*Will You "Let the Love Continue"? - A fun and delicious evening is planned for Feb. 15th to raise funds in support of students going to Uganda (Michelle, Jeffrey, Jacinto). RSVP today with Michelle.and invite friends!
*Food Pantry Ministry Review and Evaluation Meeting: You are invited to come and learn more about the challenges, opportunities and possibilities of this vital ministry in our community . At this meeting we will review the food pantry ministry and discern about how God is directing us in relationship with this ministry. If you are a participant in this ministry or if you are interested in knowing more about it, please join us on Sunday, February 16 at 12:30PM in the Educational Annex.
*Lent is Just Around the Corner - Great, great thanks to all those who have signed up to be soup-makers during the 6 weeks of Lent. There are still 4 slots left that are open for sign-ups. You are invited to consider pitching in on one of the Sundays with a pot of soup that feeds about 20 people. This is one of the important elements of our Sundays of Uniting Prayer (SOUP). Thank you!
Sunday, February 9, 2014
7 Ways to Make Bible-Reading Fun
Here are 7 suggestions that may help:
Pray - The Bible is not like any other book. You need God’s Spirit to help you. You should always pray before and as you read it. Ask God to help you understand what you’re reading. Good news here! This appears, in my experience, to be one of God’s favorite prayers to answer.
Version - Pick a version easiest for you to understand. There are lots of different versions of the Bible, some that are closer to the original Hebrew or Greek than others and some that are considered to be more paraphrases. Check out different versions through a site like: www.BibleGateway.com before settling down with one.
Sharing - It brings Scripture to life when we can share it with others. Sharing your reading with your small group, a group of guys or girls at a coffee shop, or a couple of people from work helps energize you for the passage. The key here is that when you talk about what you’re reading, it helps you value it more. (Read Philemon 6 for an example of this.)
Journaling - Writing about your time in God’s Word will help you process your thoughts and keep a record of them. It’s exciting to go back over time and remember what you read before. It fuels your enthusiasm for more.
Taking your time - I love the idea of reading the Bible through in a year. I’ve done this many times. I think it’s more important, however, that you benefit from what you’re reading. I sometimes meditate on a few verses or a story for a day. I also recommend people start with an easier book to understand and move to more difficult passages from there. The gospels are good places to start, because they are filled with great stories of Jesus.
Clarify - It’s best to have a study Bible for this part, but there are plenty of free online tools also. Look up words you don’t understand. Learn to use Bible dictionaries and commentaries. Look up passages that aren’t clear, cross-referencing verses with other similar verses using footnotes. For some people, having a Bible study to work through along with reading the Bible is helpful.
Relationship - The best way to fall in love with God’s Word is to get to better know its author. It’s cliché now, but read it as a love letter written to you. If someone writes you a love letter, you’ll read it continually until you figure out what it means, and maybe even memorize parts of it along the way. If you can’t figure out something, you’ll consult the author. Fall more in love with God and you’ll find reading the Bible much easier. You may even someday say it’s “fun”!
What would you add to this list?
-Ron Edmondson is Senior Pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church in Lexington, KY.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
English Ministry News and Notes 2-2-14
*Great thanks to all those who pitched in and spruced up our buildings on Saturday!
*Celebrating the Lunar New Year - Worship will be followed by a fellowship potluck today. You are warmly invited to join in. Please do listen for instructions to help with set up immediately following worship.
*LMUMC Food Pantry: You are invited to pitch in and serve our neighbors next Saturday, Feb. 8th. Please connect with Jane for more info. You are also invited to come and learn more about the challenges, opportunities and possibilities of this vital ministry in our community Food Pantry Ministry Review and Evaluation Meeting. At this meeting we will review the food pantry ministry and discern about how God is directing us in relationship with this ministry. If you are a participant in this ministry or if you are interested in knowing more about it, please join us on Sunday, February 16 at 12:30PM in the Educational Annex.
*Will You "Let the Love Continue"? - A fun and delicious evening is planned for Feb. 15th to raise funds in support of students going to Uganda (Michelle, Jeffrey, Jacinto). RSVP today with Michelle.and invite friends!
*Celebrating the Lunar New Year - Worship will be followed by a fellowship potluck today. You are warmly invited to join in. Please do listen for instructions to help with set up immediately following worship.
*LMUMC Food Pantry: You are invited to pitch in and serve our neighbors next Saturday, Feb. 8th. Please connect with Jane for more info. You are also invited to come and learn more about the challenges, opportunities and possibilities of this vital ministry in our community Food Pantry Ministry Review and Evaluation Meeting. At this meeting we will review the food pantry ministry and discern about how God is directing us in relationship with this ministry. If you are a participant in this ministry or if you are interested in knowing more about it, please join us on Sunday, February 16 at 12:30PM in the Educational Annex.
*Will You "Let the Love Continue"? - A fun and delicious evening is planned for Feb. 15th to raise funds in support of students going to Uganda (Michelle, Jeffrey, Jacinto). RSVP today with Michelle.and invite friends!
A Christian Celebration of Lunar New Year
Some years ago, during a Mandarin Fellowship gathering, the question was asked, “How
can we faithfully celebrate the lunar new year as Christians?” For the person asking the
question, there were many cultural practices surrounding the holiday that seemed in conflict
with Christian values and teachings. Do we, for example, as Christians greet one another
with the common words, “Gong hei fat choi” (may you prosper in wealth) or might there be
more faith-filled greetings to be used? The discussion that ensued was rich and engaging.
Below are some suggestions for how to think about this important cultural holiday as an important
part of our heritage and faith
A Christian Celebration of Lunar New Year
[From The Methodist Church in Singapore - http://www.methodist.org.sg]
Lunar New Year is the most important point on the Chinese calendar. The beginning of the lunar year has symbolized the act of starting over with renewed hopes for happiness and prosperity. It is also a time to renew ties with family and friends, through family reunion dinners and social visits.
Chinese and many other Asian Christians continue to celebrate the New Year so as to maintain their ethnic identity. But while the celebration was traditionally marked by a religious ceremony in honor of Heaven and Earth, the household gods and ancestors, Chinese Christians will celebrate the event from the perspective
of their faith in Christ.
Christian interpretations have been given to many of the traditional symbols associated with Chinese New Year.
House Cleaning: It is a good time for Christians to evaluate their lives in light of their commitment to Christ.
Spring Couplet: The traditional practice of displaying couplets or pairs of auspicious characters at the doorways is reintroduced among Christians by putting up Christian messages.
New Clothes: This can be an opportunity for giving thanks for God’s abundant provisions (Romans 5:17).
Feasting: While over-indulging these few days remember that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, so do not abuse it. Also remember the Christian virtue of hospitality, especially for those who have less or are struggling (James 1:27)
Oranges: Oranges are exchanged as a blessing for prosperity, because the Cantonese word for orange” sounds like gold. Christians are reminded that gold also symbolizes a genuine faith (1 Peter 1:7).
Red Envelopes: As gifts are given both to those below and above us in status, it is good to remember those who have served us faithfully, and also the Lord, to whom ultimate respect is due (Exodus 20:3).
Ancestors: While Chinese Christians will worship the one true God rather than their ancestors, that hardly means that they dishonor or neglect their family ancestors or even the ancestors of the faith. Scripture clearly calls us to respect those who came before us, and to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12).
Lunar New Year Prayer
Almighty God, we thank you for the Lunar New Year celebrations. The annual family gatherings help us cement our family ties. We thank you for our family ancestors and spiritual ancestors. Creator, give us the boldness to witness to our family and friends as we meet them during this festive season. O God, help
us to obey you in thoughts and in deeds, that we may please you in all our ways.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen. (prayer from CAC NEWS, January 2006, used by permission)
can we faithfully celebrate the lunar new year as Christians?” For the person asking the
question, there were many cultural practices surrounding the holiday that seemed in conflict
with Christian values and teachings. Do we, for example, as Christians greet one another
with the common words, “Gong hei fat choi” (may you prosper in wealth) or might there be
more faith-filled greetings to be used? The discussion that ensued was rich and engaging.
Below are some suggestions for how to think about this important cultural holiday as an important
part of our heritage and faith
A Christian Celebration of Lunar New Year
[From The Methodist Church in Singapore - http://www.methodist.org.sg]
Lunar New Year is the most important point on the Chinese calendar. The beginning of the lunar year has symbolized the act of starting over with renewed hopes for happiness and prosperity. It is also a time to renew ties with family and friends, through family reunion dinners and social visits.
Chinese and many other Asian Christians continue to celebrate the New Year so as to maintain their ethnic identity. But while the celebration was traditionally marked by a religious ceremony in honor of Heaven and Earth, the household gods and ancestors, Chinese Christians will celebrate the event from the perspective
of their faith in Christ.
Christian interpretations have been given to many of the traditional symbols associated with Chinese New Year.
House Cleaning: It is a good time for Christians to evaluate their lives in light of their commitment to Christ.
Spring Couplet: The traditional practice of displaying couplets or pairs of auspicious characters at the doorways is reintroduced among Christians by putting up Christian messages.
New Clothes: This can be an opportunity for giving thanks for God’s abundant provisions (Romans 5:17).
Feasting: While over-indulging these few days remember that our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, so do not abuse it. Also remember the Christian virtue of hospitality, especially for those who have less or are struggling (James 1:27)
Oranges: Oranges are exchanged as a blessing for prosperity, because the Cantonese word for orange” sounds like gold. Christians are reminded that gold also symbolizes a genuine faith (1 Peter 1:7).
Red Envelopes: As gifts are given both to those below and above us in status, it is good to remember those who have served us faithfully, and also the Lord, to whom ultimate respect is due (Exodus 20:3).
Ancestors: While Chinese Christians will worship the one true God rather than their ancestors, that hardly means that they dishonor or neglect their family ancestors or even the ancestors of the faith. Scripture clearly calls us to respect those who came before us, and to honor our parents (Exodus 20:12).
Lunar New Year Prayer
Almighty God, we thank you for the Lunar New Year celebrations. The annual family gatherings help us cement our family ties. We thank you for our family ancestors and spiritual ancestors. Creator, give us the boldness to witness to our family and friends as we meet them during this festive season. O God, help
us to obey you in thoughts and in deeds, that we may please you in all our ways.
In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus. Amen. (prayer from CAC NEWS, January 2006, used by permission)
Sunday, January 26, 2014
English Ministry News and Notes 1-26-14
* We Celebrate YOU! Today, we especially recognize and appreciate all you who make up the church. As laity, you are the essential, vital part of the body of Christ. Please know that what you do to serve God and God's church - big and small, recognized and not - are appreciated. Thank you!
* Adventure in Faith Monthly Chapel, Jan. 29th - Please hold our monthly chapel and connection with the Homework Club children in your prayers. Please pray for those who serve in this ministry and for God's love to be experienced all around.
* Volunteers In Mission (VIM) Trip Training #2 - Please mark you calendars for the upcoming training, Feb. 8th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All trip participants required to attend!
* LMUMC Food Pantry Ministry Day - Feb. 8th
* Lunar New Year Parallel Worship & Potluck Fellowship Luncheon, Feb. 2nd - We will welcome the year of the horse together next Sunday and hear from Pastor Moon Louie. Worship will be held in the Annex at 9:30 a.m. followed by a shared potluck meal. For those with last names of A - M, please bring a main or meat dish. For those with last names of N - Z, please bring a side or veggie dish to share. (Homemade or purchased are all welcome!) Dessert will be provided by church.
* Adventure in Faith Monthly Chapel, Jan. 29th - Please hold our monthly chapel and connection with the Homework Club children in your prayers. Please pray for those who serve in this ministry and for God's love to be experienced all around.
* Volunteers In Mission (VIM) Trip Training #2 - Please mark you calendars for the upcoming training, Feb. 8th, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. All trip participants required to attend!
* LMUMC Food Pantry Ministry Day - Feb. 8th
* Lunar New Year Parallel Worship & Potluck Fellowship Luncheon, Feb. 2nd - We will welcome the year of the horse together next Sunday and hear from Pastor Moon Louie. Worship will be held in the Annex at 9:30 a.m. followed by a shared potluck meal. For those with last names of A - M, please bring a main or meat dish. For those with last names of N - Z, please bring a side or veggie dish to share. (Homemade or purchased are all welcome!) Dessert will be provided by church.
English Ministry Council (EMC) Updates
As 2013 began, the English Ministry Council (EMC) sensed that it was time once again to listen. We had spent the previous 3 years focused on three important priorities: 1. To enable vibrant, strong spiritual formation, 2. To grow 3. To live out healthy, generous stewardship.
As we reviewed steps taken to live out these priorities, we gave thanks for so, so many ways in which God has been faithful as we attempted to be faithful. We celebrated growth in every one of these areas: a renewed interest and excitement in our adult Sunday School, to the presence and contributions of young people, to the launch and growth of our Small Group Ministries, to the new ways we are reaching out in missions: on the sidewalk, in new partnerships (ACMHS), through LMUMC, and in extravagant giving. These are but a few of the many signs of growth and fruit-bearing that we witnessed together. But how was God leading us now? Where would God have us go? What would God have us do as a body of faithful, loving disciples? And so we began to listen.
First, we listened as a ministry council over a period of 4 months. We prayed together, studied God’s Word together, committed to praying on our own and to fasting. We attended to the voice and movement of God as we held gently the question: Where are you leading, O God? In the summer, we brought what we heard to a congregational forum and then in the early fall to the adult Sunday School. We wanted to listen together as a congregation. As we did so, these four areas of ministry priorities were affirmed:
And so we begin the next 3-5 years holding these ministry priorities constantly before us. Please join together in prayer for God’s guidance and movement in these areas, and for our intentional listening and obedient response.
As we reviewed steps taken to live out these priorities, we gave thanks for so, so many ways in which God has been faithful as we attempted to be faithful. We celebrated growth in every one of these areas: a renewed interest and excitement in our adult Sunday School, to the presence and contributions of young people, to the launch and growth of our Small Group Ministries, to the new ways we are reaching out in missions: on the sidewalk, in new partnerships (ACMHS), through LMUMC, and in extravagant giving. These are but a few of the many signs of growth and fruit-bearing that we witnessed together. But how was God leading us now? Where would God have us go? What would God have us do as a body of faithful, loving disciples? And so we began to listen.
First, we listened as a ministry council over a period of 4 months. We prayed together, studied God’s Word together, committed to praying on our own and to fasting. We attended to the voice and movement of God as we held gently the question: Where are you leading, O God? In the summer, we brought what we heard to a congregational forum and then in the early fall to the adult Sunday School. We wanted to listen together as a congregation. As we did so, these four areas of ministry priorities were affirmed:
- Ministering to and with youth and young adultsWe are thrilled and excited by the presence of youth and young adults in our midst. We sense that there is much they can and are teaching us even as we seek to be a spiritual home for them. We want to get to know the youth and young adults in our midst and to strengthen our ministry to and with them. We recognize that this will require us to change, to listen, to take risks, and to try on new ways of being and doing.
- Extending radical hospitalityThe English Ministry (EM) has welcomed many newcomers and guests over the last few years. Praise God! In some instances, those who have made their spiritual home at CCUMC bring with them issues and needs that have exposed areas of growth for us. We hear God’s call to be welcoming and to extend much more than just a friendly hand-shake and a smile. We hear God calling us to stretch, to become more aware of mental health issues as well as issues of homelessness and poverty, and to practice hospitality that is risky, uncomfortable, even scary…but is also ultimately biblical and faithful.
- Going beyond parallel ministries: building meaningful bridges with Chinese MinistryCCUMC adopted a “parallel ministry” structure years ago. This enabled the Chinese Ministry and the English Ministry to develop and grow in their own unique ways. It recognized the differences between the two language ministries and sought to support both in the directions they were being called. This was incredibly important. Now, we are sensing God’s calling to seek and nurture meaningful, missional relationships between the EM and CM. We recognize that there are language challenges and cultural differences. We know that we are different in many ways. We also know that there is a vital relationship between us and we want to invest in its possibility.
- Mission and service
We recognize that as disciples of Jesus, we are a sent people – sent to make new disciples and to transform the world. This has been an area of continued and exciting growth. We have solid local and global partnerships. How do we continue to grow in this area? How might we support and enable every single person at CCUMC to get involved in mission and service?
And so we begin the next 3-5 years holding these ministry priorities constantly before us. Please join together in prayer for God’s guidance and movement in these areas, and for our intentional listening and obedient response.
Sunday, January 19, 2014
English Ministry News and Notes 1-19-14
*Celebrating Human Relations Sunday, Jan. 19th - We eagerly welcome Jo Ann Lawson as our preacher today. Jo Ann currently serves as President of California-Nevada Conference of United Methodist Women (UMW). She also serves on the Western Jurisdiction, Pacific Regional School Team, and the Annual Conference Session Planning Committee. Jo Ann is an active member of Easter Hill UMC in Richmond and is partner to Rev. Phil Lawson.
*Signing Up For Hospitality - Great thanks for all those who signed up last week. Let's keep it going! Please consider grabbing a friend or someone you’d like to get to know and signing up to host hospitality time during the first half of the year. It makes a difference when we ALL participate!
*Bringing Beauty to the Sanctuary - You are invited to contribute altar flowers by signing up in the Annex hallway bulletin board. Flowers are $10 and can be donated in honor or memory of someone.
*Laity Celebration Sunday, Jan. 26th - “I am the church. You are the church. We are the church together!” We will celebrate our call to be the church together as we hear from our Co-Lay Leaders, Becky and Steve, and recognize all those who serve and minister.
*Lunar New Year Parallel Worship & Potluck Fellowship Luncheon, Feb. 2nd - We will welcome the year of the horse together on Sunday, Feb. 2nd and hear from Pastor Moon Louie. Worship will be held in the Annex at 9:30 a.m. and be followed by a shared potluck meal. For those with last names of A - M, please bring a main or meat dish. For those with last names of N - Z, please bring a side or veggie dish to share. (Homemade or purchased are all welcome!) Dessert will be provided by church
*Signing Up For Hospitality - Great thanks for all those who signed up last week. Let's keep it going! Please consider grabbing a friend or someone you’d like to get to know and signing up to host hospitality time during the first half of the year. It makes a difference when we ALL participate!
*Bringing Beauty to the Sanctuary - You are invited to contribute altar flowers by signing up in the Annex hallway bulletin board. Flowers are $10 and can be donated in honor or memory of someone.
*Laity Celebration Sunday, Jan. 26th - “I am the church. You are the church. We are the church together!” We will celebrate our call to be the church together as we hear from our Co-Lay Leaders, Becky and Steve, and recognize all those who serve and minister.
*Lunar New Year Parallel Worship & Potluck Fellowship Luncheon, Feb. 2nd - We will welcome the year of the horse together on Sunday, Feb. 2nd and hear from Pastor Moon Louie. Worship will be held in the Annex at 9:30 a.m. and be followed by a shared potluck meal. For those with last names of A - M, please bring a main or meat dish. For those with last names of N - Z, please bring a side or veggie dish to share. (Homemade or purchased are all welcome!) Dessert will be provided by church
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