Santa Rosa 1st Ward - News & Activities

𝐂𝐘𝐏 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭 🩵

The Children and Youth Program (CYP) is designed to help children grow spiritually, socially, physically, and intellectually. For Primary children, this program encourages personal growth through simple, meaningful goals that strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ.

Through CYP, children learn to set goals in areas such as gospel learning, service, talents, and healthy living. With guidance from parents and Primary leaders, they choose activities that help them develop Christlike attributes, build confidence, and serve others. The program focuses on individual progress rather than competition, helping each child grow at their own pace.

CYP for the Primary supports the Church’s mission to help children become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ. By nurturing their testimonies early in life, the program prepares them for future responsibilities in the Church and in their families.

📷: SR1 Primary Organization

𝐒𝐑𝟏 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐕𝐈𝐂𝐄 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐈𝐎𝐑𝐒 ❤

The afternoon of February 13, 2026, became a moment of service and appreciation as the SR1 Relief Society held a special activity at the Santa Rosa Chapel. At exactly 4:00 PM, seniors from the church gathered for a meaningful event called “𝐇𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐆𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲.”

It was a simple but meaningful way to show love and appreciation to the members of the church. Everyone wore red in connection with Valentine’s Day. The color was a simple reminder that the activity was centered on love — love shown through care, respect, and service.

The main focus of the activity was to serve them. A nurse was invited to check their blood pressure for free, making sure they were aware of their health condition. A therapist also came to give free massages, helping them relax and feel comfortable. These small acts showed that their well-being truly matters.

The day was not only about health services. It was also filled with happiness and connection. They danced, played games, shared food, and spent time talking with one another. Laughter filled the chapel as they enjoyed each other’s company and built stronger friendships. Chocolates and flowers were given as simple tokens of appreciation. Though small, these gifts carried a meaningful message: they are valued, remembered, and loved.

In preparation for the upcoming RS Anniversary on March 14, 2025, they decided to focus on serving the seniors and carefully planned the best way to show their love and appreciation. The Young Women Leaders, Primary Leaders, and Relief Society YSA, EQ President, and Bishop Mark Lesano. worked hand in hand to make the day memorable. From the decorations to the program flow, every detail was thoughtfully arranged to make them feel valued and appreciated.

The SR1 Relief Society did more than organize an activity, they created a space where the Golden Generation felt seen, valued, and celebrated. And in doing so, they reminded everyone in attendance that service is love made visible.

Honoring them is not only a one-day event, but 𝐚 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭, 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐨, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐚𝐲. After all, they may be our Golden Generation, but in many ways, they are still young at heart. 👵👴

✍🏼: Kelsey Geroy
📷: SR1 Relief Society Organization

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 ✨
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‎Moses 6:34
‎34 𝘉𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘮𝘺 𝘚𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘩𝘺 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘐 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘧𝘺; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘯 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴𝘦; 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘭𝘵 𝘢𝘣𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘮𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐 𝘪𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶; 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘮𝘦.
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‎The youth and parents gathered together for the Children and Youth Program, which happens every year, to strengthen the rising generation. The program was conducted by Brother Jdhen Teodoro. It started with an opening hymn 259 Hope of Israel, Sister Caira Oliquino as chorister and Sister Giel Lesano as pianist. The opening prayer was led by Brother Alden Alitagtag, and spiritual thought was given by Sister Haliana Barriga. The youth recited their Aaronic Priesthood theme, led by Brother Sean Ephraim Datiles, and the Young Women's theme was led by Sister Jassmaine De Jesus. Followed by an opening remark by Sister Claudine Gaveria, the Stake Young Women's 2nd counselor.
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‎After the opening exercises, the program moved on to the turnover of primaries to the youth organization. The primary students who were transferred to youth are: Dani Mae Panganiban, Maria Jobelyn Gumban, Jamena Manjeron, Ezekiel Benipayo, Willione Sheyley De Mesa, and King James Gamlanga. After that, the emblems were presented to the youth who were baptized in the year 2025, who are: Jyro Escosura, John Rey Pisangan, Kenneth Mabanta, Shantal Jelac, and Don Ante. Afterward, Sister Gi Hyun Mendones, Gian Dischoso, and Brother Nexus Bontia were turned over to the Relief Society and the Elders Quorum organization.
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‎The second part of the program was the instructions of the CYP. Sister Julia Almosara and Brother Ryan Almosara, the Stake Young Men and Young Women president, discussed the introduction 3 areas of CYP, which are the Gospel learning, Service and Activities, and Personal Development. Sister Caira Oliquino discussed the Plan of Growth: Discover, Plan, Act, and Reflect, followed by Brother Sean Isaac Datiles shared the 4 aspects of CYP: Spiritual, Social, Physical, Intellectual. Sister Ava Lesano then discussed the parents' responsibilities on CYP and shared her testimony.
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‎The final part of the program, Sister Gi Hyun Mendones shared her testimony in her journey in the CYP program, then proceeded to goal setting and sharing between the youth and parents as part of their bond. To close the program, the youth performed a heartfelt song titled "Walk with me"—a 2026 youth theme. Subsequently, Bishop Marc Lesano shared closing remarks. A closing hymn 254 True to the faith ro conclude the program, and the closing prayer was led by Sister Cylla Bag-ot.
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‎The Children and Youth program empowers the youth to set their personal goals, helping them to become better disciples and be more like the Savior in all areas of their lives. Parents play a significant sacred responsibility to teach their youth the light and the truth. Also, to prepare the youth to be the next future leaders of our church. ✨

✍🏼: Caira Oliquino
📷: President Datiles, Graphic Artist Josh Escosura

𝐃𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐲 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐉𝐚𝐫: 𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐞𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝 🫙🎀

‎"𝘞𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘑𝘦𝘴𝘶𝘴 𝘊𝘩𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘵, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘴𝘦𝘦𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘦𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵."
‎-Elder Gary E. Stevenson"
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‎The Youth of Santa Rosa 1st ward gathered together after seminary to make tokens of love, which include inspiring verses inside and will be given to missionaries for those they are teaching. ‎Despite having a long day in school, the youth still did their best to attend the mini activity after seminary, even though they were tired. Even though they were tired, they still put smiles on their faces and create memories together as youth, and strive to be like Jesus Christ — to be a light to others. The purpose of this activity is to show love to others, share the gospel of Christ, and His light in a simple way of placing verses in jars.

✍🏼: Caira Oliquino
📷: SR1 Youth-Seminary

𝐌𝐲 𝐆𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐬 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡! 🏁

On January 24, 2026, to strengthen their faith, the youth were invited to attend an activity as preparation for the upcoming 2026 FSY. The activity was presided over by Bishop Marcos Antonio Lesano with Brother Gian Zyrone Dichoso which afterwards, the opening prayer was given by Brother Sean Isaac Datiles, followed by a spiritual thought led by Sister Gi Hyun Mendones.

The activity started with the registration of participants for the upcoming 2026 FSY. Sister Herlyn Ignacio-Datiles, YW President, gave a 'Walk with Me' challenge and goal setting for the Young Women and Young Men. Each was given a pamphlet in which they could choose to pick one or all of them, whichever they found better and doable within the month! It doesn’t need to be perfect; they just need to be consistent. After which, they were asked to share their spiritual experience. In his closing remarks, Bishop Lesano explained that youth need not worry about facing challenges, for Jesus Christ is always there to help us. Once the activity proper was done, the closing prayer was given by Sister Jassmine Alexis De Jesus. 🧡

✍🏼: Sophia Laureñana
📷: SR1 All Youth

𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐬 ‎✨
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‎January 16, 2026. Brother De Jesus entered the water of baptism, beginning a new life following the Savior's example. He was surrounded by his beloved family, friends, members, and spirit. Let's support Brother De Jesus as he begins to step onto the covenant path.
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‎WELCOME TO THE CHURCH OF JOY, BROTHER DE JESUS! 🩵

✍🏼: Caira Oliquino
📷: Santa Rosa 1st Missionaries

🔍 FamilySearch Full-Text Search Tips 🩷✨

‎✨ "𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙅𝙚𝙨𝙪𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙃𝙚 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚." ✨
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‎On January 11, 2026, we welcomed our newest member of our ward, Sister Shantal Shane Persia Jelac. It was filled with love, faith, and the spirit of Jesus Christ.
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‎The young women gathered together to support sister Shantal as part of the Young Women organization. The baptism was presided over by Brother Webster Laureñana and conducted by Brother Paulo Carvajal. To begin, we first sang Hymn no. 1004, "I Will Walk with Jesus", to invite the spirit as we witnessed the ordinance. Sister Kim Santiago as chorister, and this was followed by an opening prayer led by Sister Marilyn De Jesus.
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‎Before continuing with the baptism, we had two speakers, led by Sister Julie Maye Alegria. Her talk focused on baptism and making covenants with Him. She was followed by Sister Gihyun Mendones, who spoke about what enduring to the end means. The words they spoke were truly beautiful, leaving us with knowledge about baptism and enduring to the end.
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‎After their talks, Sister Shantal was baptized. This was her most beautiful and memorable experience. Even though she felt nervous and extremely excited, she pressed forward. She felt happiness and peace, willing to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior. Just as highlighted in the 2026 Youth Album Walk with Christ, she chose to walk with Christ every day and forever.
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‎To conclude the service, Brother Webster Laureñana shared concluding remarks, followed by singing in Hymn no. 3, "Now Let Us Rejoice", and the invocation was led by Sister Caira Oliquino.
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‎Let us all welcome Sister Shantal as our new member of the Santa Rosa 1st ward. 💖

✍🏼: Caira Oliquino
📷: Santa Rosa 1st Missionaries

𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐁𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐜 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐚 𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐝

A Special Ward Conference was held on Sunday, January 4, 2025, from 3:00 to 5:00 in the afternoon at the Santa Rosa Chapel. Members gathered in a spirit of reverence and unity to take part in this important and sacred meeting.

The conference was presided over by President Rhodell Agustin, (Santa Rosa Stake President). The meeting was conducted by President Rancee Datiles, (former Santa Rosa 1st Bishop), who warmly welcomed all those in attendance. The conference began with the opening hymn “Mga Banal Halina,” led and served as chorister by Sister Julie Mae Alegria with Sister Giel Lesano as the pianist. The hymn invited a reverent spirit that set the tone for the meeting. The opening prayer was then offered by President Webster Laureñana.

During the meeting, Brother Nick Bontia presented the Ward business, which included the confirmation of the newly baptized member. This was also followed by the presentation of the stake business. Afterward, a meaningful part of the conference followed when President Rhodell Agustin announced the newly called leaders, who were sustained by the congregation.

With gratitude and faith, we acknowledge the sustaining of the following leaders:

▫️Bishop: Marc Lesano
▫️First Counselor: Webster Laureñana
▫️Second Counselor: Moi Gaveria

The conference continued with the sacrament hymn “Habang Ating Tinatanggap,” as members prepared to partake of the sacred ordinance. Following the sacrament, Inspiring testimony was shared by President Rancee Datiles, expressing his gratitude for the time he served and his love for the ward members. His message was filled with warmth and encouragement to continue serving faithfully in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Followed by the newly sustained leader, Bishop Marc Lesano, then shared a touching and humble message. He expressed his gratitude for the trust given to him and bore testimony of the Lord’s guidance and sustaining power. As well as his supportive wife, sister Ava Lesano who gratefully bore a powerful witness of faith, accepting the calling and expressed her full support as he began this sacred responsibility. Likewise, First Counselor Webster Laureñana conveyed his gratitude for the calling extended to him and for the support he received. Second Counselor Moi Gaveria also expressed his appreciation for the trust placed in him.

The Santa Rosa Stake Choir delivered a heartfelt musical number entitled “May Tiwala Sa Pangako Ni Cristo,” Their unified and harmonious voices created a reverent atmosphere, wherein members were reminded to remain faithful and place their trust in the promises of the Savior.

The conference concluded with the benediction offered by President Rhodell Agustin. He then spoke about the importance of ministering—reaching out in love, care, and compassion to others, just as the Savior did. He reminded everyone that true discipleship is shown through sincere service and love for one another. His message touched the hearts of the members and reminded them of their sacred responsibilities as covenant disciples of Christ.

Members then sang the closing hymn, “Bawat Hakbang May Pananalig,” after which Sister Jinky Teodoro, Relief Society President, offered the closing prayer. The conference ended in a peaceful and uplifting atmosphere, strengthening the faith of all who attended.

✍🏼: Kelsey Geroy

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𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲
"𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘴𝘰𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘢𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘱𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘤𝘳𝘪𝘱𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘴 𝘮𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘦."
- 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝟏𝟓:𝟒

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲
"𝘚𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘭𝘺 𝘱𝘶𝘵, 𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘱 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧-𝘥𝘪𝘴𝘤𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘦. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘢 𝘤𝘢𝘴𝘶𝘢𝘭 𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘰𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘯’𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯 𝘣𝘺 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘯𝘵."
- 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐃𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐅. 𝐔𝐜𝐡𝐭𝐝𝐨𝐫𝐟

𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲
"𝘞𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘳 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺; 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘴𝘰 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘎𝘰𝘥."
- 𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝟏:𝟖

𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲
"𝘉𝘦𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘮𝘦𝘢𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘭𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘎𝘰𝘥’𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭."
- 𝐄𝐥𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐊𝐞𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐑. 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧𝐬𝐨𝐧