English Ministry News and Notes for 9-25-11

*Please note: Pastor Emily will be on vacation from Sept. 26th - Oct. 3rd. She will return to the office on Oct. 4th. During her absence, please contact our Co-Lay Leaders: Derek Lang and/or Leo Lin in case of emergency. Rev. John Oda, pastor of Lake Park UMC, our sister circuit church is also available.
*Celebrating World Communion Sunday, Oct. 9th - Mark your calendars now for a special joint worship in 3 weeks. Worship will begin at 10:30 a.m. followed by a special soup luncheon. A joint choir will be formed for this special occasion and you are invited to be a part of it. Two practices will be held on Saturdays, Oct. 1st and 8th, at 4:00p.m. Please connect with Pastor Emily if you'd like to be a part of it. Additionally, we are seeking volunteers to make soup for the day. Please connect with Peggy if you'd be willing and able. On this day, we celebrate Christian unity and ecumenical cooperation. In addition, we take a special offering to provide scholarship for racial and ethnic minority students in the UMC, equipping them to transform the world.
*Food Pantry Joint Orientation, Oct. 15th, 10:00a.m. - 1:00p.m. - Have you served at the Lake Merritt UMC Food Pantry already? Are you curious about the ministry? We'll be gathering with Lake Merritt folks on Saturday, Oct. 15th for a time of sharing, learning and collaborating. We hope that this will enable our collaboration to deepen and grow stronger. The orientation will include a potluck lunch. You are invited to bring either a salad, bread/drinks, or dessert/fruit. Please RSVP to Richard and Jane.
*Treasures of the Transformed Life Congregational Study begins Sunday, Oct. 16 - We will kick off a 6-week worship and study series on October 16th. You are encouraged to use the book in your individual daily devotions, reflect on and discuss it in Sunday School, and together, celebrate the themes in worship. Please do purchase your own copy by picking up a used copy at in the social hall or through a local bookstore.