Videos for 4-28-13

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - “Living the Resurrection IV: Breaking Down Walls” Acts 11: 1-18, Pastor Emily

Living the Resurrection - Rebecca Wong

What does it mean to not just believe in resurrection...but actually to live it...to practice it?! We celebrate resurrection each Easter Sunday...but what about the other days of our lives? These are the questions we are exploring during the Eastertide Season which carries us from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday! Members of the congregation have been invited to share their thoughts and experiences about resurrection and how they have attempt to live it. This week's faith sharer is Rebecca Wong

After journeying through the somber, reflective six weeks of Lent, I was more than ready for the "Alleluias" of Easter morning on March 31st. And I think that this year, what stands out for me as I experience the continuing joy of Eastertide is that on that first Easter morn, the world was indeed turned upside-down. What we thought was impossible became possible: out of death, came life; tears of sadness became tears of joy; fear turned to boldness; despair was replaced by hope; denials became affirmations; the darkness of confusion was replaced by the light of understanding. God's miraculous Love triumphed.

In thinking about this, I realized that the greatest transformations often arise from the bleakest experiences. To look for signs of resurrection in my life, I began to ask myself, "Where am I experiencing darkness, despair, or fear, which could be symptoms of a kind of "death" in my life. Many of you know that my 92-year-old mother has Alzheimer's disease, a form of severe dementia that robs one of language, basic concepts, recognition of friends and family, and the ability to perform even simple tasks. It is sad for me to watch her disease progress, and not be able to do much about it. There is no cure. It will only get worse.

How can I experience the joy of resurrection in this situation? Mom stays at a residence with 5 other elderly seniors. Fortunately, they do not have Alzheimer's. My sister Judy and I decided that we could do something to bring cheer to all of them. So, we gathered some prizes, a bingo game, some treats, and, with ukulele in tow, arranged to meet with them one morning after Easter. While most of the needed help to play the game, we got them engaged in looking for the numbers and trying to win. Mom was the first to "bingo" and got a painted stone. Eileen won a bookmark with the familiar Bay Bridge on it. Dorothy, who has the gift of a beautiful giggle, was thrilled with the pen that had a mirror on one end. And the second Dorothy knew almost all the words to every song we sang together. They all savored the starfish crackers and candy treats just like children at a birthday party.

Would they remember this day? Maybe, maybe not. But at least they had moments of joy and delight, and felt that someone cared about them. And not just they, but my sister and I, also had our hearts warmed and restored by the power of love. And perhaps that in itself is the message of resurrection: God's Love never gives up. And I think I saw my mom have a fleeting smile.

English Ministry News and Notes 4-28-13

*Sending Kids to Camp - Today, we'll take a special offering to support and enable children and youth in our congregation to attend special summer camps. Thank you for your generosity.

*Interfaith Immigration Vigil - During Lent, we had the opportunity to faithfully discern the issues surrounding immigration and immigration policies in light of our faith. You are invited to take a step of action and participate in an upcoming Interfaith Immigration Vigil to be held Tuesday, April 30th, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland. This will be a time for prayer, song, witnessing, and commitment. To learn more, please connect with Burt or Jane.

*Celebrate the Beginning of API Heritage Month - Our sister church, Buena Vista UMC in Alameda will hold its 54th annual Spring Festival Bazaar next Sunday, May 5th from noon to 6:00 p.m. It's a great opportunity to eat good food, hear good music, and support good community (2311 Buena Vista Ave., Alameda)

*Saturday of Service - There are two opportunities to serve on an upcoming Saturday, May 11th: The first is to participate in the LMUMC Food Pantry Work Day, the second is by pitching in at our CCUMC work day (cleaning, fixing, sprucing up.) You are warmly encouraged to pitch in!

*Mark Your Calendars Now - Children & Youth Sunday School Ministry Team will gather on Saturday, May 5th, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. This time will be used for training and prepping. You are welcome to come...just out of curiosity! Please RSVP to Pastor Emily asap. Thanks.

Videos for 4-21-13

English Sermon - “Living the Resurrection III: Power to Heal” Acts 9: 36-43, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes 4-21-13

*4th Annual YCVM Benefit Dinner Planning - You are invited to plan, organize, and get ready for our annual benefit to be held on Friday, July 26th, at Peony Restaurant. The first planning meeting happens today at 12:45 p.m.

*Adventure in Faith, April - Mark your calendars to pitch in at our monthly chapel, Apr. 24th. We'll gather at 2:30 for prayer and practice and then go on at 3:30 p.m.

*Interested in Missions? Curious about ministry beyond our walls? You are invited to come to a Missions Ministry Team meeting. The next one will be held Friday, Apr. 26th at 7:00 p.m. For more info, connect with Donna or Steve.

*Support Kids to Go to Camp - Next Sunday, Apr.28th, we will take a special offering for our Youth Camping Fund. Your donation will support and enable children and youth in our congregation and community to participate in important faith building opportunities through the camping ministry. Last year, we
sent 4 kids to camp. This year, we hope to send 6. Thanks in advance for your generosity!

*Mark Your Calendars Now - Children & Youth Sunday School Ministry Team will gather on Saturday, May 5th, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. This time will be used for training and prepping. You are welcome to come...just out of curiosity! Please RSVP to Pastor Emily asap. Thanks.


*Prayer Invitations -
- We lift up all those hurting (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually) due to the bombings and subsequent violence in Boston. We yearn for healing. We pray for the Holy Spirit to protect us from deepening fear and the spirit of revenge.
- We received news and pictures this week that Grace Among, one of the sponsored YCVM youth, returned home with a very nasty open wound on her right foot. After consulting doctors, it sounds like surgery is needed. Please hold Grace and the YCVM community in your prayers.

*Homework Club Summer Program Welcomes You - The summer program has begun registering students. We welcome students who are entering kindergartners to 5th graders. If you would like more information, please connect with Pastor Emily, Meina, or Ms. Li.

Living the Resurrection - Derek Lang

What does it mean to not just believe in resurrection…but actually to live it…to practice it?! We celebrate resurrection each Easter Sunday…but what about all the other days of our lives? These are the questions we are exploring during the Eastertide Season which carries us from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday! Members of the congregation have been invited to share their thoughts and experiences about resurrection and how they have attempted to live it. This week’s faith sharer is Derek Lang.

I hesitated to write this week about the Boston Marathon tragedy. There is something hallowed in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy where we mourn the victims and respect the grieving. But the tragedy weighed heavily on me as I reflected on the resurrection, and perhaps it is appropriate and healing to look to the resurrection in these times.

I have only been able to listen to small segments of the news about the tragedy before getting choked up. But one news story that caught my attention was about businesses in the local area opening up the day after. Their intent was not so much for commerce as it was a way to help through the grieving and recovery process. One florist shared that a gentleman came into the shop after they opened that morning. His intent was not to purchase, but rather just to be there. They were all seeking connection, a way not to be alone – to be with one another and for one another.


In those dark days of Jesus’ death and then jubilation of resurrection, I cannot help but think that the main source of joy for the Disciples was being reunited with their friend again. They had given up careers, homes, and family to be with Jesus. He was their teacher, their spiritual guide, their confidante, and best friend. It was an amazing miracle that he was alive again after a brutal death.

Some might be awed by the power of God, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the message of salvation. But for the Disciples, I think it was enough – no perhaps everything – for them to just be with Jesus again. To have his companionship and be present together again must have filled their hearts with an incomparable joy. He would leave them shortly to ascend into heaven. But he said he would be with them always. I think it meant something different to them now that they had seen him overcome even death. It was a promise they could count on and find comfort in.

What does the resurrection mean? I think of God present with us again and always. And I am reminded of the chorus to an old, familiar hymn, “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.”

Videos for 4-14-13

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - “Living the Resurrection II: Transformation” Acts 9: 1-20, Burt Yin, Lay Servant

English Ministry News and Notes 4-14-13

*Great Thanks to the Union City Small Group and all others for serving in the LMUMC Food Pantry on Saturday!

*We're Throwing a Party....Today! Please gather in the Annex at 1:00 p.m. to begin setting up for our Easter Children's Party. You presence is important!

*"UMC 101" Continues - Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn about your spiritual heritage as a United Methodist! There are just four more sessions left!

*Adventure in Faith, April - Mark your calendars to pitch in at our monthly chapel, Apr. 24th. We'll gather at 2:30 for prayer and practice and then go on at 3:30 p.m.

*Homework Club Summer Program Welcomes You - The summer program has begun registering students. We welcome students who are entering kindergartners to 5th graders. If you would like more information, please connect with Pastor Emily, Meina, or Ms. Li. The program begins on Monday, June 17th and ends Friday, Aug. 16th.

*Mark Your Calendars Now - Children & Youth Sunday School Ministry Team will gather on Saturday, May 5th, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. This time will be used for training and prepping. You are welcome to come...just out of curiosity! Please RSVP to Pastor Emily asap. Thanks.

*Giving Thanks - Pastor Emily was unanimously approved to be ordained this June at Annual Conference. Alleluia! Please hold her and all those in the process in God’s light.

Living the Resurrection - Donna Chan Chu

What does it mean to not just believe in resurrection…but actually to live it…to practice it?! We celebrate resurrection each Easter Sunday…but what about all the other days of our lives? These are the questions we are exploring during the Eastertide Season which carries us from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday! Members of the congregation have been invited to share their thoughts and experiences about resurrection and how they have attempted to live it. This week’s faith sharer is Donna Chan Chu!

I remember as a kid being asked, “What does Easter mean to me?” And without missing a beat I said, “Getting up early to go eat pancakes at the park.”

And what is this whole thing about being called, “Easter People?” Do we find more decorated eggs than non-Christians? Does the bunny give us bigger baskets?

Easter and being Easter People all has to do with living a resurrection life. In Romans 8:15-17, the Message says, “This resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It’s adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike “What’s next, Papa?” God’s Spirit touches our spirits and
confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what’s coming to us - an unbelievable inheritance!”

In my old life I would leave God out of it and even think to not complicate things with a lot of godtalk. Now I try really hard not to depersonalize God into godtalk, but to have God as a personal presence alive in my daily living.

“I’ll never know how much it costs to see my sins upon the cross” is a song that always brings me to tears, but God doesn’t want me to stay at the cross. He wants me to suck it up and live this adventurous life. How exciting it is to be a child, with my eyes wide open to what my Father has in store for me. Whether
it is reading His word, giving it up to Him knowing that whatever it is He will hold my hand through it, serving and loving others.

I love the whole idea of being a child, which means that everything is new and that I am learning something new.

On Easter I still get up early and go to the park for pancakes, but that isn’t Easter. Easter is the new life I have because Jesus Christ is alive!

Videos for 4-7-13

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - “Living the Resurrection I: Holy Boldness” Acts 5: 27-32, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes 4-7-13

*We've Begun! "UMC 101" Kicked Off Today - Derek Lang and Burt Yin are leading an exciting, informative, enriching six-week series exploring who we are as United Methodist Christians, our history, our core beliefs, and our unique way of practicing faith in community. You are encouraged to be a part of this learning opportunity. We gather in the Annex at 9:30 a.m. sharp!

*LMUMC Food Pantry Ministry Work Day, Apr. 13th - Here's a great opportunity to "live the resurrection" by loving and serving our neighbors. You are invited to participate any 2nd Saturday, from 10:00 - 1:00 p.m. Please sign up on the sheet located in the bulletin board of the Social Hall.

*Prayer Invitation -
-For our eyes and hearts to be opened to the lonely and vulnerable among us.
-The Board of Ordained Ministry (BOOM) meets this upcoming Thursday and Friday. During this meeting, Pastor Emily's recommendation towards ordination will be voted on. You are invited to remember her and BOOM in God's light.

*Children's Easter Party! We will be hosting a fun-filled Easter party on Sunday, April 14th, at 2:00 p.m. You are most welcome to bring friends and family to celebrate. You can also sign up to pitch in. There are several ways to do so. Please check out the sign up board going around.

Living the Resurrection

Today, we begin a new series in worship exploring what it means not just to “believe” in Easter or Resurrection, but to actually live it and practice it. Below is an excerpt of a blog post from David R. Henson.

“Don’t Believe Easter…Live It” (http://www.patheos.com/blogs/davidhenson/)

Easter invites us to imagine a world without fear. It invites us to imagine what our world would look like if violence and retribution were indeed signs of weakness rather than strength and might makes right. It invites us to imagine that violence and death and the Powers that Be do not have the last word. It invites us to imagine the transformative, mountain-moving power of nonviolence and grace, of faith, hope and love.


In fact, Easter proclaims that this is true. Easter proclaims this is the reality of the world God has created, and that this had indeed always been the reality in which we live. God has always been calling to us, through prophets and sages of the past, to live as if love, not hate and violence, were the forces that matter most in the world. Easter isn’t true because Jesus was resurrected. Easter is true because it has always been true that God loves us, because it has always been true that God hasn’t been interested in controlling the world with war, violence and oppression like the Powers that Be, but in transforming it with love and the giving away of power.

Easter invites us to remove to veil and see the world as it is intended, to behold the reality that exists behind the curtain of oppression and the fog of war. It invites us to open our eyes and see brothers and sisters where we had once seen enemies, to see hope where we had once seen despair, to see life in a world flooded by death.


And Easter asks us how we will then live our resurrected lives.

Easter invites us to remove the grave clothes that bind us, to walk out of the tomb in which we live, and begin to move into the world in new and profound ways — the way of resurrection in which we walk through doors that had previously been locked and barred through fear and despair.

Easter invites us to start living, and living fully, and living fully for others rather than living for ourselves, for security, for our small portion of domination of others in the midst of our own oppression.

Easter asks us not to perform penance, but to practice hope.

Easter asks us not to sit patiently for God to arrive, but to see that we have overlooked God already among us, in the strangers on the road, on the beach, in our midst, and in broken, life-giving things like bread.

Easter asks us not to believe the resurrection, but to imagine it, to practice it.


What would it look like if we imagined a world in which Easter is true, a world in which way of death, violence and oppression had been broken and robbed of their power?

Can we begin to imagine it?

We have 50 days to begin to imagine a world transformed. No, that’s not quite right.

During Eastertide, we have 50 days to celebrate that the world has indeed been transformed already. We have 50 days to imagine how we will live in the world in which Christ is risen, in which Easter didn’t just happen once, but happens always, in which Easter has become the way of the world.

So what will be your Eastertide practice, your practice that joins the tide that turned the world upside down?

How will we imagine resurrection?

How will we practice Easter?