We welcome Rev. Joseph and Marilyn Chan to CCUMC!

Rev. Joseph and Marilyn are missionaries with the General Board of Global Ministries (GBGM) of The United Methodist Church assigned to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, since 1998. Rev. Joseph has worked on evangelization and church growth and Marilyn in women's and music ministries. In January 2007, Rev. Joseph was assigned as District Superintendent of Kampong Cham, Kratie, Stung Treng, Ratanakiri and Mondol Kiri provinces. Natives of Cambodia, Joseph and Marilyn endured great hardships through Khmer Rouge eras and both escaped to Thailand in 1979. There, in a refugee camp, both converted from Buddhism to Christianity and became active in Bible studies, worship and faith sharing. Both also volunteered in the CARE feeding centers. The two have three children and are members of Central UMC in Stockton.

Here is some background on United Methodists in Cambodia from the General Board of Global Ministries website:

“Our Work in Cambodia Cambodia represents a special mission situation because five branches of Methodism are involved: The United Methodist Church in the United States, the United Methodist Church in Switzerland and France , the Methodist Church in Singapore, the World Federation of Chinese Methodist Churches and The Korean Methodist Church. This international cooperation among Methodists is proving fruitful. In 1989, Cambodia had three Methodist churches. Today, there are more than 150 served by more than 20 Methodist and United Methodist missionaries, 10 ordained deacons, and 100 lay leaders. One of the main objectives is to empower Christian youth movement through employment, leadership and Bible study. Methodists also help eradicate landmines, combat malnourishment, assist people to find employment, and teach individuals to read.”

You might be wondering why are we learning about the United Methodist Church ’s mission in Cambodia . Here are some questions to help think about it:

- Where is Cambodia? Who are the Cambodians?
- What is Christianity like in Cambodia? How is it similar or different to Christianity here?
- What does it mean to do missions in Asia (and Cambodia in particular) as opposed to other parts of the world?
- What can I learn by the way others, like the people of Cambodia, relate to God and live out their faith?
- In what ways am I called to live out my faith by seeing and hearing about the missions work in Cambodia?

Small Groups Launching!

Dear CCUMC Community -

Happy Fall!  As the weather shifts to being cooler and the days shorter, I pray that each of you is well and finding the warmth and light of God to be with you.

I am writing to share with you that three (3) new small groups are being launched next week!

Our team of 12 committed discerners have been faithfully praying, planning and training for the launch.

During this "learning phase" of 8 weeks, we will be holding groups in Oakland, Castro Valley, and the South Bay.  They will meet weekly for an hour and a half with the intention of deepening our relationships with one another and strengthening our walk as disciples of Jesus.  If you have not heard from a facilitator yet and would like to participate, please be in touch immediately.  I would be more than happy to connect you with a group.

I also want to take this time to share a BIG "thank you" to our team of discerners.

Over the last 7 months, this team has gathered to vision, discern, pray, listen, plan, and prepare. 

May the Holy Spirit hold each in her gentleness as we move from talking to action.  Please pray for each facilitator and the rebirth of this ministry!

Peace,

Emily

Asian Health Services Annual Gala Dinner

Over the years, CCUMC has participated in Asian Health Services projects, such as health kits and fundraisers.  In the past, CCUMC set aside money for AHS as a way to address the welfare and needs of the community.  This year, some folks from CCUMC attended the annual AHS banquet at the Marriott, where Ignatius Bau and Carl Chan were recognized for their contributions to AHS, the Chinatown community, and advocacy for immigrants.

  The 2010 gala benefit was conducted by David Louie of ABC7 News, and the crowd was entertained by Broadway star Jose Llana.  Finally, a silent auction and raffle capped off the evening for the several hundred in attendance.  CCUMC looks forward to continuing to work with AHS in the future.

YCVM project featured on UMTV

It’s truly amazing what God has done through CCUMC and YCVM.  Earlier this year, a video team came to the YCVM benefit dinner, and created a story for United Methodist TV.  On September 16th, it made the front page of www.umc.org!

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=5259669&ct=8657793

Praise God for those on the ground in Kumi, Uganda, and Oakland, CA for responding to those in need.

Angel Island Pilgrimage

Some CCUMC folks are going to attend this Angel Island event organized by the Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights.  Let Pastor Emily know if you would like to go.

Pilgrimage to Angel Island
From the Whispers of the Past to the Cries of Today
Saturday, September 25th, 2010

Join us on the 100th anniversary of the opening of the Angel Island Immigration Station to

remember the experience of immigrants detained on Angel Island,

honor the congregations that advocated on their behalf, and

discern faithful responses to the immigrant struggle in America today.

Program:

11 am Program & Ceremony of Remembrance at the Immigration Station

12 noon Bring your own picnic lunch and seating

1 pm History talk, guided walk of detention center and exhibits.

SPONSORS : Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation, Chinese Christian Union, Chinatown Community Development Corporation, Donaldina Cameron House, Franciscan Friars-Justice, Peace & the Integrity of Creation, Interfaith Coalition for Immigrant Rights (CLUE-CA), Presbyterian Church in Chinatown, Grace Urban Ministries, Holy Family Chinese Mission, St. Mary’s Schools and Center, Old St. Mary’s Cathedral, San Francisco Interfaith Coalition on Immigration.

3-day Class: An Overview of Bible and Theology for Lay People

Saturdays, October 2, 16, & 30, 2010
Dr. James Chuck, a retired pastor (and frequent guest-preacher at CCUMC), is offering a 3-Saturday class to anyone interested.  Please let Pastor Emily know no later than September 15th if you would like to attend 1, 2, or all 3 sessions.  All sessions will be held from 9:30am-1pm (lunch included) at Berkeley Chinese Community Church, 2117 Acton Street, Berkeley.
An Overview of Bible and Theology for Lay People provides a place where lay people from our various churches so that they can interact, learn and encourage one another.  Our focus on Bible and Theology will give us a common focus for our conversation.  Ideally, we would like people to come for all three sessions; but if they can only come for one or two, that too will be good. We anticipate a rich time of fellowship, sharing, and learning.
James Chuck, facilitator and presenter

Wesley House Grand Opening Celebration and Open House 9/26 noon-4pm

Two of CCUMC’s leaders, Derek Lang and Vince Wong, have served on the Wesley Foundation (UC Berkeley) board for several years, during which they were instrumental in realizing the Conference’s plan to establish student housing aimed at forming a spiritual community close to the campus.  After countless hours of work, The Wesley House & Campus Center is open this semester!

Everyone is invited to a Grand Opening Celebration and Open House!

Sunday, September 26th, 2010

12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m.

Appetizers and beverages will be served.

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2:00 p.m.

2398 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, California

www.WesleyHouseBerkeley.org             (510) 549-1244

Wesley’s mission is to create a spiritual community with Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Open Doors