"THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT"

Many of our church members are being blessed and encouraged through our church “care-groups.” Currently, all the care-groups are studying the “Fruit of the Spirit,” which are nine Christ-Like values that our Lord wants us to display in our lives (Galatians 5:22-23).

In view of this, the following is something that will help reinforce what we’ve been learning about and are simply nine questions based on the Fruit of the Spirit. Think of it as our “Personal Fruit Inspection” that will help us individually be reminded to “Live” these values in our lives. Here they are:

PERSONAL FRUIT INSPECTION CHECKLIST:

1. Was I LOVING today?

2. Was I JOYFUL today?

3. Did I have a sense of PEACE today?

4. Was I PATIENT today?

5. Was I KIND today?

6. Did I show GOODNESS today?

7. Have I been FAITHFUL today?

8. Did I exhibit GENTLENESS today?

9. Did I practice SELF-CONTROL today?

WE'LL MISS YOU ORLY AND EUNICE

Last Sunday, the whole CICF Church Family gave a big “sendoff” to a young couple that is very much loved in our church – Orly and Eunice Bisquera. By faith, they have taken up God’s Call for them to move to Chicago to be a part of a core team that will start a new church in the North side of Chicago.

Through the years, Orly and Eunice have been instrumental in organizing the Youth and the Young-Adult Ministries of our church to the dynamic level that it is now. They have been so faithful to the gifts that God has given them and have “given so much of themselves” to the Church. It is for these reasons that it was really hard to let them go.

But we know by faith that God will take care of Orly and Eunice and that many others will be blessed by God through the ministry of this young couple. We all find comfort in God’s Words when He said in Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

The pictures above were taken at our home on Monday morning, September 4 as they visited their pastoral family one more time before they left in their fully loaded car for Chicago.

For “memories sake,” to view a Photo-Video of their engagement/wedding pictures (September 10, 2005), first make sure the speakers on your computer are turned on, and then CLICK HERE.

We love you Orly and Eunice! You will be greatly missed.

OUR YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY

(Picture taken by Pastor Alan Llavore)

Some of my fondest memories of ministry were during my “Young Adult” days as a Christian (late 80's/early 90's). These were exciting times for me as we (the young adults) were always looking for ways to assist Pastor Mark Marcos, and the adult and youth ministries. During those days we met mostly everyday in fellowship and in ministry. Spending time at Denny’s until 2am in the morning just having fun, planning out things and praying for each other was a common thing for us.

Above is a picture of CICF’s Young Adult Ministry (starts at the first year of college). I thank the Lord for their servant attitude, their desire to help in the spiritual growth of our church youth, their initiative to meet together in the study of God’s Word, and their commitment to our church.

Hmm…I wonder if they’ll let me hang out with them at Denny’s!