Videos for 7-29-12

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Be A Contrast", Acts 2: 43-47, Rev. Jay & Grace Choi

Called to Be Witnesses – A Pentecost Practice

On Pentecost, Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez, reminded us of our call to be witnesses.  “You will be my witnesses,” said Jesus to his disciples before ascending into the heavens.  Being a witness is a key practice that supports our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Over the next 6 weeks, we will practice “witnessing” by simply sharing where we have recently seen or experienced God in our lives and how that has made a difference for us. 





We’ve just ended our fourth week of Adventures in Faith on Promise Island. This year, we are utilizing a curriculum that highlights the promises of God:

• I am with you.
• I care about you.
• I give you what you need.

Promise Island is a truly magical place. It is a place in which I experience God and God’s generous grace. Here are some moments I’ve witnessed that I’d like to lift up and give thanks for:

• We have an A-M-A-Z-I-N-G team! Really. I am constantly grateful to God for the loving, patient, funny, open-hearted, conscientious crew that was brought together. The team laughs together, works hard together, supports each other, and challenges each other. At the end of each day we spend some time sharing what worked well and what didn’t, and then close with an appreciation circle. You’d be sweetly surprised by how much appreciation and goodness there is that goes around from our 6th grade Junior Tutors to our head honcho, Donna!
• Just a few days ago, MaryKim decided to play the Promise Island praise song CD during snack time. All the children were sitting at their tables, happily eating snack. As soon as the music came on though, everyone joined together and joyfully belted out, “His promise is forever!  It will never end.”
• Today, I got to be a part of the 2nd and 3rd grade growth group (or Lifeguard Lagoon time as we like to call it on Promise Island.) Michelle introduced our craft – making crosses – and asked the children what they associated with the cross. This turned into a deep, insightful conversation about faith, Jesus and God. The children were asking really great questions: “Why did Jesus die on a cross?” “Did it hurt Jesus to be hung on a cross….after all, he is God, right?” and “Are God and Jesus the same?” The children were full of genuine curiosity and were absolutely attentive as we had “holy conversation.”
• Our tutors eat at all different times. Some are helping the kids get their food and so must eat later. Others are part of the AiF chapel (Seaside Celebration) and so must eat earlier. I have seen time and again how each of them brings their bowl to the table and then bows in prayer.  This has come about naturally and as we encourage the children to pray before eating. This is a witness of God in our lives…and I am grateful to see the faithfulness of our tutors.

Not everyone who is a part of AiF on Promise Island likes kids or feels confident around them…but everyone still has something to contribute. I lift up the faithfulness of Theresa S. who comes each Tuesday and Thursday to prepare the children’s snack. She cuts apples, divides up the chips, scoops raisins and more. I am thankful for all the many gifts of our team and how they are used.


There are definitely many, many more moments that I could share with you. These are just the first that come to mind. Most of all, I am thankful for how I experience God’s purpose through this vital ministry.  We are scattering seeds extravagantly and I am eagerly waiting to see just how God will bring good fruit to bear!

English Ministry News and Notes for 7-29-12

*We Welcome Rev. Jay and Rev. Grace Choi!  We give thanks for the presence of the Rev's Choi, GBGM Missionaries to the Philippines, in our worship today. For those who would like to learn more and talk more with them, we will be heading out together to a nearby restaurant for lunch. Please let Pastor Emily know if you'd like to come.


*Adventures in Faith on Promise Island - It's hard to believe that we're heading into our final week! This last week, we learned the story of Jesus healing blind Bartimaeus and how God promises to save us. In the upcoming week, we'll learn about how God promises to answer us. Please continue to hold this ministry, our staff, and each and every child up in prayer.


*Wednesday Community (Potluck) Dinner  - We shared a feast this past week both in terms of the wonderful meal and the huge turn out. Together we shared faith, ate, practiced a piece of compassionate listening, and prayed together. There are just two more WCD's. Won't you come and participate?


*GBGM Mission Liaison to the Holy Land (Palestine/Israel), Janet Lahr Lewis, to visit CCUMC! Please come to learn about how God is working in Palestine/Israel during our final WCD on Aug. 8th. Janet has an amazing story to tell.


*Mission Exchange Weekly Update - Aeri, Becky, & Wendy took part in worship at El Cerrito and Good Shepherd UMCs last Sunday. Today, Aeri heads to our sister circuit church, Lake Merritt UMC by herself . Let us hold her and our YCVM friends in prayer.

Videos for 7-22-12

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Dying to Rest", Mark 6:30-34, 53-56, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes for 7-22-12

*Adventures in Faith on Promise Island - We've passed the mid-way point! During the past week, we learned the story of Jesus healing the paralyzed man and how God promises to give us what we need. In the upcoming week, we'll learn about how God promises to save us. Please continue to hold this ministry, our staff, and each and every child up in prayer. We are seeing sprouts to some of the seeds we've scattered!


*Wednesday Community (Potluck) Dinner - The last 2 weeks have been a rich time of faith sharing, learning, and prayer. Even though Silver and Grace are not here in person, you are still encouraged to attend WCD's. This time enables us to learn about ourselves, increases our cross-cultural competencies, and grounds us in prayer - for each other and for our brothers and sisters in Uganda. You are invited!


*Mission Exchange Weekly Update - Aeri, Ben, and Wendy presented at the adult Christian Ed class of The Crossing in Hayward this past week. Ben writes, "Besides our usual presentation, Wendy gave a great testimony about how the Uganda mission changed her faith, and challenged the youth to step out in mission with Christ." This week Aeri, Becky, and Wendy head to El Cerrito UMC as well as hosting the UMWomen from all over the Conference on Saturday, July 28th.


*United Methodist Women Gather! Whether you've heard the story 1 time or 1,000 times, you're invited to share your presence and host other UMW's on Saturday, July 28th, for a simple dinner and sharing of the YCVM ministry. Dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. Please connect with Becky for more information.


*CCUMC Welcomes Rev. Jay and Rev. Grace Choi on Sunday, July 29th.
The Rev's Choi's having been serving as UMC missionaries in the Philippines for more than a decade. Rev. Grace is a health worker and music teacher, Rev. Jay teaches at Union Theological Seminary. Their presence and message promises to be powerful and inspiring. We will take a special offering for the Mission Itineration Fund when they are here. Finally, all are invited to accompany the Choi's to a hospitality luncheon following worship. Please sign up with Pastor Emily today

Called to Be Witnesses – A Pentecost Practice

On Pentecost, Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez, reminded us of our call to be witnesses.  “You will be my witnesses,” said Jesus to his disciples before ascending into the heavens.  Being a witness is a key practice that supports our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Over the next 6 weeks, we will practice “witnessing” by simply sharing where we have recently seen or experienced God in our lives and how that has made a difference for us.  This week, we give thanks for the sharing of Wendy Lee.





A Letter to CCUMC—The Apostle Wendy
I think it is always interesting the way a person changes and adapts to their environment; it's even more interesting when you see the change manifest in yourself.


You know, just reflecting on this past year, I feel like I've done a lot of growing in my walk of faith. And it is so exciting watching myself mature before my eyes. Witnessing myself defend my own faith, inviting others into thought-provoking conversations about faith, praying with my heart, mind, and soul, appreciating God's jaw-dropping creations in silence and stillness — in a mouth-full, is really just me scratching the surface on the ways I have grown.   Yes, I have been so blessed.


I think college is like a hide-and-seek game for Christians. People either go nuts at the sense of "libration" and hide from God, or they purely and wholly seek God, taking off the training-wheels. And by the Grace of God, I am proud to say I lean more towards the seeking direction. Yes, I have been so blessed.


You know what's funny though, the expectations people get coming back to a certain environment, how they automatically presume that everyone else will be exactly the same in behavior and will have grown to seek God in the same way they have. By doing that they are only setting themselves up for the opportunity of disappointment. I think people (and by that, I am really just addressing myself) feel entitled for everyone else around them to adapt to their change, rather than feeling the necessary needs of adapting to everyone else’s change. And so, that disappointment kicks into bitterness.  Yes, this is me indirectly saying, I've been bitter for awhile now. BUT, there's a happy ending to this little reading.


You see, I know that God has a plan for everyone, but I have trouble understanding that. I don't understand how people can fall so hard for earthly desires; I mean, we all do it. But why? Because I think we can all agree that Lifesaving Love beats pretty much anything, yes? Yet, our actions say otherwise. I don't understand it! But, by the Grace of God, I know He has plan for everyone.


Now, knowing is way more secure than thinking. And by knowing Jeremiah 29:11, my bitterness has blossomed into an anticipation for both myself and others. Because God knows the plans He has for all of us, and on top of that I bet you He fully understands it too.



So, because I believe in what our Lord declares, I have to accept changes in others that I do not necessarily approve of. What that means is that people do not go according to what Little Miss Wendy has planned for them, but rather what God has. (And thank God for it, right?) And by the Grace of God I am still learning and growing even amidst it all; I'm sure you are too. Yes, we are so Blessed.

Video for 7-15-12

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Truth to Power", Mark 6:14-29, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes for 7-15-12

*Great Thanks to all who served at this Saturday’s LMUMC Food Pantry!


*Off to Camp! Cloud, Ursella, Shing, and Jeffrey are off to Camp Lodestar today. They will spend a fun-filled, faith-filled week in the mountains near Jackson. Please pray that each will experience God in a mighty, wonderful way.


*Adventures in Faith on Promise Island - We completed our 2nd week exploring God's promise, "I care about you." This week, we dive into the 3rd promise, "I give you what you need." Please continue to hold this ministry, our staff, and each and every child up in prayer.   God is doing amazing things!


*Wednesday Community (Potluck) Dinners - You are invited to gather together over a simple but hearty meal and share prayers, reflections, and holy conversations about mission! We will be listening to each other and for the Holy amongst us. Bring a dish to share if you are able. Dinners will begin at 6:30 p.m.


*Mission Exchange Update - Aeri, Ben and Jenny shared that they were well received" at New Vision UMC last week. There was such enthusiasm that we have our first 2 tables for this year's benefit dinner already filled! Today, Aeri and Ben head to The Crossing in Hayward for a time with their adult Christian education class. Please continue to remember them in your prayers.


*GBGM Missionaries to Speak at CCUMC - We welcome Revs. Grace and Jae Choi on Sunday, July 29th. Revs. Choi are UMC missionaries from Korea to the Philippines. We are eager to hear about how God is working with and through them and how we can continue to celebrate our call to missions.


*Mark Your Calendars Now:
  -Aug. 12th - Usher & Greeter Gathering & Training
  -Aug. 19th - Worship Training for Liturgist/Welcomers & Prayer Leaders. 
  -Aug. 25th & 26th - CCUMC Street Fest Children’s Outreach

Called to Be Witnesses – A Pentecost Practice

On Pentecost, Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez, reminded us of our call to be witnesses.  “You will be my witnesses,” said Jesus to his disciples before ascending into the heavens.  Being a witness is a key practice that supports our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Over the next 6 weeks, we will practice “witnessing” by simply sharing where we have recently seen or experienced God in our lives and how that has made a difference for us.  This week, we give thanks for the sharing of Arlene Lang and Peggy Woon.

Arlene - I reflect on the loss of my mother. As all of us at one time or another will tend to the growing needs of our aging parent’(s) care, I saw God's Grace in the loving care we were able to provide for my mother. She had such a loving son-in law who took on much responsibility for her care and loved her like his own mother. Ed & I had many concerns on how to take care of her. She did not want to live in a Senior facility, she wanted to live in her own home. God answered our prayers. He provided us with all the answers, really miracles now that I reflect back. She was able to continue to live in her home and was given the best of care from a loving caretaker until her death. It is with wonder and awe that I see God's Grace provide us with all the answers to our prayers. It has made my faith that much stronger and no fear of what is to come. God will always be with me to guide me through all the good times and bad times. God has always given me much to be thankful for.


Peggy - I experience seeing God whenever I see Donna (Chan Chu) come into the sanctuary armed with props, or wearing a costume. I am filled with anticipation; waiting to see and hear how God had spoken to her and then to see and hear the response from all the people who are there to share her gifts.


Just last month, Donna tap-danced into our hearts. Imagine that! TapDancing and Witnessing!   I was enthralled, and I’m sure everyone watching was too!  In the past, she has come dressed in “construction” clothing to talk about the YCVM mission; in an apron and carrying a huge pot to promote our Soup Sundays; or in “farm” clothing to inspire Adventure in Faith’s “Growing” theme.


Even with the simplest props, Donna is able to share a message. I remember the time when Donna held up an artichoke and a glass of water, tying these items to her love for God and her love for her Dad. I remember her saying that water is especially sweet after eating an artichoke; and somehow, I walked away with the feeling that through loving God, my life would be sweeter. It has been maybe 10 years since this artichoke talk (a Children’s Sermon, maybe?), but I experienced God then, just as I did last month when Donna tapdanced.

Videos for 7-8-12

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Jesus is King", Mark 6:1-13, Richard Fong, Certified Lay Servant

English Ministry News and Notes for 7-08-12

*Adventures in Faith on Promise Island Completed Its First Week! - We had a fantastic first week exploring God's promise to always be with us. Our crews learned the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, a beautiful verse from Isaiah 41:10, played games and made crafts. Will you continue to hold this ministry and everyone in it in prayer?


*Wednesday Community Dinners (WCD) Begin This Week! - Everyone is invited and urged to participate in WCD's, a time to come together for devotions, prayer and holy conversation about missions. WCD's begin July 11th and continue for 5 weeks. We will begin with a simple potluck at 6:30 p.m. (bring a side or main dish to share) and wrap up our time by 8:15 p.m. Please connect with members of the Missions Ministry Team (Steve, Becky, Donna, Burt, Jane, Aeri, Ben) for more info.


*LMUMC Food Pantry Ministry Day - Is around the corner on Saturday, July 14th. You're invited to sign up to serve.


*Please remember Aeri and Ben today as they lead worship and share the story of YCVM at New Vision UMC in Millbrae. Next Sunday, they head to The Crossing (Valene & Dustin's church.)


*Pastor Emily will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday this week (July 12th and 13th). Please call her cell phone in case of pastoral emergency.


*GBGM Missionaries to Speak at CCUMC - We welcome Revs. Grace and Jae Choi on Sunday, July 29th. Revs. Choi are UMC missionaries from Korea to the Philippines. We are eager to hear about how God is working with and through them and how we can continue to celebrate our call to missions.


*Mark Your Calendars Now:
  -Aug. 12th - Usher & Greeter Gathering & Training
  -Aug. 19th - Worship Training for Liturgist/Welcomers & Prayer Leaders. 
  -Aug. 25th & 26th - CCUMC Street Fest Children’s Outreach

Called to Be Witnesses – A Pentecost Practice

On Pentecost, Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez, reminded us of our call to be witnesses.  “You will be my witnesses,” said Jesus to his disciples before ascending into the heavens.  Being a witness is a key practice that supports our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Over the next 6 weeks, we will practice “witnessing” by simply sharing where we have recently seen or experienced God in our lives and how that has made a difference for us.  This week, we give thanks for the sharing of Adrienne Fong and Jonathan S.

Adrienne - Witnessing is kind of scary.  It’s not in my DNA to share openly. Since my sister reminds me that we need to practice to be better, I will be sharing today.


Recently I attended a memorial service for someone I really didn’t know, but I had met her at various social gatherings during the past several years. I didn’t know anything about her life or her family. As her children, relatives and friends reflected on her life with their memories, it brought back memories of my parents.


They reflected on what they will miss about her. They will miss her love for her family and friends, her crocheting and knitting projects, her likes and dislikes, her famous jook, her special desserts, her humor, her spoiling the grandkids, and the many family get-togethers. All this was also what I miss about my mother and it made me feel very sad for the family.  But, I also felt something very positive about the wonderful lives she touched. I experienced God’s presence that afternoon as I listened to people express that they wanted to carry on the love, inspirations, and kindness they saw and received from this one person. This experience reinforces that one person can make a difference in many lives and it reminded me that my mother and father made a difference my life.  I will try harder to go out of my comfort zone to share God’s love through life experiences with family, friends and others.


Jonathan S. - I have experienced God in believing that he has good things in store for me. I thank him for all the people he has sent to encourage me. As I try to focus on piano and philosophy I sense God in my frustrations teaching me to live day to day with what I am given. Also I am questioning what I believe. God gives me hope that he has a faith for me that will give me inspiration if I listen. God also gives me hope to find love someday and to ask him what I have to do to be worthy of a great relationship. Slowly I feel that God's way is best and I 
want to extend his love to everyone.


I would like to comment on how I am trying to bring more of God's grace into my life. I am doing the practice from Sunday school of getting lost. I don't know if it is showing the most faith, but I try to accept that I am not certain of the way, I am not alone, and God and people will find me. 

Videos for 7-1-12

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Touched", Mark 5:21-43, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes for 7-01-12

*Let the Bunko Joy Continue - We give thanks to all who came and shared in fellowship on Friday night. May the spirit of community, laughter, and joy continue amongst us.

*Adventures in Faith on Promise Island Begins - We begin a five week program this upcoming Tuesday. Great thanks to all those who have contributed items that will create our island space. We also invite you to be in prayer for each wonderful child of God in the program and all of our crew of volunteers! We pray for God’s Spirit to work within and through us.

*GBGM Missionaries to Speak at CCUMC - We will welcome Revs. Grace and Jae Choi on Sunday, July 29th. Revs. Choi are UMC missionaries from Korea to the Philippines. We are eager to hear about how God is working with and through them and how we can continue to celebrate our call to missions.

*Wednesday Community Dinners (WCD) - Everyone is invited and urged to participate in WCD's, a time to come together for devotions, prayer and holy conversation about missions. WCD's begin July 11th and continue for 5 weeks. We will begin with a simple potluck at 6:30 p.m. and wrap up our time by 8:15 p.m. Please connect with members of the Missions Ministry Team for more info.

*LMUMC Food Pantry Ministry Day - Is around the corner on Saturday, July 14th. You're invited to sign up to serve.

Called to Be Witnesses - A Pentecost Practice

On Pentecost, Rev. Renae Extrum-Fernandez, reminded us of our call to be witnesses.  “You will be my witnesses,” said Jesus to his disciples before ascending into the heavens.  Being a witness is a key practice that supports our mission: to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.  Thus, we will practice “witnessing” by simply sharing where we have recently seen or experienced God in our lives and how that has made a difference for us.  This week, we give thanks for the sharing of Becky Wong & Charlie Ho.



Becky - Most of you know that I take hula lessons and am part of a "halau" or school of hula, under the tutelage of "Auntie Gloria Ruiz". At one time, due to missionary influence, hula was all but banned in Hawaii as being carnal and sinful. Thankfully, it was rescued from extinction by King Kalakauaua, the Merrie Monarch. In our study of the book An Altar in the World, I was glad to hear the author speak of "wearing skin" and "walking on the earth" as spiritual practices. When I dance hula, I connect with the beauty of the earth and the love of nature, as well as reverence for the ancient Hawaiians who preserved their culture through chants and dance.

Though our halau has gone through many ups and downs, one thing is clear to me: to Auntie Gloria, competition is not the goal, in fact we are a noncompetitive group. But what is important is the spirit of Aloha: the spirit of Kindness, harmony, unity, respect, and love for one another. Our small but dedicated group thrives because we have become a community that cares for one another as much as we care about the dance. Behind the scenes, we pray for one another, we encourage one another, we celebrate joys and share grief. Last week was our annual Ho'ike or festival. People who come know we are not top-notch dancers, but they can sense the spirit of joy, the reverence of culture, and the warmth of the hula sisters. I thank God for this unique way to share spirit and praise for God through the gifts of dance and community.


Charlie - In Sunday School, we have recently been studying the book, An Altar in the World, by Barbara Brown Taylor.  While the author makes all her stories easily relatable, what has really touched me are the chapters on Walking the Earth and Getting Lost.  I did a lot of walking in my childhood as a kid wandering the streets of Hong Kong and Kowloon, and through my junior high school years in Oakland.  In recent years, I’ve returned to doing regular walks in the trails and streets near home.  I even started jogging along with the walking.  Thanks to Barbara Brown Taylor, I’ve begun to recognize these treks as a spiritual practice. As I do these walk and jogs (usually alone,) I talk only to myself.  And that gets boring, so I talk to God silently and try to listen to God as best I can. Mostly the treks are a relaxing reverie – one cannot help but enjoy the greenery, the weather, and the adults, children and pets one sees along the way; the experience is  probably not much different than any other walker or jogger. But I am rewarded with a sense that God was with me, just as if I had attended worship.