Chinese Choir
Chinese Sermon
English Sermon
Monday, October 26, 2015
Sunday, October 25, 2015
English Ministry News and Notes 2015-10-25
- YOUth Gather next Sunday, Nov. 1st.
- National Chinese Caucus (NCC) Convocation 2015 - We will be hosting the NCC Convocation from Friday, Nov 6th through Sunday, Nov. 8th. Brothers and sisters from around the country will be meeting here and celebrating the theme, "Workers of the Harvest." The special keynote speaker is Dr. Wendy J Deichmann, President of United Theological Seminary. You are invited to attend, participate, or help host. Support is particularly needed around meal times (set up, serving, clean up). If you would like to attend or pitch in, please connect with Pastor Emily or Pastor Meina asap. Thanks!
- Offer Your Voice! We will be forming a choir to share a communion hymn during NCC Convocation Sunday, Nov. 8th. We’d love to have you be a part of it. Practice will be held on Sunday, Nov. 1st at 12:30 and on Sunday, Nov. 8th at 9:30 a.m. Please connect with Aeri to join in.
- Prayer Invites: For each who are grappling with health and well-being related issues. For the possibility of peace with justice in Palestine/Israel. For our own cultivation of a grateful heart.
- Experience the joy of hospitality! It looks like the hospitality chart is empty from here till the end of the year. If you enjoy connecting with one another over something tasty, please sign up to host the hospitality time. You’ll be glad you did!
Gratitude Stories - Rev. Martin Thielen
The following gratitude stories might be helpful to you during this Season of Gratitude. They all fall under the theme of 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Of course, this verse doesn’t mean that everything that happens to us is God’s will. It’s not God’s will that we lose our jobs, or get a diagnosis of cancer, or that our children make poor choices. What this verse does say is that it’s God’s will for us to thankful people in all circumstances, even in hard times—especially in hard times. Consider these three examples.
When Robinson Crusoe was wrecked on his lonely island, he drew two columns and listed the good and bad of his situation. He was cast away on a desolate island, but he was still alive. He was separated from humanity, but he was not starving. He had no clothes, but was in a warm climate and didn’t need them. He had no means of defense, but saw no wild beasts that threatened him. He had no one to talk to, but the destroyed ship was near the shore and he could get out of it all the things necessary for his basic needs. He concluded, therefore, that no condition in the world was so miserable that one could not find something to be grateful for.
When the late John Claypool lost his ten-year-old daughter to leukemia, gratitude was the only way he survived. He tells about that experience in his profound book, Tracks of a Fellow Struggler. After his daughter’s death, John walked down three different paths. The first path was to say, “Well, it was just God’s will. I have to accept it.” But that was not helpful. He could not believe that God willed ten-year-old girls to die of leukemia. A second path was to try to find an intellectual answer as to why this happened. He tried to make sense of it. But that didn’t work either. His daughter’s death didn’t make any sense. Finally, John walked the path of gratitude. He realized that life is a gift. We are not entitled to it. That we have any life at all is pure gift and pure grace. Therefore, John chose to be thankful for the ten good years they had together rather than being consumed with resentment for the years he did not have with her. This path of gratitude wasn’t easy, but it was the only path which offered any help.
Many years ago, an elderly English pastor was famous for his pulpit prayers. He always found something to thank God for, even in bad times. One stormy Sunday morning, when everything was going extremely bad in the community and in the lives of many people in the congregation, himself included, he stepped to the pulpit to pray. A member of the congregation thought to himself, “The preacher will have nothing to thank God for on a wretched morning like this.” The pastor began his prayer, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.”
When Robinson Crusoe was wrecked on his lonely island, he drew two columns and listed the good and bad of his situation. He was cast away on a desolate island, but he was still alive. He was separated from humanity, but he was not starving. He had no clothes, but was in a warm climate and didn’t need them. He had no means of defense, but saw no wild beasts that threatened him. He had no one to talk to, but the destroyed ship was near the shore and he could get out of it all the things necessary for his basic needs. He concluded, therefore, that no condition in the world was so miserable that one could not find something to be grateful for.
When the late John Claypool lost his ten-year-old daughter to leukemia, gratitude was the only way he survived. He tells about that experience in his profound book, Tracks of a Fellow Struggler. After his daughter’s death, John walked down three different paths. The first path was to say, “Well, it was just God’s will. I have to accept it.” But that was not helpful. He could not believe that God willed ten-year-old girls to die of leukemia. A second path was to try to find an intellectual answer as to why this happened. He tried to make sense of it. But that didn’t work either. His daughter’s death didn’t make any sense. Finally, John walked the path of gratitude. He realized that life is a gift. We are not entitled to it. That we have any life at all is pure gift and pure grace. Therefore, John chose to be thankful for the ten good years they had together rather than being consumed with resentment for the years he did not have with her. This path of gratitude wasn’t easy, but it was the only path which offered any help.
Many years ago, an elderly English pastor was famous for his pulpit prayers. He always found something to thank God for, even in bad times. One stormy Sunday morning, when everything was going extremely bad in the community and in the lives of many people in the congregation, himself included, he stepped to the pulpit to pray. A member of the congregation thought to himself, “The preacher will have nothing to thank God for on a wretched morning like this.” The pastor began his prayer, “We thank Thee, O God, that it is not always like this.”
Monday, October 19, 2015
Sunday, October 18, 2015
English Ministry News and Notes 2015-10-18
- Great thanks to Pastor Moon for bringing the message today!
- Praise God for an inspiring, impactful evening at the 6th Annual Kumi Benefit Dinner. Particular thanks to the many hands and hearts that made the event possible. Let's continue to hold the ministry of KCVS, the students and staff, and the remainder of the year in prayer.
- National Chinese Caucus Convocation 2015 - We will be hosting the NCC Convocation from Friday, Nov 6th through Sunday, Nov. 8th. Brothers and sisters from around the country will be meeting here and celebrating the theme, "Workers of the Harvest." The special keynote speaker is Dr. Wendy J Deichmann, President of United Theological Seminary. You are invited to attend, participate, or help host. Support is particularly needed around meal times (set up, serving, clean up). If you would like to attend or pitch in, please connect with Pastor Emily or Pastor Meina asap. Thanks!
- Season of Gratitude - We will begin a 4 week season of gratitude on Oct. 25th. Get ready to give thanks!
- Prayer Invites: For Wendy Lee and her upcoming wedding, for Frances Fong recovering from hip replacement surgery, for all those traveling to China in the upcoming week.
- Experience the joy of hospitality! Sign up in the Social hall to bring refreshments to share after worship service! You’ll be glad you did!
NOT TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE (Mark 10: 35-45) By Andrew King
Is that you, Lord,
changing the diaper in the nursing home,
holding the spoon for the woman in her
wheelchair,
wiping down the toilet and the floor;
is that you
serving the dinner at the homeless shelter,
sorting the cans at the food bank,
mowing the aged neighbour’s lawn;
is that you, Lord,
bandaging the wounds of the bomb victim,
erecting the tent for the refugees,
handing out the water and the food;
is that you
driving the patient to the treatment center,
sitting through the night with the family,
making the call to the forgotten friend;
is that you, Lord,
lighting the candle in the darkness,
keeping vigil for compassion and justice,
loving in us and through us and with us
until the world that you love has been
changed?
Monday, October 12, 2015
Sunday, October 11, 2015
English Ministry News and Notes 2015-10-11
Amazing! Last week, over 100 people came out to celebrate connection and worship God at our 1st ever World Communion Picnic Sunday. There were old time members and brand new friends. Great thanks to each and everyone who pitched in, invited friends, and showed up. Shall we do it again next year?
Counting Down - We are just 5 days away from our 6th Annual Kumi Benefit Dinner. Please consider sharing time after worship today to complete some preparatory tasks for the dinner - envelope stuffing, gift bag tying, center-piece making, etc. You are also invited to pray in these days leading up to the dinner. Thank you!
Don't Know the Bible Well? We are exploring the New Testament together during the Sunday School hour starting at 9:30 a.m. It's not too late! Plan to participate!
Prayer Invites - For Jenny Wong and her upcoming mission trip to Mexico; For Wendy Lee as she prepares for marriage; For those preparing for surgery, experiencing ill health, and seeking God's healing and comfort in their bodies.
The Season of Gratitude - We will be celebrating a season of gratitude during the month of November. Invite friends and neighbors to learn more and get ready to give thanks!
Experience the joy of hospitality! Sign up in the Social hall to bring refreshments to share after worship servicel! You’ll be glad you did!
Counting Down - We are just 5 days away from our 6th Annual Kumi Benefit Dinner. Please consider sharing time after worship today to complete some preparatory tasks for the dinner - envelope stuffing, gift bag tying, center-piece making, etc. You are also invited to pray in these days leading up to the dinner. Thank you!
Don't Know the Bible Well? We are exploring the New Testament together during the Sunday School hour starting at 9:30 a.m. It's not too late! Plan to participate!
Prayer Invites - For Jenny Wong and her upcoming mission trip to Mexico; For Wendy Lee as she prepares for marriage; For those preparing for surgery, experiencing ill health, and seeking God's healing and comfort in their bodies.
The Season of Gratitude - We will be celebrating a season of gratitude during the month of November. Invite friends and neighbors to learn more and get ready to give thanks!
Experience the joy of hospitality! Sign up in the Social hall to bring refreshments to share after worship servicel! You’ll be glad you did!
What Wesley Practiced and Preached About Money - Charles White
Most of us know that John Wesley was used of God to revive 18th-century England and to start the Methodist Church. We know him as a great preacher and a greater organizer. But few of us realize that Wesley made enormous sums from preaching--the sale of his writings made him one of England’s wealthiest men. In an age when a single man could live comfortably on 30 pounds a year, his annual income reached 1,400. With such an income he had the opportunities to put his ideas on money into practice. What did he say about money? And what did he do with his own?
John Wesley knew grinding poverty as a child. His father, Samuel Wesley, was the Anglican priest in one of England’s lowest-paying parishes. He had nine children to support and was rarely out of debt. Once, John saw his father being marched off to debtor’s prison. When John followed his father into the ministry, he had no illusions about financial rewards.
It probably came as a surprise to John Wesley that while God had called him to follow his father’s vocation, he had not also called him to be poor like his father. Instead of becoming a parish priest, John felt God's direction to teach at Oxford University. There he was elected a fellow of Lincoln College, and his financial status changed dramatically. His position usually paid him at least 30 pounds a year, more than enough money for a single man to live on. John seems to have enjoyed his relative prosperity. He spent his money on playing cards, tobacco and brandy.
While at Oxford, an incident changed his perspective on money. He had just finished paying for some pictures for his room when one of the chambermaids came to his door. It was a cold winter day, and he noticed that she had nothing to protect her except a thin linen gown. He reached into his pocket to give her some money to buy a coat but found he had too little left. Immediately the thought struck him that the Lord was not pleased with the way he had spent his money. He asked himself, Will thy Master say, “Well done, good and faithful steward”? Thou hast adorned thy walls with the money which might have screened this poor creature from the cold! O justice! O mercy!--Are not these pictures the blood of this poor maid?
John Wesley knew grinding poverty as a child. His father, Samuel Wesley, was the Anglican priest in one of England’s lowest-paying parishes. He had nine children to support and was rarely out of debt. Once, John saw his father being marched off to debtor’s prison. When John followed his father into the ministry, he had no illusions about financial rewards.
It probably came as a surprise to John Wesley that while God had called him to follow his father’s vocation, he had not also called him to be poor like his father. Instead of becoming a parish priest, John felt God's direction to teach at Oxford University. There he was elected a fellow of Lincoln College, and his financial status changed dramatically. His position usually paid him at least 30 pounds a year, more than enough money for a single man to live on. John seems to have enjoyed his relative prosperity. He spent his money on playing cards, tobacco and brandy.
While at Oxford, an incident changed his perspective on money. He had just finished paying for some pictures for his room when one of the chambermaids came to his door. It was a cold winter day, and he noticed that she had nothing to protect her except a thin linen gown. He reached into his pocket to give her some money to buy a coat but found he had too little left. Immediately the thought struck him that the Lord was not pleased with the way he had spent his money. He asked himself, Will thy Master say, “Well done, good and faithful steward”? Thou hast adorned thy walls with the money which might have screened this poor creature from the cold! O justice! O mercy!--Are not these pictures the blood of this poor maid?
English Ministry News and Notes 2015-10-11
- Amazing! Last week, over 100 people came out to celebrate connection and worship God at our 1st ever World Communion Picnic Sunday. There were old time members and brand new friends. Great thanks to each and everyone who pitched in, invited friends, and showed up. Shall we do it again next year?
- Counting Down - We are just 5 days away from our 6th Annual Kumi Benefit Dinner. Please consider sharing time after worship today to complete some preparatory tasks for the dinner - envelop stuffing, gift bag tying, centerpiece making, etc. You are also invited to pray in these days leading up to the dinner. Thank you!
- Don't Know the Bible Well? We are exploring the New Testament together during the Sunday School hour starting at 9:30 a.m. It's not too late! Plan to participate!
- Prayer Invites - For Jenny Wong and her upcoming mission trip to Mexico; For Wendy Lee as she prepares for marriage; For those preparing for surgery, experiencing ill health, and seeking God's healing and comfort in their bodies.
- The Season of Gratitude - We will be celebrating a season of gratitude during the month of November. Invite friends and neighbors to learn more and get ready to give thanks!
- Experience the joy of hospitality! Sign up in the Social hall to bring refreshments to share after worship servicel! You’ll be glad you did!
What Wesley Practiced and Preached About Money by Charles White
Most of us know that John
Wesley was used of God to revive 18th-century England and to start the
Methodist Church. We know him as a great preacher and a greater organizer. But
few of us realize that Wesley made enormous sums from preaching--the sale of
his writings made him one of England’s wealthiest men. In an age when a single
man could live comfortably on 30 pounds a year, his annual income reached
1,400. With such an income he had the opportunities to put his ideas on money
into practice. What did he say about money? And what did he do with his own?
John Wesley knew grinding poverty as a child. His father, Samuel Wesley, was the Anglican priest in one of England’s lowest-paying parishes. He had nine children to support and was rarely out of debt. Once, John saw his father being marched off to debtor’s prison. When John followed his father into the ministry, he had no illusions about financial rewards. It probably came as a surprise to John Wesley that while God had called him to follow his father’s vocation, he had not also called him to be poor like his father. Instead of becoming a parish priest, John felt God's direction to teach at Oxford University. There he was elected a fellow of Lincoln College, and his financial status changed dramatically. His position usually paid him at least 30 pounds a year, more than enough money for a single man to live on. John seems to have enjoyed his relative prosperity. He spent his money on playing cards, tobacco and brandy.
While at Oxford, an incident changed his perspective on money. He had just finished paying for some pictures for his room when one of the chambermaids came to his door. It was a cold winter day, and he noticed that she had nothing to protect her except a thin linen gown. He reached into his pocket to give her some money to buy a coat but found he had too little left. Immediately the thought struck him that the Lord was not pleased with the way he had spent his money. He asked himself, Will thy Master say, “Well done, good and faithful steward”? Thou hast adorned thy walls with the money which might have screened this poor creature from the cold! O justice! O mercy!--Are not these pictures the blood of this poor maid?
John Wesley knew grinding poverty as a child. His father, Samuel Wesley, was the Anglican priest in one of England’s lowest-paying parishes. He had nine children to support and was rarely out of debt. Once, John saw his father being marched off to debtor’s prison. When John followed his father into the ministry, he had no illusions about financial rewards. It probably came as a surprise to John Wesley that while God had called him to follow his father’s vocation, he had not also called him to be poor like his father. Instead of becoming a parish priest, John felt God's direction to teach at Oxford University. There he was elected a fellow of Lincoln College, and his financial status changed dramatically. His position usually paid him at least 30 pounds a year, more than enough money for a single man to live on. John seems to have enjoyed his relative prosperity. He spent his money on playing cards, tobacco and brandy.
While at Oxford, an incident changed his perspective on money. He had just finished paying for some pictures for his room when one of the chambermaids came to his door. It was a cold winter day, and he noticed that she had nothing to protect her except a thin linen gown. He reached into his pocket to give her some money to buy a coat but found he had too little left. Immediately the thought struck him that the Lord was not pleased with the way he had spent his money. He asked himself, Will thy Master say, “Well done, good and faithful steward”? Thou hast adorned thy walls with the money which might have screened this poor creature from the cold! O justice! O mercy!--Are not these pictures the blood of this poor maid?
Monday, October 5, 2015
Sunday, October 4, 2015
English Ministry News and Notes 2015-10-4
1. Thank you for coming today! We encourage you to use this as an opportunity to get to know brothers and sisters from both ministry congregations, especially our newest members and new friends...and have fun!
2. We are updating our picture wall! We would like to take your photo today in order to update our picture wall of the community. Please take a picture with your family and individuals are welcome to pair up with one or two other friends. Thanks much!
3. Mark you calendars and purchase your tickets today! We hold the 6th Annual Kumi Benefit Dinner on Friday, Oct. 16th. We will return to Peony Seafood Restaurant for a delicious 7 course dinner. Tickets can be purchased today! $60 / person or $600 / table. Funds raised will go towards sustaining Kumi Christian Visionary School. Please consider not only attending yourself, but inviting family and friends who have not yet heard about this visionary ministry! Don’t miss it! Please connect with Jane or Al
4. Upcoming Meetings & Gatherings—
5. Prayer Invites:
2. We are updating our picture wall! We would like to take your photo today in order to update our picture wall of the community. Please take a picture with your family and individuals are welcome to pair up with one or two other friends. Thanks much!
3. Mark you calendars and purchase your tickets today! We hold the 6th Annual Kumi Benefit Dinner on Friday, Oct. 16th. We will return to Peony Seafood Restaurant for a delicious 7 course dinner. Tickets can be purchased today! $60 / person or $600 / table. Funds raised will go towards sustaining Kumi Christian Visionary School. Please consider not only attending yourself, but inviting family and friends who have not yet heard about this visionary ministry! Don’t miss it! Please connect with Jane or Al
4. Upcoming Meetings & Gatherings—
- Staff Parish Relations Board, Oct. 11 @ 1:00 p.m.
- G-Force Club (middle school ministry), Oct. 17 @ 12:30 p.m.
- Board of Admin & Trustees, Oct. 18 @ 1:00 p.m.
- YCVM Task Force, Oct. 25 @ 1:00 p.m.
5. Prayer Invites:
- Aeri Lee as she returns from Uganda this week.
- Jenny Wong who is preparing for a mission trip to Mexico.
- Wendy Lee and her upcoming wedding.
- Members who are preparing for surgeries and procedures in October.
- The community of Umpqua Community College in Oregon.
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