08 December 2025 | Tov El Resort – The Central Luzon District Workers League gathered for an early Christmas fellowship, marking a day set apart from the usual rush of December ministries.

A Time Set Apart for Workers and Their Families

For many church workers, December is the busiest month of the year, filled with services, outreach programs, and Christmas rush. The fellowship intentionally created space for rest, reflection, and shared joy with their families.

The event was designed not only as a gathering of workers, but as a family celebration. Instead of the usual ministry responsibilities, the day focused on fellowship: shared meals, conversations, and simple recreation.The program featured a dedicated time of worship, a warm greetings and messages of encouragement, fun games and a shared meals for workers and families, and a gift-giving made possible through anonymous generosity.

The atmosphere remained structured but relaxed, giving workers room to breathe, reconnect, and even reset.

Worship and Reflection on the Meaning of Christmas

The fellowship opened with worship, setting a reflective tone for the day. Rev. Imelda Labasan (Ret.) led the sharing kf the word, revisiting the imagery of Christmas from historical, theological, and practical perspectives. She underscored the significance of the four traditional Advent themes:

Hope – grounded not in circumstances but in Christ’s coming.
Peace – as reconciliation with God and others.
Joy – as a deep assurance beyond emotion.
Love – as the driving force of the incarnation and the church’s mission.

This framing anchored the gathering, reminding everyone that behind the programs and activities, the core meaning of Christmas remains centered on Christ’s redemptive work.

Words of Encouragement and Support

District Lay Leader, Bro. Vic Catabona, offered his Christmas greetings to all the workers, delivering a brief but impactful message that affirmed their service and lifted their spirits. His words recognized both the visible and invisible labor of church workers throughout the year, especially in demanding seasons like December.

Anonymous Gifts, Visible Gratitude

A distinctive feature of this fellowship was the quiet generosity expressed by church members. Gifts in both cash and kind were distributed to the workers. These came from members who preferred to remain unnamed, choosing to give without recognition.

Although the donors remained anonymous, the gratitude was clearly expressed. The workers conveyed their collective thanks through District Superintendent Rev. Augusto S. Rosario Jr., who articulated their appreciation for the support and thoughtfulness shown to them and their families.

Recognizing the Leadership Behind the Fellowship

The success of the event was also due to the coordinated effort of the Central Luzon District Workers League officers and partners. Special acknowledgment was extended to: Rev. Jonathan Andres, Col. Rev. Pablito Melchor (Ret.), Atty. Bryan Puerto, Bro. Ryan Gragasin, Bro. Sammy & Lealyn Garcia from Nancasalan UMC, CSA and Working Professional Pastors’ Kids, and all others who contributed time, resources, and effort. Their leadership and organization ensured that the fellowship was orderly, meaningful, and responsive to the needs of workers and their families.

Conclusion

The Christmas fellowship at Tov El Resort was not a mere break from routine, but a deliberate act of care for church workers. Through worship, reflection, encouragement, and anonymous generosity, the Central Luzon District Workers League affirmed the value of those who serve.In a month where church activities are at their peak, this gathering served as a reminder that workers, too, need space to receive: to receive grace, encouragement, and tangible expressions of support from the community they faithfully serve.