We celebrate the baptism and membership reception of Nicole Chang today!
Nicole really appreciates the “close” feeling at CCUMC. There’s a sense of being family here. She has always felt welcomed and at home. She also really likes how everyone gets to participate in the worship experience – from lighting the candles, to sharing announcements, to lifting up the call to worship. Additionally, she likes that Pastor Emily preaches from the floor rather than the podium. This helps her feel like Pastor Emily is closer to the people rather than “above” the congregation. Coming to church has given Nicole the language for her ideals and values. She’s always felt it was important to love others, for example, but listening to the sermons has helped her know how to talk about it better. She feels like CCUMC is not about the rules – like dressing up - but about the faith in one’s heart. She doesn’t feel like she has to go to church but wants to come!
Nicole is the oldest child of three. She has two other sisters, aged 15 and 11 (the youngest attends church with her cousin in Walnut Creek.) Nicole just graduated from Encinal High School in Alameda and plans on attending Peralta Colleges in the fall. Her goal is to transfer to Mills College and study environmental science and nonprofit organizational development. Nicole has gotten involved in worship leadership over the last few months, leading the call to worship, reading the scripture, participating in occasional skits, and most recently, becoming part of the acolyte rotation. Nicole also volunteers with the Summer Program and Adventures in Faith. Nicole loves eating and sleeping and going on spontaneous adventures with friends.
We welcome Nicole as part of this faith community!