{"id":3181,"date":"1999-10-01T20:10:00","date_gmt":"1999-10-02T00:10:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/?p=3181"},"modified":"2020-12-21T20:12:16","modified_gmt":"2020-12-22T01:12:16","slug":"october-1999-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/october-1999-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"October 1999 Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
So Great a Cloud of Witnesses<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

When I was growing up in Boston, there were these two large water color paintings of my paternal grandparents hanging high up in our living room. In their traditional Chinese clothes, they sat in mahogany chairs looking very stern. I remember a little white dog at their feet and wondered if they loved pets. Actually, the dog like the table next to them were used mainly as props to make the portraits more interesting. Although I never met them, I knew through my own parents that they were good examples of being Chinese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The examples of those who have lived before us are passed on to the next generation. And therefore, we grow to learn and appreciate all the trials and joys of our forefathers and mothers so that we might begin to claim these as part of our own experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having deep faith is gained from learning and valuing the faith of others and particularly those of our ancestors. The writer of Hebrews spoke about this.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received approval. By faith we understand<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            that the worlds were prepared by the word of God, so that what is seen was made<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            from things that are not visible. (Heb. 11:1-3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We have not met all those former FCBC members since our church was founded in 1880. Yet, our faith today has been inspired and enriched because we inherited their Christian examples! We are indeed \u201csurrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses\u2026looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.\u201d (Heb. 12:1-2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On October 3, First Chinese and Sunset Ministry are sponsoring this year\u2019s \u201cContinuing the Legacy Celebration Dinner<\/em><\/strong>\u201d at Patio Espanol, 5:00-8:30 PM. The faith of so many people has led us to this exciting time in the history of the two churches. Sunset Ministry is a vibrant, faithful congregation reaching out to English-speaking Asian Americans. First Chinese is a renewed historic witness in the heart of Chinatown where thousands of people live and work everyday and are hungry for the love of Christ. With our retrofit project underway, First Chinese will be more effective to transform lives to know God. At the Celebration Dinner, we will affirm the \u201cSister Churches Relationship\u201d as a way to express our commitment to each other to pray and share ministries whenever it is helpful. We hope you will attend to enjoy great food, wonderful fellowship and meaningful worship. For tickets and information, please contact Byron Chan (415-751-8378) or Susie Chong (415-647-1143).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I never met my grandparents, but their examples are a part of me today. Let us celebrate and affirm the faith of our fathers and mothers and to be opened to God\u2019s plan for continuing witness in the years to come!                                      Pastor Don<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pastor Richard Completes his FCBC Ministry<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

After completing five years of serving as the Pastor of Christian Education and more recently with Youth, Rev. Richard Chung resigned effective on September 26 to explore new opportunities of Christian service. Richard\u2019s ministry has touched the lives of many young people, coordinated the church\u2019s Christian education programs, and for the past two years, preached at the 9:00 o\u2019clock Youth Service. In the spring of this year, he coordinated the new \u201cServing in God\u2019s Family\u201d Leadership Training Event. Thank you, Richard for all your work and we wish you God\u2019s speed! A farewell reception was held on September 26th following the morning services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waverly Past & Waverly Future<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

After interviewing three contractors, the Church Retrofit Task Force selected Rose Construction of Fairfax to perform our retrofit\/renovation work. They come with experience in seismic retrofit improvement, elevator installation, renovation of old buildings, and \u201cvalue engineering,\u201d a commitment of meeting our required budget without sacrificing design and necessary improvements. Demolition has started which means that it is unsafe for anyone to just drop by. Jackie Hui, a member of the Task Force has agreed to take pictures of construction progress and display them on Sunday mornings and on our webpage: www.fcbc-sf.org<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a second in a series of articles to remember our Waverly Past and to anticipate our Waverly Future. We hope that you will enjoy cherishing our rich heritage and become challenged to participate in our bright future!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Waverly Past\u2014Classrooms      <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In an article in the Baptist Home Mission Monthly<\/em> in 1908, new classrooms were rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOn the upper floor, which extends over all the rooms heretofore mentioned, we<\/p>\n\n\n\n

have arranged four handsome and well-lighted rooms now used by the Woman\u2019s<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baptist Home Mission Society for their school work for children and girls. I may say here that on the Friday before dedication in these upper school rooms the<\/p>\n\n\n\n

attendance was 72, I believe. In the night school work carried on by the Home Mission Society the attendance is about 50, which is much larger than before the fire.\u201d \u2013Rev. C.A. Wooddy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Waverly Future\u2014Classrooms<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Our newly renovated building will have six classrooms for Sunday church school and English classes. The balcony will still be used for infants and toddlers. Since the church offices will be moved to the second floor, there will be one classroom for K-1 and a church library for an adult class. On the third floor with the use of good moveable partitions, there will be three classrooms for middlers and juniors. An open space on the third floor will also be available for choirs to practice and robe just before services. All the classrooms will have new linoleum floors, quality lighting, dry boards, and storage cabinets. With an elevator, all floors will be accessible to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            The moveable partitions on the third floor will permit us to still have a large Fellowship Hall for dinners, socials, and a \u201chang-out\u201d for our youth to eat lunch!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            When our classrooms are completely renovated, we anticipate that our Sunday school attendance will be much larger. In faith our forefathers and foremothers rebuilt for the glory of God. In faith, we too are rebuilding to do God\u2019s work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This Is My Prayer<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This year\u2019s Stewardship Canvas is on the theme of \u201cThis Is My Prayer\u201d based on Philippians 1:9, \u201cThis is my prayer that your love may overflow.\u201d During worship in October, we will encourage you to pray specifically about money and its use in a disciple\u2019s life. We hope that you will discover that if prayer means being available to God, then stewardship means the availability of all we are and all we have to be used for the purposes and glory of God! Each family will receive a \u201cWeek of Prayer\u201d devotional booklet to use. We pray the \u201cyour love will overflow\u201d when you consider this year\u2019s Stewardship Canvas. The Canvas Committee includes Paley Pang, Che Chiu Yee, and John Tom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inquirers Class<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Have you discovered that if you were to miss a Sunday at church, something is missing in your life? Or do you sense that knowing God\u2019s plan for your life is beginning to have a bigger say in what you do or not do? If your answers are YES, then you are a prime candidate to attend the Inquirers Class. Pastor Don will be offering this class for those who may be considering being members of this church through baptism, transfer of membership or profession of faith. Classes will meet on four Sundays, Oct. 24, Nov. 7, 14, and 21 from 11:15-12:15. Please see Pastor Don.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October Sunday Worship<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Oct. 3              World Mission Offering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        Founders Sunday<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        9:00 English Youth Service, Pastor Don preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        10:05 English Adult Service, Pastor Don preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        11:15 Cantonese Service, Pastor Mak preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oct. 10            9:00 English Youth Service, Pastor Don preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        10:05 English Adult Service, Pastor Don preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        11:15 Cantonese Service, Pastor Mak preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oct. 17            9:00 English Youth Service, Pastor Mak preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        10:05 English Adult Service, Pastor Mak preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        11:15 Cantonese Service, Pastor Mak preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oct. 24            9:00 English Youth Service, Pastor Don preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        10:05 English Adult Service, MIT Susan Criscione preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

                        11:15 Cantonese Service, Pastor Mak preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oct. 31            Pledge Sunday<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10:30 Joint Bilingual Service, Pastor Don preaching<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We invite you to join us every Sunday for Christian worship and praise the Lord! Free validated parking is available to all by parking at St. Mary’\u2019 Garage on the corner of Kearny (Entrance) and California Streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Change the World!<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Imagine if we can just do that! Through the efforts of thousands of American Baptists from around the country and Puerto Rico, we can give to this year\u2019s World Mission Offering and begin to change the world. Every time one of our overseas workers can improve life\u2019s conditions or educate a person to earn a living and most importantly, help someone to believe in Jesus Christ, we are doing our part in changing the world. Jesus taught us that our world can become like heaven when he said, \u201cthy Kingdom come, as it is in heaven.\u201d This year\u2019s goal is $4000. We invite you to give in the month of October to help change the world in the name of Christ!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

CONFAB 2000<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

The next National Conference of Chinese Churches is on June 24-29 at the Vancouver School of Theology in Vancouver, B.C., Canada. The theme is Equipping the Laity for Christian Service in the New Millennium. <\/em>FCBC members on the planning team include Shirlene Tong, Jeffrey Hee, Lea and Nelson Wong, Freddie Hee, Butch and Gayle Chan. Pastor Don is the English Theme Speaker and Rev. Karen Yee is leading the Youth Program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A CONFAB 2000 Kick-Off Concert featuring choirs around the Bay Area including our CBC Choir will be on October 24, 3:00 PM at the Chinese Presbyterian Church on 265-8th<\/sup> St. in Oakland. Come to this wonderful experience of worshipping with brothers and sisters in Christ! For more information about the conference, contact Freddie Hee at 415-221-2469.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

New Photo Directory!<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Throughout October, we will be taking pictures of all our church members and friends for the 2000 Photo Church Directory. So put on that happy smile when you come to church on Sunday! Milton Dong, Roger Tom, and Don Fong have agreed to help with this project. The photo directory will be available for distribution early next year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Only Paper\u2014Albert Lee<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Anna, Albert is going to send this to you.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Family News<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Church Yard Sale<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

(Anna, put in Lea Wong\u2019s article.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over 150 people packed into Happy Valley this Labor Day Weekend for Family Camp<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

to fellowship with old and new friends, eat home-baked breads and cinnamon rolls, sing and laugh at campfires, and to praise the Lord in worship. This year\u2019s theme was on Parenting Skills. The sharing was most memorable and we all had a renewed commitment to making our families a high priority in our lives. Special thanks to Alan Fong and the planning team in designing a great event! When can we sign up for next year?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10:05 English Worship has new \u201cLet\u2019s Just Praise the Lord\u201d songbooks<\/strong> featuring over 120 contemporary songs to enrich our worship experiences. Thanks to Joy Ng who spent many hours organizing all the songs into a \u201cvery cute resource.\u201d Although they are cute, please return them so that we can have them for worship on Sundays. Thanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Women\u2019s Fellowship<\/strong> article from Lea Wong<\/p>\n\n\n\n

(Anna, please ask Mak to put in events from the Cantonese congregation. Thanks.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our Minister-in Training (MIT), Susan Criscione<\/strong>, a middler at ABSW started her field education at our church on September 5. She is assisting in the 10:05 English Service, learning and assisting in community outreach, and supporting our new Care Ministry. Susan\u2019s address and phone number: 2500 Benvenue Ave., Apt. 203, Berkeley, CA 94704, 510-665-8590. We hope that you will take time to meet Susan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

October Calendar<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2          OYYAS<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3          World Mission Offering<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Congregational Prayer Meeting, 1:30<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Continue the Legacy Celebration Dinner, 5:00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5          Staff Meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6-7       Adult Fellowship Retreat, San Damiano<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7          CBC Choir practice, 7:45<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9          Deacons, 9:00-12:30, Sunset<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Emmanuel Family Group<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11        Holiday<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12        Staff Meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Sister Church Sub-committee, 7:30, Sunset<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14        CBC Choir practice, 7:45<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15        Nov. CBC newsletter articles due<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15-16   ABCW Annual Meeting, Modesto<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16        Youngfolks<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21        Staff Meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Nov. CBC Newsletter mailed out<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            CBC Choir practice, 7:45<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23        Sojourners<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24        Inquirers Class<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            CONFAB 2000 Kick-Off Concert, 3:00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

26        Staff Meeting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

28        CBC Choir practice, 7:45<\/p>\n\n\n\n

30        Women\u2019s Fellowship, 10:00-1:00<\/p>\n\n\n\n

31        Pledge Sunday<\/p>\n\n\n\n

            Joint Bilingual Service, 10:30<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

So Great a Cloud of Witnesses When I was growing up in Boston, there were these two large water color paintings of my paternal grandparents hanging high up in ourContinue readingOctober 1999 Newsletter<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[101],"tags":[11],"class_list":["post-3181","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-donald-ng-newsletters","tag-fcbc"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3181","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3181"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3181\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3182,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3181\/revisions\/3182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3181"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3181"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.followgreg.com\/revdonaldng\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3181"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}