history
Edmonton Filipino Methodist Church
formerly named Edmonton Filipino United Methodist Church
Our Wesleyan Heritage
Methodists trace their heritage back to a pair of brothers who started the Methodist movement in 1700s England. John and Charles Wesley sought to "spread Scriptural holiness over the land."
click here -> Explore our Methodist history and beliefs.
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"Prior to the founding of EFUMC (now EFMC), we were longing and desiring for a Methodist church. I’ve learned that most of us when we came to Canada tried to find a Methodist church." - Myeth Daguio
2014
In the summer of 2014, Pastor Sam Ringor, who has newly immigrated here in Edmonton, was invited by Robinson and Mercy Conde to minister in their house blessings. Pastor and his wife Genalin, then, met some of the United Methodist believers who were eager and excited to start a bible study knowing that God has sent a Pastor and a leader.
On December 25, 2014, the first bible study was then held in the living room of Mr. and Mrs. Jun Daguio’s house. Fourteen (14) adults and ten(10) children attended. After the bible study, our group planned for the First Worship Service.
2015
So, with hearts full of joy and praises to our God, the first Worship Service was held on January 4, 2015. Sunday School for children was also organized.
God continuously impressed in our hearts the need to reach out for other brethren who does not belong to a local church. In Spring of 2015, God led another four (4)families to our church.
In Summer of 2015 our first Family Camp was held at the late Mr. Darrell Sutton’s place located on Floating Stone Lake, in Saint Paul County, Alberta. Four (4) believers followed the Lord in Water Baptism.
God is indeed faithful! He had provided three more God’s workers - the Deaconesses. Deaconess Ruth Planta, Deaconess Evelyn Villena and Deaconess Shiela Soliman. He also raised leaders of the church. Kuya Nelson Villena became the first chairman of the council then succeeded by Deaconess Ruth Planta. The Daguio family continued to welcome God’s work, due to our increasing number, we moved to their basement as our place of Worship for a year.
2016
As our church continues to grow, In January 2016, (first Service on Jan 16/16) the church rented a place of worship at the Kirk United Church and on July on (First service July 16/16) that same year, we moved to St. Paul Lutheran Church as our permanent place of worship.
2017
In 2017, a Confirmation Class for eight (8) Youth was offered through Ate Ruth Planta’s leadership. The church also held the First Seven Last Word Service that year. Truly God’s grace is sufficient! We were able to purchase the needed instruments and resources for our growing church.
2018
Registration was granted under Religious Societies Land Act and Regulations of Alberta on April 20, 2016 then after two long years, on June 2, 2018, (after our application got returned multiple times) Praise the Lord! EFUMC was granted status as a Charitable Organization with Canada Revenue Agency under the Income Tax Act.
There were many challenges but by God’s grace the church grew in worship. Care group bible study and youth group were established, more volunteers got involved in the different ministries and community needs.
In the Summer of 2018, the first Vacation Bible School through the leadership of Deaconess Shiela Soliman was also offered in the community. Children heard the gospel and came to know Jesus Christ. The first joint Family Camp of EFUMC and Calgary Methodist Church was held on August 31-Sept 2, 2018 attended by more than one hundred (100) at Kasota East Camp, Sylvan Lake, Alberta.
2019
Our EFUMC family camp was held on July 13, 2019 at Kuriakos Camp in Sylvan Lake.
2020
In March of 2020, Covid-19 hit the world and shutdown face to face gathering at all churches. But God had opened more places of worship as we made our individual homes as house of worship. We had explored avenues to do online ministries such as prayer meetings online, bible studies and church council meetings.
On March 22, 2020, we started our online Worship Service via FaceBook and Messenger. Online attendance was 25 to 30 people. We have learned how to implement our ministries through online services. We have developed a virtual choir, A virtual Sunday School, Discipleship Bible Study, and virtual fellowships.
On December 2020, our first virtual Simbang Gabi was held following the nine days tradition before Christmas. Here, we discovered that the Lord has gifted us with a lot of members with preaching skills. Gilbert, Marietta, Roger, Gina, Deborah, Jun, Agnes…. We also had the opportunity to respond to the needs of our brethren who were sick and in need and that opened up for the gospel extended to even non-members.
2021
On July 4, 2021, as the vaccination was done across the province and restrictions eased, we gathered at Jackie Parker Park Edmonton with around 25 to 30 people attending this face to face Worship Service through our External ministry under the leadership of Agnes Robles who led our outdoor celebrations like the family Sunday, and Summer Activities in the park.
Fast forward, we resumed our in-person church service on September 5, 2021.
In all of these, we realized that God is with us and sustained our Church needs. We never had a chance of saying that we don’t have finances for any program, activities and ministries that was held during those times. God has provided for everything. He had provided for us, our ministry, our finances and our health, our lives and our faith.
2022
Things were getting settled and everything had gradually opened. On April 15-17, 2022 we had our second joint Family camp with Calgary Methodist church at Camp Kasota West in Sylvan Lake with an attendance of 60. Together we celebrated Easter sunrise service.
On May 8, 2022 we celebrated our 7th year anniversary with our guest preacher Pastor Jonathan Ortega. We held our outdoor family BBQ and worship service on July 17, 2022 at Broadmoor Park Lake, Sherwood Park.
On July 30th, 2022 we have our first wedding that was officiated in our church. The first couple are Mr. and Mrs. Jethraem Evangelista, son of our Board of Trustees Chairperson. Pastor had also conducted infant baptism for Katniss Gutierrez and Christophe Alagano.
God continuously growing us in faith and numbers. More families have joined our church and together we continue to grow deeper in relationship with each other and with God. More members are getting involved in the ministry. We conduct short Sunday school, bible study, couples fellowship and once a month birthday celebration lunch fellowship.
We experience God’s faithfulness individually, in our family and in our congregation.
2023
It’s now 2023! God is good all the time. He is faithful. We are now on our 8th year and To God be all the glory and praises and we are blessed to share this joyful celebration with you.