New Years 2025
The background of the text from Jeremiah is the Jewish Exile. The Jews have been defeated in war and carried away into a foreign country where many of them have become slaves of the conquering powerful nation. It is in this situation that brings about a feeling of hopelessness and despair. The Jews not only began to lose hope, but also to doubt the credibility of the promises of God. In fact, they begin to question their very identity as God’s people, which is closely connected to their possessing the promised land. But the promised land is no longer theirs. And it does not seem possible for them at all to be able to return and reclaim the promised land for themselves. Why? Because they lose the war and bring them out of their own land to a foreign country where they were enslaved. What then of God’s promise that the promised land will be theirs forever? What then of God’s promise that He will be their God, and they will be His people? Will they ever go back to the promised land? Will their children ever see the promised land, or will they ever live forever in a foreign land? These questions go right down to the core of their being, and many of them just simply gave up with a sense of utter hopelessness.
It is not hard to draw parallels between this situation and the situation of Filipinos at the present time. Today, the Filipinos have become the Jews of Asia. We are the biggest foreign group in some of our neighboring countries. We are everywhere, mostly the whole of Asia, Middle East, Europe, Canada, Australia, USA, and in the whole world.
Now, the question that I am sure you have asked so many times into yourself: When can we go back to a prosperous Philippines? When can we go back and get jobs as good as, if not better than our jobs right now? When can we stop working for foreign bosses, and begin to work in the Philippines instead?
Now, back to the Jews. In their situation of hopelessness, there comes this message from the prophet, and it is a message of hope! It is a declaration that the Jews will indeed go back to their land. The assurance was there, that they will be gathered from the end of the earth and will march to Jerusalem with songs of joy. And they will rebuild their broken Nation, which will again become prosperous, full of grain and wine and olive oil, with its pastures teeming with sheep and cattle. And the people will have everything they need.
But you may say, is this wishful thinking? How can they have this Hope? The text clearly tells us: “They have this Hope, because of the Lord.” It is the Lord who will bring all of these things to pass. It is the Lord who will make it possible for His people to return to their land. It is the Lord who will match in front of His people, and He will guide them until they reach their destination. The prophet can proclaim a message of hope, because he is certain of the God of hope and the God of promise.
Again,
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Christmas 2024
Christmas Greetings,
“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people” Luke 2:10
As I write this Christmas letter my heart is filled with mixed emotions about the scripture used in the heading. At Christmas, I know from experience there are a lot of hurting people who go through deep valleys of depression because they are lonely and upset of the result for the past election, poor, homeless, or have suffered a great loss at this exact time of year. It is always difficult for a pastor to minister to those who have no “joy”, particularly at this time of year because of losing a family member or friend during the year.
Please, let me encourage you this Christmas to get alone with God, and read the Christmas story from His Holy Word and try to go back in your thoughts to the time when our Savior was born. Re-capture the joy that was in the hearts of all who had the faith to believe that this baby was the Messiah of Israel, the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, the Savior of all sinners who would believe in Him and seek His forgiveness.
Without knowing Him, without knowing the Christ of Christmas, you will never know what real joy and happiness this time of the year can bring. Christmas is a day for us to remember God’s merciful love. Through Jesus, we come to know who God really is – He is Love. God’s love is extended to everyone, including the strangers, the marginalized … and especially the poor and the homeless. This Christmas, let us be mindful of those who are in need of our welcome – a family member, a friend, a co-worker, a fellow member. Let us make room in our hearts for forgiveness and love and reach out to those who are asking for them.
Merry Christmas! Maligayang Pasko!
On behalf of our family and church staff, I sincerely hope that the remembrance of Christ’s birth brings you much peace and hope. As we celebrate Christmas, I would like to thank you for your presence and prayers with our Westfield UMC and Mayville UMC family.
There are numerous ways that the church helps to orient us toward Christ. Over the past several months, I have prepared a church-wide devotional booklet entitled, Advent series THEME: Christmas: A Season for Hope and Joy to Triumph over Adversities, it is was made with scriptures, short meditations and prayers to guide us into readiness for the celebration of Christmas. Introducing with you our Filipino culture as we are preparing for the Christmas, we had 9 Simbang gabi (vigil service) starting on December 16 until December 24, therefore, as we adopt one of our cultures in celebrating Christmas, we will have our 1st vigil service on December 16, at 6pm in the church and the next vigil services for December 17-23 will continue in your home, light the candles and read the Advent devotional booklet. (copies are available near the Welcome Center/Gibbs Parlor)
On the evening of December 21st, my twin sister, Rev. Evelyn E. Austria will lead our church family/community in a more subdued atmosphere of Blue Christmas service at 7pm a joint service with Mayville UMC. This is a meaningful service, for those who have lost a family member, a close friend, or who find the high-energy and bright lights too much this Christmas.
We will hold our traditional Christmas Eve Candlelight Service on Dec. 24th at 6pm and (8pm at Mayville UMC) in the sanctuary. Once again, we will hear the words of the prophet Isaiah 9:2-7 and the Christmas story as told in Luke 2:1-20. One of the highlights of Christmas Eve’s past will return as we receive Agape Meal during the service. Steve/Karin Cockram & family will have their musical presentation. Our family Castillo and Austria will sing Filipino Christmas carols. It wouldn’t be Christmas Eve without singing Silent Night with our candles aglow.
Ever feel like you did not get enough of the Christmas carols and hymns in church? Then mark your calendars for Dec. 29th at 9:00am for our annual ‘Stump the Pianist’ service: an entire service dedicated to selecting and singing your favorite hymns, or the one’s that we have not sung together. We want to begin the year on the right foot, so on Jan. 5th at 9:00am we will share together in The Covenant Renewal Service, adapted by our founder John Wesley.
Christmas Blessings,
Evangeline E. Castillo, Pastor
November 2024
“ENTERING GOD’S PRESENCE WITH GRATITUDE.”
Psalm 100:4 is part of a hymn of praise attributed to David, reflecting his deep gratitude and joyful worship of God. David’s life was filled with both triumphs and trials, and through it all, he consistently
turned to God with thankfulness.
This verse captures the essence of David’s approach to worship: entering God’s presence with a heart full of gratitude and praise, acknowledging His steadfast love and faithfulness. It’s a call to celebrate God’s
goodness and recognize His sovereignty, echoing David’s own experiences and unwavering devotion. It invites us to adopt a similar attitude of joy and thankfulness in our own worship.
And reminds us to approach every day with a heart full of thankfulness, celebrating the abundant blessings and enduring love of God.”
In one of our workshop Session from the conference facing the future 2023 that I attended, one of the lecturers shared about Gratitude Squares; He said we are wired with negatives. By speaking positive thoughts in a conscious state, we communicate positivity. Our subconscious which does not think for itself, but rather, takes directives from the conscious. If we
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October 2024
How Filipinos Celebrate All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day is a Christian festival in honor of all known and unknown Christian saints. Celebrated every November 1st, the festival celebrates the life, faith and death of martyrs and saints, especially those who have no designated feast day in the Roman Catholic calendar. It is an important liturgical celebration, next to Christmas and Holy Week. Devotees pray for the intercession of saints and ask guidance in their everyday struggle.
In the Philippines, the holiday is celebrated with much gusto. More than a holy obligation, All Saints’ Day, Todos Los Santos or Undas in the Philippines is a day to remember the dearly departed through prayers, vigils, flowers, food and merriment. Like the Day of the Dead Festival in Mexico, Todos Los Santos is hardly a solemn event. Families come together to flock the cemeteries and memorial parks where they celebrate life, share stories and memories, and pray for the souls for the loved ones who had passed.
A few days before the actual celebration of All Saints’ Day, someone from the family comes to clean up and prepare the grave of their dearly departed. They weed out stray plants, clean the area and repaint the tombstone. Filipinos decorate the graves of their dearly departed with flowers and candles on All Saints’ Day. Graves of
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Greetings
I praise the Lord our God for letting me serve in what I refer to as “God answered prayer” not just one but two answers prayer: Westfield United Methodist Church and Mayville United Methodist Church. I never thought that when God sent me to be the guest preacher at First United Methodist Church of Ontario, Canada on their 10th founding anniversary, it was God’s way to open for me the opportunity to meet Rev. Manny Valdez who introduced me to Ds Carlos Rosa-Laguer. I believe God works in His miraculous way to make our path crossed so we can be partners in building God’s Kingdom! Here is a brief account of my personal, educational and pastorate information.
We were born in San Isidro, Isabela Philippines on June 28,1972. We are the first born child- with my twin sister, Evelyn, among the 3 siblings. Because we were twins, I grew up in the care of my grandmother who was a devoted Christian. From an early age I was close to church, so I grew up with a great devotion to God. Because of my grandma’s strong faith I believe it shaped me to become a devoted Pastor for 16 years.( though I didn’t dream to be a Pastor)I do believe both of us with my twin were called and are now actively serving the Lord in the United Methodist Church. I attended seminary at Wesley Divinity School, Wesleyan University Philippines, Which gave me the training to be an effective pastor and religious educator. I studied further at Northeastern College as an Educator, and was blessed to be a Professional License Teacher. I worked as a public teacher in Senior High School for two years. Salinungan Stand Alone Senior High School and Raniag High School. I was ordained Elder in 2017.
My first appointment was at Jones United Methodist Church that was in 1991, I was the associate pastor then. While I was there, I got married to my loving husband Emerson. In my second church appointment at Masaya Centro United Methodist Church, I got pregnant and gave birth to our first child, Christian Emerson. On my third church assignment at Pangal Norte United Methodist Church we added our second daughter (Evalyn Rocel) to the family while serving there for 3 years. It took 7 years when God blessed us (out of plan) our youngest daughter (Lovelyn Joy) truly she is lovely gift to us and God gave us such 3 wonderful gifts our beautiful granddaughters: Shihara Jirah, Christa Carine, and Eiliyah Alcmene who completed our family with so much joy.
I share the sentiment of the Apostle Paul when he said, “I am the least of the Apostle’s, unfit to be called an Apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9) but I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me because He judged me faithful and appointed me to His service. I know and I admit that I am not worthy but God called me and made me qualified to this awesome and wonderful ministry. I am blessed, I am honored, I am highly favored! to be part of building up God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Finally, I cordially invite you to Westfield United Methodist Church. Come, see and taste the amazing GRACE and LOVE of our Almighty God!
In Christ service,
Pastor Evangeline Estuesta Castillo
How Filipinos Celebrate All Saints’ Day
All Saints’ Day is a Christian festival in honor of all known and unknown Christian saints. Celebrated every November 1st, the festival celebrates the life, faith and death of martyrs and saints, especially those who have no designated feast day in the Roman Catholic calendar. It is an important liturgical celebration, next to Christmas and Holy Week. Devotees pray for the intercession of saints and ask guidance in their everyday struggle.
In the Philippines, the holiday is celebrated with much gusto. More than a holy obligation, All Saints’ Day, Todos Los Santos or Undas in the Philippines is a day to remember the dearly departed through prayers, vigils, flowers, food and merriment. Like the Day of the Dead Festival in Mexico, Todos Los Santos is hardly a solemn event. Families come together to flock the cemeteries and memorial parks where they celebrate life, share stories and memories, and pray for the souls for the loved ones who had passed.
A few days before the actual celebration of All Saints’ Day, someone from the family comes to clean up and prepare the grave of their dearly departed. They weed out stray plants, clean the area and repaint the tombstone. Filipinos decorate the graves of their dearly departed with flowers and candles on All Saints’ Day. Graves of children are sometimes decorated with toys and other memorabilia. Pista minatay or atang (Food offering) The night before the visit to the cemetery, the family prepares the favorite foods of their dearly departed. They offer a portion of the food or atang at the house altar and at the tombstone, while the rest of the food is shared with the rest of the family to recreate the time when the dearly departed were living and sharing meal together. This important practice is similar with the Hungry Ghost Festival of China and other Asian countries.
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints Day. In a journal entry from November 1, 1767, Wesley calls it “a festival I truly love.” On the same day in 1788, he writes, “I always find this a comfortable day.” The following year he calls it “a day that I peculiarly love.”
This may sound odd. United Methodists don’t believe in saints. Right? Well, yes… and no.
Wesley cautioned against holding saints in too high regard. The Articles of Religion that he sent to the Methodists in America in 1784, include a statement against “invocation of saints” (Article XIV—Of Purgatory, Book of Discipline ¶104). Wesley did not see biblical evidence for the practice and discouraged Methodists from participating. However, he also advised against disregarding the saints altogether.
In an All Saints Day journal entry dated Monday, November 1, 1756, Wesley writes, “How superstitious are they who scruple giving God solemn thanks for the lives and deaths of his saints!” If your 18th century English is as rusty as mine, it might help to know that the word scruple means, “to be unwilling to do something because you think it is improper, morally wrong, etc.” (Merriam-Webster.com).
All Saints Day is an opportunity to give thanks for all those who have gone before us in the faith. It is a time to celebrate our history, what United Methodists call the tradition of the church.
From the early days of Christianity, there is a sense that the Church consists of not only all living believers, but also all who have gone before us. For example, in Hebrews 12 the author encourages Christians to remember that a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounds us encouraging us, cheering us on.
Charles Wesley, John’s brother, picks up on this theme in his hymn that appears in our United Methodist Hymnal as “Come, Let Us Join our Friends Above,” #709. In the first verse, he offers a wonderful image of the Church through the ages: Let saints on earth unite to sing, with those to glory gone,
for all the servants of our King in earth and heaven, are one.
On All Saints Day we remember all those—famous or obscure—who are part of the “communion of saints” we confess whenever we recite The Apostles’ Creed. We tell the stories of the saints “to glory gone.” Alongside the likes of Paul from the New Testament, Augustine, Martin Luther, and John and Charles Wesley, we tell stories of the grandmother who took us to church every Sunday. We remember the pastor who prayed with us in the hospital, and the neighbor who changed the oil in the family car. We give thanks for the youth leader who told us Jesus loved us, the kindergarten Sunday school teacher who showered us with that love, and the woman in the church who bought us groceries when we were out of work. Retelling these stories grounds us in our history. These memories teach us how God has provided for us through the generosity and sacrifice of those who have come before us. The stories of the saints encourage us to be all God has created us to be.
Pastor Evangeline
I praise the Lord our God for letting me serve in what I refer to as “God answered prayer” not just one but two answers prayer: Westfield United Methodist Church and Mayville United Methodist Church. I never thought that when God sent me to be the guest preacher at First United Methodist Church of Ontario, Canada on their 10th founding anniversary, it was God’s way to open for me the opportunity to meet Rev. Manny Valdez who introduced me to Ds Carlos Rosa-Laguer. I believe God works in His miraculous way to make our path crossed so we can be partners in building God’s Kingdom! Here is a brief account of my personal, educational and pastorate information.
We were born in San Isidro, Isabela Philippines on June 28,1972. We are the first born child- with my twin sister, Evelyn, among the 3 siblings. Because we were twins, I grew up in the care of my grandmother who was a devoted Christian. From an early age I was close to church, so I grew up with a great devotion to God. Because of my grandma’s strong faith I believe it shaped me to become a devoted Pastor for 16 years.( though I didn’t dream to be a Pastor)I do believe both of us with my twin were called and are now actively serving the Lord in the United Methodist Church. I attended seminary at Wesley Divinity School, Wesleyan University Philippines, Which gave me the training to be an effective pastor and religious educator. I studied further at Northeastern College as an Educator, and was blessed to be a Professional License Teacher. I worked as a public teacher in Senior High School for two years. Salinungan Stand Alone Senior High School and Raniag High School. I was ordained Elder in 2017.
My first appointment was at Jones United Methodist Church that was in 1991, I was the associate pastor then. While I was there, I got married to my loving husband Emerson. In my second church appointment at Masaya Centro United Methodist Church, I got pregnant and gave birth to our first child, Christian Emerson. On my third church assignment at Pangal Norte United Methodist Church we added our second daughter (Evalyn Rocel) to the family while serving there for 3 years. It took 7 years when God blessed us (out of plan) our youngest daughter (Lovelyn Joy) truly she is lovely gift to us and God gave us such 3 wonderful gifts our beautiful granddaughters: Shihara Jirah, Christa Carine, and Eiliyah Alcmene who completed our family with so much joy.
I share the sentiment of the Apostle Paul when he said, “I am the least of the Apostle’s, unfit to be called an Apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9) but I am grateful to Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me because He judged me faithful and appointed me to His service. I know and I admit that I am not worthy but God called me and made me qualified to this awesome and wonderful ministry. I am blessed, I am honored, I am highly favored! to be part of building up God’s Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven. Finally, I cordially invite you to Westfield United Methodist Church. Come, see and taste the amazing GRACE and LOVE of our Almighty God!
In Christ service,
Pastor Evangeline Estuesta Castillo