The UTS Alumni Newsletter: January-May 2004
Volume 1 Number 8
January 2004
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NEW ACADEMIC DEAN APPOINTED
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Rev. Dr. Homer Wesley O. Refuerzo, UTS member of the faculty and former administrative assistant to Bishop Solito K. Toquero of the Manila Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church, was appointed by Dr. Anselmo Lupdag (UTS OIC) as Acting Academic Dean of the Union Theological Seminary, co-terminus with the OIC's term. It was a new development from the Commission on Theological Education chaired by Atty. Ester delos Santos-Dalisay, reconsidering the CTE's previous action in September 2003 which
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"adopted a policy that no one from the present or incumbent faculty members will
be nominated to any of the positions that might be vacated or relinquished by
the three persons named earlier."
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Guided by the latest reconsidered action of the CTE, Dr. Lupdag made the official announcement on Dr. Refuezo's appointment during the first regular faculty meeting on January 12, 2004, incidentally the first since December. Our congratulations to Dr. Refuerzo.
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MEET REV. DR. H. W. O. REFUERZO
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He hails from Natividad, Pangasinan with a B.S. degree in Hotel and Restaurant Administration from the University of the Philippines. He earned his Bachelor of Divinity, magna cum laude, from Union Theological Seminary, with five awards---Biblical Studies, Theology, Preaching, Social Ethics and Church Ministries. He finished his Doctor of Ministry at the United Theological Seminary (Dayton, Ohio, USA). He had special studies in England (University of Hull), USA (Vanderbilt Univeristy) and at the United Methodist Publishing House in Nashville, Tennessee. As an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church, he had served churches in Manila, Quezon City, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Baguio and in Ohio. He was editor and writer of Youth Curriculum Resources, Board of Christian Education and Communications; director, Institute for Campus Ministries of the Philippines Central Conference Board of Women's Work; assistant secretary, Philippines Central Conference and Coordinating Council. He was chair of the Board of Discipleship, Board of Higher Education and Campus Ministry and Council on Youth Ministry (Northwest Philippines Annual Conference); and the Committee on Mission and Evangelism (Philippines Annual Conference). He was once a restaurant manager (Las Rocas Tennis and Country Club, Cainta) and accounting and cost control clerk (Tradewinds Hotel, Manila).
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Straight from the Heart . . .
By: Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
Editor / UTSAA Coordinator
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In his book, "The Shaking of the Foundations," Paul Tillich said, "Mankind has always tried to decipher the puzzling fragments of life. . . . It is a matter for everyone. For every man is a fragment himself." Tillich's statement creates a picture of what our community had been in 2003. There were fragments to consider, fragments to understand, fragments to draw lessons from. Did they leave something to regret? Or something to thank the Almighty for? Or something to challenge the depths of faith and intellect? If we can only gather the left-overs and mount them into a clear and transparent frame for us to study, scrutinize, disect, evaluate, decipher and dig into, then we have succeeded in discarding the unfortunate, the crumbs that stirred our recesses and a seed of thought that held our minds from bursting. What a sight! What an opportunity! The Lord has made it possible for us to see a glimpse of change. Do we deserve it?
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2004 CALENDAR
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ATESEA Accreditation, Comprehensive Examinations, Bible Content Exams, Submission of Bound Copies of Theses/Dissertations, UTS-SC General Assembly, Student Recital, Interns Commissioning Service, Spiritual Retreat for Seniors, Defense: Theses/Projects, Reading Week (Jrs.& Srs.), Final Examinations, Baccalaureate Service 3/25/04, 96th Commencement Exercises, Alumni Lecture, (March 26), Summer Exposures
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FACULTY MEETING
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The first regular UTS faculty meeting as a whole with the new UTS OIC, Dr. Anselmo Lupdag was convened on Jan. 12, 2004 at the Periodical Section of the UTS Library. Committee reports were presented and plans for the coming ATESEA Accreditation and 96th Commencement Exercises, together with the writing and submission of drafts and final copy of theses, papers, projects, and the like were the main foci of the meeting. Dr. Lupdag also made the official announcement of the appointment of the new acting academic dean, Dr. Homer Wesley Refuerzo.
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PCCL-UC OUTREACH
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The PCCL-University Church outreach program was done on Dec. 14, 2003. It was the third in a row, at least once in every two months starting in June 2003. It was a visit with prayer-service and sharing of goodies and other stuff to the abandoned children and orphans at the Little Angels Home, Inc. (LAHI) in Tagaytay City. A total of 22 children-occupants, ages 0-6 years old are housed at LAHI. The outreach group was headed by the University Church Council Chair, Dr. Anselmo Angue and Administrative Pastor, Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero. The ministerial staff and other officers of the local congregation together with the youth group joined the visit. The place is a residential care service for abandoned and orphaned children accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, located at Lourdes Drive, Tagaytay, incorporated on May 1, 1980. Mr. Bernardo Sajorda directs the activities with 6 female staff caregivers.
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Also, the church had conducted the Christmas morning services (5:00 a.m.) from Dec. 16-24 with UTS professors sharing the messages. The New Year's Eve Covenant and Candle Lighting Service was held on the 31st of December (7:00 p.m.) with the administrative pastor preaching and celebrating the holy communion.
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RED CROSS SEMINAR
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The Regional Philippine National Red Cross conducted a one-day-seminar-workshop at the Salakot Chapel on Jan.7 for all levels (College, High School and Elementary) including some UTS students and professors. Selected students and teachers were in attendance for lectures and demonstrations.
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UTS ALUMNI EXECOM MEETS
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The UTS Alumni Executive Committee met at the Circulation Department of the UTS Library on Jan. 12, 2004. Agenda include the possible amendments to the present UTSAA constitution and the coming 2004 commencement exercises. The Alumni Affairs coordinator joined the committee after the faculty meeting. They will meet again in February for some developments. Rev. Gemma Reyes is the incumbent president.
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CHAPEL SERVICES
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Starting second semester of SY 2003-2004, the Tuesday and Thursday chapel services at 9:00 a.m. are handled by senior students. Preachers are M.Div. and B.Th. senior students with the members of the faculty pronouncing the benediction and as celebrants of the Holy Eucharist.
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DIALOGUES
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Dialogues with the faculty, different committees, staff, and other UTS personages are held every now and then by Dr. Anselmo Lupdag, UTS OIC, to get the feel of the community and other matters related to the life and pursuits of the seminary, not to mention the opportunities of digging into pertinent documents and records. (We solicit your prayers for our OIC ---AGG.)
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Volume 1, No. 9
February 2004
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TAHANANG PINAGPALA DEDICATED
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At nine o'clock Saturday morning, February 21, 2004, three home-units (six doors) of the Tahanang Pinagpala, United Ecumenical Retirement Homes (Phils.), Inc. constructed at the grounds of the PCU-UTS, Dasmarinas campus, were blessed and dedicated by two bishops of two Philippine mainline protestant denominations, Bishop Elmer Bolocon of the UCCP and Bishop Solito K. Toquero of the UMC.
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The gathering was attended by concerned lay leaders, prominent laypeople, church workers and friends from the two churches. Thanksgiving service started with singing and prayers. Welcome remarks was given by Mr. Pio E. Caccam, Vice-president and General Manager of the Board. Dr. Afrie Songco-Joye was Master of Ceremonies. Mrs. Debbie Fagaragan, Mr. Padillo and Mr. Hope Jordan Guerrero provided the musical portion. Former Philippine Senate President, Dr. Jovito R. Salonga, chair of the Board shared a brief yet very touching, significant and historical talk. Dr. Oscar S. Suarez, PCU president gave the closing remarks. In the absence of Dr. Anselmo Lupdag, UTS OIC, his prepared welcome remarks was read by Dr. Afrie Songco-Joye. A very moving talk was shared by Mr. Rafael G. Fernando, President and Treasurer of the Board, capped by his singing "Amazing Grace." Bishop Jose Gamboa, Jr. (UMC, Ret.) offered the closing prayer and pronounced the benediction. A heavy "brunch" was served after the cutting of ribbons by Mrs. Alegria Toquero, Mrs. Emelita Bolocon and Mrs. Nellie L. Vda. De Mercado. An open house followed.
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The keys to the Rafael Fernando units were given personally to the first two recipients---Rev. & Mrs. Alfonso Salterio (UCC), and Rev. & Mrs. Leonardo Roque (UMC), two retired pastors. We gathered that Rev. & Mrs. Salteria have already occupied the first unit, and the Roques will move in within the month. In due time, four more retired ministers will come and be a part of the Tahanang Pinagpala community.
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Straight from the Heart . . .
By: Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
Editor / UTSAA Coordinator
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Next month, March, UTS will graduate future leaders and workers of the church. Hopefully, the graduates will share to the people what they have learned ---something which many congregations will inevitably monitor with fingers crossed. If the graduates have acquired leadership in theology, scriptures, ministries and administration, or have been engulfed with pure empathy and justice for the marginalized, this should be evident within a reasonable time in their church appointments or in their circles of ministry.
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Picture the seminary graduates behind their togas. Will they be the kind of church workers to lead the congregations into the realm of faith and salvation? Or into the depths of social justice and community development? Or into the search for a more meaningful co-existence with God's creation? Not so few have made good in academics, however, the relevance of their scholarship must be tested and evaluated by the needs of those who will come to serve with them. Not so many have hardly passed the test of academics but their enthusiasm and willingness to serve are definitely unqualified. How will both fare in the thick of the bush? They will soon be there in the pith of creation.
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Even now, grand visions and blueprints of future interplay of commitments are already obviously exhibited. Is it not true that dogs can howl their nightmares when they sense this kind of commitment? Many struggle to be very busy preparing for the next time-frame. Laptop ministry, so to speak! What a pity to the church for surfing for the uncharted websites. Even now, these kinds of commitment could easily be blocked to paste in the future. Come to think of it, personality diskettes and spiritual CDs are stored and they are ready to download. Ah, are there such things as computerized service to our church people? As the scripture advances, there is always a day for reckoning, especially when there is a spiritual brownout along the way.
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Our graduates will soon be with those who have shared their blessings and support, whatever, be they emotional, social, financial and spiritual, or otherwise. Our students will miss their chairs (or their chairs will miss them) at the Salakot Chapel, or even at the deafening silence of the circulation portion of the library, for soon they will mount the pulpit to create an atmosphere with their theological and biblical investments or savings. When they preach, or when they talk to people, anyone can easily sense a glimpse of what they have stored in three or so years. A sensitive and interested audience can easily spot the scholarly encounters with great minds, famous writers and acknowledged theologians or biblical giants, or even pseudo-critiques of long-cherished beliefs and creeds. There will be a lot to be refurbished, a lot to mend and amend along the journey of faith. Even some of those time-tested spiritual convictions are challenged, picking along the way the earthly concerns and humanly-inspired assertions, if not stubborn persistence. Name it, there wil be those theological and biblical exposures that will ignite a down-to-earth scheme that is dubbed unexpected. Keep the eyes open; the ears uncovered; the feelings unclogged; the faith unhampered. The Lord is the Lord is the Lord.
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For the Record
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The Rev. Dr. Cirilo A. Rigos who was born in Candelaria, Quezon in 1932 was invited three times to serve as president of UTS but graciously declined the offer. He earned his Bachelor of Theology, summa cum laude, in 1955, from our seminary.
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ORAL EXAMS
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Seminary senior students from all areas of concentration were scheduled to have their oral presentation and defense of their major papers, or projects, or theses before organized faculty panels during the third and fourth week of February. To this day many have already successfully passed their oral exams. Added to this, some have already taken the Comprehensive Examination and Bible Content Exam and passed it. To date, the final list of candidates for graduation is being prepared the registrar's office.
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VISITING PROFESSOR
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Dr. Peggy Clark came as a "Visiting Professor" at UTS for at least a couple of weeks this February. She brought with her a M.A. in religion (Columbia University), D. Min. (New York Theological Seminary), honorary Doctor of Letters (Chapman University). She is presently the senior pastor of the Hollywood Beverly Christian Church in Los Angeles. She is the wife of a Presbyterian minister, Dan, and the mother of Emily, a junior at Village Christian School. She had served as Co-Regional Minister for the Northeast Region of the Christian Church and Regional Minister for the Pacific Southwest Region in Los Angeles, California. She was professor of Urban Theology at New Brunswick Theological Seminary and Director of the evening theological program for adults returning to the seminary for a M.Div. degree. She is the daughter of Rev. George Earle & Mrs. Margaret Owen, missionary-teachers who had served as professors of Philosophy and Theology (Dr. Owen) and Christian Education (Mrs. M. Owen), respectively at Union Theological Seminary, Philippines, during the late 40's and 50's following World War II.
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VOLUNTEERS VISIT UTS
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Volunteers in Mission from the United States visited the UTS on Feb. 25 to meet old friends and see for themselves the developments at UTS. The seminary faculty led by Dr. Anselmo Lupdag, UTS OIC, Dr. Mariano Apilado (UTS President and PCU VPTE on Sabbatical Leave), Bishop Daniel C. Arichea, Jr. (Ret., resident bishop), and Dr. Homer Refuerzo, acting academic dean, welcomed the visitors. Lunch-fellowship was served was served to welcome them at the Periodical Section of the UTS Library. These Fil-Am VIMs will be extending their blessings and help to a church in Naguilian, Isabela for the next couple of weeks or so. Most of them were former members of churches in the provinces and in Metro Manila. They were shown the Grace Open Air Chapel where commencement exercises and other important activities are held.
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UTS CALENDAR
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Baccalaureate Service: March 25, 7:00 p.m.; Breakfast with the Seniors, March 26; Alumni Lecture, March 26, 10:00 a.m.; Commencement Exercises, March 26, 4:30 p.m.
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MINISTERS' SPOUSES
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Ministers' Spouses Association of UTS Barangay McLennan (married students village) held a pre-Valentine's Day Fellowship and program at the Asian Mission Center on the evening of February 12. It was a "Mass Wedding Anniversary Celebration" with the theme "Love Never Fails." Prof. Nellie F. Apilado was their guest speaker. Rev. A.G.Guerrero offered the anniversary prayer and blessing to all the couples who attended. A snack was served after the solemn activity.
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Volume 1, No. 10
March 2004
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GRADUATION: 111 Candidates Considered
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Lifted from the printed 96th Commencement Program some 111 candidates for graduation are being considered to be granted their respective degrees and awards on March 26, Com-mencement Exercises Day. The figures from the Administration show the following: Doctor of Ministry--11 (Manila Campus), 1 (Baguio Campus), 6 (Korea Extension); Master of Theology -- 3 (SEAGST); Master of Divinity--36; Bachelor of Theology--6; Bachelor of Religious Education--1; Master of Ministry (T.E.E.)--8; Bachelor of Ministry (T.E.E.); and Certificate of Theological Studies --2. [Please see printed program for listed names.] It is also gathered that academic honors are achieved by the graduating students: Summa Cum Laude--2; Magna Cum Laude--1; and Cum Laude--3. There are sixteen (16) special awards to be given.
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Prof. Elizabeth G. Dominguez, B.D. ‘61, cum laude, former UTS Old Testament professor for more than three decades, and Executive Director of Tubu-ran Foundations, Inc., will be the commencement guest speaker (March 26). On the other hand, Bishop in Residence, Dr. Daniel C. Arichea, Jr., B.Th. ‘57, magna cum laude, New Testament and Greek professor, will be the Baccalaureate Service preacher (March 25).
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CONFERENCE VISITATIONS
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This month, Dr. Anselmo D. Lupdag, UTS OIC, took time out to visit selected areas and.or annual conference sessions of both the UCCP and UMC to render a 13-page report, single space, his first, on UTS matters and concerns. Some faculty members and the UTS choir have joined him in some outings. For the first time, according to some observers, UTS included in its presentation a summary financial report to the conferences. For example, actual figures of incomes in Philippine currency were mentioned: during SY 2000-2001 (9,937,539.75); SY 2001-2002 (11,149,690.44); SY 2002-2003 (11,265,382.26); and SY 2003-2004 (12,682,600.00 as of February 2004), with P45,035,212.45 total. Actual expenses for the period was P41,859, 387.46). The difference: P3,175,824.99. Among others, included in the report are the following: enrolment in all degree programs; faculty-student exchange program; student services; alumni concerns; property development; accreditation; manuals for faculty, students and staff; financial assistance program; commencement activities; schedule of fees; centennial celebration; TEE centers; and a list of donors for scholarship. The Merger concerns were insignificantly mentioned because it is under review. The visitations opened a closer relationship with the alumni by sharing with them news (like this Newsletter) and requesting them updates of their whereabouts and positions in their respective conferences.
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Straight from the Heart . . .
By: Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coordinator/Editor
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In her benediction during the Yale Divinity School commencement worship service on May 25, 2003, Kristen Leslie, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling pronounced a grace-filled benediction that generated no little emotion among the graduates when she said,
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..."You have blessed this place with your gifts, and now it is time to leave. You are not asked to be sufficient. Go, take your gifts into a world that is in need of what you have to offer. Go, and make a difference." (Yale Divinity Spectrum, Autumn 2003, page 13).
Our UTS graduates are about to leave the physical grounds of the seminary. Three or more years spent here are not absolutely sufficient to have equipped them to face the world, their ministries and their private lives. The full educational armor is obviously wanting. It must be perfected along the way, in the journey of faith and service. The graduates have to leave the portals of the institution, but not its mission, vision and expectations. Graduates will be scattered in places where their gifts and talents will be revealed, or tested. Some people who will walk and work with them, and those who will just be watching them, will express their appreciation (openly or silently), but many will do otherwise. Yet the gra-duates are there in the midst of the current; they are there in the thick of the bush; however, they will also be there in the splendor of God's grace and revelations. They will certainly survive if they will hold on to the hands of the loving God, to the spirit of the gracious Lord, and obey His holy parameters. It is either fearsome or glorious. But just like what the disciples in the transfiguration event have heard, a voice should be heard without fail from the Great I AM saying, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased --- listen to him!" (Matthew 17:5 GNB). Just as the scriptures remind us, "If you have ears, then, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches!" (Revelation 2:7a GNB). To our graduates, we prayerfully say: Share your God-given gifts to the world and make the difference. You cannot do everything, but you can do something. Did not Jesus say, "I will be with you always, to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20b). Amen, and Amen!
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STUDENTS RECITAL
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March 23, 2004 was UTS Department of Sacred Music Students Recital. It was held at the Salakot Chapel at 7:30 p.m. (It actually started at 8:10 p.m.) and it lasted for almost a couple of hours. Two United Methodist district superintendents (Rev. Esrom Sales, West Central Luzon Distrct, and Rev. Nixon Estioko, East Central Luzon District) from the Baguio Episcopal Area were around. Both are alumni of UTS. Those who rendered their pieces come from almost all the degree pro-grams in residence. Those who performed are: Miriam Lagatao, Darrel Delgado, Mang Len Sung, Evangeline Ramajo, Mary Cris Ocampo, Divine Raine Roraldo, Katherine Clampiano, Maricris Moreno, Rnadelle Obana, Arman Carbonell, Alma Jumuad, James Amar, Rey del Rosario, Glenn Nacar, A I Quizon, Salane Padillo, and Carmen Manalac. Guitar (Youth Music Methods) was performed by Venus Lugo, Divine Raine Roraldo, Melissa Joy Villalobos, Gowena Corpuz, Erna Ceynas, and Luz Quilop with Darrel Delgado on the keyboard and Paul Michael Faigao as leader. The professors are Ruth Mandac-Arichea, Nomeriano A. De Guia, Joy T. Nilo, Deborrah R. Fagaragan, Snacks were served after the performance.
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M.S.A. NIGHT
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The Ministers' Spouses Association (M.S.A.) led by their president (Mrs. Maricel Javier) and vice-president (Mrs. Rose Bunyi), held "Memories to Treasure" at the Salakot Chapel on March 19 in the evening. Singspiration was led by Lady Lhou Ganal, Sharon Gavino, and Pastor Gavino (guitarist). There were presentations and games (with prizes) both for the children and the "nanays" (and the pastors, too). Mrs. Claire D. Guerrero was the inpirational speaker who dealt with "The Ministry of the Pastor's Wife to the Pastor." Rev. Guerrero offered the prayer and pronounced the benediction.
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HOLY WEEK SKED
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At the PCCL-University Church we have the following schedule for the Holy Week: April 4 - Palm Sunday. Regular Worship Service; April 8 - Maundy Thursday Communion Service, 4:00 p.m.; April 9 - Good Friday Reflection on the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross, 1:00 p.m.; April 11 - Easter Sunrise Service, 5:30 a.m., Grace Open Air Chapel. Invited to participate on Easter Day are the Sambahan sa Nayon at Bucal, and the Palapala United Methodist Church.
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TWO GRADUATES TO TIE THE [MARRIAGE] KNOT
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Two graduating students, both from the M.Div. program will tie the [marriage] knot some twelve hours after receiving their degrees. Wedding ceremonies will be held at the Grace Open Air Chapel (graduation venue) on March 27 at 7:30 a.m. The solemnizing officers are Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero (UMC), and Rev. Simplicio Dang-awan (UCCP). Most of the primary sponsors come from the UTS academic community, professors and staff. Grover Sales, the groom (UMC) is from Wao, Lanao del Sur, and Julie Pingo, the bride (UCCP) is from Sapid, Mankayan, Benguet. Both speak Ilocano. By the way, Grover is the only student who wrote his thesis in Pilipino.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE GRADUATES!
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Volume 1, No. 11
April 2004
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FOR THE RECORD
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March 26, 2004 was a long-awaited day and one historic chapter in the academic journey of 111 students. Three or four years ago [some have a record of six or seven years], they came to UTS to prepare for a fruitful Christian ministry, with the expectations and recommendations of their congregations and/or annual conferences. They came to study, and now they should go to serve, with their diploma cum wisdom or knowledge, experience or exposure, and whatever they have inevitably absorbed from the classroom or otherwise. A happy moment, indeed, for those who made it, and a glimmering hope for those who did not. It's neither the end of education nor the end of struggles, not even the end of the world of learning. It is a commencement; yes, Maria, another genesis of life.
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One hundred eleven men and women were presented to receive their diplomas, and one by one they trooped to the stage at the Grace Open Air Chapel to receive their "degrees." In the presence of parents, relatives, friends, loved ones and schoolmates, the marching cadence was precise coupled with cheers, claps and applauses---at long last.
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The cream of the crop, so to speak, beamed with pride. There were six academic honor graduates: two summa cum laude---Rhoneil M. Arevalo (UMC) and Eric P. Baldonado (UCCP); one magna cum laude---Evalyn Adduru-Bacungan (UMC); and three cum laude---Ricardo D. Bernardino (UCC), Joel M. Gabriel (UMC), and Carmen Manalac (UMC). Rhoneil M. Arevalo was awarded the Bishop Daniel C. Arichea, Jr. Award in Biblical Studies. Eric P. Baldonado garnered two other special awards---Bishop La Verne Mercado Award in Ecumenics and Bishop Emerito P. Nacpil Award in Systematic Theology. On the other hand, Evalyn Bacungan was recipient of three special awards---Dr. Gerald H. Anderson Award in Church History, Rev. Levi & Adora Bautista Award in Church and Society, and UTS Faculty Award in Community Leadership. The other awardees: Carmen C. Manalac---Professors Benito & Elizabeth Dominguez Award in Bible Knowledge and Dr. Quintin Doromal Award in Church Ministries; Ricardo D. Bernardino---Rev. Levi & Adora Bautista Award in Church and Society; Joram H. Calimutan---Daniel & Genoveva Laus-del Rosario Award in Contemporary Theology; Recto L. & Lolita G. Baguio---Bishop Cornelio M. Ferrer, Sr. Award in Rural Ministry; Shirley C. Santos---Charles and Leah I. Hattrick Memorial Award in Religious Education; Jose S. Salvador, Jr.---Rev. Dr. Capt. Rodolfo A. Juan Award in Pastoral Care & Counseling; Joel M. Gabriel---Bishop & Mrs. Benjamin A. Justo Award in Preaching and Bishop La Verne Mercado Award in Ecumenics; Lily Ledesma---Ms. Irene W. Mercer Memorial Award in Pastoral Care; and Jacqueline G. Orola---Danilo A. Calderon Internship Award. [See complete list of UTS Graduates in the Commencement Exercises Program.]
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Straight from the Heart. . .
By: Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coordinator/Editor
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There is one historical fact: those who have graduated are now alumni, no longer students to sign up for courses during a semester. It was rather a gra-dual metamorphosis. Either they had the raw potentials when they came to the fold of UTS or had pre-conceived certainties when they arrived at the seminary grounds. The days seemingly moved at a snail pace, but at last, finally, they reached the finish line. They [probably] will look back with thanksgiving for all those learning opportunities and eargerly [or enthusiastically] move forward to new heights in the ministry. Did they find something different from the picture they saw and believed years back? Will these make the difference when they return where they came from? Three or more years at the seminary could have been a painful transition. Or, it could have been a sweet confirmation of what they have believed and learned from their fore-fathers in the local church. Or, have they totally changed from what they were? We are just asking! These are all possibilities.
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Just a reminder to the graduates, at least not for the first time. The UTS logo carries a silent phrase, too loud to reflect on---"Preach the word." There is one big subject to preach---"the Word." There is only One in the whole world identified as the "Logos"---He sho said,"I Am Who I Am."
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Another one is the UTS Vision: "Towards an empowering and relevant spiritual leadership for Christian mission and ministries in the 21st century." All who have come this way must remember the phrase,"spiritual leaderhip." It's self-explanatory.
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Lastly, the Mission: "Seeking to be faithful to God's call and responsive to people's context and needs. Union Theological Seminary continues to equip the laity and the clergy to preach the Word of God." So be it. Amen.
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FACULTY PLANNING RETREAT
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A three-day stay-in holy week Faculty Planning Retreat led by Dr. Anselmo D. Lupdag, UTS OIC, and Dr. Homer Wesley O. Refuerzo, assistant to the UTS OIC, was conducted at the La Sallete Seminary in Biga, Silang, Cavite on April 5-7, 2004. The theme: "Theological Education and Pastoral Formation." The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Violeta Villaroman-Bautista, Ph.D., M.F.T., of the Care and Counsel Whole-ness Center, Life Change Counseling Center, Department of Psychology, University of the Philippines. Her focus was on "Celebrating Together as People of God Through Theological Educatio and Pastoral Formation." An open forum followed the presentation. Worship and Lecture/Forum was led by Rev. Dr. Mina Navarro-Palomo, UTS alumna. Lecture centered on group dynamics.
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Faculty members were briefed by Dr. Lupdag on recent developments discussed by the PCCL Board of Trustees and Commission on Theological Education related to UTS matters. On the other hand, bishop in residence Rev. Dr. Daniel C. Arichea, Jr. gave an update on the Merger issue.
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Among others, Calendar for School Year 2004-2005 was discussed, including course offerings and faculty loads by areas. Workshops of Faculty Committees and other groupings which were organized were done. The UTS Catalogue, manuals, programs, and salary matrix were revisited and discussed. Policies related to committee functions and responsibilities were drawn. Most of the faculty members, full-time and part-time, attended.
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TRIMESTRAL SYSTEM PROPOSE
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A proposal addressed to the faculty of Union Theological Seminary was presented during the Faculty Planning Spiritual Retreat. It was intended for "a change from the semestral to the trimestral system" for the coming school year, 2004-2005. The proposal mentions the following schedule: June-August (1st trimester); September to November (2nd trimester), and January to March (3rd trimester). The proposal was approved by the faculty but it has to be forwarded to the Commission on Theological Education and to the PCCL Board of Trustees for consideration and final approval. As of this writing, there is no final announcement from the Commission and the Board as to its acceptability and implementation or otherwise. Official announcement will be during the next faculty meeting on May 25.
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M.Th. GRADUATE
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Rev. George O. Buenaventura, one of the UTS mentors and former admi-nistrative assistant to Bishop Solito Toquero of the Manila Episcopal Area of the UMC, earned his Master of Theology degree from the South East Asia Graduate School of Theology co-sponsored and based at UTS. He was one of three graduates who marched last March 26. He teaches Bible, particularly Old Testament courses; and an ordained elder of the UMC. Congratulations!
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SUMMER EXPOSURE
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Seminary students in the lower years will be having their summer exposures in April and May, six weeks to the most. They will be assigned in different parts of the Philippines, and three made it to Sweden. All of them will be back for their classes in June. Dr. David P. Pascua, a GBGM missionary is the UTS Field Education Director who takes charge of the details. It was gathered that the students will have to provide for their expenses, except those who are going abroad who are partially subsidized by the host school.
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CONFERENCE TIME
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March, April and May are conference months, both in the United Church of Christ in the Philippines and in the United Methodist Church, and other denominations. Faculty members and students attend sessions of their res-pective conferences. Dr. Anselmo D. Lupdag, UTS OIC reports to all of these conferences.
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PCCL-UNIVERSITY CHURCH ACTIVITIES
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Holy Week is one busy week at the PCCL-University Church. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday planned activities were implemented. Palm Sunday and Maundy Thursday services were celebrated at the Salakot Chapel with Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero, Administrative Pastor, preaching. On Good Friday, six UTS professors and one Ph.D. student mounted the pulpit to share their reflection on the Seven Last Words of Jesus on the Cross. The preachers were the following: 1st Word---Rev. Antonio Pacudan; 2nd Word---Rev. Donna Lou Van Buren; 3rd Word---Rev. Mary Nebelsick; 4th Word---Rev. Dr. David P. Pascua; 5th Word---Prof. Revelation Velunta; 6th Word---Rev. Dr. Dennis Shu Maung; and 7th Word---Rev. Han Gyun. Rev. Carmel V. Paet, assistant pastor, and Mrs. Susan B. Miranda, CE worker, assisted during these services.
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Easter Sunrise Service on April 11 was held at the Grace Open Air Chapel with bishop in residence Dr. Daniel C. Arichea, Jr. (Ret.) as the preacher. Ang Sambahan sa Nayon (UCCP) and Palapala UMC congregations werer invited to join and participate in the service. Palapala UMC Choir sang "Standing on the Promises" for an anthem. Rev. Solma Ong of Palapala UMC was liturgist; and a representative of Ang Sambahan sa Nayon read the scripture passages. Rev. Carmel Paet and Ms. Faith Encarnacion were on the piano. A snack-breakfast was served by PCCL-University Church officers led by Dr. & Mrs. Anselmo Angue, Mrs. Quinones, and others, so with the Aricheas.
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Please let us know your present where-abouts and anything about your ministry.
Write the editor or send an e-mail message: revagg@hotmail.com.
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Volume 1, No. 12,
May 2004
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VAN BUREN WRITES 30
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Mother's Day 2004 witnessed the passing away of Rev. Dr. Donna Lou Van Buren, 69, a missionary of the General Board of Global Ministries of the United Methodist Church serving as professor at Union Theological Seminary in Dasmarinas, Cavite. It was 24 minutes past midnight on May 9 when this UMC pastor, a Certified Fellow in the Association of Professional Chaplains, rested in peace with her Lord. She was a member of the Association of Women in Theology (AWIT, Philippines). She said of her ministry:
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..."I give credit to my childhood years in church where service in ministry and mission were an expectation of every Christian. My own call was affirmed by a work camp experience to Panama and Costa Rica during my college days. At this time in my life, I am grateful to God to have the opportunity to guide other young persons in preparing for ministry and mission."
Donna Lou, as friends and associates call her, earned a B.A. in English from Whittier College. She pursued a graduate coursework at Stanford Uni-versity. She held a master's degree in religious education from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. She finished her M.Div. degree (counseling) in 1978 that led her to work in a mental health care facility. Also, she completed 2 years of Clinical Pastoral Education at Vanderbilt University and at the Veterans Administration Medical Center where she had served as chaplain for two years. She was a clergy counselor at Koala Center/Hermitage Hall and pastor of Galena UMC in the East Ohio Annual Conference for one quadrennium. It was in Mexico where she started her missionary service as a teacher and social worker. From there she was assigned to teach in a Methodist high school in Mindanao.
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On May 5, at an ICU unit in De La Salle Medical Center, the UTS conferred on her the Doctor of Divinity degree, honoris causa, witnessed by her son Gene. No less than the president of the Philippine Christian University, Dr. Oscar S. Suarez, read the citation. Words of appreciation and commendation were expressed by Dr. Anselmo D. Lupdag, UTS OIC. Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero, PCCL-University Church Pastor and UTS Alumni Affairs Coordinator was requested to offer the closing prayer and pronounce the benediction. About fifteen UTS faculty and students were witnesses to the conferral. Ms. Helen de Leon Camarce, GBGM financial executive (Philippines) and Ms. Emma Cantor, GBGM International Missioner with Women, Children and Youth (East Asia/Pacific region) were around for the occasion. A sort of lunch-fellowship with Gene was held at the Max's to celebrate the historic occasion. Donna Lou should be 70 years old on May 21, ready to spend her retirement in America. She is survived by four adult children: Mark, Lisa, Randy and Gene. Nightly services were conducted at the Salakot Chapel by different groups. Those who shared the message were Prof. Mary Nebelsick, Rev. Guerrero, Rev. Borromeo and Dr. David Pascua. Students, graduates and personal friends expressed their gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Van Buren during the wake. On the evening of the 13th, after the reflection shared by Rev. Dr. David Pascua (her fellow GBGM missionary), Bishop Jose Gamboa, Jr. (Ret.) did the Ritual for the departed after a brief tribute. At 5:30 in the morning of May 14, Rev. Guerrero conducted the Ritual of Committal. Bishop Daniel C. Arichea, Jr. prayed and pronounced the benediction. Cremation followed in Paranaque at 8:00 a.m. The ashes were also brought to Kidapawan (Mindanao) during the annual conference session. Her ashes were flown to the United States by her only daughter, Lisa on May 23. A scholarship fund was launched to honor her ministry and work.
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Straight from the Heart . . .
By: Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coordinator/Editor
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Last May 24 the Philippine COMELEC proclaimed eleven senatorial candidates as duly elected senators to serve for six years in the Senate. The number reminds us of the eleven disciples who were gathered together, as reported, few days after Jesus was resurrected. One was dead. Another one was absent the first time around. And they were behind closed doors.
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Our thoughts go back to those who have come to the seminary and left UTS as graduates, prepared to go to the "mission field." A hymn rings inevitably---"Where He Leads Me I Will Follow." The tune comes naturally for those who have the commitment and "the call," so to speak, however, for some the essence gathers oblivion. It is neither where the Lord intends to lead them nor where the church authorities would appoint them, but rather where they want to be. No wonder we hear reports that a number of seminary graduates have gone to other fields, say business and the like and have left their close concerns for the ministry of the church, if not the church itself. Relationships to the group of believers have become nominal or conditional. Where have [all] the graduates gone? Most of them are faithfully accounted for in conference rolls. Many have become leaders and many more struggle for recognitiion and place in the denomination's map. Of course, a lot of the earlier graduates are now enjoying peaceful rest in the hands of their Creator. Fellow graduates: be counted in the active service of the Lord. There is "work" to do.
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TRIMESTRAL SYSTEM IN EFFECT
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The proposed "Trimestral System" for SY 2004-2005 recommended by the UTS faculty will be implemented starting June this school year (SY 2004-2005). Details of the system was perfected by the Academic Affairs Committee and were presented to the faculty during its meeting on May 25, 2004. Faculty loads and time were also tackled during the meeting. A maximum load of twelve units per student per trimester will be in effect.
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CEMENTING OF ROADS
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The PCCL administration has started cementing roads leading to the faculty cottages third week of May in time for the coming school year 2004-2005. It is a project coming to reality after several attempts. It will save the professors' and students' heels from mud and ground dirt. We gathered that at least a kilometer will be done before June.
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NEW U.T.S. REGISTRAR
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Rev. A.G.Guerrero, UTS faculty member and concurrently the coordinator of the UTS Alumni Affairs and administrative pastor of the PCCL-University Church is appointed seminary registrar effective June 1, 2004. He is an elder of the United Methodist Church from the Philippines Annual Conference East.
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PCCL UNIVERSITY CHURCH CONDUCTS VCS
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Forty-one children received their certificates of attendance and nine VCS teachers received their certificates of appreciation on April 25, 2004 during the Sunday Worship Service. Rev. Carmel Paet (assistant pastor) and Ms. Susan Miranda (CE Worker) supervised the daily sessions. The UTS students who facilitated workshops with the children were Grace Fe Inocentes, Ronadelle Obana, Rosalia Olpindo, Rey del Rosario and Mang Len Sung. The teachers: Immanuel Lukas Velunta, Phoebe Buenaventura, Rochelle Anne de la Cruz, Genesis Miranda, Gladden Joy Dandan, Hour Dee Velasquez, Lilia de Guzman, Nolan Pacudan and Arwin Cabillos. Rev. Guerrero prepared the certificates of appreciation.
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Schedule: SY 2004-2005
At a Glance
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Registration & Orientation: May 31-June 4
June 7: Classes Begin
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Every Tuesday & Thursday:
Chapel Service
9:15-10:15 a.m.
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Every Wednesday:
Mentoring/Convocation
9:15-10:15 a.m.
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Every Wednesday:
Work Program
4:15-6:00 p.m.
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April & May:
Summer Exposure Program
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December/Trimestral Break:
Dec. 9, 2004 - Jan. 2, 2005
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Baccalaureate Service:
March 31, 2005 - 7:30 p.m.
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April 1, 2005 Alumni Lecture (10:00 a.m.)
97th Commencement Exercises (4:00 p.m.)
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SUPPORT SEMINARIANS BUY MANGOES
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This month, at the UTS-PCU compound, mangoes, ripe and otherwise, are a common sight. They are in different sizes and different "brands": "kalabaw," "piko," "supsupin." By the way, trees are numbered and notices are nailed to the trunks to warn "unauthorized fruitpickers" to refrain from picking the fruits. A streamer/ad at the entrance of the compound reads, "Support the seminarians, buy mangoes." Why don't you come around and "help the Seminarians"?
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REST IN PEACE
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The 89-year old mother of Rev. Dr. David Pascua, Cresencia, died on May 4, 2004 in Mindanao. Her remains were laid to rest in Mindanao.
posted by Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero @ 10:15 AM
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