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YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD:

• A Christian’s Light Cannot Escape Notice by John Chrysostom
• Walking in the Light by Gregory of Nyssa
• Why Were You Sent into the World? by John Henry Newman

COURAGE AND HOPE:

• Courage Forged Under Fire: the heroic witness and martyrdom of Sophie Scholl
• Blessed by the Cross: the heroic life of Edith Stein, by Jeanne Kun

VISION FOR COMMUNITY:

• Vision for Christian Community by Bob Tedesco
• Mere Christian Community by Steve Clark

DISCIPLES ON MISSION:

• Wanted: A Few Good Men by Jim Orbe and others
• The Lord Is Still Working: Reflections of a student missionary, by Sarah Hughes

WHAT’S NEW:

• Report on Sword of the Spirit Assembly Meeting – May 2010 by Richard Perry
• Above Breckenridge, Colorado: Art work by Jamie Treadwell

ART AND LITERATURE:

• On Literature and the Arts: Brief reflections from the writings of C.S. Lewis
• Character Assassination: Hollywood Kills Off the Movie Hero by Barbara Nicolosi

VERSE AND SPIRIT:

• Prayer to the Holy Spirit a poem by Edith Stein
• The Pillar of Cloud a poem by John Henry Newman

Nehemiah 8:10 tells us that  “The joy of the Lord is our strength!” 

We celebrate our lives together as a covenanted  community in a spirit of joy.  We  rejoice and give thanks to the Lord our God for  His great works in our lives . We thank Him for having chosen  and destined each one of us for a particular work in His plan of salvation. We express our desire to renew our covenant with Him — to live as followers of Christ and to be vibrant members of the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community, bonded together in steadfast love and faithfulness.

God’s call for us at this time is to lay our life before Him and to do more for Him. It is a personal challenge directed at our innermost beings, because it means total trust and surrender to Him.

In preparation for the Feast of the Covenant on September 19, 2010 and to allow the community to respond to this call in greater faith and trust, we would like to enter again into a spiritual journey which we have institutionalized as the 40 Days of Renewal.

For these 6 weeks we have prepared the following weekly Bible meditations.  (Click on this link for a full set:  40 Days of Renewal 2010.)  May they deepen our commitment for the way of life He has given us and urge us to do more as ministers of His grace and messengers of His good news to others!

The meditation guides for the first two weeks are below:

WEEK 1 - (August 8-14)

Theme: BELIEVING IN GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY, WISDOM AND LOVE

2 Chronicles 20:6  — “O Lord God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven?  You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations.  Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you.”

Romans 11:33  — “Oh, the depth of the riches of both wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways!”

Romans 8:35-37  –  “Who  shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger of sword?  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.”

REFLECTION POINTS:

God is in absolute  control. No plan of God’s can be thwarted.  When He acts no one can reverse it.  God does as He pleases, and works out every event to bring about the accomplishment of His will.   Such an unqualified  statement of the sovereignty of God would make us fear God, if that were all we knew about Him.  But God is not only sovereign —  He is infinite in wisdom and perfect in love.

Do we really believe that a God who loves us and knows what is best for us is in control of our  situations?  Do we trust Him fully even if we don’t understand Him ?   What truths about  God must we store in our hearts to use in times of doubts and despair?

WEEK 2 - (Aug 15- 21)  

Theme: EXPERIENCING GOD’S LOVE

Isaiah 54:10 —  ”Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed.”

Lamentations 3:22-23  — “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

REFLECTION POINTS: 

Often we do not see God’s love and tender care  manifested in our lives.  We have a tendency to see ourselves beset with all kinds of  trials and adversities, with all kinds of calamities that come rolling in upon us. Yet, we must remember that God’s unfailing love for us is a fact affirmed over and over in Scriptures.  It is true whether we believe it or not.  It originates in the very nature of God himself, who is love.

Reflect on the love, compassion and faithfulness of God in your life all these years. Recall also the special moments when, in times of difficulties, God showed you His compassion and unfailing love.  

CLICK on this link for the pdf version of the complete set of weekly bible meditations:  40 Days of Renewal 2010.

Click on this link for the pdf version of the SELF-EVALUATON FORM. 

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

 We started this year with a community conference that challenged us to “take on the mantle of a missionary.”  During our 35^th Community Anniversary Celebration last month, we were encouraged to have more of God so we can do more for Him.  Truly, there are different ways we can be “missionaries” or do more for Him.  Many of us evangelize, some serve in our outreaches and ministries while a few help in building other Sword of the Spirit communities.

 One of our brothers, Rogie Singson who served as Coordinator of Central District C, has chosen to respond to God’s missionary call through active service in the new administration of President Noynoy Aquino.  When the opportunity to serve the country came for Rogie in late June, he right away asked leaders of our community to discern it with him.  While he could have chosen the comfortable highway of the status quo, he decided to go through the narrow road in obedience to God’s call for him at this time.  We honor him for embracing the challenge to be Secretary of DPWH with a clear purpose of restoring integrity and transparency in the government institution.

 The task before him, and the others who have joined President Aquino in rebuilding our country, is enormous.  As his brothers and sisters, we would like to support him by constantly praying for him, Binggay, and the rest of their family.  It is by God’s grace that he will be faithful to the Lord and fruitful in government service.  Our prayers will sustain him and provide the necessary spiritual cover for him and his family.  Aside from prayers, we also encourage you to express to him the love of a family, a mark of a vibrant community (this is our Senior Head Coordinator Spanky Meer’s exhortation to us during our 35^th Community Anniversary Celebration).  The attacks against him have already started in media.  Evil will triumph if good men do nothing. He is a brother who has embraced our way of life and has lived our covenant for many years.  He remains an active and committed member of our community.  Let us trust him and remain loyal to him.  Let us even go out of our way to encourage him in person, via email or through text.

 As we start our 40 Days of Renewal this week, let us reflect on the covenant we have with the Lord and with one another.  Let our covenant inspire us to do our share in eliminating graft and corruption in our country.  Let us help restore righteousness and integrity in public service.  Let us remain alert and vigilant since we are called for such a time as this.  This is not just Rogie’s battle to wage.  It is also ours as men and women of God.

Your servants,

Overall Leadership Council (OLC)
(Spanky Meer, Andy Juan, Rey Icasas, Melmarx Marcojos)

 

• All That Is Good
• We Enter In
• Heaven Is My Home
• Deeply In Love
• Here Is My Life
• How Great Is Your Love
• Join With Us
• Our Hearts Will Rise
• Prince of Peace
• Psalm 84
• Refiner’s Fire
• Rise, O People Called To Worship

Click here to download a pdf copy:  New Songs Compilation

Love of a Family, Discipline of an Army, Presence of the Holy Spirit

Below are excerpts from his exhortation:

1. LOVE OF A FAMILY – “we’re parts of one body.  When toe or finger hurts, the whole body hurts.  Therefore, need for greater COMPASSION & SOLIDARITY e.g. Seize grace during Mass to give generously, not routinely/mechanically, during collections as they all go to Alms Fund.  So many LNP brethren in serious financial need, specially medically – cancer, heart disease, etc. Make it a point to know who needs our prayers and pray, pray, pray.  We are Family!”
2. DISCIPLINE OF AN ARMY — “God is a God of order!  Respect/obey elders.  e.g. listen when Coordinators ask members to sit down so prayer meeting can begin.  Accept/cooperate with pastoral structure.  Give feedback to PLs, lovingly & respectfully.  Don’t talk behind their backs.”
3. PRESENCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT – “not by power, nor might, but by My Spirit!” “The power at work within you is the same power God the Father used to raise Jesus from the dead and seat Him on His right hand.” (Eph 1:19-20).

In a follow-on email to all the Sector and District Coordinators, Spanky requested that all Pastoral Workers should lead their men’s and women’s group to fully understand these three elements and move towards living these out more concretely in a fruitful way.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kFpXqKewX6U

It all began with the parade of (new) banners.  For this year’s celebration, Dennis Castillo, the coordinator-in-charge, assigned each of the 17 districts two banners to design and create, to replace the old set of banners that Ligaya would traditionally parade at the start of the anniversary.  What resulted was a show of talent and gifts, a show of color, and a refreshing new look to the parade of the prophetic word spoken to the community.  It was a meaningful way for each district and the entire community to honor God’s faithful presence and guidance to Ligaya through all of its 35 years. 

The parade of NEW banners

[View with PicLens]

Coordinators Installed

Three new District Coordinators were installed:  Leo Banog, Initiations Coordinator for North Sector; Toby Estrella and Jim Orbe as Coordinators for the University District.  Three new Sector Coordinators were installed: Andy Juan (North), Melmarx Marcojos (Central), and Rey Icasas (South).  And finally, Spanky Meer was installed as Ligaya’s new SENIOR HEAD COORDINATOR.

Ligaya's new Senior Head Coordinator, Spanky Meer being prayed over with wife, Apples.

The Eucharistic celebration was concelebrated by Fr. Herb, Fr. Dave, Fr. Geo and Fr. Paul.  ”There’s always a call to give more,” Fr. herb said during his homily. 

"There's always a call to give more," Fr. Herb

“We should ask for great grace,” Fr. Schneider said, “to light a fire, to give our lives in service, to be Christ to others, to have a deep longing to come back to God and draw strength from Him in order to be effective in the mission, and to go deeper and closer to the heart of Jesus.”

Chito Morales leading the Community to inspired worshipRaffy Ramirez dances his heart away during the entertainment portionAnd, of course, the Community loved every minute of it!

PHOTO # 1:  Proud son of Tito Spanky, Bambi Meer,  taking photos of Tito Spanky’s induction into office.

PHOTO # 1: Proud son of Tito Spanky, Bambi Meer, taking photos of Tito Spanky’s induction into office.

During graduations and other school functions, it is such a common sight to see fathers taking photos of their children.  We would see them squeezing themselves into the crowd of photographers, earnestly trying to capture the special moments of their children.  Last Sunday, I saw Bambi Meer looking for the best places to catch a good photo of his dad.  Bambi was obviously so proud and so supportive of his beloved dad. 

PHOTO # 2:  Tito Tony Panajon exchanging vows, errr, baller bracelet with Tita Sarah

PHOTO # 2: Tito Tony Panajon exchanging vows, errr, baller bracelet with Tita Sarah

The six years Tito Tony gave to Ligaya as Senior Head Coordinator obviously demanded a lot of his time and energy.  In his address, he thanks Tita Sarah and his family for “sharing” him with Ligaya.  Tita Sarah’s big smile seems to say, “Well done, Tony.  I am excited to be on the next phase of our life together.”  So much love and joy as they say to each other  “More of God, More for God”.  How inspiring!

Tito Tony and Tita Sarah, a big thanks from all of us!

PHOTO # 3:  Toby Estrella, Leo Banog and Jim Orbe are inducted as coordinators. 

PHOTO NO. 3 Jim Orbe, Toby Estrella, and Leo Banog are inducted as coordinators.

Anyone who has experienced the love and pastoral care of his or her coordinator knows that a coordinator’s job is not easy.  These three brothers, after years of training (and yes pruning) have a good grasp of the ride ahead.   Yet, look at their faces as they take on their new roles.  Indeed, their joy is found not in the absence of trials and challenges but in the knowledge that they are able to do their Master’s will.    

PHOTO # 4:  Friendships formed within community                        

PHOTO # 4: Friendships formed within community

We are called to the fullness of life. A life that is filled with deep friendships and overflowing love; the kind that is present both on sunny and rainy days.  The children of our community meet and develop friends for life in Ligaya.   Brothers and sisters are put in services that gives them a chance not only to serve together but to encounter the face of Jesus through each other.   In this photo, you will see Tito Spanky being given big bear hugs by brother coordinators.  Luigi Paterno, in a teasing mode runs to the side of Jun Cruz when people flock to Jamie Rivera for photos.  Luigi said “Dito ako kay Jun mag papa-picture.”  What a way to say “Jun, ikaw ang sikat sa akin.  Ako ay fan mo.”  Raoul is the preferred seatmate of Leo Banog’s daughter all through out mass and program.

PHOTO # 5:  Freedom to express our worship and thanks to God

PHOTO # 5: Freedom to express our worship and thanks to God

Where else can you feel more free to raise your hands, sing loudly (even if off key), shout praises to the Lord, jump up and down in worship or simply gaze endlessly at God but  in Ligaya? We are a people who love to worship the Lord.  And our gatherings are so designed to allow us that freedom to express our worship to and love for the Lord Almighty.  Imagine all the places around the world where faith is suppressed.  Isn’t  it such a joy and privilege we are able to worship freely here in Ligaya?  Truly, a day in the courts of the Lord is better than a thousand elsewhere.

And lastly,

PHOTO NO. 6 Husband and wife serve the Lord as one. 

PHOTO # 6: Husband and wife serve the Lord as one.

Tito Spanky and Tita Apples are kneeling and being prayed over.  Notice, that in the first photo, (left) Tito Spanky is holding on to the material passed on to him by Tito Tony.  In the middle of the praying over, he takes hold of Tita Apples’ hand as if to say, “Apples, we serve the Lord as one.”

Family is God’s idea.  Here in Ligaya, so much importance is given to preparing, preserving and nurturing the relationships between husband and wife and their children.  Even if one is not Senior Head Coordinator, each member of Ligaya strives to say, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

Happy 35^th Anniversary, Ligaya!  More of God, More for God!

- Sharee Roque, NDE

"My appointed role is done, but my journey continues."

In his valedictory address to the Community, Kuya Tony thanked the Community for their prayers.  “I assure you,” he said, “your prayers have sustained me these past 6 years.”   He said he put to use whatever gifts God had given and equipped him with in the way he thought to lead Ligaya.  During his term, Kuya Tony created new ministries, and new service areas.  It was during this period, too, when Ligaya moved to a permanent home in Diego Silang.  Kuya Tony made certain, too, that the sector empowerment plan would be implemented with the long-term interest of the Community in mind.  Reflecting on the pastoral challenges and gifts within Ligaya, Kuya Tony concluded, “I have the best vantage point to see the good in men.  I feel enriched by the 6 years I rendered.  I have seen the face of Jesus many times in the Community.”

ANDY JUAN Pays Tribute to Tony

After Tony’s valedictory address, Andy Juan (Sector Coordinator for North Sector) delivered a tribute to Tony, speaking in behalf of the Body of Coordinators and the rest of the community, honoring him for the love and sacrifice that he (and his family) gave to the Ligaya brothers and sisters.  Below is Andy’s tribute:

Dear Tony,

Today is a significant day, not only for Spanky, our incoming Senior Head Coordinator, but equally for you, our outgoing Overall Servant Leader for the last 6 years. Today, I join a grateful Ligaya in saying a big Thank You to you Tony, our brother and friend.

Andy Juan greeting Tony Panajon during Tony's installation 6 years ago.

I can still recall back in 2004, right at this very place, you accepted the challenge and the mantle of leadership that was being passed on to you by Vic Gutierrez. You expressed a concern on finding out what the Lord has in store for us in the Ligaya, at a time when the Lord was promising and calling us to dream big and conquer more territories. You were challenged by the fact that you will be the first Senior Head Coordinator who was not part of the founding leaders; a select group that included Fr. Herb and Kuya Vic. Yet you were open and excited on the adventure and journey that the Lord had for you. Yes, while afraid and concerned, you were confident. Very confident because you knew your God, you knew what He was about, what He was capable of doing through you and that ultimately, this service was not about you, but it was all about Him and his Lordship in your life.

With all seriousness, you made sure you were prepared. Taking the Ignatian Spiritual exercise for many days prior to your installation, you took time out to seek the Lord to hear his voice and affirmation. You knew that when the Lord calls someone, it is for a particular giftedness at a particular time and reason. And I think this is how you were sustained in all of the last 6 years. Your confidence was coming from a resounding call, a clear direction to lead, a direct mandate to serve, and the only appropriate response was that of willing obedience and servanthood.

I will not attempt to enumerate all your accomplishments Tony, for not only is time insufficient for all these, but knowing you, this is not what you prefer in a gathering like this. I would want to mention though some of the ways by which I and many of us have experienced your leadership these past years.

I thank you for your Humility Tony. While you were our overall pastor, I have always experienced you as a consultative leader, eager to hear out the thoughts and opinions of your co-leaders; never taking on a ‘know-it-all’ posture. Rather, you have sought the inputs of many, and eventually used it to arrive at a decision. From something as important as ratifying our Community Statutes to one as practical as how to spend the last peso and centavo of a certain fund, you made sure the right people are heard and listened to.

I thank you for your decisiveness. Watching you carry the weight of leadership impressed upon me the training you have had in life and business not to be afraid to take calculated risks and thus make decisions, popular or unpopular. Your handling of the concerns on the WOJ operations in the first years of your tenure, as well as decision to vigorously pursue the Sectoral Empowerment Plan these last months, showed us that we truly have someone who is not afraid to lead, not afraid to act, even on unchartered waters.  Thank you for leading the way for us Tony.

Lastly, I thank you for inspiring us to dream. It was under your watch that we dreamt to have a home, our own home. What seemed to be impossible and undoable became a reality because of your leadership. You rallied us all to look beyond the bread and fishes we hold, but rather offer it to the Lord and wait for the multiplication of our meager resources. And indeed He blessed our wishes and aspirations. Because of this, we now have a home, our own Ligaya Center.

I can go on and on  to proclaim further the many blessings of leadership that you have shared with us Tony, but I would like to end by thanking you for being a brother who loved and cared personally for our community and our members. While many may have not had the chance to talk or meet up with you up close, I, along with the other leaders have been a witness to your quiet zeal and dedication, having always put the community’s concerns first in your heart, through the love and service you gave. Again, thank you for leading us, for serving us and most importantly, for being the face of Jesus, these last 6 years!

May God bless you and Sarah and your entire family even as you continue to serve Him. Amen.

Landa Juan presents a beautiful candle stand to Kuya Tony in thanksgiving for his service to Ligaya.