Where Two or Three are Gathered
I love the church. I love FCBC and being your pastor for the past 13 years. The church is of God’s creation and yet it is also made up of ordinary women and men just like me trying to get along.
In Matthew 18:15-20, Jesus uses the word, “church” and gives some specific instructions on how we are to behave in church. He tells us that there will be disagreements, there will be hurts and wrongs committed in the church, and when that happens you are to care enough about your sister and brother to act, to respond in love to set things right. Someone once said that he loves Jesus but he didn’t care for his followers! But maybe getting along with one another, settling our disputes in a Christ-like way, is the real business of the church. As a predominantly Asian church, we would rather not disagree with each other publicly causing someone to potentially lose face than to confront one another and to work toward reconciliation.
The church Fall calendar calls the church to work together in a host of ways. And when we work together, there will undoubtedly be disagreements that we will need to work out. The Pastoral Search Committee is reviewing resumes and will decide on who may be the best candidate for our Associate Pastor of English-speaking Ministries. The Finance Committee is drafting the 2012 Budget that will be faithful to God’s mission and at the same time aware of the widespread economic realities facing many of our members and friends and the entire world. The Nominating Committee is selecting names to fill the many vacancies on boards and committees to ensure that the gifts and talents that God has given to each of us can be utilized for fruitful ministries. The Deacons, CE Board and the 9:10 Worship leaders are planning to move the 9:10 Worship Service over to the YMCA gym; thus affecting all of our worship times and Sunday school times. If you have not been willing to get your hands messed up by getting involved in the church, don’t you want to start now?
When we serve on committees and boards, giving of yourself and your gifts, it is more than just participating in a volunteer organization; you are doing the work of God—the reign of God work here on earth. While we do have some talented voices at FCBC, no solo can match an anthem by the whole choir; and no anthem is as good as a hymn sung by the whole congregation. The best thing that can happen in the church is when we participate together en masse. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them” (Mt. 18:20).
I’m afraid that there’s no way that we can get away from the fact that we are at times half-faithful, messed-up, disagreeable, and hurtful, but we are the church—the form that Christ has chosen to take in the world. Let us be the church of Jesus Christ as we engage in the holy work of the reign of God. God’s reign is coming on earth as in heaven.
Pastor Don
Church Membership Meeting
Plan to attend the Oct. 2nd Membership Meeting to review the 2012 Proposed Budget from the Finance Committee. Once approved, the Canvass Committee will invite you to make a pledge toward the Proposed Budget culminating on Pledge Sunday, Oct. 30 All-Church Worship, 10:30 at the YMCA. Come to hear how Christ is moving among us to remain faithful in his work as we embark on our 132nd year of ministry in the world.
Calling All Senior Drivers (and Passengers)!
FCBC Senior Center begins its Fall season on Wednesday, Sept. 14th on “Driving Safely” with Robin Meyers, Kaiser Permanente. We can all remember how exciting and “grown-up” we felt when we got our first driver’s license. We were no long tethered to our small neighborhood but we can go far beyond the horizon. But when we have driven our many different kinds of cars for a lifetime, we may need to learn again how to drive safely as our alert senses wane and fade. Come at 11:30 for tai chi, 12:00 for program and 1:00 for a delicious hot lunch. Join our warm fellowship by contacting Dick or Anna Quan Wong.
More Senior Opportunities
This year’s Senior Retreat, “Finishing Life Strong—Suggestions for the Home Stretch” on Oct. 4 (Begins with lunch)-6 (Ends with lunch), Redwood Glen Siden Conference Center features speaker Dr. John Chuck and Guest Leader Raymond Tom. Come for a time of great fellowship, stimulating conversations, prayerful walks in the tall redwoods, and nutritious meals. The cost is $240 per person in a double; register with Joel Jang.
Men’s Fellowship
Saturday, Sept. 10th will be a special fellowship for guys in all three worshiping congregations at FCBC! A new nature reserve recently opened in Fairfield, Rockville Trails Property will be the place for a guided hike followed by a barbecue at Steve Lessler’s. We invite all men, Chinese-speaking and English-speaking, younger and older to come for this adventure of enjoying the great out of doors and a hearty lunch. The hike begins at 9:00 AM; register with Nelson Wong.
Bible & Theology for You
An effective Baptist church begins with members and friends who are knowledgeable of history and oriented to the mission of the local church. While it’s essential to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior celebrated at baptism and the right hand of Christian fellowship, learning about the Christian faith takes a lifetime. This October you’ll have an opportunity to learn about church history, other world religions, and the life and mission of the local church. For three Saturdays, Oct. 1, 15, 29, 9:00-1:00 (lunch included) at the Berkeley Chinese Community Church, 2117 Acton St, Berkeley, you can continue to become a more informed and educated church member. The CE Board has approved of this overview course led by Dr. James Chuck and will cover your registration fee of $20. See Robert Mah or Shung Lam to register.
Family News
Over the summer, we welcome new babies into the world! God’s blessings to Jordan Emilio Hom on July 1 to Ana and Jason Hom; Rebekah Dawn Yow born on July 4 to Genevieve and Jason Yow; Colby Ung on July 11 to Eva and Arlen Ung; and Quincy Abigail Chou on August 13 to Jackie and Josh Chou! May we share the responsibilities and blessings in raising these new babies to know the Lord!
Our prayers and sympathy to the families of church member Ng Lok Yu who returned to the Lord on July 2; to Shirlene Leong and Randy Nakano whose mother, Miyoshi Nakano passed on May 19; and to Robert Mah whose grandmother, Wai Ching Mah passed on August 10. May God watch over all his children and comfort us in the days ahead.
Pray for Nate Lee as the Missions Committee supports him to participate in a Mission Year in Chicago beginning this Fall. Nate was commissioned on August 21.
September
2 Lanna Coffee, 6:00
3-5 Family Camp, Happy Valley
College/YA Retreat, Happy Valley
4 10:20—Jane
11—P
6 Staff, 10:00
10 Men’s Fellowship
11 Promotion Sunday
9—D
10—D
11—P
EFG’s 49th Anniversary Luncheon, 1:00
Deacons, 1:30
14 Senior Center
17 Xplorers
18 9—D
10—D
11—P
Music & Performing Arts, 2:30
20-21 Staff Retreat
25 Finance, 8:30
9—D
10—D
11—P
CE, 1:30
Ping Pong Tournament
10/2 Membership Meeting, 1:30