour.

It is a humble admission that it is love that moves mission. While we may think that we have done much, we have actually done too little because we have loved too little. We have to do more by loving more. We have to strengthen one another more by serving and loving each other more.

With much excitement and anticipation, we shall pray, as one global family, for a wonderful journey of CFC to love God and neighbour more.

CFC Vancouver Area delegates wear their colours representing their cluster or ministry: Pink - Handmaids of the Lord; Green - CFC West Cluster (Richmond 1 & 2, Burnaby/New Westminster Chapters); Orange - CFC Central Cluster (Vancouver 1, 2 & 3 Chapters); Yellow - CFC East Cluster (Surrey 1, 2 & 3, Tri-City Chapters); White - Kids for Christ; Black - Youth for Christ; Blue - Singles for Christ 

Roll Call

Jimmy Arzadon, Vancouver Area Head, welcomes the crowd and shares his vision of convening an E-Rally at BC Place.

The Vancouver Area Governance Team, as they get ready to call out their respective groups.

Central Cluster members joyously respond by raising their banner.

Kevin Joseph Solis, SFC Household Head, and Lois Umali, YFC Central Cluster Leader, preside over the event.

Opening Worship

Noel Armea, Sea to Sky Mission Head, leads the opening worship.

The Liveloud Band graces the E-Rally. 

A CFC-Youth ROCK (Reaching Out Christ to Kids) member extols the Creator.

A CFC member opens his arms in worship.

Speeches

Noli Arzadon, Western Canada Region Head, mentions that it is the Lord God who is the one who enables us to accomplish the work through His continued guidance and love. For 2015, the Lord wants us to do and achieve more for Him.

Greg Parillas, CFC Canada National Director, reports that for last year, more Christian Life Programs were conducted in new parishes, new dioceses, and a new province. More priests and bishops are openly accepting CFC in their parishes. November 2014 was when the first CLP in Newfoundland and Labrador (the farthest province eastward) was conducted. This year in March, CFC will be breaking ground in New Brunswick.

Performances by Cluster or Ministry

East Cluster 

Youth for Christ

West Cluster

West Cluster

Kids for Christ

Kids For Christ

Handmaids of the Lord

Handmaids of the Lord

Central Cluster

Singles for Christ

Closing Worship

Julius Francia, YFC Central Cluster Head directs the closing worship.  

Flashback 2014

A quick look back at some of CFC Vancouver's events and activities in 2014. This was shown during the Evangelization Rally Jan 17, 2015 at St. Patrick in Vancouver.

For optimum viewing quality, watch it in YouTube

at 1080p HD.