Videos for 12-25-11

Complete Chinese Worship

Complete English Worship

Merry, merry Christmas!

This past Tuesday, over 20 people gathered to go Christmas caroling.   It was a wonderful group including fresh new faces as well as those for whom caroling is a decades old tradition.  Decked with bells and Santa hats, we visited elders from our Chinese Ministry congregation in the nearby Zhong Shan Building and in Alameda, as well as 3 senior care centers.  Along the way, the group held a cross-walk caroling competition belting out for all to hear: “Joy to the World.”

Caroling was not on our ministry calendar just some 2-3 weeks ago.  Having looked at that calendar in the middle of Fall, caroling just didn’t seem like something we could squeeze in.  There simply seemed to be too much else going on!  Besides, who would really miss caroling anyway?

On Tuesday, as we gathered in a circle to introduce ourselves, John Keck reminded us that going caroling was an anniversary of sorts for him.  It was through caroling – and what he experienced while caroling – that he got connected to CCUMC.  Many of you know the rest of the story: how John started coming regularly to Sunday worship, and later, on a fine Spring day, while wandering from church through Oakland, experienced the irrefutable presence of God.  John has since participated in worship (just like he is doing today), pitched in over the summer with Adventures in Faith, attended Asian American Summer Camp, and most recently, become a tutor in our Homework Club ministry.  Indeed, who would miss caroling?!  John would!  It was through his urging that caroling was organized in a jiffy thanks to the speedy and responsive organizing of Charlie Ho. (Thanks much, John and Charlie!)

This whole experience prompted me to reflect on the many doorways that open onto an experience of God and the community of faith.  Traditionally, we have thought of that doorway being worship.  John (and others) have reminded me that sometimes it is through service, sometimes through fellowship, or music, or study.  There really are a million and one possible doorways to encounter Love, Grace, Justice, Hope, Joy, and Wonder.  Sometimes, the question is: how far out of the box are we willing to go to enable a new (or old) doorway to be available for others for that incredible encounter to happen?

I wonder if that’s what God was thinking when She sent the angel Gabriel to Mary with a new plan: God-with-us, Emmanuel.  I wonder if the birth of Jesus wasn’t God’s way of dreaming up yet another possibility for how the Holy One could be available to and experienced by the world.  I wonder if the birth of Jesus wasn’t God going all the way to make a new doorway possible. 

As we celebrate Christmas this year, I pray that the utter incredibleness of God’s love will be experienced richly in your life and the life of the world.  I pray that you’ll find many doorways to walk through in the coming year that will bring you into the presence of God and community once again.  And I pray that the One who came to be with us, Jesus the Christ, will lead you to more life, more joy, and more hope than ever before.  “Joy to the world, the Lord is come!”

Peace & Grace,  Emily

English Ministry News and Notes for 12-25-11

*Great thanks for all who pitched in for last Sunday's Children's Christmas Party! We hosted more than 30 children and their families, shared the Christmas story, and had fun with Christmas crafts! Let us continue to hold this ministry in our prayers and listen attentively for God's leading.

*Please note that the church office will be closed Dec. 26th and 27th as well as on January 2nd.  In addition, Pastor Emily will be on vacation on Dec. 28th.

*Come Alive! As theologian Howard Thurman said, “...what the world needs is people who have come alive!”  And nothing like a brisk hike or bike ride in one of our beautiful Northern California trails does a better job of achieving just that.  To witness Nature’s glory, Becky and Al, Burt and Jane will lead us on one of their favorite spiritual activities on January 2.
Please reserve Monday and meet at Becky and Al’s in Castro Valley at 8am for fellowship and breakfast. (Their home is accessible by BART.) We'll carpool from there to Coyote Hills where we'll pick up the biking / hiking trails.  Hike length is variable, (3 -4 miles) with views of the bay. Biking can be extended as long as you wish, but may be coordinated with the hikers’ time frame. The trail is along Alameda Creek and is totally free of traffic.  Fellowship may be extended with lunch out after the hike/bike.
Please contact Becky Wong for directions and let her know if you’re willing to drive or have bike racks so we can plan appropriately.

*Do you enjoy meeting new people? Do you have a knack for welcoming others? An usher and greeter training will be held for current and new ushers and greeters on Sunday, Jan. 8th. Our time together will enable us to grow in this important area of ministry. Please RSVP to Ben, Chair of Invitation & Witness Ministry Area.

Candlelight Service 2011

Videos for 12-18-11

(Chinese Choir and Sermon were not recorded - sorry)

English Sermon - "Saying 'Yes'", Luke 1:26-38, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes for 12-18-11

*Children’s Christmas Party TODAY!  Pitch in as we reach out to the children and families of church and the Homework Club today at 2:30pm!  We have several fun projects for the children that you are invited to help with!  You can also pitch in and help host the refreshments that will be provided.  God has answered our prayer to grow.  Let us respond in faith.

*Fill the Food Barrel Challenge!  Let’s fill the barrel to over-flowing for the holidays!  Bring your non-perishables Christmas Sunday to help feed the needy. 

*Advent Candle-Light Worship Service will be held on Friday, Dec. 23rd at 7:30 p.m.  All are welcome!  If you’d like, please bring some simple refreshments to share and, invite a friend!

*Christmas Day Worship will begin at 11:00 a.m. as usual.  Please note, there will be no Sunday School for children or adults at 9:30 a.m.

*Please note that the church office will be closed Dec. 26th and 27th as well as on January 2nd. 

*Come Alive! As theologian Howard Thurman said, “...what the world needs is people who have come alive!”  And nothing like a brisk hike or bike ride in one of our beautiful Northern California trails does a better job of achieving just that.  To witness Nature’s glory, Becky and Al, Burt and Jane will lead us on one of their favorite spiritual activities on January 2.
Please reserve Monday and meet at Becky and Al’s in Castro Valley at 8am for fellowship and breakfast. (Their home is accessible by BART.) We'll carpool from there to Coyote Hills where we'll pick up the biking / hiking trails.  Hike length is variable, (3 -4 miles) with views of the bay. Biking can be extended as long as you wish, but may be coordinated with the hikers’ time frame. The trail is along Alameda Creek and is totally free of traffic.  Fellowship may be extended with lunch out after the hike/bike.
Please contact Becky Wong for directions and let her know if you’re willing to drive or have bike racks so we can plan appropriately.

Out of the Box: The Gift the Cannot be Contained

Advent Week 4
Aeri Lee

At our worship planning retreat some weeks back, Uncle Ed (Lang) was reading for us the scripture text for today’s worship, the story of Angel Gabriel’s visit to the young, teenaged, peasant girl Mary, announcing that she’s about to become pregnant, with God’s Son no less.  Just before he got to the part where Mary gives her answer in the affirmative  (as in, ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’), uncle Ed took a long pregnant (!) pause, which was so totally inspired!  That pause jolted us out of the familiar hearing of the annunciation text into truly considering how frightening the news must have been for Mary.  What thoughts and questions went through young Mary’s mind in that space between the outrageous call from God and her “YES”?

Indeed what is involved in our own discerning of God’s call for our lives and our “YES” to that call, especially if the call you discern to be from God throws a monkey wrench on your own plans and brings up all kinds of fears and doubts?

Well, a major unexpected call from God in my life was the call to marry Ben.  It may not be in the kind of stupendous magnitude as that of Mary’s, but it certainly threw a monkey wrench in my own plans and imaginations for my life. Not only was Ben the first really nerdy, techy guy I’d dated (ie, not my type), when I met Ben, he was sooooo shy that I had to make all the first moves which I had never had to do before. So when our friendship grew deeper and I sensed that God was leading us both to consider marriage, my first reaction was to ask “Really (!?!?), seriously (!?!?!), God?”  I packed myself up and went to a retreat in the Santa Cruz Mountains to fast and pray about this for three days. There, alone in a tiny cabin, I poured out my fears and my complaints before God: “What if I have to be the one that has to give and give all my life?” “What if Ben never learns how to express love for me?” “What if I become resentful?” and so on and on….

After a while of this, I sensed the calm voice of God in my heart speaking ever so tenderly. “It’s me that has brought Ben into your life.  I will take care of you.  I will satisfy all your needs. All you have to do is to love him unconditionally and completely, as you have been loved by me. Do you trust me?” Then I had to say as Mary did ‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word’.  Well, maybe not those exact words, but a definite “YES” to the call to be a blessing for all, together in partnership with Ben.

And now, after 5 blessed, joyous years of marriage, I feel like a ‘most highly favored lady’, as in, I am the lucky one who scored a keeper of a husband. =D

So, going back to the original question, what is involved in our own discerning of God’s call for our lives and our “YES” to that call? Well, for me, it took some wrestling with God, maybe airing out all your concerns and fears, listening carefully to what our loving God has to say, trusting in God’s words, and courageously stepping out in faith.  What will it take for you?

Sienna is born!

Leela and Manuel Ma welcomed their first grandchild into the world on Monday, Dec. 12th at 8:27 p.m. Little Sienna weighed in at 4 lbs 11 oz. Sienna is the daughter of Rachel (Ma) and Sammy Zheng.  Both mom and baby are doing well.  Grandma and Grandpa are ecstatic!

Videos for 12-11-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Proclaiming Possibility and Joy", Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, Pastor Emily

2011 Charge Conference

Last Sunday, CCUMC held its annual Charge Conference, with Rev. John Oda overseeing the proceedings.  The printed report can be found here:

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0ByOiCXtEwuDHYjA2Zjk4MDgtNGE2Mi00YTU4LWI2MzQtMTMxN2IwZDM2ZTI4

and a recording if the entire event can be viewed here:

English Ministry News and Notes for 12-11-11

*Let's Holy Conference! We are called to Holy Conferencing today at 1:00 p.m. during our annual Charge Conference. All members are encouraged to attend.  A simple lunch will be served in the Annex at 12:30 p.m.

*Small Group Ministries Update: We have experienced a wonderful Fall Season together.  Great thanks to our faithful convener / facilitators: Burt & Jane Yin, Charlie Ho & Steve Chan, and Becky Wong.  We pray that your participation has been life-giving and faith-forming!  Please note, Small Groups will take a “Christmas break” beginning the week of Dec. 18th through the week of Jan. 1st (3 weeks total.)  Small Groups will begin anew the week of Jan. 8th.  If you have not yet connected with a Small Group, you are warmly invited to explore the possibility.  Please connect with any facilitator or Pastor Emily.

*We Want to Grow! Then let's pitch in to reach out to the children and families of church and the Homework Club next Sunday at 2:30 p.m. You can support this effort by sharing refreshments (hot apple cider, hot chocolate, cookies, fruit), setting up and prepping, and lending your presence to the activities of the day. A sign up sheet is going around.

*Jonathan Snoek Takes Membership! You are invited to hold Jonathan in your prayers this week as he prepares to become a member of CCUMC next Sunday, Dec. 18th. Let us pray for, encourage, and welcome Jonathan!

*Hospitality Sign Ups - You are invited to provide hospitality and refreshments in the new year! Find someone new to work with! Connect with someone you don't know! Sign up sheet is available near the refreshment table.

*Advent Candle-Light Worship Service will be held on Friday, Dec. 23rd at 7:30 p.m.  All are welcome!  Invite a friend.

*Christmas Day Worship will begin at 11:00 a.m. as usual.  Please note, there will be no Sunday School for children or adults at 9:30 a.m.

Out of the Box: The Gift the Cannot be Contained

Advent Week 3
Derek Lang

Earlier this week, a student was telling me about his transition from attending non-denominational churches to Catholicism. He was tired of what he saw as fads and here-and-now religion, and sought something with more “reverence.” He sought something that was grounded in the constancy of God – the “past, present, and always”-ness of God. He valued the tradition of over 2,000 years of church and communion of saints, i.e., that connection with those who have walked the path before him.

This Sunday’s theme is about “Possibility.” I often think of possibility as something new and different. When I left high school for college, I never kept in touch with my old school friends because I shed myself of the past so I could try something completely amazing and wonderful. Sometimes the past can hold us back from being open to these new things that God is calling us to, and we have to let go and trust in God. But there is also a part of the past that reminds me of how God has been faithful to me generation after generation. I find hope and comfort in knowing that God was with those who walked before us and will be with us as we walk to the future.

In Sunday School, we find there are so many wonderful scriptures surrounding Christmas. Within the four weeks of Advent, it is sometimes a challenge to fit in the Nativity Story – the angel’s visit to Elizabeth, Mary, and Joseph, the trip by Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem , a child in swaddling cloth at the manger, the star that led the Magi, and the host of angels upon the shepherds. Yet, we try to squeeze it in – we have to squeeze it in - because it is such a powerful story. It is a story that has lasted and been told over and over through the millennia. It is a story that offers hope, comfort, joy, and wonderful new possibilities. It is the story of Jesus. And that story is God’s gift to us to share with the world.

Costa Rica Medical Mission Sharing

Last Friday, Alvin Leung shared his experiences from a medical mission trip to Costa Rica through International Service Learning.  The presentation included a dinner, slideshow, and Q&A session.

Videos for 12-4-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Comfort, O Comfort", Isaiah 40:1-11, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes 12-4-11

*LMUMC Food Pantry Monthly Service Day! It's our final service day of the year! You are invited to experience this ministry this Saturday, Dec. 10th, from 9:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Questions or to sign up, please connect with Jane or Richard.

*Stay Connected! You are encouraged to stay connected with our recent graduates who have moved up and down the coast.  Please see Pastor Emily for full addresses.

Wendy Lee - UCSC, Santa Cruz, CA
Rct. Weng, Hong Jun, 1st BN Delta Co Platoon, San Diego, CA

Jenny Wong, UCSD, La Jolla, CA

*Annual Charge Conference - CCUMC will hold it's annual Charge Conference on Sunday, Dec. 11th at 1:00 p.m. The Rev. John Oda from sister circuit church, Lake Park UMC, will preside. A simple lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Our time together will be bilingual. Please make every effort to be a part of our time together.

*Christmas Outreach Party - Will you help hosts a special party for our Homework Club students and families on Sunday, Dec. 18th? Please look out for ways to get involved next week!

*Advent Candle-Light Worship Service will be held on Friday, Dec. 23rd at 7:30 p.m.

Out of the Box: The Gift the Cannot be Contained

Advent Week 2                                         
Ben Wong

Although I’ve played a lot of sports over the years, I never had a major injury until about 10 years ago. Sure, there were minor cuts, sprains, bruises, and even small fractures, but nothing that persisted more than a month at most. But in late 2001, I hurt my back, and things have never been the same. The cause of the injury is a myriad of things, with the main cause probably being poor posture. I won’t go into the details, but if you see me slouching, it’s ok to remind me to sit up straight and stand up tall. The injury caused me to really seek relief from the pain, which still exists today.

Now, my physical discomfort hasn’t really changed my faith life. The injury isn’t debilitating to the point where I can’t function any more - it’s more of an inconvenience. But it’s true - you never know what it’s like until it happens to you. I no longer wonder why some people have trouble lifting things because of a bad back.

Financially, comfort isn’t something I think much of, either. As one of the younger people at CCUMC (it’s all relative …) I can’t say that I’ve ever lived through a period of significant hardship. Going to Africa further confirmed what I knew all along - I have plenty of comforts, whether they seem adequate or not. The reason things seem comfortable is because my life is rather predictable, and the psychological comfort of knowing that my future is more certain than many others is something that I hardly even appreciate.

With the Occupy movement and such, it seems to me that there are a whole lot of people who are facing financial hardship - enough that they are grabbing the headlines to highlight their suffering. I can’t say that I can identify with their economic situation, but I can see that it’s hurting. Personally, I have been affected by the downturn in the housing market (which is discomforting), but I’m nowhere close to the situations that the homeless and near-homeless face.

Going to Africa was definitely a contrast in comfort levels, both physically and financially. Initially, I felt that my role was to bring comfort to those in need of comfort - and that is definitely a positive thing to do. However, I’ve come to learn that missions isn’t a one-way street. I wondered what God was teaching me through my interactions with YCVM. I’m slowing realizing that by becoming more intertwined with their lives, I’m forced to see their deeper level of faith that my comfortable life has never been forced into. Beyond simply observing that deeper level of faith, my commitment to continued involvement is forcing me to give up my comfort in the predictable, and the controllable. It is challenging me to rely on faith, and less on what I can control. I’m definitely out of my comfort zone.

In our relatively comfortable lives, where we can establish comfort by controlling our surroundings, is there a reason to ask God into our lives? Maybe that’s where our faith is absent. Since we aren’t vulnerable, it’s hard to really rely on God for our livelihood. We don’t know what it’s like, since we haven’t experienced it. As a church, I hope that we are here to deepen our faith, since that is one of the unique aspects of Christianity. You won’t find any online Cyber Monday deals where people are rushing out in pursuit of more faith. It’s not a hot commodity outside of the church. But as a supposed “people of faith”, I hope that we are able to increasingly give up our comfort in the predictable, and seek to take our faith in God to a new depth.

Videos for 11-27-11

Chinese Choir

 

Chinese Sermon

 

English Sermon - "Who are We Waiting For?", Isaiah 64:1-9, Pastor Emily

Out of the Box: The Gift That Cannot Be Contained

Marking the Advent Season Together

A few weeks ago, seven of us gathered around the conference room table to imagine, brainstorm, create and reflect on the upcoming season of Advent.  This season, typically four weeks in length, leads up to our celebration of Christmas, or Jesus’ birth.  But we do not merely celebrate an event that is 2,000 some odd years old but also the affirmation that Christ is in the world today, and that Christ will come again.  This season reminds us that we live in the “now and not yet” or “between times.”  One writer puts it like this, “[A]s the church celebrates God’s inbreaking into history in the Incarnation, and anticipates a future consummation to that history for which ‘all creation is groaning awaiting its redemption,’ it also confesses its own responsibility as a people commissioned to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart’ and to ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

This season is characterized by waiting, longing, preparation and expectancy.  We long to be delivered, like our faith ancestors who were slaves in Egypt, from all that oppresses, all that binds, all that keeps us – and our neighbors - from being less than we were created to be.  It is from this longing that our hope springs, that God – ever faithful and steadfast – will heal and recreate the world and us along with it.  So we wait. And while we wait, we prepare.

This year, our theme for Advent is, Out of the Box: The Gift that Cannot Be Contained.

Those of us gathered around the table were invited to share what that phrase, “out of the box” means to us and what we might imagine to be “the gift that cannot be contained.”  Every inch of the board along the wall was filled as our group of seven shared ideas and images that bounced off of each other’s.  People shared stories that came to mind, ideas that sprung up, and painted pictures with their words.  A gift that cannot be contained isn’t just for one person, the receiver, but for many!  Being out of the box means we’ll be uncomfortable because it will involve new things, non-traditional things, maybe even unusual things!  A gift that cannot be contained probably isn’t an object but maybe more relational.  It can take on a life of its own.  Being out of the box means that it will be unexpected.

Having started with so many ideas, the team then heard and reflected on each of the upcoming scripture passages for the season.  Finally, we put all of our senses to work – our eyes, our ears, our noses, our hands – to consider how we could embody the theme during the next four weeks.  Our hope is that worship will enable us to encounter God anew, invite us into the work of preparing and making a way for the Christ child to arrive, and inviting us to say, “Yes!” – like Mary – once again to a life filled with the Holy Spirit.

You’ll note that our worship order will be different and that new worship elements will be included.  You’ll notice some familiar, traditional elements might be missing.  All of this might make you a bit uncomfortable.  We invite you, nevertheless, to enter with an open mind and an open heart.  We trust that God will meet us where we’re at.

May we move into this season ready to receive more than we can imagine…and to give all that we have!

Peace, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes for 11-27-11

*Welcome to the Season of Advent! You are invited to participate in this season by:
- Making a donation to the "comfort bag" fund today!
- Showing up any/each Saturday from 11:00 a.m. - noon to prepare for dramatic readings or space preparations.
- Bringing a few spare shoe boxes to church by Dec. 4th (They will be used in worship on Dec. 18th.)

*If you would like to purchase a poinsettia plant to decorate the sanctuary with on Christmas Sunday, please connect with Peggy. Poinsettias are $10 each.

*Mission Report Back - Alvin Leung is eager to share his experiences from this past summer in Costa Rica with this community. You are invited to a wonderful dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2nd, followed by an engaging presentation and conversation with Alvin. RSVP's are appreciated. Please connect with Becky.

*Annual Charge Conference - CCUMC will hold it's annual Charge Conference on Sunday, Dec. 11th at 1:00 p.m. The Rev. John Oda from sister circuit church, Lake Park UMC, will preside. A simple lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. Our time together will be bilingual. Please make every effort to be a part of our time together.

*Christmas Outreach Party - Will you help hosts a special party for our Homework Club students and families on Sunday, Dec. 18th? Please look out for ways to get involved next week!

*Advent Candle-Light Worship Service will be held on Friday, Dec. 23rd at 7:30 p.m.

Videos for 11-20-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Filling the Bucket to Overflowing", Psalm 100, Faith Sharings of Gratitude from Arlene Lang, Laura Chan, and John Keck

English Ministry News and Notes 11-20-11

*Happy, Happy ThanksLiving - Our congregational study of Treasures of the Transformed Life concludes this week. We pray that it has been a meaningful time of exploring, growing, and...transforming! May you have experienced something of the wonderful treasures that are a part of our lives of faith. May we continue from this season of stewardship holding the spirit not just of Thanks-Giving but also of Thanks-Living!

*Please note: The church office will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 24th and 25th.

*Black Friday or Buy Nothing Day?! - The shopping frenzy will kick-off on Friday, Nov. 25th with a day that has come to be known as "Black Friday." In 1992, a group of people organized "Buy Nothing Day" in Canada to reflect on and examine the issue of over-consumption. In the spirit of the Advent Conspiracy - to worship fully, spend less, give more, and love all - you are gently invited to prayerfully discern how best to live out your faith on this day and to mark the birth of Jesus..

*You're Invited - Pastor Peter and Jasmine, along with Wesley and Vivian, invite you to join them in giving thanks to God. This special gathering will be held on Friday, Nov. 25th, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at New Vision UMC (450 Chadbourne) in Millbrae. BARTing is a good encouraged.  However, drivers are needed for 4 elders of the CM congregation for whom movement is difficult.  Might you volunteer and serve in love?

*The Advent Season begins on Sunday, Nov. 27th. Our theme this year is: Out of the Box: The Gift that Cannot Be Contained. We pray to experience God's coming anew and invite you to pray for this special season and our church's celebration of it.

*Mark Your Calendars Now -
Dec. 11th - CCUMC Charge Conference at 1:00 p.m. Rev. John Oda of Lake Park UMC to preside. Please make it a point to be present!
Dec. 18th - CCUMC hosts a special Christmas gathering for the Homework Club families at 2:30 p.m. Make this YOUR ministry!
Dec. 23rd - Advent Candle-Light Service at 7:30 p.m

Treasures of the Transformed Life Stewardship Series

Week Six:  Filling the Bucket to Overflowing

Today begins the last week of our congregational study that promised to support us in identifying our thirst for more and to show us how to experience more as we (re)commit ourselves to relationship with God.  We give thanks for each who wrote in the Messenger for the series Derek Lang, Laura Chan, & Frances Fong.

Over the last six weeks, we have explored the treasures of a transformed life:

• Preparation - We’ve been invited to “prime the pump” to enable God’s life-giving water to course through us.  We do so by recognizing our thirst and longing for more and (re)committing to God and our relationship with God.  Mathison writes, “If you give God more of yourself, he will give you more of himself” (p.12).  Does that sound scary or exciting?
• Prayer - We’ve been invited to regularly “draw water” by talking to God.  Mathison calls prayer more than “a list of things we want; it is actually a means to partner with God in his work” (p.65).  Isn’t it amazing to know that the God of the universe, our God, knows each one of us by name and is longing to talk with and partner with us?
• Presence - We’ve been invited to commit to showing up and being part of Christian community...not because we have to, not because it’s our habit to, but because we really want to.  Mathison shared this by giving us the image of “jump in with both feet.” 
• Giving - We’ve been invited to release “our” money “back into God’s atmosphere” to honor our master and to continue the cycle of blessing in our life.  Mathison points to the words of Jesus in the gospel according to Matthew: “Give as freely as you have received.”  We give freely just as if we were tossing “pennies in the fountain.”
• Service - We’ve been invited to serve because in doing so we become “more flexible,” our gifts are strengthened, we’re reminded that “God is constantly at work around us,” and most importantly, because “it allows us to be more like Jesus.”

Today, we enter the last week of this series.  In this last section, “Filling the Bucket to Overflowing,” Mathison invites us to consider: “What are we going to do with all of this new understanding” that has come to us through our reading, reflecting, sharing, learning and praying?  He invites us to consider how we’ll put our learnings into practice.  He writes, “[Spiritual maturity] not only takes time, it also takes discipline” (p. 282).  But this is the promise: “[If] your dream is for a transformed life, one in which your spirit overflows with the goodness of God, you’re going to get there.  You’re going to know the taste of that living water that satisfies your thirst like nothing else can” (p. 309).
May your week of Thanksgiving be filled to the brim with remembering and lifting up the goodness and generosity of God.  May your remembrances cause your heart to sing.  And may the song of your heart illumine how you might take hold of these treasures God has given.

Blessings of Grace & Peace, Emily

Advent is coming! Advent is coming!

This year, we’ll be exploring the theme:

Out of the Box: The Gift that Cannot be Contained

Our worship planning retreat gave rise to many creative and “out of the box” ideas for the season and our worship.  We invite you to get ready to experience something new.

You are invited to enable everything to come together.  Here’s how:

Each Saturday (11.26, 12.3, 12.10, 12.17) from 11:00 a.m. – noon, we’ll hold a time of worship preparation.  All those who’d like to take part in creative and (sometime) dramatic readings of the scripture are invited!  All those who like to use their hands to create the visuals are also invited.  Please come!

Donate worship / seasonal supplies:
Shoe boxes!  That’s right, we need approximately 40 empty shoe boxes of various sizes.  Bring them asap!
Ribbon.  We’ll need these on Dec. 4th.
Comfort package funds: you’ll be invited to pitch in $3-5 to purchase warm socks, mittens, and teeth cleaning supplies on Sunday, Nov. 27th.

Intentionally prepare your heart and mind to receive the Christ child anew!

Matthew and Karen's Wedding

Matthew Wong and Karen Hu were joined in marriage on November 19th.  We thank God for their faithful commitment to each other, the church, and to the Lord.

Congratulations, Matthew and Karen!  We are praying for you.

Videos for 11-13-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Offering a Drink to Others", 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11, Derek Lang, Certified Lay Speaker and Conference Lay Minister

Treasures of the Transformed Life Stewardship Series

Week Five:  Offering a Drink to Others
We are in the midst of a six week congregational study that promises to support us in identifying our thirst for more and to show us how to experience more as we take hold of the freedom, promise, and rewards that come with committing ourselves to a closer relationship with God through the treasures of prayer, presence, gifts, and service.  This week, Frances Fong reflects on the practice of service.


I started coming to CCUMC when I was in grade school and have stayed with CCUMC all these years.  Reflecting back through the years, I could see that many of our programs and activities have changed to adapt to our changing needs and lifestyles and to that of the community we serve.  For 124+ years, CCUMC continues to be a vital part of Oakland’s Chinatown because of the SERVICE by its members.  By our SERVICE, we give back to CCUMC and to the community, but foremost, to God, who calls us to give of ourselves in doing His work. 
Reflecting on my service at CCUMC, back then, there were limited after school programs and activities, thus church on Sunday and the activities the church offered were the things to do.  I attended Sunday school, and it was expected that one day we would take on teaching Sunday school, which many of us took on the task without question.  Sunday school was taught as we observed those before us.  I recall that I was excited and at the same time a bit nervous being a Sunday school teacher, many times feeling inadequate and not qualified.  Thinking about this now, in my inadequacy, God was with me and He must have placed me in that role for a reason, gently guiding and helping me.  He helped me to sow the seeds for His kingdom. 
In my earlier adult years, I was asked to serve as recording secretary on the Council on Ministries and the Administrative Board.  I felt good at being asked to take on such an important role at the time, not knowing that this required paying close attention at meetings so that important discussions will be documented.  I recall the monthly meetings were especially trying, having to transcribe my scribbles to official minutes to be passed out at the next meetings.  Knowing that I was doing God’s work helped me to do the best job I could.   
I have also served as United Methodist Women (UMW) President and Missions Chair, then as Evangelism Chair, Bazaar Chair, and as lay member to Annual Conference.  Looking back now, I must have had more energy than I thought; however, it must have been the excitement that God instilled in me to keep serving with passion and diligence.  With the support of the pastor, committee members, and congregation, we all learned, experienced, and worked together.  Many times I was allowed the freedom to envision and suggest programs and events that have not been tried before.  We had our first Women’s Retreat together with the Lake Merritt UMW with an overnight at an off site location and with guess speaker.  We had several missions programs where we learned about a featured country; together with dinner, sampling foods from that country; learning a bit about that country’s culture by its music, crafts, etc.; and having a guest speaker.  At that time, we thought of missions as what we read about, never thinking that any of our members would some day venture out as missionaries, as to Uganda.  As a congregation and with invited friends, we learned together to make joong.  Participating together in this fun activity, yet hard work, we felt we made the best “Methodist” joong in town.  Carrying on the traditions of our Annual Bazaar, we continued to involve the whole church, reaching out to the community with open doors, and at the same time having fun (though it was said that we never raised enough monies to equal our hard work and efforts.)  As lay member to Annual Conference, I learned about church politics and participated in the celebrations when Methodists gathered together.  It was a refreshing and new learning experience, meeting so many leaders and lay people from our local churches, district, and conference.  From all these experiences, I could sense that God must have had a hand in the planning and outcome.

My last undertaking was that of Church Treasurer, not because of financial training or background but because I worked at a savings and loan at the time.  Being part of the Finance Team and part of BOAT, I learned the importance of finance in supporting the church in furthering God’s work in our midst and in the community.  Looking back now, coming down to church for several hours on most Saturdays was a commitment and dedication in following through on God’s calling.  With the support of the pastor, and those on the finance team, this was an important responsibility and a very interesting and challenging learning experience in church finance.

Finding that devoting so much time to church work and neglecting work at home and because of time constraints and fatigue, I felt a need to better balance my life, something the church has been very respectful of.  The recent space has allowed me to recharge and to pick and choose what I had time to participate in.  I also believe that freeing up long held positions allow opportunities for others to experience God at work in their lives and in the church.  This time of rest has allowed me to participate without stress in being greeter; taking part in worship, hospitality, adult Sunday school, and small groups; and participating in events where there is a need for a presence of volunteers. 

When we look around the church, there is ample work that can fit anyone’s passions, interests, talents, skills, or needs.   From my experience, if we allow ourselves to be open and receptive to the nudge, calling, tap on the shoulder, or whatever form the SERVICE may reveal, and then saying YES to God – I assure you that you will not be disappointed and you will experience God’s fulfilling love, joy, peace, and blessings.

English Ministry News and Notes 11-13-11

*You're Invited to a Special BOAT Meeting TODAY - BOAT is calling a special meeting today to pray about and discern our relationship and future with Youth & Child Visionary Ministries. How is God leading us? How might we respond - like Paul - with courage and gentleness? Where's this all going? Your presence and prayers are important. Please gather in the Annex.
*Stewardship Response Cards - Stewardship response cards are out! You’re invited to pray about the 5 areas of stewardship and to listen intently for God's invitation. Please return cards during worship on Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 20th. The cards are meant to be a way for you to prayerfully practice the "treasures" of our transformed life in Christ. Please connect with Pastor Emily if you have any question, concerns or would like to think together. Thank you!

*We Give Thanks! We will celebrate Thanksgiving Sunday on Nov. 20th at 9:30 a.m. This Sunday will be a culmination of our stewardship series: Treasures of the Transformed Life. You are invited to come, celebrate and give thanks. Worship will be followed by an all church potluck. You are invited to bring a meat or veggie/salad dish to share (No dessert is necessary as the church will provide the sweets.)

*Preparing for Membership - Jonathan Snoek has begun preparing for membership reception! This is wonderful news. Let us hold Jonathan in our prayers during this time of reflection and preparation. Let us also continue to pray for this church and our growth as a community.

*You're Invited - Pastor Peter and Jasmine, along with Wesley and Vivian, invite you to join them in giving thanks to God. This special gathering will be held on Friday, Nov. 25th, from noon to 2:00 p.m. at New Vision UMC (450 Chadbourne) in Millbrae. Carpooling is encouraged!

*The Advent Season begins on Sunday, Nov. 27th. Our theme this year is “Out of the Box: The Gift that Cannot Be Contained.” We pray that this will be a time to experience God's coming anew and invite you to pray for this special season and our church's celebration of it.

Videos for 11-6-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Pennies in the Fountain", 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Pastor Emily

Stewardship Response Card

Stewardship response cards were distributed this past Sunday, but if you didn't get one, download it here:

https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0ByOiCXtEwuDHOWY3OTE1ZTktOGZmMS00NmVkLWJlNjktMTI4NWQ1N2Y3OWQ4&hl=en_US

You’re invited to pray about it, and to listen intently for God's invitation. Please return it during worship on Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 20th. The cards are meant to be a way for you to prayerfully practice the "treasures" of our transformed life in Christ. Please connect with Pastor Emily if you have any question, concerns or would like to think together.

Treasures of the Transformed Life Stewardship Series

Week Four:  Pennies in the Fountain
We are in the midst of a six week congregational study that promises to support us in identifying our thirst for more and to show us how to experience more as we take hold of the freedom, promise, and rewards that come with committing ourselves to a closer relationship with God through the treasures of prayer, presence, gifts, and service.  This week, Laura Chan reflects on the practice of financial giving.


It was at MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship) where Mrs. Wong, our youth leader, would challenge us.  One of the first things she taught us was about how our new faith would manifest in how we view or handle our money.  It is not "ours" to do with as we please, Mrs. Wong taught, but what we have is given to us by God.  As I grew in Christ, I've learned through scripture the many references to money, tithing and offerings.  I’ve learned that the love of money can keep us from a closer relationship with God.  When we surrender to Him and give Him our "first fruits" we are not only acknowledging that relationship but witnessing to others where our loyalty lies. 

Who do we love more, God or Mammon (Matt 6:24)?  I believe God is a jealous God who wants our serious commitment.  It is the one-on-one from God that only we can answer.  No excuses or reasoning will suffice and doing less will fall short of His expectations.  Remember what Jesus told His disciples after the rich young man asked Him "What do I still lack?”  Jesus said "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of God” (Matt 19:24).   

These were challenges that I faced early in my walk with Christ.  For me it became basic and elementary to my faith - if I couldn’t give up my "treasures" (at that time, I had no permanent full time job but an allowance that my father gave me for helping in his kitchen at Harrington's Bar in SF on Saturdays), then what kind of faith did I have?  It wasn't preached much about in church.  But at various retreats outside of church, the message would hit me like a bulls’ eye.  Maybe it's because I was better in math than science or English in school but it definitely spoke to me.  So I had to test it out.  "Taste and see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8)...I wanted God's goodness.  One week in the offering plate, I put in my whole week's allowance.  Nothing major happened but I realized that I was none the worst for the wear.  In fact, it felt satisfying and right.  However further study does not say that this challenge only applies to certain believers but to all who call Him Lord.  "We tithe because we're commanded to, plain & simple." (ToTL, pg 211).   Surely if we say we trust God, we can certainly trust Him in this area of our lives. 

Back then, I studied a Bible correspondence course and this topic was covered.  I remember it stated that God ask for the tithe which is 10% of our income - in Biblical days, 10% of their crops.  Why 10%?  We don't know other than that is what God had said many times in scripture.  According to that bible correspondence lesson, God controls the world and what we don't give back to Him He takes back from the earth in form of nature through earthquakes,

floods, hurricanes etc.  Don't know how they can prove it scientifically but isn't it strange how with our increasingly selfish world there have been higher incidents of these natural disasters? 

In the early years of our marriage, Steve and I committed to tithing although there were times when we could have used that money for our growing family or we just plain mishandled some of it.  Yet, Praise the Lord, we never found ourselves to be truly lacking, just needing to review our priorities. 

We attended Dr. Chuck’s recent series and last week his talk was titled  "The Life and Ministry of the Local Congregation."  It was open to questions and small group discussions.  The various churches represented talked about the issues that are challenges for their church vitality.   Besides the lack of young people or being an aging congregation, budget issues or rather lack of funds were also mentioned .  The host church in Berkeley noted that they get visitors from UC.  "Should we ask the young people who have financial limits to donate...or rather consider their service instead?" they asked.  Rev Chuck responded by saying that even if it's a quarter they should give it.  It is a matter of releasing the money and important to their spiritual growth and habit, the symbolic representation of who is Lord.  He said he would not attend a church that does not need him in presence, service and money.  Pastors should not be afraid to teach that...it's in the Bible after all.  I have to agree, where we put our money is where our treasure is.

Are we ready to be transformed?

English Ministry News and Notes 11-6-11

*Great Thanks for a Festive Halloween Party! Close to 40 children and their families came for a sugar-fueled afternoon of fun, games, and community. Deep thanks for everyone who donated candy, brought refreshments, and shared their presence. Please mark your calendars now for a Christmas Concert and Party on Dec. 18th!
*United Methodist Student Day Special Offering - Did you know that the General Board of Higher Ed & Ministry (GBHEM) offers 5 different scholarships just for undergrad students, 4 additional scholarships open to undergrad & grad students, and that any active UM student can apply for college related loans? This is what your offering today enables GBHEM to support! You are invited to give generously!

*You're Invited to a Special BOAT Meeting - BOAT is calling a special meeting next Sunday, Nov. 13th to pray about and discern our relationship and future with Youth & Child Visionary Ministry. How is God leading us? How might we respond with courage and gentleness? Where's this all going? Your presence and prayers are important. Please plan to attend.

*We Give Thanks! We’ll celebrate Thanksgiving Sunday on Nov. 20th at 9:30 a.m. This Sunday will be a culmination of our stewardship series: Treasures of the Transformed Life. You are invited to come, celebrate and give thanks. Worship will be followed by an all church potluck. You are invited to bring a meat or veggie/salad dish to share (No dessert is necessary as the church will provide the sweets.)

*Stewardship Response Cards - Stewardship response cards are going out today. You’re invited to take it home, pray about it, and to listen intently for God's invitation. Please return it during worship on Thanksgiving Sunday, Nov. 20th. The cards are meant to be a way for you to prayerfully practice the "treasures" of our transformed life in Christ. Please connect with Pastor Emily if you have any question, concerns or would like to think together. Thank you!

*A Note From Our Children’s Sunday School -For the past several weeks, our Sunday School has been experiencing a new model, an intergenerational model, similar to a one room school house. The entire hour is structured as worship and includes music, prayer, scripture and story telling, a time to respond through activities/crafts, and offering of ourselves and our gifts.  You are invited and needed to lead any of the above mentioned activities. They are in segments of 5 -18 minutes, depending on the activity. For example, Aeri teaches and leads singing for 8-10 minutes and leaves to attend adult Sunday School.  The ministry team has been doing a great job but your participation is also needed. Please connect with me (Jane) to sign up for one Sunday or a short series of Sundays. Come and experience this new way to teach and learn. You'll love spending time with the children, too.

Videos for 10-30-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Jumping in with Both Feet", 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13, Pastor Emily

Homework Club Halloween Party

A quick thanks to say how much you are appreciated.  Today, so many people turned out to welcome, host, greet, set up, clean up, and interact with our Homework Club families. By Peggy's count, about 38-43 children showed up. Praise God!  Let's continue to listen carefully to how God might be leading us to reach out with that amazing love!

 

Peace & Grace,

Emily

 

 

Opportunities to Serve CCUMC

“The church is not a building, the church is not a steeple, The church is not a meeting place, the church is a people!”
The Committee on Nominations & Lay Leadership (CNLD) has begun meeting to discern leadership for the congregation for the coming year, beginning January 2012. You are invited to prayerfully consider how you might be called to serve in and through this congregation. Consider:
* How might the mission and ministry of CCUMC best be served by the gifts I have? (Remember: we all have gifts!)
* Where can I joyfully share my presence and service at CCUMC?
Opportunities in the wider church include:
* The Board of Administration & Trustees (BOAT) is for you if:
You like to work with a group of people who prayerfully consider the mission of the congregation and make policy decisions about building use and needs, our financial health, and personnel needs.
* The Staff-Parish Relations Board (SPRB) is for you if:
You are able to see things from another’s point of view and see conflict as an opportunity, you can keep information confidential, and you like to set policy.
* The Finance Committee is for you if:
You are interested in the “nuts and bolts” of what it takes to support the presence of CCUMC here in the larger community, and if you have ideas about our fiscal decisions as a congregation.
* The Committee on Nominations & Lay Leadership (CNLD) is for you if:
You enjoy getting to know people, helping others identify their gifts and graces, and connecting them to opportunities to grow and serve.
* Membership & Membership Care Team is for you if:
You appreciate connecting with people, caring for where they are at, and working together as a team to respond to possible needs.
* Lay Delegate to Annual Conference is for you if:
You want to get to know the larger UMC world and are willing to attend Annual Conference (4 days June). You can prayerfully consider how to vote on resolutions that affect our local congregation and United Methodists.
* Website / Tech Committee is for you if:
You have ideas about how to best utilize technology and social media to live out our mission and be in ministry.
English Ministry (EMC) areas to serve include:

* Invitation & Witness Ministry Area is for you if:
You are concerned about how we extend welcome and hospitality to others, and you are passionate about how to connect others to God and to community.
* Worship Ministry Area is for you if:
You love worship and want to work together to create, design and participate in vibrant, meaningful worship.
* Missions Ministry Area is for you if:
You care about being God’s hands and feet in the world and want to enable CCUMC to be a transformative presence beyond our walls.
* Congregation Nurture & Development Ministry Area is for you if:
You want to plan opportunities for meaningful fellowship and intentional spiritual growth in our congregation.
* Children’s Sunday School is for you if:
You are interested in the Christian Education of our children and young people, if you like to plan various programs with other good people, and if you like to support the Sunday School program.
We believe that each person is gifted by God and that each person is a piece of the beautiful puzzle that enables us to fulfill the mission and ministry of the church. You cannot be too young or too old to serve. You cannot outgrow serving. In fact serving is one of the “treasures” that enables us to live the transformed life! You are invited to connect with any CNLD member to share how God is calling you in the coming year. Current CNLD members include: Peggy, Ed, Leily, Lucy, Leo, Derek, and Pastor Emily.