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Welcome to the NAFAUM 17th Convocation & Young Leaders Summit

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On behalf of the NAFAUM, it is an honor and privilege to welcome you to the historic NAFAUM 17th Convocation and Young Leaders Summit at Christ UMC in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The state of Hawaii is a historical crossroad of the global Filipino diaspora and home to the second largest Filipino population in the United States. Missionally, we have vibrant and thriving Filipino congregations in Hawaii and 1993 was the last time we held the Convocation on the Hawaiian shores.

The NAFAUM 17th Convocation will be the first in-person gathering of our NAFAUM community ever since the global pandemic changed the world in March 2020. Therefore, the Convocation aims to bring back our NAFAUM community together and to reaffirm our shared life together in the Lordship of Jesus Christ. We are committed in developing clergy and lay leadership, revitalizing our local congregations, planting new faith communities, and unifying our NAFAUM community in the midst of disaffiliations and fractured relationships within our denomination.

With the Convocation’s theme: “God Is On The Move…” based from the Gospel of Matthew’s story of Jesus walking on the water, God is challenging us to leave behind the shore and move towards the sea with Jesus. And we are called to be God’s people on the move through celebration (pagdiriwang), growth (paglago), unity (pagkakaisa), and moving forward (paghayo).

In the midst of the challenges of the time, the NAFAUM community is resilient, united and hopeful for the future of The United Methodist Church. Through the power of the Pentecost Spirit, we will harness the gifts and graces of the NAFAUM community to ride through the waves, big or small. And as people on the move, we shall partner with God in His mission “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

See y’all in Hawaii!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Edgar De Jesus

President, National Association of Filipino American United Methodists

NAFAUM’s Officers and Board Members 2024-2028

During the NAFAUM’s 17th Convocation, the following board members and officers were elected.

Board Members

Class of 2025

  • Rev. Armando Arellano (NCJ)
  • Rev. Alex Cambe (WJ)
  • Kristina de Jesus (SEJ)

Class of 2026

  • Rev. Nelson Castorillo (WJ)
  • Ellen Dizon (WJ)
  • Rev. Amor del Rosario (NEJ/WJ)

Class of 2028

  • Pros Tumonong (NCJ)
  • Karen Prudente (NEJ)
  • Mighty Rasing (Philippines CC/SCJ)

Rev. Edgar De Jesus: adviser (without vote)

Officers (2026 – 2028)

  • President: Karen Prudente
  • Vice-President: Rev. Amor del Rosario
  • Secretary: Mighty Rasing
  • Treasurer: Pros Tumonong

Filipino Vitality Commission Board of Commissioners

Rev. Oliver Mangubat (Chairperson, WJ)

Rev. Riva Tabelisma (Community Engagement, NCJ)

Rev. Allan Casuco (Mission and Co-Chair, WJ)

Rev. Vic Melad (Revitalization, NCJ)

Gigi Mencias (Fund Development and Secretary, NCJ)

Joanne Sacun (Young Adult Representative)

Jaycee Salangsang (New Church, WJ)

Youth Representative (TBD)

Rev. Dr. Bener Agtarap (Consultant)

Rev. Nelson Castorillo (Consultant)

The Filipino Vitality Commission is the congregational development arm of NAFAUM focusing on planting new churches, revitalizing congregations, and developing clergy and lay leadership, and disciple-making. It relates to and collaborates with the Path-1 program of Discipleship Ministries (General Board of Discipleship).

FAQs: 17th NAFAUM Convocation & Young Leaders Summit

The NAFAUM officers and organizers of the Convocation are excited to welcome you to the NAFAUM Convocation and Young Leaders Summit next week. Here’s a list of answers to questions you probably have. 

Can I still register after the regular registration deadline (July 21st)? 

Yes. You can still register in-person and receive your ID at Christ UMC. However, the NAFAUM requires everyone to either pay for meal ticket(s) in advance, or take care of their own meals during the event.

Will the NAFAUM 17th Convocation be open to everyone?

Yes. The event will be open to everyone, especially during praise and worship services, plenary sessions, TED Talks, and workshops. However, the NAFAUM still requires everyone to register in-person and receive their IDs at Christ UMC.

How can I get from the airport to the venue and hotel? 

You may ride a taxi or use ridesharing apps such as HoloHolo, Lyft, or Uber. Our venue is Christ United Methodist Church (1639 Ke’eaumoku St. Honolulu, HI 96822), and our hotel is Pagoda Hotel (1525 Rycroft St. Honolulu, HI 96814).

How can I get to and from the hotel and venue?

The NAFAUM will provide a complimentary shuttle during the event: one in the morning at around 8:30 a.m., and one in the evening at around 9:30 p.m.

If I’m a youth or young adult participant, what should I expect from the NAFAUM Young Leaders Summit? 

The FAQ and other files created by Kristina De Jesus (Overall Coordinator) can be found here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11BcNDdift5mqicP_iGhdHgMoOuj2OdRf?usp=sharing 

Who is our contact person at the venue?

Rev. Emy Cruz (pastor of Aldersgate UMC): +18083515407

What should I wear? 

Please wear business casual during the event. On August 2nd (Day 1), please wear a Hawaiian shirt or dress for Hawaiian Luau Night. On August 4th (Day 3), please wear traditional Filipino clothing for Young Leaders Night.

Will the NAFAUM 17th Convocation be streamed online? 

Yes. Most of the activities during the event will be livestreamed via NAFAUM’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/NAFAUM/) and UMCTV’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UnitedMediaChannelTV. 

Will there be any special offerings during the NAFAUM 17th Convocation? 

Yes. There will be special offerings during all praise and worship services. All proceeds will go to our retired pastors and deaconesses of the Philippines Central Conference.

Can I speak and vote during plenary sessions? 

Yes. When you submit the registration form and pay the registration fee, you automatically become a NAFAUM member. Your NAFAUM membership dues for 2023-2024 are included in the registration fee.

What’s on the menu?

On August 2nd (Day 1), we will have a Hawaiian buffet with Pinoy-style lechon for dinner. On August 3rd (Day 2), we will have Japanese-Korean bento boxes for lunch, and a Korean buffet for dinner. On August 4th (Day 3), we will have Korean bento boxes for lunch, and a Filipino buffet with mini halo-halo catering service for dinner. And on August 5th (Day 4), we will have Japanese bento boxes for lunch. 

Where can I get water?

Christ UMC has filtered water: two water purifiers in the social hall, and two water fountains in front of the 1st and 2nd floor bathrooms. All participants will receive complimentary water bottles, thanks to the generosity of the United Methodist Communications.

Can I receive CEU units for attending the NAFAUM 17th Convocation? 

Yes! The Claremont School of Theology may grant CEU units to those who attend the event. However, a $100 fee per unit must be paid by the individual.

Which local churches can I attend on August 6th? 

The Hawaii Host Committee will provide a list of United Methodist churches in the area for you to attend. One of them is Aldersgate UMC (in the heart of Honolulu), who are inviting us to attend their church service and have lunch with them.

NAFAUM Young Leaders Summit: An Invitation

Kamusta!

On behalf of the NAFAUM Young People, I’m inviting you to the NAFAUM Young Leaders Summit. The theme is “God is on the Move…” and more information can be found on our website and FAQ.

General information:

What: NAFAUM Young Leaders Summit
When: Wednesday-Saturday, August 2-5, 2023
Where: Christ United Methodist Church in Honolulu, Hawaii
Who: Filipino United Methodist youth (rising 6th graders-rising 12th graders) and young adults (ages 18-29) based in the United States and Canada
How: submit the registration form and pay the registration fee on our website

This will be the second time the NAFAUM Convocation will be held in Hawaii since 1993, and the very first time the NAFAUM Young Leaders Summit will be held. The purpose of this event is to gather young Filipino United Methodists from around the United States and Canada. For Christmas Institute (CI) locations who participated in the CI USA Worship Service in 2020, this is a great opportunity to reunite in person. Young people who submit the registration form and pay the early bird registration fee will be considered for scholarships.

If interested in leadership opportunities, then we’re looking for other young people to be members of two leadership teams: the NAFAUM YP Exec Team, and the NAFAUM YLS Activities Team. They’re responsible for working together to represent the NAFAUM Young People before and/or during the NAFAUM Young Leaders Summit.

Lastly, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

God bless,

Kristina De Jesus
NAFAUM YLS Overall Coordinator

A CALL FOR UNITY AS WE MOVE FORWARD

We, the National Association of Filipino American United Methodists, are committed to the mission and unity of The United Methodist Church. The basis of our primary commitment to unity is Jesus Christ who prayed for the unity of His Church in the Gospel of John 17.

We join with the Council of Bishops in affirming that “Christ’s prayer for our unity and command to gather all to the table, to make space for one another, appreciate one another, and look for Christ in each other, prohibit us from creating individual tables only for those who think, act, look, and perceive the world like we do. We cannot be a church that fractures its identity and commitment to Christ by aligning itself with political parties. We cannot be a traditional church or a progressive church or a centrist church. We cannot be a gay or straight church….”

Instead, “we must be one people, rooted in Scripture, centered in Christ, serving in love and united in the essentials.” Those who claimed exclusivity that their theology is the only correct theology and push the rest to the margins or even silence those who disagree, is the way of the world.

We are saddened by the decision of some of our Filipino-American colleagues and friends to leave The United Methodist Church to join the Global Methodist Church (GMC). We all know that even before the GMC was launched as a new denomination, the NAFAUM already gave birth and organized the Global Filipino United Methodist Movement (GFUMM). We still have our leaders of the GFUMM all over the world.

Therefore, we encourage our NAFAUM community including our Filipino churches in diaspora not to join the GMC. For while they are still sisters and brothers in Christ, the GMC is no longer part of The United Methodist Church connection. We wish them well, but we will continue to strengthen the NAFAUM and the GFUMM all over the world.

As we move forward, we are committed to keep the main thing the main thing– the centrality of our faith in Jesus Christ who draws us into profound community with one another in love and unity to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to participate in God’s on-going mission to redeem and restore a broken and a hurting world.

We are “committed to strengthening every local church, where the Word is preached and Christ is offered, and where the table is set before all who hunger and thirst for righteousness.”

As Pentecost people, may the power of the Holy Spirit unleash into us as we commit to remain together in “one big tent” called The United Methodist Church as we embody the radical love of God in Christ Jesus where everyone including “traditionalists, progressives, centrists and LGBTQ persons will find a home.”

Rev. Edgar De Jesus

President, NAFAUM

2023 Convocation Theme: “God is on the move…”

NAFAUM 2023 CONVOCATION Overall Theme: “GOD IS ON THE MOVE…”

NAFAUM 17th Convocation
Overall Theme: “GOD IS ON THE MOVE…”
Biblical Text: Matthew 14:22-33

As we gather on the Hawaiian shores for such a time as this, Matthew’s narrative calls each of us outside the places we feel comfortable, to leave the shore behind, and go onto the open seas with Jesus. As we go, Jesus is never far away. We are called forth as to discover and re-discover God who is on the move!

Day 1 God Is On the Move—Pagdiriwang “Leaving the Shore Behind” (Matthew 14:22-24)
Day 2 God Is On the Move– Paglago “Discovering Jesus” (Matthew 14:25-29)
Day 3 God Is On the Move– Pagkakaisa “Trusting Jesus” (Matthew 14:29-31)
Day 4 God Is On the Move– Paghayo “Following Jesus” (Matthew 14:32-33)

Despite the uncertainties of our time and the current turbulence within our denomination, we as a movement of Filipino American United Methodists, are moving forward and declaring “to keep the main thing the main thing” – the centrality of our faith in Jesus Christ—His life, death and resurrection. We will gather in Hawaii for the NAFAUM 17th Convocation affirming the foundational mission of the church to make disciples of Jesus Christ so that the world will be transformed.

From the very beginning, the Wesleyan movement’s missional charge is, from the words of John Wesley, “to reform the nation and, in particular, the Church; and to spread scriptural holiness over the land.” At the very core of who we are as a people called Methodists and whose we are as people of God, we are mandated to make disciples of Jesus Christ and to participate in God’s ongoing mission to redeem and restore a broken world. We will gather in Hawaii challenging our movement that we are indeed called to be the “people on the move” with God!

Registration

Please take note of the following dates:

  • Early Bird Registration up to May 31, 2023-$100
  • Regular Registration from June 1-July 15, 2023-$125
  • NAFAUM Membership Dues-$20 (2023-2024)
  • July 15, 2023 – Last day of regular registration and payment.

Registration Fee

Early bird registration fee is $100 until May 31, 2023. After that, registration fee will be $125 until July 15, 2023.

The registration fee covers program materials, access to entire convocation including Talks & Leadership Workshops, meals (3 lunches, 2 dinners & Hawaiian Luau) and NAFAUM membership fees for 2023 & 2024. Convocation participants are responsible for their own airfare, lodging, breakfast and transportation to and from the convocation venue.

Please note that those who register online that are Youth & Young Adults are automatically registered for the Young Leaders Summit. There is no need to register separately.

Scholarships will be offered to Youth & Young Adults who will attend the Young Leaders Summit.

Payment may be made via PayPal, which also accepts credit cards. To use this option, please click on the PayPal button after the registration form.

Payment by check: Write a check to NAFAUM and send it to NAFAUM Treasurer, 1908 Firethorn Court, SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Each adult participant is responsible for hotel accommodation, airfare, and transportation to and from Honolulu.

Continue reading “Registration”

Join us at the 17th NAFAUM Convocation & Young Leaders Summit

Warm greetings in the Name of our Risen Savior Jesus Christ! The NAFAUM 17th Convocation & Young Leaders Summit will be held on August 2-5, 2023 at Christ UMC, Honolulu, Hawaii with the theme: “God Is On the Move…” (Matthew 14:22-33).

Hawaii is a global destination and home to the second largest Filipino population in the United States. Missionally, we have thriving Filipino congregations in Hawaii and 1993 was the last time we held the Convocation on the Hawaiian shores. We are excited, resilient and hopeful about our future as Filipino and Filipino American United Methodists. We will gather in Hawaii for the NAFAUM 17th Convocation affirming the foundational mission of the church “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

Therefore, I would like to invite you, your family and your congregation to come join us for the NAFAUM 17th Convocation & Young Leaders Summit. Early Bird Registration ends May 31st and Regular Registration ends July 15th. Please register now at www.nafaum.org. Limited number of rooms are available in Pagoda Hotel https://pagodahotel.com at discounted rate (group code: NAFAUM). Daily transportation between Pagoda Hotel and the Convocation venue will be provided. Make your hotel reservations now while rooms are available.

Your prayers and support signify the strength and resolve of our shared mission, ministries and connectionalism, as people called Methodists, to expand our global outreach in terms of discipleship, plant new faith communities, revitalize existing congregations and transform our communities for Christ’s sake.

May the Lord richly bless you and your ministry!

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Edgar De Jesus
President, NAFAUM