2017-9-24 English Ministry News and Notes

 *Enormous Thanks for a wonderful 8th Annual Kumi Benefit Dinner (KBD)!  Thanks be to God for all hands, all hearts, and overflowing generosity.

*Prayer Invite -  Please pray for Aeri as she continues to settle in and for her health.  Please pray for Brenda Nyadoi, sponsored KCVS orphan, who is sick with malaria and her younger sister, Levenda, who is in fragile health due to AIDS.

*Celebrating Covenant Relationships Today - We welcome special guest preacher: Howard Parker,  Cal-Nev Conference Secretary of Global Ministries. In this role, Howard connects UMC missionaries to local churches.  He became involved in this aspect of church service when his daughter, Katherine, was commissioned as a missionary in 2008.  She now serves in Nepal after 5 years in Cambodia working with Joseph and Marilyn Chan.  Please note: We will be taking a special offering for our covenant relationships today!

*Adventures in Faith Ministry Kicks Off - AiF begins a new ministry year in October committed to scattering seeds of God’s love and nurturing those seeds with intentional relationship.  AiF is held every 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, from 2:15 - 4:45 p.m.  Please connect with P. Emily to get involved.

*World Communion Picnic Sunday, Oct. 1st - We're headed out to creation once again to celebrate our awesome God that connects us in community with brothers and sisters from around the world.  Today’s the last day to sign up! We are collecting $10 donation for lunch (no one turned away for lack of funds!)  See below for directions.

*Pitch In! We will hold our Fall all church clean up day on Saturday, Oct. 7th, 9:30 - 12:30 p.m. with a light lunch afterwards.  We will clean, organize, and fix!  Your presence and participation is important!  Please sign up today.

2017-9-10 English Ministry News and Notes

 *Huge Thanks for Your Generosity: Last Sunday we raised $1,740 for Hurricane Harvey relief!  Thank you.  It's never too late to give.  Please make note on your checks for that purpose!

*We've Begun a New Sunday School Series: “Claiming Resurrection in the Dying Church.”  Pick up a book online and join in the conversation and growing every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the Annex.

*Everything Kumi Benefit Dinner -Connect with Jane to purchase your tickets or to buy a table...today!  Praise God for raising up 20 tables thus far!!

*Silent Auction Items for our Annual Kumi Benfit Dinner  are needed!  Please connect with Peggy Woon if you have new, desirable goods to donate, or if you would like to donate gift cards or services. 

*Celebrating Covenant Relationships on Sunday, Sept. 24th - We'll come together to affirm and celebrate our mission partnerships with folks in Cambodia, Uganda, and now, Palestine!  Special guest preacher: Howard Parker,  Conference Secretary of Global Ministries.

*World Communion Picnic Sunday, Oct. 1st - We're headed out to creation once again to celebrate our awesome God that connects us in community with brothers and sisters from around the world.  You can sign up every Sunday in September with $10 donation for lunch (no one turned away for lack of funds!)

2017-8-20 English Ministry News and Notes

 *Celebrating Adventures in Faith - we give great thanks to God for blessing us with the ministry of AiF and for each volunteer, each staff member, and each student that comes to us.  Let us pray intentionally for God to work with us and through us in growing this ministry to “make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.”

*The HomeWork Club will be starting a new school year Monday!  Write a blessing for a HomeWork Club student!  Red Hearts will be passed out during service and you can place your blessing in the offering plate or give to Donna.

*Street Fest Outreach Sunday, Aug. 27th - Joint worship will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a time of preparation and organizing for opening wide our doors to the children in the Homework Club and community.  This is an all hands on deck ministry opportunity.  Please sign up to pitch in today.

*Please Note: Pastor Emily will be on vacation from Monday, 8.21 - Sunday, 8.27.  She returns to the office on Aug. 29th.  Pastor Meina will be away at a Residents in Ministry retreat from Monday, 8.21 - Thursday, 8.24.  Please contact either via cell phone for pastoral emergencies.

*8th Annual Kumi Benefit Dinner -

- Connect with Jane to purchase your tickets or to buy a table...today!

- Silent Auction Items are needed!  Please connect with Peggy if you have new, desirable goods, gift cards or services to donate. 

-Next Planning Mtg: Sept. 3rd @ 12:45 p.m.

*Sending Ben & Aeri Off - We will hear from and lift up Ben & Aeri on Sunday, Sept. 3rd before Aeri departs for their mission year in Uganda (Ben will leave later, likely beginning of Nov.)  Worship will be followed by a fellowship potluck—please bring a main dish or veggie side/salad to share!

2017-8-20 Worship Videos

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2017-8-13 English Ministry News and Notes

*Adventures in Faith (AiF) Sunday, Aug. 20th – We will lift up and celebrate the AiF ministry on this day with special music and faith sharings.  We give enormous thanks for the heart and commitment shared through the summer.  Another wonderful 9 weeks of the Homework Club summer session comes to a close this Friday, the 11th.

*The HomeWork Club will be starting a new school year soon!  Write a blessing for a HomeWork Club student!  Red Hearts will be passed out during service and you can place your blessing in the offering plate or give to Donna.

*Street Fest Outreach Sunday, Aug. 27th - Joint worship will begin at 9:30 a.m. followed by a time of preparation and organizing for opening wide our doors to the children in the Homework Club and community.  This is an all hands on deck ministry opportunity.  Please sign up to pitch in today.

*Everything Kumi Benefit Dinner -Connect with Jane to purchase your tickets or to buy a table...today!

*Silent Auction Items for our Annual Kumi Benfit Dinner  are needed!  Please connect with Peggy Woon if you have new, desirable goods to donate, or if you would like to donate gift cards or services. 

2017-8-13 Worship Videos

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2017-8-6 Worship Videos

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Jacinto Quilt

2017-7-23 Worship Videos

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2017-7-16 Worship Videos

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2017-7-16 English Ministry News and Notes

Help Scatter Seeds of Care Today!  We have 70 wonderful students in our summer program this year.  You can see who they are by checking out their "all about me" pages around the sanctuary and in the hall.  Please scatter seeds of care by writing a brief note of greeting and care and dropping it in their mailbox today!

We just visited Cana and are off to Nablus next week!  Join in the fun of a "virtual" Holy Land tour each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Bonus: you get to hang out with all ages!

Holy Land Reflections & Possibilities - The pilgrims invite our circuit for a special time of reflection and sharing of possibilities on Saturday, July 22nd, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Twin Towers UMC.  This time includes a delicious Mediterranean dinner, sharing, and wonderful photography.  Please RSVP today!

Upcoming Working Worship - Let's gear up for a day worshiping God in the community! We'll be "picking it up" and pulling weeds.  Worship will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at noon with lunch.

Save the Date: Please mark Sunday, Aug. 6th in your calendar for a very important English Ministry Town Hall following worship.  The English Ministry Council (EMC) will be sharing some observations about where we are at as a congregation and inviting responses and input.  Your presence is vital - this cannot be emphasized enough!  Thank you!

2017-7-9 English Ministry News and Notes

*Exploring the Holy Land Together! Intergen Summer Sunday School Series is underway and will continue for the following 5 weeks. Travel together from Nazareth to Nablus, Cana to Beit Sahour, and more! Please gather promptly at 9:30 a.m. in the Annex.

*Holy Land Reflections & Possibilities - The pilgrims invite our circuit for a special time of reflection and sharing of possibilities on Saturday, July 22nd, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Twin Towers UMC. This time includes a delicious Mediterranean dinner, sharing, and wonderful photography. Please RSVP today!

*Summer AiF is Off and Running - special appreciation to our amazing team of aunties and uncles, tutors, and always wonderful Ms. Li. Please re member this ministry in prayer.

*Did You Know? We are sending 6 youth to camp this year! Included in these youth are Cloud (returning as a Leader in Training), Vincent (1st timer), and 4 Homework Club participants/alumni (Cindy, Emily, Raymond, Wan Ying.) Please pray for a special and transformative experience for each. They head out next Sunday, July 16th. If you are willing to write a note to them while they are away at camp, please let P. Emily know!

*Our Next Working Worship is Sunday, July 30th—Worship begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes time in the community! Don’t forget your working gloves!

*Save the Date: Please mark Sunday, Aug. 6th in your calendar for a very important English Ministry Town Hall following worship. The English Ministry Council (EMC) will be sharing some observations about where we are at as a congregation and inviting responses and input. Your presence is vital - this cannot be emphasized enough! Thank you!

2017-7-9 Worship Videos

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2017-7-2 English Ministry News and Notes

*Holy Land Reflections & Possibilities - The pilgrims invite our circuit for a special time of reflection and sharing of possibilities on Saturday, July 22nd, 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. at Twin Towers UMC. This time includes a delicious Mediterranean dinner, sharing, and wonderful photography. Please RSVP today!

*Exploring the Holy Land Together! Intergen Summer Sunday School Series began today and will continue for the following 6 weeks. Travel together from Nazareth to Nablus, Cana to Beit Sahour, and more! Please gather promptly at 9:30 a.m. in the Annex.

*Please Note: The church office is closed Tuesday, July 4th. Pastor Emily returns to the office on Thursday, July 6th.

*Sending the Wu's Off - Next Sunday, July 9th, is Kendrick, Isaac, and Joseph's last Sunday with us before moving to Arcadia. We'll share a special send off for them following worship. Please hold the family in God's light and care.

*Did You Know? We are sending 6 youth to camp this year! Included in these youth are Cloud (returning as a Leader in Training), Vincent (1st timer), and 4 Homework Club participants/alumni (Cindy, Emily, Raymond, Wan Ying.) Please pray for a special and transformative experience for each.

*Save the Date: Please mark Sunday, Aug. 6th in your calendar for a very important English Ministry Town Hall following worship. The English Ministry Council (EMC) will be sharing some observations about where we are at as a congregation and inviting responses and input. Your presence is vital - this cannot be emphasized enough! Thank you!

2017-7-2 Worship Videos

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2017-6-25 English Ministry News and Notes

*Today is Shepherding Sunday!  Great thanks to the thoughtful planning of our amazing team of shepherds: Brenda, Donna, Ed, and Jane, and for their ongoing ministry of care.

*Summer Intergenerational Sunday School Series starts next Sunday: Let's Explore the Holy Land!  You're invited to come and get to know the Holy Land through the stories and experiences of children.  The series begins on July 2nd and will start promptly at 9:30 a.m. in the Annex. You are invited!

*We Have a New Pastor Onboard: This summer we invited Deacon Cheryl Garlick to support our summer Adventures in Faith program.  She currently serves as the Pastor to Families and Children at Christian Layman Church in Oakland.  We give great thanks to God's provision in Pastor Cheryl. To learn more about her, please visit: http://www.christianlayman.org/church/cheryl

*Please Note: Pastor Emily will be on vacation June 26th - July 4th and return to church on July 6th.  She is available via phone or email during this time.

*Save the Date: Please mark Sunday, Aug. 6th in your calendar for a very important English Ministry Town Hall following worship.  The English Ministry Council (EMC) will be sharing some observations about where we are at as a congregation and inviting responses and input.  Your presence is vital - this cannot be emphasized enough!  Thank you!

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2017-6-18 Worship Videos

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2017-6-18 English Ministry News and Notes

*Great Thanks to all who pitched in last Sunday and enabled a celebratory Family Day Party.  Over 50 children and parents attended!

*Happy Father's Day to all who are fathers and to all who have fathered, coached, and mentored others.  We give thanks for your presence, care, and faithfulness.

*Annual Conference Special Giving Sunday - The Annual Conference Offering this year is designated for Africa University located in Zimbabwe as it celebrates its 25th year. This is a highly regarded university founded by the UMC serving all of Africa to raise up faithful, skilled leaders. Thanks for your generosity!

*Cal-Nev. Annual Conference, June 21st - 24th, Burlingame - We have two elected delegates this year: Burt and Becky, and one alternative: Richard (Only Burt will be attending.)  Pastor Meina will be commissioned during the Service of Ordination and Commissioning on Friday, the 23rd, at 7:30 p.m.  We will be organizing carpools for those interested in attending.

*Celebrate Shepherding Sunday, June 25th - We'll gather to celebrate the ministry of loving, caring, and supporting one another as community.  Please plan to stay for a fellowship meal and conversation following worship!

*Summer Intergenerational Sunday School Series: Let's Explore the Holy Land!  You're invited to come and get to know the Holy Land through the stories and experiences of children.  The series begins on July 2nd and will start promptly at 9:30 a.m. in the Annex. 

2017-6-11 Worship Videos

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2017-6-11 English Ministry News and Notes

*Pitch In - Following worship today, we'll begin prepping for our Family Day Party that begins at noon.  Your presence enables us to welcome our Homework Club families and students, provide them with a fellowship meal, and engage them in fun and meaningful team work games.  Thank you!

*Annual Conference Special Offering, Next Sunday, June 18th - The 2017 Annual Conference Session offering will benefit Africa University as the school celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Your generosity invests in young people to create a better future for Africa.  Thank you! You can learn more about their wonderful work at www.support-africauniversity.org

*Cal-Nev. Annual Conference, June 21st - 24th, Burlingame - Our annual Annual Conference session is just around the corner.  We have two elected delegates this year: Burt and Becky, and one alternative: Richard (Only Burt will be attending.)  Additionally, Pastor Meina will be commissioned during the Service of Ordination and Commissioning on Friday, the 23rd, at 7:30 p.m.  We will be organizing carpools for those interested in attending.

*Summer Homework Club Begins - our summer program begins Monday, June 12th.  Please hold this vital ministry, its staff and students in God's light.  We give thanks for the hiring of Deacon Cheryl Garlick who will be working with the summer Adventures in Faith Program.  Volunteers are invited!  Please connect with P. Emily for more info.

*Shepherding Sunday, June 25th - Save the date to celebrate and learn more about our shepherding ministry, the ministry committed to developing spiritual relationships, extending care, and supporting accountability here at CCUMC!  Please plan to stay for lunch and fellowship too.

The Holy Spirit at Pentecost, Jason Sansbury

Celebrating the Holy Spirit at Pentecost 

Pentecost is celebrated by Christians globally because we want to remember Jesus’ promise that the Holy Spirit would come and work in the world. We also celebrate Pentecost because we want to remember that the Holy Spirit is at work in us as followers of Jesus. 

In today’s world, anxiety charts at record levels in younger students. A 2000 American Psychological Association study states that the average teen has higher levels of anxiety today than did psychiatric patients in the 1950’s; the levels of stress exhibited by teenagers continues to rise. The Holy Spirit at work in the world and within us is a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness and the intimacy we can share with God as followers of Jesus.

The Holy Spirit at Work in the World

Sometimes we fail to notice the Holy Spirit faithfully at work in our lives and the world. Pentecost creates a natural pause in our liturgical rhythm and reminds us that the Holy Spirit is present and at work all around us. Part of the Christian tradition is to examine the world and identify the places we see the Holy Spirit at work, along with the people the Holy Spirit is using to do the work. That dedicated practice reminds us and helps us to understand that while the world may make us anxious, we have hope because God’s Spirit is at work and that hope helps us build spiritual endurance and keeps us moving forward in faith.

The Holy Spirit at Work in Us 

Similarly, we need to remember that the Holy Spirit is working in our individual lives. Sometimes it is difficult for us to recognize in ourselves what others around us see—the fruit of the Spirit. The result of the Holy Spirit’s work in our personal lives is often hidden from us. Pentecost is a reminder to take a break, examine our lives, and notice where the Spirit is teaching, guiding, encouraging, and convicting us. 

Question of the Day: Who is someone whose life you’ve seen changed by God?

Focal Scriptures: Acts 2:1-13, 37-47; 1 Corinthians 12–13

From www.ministrymatters.com