Videos for 4-28-13

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - “Living the Resurrection IV: Breaking Down Walls” Acts 11: 1-18, Pastor Emily

Living the Resurrection - Rebecca Wong

What does it mean to not just believe in resurrection...but actually to live it...to practice it?! We celebrate resurrection each Easter Sunday...but what about the other days of our lives? These are the questions we are exploring during the Eastertide Season which carries us from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday! Members of the congregation have been invited to share their thoughts and experiences about resurrection and how they have attempt to live it. This week's faith sharer is Rebecca Wong

After journeying through the somber, reflective six weeks of Lent, I was more than ready for the "Alleluias" of Easter morning on March 31st. And I think that this year, what stands out for me as I experience the continuing joy of Eastertide is that on that first Easter morn, the world was indeed turned upside-down. What we thought was impossible became possible: out of death, came life; tears of sadness became tears of joy; fear turned to boldness; despair was replaced by hope; denials became affirmations; the darkness of confusion was replaced by the light of understanding. God's miraculous Love triumphed.

In thinking about this, I realized that the greatest transformations often arise from the bleakest experiences. To look for signs of resurrection in my life, I began to ask myself, "Where am I experiencing darkness, despair, or fear, which could be symptoms of a kind of "death" in my life. Many of you know that my 92-year-old mother has Alzheimer's disease, a form of severe dementia that robs one of language, basic concepts, recognition of friends and family, and the ability to perform even simple tasks. It is sad for me to watch her disease progress, and not be able to do much about it. There is no cure. It will only get worse.

How can I experience the joy of resurrection in this situation? Mom stays at a residence with 5 other elderly seniors. Fortunately, they do not have Alzheimer's. My sister Judy and I decided that we could do something to bring cheer to all of them. So, we gathered some prizes, a bingo game, some treats, and, with ukulele in tow, arranged to meet with them one morning after Easter. While most of the needed help to play the game, we got them engaged in looking for the numbers and trying to win. Mom was the first to "bingo" and got a painted stone. Eileen won a bookmark with the familiar Bay Bridge on it. Dorothy, who has the gift of a beautiful giggle, was thrilled with the pen that had a mirror on one end. And the second Dorothy knew almost all the words to every song we sang together. They all savored the starfish crackers and candy treats just like children at a birthday party.

Would they remember this day? Maybe, maybe not. But at least they had moments of joy and delight, and felt that someone cared about them. And not just they, but my sister and I, also had our hearts warmed and restored by the power of love. And perhaps that in itself is the message of resurrection: God's Love never gives up. And I think I saw my mom have a fleeting smile.

English Ministry News and Notes 4-28-13

*Sending Kids to Camp - Today, we'll take a special offering to support and enable children and youth in our congregation to attend special summer camps. Thank you for your generosity.

*Interfaith Immigration Vigil - During Lent, we had the opportunity to faithfully discern the issues surrounding immigration and immigration policies in light of our faith. You are invited to take a step of action and participate in an upcoming Interfaith Immigration Vigil to be held Tuesday, April 30th, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Frank Ogawa Plaza in Oakland. This will be a time for prayer, song, witnessing, and commitment. To learn more, please connect with Burt or Jane.

*Celebrate the Beginning of API Heritage Month - Our sister church, Buena Vista UMC in Alameda will hold its 54th annual Spring Festival Bazaar next Sunday, May 5th from noon to 6:00 p.m. It's a great opportunity to eat good food, hear good music, and support good community (2311 Buena Vista Ave., Alameda)

*Saturday of Service - There are two opportunities to serve on an upcoming Saturday, May 11th: The first is to participate in the LMUMC Food Pantry Work Day, the second is by pitching in at our CCUMC work day (cleaning, fixing, sprucing up.) You are warmly encouraged to pitch in!

*Mark Your Calendars Now - Children & Youth Sunday School Ministry Team will gather on Saturday, May 5th, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. This time will be used for training and prepping. You are welcome to come...just out of curiosity! Please RSVP to Pastor Emily asap. Thanks.

Videos for 4-21-13

English Sermon - “Living the Resurrection III: Power to Heal” Acts 9: 36-43, Pastor Emily

English Ministry News and Notes 4-21-13

*4th Annual YCVM Benefit Dinner Planning - You are invited to plan, organize, and get ready for our annual benefit to be held on Friday, July 26th, at Peony Restaurant. The first planning meeting happens today at 12:45 p.m.

*Adventure in Faith, April - Mark your calendars to pitch in at our monthly chapel, Apr. 24th. We'll gather at 2:30 for prayer and practice and then go on at 3:30 p.m.

*Interested in Missions? Curious about ministry beyond our walls? You are invited to come to a Missions Ministry Team meeting. The next one will be held Friday, Apr. 26th at 7:00 p.m. For more info, connect with Donna or Steve.

*Support Kids to Go to Camp - Next Sunday, Apr.28th, we will take a special offering for our Youth Camping Fund. Your donation will support and enable children and youth in our congregation and community to participate in important faith building opportunities through the camping ministry. Last year, we
sent 4 kids to camp. This year, we hope to send 6. Thanks in advance for your generosity!

*Mark Your Calendars Now - Children & Youth Sunday School Ministry Team will gather on Saturday, May 5th, from 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. This time will be used for training and prepping. You are welcome to come...just out of curiosity! Please RSVP to Pastor Emily asap. Thanks.


*Prayer Invitations -
- We lift up all those hurting (physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually) due to the bombings and subsequent violence in Boston. We yearn for healing. We pray for the Holy Spirit to protect us from deepening fear and the spirit of revenge.
- We received news and pictures this week that Grace Among, one of the sponsored YCVM youth, returned home with a very nasty open wound on her right foot. After consulting doctors, it sounds like surgery is needed. Please hold Grace and the YCVM community in your prayers.

*Homework Club Summer Program Welcomes You - The summer program has begun registering students. We welcome students who are entering kindergartners to 5th graders. If you would like more information, please connect with Pastor Emily, Meina, or Ms. Li.

Living the Resurrection - Derek Lang

What does it mean to not just believe in resurrection…but actually to live it…to practice it?! We celebrate resurrection each Easter Sunday…but what about all the other days of our lives? These are the questions we are exploring during the Eastertide Season which carries us from Easter Sunday to Pentecost Sunday! Members of the congregation have been invited to share their thoughts and experiences about resurrection and how they have attempted to live it. This week’s faith sharer is Derek Lang.

I hesitated to write this week about the Boston Marathon tragedy. There is something hallowed in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy where we mourn the victims and respect the grieving. But the tragedy weighed heavily on me as I reflected on the resurrection, and perhaps it is appropriate and healing to look to the resurrection in these times.

I have only been able to listen to small segments of the news about the tragedy before getting choked up. But one news story that caught my attention was about businesses in the local area opening up the day after. Their intent was not so much for commerce as it was a way to help through the grieving and recovery process. One florist shared that a gentleman came into the shop after they opened that morning. His intent was not to purchase, but rather just to be there. They were all seeking connection, a way not to be alone – to be with one another and for one another.


In those dark days of Jesus’ death and then jubilation of resurrection, I cannot help but think that the main source of joy for the Disciples was being reunited with their friend again. They had given up careers, homes, and family to be with Jesus. He was their teacher, their spiritual guide, their confidante, and best friend. It was an amazing miracle that he was alive again after a brutal death.

Some might be awed by the power of God, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the message of salvation. But for the Disciples, I think it was enough – no perhaps everything – for them to just be with Jesus again. To have his companionship and be present together again must have filled their hearts with an incomparable joy. He would leave them shortly to ascend into heaven. But he said he would be with them always. I think it meant something different to them now that they had seen him overcome even death. It was a promise they could count on and find comfort in.

What does the resurrection mean? I think of God present with us again and always. And I am reminded of the chorus to an old, familiar hymn, “Because he lives, I can face tomorrow.”

Videos for 4-14-13

Chinese Choir

Chinese Sermon

English Sermon - “Living the Resurrection II: Transformation” Acts 9: 1-20, Burt Yin, Lay Servant