Gathering of Hearts

          For this year, one of the highlights of the Couples for Christ (CFC) Melbourne is the Christmas gathering of the particular units like the South, North, West, and East. On that account, last Dec. 22, 2013, Sunday, the North Unit under its head, Bro. Ed Canilao, held its Annual Christmas party.

           Participated by the 4 households that comprised North Unit, the get together was a huge success. It was further blessed by the presence of Bro. Ronnie Ordonez, CFC Melbourne Chapter Head, his lovely wife, Sis. Sheila and their children. Everyone was inspired by his short message telling the group about the various activities that CFC had successfully initiated during the course of 2013.

          After the sharing of the exquisite food, assorted events were facilitated. The kids had a great time with their parlor game. Give aways were showered to them and they had a great time gathering their gifts. While they were having a good time, the proud parents were also busy taking photos and sharing laughters.

          Thus, the gathering was culminated by the community singing of Christmas carols. As each one excitedly participated in the singing, the hall was filled with warmth and love as the spirit of Christmas overwhelemed everyone. 

Sharing the Joy of the Holiday Season

          One of the most awaited holidays of the year is Christmas. It's the season of sharing and exchanging of hope as well as love in life. On the 8th of this month, our household came together to jointly share the spirit of the season.

           Our host was the Circulado family. The gathering was started at lunchtime till 6pm. Delicious foods were shared and enjoyed by everyone. All the members of our unit were present including kids. To make the celebration more meaningful, exchanging of gifts was held and as each one received his/her present/s, laughter and excitement filled the home. 

          Another highlight of the party was the karaoke sharing. The singing prowess of the participants was revealed. Our household's version of Bruno Mars, Rhihanna, Matt Monroe, and many more was displayed. All in all, the celebration became an avenue for each one to share the spirit of joy while waiting for Christmas. 

Consolation In Moments of Desolation

           The devastations as consequences of Typhoon Haiyan's rage in the Philippines especially in places like Leyte and Samar brought misery to thousands of people,  both directly and indirectly affected by it.

          Until now, scores of dead bodies are still waiting to be retrieved and identified. People scrambling for food and shelter and so disheartened that many of them decided to leave their place, Tacloban.

             What is consoling to hear at this time is the efforts both of the government and that of other countries to come together and help each other in rebuilding the places which are severely damaged by Haiyan. With much sympathy, you can express your assistance in many forms and in your own way. Moreover it is understandable that many affected victims and their loved ones may at one point or the other have lost their faith and became impatient as well as frustrated  of their plight.

imagecredit:ID 16621205 © Jiajianzheng | Dreamstime.com

          On the other hand, efforts by countries like US, UK, Australia, China, South Korea, Canada, Israel and many more have been pouring in into the affected places. They have jointly shared their bountiful resources like money, logistics, personnel, medicine and food much to the delight of their recipients.

           Presently, there are still many people who are urgently waiting for assistance. You can help the situation by spreading this immediate need to those who can extend support. May substantial food and medical aid be given to the victims soon.

                                                            

Have Fun On Melbourne Cup Celebration

          Every year, one of the much anticipated events in Melbourne is the popular Melbourne Cup where great racing horses are gathered together at Flemington racetrack for the much coveted Melbourne Cup Derby crown.

Some background about the event are as follows:

1. "Melbourne Cup is Australia's major thoroughbred horse race. Marketed as " a race that stops a nation", it is a 3,200 metre race for three year old and over. It is the richest two-mile handicap in the world, and one of the richest turf races.

2. Prize Money- the total prize money for the 2011 race was A$6,175,000, plus trophies values at $125,000. The 1985 Melbourne Cup, won by "What a Nuisance" was the first race run in Australia with prize  money of A$1 million."- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

          Enjoy more photos of this event here. Distinguished guests such as horse owners and jockeys from Japan, Dubai and many more meet together in Melbourne to exchange friendship with one another.

The group: Angelyn, Arthur, Melissa, and Myra

          In conclusion, people from all walks of life and nationalities warmly and excitedly join the people of Melbourne to celebrate this distinguised event.

Coming Together in Worship and in Fun

          Prayers....exchanging life updates.....sharing of food....enjoying each other's company.....these are some of the highlights of our recent household gathering.

          Last October 27, 2013, Sunday, our household community gathered together at Circulado Residence in South Morang. All the members of our household were present: 

from left to right:

Alex and Precious Vidal

Nick and Marilou Lombardo

Roldan and Myra Jugan

Rodel and Danna Jugan

Alvin and Denden Circulado

          As a community centered on our faith in God, our initial activity was           offering our prayers both as a form of thanksgiving as well as expressing our individual petitions. Initiated by our highly spirited leader, Bro. Rodel called us into prayer. Likewise, hymns of praises to God were joyfully sang to express our joy for the moment. Bounded by this common belief, we felt strengthened by the presence of each member. 

          After the worship, we had our agape meal wherein we tasted the bountiful and delicious blessings prepared by our host, Denden and Alvin. At the table, we had so much fun listening to the sharings and insights of each one as we exchanged them on topics such as time management, impact of modern technology to families, offering one's prayers to God, so on and so forth.

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          Indeed the celebration marked another page in our chapter being a CFC Household Unit yet for sure, the whole celebration left a special imprint on each of our hearts- the value of coming together as one with God as our center.

Welcome.....Share your Life...Share Your Story....

          We belong to Couples for Christ (CFC) Northeast Household. As members of the same household, all of us treasure our  times of togetherness.....those times of sharing mutual support....and to provide a means for encouraging each one in the midst of life's trials and triumphs. 

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          We all believe that by coming together, we nourish each other's growth in a Christian way. As the days go by, the desire to enrich each other and that of other people whom we come in contact separately comes into our mind and heart.

          Thus, may this blog be an avenue for us, members, and that of others who will become a part of this blog, to progress with our self development so that we will also become instruments for others to become closer to each other and to God.