The UTS ALUMNI Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 12, May 2005 Issue

THE UTS ALUMNI NEWSLETTER
Volume 2, Number 12
May 2005
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NAFAUM SHOWERS U.T.S. GRADUATES WITH BOOKS OF WORSHIP
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The officers and members of the National Association of Filipino-American United Methodists (NAFAUM) based in the United States of America were gracious with their blessings shared with the 2005 graduates. Each residential graduating student received a copy of the 2004 Book of Worship of The United Methodist Church. It was so kind of them to send the books, courtesy of Bishop Solito K. Toquero who delivered the books to the office of the academic dean a day before graduation day. During the 2005 Commencement Exercises on April 1 held at the Grace Open Chapel the graduates were handed their respective copies together with their diplomas and academic hoods.
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The association reportedly held their 9th Biennial Convocation last July 23-26, 2003 at the Community United Methodist Church, Roselle Park, New Jersey. Convocation theme was “Rejoice in the Spirit. Engaging the Unfinished Dream.” The convocation logo was “conceived and sketched” by Rolando Ramos (then in the Philippines) and was “retouched” by Arnon Clemente, son of Rev. Herminio Clemente (alumnus and former faculty member of UTS). The host resident bishop was Bishop Alfred Johnson of the New Jersey Area. The host district superintendent was The Rev. Dr. Lloyd Preston Terrel of the Gateway North District, Greater New Jersey Annual Conference. The Rev. Hemesias P. Ares, an alumnus of UTS played host pastor. The NAFAUM president was the Rev. Estanislao J. Cueto based at Geneva Avenue, San Francisco California. Estan graduated With Highest Honors in the Bachelor of Divinity program from UTS, Philippines. He had taught at UTS before he and his family moved to America. “Speakers and Presenters” included the following: Kim Vidal, Elizabeth Tapia, Leny Mendoza Strobel, Aurora Soriano Cudal, Liberato C. Bautista, Benoni Silva-Netto, Jun and Roela Rivera, and Flor Alcantara-Medel. Scheduled workshops and presentations were the following: “The Global and the Local: Church and Society in a Globalizing World,” “Change, Age, Retirement, Sexuality, Spirituality,” Moon Under Her Feet: Women and the Apocalypse,” “Immigration Ministry: Assisting the Community of Faith,” and “Mabuhay, Philippines: A Multi-Media Presentation.” A capsule history of NAFAUM was written by Dr. Vivencio L. Vinluan, a retired member of the California-Pacific Annual Conference. Dr. Vinluan is also an alumnus of UTS.
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NAFAUM Board Members: Class A–2001: Armando Arellano, Felicisimo Cao, Estanislao Cueto, Ofelia Macapugay, Neil Platon, Merlyn Salapong; Class B–2003: Nelson Castorillo, Tony Doles, Jonathan Melegrito, Erica Jill Ocampo, Rolando Ramos, Liwliwa Robledo; Class C–2005: Kenneth Bauzon, Aquilino Javier, Jr., Allan Ocampo, Abel Nebalasca, Liza Gay Santiago, Leo Tipay, Jr.; Ex-officio members: Vivencio L. Vinluan, Laddie Galang, and Jurisdictional Caucus presidents. NAFAUM Officers, 2001-2003: Estanislao Cueto, president; Aquilino Javier, Jr., vice president; Nelson Castorillo, secretary; Erica Jill Ocampo, assistant secretary, Ofelia Macapugay, treasurer.
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To our “Kababayans” in the USA, maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyo! Wherever you are we know you are carrying the Flame and the Cross. At the back of our minds we hope you remember our seminary, faculty and students of the UTS, your fellow workers from Aparri to Zulu in your prayers. We remember you all with fond memories. It was not long ago when you were around at UTS. Shalom.
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Straight from the Heart. . .
By Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coordinator/ Editor
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I don’t want to sound emotional as I write this last piece of this regular column for the UTS Alumni Newsletter. I want to remember and cherish twenty-four months of coordinating, willingly and silently at all times, the affairs of the UTS alumni. Put-ting events into print, preparing manuscripts, editing the materials, and spreading the sheets into its final form came naturally with backbreaking end-of-the-month self-imposed deadlines. Twenty-four regular issues of the newsletter were sent to most of the living alumni—via e-mail and surface mails---particularly those who have attained “high position, power and authority in our churches.” It was fun; it was challenging; it was a good venue for expressing what were seen, experienced and whatever came to mind. The feelings of accomplishment and fulfillment generates into the system --- both memorable and painful.
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T. S. Eliot, a British-American poet and critic said, "The end is where we start from." How true. Inevitably I am ending my term as full-time faculty of the seminary--classroom teaching, coordinating the alumni affairs, as registrar and other necessary work. I count all of these as blessings and grace from the Lord. It was also a very rare opportunity to handle Sunday worship services and serve as administrative pastor for a year at the PCU-UTS University Church (June 2003-May 2004). It was an added responsibility but it brought out unmeasured and unqualified exposure to an academic community. You can be sure it was different from the ordinary local church atmostphere. A published book of sermons, “Reflections” was one of the fruits.
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On June 1 another setting is waiting for my immediate concerns, not the usual home-to-school and office walk, home-to-different church(es) trips, researching and surfing for classroom struggles, reading reaction and term papers, correcting drafts of projects and thesis proposals, sitting as reader and panel member during students’ oral defense (in the seminary and in the university), attending regular and special faculty and committee meetings, struggling with students during consultations and community concern, listening to family and academic problems of married couples and single persons, sharing and fellowshiping during planning and spiritual retreats, etc., etc., ad infinitum. This time, I will be back to the usual ministerial and pastoral work, in the local congregation, in the district conference, in the annual conference, and probably in the national level. Whatever the Lord has in store for me and my family, I pray that I can declare with Joshua, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Amen. [For those who would like to contact me: revagg@aya.yale.edu and/or revagg@hotmail.com.]
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UTS FACULTY PLANNING RETREAT
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Notice of a Faculty Planning Retreat was circulated May 19 by Rev. Dr. Homer Wesley O. Refuerzo, UTS Academic Dean to be held on May 26-27, 2005 at the Asian Missionary Institute in Silang, Cavite. Revisiting the “Critical Asian Principle” mentioned by the ATESEA will be part of the activities. A review of policies and formulation of recommendations for the coming school year will be done. Final schedule of courses, classes, professors, time and rooms will be known a couple of days before the start of the trimestral term. Some seminary profess-sors could not attend this due to their summer commitments abroad or to some places in the Philippines. May is conference time for some annual conferences or jurisdictional areas.
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VCS AT PCCL-UC
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Sessions for the Vacation Church School at PCCL University Church were held at the Salakot Chapel. It was intended primarily for children of student-pastors who are either on summer exposures or attending their respective annual conferences. This annual pro-gram of the church on campus gives pastors’ kids one rare opportunity to be closer to each other.
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SUMMER CAMPERS AT U.T.S.
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Two youth summer camps were held at the UTS grounds this summer break; one from the Philippine Assemblies of God, Inc., and another from Good Samaritan United Methodist Church in Quezon City.
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M.S.A.
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The Ministers’ Spouses Association (M.S.A.) of the Union Theological Semi-nary who are mostly living at Barangay McLennan (McLennan Cottages) tendered a fellowship gathering on Friday the 13th (May) as an expression of love and gratitude to two families who are leaving the seminary in June. They are the spouses of student-pastors who are finishing their theological studies at UTS. It was held at the Women’s Dormitory lounge at 7:30 o’clock in the evening. Mrs. Nellie F. Apilado and Rev. & Mrs. Anacleto G. Guerrero were there to enjoy the company of the members of the M.S.A. It was actually a despedida for the Apilados and the Guerreros. The “honorees” expressed their most sincere appreciation to the happy group.
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PCCL UNIVERSITY CHURCH NEEDS NEW SET OF CHURCH WORKERS
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PCCL University Church through the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee chaired by Rev. George Buenaventura and the Church Council chair, Mrs. Malou Penaflor, announced the need for church workers to serve at the Salakot Chapel for the conference year---June 2005 to May 2006. The officers of the church mentioned the need for one administrative pastor, one youth pastor to serve as Christian Education Director, and one pianist to serve as Choir Director.
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For the last conference year (June 2004-May 2005) two Master of Divinity middlers (Allen Munda, UCCP, and Ronnie Inis, UMC) served as pastors-in-charge. They mount the pulpit alternately during the month, except when there are special occasions or invited preachers. The CE Director was Ms. Evangeline Prado (UMC), Master of Divinity middler.
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Deadline of submission of application is May 29, 2005, last Sunday of the Conference Year. It was not stated, however, that applicants are limited to seminary students.
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REV. SUMINISTRADO NEW UTS REGISTRAR
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The Rev. Noel Suministrado from Lucena City (Quezon), a UCCP pastor, was appointed to be the UTS Registrar starting June 2005. He will replace Rev. Guerrero who retires (at age 65 years in August) from his seminary responsibilities on May 31, 2005. Pastor Noel brings with him a wealth of pastoral work and a year of part-time teaching at the seminary. Rev. Guerrero, on the other hand, returns to active pastoral work in Quezon City. His conference appointment is Fairview Park United Methodist Church and will serve as the administrative pastor of the congregation.
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The UTS ALUMNI Newsletter, Vol. 2, No. 11, April 2005 Issue

SY 2004-2005: SEVENTY-EIGHT GRADUATES

On April 1, 2005, 78 students earned their degrees and received their diplomas from the Union Theological Seminary, Philippines. Graduates come from the Philippines, Myanmar and Korea.

Three Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) graduates hail from Myanmar but took residency in the Philippines---Joney Thawng Hup, Khup Thang Chongloi and Suan Muan Thang. The other seven Doctor of Ministry graduates earned their degrees from the UTS Korean Extension---Jun Chul Cha, Chan Yong Lee, Deok Soo Lee, Myung Kyu Lee, Choon Jong Park, Yong Dae Shin, and Suk Man Yun. The Koreans joined the ceremonies at the Grace Open Chapel, UTS Grounds.

There were thirty-one (31) residential students who earned their Master of Divinity (M.Div.) degrees: Bellalita C. Agbuis, Henry B. Agonias, Elmer A. Antipolo, Joel Q. Bengbeng (With High Honors; Awards: Contemporary Theology, Ecumenics, Bible, Community Leadership), Steve D. Bunyi, Julius N. Camannong, Analyn D. Casero, Dexter F. Ceballos (With High Honors; Awards: Mission and Evangelism, Preaching), Christopher M. Cruz, Noel S. Cua, Phoebe C. Dakanay (With Highest Honors; Awards: Contemporary Theology, Systematic Theology), Jasper D. del Rosario, Romeo P. Diaros, Mary Anne P. Doral, Gilbert S. Galvan, Mary Jean A. Gutierrez, Reynaldo B. Hernandez, Ferdinand B. Jose, Miriam L. Lagatao (Award: Pastoral Care and Counseling), Nathaniel W. Letana, Carlos D. Loyola, Rodrigo L. Meneses, Richard B. Navarro, Nazzer M. Oliveros, Park In Bum, Cesar F. Proceso, Lizette T. Raquel (With Highest Honors; Awards: Church History, Contemporary Theology, Ecumenics, Systematic Theology,), Reynaldo E. Tabora, Nicodemus L. Tuban (With Honors), Buson P. Valdez, and Wilfredo D. Vargas.

Only two (2) finished the Bachelor of Theology (B.Th.) program in the Philippines: Robert S. Dablo and Joatam S. Margarata. On the other hand, there were ten (10) who finished the course in Korea: Cho Sung Geun, Choi Ji Woo, Jang Soon Jik, Kim Hong Suk, Kim Ji Hyoung, Kim Kwang Sul, Kim Kang Sul, Ko Jea Suk, Lee Sang Jun, Oh Sun Hwa, and Yun Gi Seob. Only one residential student earned the Bachelor of Religious Education degree: Dalia C. Bombarda.

On the Theological Education by Extension (T.E.E.) sector, four (4) finished the Master of Ministry (M.Min.): Emmanuel A. Adviento, Ricky T. Bautista, Jake B. Bolotano, and Golda S. Taopo.

Eighteen (18) students finished the Bachelor of Ministry (B.Min.) program: Lita R. Abasola, Ricardo U. Alano, Jr., Mamerto D. Andamon, Natividad C. Apelo, Allan S. Cenit, Danilo V. de los Santos, Gloria Z. Estrella, Myline Joy A. Flores, Maria Fe T. Legaspi, Rodolfo Y. Mahusay, Romeo S. Mangubat, Manuel E. Ortiz, Sergio A. Ramos, Jr., Amado C. Rodriguez, Jr., Ely Dante B. Solano, Gracia G. Tiglao, Dominador S. Ugsang, and Josefina N. Unida. One was awarded a Certificate of Theolo-gical Studies (CTS): Dionisia S. de los Trinos.

Straight from the Heart. . .
By Rev. Anacleto G. Guerrero
UTSAA Coordinator/Editor

In his homily, after he was elected as pope of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Benedict XVI, the former Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger, said in part, “Our ministry is a gift of Christ to humankind, to build up His body---the new world. We live our ministry in this way, as a gift of Christ to humanity.” To me, it is a commentary in itself, in other words, it is self-explanatory.

I want to believe that this is not coincidence with what is happening to the Protestant and/or evangelical sector(s). These months of April and May are conference time for both the United Methodist Church and the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, and for other supporting denominations related to the seminary. During the conference, before the reading of appointments, candidates for the ministry, for probationary status, and for ordination are seriously considered by either a governing board or commission. They could either be pastors or deaconesses, or for special ministries and appointments, and others without a church appointment, not to mention those who will be retired.

Our seminary graduates are there---recent and otherwise, sharing the eagerness and expectation, and [to some church workers] the pains of frustration for a conference appointment. A good number get what they wished for, many will have their desired positions, and others (without even the benefit of consultation) will be content with the “leftovers.”

It has become a common practice in one denomination to “import” pastors (elders, probationers, and even seminary student-local-pastors) from other annual conferences or episcopal areas and are given “choice” local churches or congregations. They will be appointed as a district leader or administrative pastors of prime churches in the metropolis leaving many of the “in-house” elders, probationers, and seminary student-local-pastors to medium or smaller congregations, or even to house churches or mission satellites. This could be disciplinary, but is it practical or logical? We could easily surmise that “some commitments” were made before. We do not even need an explanation. It’s plain expression of a “memorandum” of agreement.

Our graduates will be back to their home districts and annual conferences to start a journey as commissioned or ordained pastors. They expect a place to serve and work after several years of preparation in the seminary. Some of them will be accepted with open arms and love; others will be seen as “threat” to some “safe-houses” because they have exhibited prominence and gifts or talents. Many will become an inspiration or a challenge to our young people, or even as the hope for a better church in terms of mission and evangelism, or other church concerns and activities. High expectations are expressed by church lay leaders and local congregations, particularly from those who graduated with certain honors and/or awards. There will be lamentable comments, hardliners, and frustrations that will be heard from all levels. Graduates could be challenged and inspired, but others will be broken and discouraged. God forbid. But we are witnesses to these. Mortality rate is not only registered in the seminary; this is also seen after graduation.

Going back to the homily of Pope Benedict XVI, the ministry of our church workers---pastors and deaconesses---must be treated as a gift to the local churches, if not to the church as a whole or to humankind. The clergy and the laity should go hand-in-hand to build up the body of Christ on earth. Our aim should be one: the mission of our Lord to gather His children into love and grace, and for the salvation of God’s creation. Let every-one focus his/her eyes to Jesus Christ and let us help each other without throwing our tomorrow.

NO SIGN OF NEW LEADERSHIP

To date, we see no sign of new leadership at Union Theological Seminary as far as the office of the Vice President for Theological Education (VPTE) is concerned. We learned that the Commission on Theological Education (C.T.E.) had several meetings before the commencement exercises and several days after graduation day but nothing on the issue was resolved. There were other matters that were considered and approved especially those related to the commencement exercises and other significant items. In addition, we gathered that there were at least three contenders (others call them “applicants”) for the position from one of the supporting churches of the seminary. It must be noted that Rev. Dr. Oscar S. Suarez was given another five-year term as president of Philippine Christian University by the PCCL Board of Trustees. Dr. Suarez had served as the U.T.S. O.I.C. to the present from the time Dr. Anselmo Lupdag resigned in 2004. Could this be an indication of a non-coordinated move on the part of one denomination? This could have been resolved months ago.

TRIMESTER TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN JUNE SY 2005-2006

As per action of the Commission on Theological Education (C.T.E.) the Union Theological Seminary will be on trimester scheme starting June 2005. This was announced by Bishop Solito K. Toquero of the United Methodist Church and Bishop Eliezer Pascua of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, during a meeting with the student body of the seminary before commencement exercises. The bishops are members of the C.T.E. representing two mainline supporting churches.

To date schedule of classes and professors’ loads and venues are not yet on hand. A planning retreat is yet to be scheduled for this purpose.

GUANSING GRAVEYARD: MEMORABLE & HISTORICAL SPOT

One of the most visited places of the seminary grounds [especially by residential students, particularly in the evening] is the graveyard of Dr. & Mrs. Benjamin I. Guansing. During school days, not any night passes by without “visitors.” President Guansing, one must remember, was the first Filipino president of the seminary. He was born on February 24, 1908 and died on June 3, 1968, few months after he was elected to the United Methodist Church’s episcopacy. Mrs. Emilia R. Guansing, a big factor in the ministry and success of Dr. Guansing was born on March 30, 1902 and died on October 25, 1991, twenty-three years after Dr. Guansing’s demise. As far as we know, a special day for anyone of them is not set aside to celebrate their life and ministry. Written on the tombstone are these words: “This is the time to live and die for God.” They must be turning over their cold spots whenever they “witness” words and deeds expressed by frequent visitors of the graves by many couples and groups of students. Many residential students who are on summer exposure and those who will be on the internship program this coming school year, and those who have graduated last April will be [terribly] missing the “spot”.

STUDENTS’ RECITAL

Twenty students from the different degree programs of UTS performed during the Students’ Recital held at the Salakot Chapel last March 9. The evening recital concentrated on piano and voice. It was under the auspices of the Department of Sacred Music chair, Dr. Ruth Mandac-Arichea. Other music mentors were Prof. Debbie Fagaragan, Prof. Nomer de Guia, and Prof. Jane Gabuyo.

“CRUCIFIXION”

A mini-concert entitled “Crucifixion” was staged on March 22 at the Salakot Chapel. Performers were the Chapel Singers, Female Choir and Male Choir. Direction was the Department of Sacred Music chaired by Dr. Ruth M. Arichea. Prof. Nomeriano de Guia, Prof. Jane Gabuyo, and Prof. Joy Nilo were the accompanists. Conducting students conducted the Male Choir and the Female Choir.