Worship Videos 7-27-2014

Chinese Choir

 

Chinese Sermon

 

English Sermon

Life Interrupted

A favorite pastime for many of us is to talk about things we would like to change in our lives.  We talk about changes such as watching less television or exercising more.  We talk about the need to spend more time with friends or the desire to stop procrastinating and to get the things on our 'to do' list accomplished.  Moving from talking about changes to actually making changes in our routines and in our lives can be difficult.  From the Apostle Paul's story, we learn that big changes - the kind of changes that re-orient our lives are difficult, but also possible with God's help.  In fact, it is often God that interrupts our lives and institutes change.  God places a strange turn in the road, leads us in directions we never considered, and gives us new and compelling passions that transform our lives.  These are the hardest of all changes to make because we are not in control of this kind of change.  But this is what it means to worship a living and creative God.
Pastor Brenda

English Ministry News and Notes 7-27-2014

Please join us at 9:30AM for a 5 week session on a discussion about: "Poverty". We will discuss the meaning and definition of poverty. We will look at what the Bible, the Pope, the Methodist Church and other leaders say about poverty. Most importantly we will look at: What does God expect of us. Our study will consist of looking at various articles and slides on the subject. As a guide we will be using a book called: The Girl Under the Bridge. It contains various stories about poverty and hope for children. Is what God expects of us so simple; to feed and clothe the hungry and naked; then why is there still poverty around? We look forward to the sharing and learning from each other on this very important topic.

All Hands on Deck! The Gala Annual YCVM Benefit Dinner is just around the corner, and your help is needed to make it a success. The first planning meeting is this Sunday, July 27th, 12:30 in the annex. Come share ideas, contribute suggestions, and let the Holy Spirit guide us all into a fruitful fundraiser. Our goal is to sustain the running of the new school in Uganda, and to start fundraising for student dormitories. Hope to see you there!

Pastor Brenda Walker’s Schedule:
M/Tu/W - 9:30am-4:30pm
Th/Sa - by appointment
F - Sabbath

One Day Spiritual Retreat: Deepening Prayer Life ~ Led by Pui Fong Wong. Cost is $5 for CCUMC members and includes lunch. It will be held at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley on Saturday, August 2nd from 10am to 4pm. Please sign up with Pui Fong or Becky to reserve a space.

Chinatown Streetfest: August 23-24 ~ Every year CCUMC opens its doors to welcome visitors during the Oakland Chinatown Streetfest.  This year we will again offer games and crafts for children and hot dogs, drinks, and desserts.  Our open house will be on Sunday, August 24th from 11-2.  We will be preparing for the open house on Saturday the 23rd.  Please consider donating items or volunteering your time to help with games and crafts or to be a greeter.  Sign-up sheets are in the fellowship hall or contact Michelle Lu.

Mark Your Calendar!
Parallel Worship
August 24th at 9:30am

Worship Videos 7-20-2014

Chinese Choir

 

Chinese Sermon

 

English Sermon

Notes from Pastor Brenda

Recall a teacher who had an influence on your life. Perhaps this person was a coach, a mentor, a leader in the church, or a family member. Great teachers share what they know by what they say or how they live or by the skills they impart. Great teachers encourage their students to strive to excellence.
The gospel account that we are exploring this week recalls an episode where religious teachers are confounded by this new, young rabbi, Jesus. They wonder why a religious teacher would be so reckless as to sit and eat with ‘sinners.’ As we gaze upon this scene in Matthew’s gospel, may the lesson shown to us by Jesus encourage us as disciples of the Master.


Thank you!

I had the most wonderful time last Sunday at the luncheon that followed our worship services. I learned that the people of CCUMC love the Lord, love to laugh, and love to eat! I especially enjoyed hearing your personal stories and discovering more about the church. Thank you to all who were able to join in this time of fellowship. Thank you to Pastor Meina for hosting a time of games and friendship and singing. And, special thanks to those who planned the luncheon and who gave their time and effort to clean up afterwards. You are all truly a blessing to me and I am so happy to be serving in ministry with you.

Peace to you -
Pastor Brenda

English Ministry News and Notes 7-20-2014

Please join us at 9:30AM for a 5 week session on a discussion about: "Poverty" (beginning this Sunday, 7-20-14). We will discuss the meaning and definition of poverty. We will look at what the Bible, the Pope, the Methodist Church and other leaders say about poverty. Most importantly we will look at: What does God expect of us. Our study will consist of looking at various articles and slides on the subject. As a guide we will be using a book called: The Girl Under the Bridge. It contains various stories about poverty and hope for children. Is what God expects of us so simple; to feed and clothe the hungry and naked; then why is there still poverty around? We look forward to the sharing and learning from each other on this very important topic.

All Hands on Deck! The Gala Annual YCVM Benefit Dinner is just around the corner, and your help is needed to make it a success. The first planning meeting will be next Sunday, July 27th, 12:30 in the annex. Come share ideas, contribute suggestions, and let the Holy Spirit guide us all into a fruitful fundraiser. Our goal is to sustain the running of the new school in Uganda, and to start fundraising for student dormitories. Hope to see you there!

AiF (Adventures in Faith) has completed the second week of their 5 week Summer program! If you would like to experience some pure joy, come and participate in their chapel time beginning at 2:30pm in the sanctuary on Tuesdays or Thurs-days. You will be blessed!

One Day Spiritual Retreat: Deepening Prayer Life ~ Led by Pui Fong Wong. Cost is $5 for CCUMC members and includes lunch. It will be held at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley on Saturday, August 2nd from 10am to 4pm. Please sign up with Pui Fong or Becky to reserve a space.

You can find out SO MUCH about CCUMC: Sermons, calendar of events, worship schedules, hospitality sign-ups, livestream and more at: http://chinesecommunityumc.blogspot.com

7-13-2014 Worship Videos

Chinese Choir

 

Chinese Sermon

 

English Sermon

Greetings friends!

Over the past several months I have been praying for this congregation and last week I had the great joy of finally meeting many of you as we shared in worship and fellowship. I learned that one of the goals of the church is to offer radical hospitality and I certainly have felt warmly welcomed by you.

If you have ever moved, you know that it takes a while to find your way around. As I’ve tried to navigate a new ministry, the town of Oakland, and the neighborhood of Chinatown I have had endless practical questions including: "Where do I get my groceries?" "Where do I park?" "Where is a good place to eat lunch?" I’m especially thankful to SPRB chair, Jane Yin and vice-chair, Peggy Woon for helping me to navigate the responsibilities of my new appointment and for taking me on a tour of the Chinatown neighborhood.

This week I experienced the energy and excitement of the Adventures in Faith / Weird Animals program. What a lift to my faith to see so many youth participate in leadership and of course the excitement of the children is contagious!
The scripture passage for this week’s message recalls Jesus’ parable of the sower. It is evident that God is cultivating something beautiful here at CCUMC and I am thankful to be a part of it.

Peace to you – Pastor Brenda
 

English Ministry News and Notes 7-13-2014

Welcome Pastor Brenda Walker! We are worshipping in parallel services this morning at 9:30AM. Please enter through the annex doors for EM worship. CCUMC will be hosting a luncheon after worship services to welcome Pastor Brenda! Please be sure to wear your name tags!

Intergenerational Sunday School begins next Sunday, July 20th with a series about Poverty. Please meet at 9:30AM in the annex for a time of learning and fellowship. Connect with Steve Chan for more information.

Sunday, July 27th, 12:30PM there will be a planning meeting for the 2014 YCVM benefit dinner. Everyone is encouraged to come, offer ideas, and support this annual fundraiser to sustain the newly opened school in Uganda.

AIF (Adventures in Faith) has begun its 5 week Summer program! Thank you to all of you who are volunteering your time and to those of you who have donated treats!

One Day Spiritual Retreat: Deepening Prayer Life ~ Led by Pui Fong Wong. Cost is $5 for CCUMC members and includes lunch. It will be held at the Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley on Saturday, August 2nd from 10am to 4pm. Please sign up with Pui Fong or Becky to reserve a space.

Please sign up on our Hospitality Chart that is now posted in our annex!

You can find out SO MUCH about CCUMC: Sermons, calendar of events, worship schedules, hospitality sign-ups, livestream and more at: http://chinesecommunityumc.blogspot.com/

VIM Team sharing, part 2

The VIM Team shared experiences and stories from their recent mission trip to Kumi, Uganda. (part 2 of 2)

7-6-2014 Worship Videos

Chinese Choir

 

Chinese Sermon

 

English Sermon

Welcoming Pastor Brenda Walker

Bishop Warner Brown has appointed Rev. Brenda Walker as the interim Pastor of CCUMC, beginning July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015.

Pastor Brenda most recently served in the Western Pennsylvania Conference. She moved to Oakland with her husband, Rev. Jim Walker who has been appointed as the Pastor of Lake Merritt United Methodist Church.

Pastor Brenda is an Ordained Full Elder in the United Methodist Church. She is a graduate of Pittsburgh Theological Seminary with a M.Div (2007). She received her undergraduate degree from Point Park University in Pittsburg (1990). Pastor Brenda and Pastor Jim have two children, Carlisle and Daniel.

Pastor Brenda shares that: "My ministry strengths include empowering leadership, mediation and negotiation, spiritual direction, and shepherding. My greatest joys have come from creating opportunities where people of different backgrounds and a variety of ages can safely explore their faith. My call is to create new opportunities for people to live into their full identity in Christ."

If you have questions about the appointment process in the United Methodist Church, please talk with a member of the Staff Parish Relations Board: Jane, Peggy, Yvonne, Veronica, Becky, Steve, Vince. We are excited about this appointment of Pastor Brenda and believe she brings the gifts and graces we need to guide us this coming year.

Introducing: Pastor Brenda Walker

Brenda grew up in the small town of Toronto, Ohio and in 1986 she moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to attend Point Park University. Brenda’s husband of 24 years, Jim Walker is also a UM pastor. It was during the exciting and challenging early years of participating in a new church plant in urban Pittsburgh that Brenda was encouraged to pursue her passion for ministry by attending Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. She graduated from PTS in 2007 and was ordained as a United Methodist elder in 2010.

Brenda and Jim have recently joined the ranks of empty nesters. Their children, Daniel (18) and Carly (21) will pursue their undergraduate studies in Pittsburgh.

Brenda served in a variety of settings before her recent move to the Bay Area. Brenda shares, "What I have enjoyed the most about serving as a pastor is getting to know diverse communities and participating in the celebrations and struggles of people on the journey of faith. It’s God’s nature to be challenging us to broader horizons and new challenges. I am so excited for the new adventure God has called me to in the Cal/Nevada UM Conference and I look forward to getting to know the people of Chinese Community UMC as we worship, learn, and serve together in the year ahead."

English Ministry News and Notes 7-6-2014

Welcome Pastor Brenda Walker! We are pleased to welcome Pastor Brenda to our Church family! You can learn more about Pastor Brenda from her biography and about the appointment process in separate blog posts. Welcome! Welcome!! Welcome!!!

Sunday July 13th, there will be parallel worship of both EM and CM congregations at 9:30 AM. Following worship, you are invited to a luncheon to welcome our new pastor, Brenda Walker. Come meet and greet her, as we look forward to a time of blessing, fellowship, and excitement in the coming year.

AIF (Adventures in Faith) Treats Needed! Adventures in Faith is pre-paring for another action-packed summer for the Homework Club children! On Tuesdays and Thursdays for 5 weeks beginning on July 8th, the 60+ children will gather in the sanctuary to learn more about God using the Vacation Bible School theme of "Weird Animals". We would love to have donations of snack foods! We will need enough snacks for 70 people /10 sessions. Some suggestions are: Granola bars, Fruit Snacks, Cheese and Crackers, Animal Crackers, Popcorn, Fresh fruit, Cereal Mix, Pretzels, Rice Crackers, Baby carrots, and anything healthy! PLEASE NO NUTS (due to allergies in some children). Please bring your offerings to the kitchen and label it "For AIF".

Please sign up on our Hospitality Chart that is now posted in our annex!

Find all worship server updates on: http://chinesecommunityumc.blogspot.com Please find substitutes if you are unable to serve as scheduled and email Aeri or Peggy with any changes.