by Tom Payne

“The Borrowed Tomb” with a cast of over 60 choir/drama and support team members made up this years’ Easter Musical. This musical portrayed many touching moments as Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea struggled to comprehend the love of Jesus and the ultimate sacrifice He would make. Mary expressed the true joy of knowing God’s wonderful forgiveness and a willingness to share it with others.I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all who participated in this year’s musical.  We began rehearsals in late August of last year, with the choir rehearsing on Sundays and the drama team rehearsing on Saturdays.  I love the way Kristine brought the musical to life, with her insightful drama direction and her delightful choreography.

I would also like to express my thanks to the congregation for inviting family, friends and co-workers to attend the musical.  It was such a joy to see the auditorium fill up all four nights. I was so blessed to see so many first time visitors. Please continue to pray for those who received Christ, as they grow in their new found faith.

If you are interested in becoming part of the Performing Arts Ministry, please let us know and we will use your talents in any of the following ways:  Choir Members, Actors, Sound & Lighting, Set Design & Construction, Costume Sewing, Advertising & Promotion,  just to name a few.

Next year’s Easter Musical is entitled, “The Witness”.  Listening Cd’s are available and rehearsals will begin on August 4th at 2:00pm in the fellowship hall. If you have any questions, please contact Tom Payne at: 707-980-0021.

by Rowena Pagtakhan

On a wonderful sunny Saturday, May 4th, FaithKids gathered at our headquarters, FBCV Fellowship Hall. We asked the Lord for His divine guidance as we prepare to embark on a journey we’ve not gone before as a group. Our call time came, and we all boarded the cars we were assigned to. We caravanned towards Locust Street and arrived at the Merrill Gardens Retirement Community.

We first thanked the staff and residents for allowing us to come and visit and share the love that is in us. After a brief introduction by Auntie Rowena, we were blessed to have Ate Kristina Dacquel open our performance with her heart-warming violin rendition of “As the Deer” and “Seek Ye First”. The melodious music set the tone for the Faithkids’ performance.

We sang a total of three songs each preceded by a related scripture. We sang “Sweet, Sweet Gift” (2 Corinthians 2:15), “The Good Fight” (1 Timothy 6:12) and our favorite, “Make Me a Servant” (1 Peter 5:5). After singing, we handed long stem roses to the residents and expressed our appreciation for their warm reception. The “young” and the “young at hearts” met and instantly bonded. We let the light of Jesus shine and it was received well. We were served wonderful fresh baked and still warm cookies by the Merrill Gardens staff. We look forward to visiting our new-found friends again in the near future. We thank our parents and volunteers for giving us rides and snacks. Thank you to Auntie Joy, Auntie Eli and Auntie Rowena for helping us learn the songs and for just truly being there for us. Most of all, we thank our Abba Father for the opportunity of letting the light of Jesus shine!

by Pastor Bob Asercion

Last April 19th, Faith Food Fridays Staff attended the Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank Summit at Nelson Community Center, 611 Village Dr., Suisun City, CA 94585. It was a day of learning and discussion on how to maximize agencies like Faith Food Fridays success. This year’s Summit included options for six informative breakout sessions where we were able to interact with other agencies to share challenges and accomplishments. We enjoyed coffee refreshments and a complimentary catered lunch with a keynote address from Lorrie Sullenberger, a passionate advocate for wellness and wife to Sully Sullenberger of flight 1549 fame. Praise God for the information and resources gained through this Summit.