Sunday, January 8, 2012

English Ministry News and Notes for 1-8-12

*Great thanks for the message brought to us today by Richard Fong, Certified Lay Speaker. Lay Speaking is another way to "step it up" in your discipleship, discover your gifts for caring, leading and communicating and become an active congregational servant leader. There are wonderful classes in various areas that can guide you on your way. Interested? Please connect with Derek Lang or Pastor Emily.

*Usher / Greeter Training is Today! You are invited to participate whether you are seasoned, brand new to the ministry, or just curious. We'll meet in the Annex conference room (upstairs) at 12:45 p.m. promptly!

* We Did It! Great thanks to all who contributed to the Food Pantry Barrel. It was overflowing at the end of last Sunday. Let's continue the generosity and be a part of ensuring our brothers and sisters are healthy and whole.

*Ready to Get Involved? Do you have a calling for children? Adventures in Faith invites you to become a part of the team. We design & facilitate monthly chapels for our Homework Club. The next AiF planning mtg is Thursday, Jan. 12th at 3:00 p.m.

*What Better Way to Celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Than Through Service?  You’re invited to sign up to work at the Lake Merritt UMC Food Pantry on the 2nd Sunday of each month.  In January, this will fall during the MLK weekend, Jan. 14th.  Please sign up on the sheet in the social hall.  For more information, please connect with Jane.

*Human Relations Day Special Sunday - We’ll observe MLK, Jr. holiday with our own Human Relations Day Worship on Jan. 15th. The purpose of this day is to call "the Church to recognize the right of all God's children in realizing their potential as human beings in relationship with each other." Our special guest preacher will be Rev. Israel Alvaran who serves as Interfaith Organizer for Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice of California (CLUE-CA) and the hotel & restaurant workers union UNITE HERE Local 2 in SF. We’ll also take a special offering on this day.

*Mark Your Calendars Now:Jan. 21st - Lenten Worship Planning Retreat, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Jan. 22nd - Laity Sunday Worship Celebration
Jan. 29th - Small Group Worship Celebration and Lunar New Year Potluck. Worship will begin at 9:30 a.m.