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Summer 2003 Newsletter |
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| Monthly Newsletter at the First Chinese Baptist Church of San Francisco | ||
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Continuity
& Innovation |
Pastor Don |
| When God has blessed FCBC and continues
to strengthen the life and ministry of our church since its beginning over
123 years ago, we have much to celebrate! For the past couple of years,
a number of our older fellowship groups have commemorated significant anniversaries.
Both the OYYA and the Emmanuel Family Group have been together for 40 years.
They have taken time to reminisce, gathered old photos, and engaged in projects
to affirm God’s promise of future ministries. While we have appropriately
remembered the “great cloud of witnesses” that surrounded our
faithful church, we have also turned our eyes on “the race that is
set before us.” Last year a new young adult fellowship was started,
Xplorers! We hope that they will have 40 years of fellowship together too!
In the book of Hebrews (12:1-2), the writer encourages the early Christians to look toward Jesus as the one who fulfilled all of the promises of their past religion. And because of their familiarity and appreciation for the many people of faith like Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and others, they are blessed with such a great tradition to now believe in Jesus Christ too. At FCBC, we also have a “great cloud of witnesses” that is rich with traditions and history that we value. We believe that God is calling us to continue his important ministry in Chinatown since 1880. The Deacons will be appointing a 125th Anniversary Committee to begin work to celebrate this milestone in Fall 2004. We are envisioning a banquet, perhaps a new history book, exhibits of artifacts, and lots of good times! If you would like to participate in this endeavor, please contact Deacon Nelson Wong or Pastor Don. While we are celebrating our history, we must also envision our future. When Christ is “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,” we know that God will move us to do new things! To know Christ means that he will challenge us to look at innovation and new possibilities. To explore our mission for the future, the Long-Range Planning Committee will be activated to bring recommendations for us to consider. We want to remain faithful to God by being open to his leading us in the years to come. Our hope is that the work of these two very important committees will
get underway this Fall with reports ready for the Membership to consider
in early 2004. Join me, the pastoral staff, and your church leaders in
prayer as we commence on these projects. We are very excited about how
God continues to bless us at FCBC and trust God to once again lead us
to “run the race set before us.” |
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| Chinese Speaking Ministry | Pastor Mak | |
| When my family immigrated to San
Francisco ten years ago, I thought the children who grew up here would be
English speaking and should attend the English speaking services. Gradually,
I came to realize that the children who have Chinese speaking parents are
culturally different from those who have English speaking parents. Especially
for those who speak Chinese (Cantonese) at home, listen to Chinese pop music,
and watch Chinese TV programs, they would still keep a strong Chinese sub-culture.
Although they can understand daily conversations, most of them can read
or write very little Chinese. As they grow up in the church, they cannot
totally identify with the English service, neither do they understand fully
nor read and sing in the Chinese speaking congregation. In view of this
unique bi-cultural need and enabling church growth, we feel that God is
leading us to plan for a bi-lingual, contemporary, seekers service. Bi-lingual,
not by translation, but using Chinese or English in the most convenient
way, such as singing praises and reading the Bible in English, and sharing
simple messages in Chinese with some English explanation for theological
terms. Since the Chinese Speaking youth fellowships (FLY, Zion, Koinonia)
are meeting on Saturdays, our first step is to start a joint praise time
before the fellowships break into their own programs. By doing this, we
can enhance the relationship between the fellowships, smooth the transition
of one fellowship to another, discover gifts and train up leaders. We plan
to try this on the last Saturday of each month until the end of the year.
The first one was on June 28, at 5:30p.m. We will evaluate the progress
in November before we decide to move onto the next stage of development.
May God guide us to develop this meaningful ministry.
The Chinese adult Sunday school will have a summer series, focusing on ‘Mission’, during the months of July and August. There will be 8 topics covering different perspectives of mission, such as Biblical, historical, unreached people groups, social action, church growth, commitment, and etc. We invited our own brothers and sisters who have mission experience from short term mission trips and Perspective classes, to be the teachers. The Friday Night School has started its Summer semester from June 20 through August 22. Due to Independence Day and the All Church Retreat, there will be no class and Joshua fellowship meeting on July 4 & 11. The annual outing and outdoor worship will be held on July 27, at Junipero Serra County Park. This year, we are glad to have the Children Sunday School Pre-K & 1st. grade class joining us to make it a community activity. Hong Kong China Graduate School of Theology will hold a seminar on July 4 & 5, at 7:30-10:00p.m., at the San Francisco Chinese Alliance Church (1150 Vicente Street). Dr. Philip Yeung will speak on the topic of suffering from the perspectives of creation and redemption. All Church Retreat will be held on July 11-13, at Redwood Glen. The theme of the Chinese congregation is ‘Breakthrough the Cocoon’. We have invited Rev. Raymond Kwong, pastor of San Francisco Bible Church, to be our speaker. Rev. Kwong has been a news critic on the radio for many years. His broad knowledge with Biblical reflection on many social issues will give us invaluable insights on our church theme of ‘Social Action’. I’ll be on vacation from 7/1-24 and will join the Friday Night School outing and outdoor worship on 7/27. During that time, Pastor Chris Otani, Rev. Johnny Wong of Chinese Christian Mission, and Mrs. Gem Cheng will fill in the pulpit. May you all have a nice summer holiday. |
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| Christian Education Ministry | Pastor Chris | |
| “For the word of God is
living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even
to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and
attitudes of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 Can you believe that we are halfway though 2003 already? If you started to read through the Bible at the beginning of the year, right now you would be reading through Proverbs and the Major Prophets. What? Your Bible reading stopped at Leviticus? The Hebrews passage stated above reminds us that the word of God is living and active! It is never a bad time to pick up again and start reading and meditating and acting upon the word of God. Devotional guides such as Daily Walk and the Upper Room can help you keep on track – pick one up in the vestibule this Sunday. This month I’d like to highlight our Youth Camp ministry. This year’s director is Rodney Tom and our guest speaker is Rev. Michael Crane, who was the CE Pastor at FCBC for many years. The theme is “Truth in Action” and we are looking forward to an incredible time of worship, fellowship and learning to put truth into action! Please pray for the staff as they are hard at work planning and for the campers – especially our many first time campers! Also, a special note of thanks to Wendy Chu who will be going to teach
English in Japan starting in July 2003. Wendy was our Day Camp director
in 2001 and has been serving in the Senior High Youth Department. She
has been a dedicated teacher and leader and she will be missed! Best wishes
in Japan Wendy! |
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Chung Mei & Ming Quong Homes Reunion | |
| On Saturday, August 9, 12:00 noon to 10:00 PM, you are invited to attend the reunion of former residents, their families, and friends of the Chung Mei Home for Boys and the Ming Quong Home for Girls. Dr. Charles R. Shepherd, an American Baptist minister who served our church from 19—19—saw a need for a home for orphaned and half-orphaned boys. Supported by Baptists including our church, Chung Mei was founded in 1923 in Berkeley. In 1934, the home was relocated to El Cerrito. By the time it closed in 1954, more than 800 Chinese boys ages 5-18 passed through Chung Mei Home. By the way, Shepherd Lodge at Redwood Glen is named after Dr. Shepherd. The Ming Quong Home was a Presbyterian mission. The reunion will be at the Windrush School, the former site of the Chung Mei Home, 1800 Elm Street (at Hill St.) in El Cerrito. To register contact Lynette Choy Gin at 650-593-0803 or 650-703-1009. | ||
| All Church Picnic | ||
A summer is not a summer until
you come to the Annual Church Picnic on Saturday, August 16, 9:00-5:00
at the Bayside/Joinville Park in San Mateo. There will be organized games
for all ages, a time of worship before lunch, and of course, a delicious
barbecue lunch by the Social Committee. We will once again have the “Dessert
Bake-Off Contest”—submit your entries for a ribbon and for
us to enjoy your sweet creations! The park offers swimming, tennis, softball,
volleyball, and children’s play area. Don’t miss this time
for relaxing conversations with your church family. Tickets for Adults
& Youth--$5.00; Seniors(65+)--$3.00; Children (ages 6-12)--$2.00;
and Children (Under 5)—Free. Call the church office to purchase
tickets. |
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| Chinatown
— Stories of Life and Faith |
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| FCBC is publishing a new book featuring 63 stories of people connected with our church. The treasury of life experiences of growing up in Chinatown, going to school, serving in the military, getting married and raising a family is a testimony of faith in God’s presence in our world. Filled with photos and retrospect, this beautiful book makes a wonderful gift for children, family, and friends on how God works in our lives. The project commenced with James Chuck who collected and edited the stories, Joy Shih Ng who copyedited and designed the book’s format and cover, and Roger Tom who helped with the photos and book sales. Price: $20. (Plus $3 for mailing/handling). To order a book, make your check out to First Chinese Baptist Church and mail to: FCBC Book Order, c/o Roger Tom, 2280 Redwood Road, Hercules, CA 94547. | ||
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2003 Summer Ministries |
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This summer we have so many opportunities for you to grow in your relationship with God and with others! If you need more information on any of these activities, please contact Pastor Chris or the church office. CCU Basketball/Volleyball Day Camp Tennis Tourney All-Church Retreat College Retreat Youth Camp CCU Softball All-Church Picnic Family Camp |
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| English Adult Summer Series | ||
Every summer, the Adult classes convene to have a “Summer Series” featuring topics of interest for today’s Christian learner. Sponsored by the Adult Committee, sessions will meet at the YMCA, after 10:05 worship and ending at 12:15. June 29 Today’s Youth Matter Marilyn Siden Being a youth today isn’t easy. TYM is a Bay Area ministry that has made a difference in the lives of youth, particularly those at risk. Learn how we might become more engaged in this worthwhile ministry. July 6 Meeting Spiritual Needs in Times of Crisis Peter Yuichi-Clark As the Protestant chaplain at Alta Bates in Oakland, Rev. Clark will explore with us the relationship of spiritual encouragement at the critical times of life. July 13 Visit the Chinese Historical Society Opened at 11:30 AM, this would be a wonderful opportunity to visit the exhibits and collections of Chinese American history as a class. July 20 & 27 Financial Planning Augie Bau Back from popular demand, Rev. Bau of the MMBB will spend two sessions helping us to look at our financial planning for our family and retirement. August 3 Dealing with Controversial Issues James Chuck When any group of people comes together, you will find differences and disagreements. The local church is no exception. Dr. Chuck will explore the ways controversial matters are best understood in local churches. August 10 Missions Leader pending FCBC was founded as a mission. Throughout our history, we have been active in supporting and participating in mission projects. Come and discover how we may advance God’s plan for the world. August 17 Life’s Guiding Principles Keith Russell Navigating through the troubled waters of life is dependent on knowing key principles that guide us in sound decision-making. Dr. Russell will share from his rich background as a scholar and teacher. August 24 Genealogy How to Get Started on Your Family Tree Roger Tom You might not find a “rich uncle,” but constructing a family tree helps you and your family to know the rich relationships that you may have. Dr. Tom has done extensive work on his family tree and will show us how to begin with ours. Each session begins with fellowship over coffee, tea, and snacks. We welcome you to invite your friends to come! |
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