Made bags shaped like rabbits to celebrate the year of the rabbit and carry their Chinese snacks home. And enjoyed finding which animal year they are. Annel Ligaya eagerly told she already knew she was a dragon!
Helen Carhill has learned Chinese, helped make a terrific peace poster similar to ones on doors at Chinese New Year, and taught others to say peace, thank you and a few other words. Her mother and Sunday School teacher, Pam Carhill, centered a recent Sunday School lesson on needing to always thank God AND each other. They built an appreciation wall, posted their thank you’s, and invited the adults to add their messages thanking God and each other. So learning peace and thank you in Chinese fit together so well.
Lay leader Losana Rogoyawa said, “Peace has been one of our church’s major focuses throughout the year. In September IUMC widened this by inviting the public for two peace game afternoons and then peace candlelight observance on United Nations proclaimed International Peace Day.”
Sunday afternoon Edrian Eviles was first to wear the giant dragon head made by the pastor and brightly painted by Grace Dowez. The rest joined behind Edrian in a lively dragon dance game, taking turns being the dragon head. Lata Paongo was a marvelous rabbit in the “Hop Rabbit Hop, Stop Rabbit Stop” game.
Sunday School teacher Sol Corpuz is always terrific about recording in photos Sunday School lessons and worship service’s special children’s time. For Chinese New Year photographing Gerald Aquino as he eagerly tried each Chinese New Year event was a challenge! Lucy Doton and Shelli Neal were great helpers for the younger ones.
IUMC continues looking forward in its close relationship with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Pastor Millie Carroll explained, “Since St. Paul’s church service was same time as the Chinese New Year celebration, unfortunately their children couldn’t join. IUMC hopes to have its first Vacation Bible School this summer, invite St. Paul’s children and neighborhood children. Just one of IUMCs exciting hopes and plans.”
Immanuel United Methodist Church warmly invites all to 9 a.m. Sunday Worship Services and children’s Sunday School. Although multi-cultural, services are primarily in English. IUMC in Chalan Kanoa is on Chalan Kanoa Drive (east of Town Center and Beach Road, near Mt. Carmel Cathedral.) For further information, call 322-6158.
