Ecumenism 101

A letter from the Ecumenical Education and Nurture Program Secretary:

Dear Ecumenical Friends,

Grace and Peace!

The National Council of Churches in the Philippines will be holding its annual Summer Internship Program (SIP). The SIP is an intensive immersion program of experiential ecumenical learning of the NCCP. It links seminarians of NCCP-related theological formation institutions with community-based development-oriented programs. It seeks to provide venues for theological action-reflection, expression of ecumenical commitment and sharpening of mission perspectives. 

SIP is a program originally intended for seminarians. The program consists of three phases: 

First phase: general orientation, and inputs

Second phase: Immersion from April 16-May 10

Third phase: Processing of experiences

We would like to announce that we are opening to the public the First Phase of the program which will be composed of different inputs that can be a learning experience also for ecumenical networks other than the seminarians. This will be held on April 13-15, 2011 at the Conference Room A of The Bishop La Verne D. Mercado Ecumenical Center, NCCP.

The first phase will be made up of inputs on: History of Philippine Ecumenical Movement, An Overview on Ecumenical Theologies, The Context of our Ministry (input on National Situation and workshop on Church and Society, Input/Workshop on Doing Biblico-Theological Reflection, and Input/Workshop on Community Organizing.

There will be a registration fee of Php 1,000.00 to cover the cost of food for three days. 

We would like to invite you or members of your organization to attend this three day live out seminar and have a meaningful Ecumenical Education experience.

Should you have any queries, you may call 926-9760 and look for Marge or Cheekai.

Attached is the seminar flyer.

Thank you and God bless,


Ms. Darlene Marquez-Caramanzana

Program Secretary
Program Unit on Ecumenical Education and Nurture

A letter from the NCCP EEN Program Secretary on SIP 2011

March 1, 2011

Grace and Peace!

This year’s Summer Internship Program (SIP) of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) has been set on April 12 - May 14, 2011. This year’s theme takes inspiration from the quadrennial theme of the Council: “Ecumenical Learning: Weaving the Patchwork of Justice and Peace in a Broken World”.

The SIP is an intensive immersion program of experiential ecumenical learning of the NCCP.  It links seminarians of NCCP-related theological formation institutions with community-based development-oriented programs.  It seeks to provide venues for theological action-reflection, expression of ecumenical commitment and sharpening of mission perspectives.

We would like to invite you to send your students to participate in this program as we seek to provide opportunities for students to live and walk with the least of our sisters and brothers while developing their theologies that are grounded on the people’s experiences and struggles.

May we also inform you that since part of the SIP period will cover the Holy Week, we intentionally made it a part of their SIP experience to be exposed and participate in the yearly Easter Sunrise Service organized by the Council.  Thus, they are all required to be part of this Easter activity.

Attached herewith is a copy of the registration form for the students.  We are expecting all accomplished forms to be returned to us via e-mail: diwa_malaya72@yahoo.com  (cc: katdlc@nccphilippines.org) or fax (02 926-7076) on or before March 25, 2011.

As practiced by the NCCP in the past years, we request the seminaries to provide adequate budgetary allocations for the students they send to attend the Summer Internship Program as a manifestation of your co-ownership of SIP.  Financial obligations for SIP are therefore broken down, thus:

Seminaries (per intern):

• Transportation to and from NCCP Headquarters
• Immersion allowance (including food and travel at immersion site)

Seminarians:

• Personal expenses (i.e., medicines, cell phone load, etc.)

NCCP:

• Board, lodging and materials for Orientation and Evaluation Phases
• Honorarium for host communities, people’s organizations, resource persons

This year, the immersion allowance is Five Thousand Pesos (PhP5,000.00) per intern. This has been increased from the last 3 years’ previous rate of Php 4,000.00 due to rising costs and expenses of the whole program. Please send this amount with the intern as she or he arrives on April 12. 

We shall now begin to await applications to this ecumenical learning experience for our second-line leaders in the work Christ called us.

May we continue to find meaning in our common quest for Shalom as we journey with God’s people.

Sincerely,

MS. DARLENE MARQUEZ-CARAMANZANA

Program Secretary

Program Unit on Ecumenical Education and Nurture