Transitions and Thanksgiving
One of the first things I can remember my parents’ teaching me is to acknowledge someone. When a relative comes to visit, I was to say, “Hello, Aunt” or “It’s nice to meet you, Uncle.” When we welcome these family members into our homes, they bless us with their presence. We hope the hospitality that we may have showered on them would be a blessing on them. This is true with a new baby too. We know this when a newborn comes home. Everything that you thought was in their rightful places is now rearranged and continues to be changed. There’s a “new normal” in the home. But what an amazing blessing it is to have the gift of raising a new baby in our midst!
In the life of our church, we have always experienced people coming to bless us with their presence and we get the chance to thank them for God’s gift to us. And as there is the joy of coming, there inevitably will be time when it is the right time to go. After serving for almost 11 years, Pastor Chris Otani will be leaving us and trusting God to lead her to another opportunity for ministry. During her ministry with us, she has introduced the importance of small group Bible studies and shared many helpful resources to help students see the Bible come alive in their lives. Our historic Day Camp for community kids and the weeklong Youth Camp that shapes the faith of youth have been strengthened by Pastor Chris’ creativity and understanding of the younger laity in our midst. She has given support and attention to support the work of the Board of Christian Education. And as a faithful member of the pastoral staff team, Pastor Chris offered perspectives about ministry that have helped me personally to understand the dynamics of doing ministry in today’s world. We recognized her presence of being with FCBC over these many years that has blessed us and we pray that she has also been blessed by serving with us.
When Jesus started his ministry, the Gospels recorded how he called his disciples,
As Jesus passed along the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea—for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me and I will make you fish for people.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him. As he went a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were in their boat mending the nets. Immediately he called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and followed him. (Mark 1:16-20)
Just like Jesus called his disciples to follow him, God continues to call people into ministry to follow Jesus Christ. While God is calling Pastor Chris to step out in faith to follow Christ, we believe that God will once again call a new servant to serve at FCBC as God has done for the past 130 years. When I read the Mark passage, I wondered how Zebedee might have felt for his two sons who were fishermen mending their nets to drop what they were doing and left the boat. As a concerned parent, Zebedee might have worried about what his sons were getting themselves into—what will they be doing? As a family, we always worry about the uncertainty of the future. But we know that they became Jesus’ disciples and changed the world forever.
While we might be worried about what may be in store for Pastor Chris, we believe that God will watch over her and all of us at FCBC during this time of transitions. This family known as FCBC is a strong and mighty church. We give thanksgiving for how God has always led us into life-changing mission when we trust in his promises. We celebrate the presence of God’s people and acknowledge their blessings among us. To this, we say, “Praise be to God!
Pastor Don
Church Decisions & Farewell Reception
At the Church Annual Meeting, Feb. 6, 2011, based on making fiscally responsible decisions and addressing the emerging priority of a new pastor for the 9:10 Worship congregation, the church membership approved the decisions to eliminate the Minister of Christian Education position that we currently have, lay-off Pastor Chris Otani with severance benefits, and to create a new pastoral position to pastor the 9:10 congregation and to continue the important Christian education ministries that our church is historically known for.
On Sunday, March 27, 1:00, Fellowship Hall, we’ll celebrate Pastor Chris Otani’s ministry with us for almost 11 years! Plan to come to express your appreciation for her faithful work in the area of Christian education. Praise God for his guidance and direction in our lives and especially for Pastor Chris!
Inquirers Class in Lent
During this season of Lent as we prepare for Easter on April 24th, we invite you to consider attending the Inquirers/Membership Class that begins on Sunday, March 13, 11:30-12:30 led by Pastor Don Ng. If you would like to learn more about the meaning of discipleship and membership at FCBC, you are invited to attend. Believer’s baptism will be on Palm Sunday, April 17th. May God bless you as you discern God’s calling in your life.
America For Christ Offering
The annual AFC Offering taken in March supports Christ-centered ministries that touch lives and transform people across the United States and Puerto Rico—through evangelism training, church renewal and discipleship resources, volunteer disaster response plus initiatives that fight poverty and so much more. On the theme, “Touching Lives, Transforming People” (Matthew 9:35), we are hoping to raise $4100.00. This offering supports American Baptist home mission which is the agency that started our church as the Chinese Baptist Mission in 1880.
Senior Center
Our monthly Senior Center will meet on Wednesday, March 9, 12:00, on the topic, Angel Island, Yesterday and Today, led by Angel Island docents. Come to discover the recent renovation of the Immigration Station that contains the history of Chinese coming to America. Join us for a delicious and healthy hot lunch and tai chi. Your friends are looking forward to seeing you again! To register, contact Dick and Anna Quan Wong.
Inside Out
For the first time at FCBC, our Music and Performing Arts Committee is sponsoring an art show called, Inside Out. Gifted by God, church members and friends will exhibit their art forms: paintings, drawings, photography, sculptures, as well as storytelling. Come and see our Fellowship Hall become converted into an art gallery of God’s wonderful gifts and talents. Inside Out is on Saturday, March 26, 3:00-7:00 PM. Admission is free.
March
3-5 BASS Conference
5 Sojourners
6 1st Sunday in Lent
9—C
10—Dr. James Chuck
11—P
CE, 1:30
9 Ash Wednesday
Senior Center, 12:00
10 Church Staff, 10:00
11-13 Women’s Retreat, Danville
13 9—D
10—D
11—
18 Lanna Coffee Project, 7:30
19 OYYA
Sojourners
20 9—C
10—D
11—
Deacons, 1:30
22 Church Staff, 10:00
26 Inside Out Art Event
27 9—C
10—D
11—
Farewell Reception for Pastor Chris Otani, 1:00