All across the United States, churches are kicking off a new season today. Here at CCUMC, we are joining in the excitement. Today, marks the beginning of a new Sunday School season – for children, youth AND adults. (Sunday School isn’t just for kids, you know?!) Children and youth will experiment with a new model this season. Their time will be structured as worship and include music/singing, prayer, scripture reading and storytelling, a time to respond through activities/projects, and, of course, offering! We give great thanks to a new team that has galvanized behind this experiment: Jane Yin, Derek Lang, Leily Chew, Gloria Gee, Margaret Mar, Richard Hall, and Richard Fong (substitute). Please commit to praying for each of them. While this team gets things rolling, please note that YOUR participation is needed and invited. At our recent meeting, Gloria mentioned that when she invited her daughter and family to visit CCUMC recently, her daughter asked, “Do you have a Sunday School for children?” This question awakened a sense of urgency in Gloria about the importance of a thriving Sunday School. To get involved, please contact ministry coordinator, Jane Yin.
This fall, adults will tackle two book studies. In the first, just 5 weeks long, we will be diving into a short, meaty study of the book, The Prodigal God. This book by Timothy Keller explores the familiar parable that we often call Parable of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. His easy-to-read, thought-provoking treatment of the parable will surely (re)open our eyes to who God is, who we are, and what the amazing Good News is all about. This study is a wonderful opportunity for folks new to Christianity as well as those who’ve been around the block a few times. Everyone is sure to be blessed in the process. In mid-October, a second study will begin using Treasures of the Transformed Life by John Ed Mathison. We are utilizing this 40-day devotion to reflect on and deepen our understanding and practice of stewardship. Whether you end up choosing to participate in the study or not, you are encouraged to purchase the book and use it in your personal daily devotions.
This day also marks the kick-off of a new season for our Small Groups Ministry. As I shared in a recent sermon, small groups (originally called class meetings) were developed as more and more people came to John Wesley earnestly seeking a way to grow and live out their faith. They were not satisfied with being “lukewarm believers” but wanted a faith that was alive and meaningful. These weekly gatherings proved to be incredibly effective in doing just that. We give deep appreciation to the team of facilitator/conveners who have prayed and prepared for this ministry: Burt & Jane Yin, Charlie Ho, Steve Chan, and Becky Wong. Three small groups will meet in various locations: Castro Valley (Tuesday), Union City (Wednesday), Oakland/CCUMC (Thursday).
Back in January, a group of 20+ of us gathered at Lake Park UMC to dream and vision for this new year. Over and over again, we talked about our deep desire to grow. We wanted to grow spiritually – we wanted our faith to mature - and we also wanted to see this community grow numerically. We’ve been intentional about creating opportunities for us to put legs on those desires, to move our hopes into action. Be it Sunday School or Small Groups, you are invited to take a step in growing – perhaps a new step for some and another step for others.
The writer of James says, “Draw near to God, and God will draw near to you.” (James 4:8a) May we look forward to the wonderful ways that we will experience God’s presence, grace, and love anew as we draw near.
Peace, Pastor Emily