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.

English Ministry News and Notes 10-30-2011

*Please Note: Church Secretary Theresa Leung will be on vacation through  Nov. 4th.

*It's Party Time! Our doors will be opened wide this afternoon to welcome our Homework Club students and families. This is an important outreach opportunity connecting our church meaningfully with this new ministry.  You are invited to participate fully. We will start setting up at about 1:00 p.m.  Let’s party!

*United Methodist Student Day Special Offering, Nov. 6th - You are invited to give generously.  Funds given on this day go towards United Methodist scholarships and the UM Student Loan Fund, both administered by the General Board of Higher Education & Ministry.

*Supporting the Yeung-Tran Family - Great thanks to the Oakland Small Group for delivering meals to Rudy and Sophie each Wednesday for the next 4 weeks. Would you like to join in? We'd like to encourage folks to deliver meals on Sunday also. To pitch in, please contact Pastor Emily.

*Calling All Worship Planners! Before we know it, Advent will arrive. This is the church's new year and will begin on Sunday, Nov. 27th. We'd like to invite you to be a part of planning this special season by participating in a planning retreat on Saturday, Nov. 6th, from 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. Our time will include time for praying, listening, brainstorming, planning, experimenting, and fun! Please RSVP to Aeri or Pastor Emily.

*You're Invited to a Special BOAT Meeting - BOAT is calling a special meeting on 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 - like Paul - with courage and gentleness? Where's this all going? Your presence and prayers are important. Please plan to attend.

Treasures of the Transformed Life Stewardship Series

Week Three:  Jumping in With Both Feet

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, Derek Lang reflects on the practice of presence.

“It’s worship. It’s not supposed to be fun,” was my immediate thought when one of our youth shared why he did not like going to Sunday worship service. Rick Warren’s book Purpose Driven Life came to mind as I thought about his response to others who say they do not go to worship because they do not get anything out of it. Some people think church is about meeting “my” needs, but John Ed Mathison reminds us that the church exists “to exalt Jesus Christ and to help us walk in his steps.” Sometimes we especially forget that the name of that activity we do on Sunday mornings is “worship,” where we worship God.

I struggled though as I thought about my response to the youth’s comment. It sounded terrible to say church (or worship) is not supposed to be fun. And in fact, I think God would be sad to hear us say that it is not. Is it really one or the other: fun or “exalting Jesus Christ and [learning to] walk in his steps?”? Can’t it be both? Shouldn’t it be both?

Why do I myself come to church? Maybe that is a good place to start.

¨ I value God in my life and showing up is one way I can show God is important to me. In fact, one of the best ways to show someone how valuable he/she is in our lives is to spend time with that person.

¨ I’m still trying to figure out (or practice) what it means to praise God (see last week’s article). In the meantime, whatever I have to say, maybe it’s good to say it in person.

¨ When I feel inadequate about what I can offer to a person, a situation, or in this case to God, I think about the Christmas story of the Little Drummer Boy.  It prompts the questions, “What can I offer from my heart is just being there?”

¨ When I think about why I became a member of the church and why others would become members, I think about my own desire to be part of something bigger and deeper.

¨ Coming to church refreshes me for the week to come. There is something about setting aside time to be present and focus on God that really is rejuvenating.

¨ I get a lot out of seeing the Sanctuary filled up. Maybe my presence does the same thing for someone else.

I have a lot of other reasons for coming the church. But as I look at this list, I notice that it is as much about making a commitment and giving as it is about building my own spiritual life and receiving. I guess it can be both. It is both.

Dreams of Kumi Christian Visionary School Continue

October 24, 2011

Excitement had been building for weeks and months at the Chinese Community United Methodist Church [CCUMC] in Oakland before it finally burst forth Friday night, October 7, 2011. Hosting the 2nd Annual Kumi School Benefit Dinner at the Legendary Palace Restaurant in Oakland, friends and family members of the church welcomed over... 200 guests for an evening of songs and stories which told of the amazing transformation of barren ground into a seven room school building, while enjoying a tantalizing nine-course Chinese banquet dinner.

Construction of the soon-to-be boarding school started in the summer of 2009 with the laying of the foundation brick by brick and eventually the completion of its walls and roof. The next building phase, which includes doors and windows and flooring along with electrical fixtures, furniture and cabinets, is estimated to cost approximately $40,000 USD. Our goal for the Benefit Dinner was to raise $25,000 towards this end.

The evening began with a joyful celebration of songs sung in English, Zulu and Swahili. Donna Chan Chu, who portrayed Re-Bar last year, emceed the evening as Mortar along with her co-emcees Bricks and Steel. Together they told of the need for a solid educational foundation for children in Kumi, and invited the guests to participate in a Silent Auction and shop in a Village Market. The silent auction intrigued guests with items such as Country Club Golf, Baby Diaper Sushi, and Skiing at Sugar Bowl. The Village Market offered unique beaded jewelry crafted by the women of Kumi and featured original calligraphy by our very own artist Lu Wu-Chiu, a church member.

After more singing and a seven item quiz game, (do you remember what “posho” is?) a video was shown featuring greetings and expressions of gratitude from YCVM leaders and sponsored orphan children. As the highlight of the evening, Aeri Lee shared her recent summer, 2011 mission trip to Reformed Theological College, in Kampala, Uganda, where she has been a music educator for the past 14 years as a volunteer. It was through her association with a former RTC student in 2003 that she made a deeper connection which blossomed into the formation of the Youth and Child Visionary Ministries [YCVM]. In 2009, CCUMC sent a mission team of eight to Kumi, Uganda for two weeks to help with the raising of the brick walls of the 7+ classroom building.

At this time, the school stands at ‘carcass level’ awaiting doors and windows and flooring along with electrical fixtures, furniture and cabinets. Truly, the almost completed school building on what was once a barren 10 acres of land, stands today as a testimony to the dreams and dedication of a strongly committed group of individuals focused on a school where children rise above their most challenging circumstances and become productive community members.

We thank you for your commitment and support for the Kumi Christian Visionary School building project. As this letter goes to print, the amount raised by the benefit dinner thus far is $18,000.00. We praise God for the generosity shown through all of you.

The Mission Team is eager to share their story with other community or faith organizations. If you would like to invite them to come to your group, please connect with CCUMC (510) 452-1020 or email: ycvminfo@gmail.com

For more information, please visit www.ycvm.org

Thank you for Touching the Heavens, and Changing the Earth!

 

 

Videos for 10-23-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Drawing Water", 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Pastor Emily

We celebrate the baptism and membership reception of Jason Hong Jun Weng today!

Jason was born in Canton, China, and came to the United States when he was about 5 years old.  He recalls walking with his brother (Tony) in Chinatown when he was younger and encountering a friendly couple (Anita & James Lau) who invited him to participate in the Saturday Children’s Fellowship.  They accepted and therein began a relationship that has continued till this day.  It was through the Fellowship that Jason was introduced to God, Jesus and Christian faith.

While there have been some ups and downs in Jason’s relationship with God and with the church, Jason has always considered this a 2nd home.  He has attended Sunday School, participated as an acolyte, sound board operator, and most recently, has become an important part of the Homework Club ministry.  Jason has been a firm tutor, fun leader, and all around helper in this ministry.

Jason names the story of David and Goliath as one of his favorites citing his own experiences of being bullied by bigger, older kids when he was young and small.  The story always gave him a sense of hope!  Ricky and Eva Tang, past leaders in the Children’s Fellowship, taught him the hymn, “Jesus Loves Me.”  It is a favorite to this day as it is connected to this important couple who always encouraged him to go to church.
Jason will be heading to San Diego for Marines boot camp tomorrow, Oct. 24th (although he checks in today in San Jose.)  He invites everyone to write to him over the next 5 months as he senses he’ll need a lot of spiritual and emotional support.  (Please fill out your address on the list in the social hall.)  Jason will graduate from boot camp (he hopes) on January 20th.  He will have a 10 day leave at that time and looks forward to connecting with everyone then.

We welcome Jason Weng as a part of this faith community!

English Ministry News and Notes 10-23-11

 *Great thanks to Ed & Arlene Lang for delivering food to the Food Bank! It's empty once again and invites your generous giving. Please make every effort to give healthy foods to our neighbors. Thank you!

*Please Note: Church Secretary Theresa Leung will be on vacation Oct. 24th - Nov. 4th.

*It's a Boy! All are invited to celebrate and welcome Rudy Yeung & Sophie Tran's baby boy on Saturday, Oct. 29th, from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. You are invited to bring finger foods to share (sweet, savory, or fresh & healthy). The Yeung-Tran baby is especially in need of diapers (all sizes), diaper care items (wipes, creams, oil, lotion, and powder...as chemical free as possible), changing table pad, waterproof changing mats, blankets, and baby wraps/slings. The family kindly requests no baby clothes for the 3-6 month range as they are fully stocked for those. 0-3 month items would be welcome.

*It's A Halloween Party! - Our students are getting excited about coming to church next Sunday and enjoying the party! This is a wonderful outreach opportunity to connect with the students and their families. Please make time to participate and contribute. Here's how you can do so:

A. Sign up to help with fun activities like "pin the nose on the pumpkin" and "pumpkin bowling."

B. Pitch in with setting up and cleaning up - we'll start at 1:00 p.m. and start wrapping up at 4:30 p.m.

C. Donate Halloween candy

D. Donate refreshments (brownies, "chex mix", apples and caramel sauce, cookies.)

*You're Invited to a Special BOAT Meeting - BOAT is calling a special meeting on 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 - like Paul - with courage and gentleness? Where's this all going? Your presence and prayers are important. Please plan to attend.

*Call All Worship Planners! Before we know it, Advent will arrive. This is the church's new year and will begin on Sunday, Nov. 27th. We'd like to invite you to be a part of planning this special season by participating in a planning retreat on Saturday, Nov. 6th, from 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. Our time will include time for praying, listening, brainstorming, planning, experimenting, and fun! Please RSVP to Aeri or Pastor Emily.

View from the EMC Chair

By Derek Lang

When I was in a relationship, I saw my girlfriend primarily on the weekends. She tried to call during the week to chat, but I told her that I really was uncomfortable talking for long periods over the phone. I felt the phone was for logistical purposes, not to chat. She responded with the question, “What was it going to be like if we got married? Shouldn’t we be able to talk to each other every day?” Needless to say, we did not get married. And although I am still not sure what married people talk about every day, I do think it is important to talk – even if it is on the phone. In retrospect, my attitude about those phone calls said a lot about me and my attitude about our relationship. Actually, it said volumes about my commitment and understanding of relationships (or lack thereof).

Prayer is our phone call to God. Our prayer lives say volumes about ourselves, our understanding of who God is, and what our relationship with God is. I will admit that I have always been weak when it comes to prayer.

I find myself starting my prayers with “Dear God.” The only other times I use “Dear…” are when I am writing a letter to someone distant. Isn’t God right here beside me?

When I pray, I often default to asking God for something. Is that who I think God is - just someone who grants wishes like a Genie in a bottle?

In prayer, I do a lot of talking. I don’t do a lot of listening.

One form of prayer called ACTS involves Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. I have trouble with the Adoration part. What does it mean to adore God? I often confuse adoration with thanking God for things. Maybe I need to learn how to praise/compliment God and others better.

When I pray in a group, I often feel pressure to say a “good” one – one that is uplifting to everyone else. Isn't prayer supposed to be just me having a conversation with God?

I once volunteered to participate in a prayer wheel for the Walk to Emmaus where I was supposed to pray for an entire hour for those doing the Walk. It was tough praying for a whole hour. I didn’t know what to talk about for that long. It was like talking with a stranger about superficial stuff and running out of things to talk about. Time should fly by if we are talking about deep and personal things with God.

I definitely have more growing to do when it comes to prayer. Being earnest and committed about prayer is being earnest and committed to my relationship with God. Prayer, i.e., listening and talking, is the first step to being a good disciple and a good steward.

Videos for 10-16-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Priming the Pump", 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Pastor Emily

LMUMC / CCUMC Food Pantry Gathering

Lake Merritt UMC hosts a food pantry on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month.  CCUMC has been helping on the 2nd Saturday.  Many of the food recipients are Chinese-speaking, which allows some CCUMC members to interact more closely with them.

Last weekend, the 2 churches came together for the purpose of getting to know each other better, share histories, and discuss the Food Pantry ministry overall.  It was a worthwhile time of community-building and fellowship.

For more information about the food pantry:

http://www.lakemerrittumc.org/Food%20Pantry.html

English Ministry News and Notes 10-16-11

We celebrate a wonderful, grace-filled Benefit Dinner - Nearly 200 people filled the upstairs of Legendary Palace on Friday, Oct. 7th to learn about Youth & Child Visionary Ministry and consider getting involved. We give thanks for the outpouring of generosity on all fronts: from planning & volunteering, ticket purchases, table sponsorships, donation of goodies, purchase of goodies, and contributions. The Mission Team celebrates raising approximately $18,000 (current count) towards completing the school building. Praise God!

Jason (Hong Jun) Weng's Baptism - Our beloved Jason will be baptized next Sunday, Oct. 23rd. We celebrate this moment in his spiritual journey and continue to hold him in prayer. We will also send him off on Sunday as he departs the same day to report for Marines boot camp.

It's a Boy!  All are invited to celebrate and welcome Rudy Yeung & Sophie Tran's baby boy on Saturday, Oct. 29th, from 2:30 - 5:00 p.m. You are invited to bring finger foods to share (sweet, savory, or fresh & healthy). The Yeung-Tran baby is especially in need of diapers (all sizes), diaper care items (wipes, creams, oil, lotion, and powder...as chemical free as possible), changing table pad, waterproof changing mats, blankets, and baby wraps/slings. The family kindly requests no baby clothes for the 3-6 month range as they are fully stocked for those. 0-3 month items would be welcome.

Hosting the Homework Club Halloween Party - We've been blessed with a wonderful answer to prayer and gift of grace in the Homework Club. Let's extend warm and generous hospitality by hosting a fun-filled Halloween party to the 60 children and their families on Sunday, Oct. 30th from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. You can help by 1. Bringing a snack to share (baked goods, fruit), 2. Donating Halloween candy, and 3. Sharing your presence and hosting the party. Please sign up to be a part of this outreach ministry besides the refreshments table.

Calling All Worship Planners! Before we know it, Advent will arrive. This is the church's new year and will begin on Sunday, Nov. 27th. We'd like to invite you to be a part of planning this special season by participating in a planning retreat on Saturday, Nov. 5th, from 10:00 - 3:00 p.m. Our time will include time for praying, listening, brainstorming, planning, experimenting, and fun! Please RSVP to Aeri or Pastor.

Treasures of the Transformed Life: A Season Reflecting on Stewardship

“No matter how good life is, most Christians thirst for something more.  Although we are people of faith, many of us aren’t satisfied.  We long for lives that are more fulfilling, more rich, more meaningful, and more joyful.”

The above quote comes from the jacket of the book, Treasures of the Transformed Life.  Would you say it accurately describe you?  Would you agree that, indeed, you’re not quite fully satisfied, that you wish/hope/want more…whatever that more is?

If so, it’d be easy to dismiss that desire as something rooted in our culture.  After all, being bombarded with advertisements on TV, radio, magazines, newspaper, and internet seems to make us want things that we surely do not need.  We live in “give-me” culture that is always grabbing for more.  We stroll through shopping malls to see what catches our eye not to pick up that item we need.  We flip through catalogues dreaming of new appliances, electronics, and sitting back with the latest and greatest.  So what does it mean to “thirst for something more”?

Or, perhaps you’re thinking, “Thirsty?!  Me?! I’m not thirsty.  I feel fine just the way I am.”

Whatever the case may be “Treasures of the Transformed Life helps us identify our individual thirsts and show us how to experience more than we could ask for or imagine.”

That’s a pretty big promise, isn’t it?  Figuring out what we are thirsting for – especially when we aren’t even aware of our own thirst - would certainly go a long way in quenching the thirst.

“A great adventure unfolds when we discover 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.  Refreshing, deep, and powerful, Treasures of the Transformed Life encourages us to dive into all God has for us to live lives that are truly satisfying.”

Are you up for the adventure?  Wouldn’t it be wonderful to discover and experience that freedom, promise and reward?

Today, we begin a new congregational study.  We will be using the book, Treasures of the Transformed Life in several ways:

1. Daily devotions – The book is divided into 6 sections with 7 chapters in each section.  You are invited to read a chapter a day during your devotional time.  Each chapter is no more than 4 pages and can be easily read in 15-20 minutes.  You are also encouraged to meditate and reflect on the questions dotted throughout.  Doing so will ensure that you get more out of this time.
2. Study – A new Sunday School class begins today that will dive into this book more deeply.  We give thanks to Charlie’s leadership and Al’s support in facilitating the class.  Participating in the weekly class will enable you to get a preview for the week, start chewing on questions and engaging with others.
3. Worship – Alongside our weekly focus scripture text, we’ll be lifting up the themes from the book in worship.  We pray that this will enable us to open our hearts and ears to experience God’s invitation, care and direction for each of us.
4. Reflection & Practice – Small groups will open a space for participants to share insights, convictions and commitments that arise as we engage with the book. Small groups will also be a place to encourage and support one another while moving towards practice and accountability.

I encourage you to get on board, participate, try it on, and see what blessings God has in store for you. May the one who promised living water bless you and bless us as we begin this new season.
Peace & Grace, Emily

Videos for 10-9-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "The Discipline of Rejoicing", Philippians 4:1-9, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes 10-9-11

World Communion Sunday—This special Sunday is traditionally celebrated on the first Sunday in October but can be held at any time. This Sunday celebrates our oneness in Christ with all our brothers and sisters around the world. Paul tells us that we are to “discern the body” when we partake of Holy Communion, mindful that we note our relationship to all our brothers and sisters in Christ in the celebration. One is not to go hungry while another is drunk! (I Cor. 11:21). On this Sunday, we take a special offering to equip racial- and ethnic-minority students in the United States and international students to transform the church and their communities through 2 scholarship funds and one training program. Please consider giving generously.

Small Groups "Rest" for One Week- Please note that small groups will not meet during the week of Oct. 10th. Resting one week will allow facilitators a chance to gather for prayer, planning and discernment. Gatherings will commence the week of Oct. 18th.

Adventures in Faith, Fall Edition - God gifted us with an amazing outreach ministry in the Homework Club. How will we shepherd and engage this gift? You are invited to a planning meeting this Thursday, Oct. 13th at 1:00 p.m. to learn how you might get involved.

Food Pantry Joint Orientation, Oct. 15th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - We'll be gathering with Lake Merritt folks this Saturday 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 next Sunday. 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

Please keep Jason (Hong Jun) Weng in your prayers - Jason is currently preparing for baptism on Oct. 23rd. Additionally, he departs for Marine boot camp on Oct. 24th.

Videos for 10-2-11

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Have You Filled Out Your SitRep?", Philippians 3:4b-14, Burt Yin

Benefit Dinner, October 7th, 6:30pm

Chinese Community United Methodist Church presents

BRICKS, MORTAR & STEEL

 A Benefit Dinner

(building a boarding school in Kumi, Uganda)

Friday, October 7, 2011 6:30PM

Please remember to keep this mission in your prayers!

See www.ycvm.org for more details!

English Ministry News and Notes 10-2-11

*Great Thanks to Our Hard Workers - Much appreciation to all those who shared their time, presence, and elbow grease at yesterday's clean up day!

*Pastor Emily is on vacation through Oct. 3rd. In case of emergency please connect with Derek Lang or Rev. John Oda.

*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 4:00 p.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.

*Small Groups "Rest" for One Week- Please note that small groups will not meet during the week of Oct. 10th. Resting one week will allow facilitators a chance to gather for prayer, planning and discernment. Gatherings will commence the week of Oct. 18th.

*Food Pantry Joint Orientation, Oct. 15th, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.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.

*Please keep Jason (Hong Jun) Weng in your prayers - Jason is currently preparing for baptism on Oct. 23rd. Additionally, he departs for Marines boot camp on Oct. 24th

* An Overview of the Christian Faith for Lay People, facilitated by the Rev. Dr. James Chuck Is scheduled for 3 Saturdays in October at the Chinese Community Church in Berkeley.  Please see Steve Chan or Charlie Ho if you are interested in this event.

View from the EMC Chair

By Derek Lang

A Christian radio station related the story of a soldier in Afghanistan. He and his team had completed a mission and were anxious to get home. They drove their vehicle through the desert but had to stop as a storm picked up. The storm was fierce and the soldier prayed for it to stop so they could get home. Yet the storm continued. He prayed and prayed but the storm would not relent. Finally they hunkered down for the night, unable to move forward. The next morning they woke up. The storm had stopped. The team was in amazement that the storm had moved the sands to reveal in front of them a mine field which they surely would have hit if they had proceeded the day before. The message was that God give us what we need, not always what we want.

Sorry that I could not come up with an original story this week. The week has been emotionally exhausting with the passing of an aunt, stresses at work, deadlines for a volunteer project, and uncertainties in a dating situation. I found particular solace in this story about God. Often when I am overwhelmed, it is comforting to know that there is a God – someone bigger than me who sees all, knows all, and will take care of me when I cannot take care of myself.

In our series on Philippians, Paul exhorts us to nurture a personal relationship with God and our brothers and sisters in Christ. What a joy to know that I am not alone. What comfort to know that someone cares.