Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service: New Castle, Henry County, Indiana - Obituary for Mariano G. Espiritu

Mariano Espiritu

January 21, 1921 -

September 11, 2009

Mariano G. Espiritu, age 88, of New Castle, passed away Friday, September 11, 2009 at his residence, following an extended illness. He was born January 21, 1921 in Paranaque Rizal, Philippines, a son of the late Apolonio and Felicidad (Garcia) Espiritu.

 
 

Mariano was honored to have served during World War II under U.S. General Jonathan Wainwright, who commanded American and Filipino forces in the last days of Corregidor and Bataan in 1942, thus surviving the Bataan Death March. He graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila, and spent much of his productive work life as a lawyer for Mobil Oil Company in the Philippines. He was well respected as a gifted, compassionate leader who exhibited a passion for justice, seeking to resolve conflicts and reconcile issues between labor union workers and corporate management employees, with an eye toward maintaining fairness to each party and equity for all concerned.

 
 

At great personal expense, he lived out his convictions in advocating for the marginalized masses of workers as a small, fledging nation grew its business through some tumultuous times in the marketplace of Southeast Asia. Down and out of work, he was subsequently vindicated, restored with back compensation and promoted in employment by the company to provide further counsel for management's successful labor relations. God had brought him to deep lows and raised him to great heights for such a time as this.

 
 

Mariano also served as President of the National Oil Workers Union while in the Philippines and was an active member of the Filipino United Church of Christ, where he also served as the President of the church choir. Immigrating to America in 1972, Mariano resided in New York and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon, NY. In 2007, Mariano and his wife moved to New Castle to be close to their son and his family.

 
 

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 52 years, Natividad L. Espiritu of New Castle; a daughter, Marina Espiritu Lutz, and her husband Charles of Newark, DE; a son, The Reverend M. Rex (wife, Melissa) Espiritu of New Castle; granddaughters, Laurella E. Lutz of Newark, DE, Christina Espiritu at Huntington University, Hannah, Grace, Tabitha, Priscilla and Sara Espiritu, all of New Castle; a sister, Maria Espiritu Nannie of Seaside, CA; a niece, Nila (husband, Ed) Dimangondayao of Oak Forest, IL, nephews, Dr. Vicente (wife, Doris) E. Velasco III of Phoenix, AZ, Noel E. (wife, Gigi) Velasco of Providence, RI, and Levi E. (wife, Diane) Velasco of Wheaton, IL; a half sister, Prescila Espiritu of Reno, NV, and a half brother, Efren Espiritu of Hawaii.

 
 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Leonila and a brother, Godofredo.

A Service of Witness to the Resurrection in Celebration of the life of Mariano will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle with the Reverend Dr. Rose Niles officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, 1202 Church St., New Castle, IN 47362 or at www.newcastlefpc.org or with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com

 
 

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The Courier Times - New Castle, IN | Mariano G. Espiritu

Friday, September 11, 2009     Mariano G. Espiritu     Friday, September 11, 2009         Mariano G. Espiritu, age 88, of New Castle passed away Friday, September 11, 2009 at his residence, following an extended illness. He was born January 21, 1921 in Paranaque Rizal, Philippines, a son of the late Apolonio and Felicidad (Garcia) Espiritu.     Mariano was honored to have served during World War II under U.S. General Jonathan Wainwright, who commanded American and Filipino forces in the last days of Corregidor and Bataan in 1942, thus surviving the Bataan Death March.     He graduated from Far Eastern University in Manila, and spent much of his productive work life as a lawyer for Mobil Oil Company in the Philippines. He was well respected as a gifted, compassionate leader who exhibited a passion for justice, seeking to resolve conflicts and reconcile issues between labor union workers and corporate management employees, with an eye toward maintaining fairness to each party and equity for all concerned.     At great personal expense, he lived out his convictions in advocating for the marginalized masses of workers as a small, fledging nation grew its business through some tumultuous times in the marketplace of Southeast Asia. Down and out of work, he was subsequently vindicated, restored with back compensation and promoted in employment by the company to provide further counsel for management's successful labor relations. God had brought him to deep lows and raised him to great heights for such a time as this.     Mariano also served as President of the National Oil Workers Union while in the Philippines and was an active member of the Filipino United Church of Christ, where he also served as the President of the church choir. Immigrating to America in 1972, Mariano resided in New York and was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church in Mt. Vernon, NY. In 2007, Mariano and his wife moved to New Castle to be close to their son and his family.     He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of over 52 years, Natividad L. Espiritu of New Castle; a daughter, Marina Espiritu Lutz, and her husband Charles of Newark, DE; a son, The Reverend M. Rex (wife, Melissa) Espiritu of New Castle; granddaughters, Laurella E. Lutz of Newark, DE, Christina Espiritu at Huntington University, Hannah, Grace, Tabitha, Priscilla and Sara Espiritu, all of New Castle; a sister, Maria Espiritu Nannie of Seaside, CA; a niece, Nila (husband, Ed) Dimangondayao of Oak Forest, IL, nephews, Dr. Vicente (wife, Doris) E. Velasco III of Phoenix, AZ, Noel E. (wife, Gigi) Velasco of Providence, RI, and Levi E. (wife, Diane) Velasco of Wheaton, IL; a half sister, Prescila Espiritu of Reno, NV, and a half brother, Efren Espiritu of Hawaii.     In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Leonila and a brother, Godofredo.     A Service of Witness to the Resurrection in Celebration of the life of Mariano will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 14, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church in New Castle with the Reverend Dr. Rose Niles officiating. Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Sunday at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. Burial will follow in South Mound Cemetery-West Lawn Addition at a later date. Memorial contributions may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, 1202 Church St., New Castle, IN 47362 or at www.newcastlefpc.org or with envelopes available at the funeral home. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hinsey-brown.com     Sept. 11, 2009
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www.thestarpress.com | New Castle family offers unique story

September 5, 2009

 
 

New Castle family offers unique story

 
 

By DR. DONALD CHARLES LACY

 

Often we are slow to celebrate those in our midst, who bring to us backgrounds that are unique for most of us but needed to enhance our lives. I believe this is true with the Espiritu family that lives in New Castle.

 

Rev. Rex Espiritu is senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church in New Castle. Now in his fifth year, he shared with me his amazingly wonderful life and family. I was especially impressed with his humility and openness.

 

He was born in Manila, Philippines, and baptized by a Methodist minister as an infant. At the age of 8, he and his family moved to the United States, near New York City. At 14, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen.

 

Celebrating he has grown up in the Presbyterian Church USA, he is grateful for the early shaping of his Christian faith in the First Presbyterian Church of Mount Vernon, N.Y. It was a multicultural congregation, predominately African-American.

 

Rex is an "Ivy Leaguer." His undergraduate work was done at Columbia University and his seminary work was at Princeton. In addition to his pastoral ministry, he is a classically trained pianist, giving leadership at ecumenical gatherings nationwide.

 

It is apparent he is a strong Biblical preacher who takes the holy scriptures seriously. One can sense his strong desire to be faithful to what God has tried to communicate to us through His Word.

 

A great joy was the recent meeting of the National Association of Filipino American United Methodist Biennial Convocation in Dallas. At that event, the Espiritu-Velasco Clan performed a praise concert with five generations of the family participating.

 

There is more to tell. His wife, Melissa, is a trained physical therapist, now a full- time mom and doing home schooling. They have six lovely daughters. He enjoys his place in the family and loves to brag about "his girls!"

 

The "girls" are Christina, 19 and a nursing major at Huntington University; Hannah, 17; L. Grace, 15; Tabitha, 12; Priscilla, 9; and Sara, 6. Christina, Hannah and Grace have been a part of the marvelous show choirs at New Castle High School.

 

Rex's mother, Natividad, is a retired professor of nursing. She is a graduate of the Teachers College at Columbia University and the University of the Philippines. His sister, Marina Lutz, is a professor of nursing at Neumann University, Philadelphia.

 

Donald Charles Lacy is the author of 14 books and hundreds of newspaper columns and magazine features.

 
 

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The Courier Times - New Castle, IN | Religious Perspectives: Holy scriptures useful in dire economic times

Friday, September 04, 2009     Religious Perspectives: Holy scriptures useful in dire economic times     By REX ESPIRITU First Presbyterian Church     Friday, September 04, 2009         As we continue to face the challenges of our current global economy, it seems fitting on this Labor Day weekend to reflect upon the Word given to us concerning the fruit of our labors. In this day and age when gainful employment appears scarce for many, particularly in our region, the encouragement of ancient words can be a solid source of comfort in times of need.     No matter what financial situation we may find ourselves in, regardless of our current economic circumstances, the holy scriptures provide for us a strong sense of purpose, dignity and identity in the One in whose image we were made.     The apostle in Paul's letter to the saints in Ephesus writes that "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." (Ephesians 2:10) And in the Hebrew Torah, we read and hear God saying, "Let us make humankind in our image." (Genesis 1:26).     From the first account of creation in the Pentateuch to the Epistles of the New Testament, the words of Holy Scripture echo through the chambers of our existence in time and space, proclaiming who we really are and what we have been created for.     The Labor Day holiday reminds me of my father, who spent much of his productive work life as a lawyer in the Philippines. My Dad was well respected as a gifted, compassionate leader who exhibited a passion for justice, seeking to resolve conflicts and reconcile issues between labor union workers and corporate management employees, with an eye toward maintaining fairness to each party and equity for all concerned.     At great personal expense, he lived out his convictions in advocating for the marginalized masses of workers as a small, fledgling nation grew its businesses through some tumultuous times in the marketplace of southeast Asia. Down and out of work, he was subsequently vindicated, restored with back compensation and promoted in employment by the company to provide further counsel for management's successful labor relations. God had brought him to deep lows and raised him to great heights for such a time as this.     Likewise in our own community, we have an opportunity this week to rise to the occasion and take up a cause for which we as people made in God's image may advocate for God's children among us. The Psalm (127:1) of Solomon tells us that "unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain."     As such, leaders in our community have sensed the call of the Lord to fasting and prayers of intercession for the safety of, wisdom and grace for teachers, staff and administration, students and parents in the school systems of New Castle and surrounding areas.     I encourage you to join in praying together with your fellow sisters and brothers in communities of faith. Ask the Lord how God would like to use you in these days as we seek His face for the better future of our community.     On Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m., Sept. 13, many of us will be praying on site with insight at various area schools. In addition, over the next week leading up to that day, various church congregations are designating a day of fasting and prayer in a joint effort to intercede for God's blessing of folks in our schools. For more information, contact Tisha Sledd, Director of Women of Hope at 765-593-9767 tishasledd@yahoo.com or visit the web site of the Henry County Ministerial Association at www.HCministers.org
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The Courier Times - New Castle, IN | Day of Prayer for New Castle Schools

Friday, September 04, 2009     Day of Prayer for New Castle Schools     Friday, September 04, 2009         Women of Hope and D.I.V.E. ministries are planning a Day of Prayer for New Castle Schools at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13. Organizers believe that it is incredibly important for children, teachers and staff to have a prayer covering for this year.     God's Word says in 2 Chronicles 7:14 "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."     Organizers maintain that children face a multitude of struggles in today's society and teachers are vital in helping to shape the future. Both of them need wisdom and grace from God.     Organizers encourage the public to adopt a school and pray for it. There will be a prayer leader outside the entrance of every school in the city at 2 p.m. that day.     Furthermore, organizers ask local people to consider taking one day during the week of Sept. 7-13, to fast for the schools. For more information contact Tisha Sledd at 593-9767 or e-mail her at tishasledd@yahoo.com.     Eastwood, Kaye Williams, 524-1664; Sunnyside, Kim Dickerson, 686-0457; Westwood, Tisha Sledd, 593-9767; Wilbur Wright, Keith Kincaid, 529-2403; Riley, Becky Malone, 686-5100; Greenstreet, Elizabeth Wesley, 836-4425; Parker, Tom McGilliard, 529-0105; junior high, Beth Crouch, 1-317-364 2338 or Rex Espiritu, 529-3703; high school, Will Ragle 593-0433; alternative school, Tisha Sledd, 593-9767.     Information provided by Tisha Sledd.
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Bio info released for Youth Ministries Task Force

Home > News Service > Biographical information released for Youth Ministries Task Force
09396 May 12, 2009 Biographical information released for Youth Ministries Task Force Fifteen-member panel will report to next summer's General Assembly by Bethany Furkin Presbyterian News Service LOUISVILLE — The members of the sixth and final special committee named by the moderator of the 218th General Assembly have varied experiences but are united by their interest in youth and young adult ministries. The Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow announced the 15 members of the committee earlier this month. The group comprises 10 youth and young adult members (ages 15-21) and five adult mentors. It will hold its first meeting June 11-15, during and after the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Big Tent event in Atlanta. The task force is charged with seeking input from youth, young adults and adults and with finding and presenting model programs that focus on the needs and development of youth ministries. The group will report back to the 219th General Assembly in 2010 with specific recommendations for designing youth ministries under a new vision for youth for the PC(USA). The biographical information on force members: Jordan Akin: Akin attends Central High School in Little Rock, AR, and is a deacon and member of the Youth Ministry at Second Presbyterian Church. She also serves on the Presbytery of Arkansas Youth Council and is on the 2010 Montreat Youth Conference planning team. This summer, Akin will travel to Turkey and Greece, following the steps of the apostle Paul as part of a camp called "Footsteps in Faith." G. Jacob Bolton: Bolton is the director of family ministries at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York. He is a graduate of Kalamazoo College and Union Theological Seminary. Bolton is a member of the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators, the Presbyterian Writers Guild and the National Eagle Scouts Association. Elder Karen Ceaser: Ceaser serves part time in youth ministry at St. Mark's Presbyterian Church in Lomita, CA. She is also on the Mission Interpretation & Promotion Committee of the Presbytery of the Pacific. In 2007, she served as a Presbyterian Youth Triennium Adult Advisor and has led many youth mission trips across the country. Ceaser has been active in youth ministry since 1990 with organizations like Young Life, Youth Specialties and Habitat for Humanity. Rev. Rex Espiritu: Espiritu is pastor at First Presbyterian Church in New Castle, IN. He is part of the inaugural fellowship of the Wabash Pastoral Leadership Program. During seminary and after graduation from Princeton Theological Seminary, Espiritu was associate director of music and later served on the pastoral staff at Faith Church in southern New Jersey. Hakeem Jerome Jefferson: Jefferson is majoring in political science and African American studies at the University of South Carolina, where he is a University Ambassador and the secretary of Minority Affairs for the school's Student Government Association. Jefferson is a member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church in South Carolina and has served on many levels there. Since the age of 13, he has had a public speaking career. Austin Lane: Lane is a high school sophomore and is from a small town in the middle of Texas. He is very active in his church and presbytery and has strong leadership, musical and speaking skills. Kristy Lauron: Stockton Presbytery, Synod of the Pacific. Additional biographical information not available. Jessie Light: Light is an incoming freshman at Vanderbilt University, where she will study human organization and development. She has served as moderator of her youth group and as a Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 218th General Assembly (2008). She has been on several mission trips and was on the Montreat Youth Conference Planning Team for the summer of 2008. Alex McDonald: McDonald is a high school sophomore in Atlanta and a member of Central Presbyterian Church, where he serves on the youth ministry committee. He has been on several youth mission trips and worked with his youth group to perform "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." At school, he is involved with the Student Government Association, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the tennis team. Madison Munoz: Munoz is a junior at Florida State University, where she is pursuing a dual degree in international affairs and English literature, with a minor in psychology. She is a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Ocala, FL and is active with FSU's Presbyterian University Center. She has studied abroad in Panama and China and spent a summer working with the Clubs Program at Montreat. Elder Clara Pauw: Pauw is a sophomore at Emory University, where she is majoring in history and French. She plays rugby, writes for the student newspaper and is a member of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and a Christian group called Reformed University Fellowship. She was a Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 218th General Assembly (2008) and is a member of Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church in Louisville, KY. Brittney Shook: Shook is a high school sophomore in Solon, OH, where she is a member of the cross country team and the Key Club. She served on her church's Educator Nominating Committee to help find a new director of Christian education and youth ministry. She has also worked with the Vacation Bible School for four years. Rev. Michelle Thomas-Bush: Thomas-Bush is a minister of youth and young adults at Riverside Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville, FL. She has worked in youth ministry for more than 20 years, serving as a preacher and keynote speaker at Montreat Youth Conferences and conference dean and small group leader at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium. She is a charter member of the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association. Elder Rachel Van Marter: Van Marter is a senior at the Youth Performing Arts School in Louisville, KY, where she studies theater and musical theater. She has been to 15 General Assemblies, as well as the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, Montreat Youth Conference and various mission trips around the U.S. and Guatemala. Van Marter is an ordained elder at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church. Rev. Kelly Wiant-Thralls, chair: Wiant-Thralls is associate pastor at Market Square Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, PA, where her main responsibilities are with youth and young adults. She earned a master's degree in Christian education and an M.Div from Union Theological Seminary-Presbyterian School of Christian Education. She has also served as a Young Adult Volunteer in Edinburgh, Scotland, where she worked with an agency that addresses the issues surrounding homelessness.

 
 

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Living in the Light of the Resurrection and the Life through Pentecost

 
 

23 April 2009

Season of Easter — Pentecost 2009 (B)

In this renewing season of commencement from Easter through Pentecost, we are re-formed in the Resurrection and the Life in the Spirit of Christ

Living in the Light of the Resurrection and the Life

As we approach the Ascension of the Lord in this season following Easter and leading up to the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit came upon the many believers in Christ, we reflect on how God calls us to live in the light of the resurrection and the life of Jesus—the way, the truth, and the life.

In the renewing and refreshingly revitalizing movement of the Holy Spirit among us, the Word tells us that we shall be His witnesses "in Jerusalem, in Judea and Samaria, and to the very ends of the whole earth." (see Acts 1:8)

Our Lord calls us to hear, believe, repent, confess, be baptized, bear fruit, be witnesses and receive the power to do so for God's glory here at First Presbyterian Church, in New Castle, Henry County, Indiana, the United States, North America and beyond in this whole wide world, to the very ends of the earth. 

This week and in the next months, as we continue venturing with new initiatives, let us witness together in the Lord ministering in our midst!!!  Glory to God!

 
 

Presbyterian Church (USA)

The First Presbyterian

"You Gotta…":

• Hear!
  
• Believe!
  
• Repent!
  
• Confess!
  
• Be Baptized!
  
• Bear Fruit!
  
• Be Witnesses!
  
• Receive the Power!
  

 
 

Season of Easter through Pentecost (B)

Easter/Resurrection Sunday, April 12	1
2nd Sunday of Easter, April 19	2
3rd Sunday of Easter, April 26	3
4th Sunday of Easter, May 3	4
5th Sunday of Easter, May 10	5
6th Sunday of Easter, May 17	6
7th Sunday of Easter, May 24	7
Pentecost Sunday, May 31	8

You Gotta Believe... Repent... Confess... Be Baptized... Bear Fruit... Be Witnesses... and Receive the Power… from on high…. in the Spirit!

2nd Sunday of Easter, April 19

Acts 4:32-35; 1 John 1:1-2:2; John 20:19-31

 
 

3rd Sunday of Easter, April 26 (Jr. Church Choir)

Acts 3:12-19; 1 John 3:1-7; Luke 24:36b-48

 
 

4th Sunday of Easter, May 3 (with Communion)

Acts 4:5-12; 1 John 3:16-24; John 10:11-18

5th Sunday of Easter, May 10 (PW Birthday Offering)

Acts 8:26-40; 1 John 4:7-21; John 15:1-8

 
 

6th Sunday of Easter, May 17 (Sr. High Youth Sunday)

Acts 10:44-48; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

 
 

7th Sunday of Easter, May 24 (Memorial Day Weekend)

Acts 1:15-17, 21-26; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19

Pentecost on Sunday, May 31 (New Member Recognition)

Ezekiel 37:1-14; Romans 8:22-27; Acts 2:1-21

 
 

Holy Trinity Sunday, June 7 (with Communion)

Isaiah 6:1-8; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

 
 

11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, June 14

Guest Preaching

 
 

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