July/August 2010 Newsletter
2010 is our 130th Church Anniversary with our celebration on October 10th (10/10/10)! In recent newsletters, we have highlighted historical events that led to the beginning of the First Chinese Baptist Church: Events that laid the foundation for the “Chinese Baptist Mission,” Building the First Church, and the Baptist Response to the Anti-Chinese Movement. In this issue, we’ll explore our church’s relationship with the Chinatown YMCA.
Long-time Neighbors
Giving directions to find our church happens in a number of ways. For Chinese readers, they would say that we are located on Queen of Heaven Temple Street, named after the tourist-seeking famous Buddhist Temple on the other end of our street. For a newcomer like me, I would say that we are on the corner of Waverly and Sacramento between Grant and Stockton. But for those who have grown up and lived in San Francisco Chinatown, our church is located across the street from the YMCA.
For most of us, we are blessed to be able to remember at least one past generation. Sometimes, it’s difficult enough to remember what we had for breakfast! As we prepare for our 130th Anniversary and the reopening of the Chinatown YMCA this Fall, it’s fascinating to discover that in the archives of our church history, we have been long-time partners with the YMCA as early as 1894.
George Williams in London first started the YMCA movement in 1844. Its goal was putting Christian principles into practice, achieved by developing “a healthy spirit, mind, and body.” In a report to “The Home Mission Monthly” in 1894 about the Chinese on the Pacific Coast, H. F. Norris describes the work of the Chinese Baptist Church that included, “On Saturday evening there is a meeting of the Young Men’s Christian Association, which has a large membership.” People who grew up in Chinatown in the 1940s said it was common for boys to play basketball at the Y during the week and come to the Baptist church on weekends to meet girls.
After the 1906 earthquake and fire that left our church along with four others in ruins and seriously injured twelve others in the Bay Area, the Home Mission Society at their Annual Meeting in Dayton, Ohio made an appeal for all Baptist churches to raise $175,000 to rebuild the stricken churches. The appeal was called, “California Day.”
Our present church building was built on the site of the destroyed first church. The architectural drawings show in the basement of the new building is a room named for the YMCA. On August 30, 1908, Chinese Baptists of San Francisco dedicated their new building, designed by G. F. Burlingame and built by George H. Moore who also was the builder of the first church. From the “Baptist Home Mission Monthly,” C. A. Wooddy offered a detail description of the new building and all of its adequate facilities to continue the mission to the Chinese. After describing the sanctuary, Wooddy said, “At the rear of the lot we excavated for five to six feet and secured a room about 20 by 34, which is set apart for a Chinese reading room and Y. M. C. A., open all the time to the Chinese.” Today, this would be the area of our two restrooms and the vestibule on the first floor. The cost of the new building and furnishings slightly exceeded $23,000.
Our church and the Chinatown YMCA have been long-time neighbors and partners from the very beginning of our histories. Not only have we served as landmarks for giving directions for people to find each of our organizations, we have served the residents of Chinatown by providing services and programs to help people grow in faith and to become contributing members of society.
The year 2010 will be significant for a number of reasons. Our church agreed to partner with the YMCA to renovate the gymnasium so that we would have additional space for ministries on Sunday mornings. The YMCA will re-open to serve the community after completing their multi-million dollar building project. It’s our 130th Church Birthday!
Let us give praise and thanksgiving to God who is everlasting! May God who watched over our church and Chinatown continue to guide us as we continue the work of Jesus Christ with our long-time neighbor, the YMCA in the days to come!
Pastor Don Ng
130th Church Anniversary
On the theme, “Unshaken Worship,” we’ll celebrate our 130th Anniversary on Sunday, October 10, 2010. Join us for Sunday Worship at 9:10, 10:20, and 11:30 when we praise God for his providence and guidance! Come to the Reception at the newly reopened YMCA for historical exhibits, ministry displays, and a cup of Lanna Coffee. Celebrate with your church family and friends at the Anniversary Luncheon at the Empress of China Restaurant featuring testimonies, combined choir, and the rich fellowship around the tables! Invitations and information to reserve your luncheon ticket will be available by the end of June. Unshaken and remaining faithful in Christ for the past 130 years, we are unshaken in the Lord today and in the future!
Two Summer Series
10:30—Worship and Discipleship
Get ready for July 4th, our opening day for this year’s 10:30 Summer Series. From July through August, we have a lineup of excellent speakers who will present practical tips and tangible ways that we can live out worship and discipleship daily. Again this year, we will feature an optional certification for those interested. The sessions start promptly at 10:30AM at Cameron House.
July 4 — Introduction: Worship and Discipleship — Chris Otani
July 11 — Personal Worship — David Lee
July 18 — Worship in the Family — Dave Fong
July 25 — Worship in the Workplace — Eunice Chung
August 1 — Discipleship and Stewardship — Lucinda Hsu
August 8 — Discipleship and Decision-making — Corey Chan
August 15 — Discipleship and Social Justice — Jason Kuo
August 22 — Concluding Thoughts — Chris Otani
For more information, please contact Pastor Chris Otani or Kenneth Tom.
11:30—Taking Your Work to Church
For 7 Sundays, this year’s 11:30 Summer Series at Cameron House will highlight, “Taking Your Work to Church”—an opportunity to learn about interesting work done by people at our church. God created each person with unique and special gifts and what better way to celebrate those gifts than to hear from seven friends about what they are doing with theirs. In our discussions, you will be able to reflect on how God is using your gifts for your vocation too! Plan to attend all 7 sessions!
July 11 Steve Lessler on Networking
July 18 Shannon Kong on Editing and Publishing
July 25 Don Lam on Interior Design & Architecture
August 1 Curtis Poon on Solar Energy
August 8 Evan Lessler on Running a T-Shirt Small Business
August 15 Nelson Wong on Public Works & Engineering
August 22 Jon and Joyce Ng on Running a Massage Small Business
In Ephesians 4:11-13, Paul wrote, “The gifts he gave were that some would be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some pastors and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until all of us come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, to the measure of the full stature of Christ.”
Family Camp 2010
Strengthening families is the main goal of our annual Family Camp. Our theme this year, “Unshaken Families” (Hebrews 12:28), focuses on resources to strengthen the mental, emotional, and spiritual health of today’s families. Why do some families seem to thrive even in the face of life’s challenges? Why do some children do better than others in life? What can parents (and grandparents) do to help their children (and themselves) manage the ups and downs of life? Come and find out what are the mental, emotional and spiritual resources that make for “unshaken families.”
Our guest speaker is Rev. Margaret Marcuson. Margaret speaks and writes on leadership and works with church leaders nationally as a consultant and coach. She supports pastors with their family life as well as church life. Margaret is the author of Leaders Who Last: Sustaining Yourself and Your Ministry (Seabury, 2009) and 111 Tips to Survive Pastoral Ministry. She is a graduate of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, and lived in San Francisco for over ten years. An ordained American Baptist minister, she served as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Gardner, Massachusetts for thirteen years. She now lives in Portland, Oregon, where she is a member of First Baptist Church. Margaret and her husband, Karl, have been married for 30 years and have two young adult children.
As at every Family Camp, there will be campfire, great meals, worship under the tall redwoods, and activities for all ages. Family Camp is September 4-6, Happy Valley Conference Center in Santa Cruz. Brochures and registration materials are available from the church office. Register early—space is limited.
2010 Senior Retreat
Redwood Glen
Sponsored by First Chinese Baptist Church, 1 Waverly Place, San Francisco, CA 94108
October 5-7 Starting with lunch on Tuesday and ending with lunch on Thursday
“The Abundant Life: Nurturing Relationships, Accepting Mortality, Cultivating Spirituality”
Come and Experience
> Warm Fellowship > Chi Gong with Ray Tom
> Spirited Singing > Legal Matters with Paul Fong
> Theme Development > Good Food
> Engaging Worship > Comfortable Accommodations
> Informal Conversations > Talent Show
> Small Group Sharing > Rest and Recreation/Field Trips
> Interest Groups > Personal and Spiritual Renewal
Theme Presenters:
- Walter Owyang, Ph.D., “Nurturing Relationships”
Formerly Professor of Psychology, Canada College
- John Chuck, M.D., “Accepting Mortality”
Family Physician, Kaiser Permanente
- Rev. Donald Ng “Cultivating Spirituality
Senior Pastor, First Chinese Baptist Church
Planning Team: George Lai, Joel and Linda Jang, Victor Low, Wally and Josie Poon, and James Chuck
Registration Form: 2010 Senior Retreat. Return to Joel Jang, registrar, in person or by mail to 2575 Maraschino Court, Union City, CA 94587-4920
Name (s) ____________________________Phone___________ Email______________
Address______________________________________________ Zip ______________
__ Registrations received by May 31, 2010, $240.00 per person, two to a room. $120.00 deposit per person at time of registration; the balance $120.00 due by Sunday, September 19, 2010.
__ Registrations received after May 31st, $260.00 per person, two to a room, $130.00 deposit per person due at time of registration; the balance of $130.00 due by Sunday, September 19, 2010.
Make checks payable to First Chinese Baptist Church.
Questions? Contact Joel Jang at (510) 471-6147 or email joeljang2@sbcglobal.net
Norwegians at FCBC
On their way to sing at this year’s Baptist World Alliance conference in Hawaii, a Norwegian Baptist choir, “Con Amore,” will be visiting San Francisco and singing at all three Sunday morning worship services on July 25th. Come to welcome our Baptist friends to our church and celebrate the oneness we have in Christ.
Pastoral Calling
On June 13th, the church membership approved the recommendations from the Deacons and the Finance Committee to create a full-time pastoral position in family ministries. After gathering feedback from listening forums, identifying the needs of young families, and envisioning the potential growing areas of ministry for our church, the new Pastor of Family Ministries will complete the church pastoral staff team. The main responsibilities of this position are: Develop a comprehensive family ministry for English-speaking and Chinese-speaking families, Lead and preach at the 9:10 English Worship, and to Share in the team ministry of the life and mission of the whole church. The position description is available on our church website for prospective candidates to apply. Be in prayer as we act in faith to serve God today.
All-Church Outdoor Worship & Picnic
The annual picnic will once again be at Ortega Park in Sunnyvale on Sunday, August 29th beginning with All-Church Worship in the Gazebo at 10:30 followed by a barbecue picnic served by the Social Committee and prepared by the Sojourners. The park features fields for volleyball and softball, tennis courts, playgrounds, and water fountain for children to play. Lunch tickets are available for Adults & Youth—$5; Children 5-12 & Seniors (65+)—$3; and Children under 5—Free. Come to the picnic for great food and great fellowship with your church family!
Family News
Congratulations to Paul Fong who was recognized for “his commitment and tireless leadership to defending civil rights and strengthening local communities” at the Chinese for Affirmative Action (CAA) 2010 Celebration of Justice on June 10th! We are proud of Paul’s life-long faithful witness for justice!
Joy to Jeff and Kim Hee for the birth of their new daughter, Karis Toyomi Hee born on June 1st. Grandparents Fred and Carolyn Hee are truly blessed!
The Solar Energy Project consisting of 81 solar panel collectors and 3 energy inverters were dedicated in the loving memory of Diana Ming Chan on June 27th. This project that produces about 107% of our electrical needs was made possible by generous donations from Clarence Chan and his family and Curtis Poon who contributed time and expertise in monitoring the installation work. A beautiful plaque now hangs in the church vestibule marking this significant project as another way our church is committed to a sustainable world. You can see the amount of electricity our solar panels are generating and how much CO2 we are avoiding by clicking on the link on our church website: www.fcbc-sf.org.
July
4 9—Dr. James Chuck
10—Dr. James Chuck
11—
10 GIFT
11 9—David Lee
10—C
11—
Deacons, 1:30
15-16 Handbell Choir Conf.
18 9—C
10—D
11—
23-25 Chinese Summer Retreat, Alliance Redwood
25 Finance, 8:30
9—D
10—D
11—
31 Sojourners
August
1-7 Youth Camp
1 9—D
10—D
11—
8 9—Youth Camp, Redwood Glen
10—D
11—
Deacons, 1:30
15 9—D
10—D
11—
Sports Dinner, 5:00
18 CCU Sports, 7:00
22 9—C
10—C
11—
Pastoral Relations, 1:00
27 Lanna Coffee, 7:30
28 Finance, 8:30
29 Outdoor Worship, 10:30, Ortega Park, Sunnyvale
Church Picnic
Sept.
4-6 Family Camp, Happy Valley