20 July 2025 | Malayep, Tarlac
With hearts full of gratitude and praise, Malayep United Methodist Church, led by Rev. Reynan V. Sabala, celebrated its 20th Founding Anniversary on July 20, 2025. The joyous milestone carried the deeply meaningful theme, “New Beginnings,” grounded in Ezekiel 36:26, which declares: “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”
Two decades ago, after the continuing works of mission by several pastors, the initiatives to erect a church building were realized through the leadership of Rev. Dr. Eduardo Corpuz with the prayerful and diligent participation of Dicolor UMC. By a Korean partnership with the help of Rev. Dr. Esrom S. Sales and a piece of land donated by the Police Major Edgardo Magaoay (now an active UMC Clergy), a beautiful sanctuary was built.
The anniversary worship service was blessed by the presence of District Superintendent Rev. Augusto S. Rosario Jr., who delivered a stirring and prophetic message centered on the theme. Drawing from Ezekiel 36:26, this powerful verse served as the spiritual anchor of the entire celebration, reminding the congregation of God’s enduring faithfulness, the renewing work of the Holy Spirit, and the church’s ongoing journey of transformation and growth. As Malayep UMC reflected on its two-decade history, it also looked ahead with renewed hope and commitment to its mission of making disciples for Jesus Christ. DS Rev. Rosario emphasized that while the past 20 years were filled with challenges, growth, and victories, God is now calling the church to embrace a new beginning—one marked by spiritual renewal, deeper discipleship, and community impact. He encouraged the church to remain rooted in God’s Word and to be open to the transforming power of the Holy Spirit as it steps into the next chapter of its ministry.
The atmosphere of worship was uplifted by the Praise and Worship Team of Malayep-Tagumbao UMC, led by Rev. Antonio Pacheco, whose music ministry helped usher the congregation into heartfelt praise and thanksgiving. Their powerful songs and spirit-led leadership ignited a sense of unity, reverence, and celebration among attendees.
Also present was Dicolor UMC, Malayep UMC’s mother church, under the leadership of Rev. Rogemer Sison. Their presence was a meaningful reminder of the roots from which Malayep UMC has grown and a celebration of the enduring spiritual bond between the two churches. The day served as a testimony to how God has nurtured Malayep UMC from its humble beginnings into a thriving congregation bearing fruit for His kingdom.
Brethren from Singat United Methodist Church were also present during the celebration, adding to the spirit of unity and encouragement. Their presence served as a meaningful reminder that Malayep UMC’s journey is not walked alone, but in fellowship with the wider body of Christ. The support and prayers of the Singat UMC community uplifted and inspired the congregation, strengthening bonds among sister churches and affirming the shared mission of spreading God’s love and building His Kingdom.
Pastor John Albert Gragasin was also present during the celebration. As a familiar and respected friend in the church community, Pastor Gragasin’s presence brought encouragement to the congregation through the continuing relationships among church leaders in nurturing faith and unity within the district.
As the celebration concluded, there was a renewed sense of purpose and vision among the members. The call to “New Beginnings” was not only a theme for the day but a spiritual invitation for every believer to receive God’s new heart and spirit, ready to love more deeply, serve more faithfully, and grow more fully into Christlikeness.
Truly, the 20th Anniversary of Malayep UMC was more than a commemoration—it was a moment of recommitment. With eyes fixed on Christ and hearts open to His leading, the church steps boldly into its next chapter, trusting in the God who makes all things new.
Author: RevRoge
An ordained clergy of the United Methodist Church, Central Luzon Philippines Annual Conference of the Baguio Episcopal Area.
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