The Blessings of Word→Works
The twin emphases of Bible Study and Social Action in 2003 were on the fundamental importance of Bible study in our lives that would lead to taking public action in our faith. Basing our theme, Word→Works, on Jeremiah 15:16 and Micah 6:8, we read,
“When your words came, I ate them. They were my joy and my
heart’s delight. And what does the Lord require of you? To act
justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
As we reflect on the life and mission of our church last year, we can attest to the reality that we have solidly based our faith on the Word of God and acted faithfully in love and justice with God in the world. Contained in the annual reports and highlighted in this one are some of the amazing mission endeavors that God has blessed us with for the past year. We have discovered once again that trusting in God’s word means taking serious our faith in action.
Faith in Action
2003 was the year to elect a new mayor for the City of San Francisco. Working in partnership with 6 Christian congregations in Chinatown and with the assistance of the Bay Area Organizing Committee, our church hosted a “Mayoral Candidates & Issues Forum” on September 14 when all six major candidates appeared. We got the chance to see and meet the candidates up-close. The issues presented for discussion were all from the perspective of our Christian faith for the health of Chinatown and the city. The learning point of the forum was not whether one had the ability to vote in San Francisco or not, but rather it was the opportunity to recognize that as Christians we have a civic responsibility for the welfare of the larger society.
The proposed future options for Redwood Glen Baptist Camp challenged our church’s historic and current commitment to continuing camping ministry for our church as well as for others in the region. After careful and prayerful discussions in our church, we officially registered a protest to the region’s decision to sell the camp. Many meetings were allocated to possibly negotiate an acceptable agreement and definitely more will come with the hope that some form of understanding will prevail as brothers and sisters in Christ seeking for resolution. Our church is recognized as the leading church on this matter and I pray that we will assume such a leadership role with humility and an enduring commitment to reach an acceptable agreement and reconciliation.
I am blessed as I know you are too to be in fellowship with such a faithful congregation that has taking every opportunity to bear sincere and courageous witness of God’s word and power in our daily living.
Celebrations Together
The blessings from the Lord can be seen everywhere—and 2003 was no exception! After countless hours of recording, transcribing, editing, laying out, and designing, the 64 stories of church members and friends were published in Chinatown, Stories of Life and Faith. Edited by Dr. James Chuck with the assistance of Roger Tom and Joy Shih Ng, these stories give strong testimony of God’s presence in each person’s life made visible through their involvement at our church. These narrative treasures are complemented with photographs that help any reader to affirm in his or her life the importance of family, growing up, work, and the Christian faith. An elegant and festive Book Reception was held on March 29 with most of the contributors present to autograph their books. The hope is to publish another volume in the future with more stories of faithful people.
New English hymnals, Worship & Praise (Hope) were given by the children and grandchildren of James and Marie Chuck in celebration and thanksgiving for their life and ministry at our church. This new resource will enhance English worship with a large collection of both traditional and contemporary music. We pray that this new hymnal will be used as an instrument of God’s grace and peace to participate in worship of the Almighty God.
The opportunity to witness the ordination of a servant is a blessing to all! On November 2, the church ordained our Minister of Christian Education, Chris Otani into the Christian Ministry. Our choirs sang, ministers and church friends from other churches were in attendance, gifts for ministry were presented, and a wonderful reception was planned for friends, church members and Chris’ family to meet and fellowship with one another. We pray that God will continue to bless and strengthen Rev. Chris Otani in ministry as she shares her gifts and talents with us in the many years to come.
Effectiveness in Ministry
More and more people are using the internet to research and access information about churches. Our church’s new website: FCBC-SF.org is both beautiful and very friendly to use. If you haven’t seen it recently, I recommend that you do so. Recent sermons and weekly announcements of upcoming events are posted every week so that if you by chance miss a Sunday at church, you can still remain informed. Special thanks to Don Fong, Deming Liao, Sherry Pang, Dan Kushner, and Wendy Luo for their expertise and time in designing our new site.
As our church ministries expand, we realized that we need more help. After contracting Jane Lam as our Community Outreach Worker in 2002, we added Kenneth Tom as another contract staff in the area of English Speaking Young Adult Ministries. Both Jane and Kenneth are giving concentrated energies to target groups our church is committed to reach and serve.
Keeping our church’s financial records requires great amounts of time that is beyond the average time that volunteers can give. The church approved a new regular part-time Bookkeeper/Accountant position and hired Marian Hom to this new position beginning in January 2004. The commitment to consistent bookkeeping practices by a dedicated and faithful member will ensure for us the highest standard of managing God’s resources for ministry.
The growing direction of mission giving in churches today is to personalize missions as much as possible. Recently with the change of budget covenant relationship between our region and the denomination, our church now has the option to designate our United Mission Basics to specific American Baptist related programs. Beginning in 2004, we are supporting in addition to the national mission programs located in Valley Forge, PA and the local region, the following programs: Redwood Glen Baptist Camp, Southeast Asia Friendship Ministries, American Baptist Seminary of the West, Today’s Youth Matter, Rainbow Acres, Seafarers Ministry of the Golden Gate, and the American Baptist Historical Society. During the year, you will have opportunities to pray and learn more about these Baptist ministries both near at home and in faraway places.
Faithful Blessings
We know and believe that God’s mighty acts continue to work in the world for redemption and God’s glory. As Christ’s disciples, we praise God for the many blessings that we have.
As our ministries grow and the cost of continuing existing programs rise, the Finance and Canvass committees presented a challenging Proposed Budget for 2004 for us to support. It was a 5% increase in total dollars from 2003. With faith and confidence, the goal of $481,859 was reached on January 18,2004! Praise God for whom all blessings flow! With such generous support, we will strive to make our faith in Christ Jesus known in all the world, winning disciples for Him.
Numbers is not everything. But numbers do provide a measurable indicator of how God is transforming lives in our midst. Twenty five new members were welcomed into our church in 2003! We give thanks to God for these gifted persons who will grow in faith and wisdom and serve the Lord at FCBC.
The year 2003 will also be remembered by us as a time when loved ones returned to God after living faithfully on earth. Although we miss them, we also believe that when we have completed our work here, we have eternal life in Christ. We pray that the memories of these loved ones will continue to under gird us to live courageously and boldly in the years to come—always keeping our focus on God’s plan for us and the world.
We have once again seen how God has blessed the strong and effective ministries in our church. Many people using their spiritual gifts dedicated themselves in the building up of the Body of Christ. We thank you for your good works in Christ. No annual report would be complete without a few words of appreciation for those for gave unselfishly to this church. Permit to highlight a few unsung disciples: Anna Ng for tidying up our sanctuary every week before Sunday worship; Joe Chan and Gil Quong who break our morning fast with good food; Harry Lin who fixes around the church home, and to our late brother, Roger Tom who organized our historical records leaving us a legacy for us to continue as we look toward our 125th anniversary in 2005. There are many whose gifts and lives are making Jesus Christ known with whom we are very grateful. And lastly, appreciations to Pastors Mak and Chris, Church administrator, Wendy Luo, and Night School Coordinator, Wally Poon for their creative partnership in ministry at FCBC.