Videos for 5-6-12

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Do Ya Love?" 1 John 4:7-21, Pastor Emily

Launching a New Ministry Initiative: Shepherding

In the Gospel according to John, Jesus calls himself the good shepherd twice saying, “I am the good shepherd.  The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (vs. 11) and later, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me” (vs. 14).  Jesus was using a creative image to describe his relationship with his disciples—the depth of his love and the deep knowing between the two.  The image of the shepherd would have been an extremely familiar one to those around Jesus and the first listeners of John’s gospel.  They would have picked up on the unique relationship Jesus was pointing to between a shepherd and his sheep.   A shepherd provided for all the sheep’s needs, protected them from predators and the elements, and actively kept the flock together.  Some have said this relationship was much like the one between parent and child.  It was certainly a round the clock job.  Interestingly, near the very end of John, Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves him.  Each time Peter answers, “Yes” Jesus responds by commissioning him to take care of and feed his sheep.

Today, in both the Chinese and English ministries, we are seeking to take up that commission: to take care of and feed Jesus’ sheep.  Today, we are launching a new ministry initiative that seeks to strengthen relationships amongst the worshipping congregation, to care for one another actively (in action and in truth), as well as to build meaningful connections that encourage growth and active discipleship in each other.  This ministry initiative comes from the Membership Care Team of the church.

We give thanks for Brenda Wong, Donna Chan Chu, Ed Lang, and Jane Yin who will be commissioned as shepherds today.  In the coming weeks and months, they will be seeking to connect with you, intentionally getting to know you (and sharing of themselves), and being a resource and support.  They have also committed to be in prayer with and for you.  You should feel free to share prayer concerns and joys with them!  They will, of course, hold everything in confidence.  Please do not be surprised if you receive a phone call or email from one of them. 

Our prayer is that through this new ministry initiative, God will lovingly and gently “bind us together” (to borrow the words of a well known hymn.)  Our prayer is that every person – young, old, new, or not - will know and feel their importance and belovedness in this worshipping community.  Our prayer is that together we’ll grow and strengthen as faithful disciples of Jesus the Risen Christ.

CCUMC News and Notes for 5-6-12

*Congratulations! We extend our love and celebration to Brenda and Vince Wong as the welcome the arrival of their first grandchild, Jonah Aiden Wong Sanchez. Jonah was born on Wednesday afternoon, May 2nd and weighed 5 lbs 9 oz. Though Jonah came 4 weeks early, he and mom are both healthy and well.

*Please Note: Pastor Emily will be out of the office between Thursday, May 10th and Sunday, May 13th. For pastoral emergencies, please call circuit colleague Rev. John Oda from Lake Park UMC.  Pastor Emily will, unfortunately, be “out of range” on her cell phone.

*Join the Pentecost Joint Choir - Will you lend your voice to welcoming the Holy Spirit on Pentecost as well as celebrating the church's 125th year? Singers of all skill levels are invited to be a part of the joint choir. Practices will be held on two Saturdays, May 19th (9:30 a.m.) and May 26th (10:00 a.m.) Please connect with Pastor Emily for questions or to RSVP.

*Looking Back. Reaching Forward: Be, See, Do! We are kicking off our 125th anniversary celebrations on Sunday, May 27th. The festivities will begin with a joint worship at 10:30 a.m. followed by a reception. You are encouraged to reach outward - to family, friends, past members, new neighbors - and invite them to catch a glimpse of what all God has been doing...and is doing at CCUMC.

*Summer Adventure in Faith Invites YOU! Yes, YOU! The summer is fast approaching and we are inviting the congregation to get involved in this important outreach, seed-planting ministry. Pitch in by being a presence, preparing snacks, leading a small group, helping with crafts and so much more. Please connect with Pastor Emily today to learn more.

We celebrate the membership reception of Theresa Siu today!

Theresa was born in Hong Kong and is the “baby” of a family of six children (She has 4 sisters and 1 brother.)  She came to the U.S. in 1971 to study at the University of San Francisco (USF).  It was there that she met her future husband, Raymond Siu.  The two were married in 1974 and moved to Philadelphia soon thereafter.  During their 15 years in Philadelphia, Theresa earned her MBA and worked in computer programming.  Later, Raymond’s work took them to Irvine, California.  Harmonie, Theresa and Raymond’s daughter, was born in 1990.  In 2007, Raymond died suddenly.  Theresa accompanied Harmonie to the Bay Area when Harmonie began her undergraduate studied at UC Berkeley.

Theresa enjoys crocheting, watching TV (American Pickers is a favorite show), and reading the Psalms.  If she could take a dream vacation, she would choose to go to Hawaii, somewhere she has never been!  Without hesitation, Theresa is the most proud of Harmonie.  “She is wonderful!” Theresa beams.

Over the last year, Theresa has been serving faithfully at the LMUMC Food Pantry Ministry.  She appreciates being able to use her Cantonese to serve others.  Theresa has also become a part of the scripture reader rotation and most recently, volunteered to become an usher/greeter!

We welcome Theresa Siu as a part of this faith community!

Please share a warm word of welcome with Theresa

during Hospitality.

Visiting Across the Bay

Burt, Jane, Steve, and I visited longtime friend and previous CCUMC member, Dora Jang recently.  We delivered the quilt that our congregation prayed over.  Dora moved to SF 20+ years ago to be closer to her sister and daughter after the passing of her husband, Lambert. With Burt in the driver seat, we had a thrill ride and arrived to find her using a walking cane.  She is having dialysis and experienced some difficulty with finding the right spot for the lines.  She looked good and was cheerful despite her health issues.  Those who know her also know she has a sense of humor which is a testament to her upbeat attitude despite her various health challenges over the years.  It was like time didn't pass even though it's been years....bless be the tie that binds.  She asked about other members of our church.  We ate lunch out with her and visited in her home.  Dora’s daughter Denise came by after work for a visit also.  Dora so appreciated the prayer quilt and we prayed together.

Also living in the avenues in the same general area are Doug and Phyllis Hong.  They attended our church and sat in the back with Phyllis’ uncle Henry Lee for many years.  Phyllis had a stroke last years and despite her limited mobility and speech tried to communicate with us.  She looked so different with her hair grown out.  I noticed her face so lovely as before she was somewhat bent over when walking.  Doug told us she understands what we are saying. They had a helper in the house to assist in her needs.  Doug having devoted his time also to her care has lost weight but is juicing and using exercise equipment to stay healthy.

All in all, it was a blessing to see our sisters and brothers in Christ and to share the love of God in all situations.

Laura Chan

Visitation is a wonderful way to “make love real.”  We give thanks for the time Laura, Steve, Burt, and Jane spent connecting with brothers and sisters and continue to lift each in prayer.

Videos for 4-29-12

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - "Making Love Real" 1 John 3:16-24, Pastor Emily

CCUMC News and Notes for 4-29-12

*Praying for One Another - Theresa Siu has decided to become a member of CCUMC!  She will do so on Shepherding Sunday, May 6th.  We rejoice with Theresa and give thanks for her presence and gifts.  Please hold Theresa in prayer as she journeys towards this day.

*Shepherding Sunday - We are kicking off a new initiative throughout the church to strengthen our care for one another next Sunday. That day, we'll commission members of the EM Shepherding Team: Donna Chan Chu, Ed Lang, Brenda Wong, and Jane Yin. Their call is to connect and build meaningful spiritual relationships with and amongst their "flock." Everyone will belong to a flock! Please lift this initiative and our team in prayer!

*LMUMC Food Pantry Work Day - You are invited to pitch in on Saturday, May 12th, at our monthly Food Pantry workday at Lake Merritt. Please connect with Jane Yin for more info. The day starts at 9:45 a.m. and ends at 1:00 p.m.

*Growing Roots @ CCUMC - Are you feeling nudged to take another step in your spiritual journey? Do you feel the pull to "jump in with both feet"? Has CCUMC become your faith home? If you answer "Yes!" to any of these questions, you are invited to connect with Pastor Emily to discern baptism and membership.

*Burt & Jane write of their recent time in Florida - “The General Conference Opening Worship Service Tuesday evening was powerful and spiritually uplifting. To be in worship with over 4,000 disciples in a room nearly the size of the Oakland Coliseum was awesome. The music and the preaching were as close to what heaven on earth must be in our daily context.  We encourage you to witness General Conference between now and May 8th by going to  www.umc.org and watching live streaming of activities and events as they are happening. There is much to learn and experience.  Pray mightily that all there will be filled with the resurrection power of Jesus Christ as they discuss, debate, agree and disagree upon resolutions critical to our UMC.”

We encourage you to witness General Conference via UMCom between now and May 8th. Go tohttp://www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.8033183/k.8586/General_Conference_2012_Live.htm