First United Methodist Church of San Gabriel

201 N. San Gabriel Boulevard

San Gabriel, CA 91775

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED

Our Staff Rev. Dr. Chin Cheak Yu

Chinese Pastor

Rev. Sharon Snapp-Kolas

English Pastor

Wayne Mak

Christian Education Director

Elbert Traister

Youth Director

Cheryl Semple

Children’s Choir Director

Dr. Lenard Berglund

Choir Director

Manny Ferrer

English Secretary Fornia Ho

Chinese Secretary

Connie Deckon

Bookkeeper

Vera Hoalim

Church Organist

Tony Chang

Custodian-

We are a War� Fried�y Christ�Cetered C���uity� Strivig t� Gr�w Spiritua��y�

我們是一個熱情友好的,以基督為中心的社區，爭創靈性成長。

We Ivite Y�u t� Bec��e Part �f "ur Fa�i�y�

"ur #issi� is t� Gr�w Spiritua��y by Prayig� Preachig� Teachig ad Reachig "ut

我們邀請您成為我們家庭的一分子。我們的使命是通過祈禱，講道，教導和外展去追求靈性的成長

Our Leadership Bill Frank

Administrative Council

Delora Brown

Wing Tsang

Lay Leaders

Christina Hsu

SPRC Chair

Bill Semple

Finance Chair

Michael Ngan

Trustees Chair

Dick Oren

KNI Chair &

UMM President

Cheryl Semple

Worship Chair

Vince Zhou

Education & Family

Ministries Chair

Delora Brown

Women’s Circle Coordinator

Other Campus Program Kodomo No Ie

Nursery School Where tuition is affordable.

Where kids are safe and have fun.

Where the staff is well qualified.

Ikuko Kanno, Director

626-286-4572

Non-Profit

U.S. Postage Paid

Permit 287

San Gabriel

CA 91775

BEACON The

NEWSLETTER

November / December 2018 Issue

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH OF SAN GABRIEL 201 North San Gabriel Blvd., San Gabriel, CA 91775

From the Pastor’s Desk

Please continue on next page ……..

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Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

What are some of your dreams in life? Does our dreaming connect to God’s dream for you to have role in the unfolding of the kingdom of God? When I was young I was told that I’m a day dreamer. Teachers and even my parents found me daydreaming and not paying attention in class. Not being content with the present, I always dreamed of adventures, conquering my own limitations and the limitations of the world, a world that I was not satisfied with. After years of education including a Ph.D., with all the struggles, I have found that it helps to be flexible. But we also need specific goals and training to realize the dream as well as God’s resources.

Recently, our United Methodist Chinese Caucus of Chinese had its first retreat for pastor and leaders to re-envision our leadership roles and responsibility. We looked at the future of church leadership, recruitment and support. We talked about how leadership can fulfill God’s dream. Who are the people that have dreams – assigned leaders only? Not necessarily. It is possible that young minds and those not satisfied with the current situation may also have valuable dreams. For our Methodist family, both our local church and our United Methodist family, it is time for us to dream and envision what holds us in the future.

We may be discouraged by the decline or restructuring our United Methodist Church. However, recent research from the UMC Council of Bishops shows that among the 32,000 UMC congregations in the U.S.,

about 4,960 churches, or 15 percent, are actually, growing and not shrinking. Those congrega- tions have increasing numbers of lay people in ministry; they are engaged in their neighborhoods; and they are giving generously to missions. The study discerned 16 drivers or qualities that make theses congregations vital in such areas as small groups, lay leadership, pastoral leadership and worship. It is not hard to guess those churches have members who are dreamers for God. Threats challenges us to buckle up to reach deep within ourselves, out to the neighborhood, and to dream with God. Will you join our church to dream with God and see how can we reach the stars and the beaches?

I can witness that our church is growing despite some challenges, especially that we need people who

can dream big plans for our English-speaking children and youth. The call has been out, we welcome volunteers who have the calling to mentor youths and children with our Church school and our contemporary worship. We are also open to hire someone with gifts of drama and dreaming with youths and God for our Junior High youth ministry. We are not there yet. But we are preparing servants leaders through our disciple making. And we have faithful stewards to care for the church, there is a growing commitment in giving and serving the church. And our Cantonese congregation has regular evangelism and outreach events, with baptism and membership classes twice per year. I can

DREAMING WITH

GOD

與上帝一同做夢與上帝一同做夢與上帝一同做夢與上帝一同做夢

主內弟兄姐妹平安主內弟兄姐妹平安主內弟兄姐妹平安主內弟兄姐妹平安，，，，

你生活中的一些夢想是什麼你生活中的一些夢想是什麼你生活中的一些夢想是什麼你生活中的一些夢想是什麼？？？？ 我們的夢想是否與上帝的夢想相連我們的夢想是否與上帝的夢想相連我們的夢想是否與上帝的夢想相連我們的夢想是否與上帝的夢想相連，，，，讓你在上帝的國度中發揮作用讓你在上帝的國度中發揮作用讓你在上帝的國度中發揮作用讓你在上帝的國度中發揮作用？？？？

當我年輕的時候當我年輕的時候當我年輕的時候當我年輕的時候，，，，我被告知我是白日夢我被告知我是白日夢我被告知我是白日夢我被告知我是白日夢家家家家。。。。老師甚至我的父母都發現我在課室常做白日夢老師甚至我的父母都發現我在課室常做白日夢老師甚至我的父母都發現我在課室常做白日夢老師甚至我的父母都發現我在課室常做白日夢，，，，沒專心學習沒專心學習沒專心學習沒專心學習。。。。

那時我常不滿足於現在那時我常不滿足於現在那時我常不滿足於現在那時我常不滿足於現在，，，，我一直夢想著探險我一直夢想著探險我一直夢想著探險我一直夢想著探險，，，，要征服自己的局限和我不滿意世界的局限要征服自己的局限和我不滿意世界的局限要征服自己的局限和我不滿意世界的局限要征服自己的局限和我不滿意世界的局限。。。。經過多年的教經過多年的教經過多年的教經過多年的教

育育育育，，，，包括完成博士學位包括完成博士學位包括完成博士學位包括完成博士學位，，，，經歷了所有的掙扎經歷了所有的掙扎經歷了所有的掙扎經歷了所有的掙扎，，，，我發現靈活變通很重要我發現靈活變通很重要我發現靈活變通很重要我發現靈活變通很重要。。。。 但我們也需要特定的目標但我們也需要特定的目標但我們也需要特定的目標但我們也需要特定的目標、、、、訓練以訓練以訓練以訓練以

及上帝賜的資源來實現夢想及上帝賜的資源來實現夢想及上帝賜的資源來實現夢想及上帝賜的資源來實現夢想。。。。

最近最近最近最近，，，，我們的華人聯合衛理公會協會舉辦了第一次的牧師和教會弟兄姐妹一同來重新設想我們的領我們的華人聯合衛理公會協會舉辦了第一次的牧師和教會弟兄姐妹一同來重新設想我們的領我們的華人聯合衛理公會協會舉辦了第一次的牧師和教會弟兄姐妹一同來重新設想我們的領我們的華人聯合衛理公會協會舉辦了第一次的牧師和教會弟兄姐妹一同來重新設想我們的領

導角色和責任導角色和責任導角色和責任導角色和責任。。。。 我們研究了教會將來的領導我們研究了教會將來的領導我們研究了教會將來的領導我們研究了教會將來的領導，，，，招聘和對領導者需要的支持招聘和對領導者需要的支持招聘和對領導者需要的支持招聘和對領導者需要的支持。。。。 我們談到了領導如何實現上我們談到了領導如何實現上我們談到了領導如何實現上我們談到了領導如何實現上

帝的夢想帝的夢想帝的夢想帝的夢想。。。。

誰是有夢想的人誰是有夢想的人誰是有夢想的人誰是有夢想的人 - 只有指定的領導者嗎只有指定的領導者嗎只有指定的領導者嗎只有指定的領導者嗎？？？？ 不一不一不一不一定定定定。。。。 年輕人和那些對現狀不滿意的人也有可能擁有寶年輕人和那些對現狀不滿意的人也有可能擁有寶年輕人和那些對現狀不滿意的人也有可能擁有寶年輕人和那些對現狀不滿意的人也有可能擁有寶

貴的夢想貴的夢想貴的夢想貴的夢想。。。。 對於我們的衛理公會家庭對於我們的衛理公會家庭對於我們的衛理公會家庭對於我們的衛理公會家庭，，，，無論是堂會還是我們的聯合衛理公會大家庭無論是堂會還是我們的聯合衛理公會大家庭無論是堂會還是我們的聯合衛理公會大家庭無論是堂會還是我們的聯合衛理公會大家庭，，，，現在是時候讓我們夢現在是時候讓我們夢現在是時候讓我們夢現在是時候讓我們夢

想和想像未來想和想像未來想和想像未來想和想像未來。。。。

我們可能會因為我們的聯合衛理公會教會的衰落或重組而感到沮喪我們可能會因為我們的聯合衛理公會教會的衰落或重組而感到沮喪我們可能會因為我們的聯合衛理公會教會的衰落或重組而感到沮喪我們可能會因為我們的聯合衛理公會教會的衰落或重組而感到沮喪。。。。 然而然而然而然而，，，，在最近的會督理事會的在最近的會督理事會的在最近的會督理事會的在最近的會督理事會的

研究研究研究研究，，，，在美國的在美國的在美國的在美國的 32,000個衛理教會中個衛理教會中個衛理教會中個衛理教會中，，，，約有約有約有約有 4,960個教會個教會個教會個教會，，，，即即即即 15％，％，％，％，實際上正在增長而不是縮小實際上正在增長而不是縮小實際上正在增長而不是縮小實際上正在增長而不是縮小。。。。 那那那那些些些些教教教教

會在事工中有越來越多的平信徒參與社區活動會在事工中有越來越多的平信徒參與社區活動會在事工中有越來越多的平信徒參與社區活動會在事工中有越來越多的平信徒參與社區活動; 他們在宣教事工中也非常慷慨他們在宣教事工中也非常慷慨他們在宣教事工中也非常慷慨他們在宣教事工中也非常慷慨。。。。 該研究發現了該研究發現了該研究發現了該研究發現了 16個驅動因個驅動因個驅動因個驅動因

素使這些教會很有活力素使這些教會很有活力素使這些教會很有活力素使這些教會很有活力，，，，諸如小組諸如小組諸如小組諸如小組，，，，平信徒的領導平信徒的領導平信徒的領導平信徒的領導，，，，教牧領導和崇拜教牧領導和崇拜教牧領導和崇拜教牧領導和崇拜等領域至關重要等領域至關重要等領域至關重要等領域至關重要。。。。 不難猜測那些教會不難猜測那些教會不難猜測那些教會不難猜測那些教會

的成員是上帝的夢想家的成員是上帝的夢想家的成員是上帝的夢想家的成員是上帝的夢想家。。。。 其實威脅要求我們不得不深入探討到自己內心世界和外展至鄰里其實威脅要求我們不得不深入探討到自己內心世界和外展至鄰里其實威脅要求我們不得不深入探討到自己內心世界和外展至鄰里其實威脅要求我們不得不深入探討到自己內心世界和外展至鄰里，，，，與上帝一起做與上帝一起做與上帝一起做與上帝一起做

夢夢夢夢。。。。 你是否願意與加入我們的教會與上帝一起做夢呢你是否願意與加入我們的教會與上帝一起做夢呢你是否願意與加入我們的教會與上帝一起做夢呢你是否願意與加入我們的教會與上帝一起做夢呢？？？？一起來看看我們怎一起來看看我們怎一起來看看我們怎一起來看看我們怎樣才樣才樣才樣才能能能能摘星星摘星星摘星星摘星星和到和到和到和到海灘海灘海灘海灘呢呢呢呢？？？？

我看到我看到我看到我看到，，，，儘管儘管儘管儘管教會教會教會教會缺少缺少缺少缺少可以為我們的可以為我們的可以為我們的可以為我們的英語兒童英語兒童英語兒童英語兒童和和和和青少青少青少青少年做夢年做夢年做夢年做夢制制制制定重大定重大定重大定重大計劃計劃計劃計劃的人的人的人的人。。。。我們的教會是在增我們的教會是在增我們的教會是在增我們的教會是在增

長中長中長中長中。。。。我們我們我們我們已已已已經發經發經發經發出出出出通告通告通告通告邀請義邀請義邀請義邀請義工來做我們工來做我們工來做我們工來做我們兒童兒童兒童兒童和和和和青少青少青少青少年的導師年的導師年的導師年的導師。。。。我們也願意我們也願意我們也願意我們也願意僱僱僱僱用有用有用有用有戲劇恩戲劇恩戲劇恩戲劇恩賜賜賜賜興趣興趣興趣興趣的人的人的人的人，，，，

並並並並與與與與青青青青年和上帝一起為我們的年和上帝一起為我們的年和上帝一起為我們的年和上帝一起為我們的初初初初中中中中青青青青年事工做夢年事工做夢年事工做夢年事工做夢。。。。 人人人人手手手手不足不足不足不足仍仍仍仍然是一然是一然是一然是一挑戰挑戰挑戰挑戰。。。。 但是我們正在通過但是我們正在通過但是我們正在通過但是我們正在通過門門門門徒訓練徒訓練徒訓練徒訓練

為為為為僕僕僕僕人領人領人領人領袖袖袖袖做做做做準備準備準備準備。。。。 我們有我們有我們有我們有忠忠忠忠實的實的實的實的管管管管家來家來家來家來照顧照顧照顧照顧教會教會教會教會，，，，在教會的在教會的在教會的在教會的奉獻奉獻奉獻奉獻和服和服和服和服務方面務方面務方面務方面有越來越多的有越來越多的有越來越多的有越來越多的承諾承諾承諾承諾。。。。 我們我們我們我們

的的的的粵語粵語粵語粵語會會會會眾眾眾眾定定定定期期期期舉辦舉辦舉辦舉辦傳福音傳福音傳福音傳福音和外展活動和外展活動和外展活動和外展活動，，，，每每每每年年年年兩兩兩兩次次次次接受洗禮接受洗禮接受洗禮接受洗禮和會和會和會和會友班友班友班友班。。。。 我可以看到成長我可以看到成長我可以看到成長我可以看到成長之之之之心在我們當中心在我們當中心在我們當中心在我們當中。。。。

讓我們一同讓我們一同讓我們一同讓我們一同受受受受上帝上帝上帝上帝鼓勵鼓勵鼓勵鼓勵，，，， 與上帝一同做夢與上帝一同做夢與上帝一同做夢與上帝一同做夢吧吧吧吧！！！！

與上帝做夢有什麼與上帝做夢有什麼與上帝做夢有什麼與上帝做夢有什麼基礎基礎基礎基礎呢呢呢呢？？？？ 屬屬屬屬靈的靈的靈的靈的辨識辨識辨識辨識是至關重要的是至關重要的是至關重要的是至關重要的，，，，加上加上加上加上遵循遵循遵循遵循一些一些一些一些基本基本基本基本的的的的屬屬屬屬靈的靈的靈的靈的操操操操練練練練。。。。 Ruth

Haley Barton 在在在在她她她她的的的的書書書書 ““““強化強化強化強化你的靈你的靈你的靈你的靈魂魂魂魂領導領導領導領導”””” 指指指指出出出出““““屬屬屬屬靈領導和靈領導和靈領導和靈領導和屬屬屬屬靈靈靈靈陪伴陪伴陪伴陪伴的的的的核核核核心是心是心是心是- 識辨識辨識辨識辨-有有有有識別識別識別識別和和和和回應回應回應回應上上上上

帝在個人和社區中的帝在個人和社區中的帝在個人和社區中的帝在個人和社區中的存存存存在和活動的能力在和活動的能力在和活動的能力在和活動的能力。。。。你不可能在一你不可能在一你不可能在一你不可能在一夜之間夜之間夜之間夜之間擁有那擁有那擁有那擁有那種屬種屬種屬種屬靈的靈的靈的靈的辨識辨識辨識辨識能力能力能力能力。。。。 它它它它需要通過個需要通過個需要通過個需要通過個人人人人

不不不不斷地斷地斷地斷地參與參與參與參與屬屬屬屬靈靈靈靈操操操操練練練練，，，，常常與常常與常常與常常與神親神親神親神親近近近近，，，，參與參與參與參與群體群體群體群體生活生活生活生活並製造神聖空間並製造神聖空間並製造神聖空間並製造神聖空間與與與與神神神神相相相相遇遇遇遇。。。。

聖聖聖聖經中有經中有經中有經中有許許許許多這多這多這多這樣樣樣樣的夢想家的夢想家的夢想家的夢想家，，，，例例例例如如如如摩西摩西摩西摩西和和和和亞伯拉罕辨別亞伯拉罕辨別亞伯拉罕辨別亞伯拉罕辨別上帝的上帝的上帝的上帝的呼召呼召呼召呼召。。。。 當主告當主告當主告當主告訴亞伯拉罕訴亞伯拉罕訴亞伯拉罕訴亞伯拉罕看看看看星星星星星星星星時時時時，，，，

我特我特我特我特別別別別與他與他與他與他產產產產生生生生共鳴共鳴共鳴共鳴。。。。 亞伯拉罕順亞伯拉罕順亞伯拉罕順亞伯拉罕順服服服服地響應地響應地響應地響應上帝的上帝的上帝的上帝的呼召呼召呼召呼召，，，，他他他他離開離開離開離開了了了了偶偶偶偶像像像像之地之地之地之地，，，，經經經經哈蘭去哈蘭去哈蘭去哈蘭去了了了了迦南迦南迦南迦南。。。。 他他他他聽聽聽聽到到到到

上帝的使上帝的使上帝的使上帝的使命勢命勢命勢命勢在在在在必行必行必行必行 – 蒙福蒙福蒙福蒙福的要成為的要成為的要成為的要成為祝福祝福祝福祝福。。。。問題問題問題問題是在那不是在那不是在那不是在那不斷斷斷斷增長的帝國增長的帝國增長的帝國增長的帝國，，，，他沒有他沒有他沒有他沒有繼承繼承繼承繼承人人人人。。。。 那成為他的威那成為他的威那成為他的威那成為他的威

脅脅脅脅。。。。 令令令令人不人不人不人不解解解解的是的是的是的是，，，，上帝上帝上帝上帝並並並並沒有沒有沒有沒有馬馬馬馬上為他的上為他的上為他的上為他的妻子莎拉創造奇蹟妻子莎拉創造奇蹟妻子莎拉創造奇蹟妻子莎拉創造奇蹟，，，，賜賜賜賜子給她子給她子給她子給她。。。。 相相相相反反反反，，，，亞伯拉罕亞伯拉罕亞伯拉罕亞伯拉罕被要求看看被要求看看被要求看看被要求看看

海灘海灘海灘海灘上的上的上的上的星星星星星星星星和和和和沙子沙子沙子沙子。。。。 上帝的用意何在上帝的用意何在上帝的用意何在上帝的用意何在？？？？上帝要上帝要上帝要上帝要呼籲呼籲呼籲呼籲訓練他越過訓練他越過訓練他越過訓練他越過眼前眼前眼前眼前的的的的挑戰挑戰挑戰挑戰，，，，用信心來用信心來用信心來用信心來眺望捕捉眺望捕捉眺望捕捉眺望捕捉上帝的夢上帝的夢上帝的夢上帝的夢

想想想想。。。。

因因因因此此此此，，，，當我們當我們當我們當我們進進進進入感入感入感入感恩節恩節恩節恩節和和和和耶穌降臨季節耶穌降臨季節耶穌降臨季節耶穌降臨季節時時時時，，，，我我我我鼓勵鼓勵鼓勵鼓勵你與上帝有約你與上帝有約你與上帝有約你與上帝有約，，，，無論是無論是無論是無論是單獨單獨單獨單獨還是還是還是還是團體團體團體團體，，，，一起來一起來一起來一起來

做夢做夢做夢做夢。。。。 今今今今年是年是年是年是““““平安平安平安平安夜夜夜夜””””聖詩聖詩聖詩聖詩的的的的 200週週週週年年年年，，，，祈祝祈祝祈祝祈祝你和你的家人在主你和你的家人在主你和你的家人在主你和你的家人在主裡找裡找裡找裡找到平安到平安到平安到平安。。。。 今今今今年年年年，，，，我們的中我們的中我們的中我們的中英詩班英詩班英詩班英詩班

將會在將會在將會在將會在聖誕節聖誕節聖誕節聖誕節聯合崇拜聯合崇拜聯合崇拜聯合崇拜獻唱亨德爾彌賽亞獻唱亨德爾彌賽亞獻唱亨德爾彌賽亞獻唱亨德爾彌賽亞的的的的聖誕節部分聖誕節部分聖誕節部分聖誕節部分。。。。 我們當中的一些人我們當中的一些人我們當中的一些人我們當中的一些人懷疑懷疑懷疑懷疑我們是否有我們是否有我們是否有我們是否有唱唱唱唱這這這這部偉部偉部偉部偉大大大大傑傑傑傑

作的能力作的能力作的能力作的能力，，，，但我們願意讓上帝做工但我們願意讓上帝做工但我們願意讓上帝做工但我們願意讓上帝做工，，，，並並並並同同同同慶祝慶祝慶祝慶祝我們我們我們我們““““彌賽亞彌賽亞彌賽亞彌賽亞””””的的的的誕誕誕誕生生生生。。。。 請記請記請記請記得得得得 12月月月月 16日的崇拜將是上日的崇拜將是上日的崇拜將是上日的崇拜將是上午午午午

10:30。。。。 藉此機藉此機藉此機藉此機會會會會邀請您邀請您邀請您邀請您的家人和的家人和的家人和的家人和朋友朋友朋友朋友來教會來教會來教會來教會。。。。

與主同工的與主同工的與主同工的與主同工的，，，，余清杰牧師余清杰牧師余清杰牧師余清杰牧師

see we are wanting to grow. Be encouraged. What are some basics for dreaming with God? Spiritual discernment is crucial as well as following some spiritual disciplines. Ruth Haley Barton in her book, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, wrote: “At the heart of spiritual leadership and spiritual journeying is discernment – the capacity to recognize and respond to the presence and activity of God both personally and in community.” You cannot have that kind of spiritual discernment overnight. It requires continual returning to the presence of God through individual and corporate practices that create the necessary sacred space for the divine encounter. There are many such dreamers in the Bible who were able to discern God’s calling, like Moses and Abraham. I especially resonate with Abram when the Lord told him to look at stars. Abraham responded to God’s call with obedience and he left Ur the land of idols to go to Canaan via Harran. He heard God’s mission imperative – blessed to be a blessing. The problem is he didn’t have an heir for his growing empire. There go his threats. What was fascinating in Abraham’s story is that God did not perform miracles for his wife Sarah right away. Instead, Abraham was asked to look at the stars and sand on the beach. What is God’s point? It was a summons to look the present challenges to catch God’s dream in the distance. So, as we entering Thanksgiving and Advent season, I encourage you to spends nights dreaming with God, whether alone and in groups. This year marks 200th anniversary of the hymn, “Silent night.” So may you and your family find peace as you respond to God. This year, we will have a combined Christmas celebration with our Chinese and English choirs presenting the Christmas portions of Handel’s Messiah. Some of us doubt our ability to sing this great masterpiece, but we are open for God’s working in us as a church to celebrate the birth of our “Messiah”. Please mark your calendar for December 16, at 10:30a.m. Take this opportunity to invite your family and friends to church. REVEREND CHIN CHEAK YU

Our CHARGE

CONFERENCE is scheduled for Tuesday, November 13th . The Rev. Melissa McKinnon will preside over the Charge Conference, beginning at 7:30 pm. Refreshment will be served.

If you are making a report

or have forms to complete, please return them to the office no later than November 1 so they can be included in the Charge Conference packet. All officers of San Gabriel UMC are expected to attend, and all members are encouraged to. This is YOUR church; be a part of it!

Dear brothers and sisters,

As the days begin to grow shorter, darker and colder – even in this land of sunshine – Christians live in a continual space of abundance, light and warmth.

• Yes, at times we despair. But our hope is in Christ. (Ephesians 1:17-19) • Yes, at times we lack what we want or need. But our God provides. (Ps. 111:5) • Yes, at times the world can look bleak, even hopeless. But the true light is coming into the world. (Genesis

1:1-4; John 1:9) • Yes, at times evil seems to be winning; sometimes bad things happen to good people. But our God

reigns. (Revelation 1:4-8)

We live in tumultuous, divisive times; if you read the newspaper or follow the news media. So, you might want to limit your exposure to the news of the day! If we read history… if we read the Bible… we see that tumult and divisiveness are old news for humanity. It’s what we do. It’s our modus operandi. That’s why God sent the prophets and the angels and the saints. That’s why God ultimately appeared among us, himself, in-the-flesh – in the form of a vulnerable little baby. Hope, peace, joy and love are words we use in the season of Advent when we light candles and carry traditions forward. Hope, peace, joy and love can be hard to hold onto in tumultuous, divisive times. Then again, the times are always tumultuous and divisive, because we’re human. It’s just that sometimes we feel the tumult and the division more than at other times. King Duncan writes about Donald R. Keough, the CEO of the Coca-cola Company, who: “Upon his retirement… spoke to the graduating class of Emory in 1993. To those young men and women who would soon be facing a very tough and critical world, he said, ‘I have an architect friend who says, I can take the newest building, built by the finest builders anywhere in the world, and if you give me a camera and the ability to focus various lenses, I can make that building look like it's about to fall down because I will find five or six minor imperfections, focus on them and convince you that the entire structure is about to topple.′’ “In a society where a handful of people focus the camera of life on the events of the day, if you and I allow them to use their camera to focus on our lives, then we will be often disappointed, frequently fearful and generally miserable. Be wary of those who want to focus the camera forever on the warts and blemishes and shortcomings of our existence. “They did it to Jesus; they'll do it to you.” Jesus is the source of our hope-peace-joy-love.

Fr�� Past�r Shar��Fr�� Past�r Shar��Fr�� Past�r Shar��Fr�� Past�r Shar�� The source of our hope-peace-joy-love is God in Christ Jesus.

On November 25 we celebrate Christ the King Sunday with the close of the Christian Year. He is our King, our Lord, our Savior. He reigns over our personal lives. He reigns over His Church. He reigns over the nations. He reigns over all the earth. He reigns over the universe and all created things. He reigns. Our God reigns. Christ our King reigns.

On December 2 we begin the cycle of the Christian Year anew. We watch and wait on this First Sunday of Advent for a little baby to be born in a manger; we watch and wait for Christ to return in glory at the end of time.

The annual cycle of the Christian Year is a firm foundation we can stand on in the battering winds of the world. The world comes at us with noise, criticism, and a narrow focus on negative things. We can choose to focus, instead, on the important events of the life of Christ and His Church.

Christ is our hope… our peace… our joy… our love… Yours in Him, Pastor Sharon

WEEKLY PSALMS FOR NOVEMBER / DECEMBER

November 4 Psalm 146:1-10

November 11 Psalm 127

November 18 1 Samuel 2:1-10

(Hannah’s Song)

November 25 Psalm 132:1-12

December 2 Psalm 25:1-10

December 9 Luke 1:68-79

(Zechariah’s Song)

December 16 Isaiah 12:2-6 (Isaiah’s Song)

December 23 Luke 1:47-55 (Mary’s Song)

December 24 Psalm 96

December 30 Psalm 148

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER LECTIONARY READINGS

November 4 Ruth 1:1-18; Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12: 28-34

November 11 Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44

November 18 1 Samuel 1:4-20; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-8

November 25 2 Samuel 23:1-7; Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37

December 2 Jeremiah 33:14-16; 1 Thes. 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36

December 9 Malachi 3:1-4; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6

December 16 Zephaniah 3:14-20; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18

December 23 Micah 5:2-5a; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

December 24 Isaiah 9:2-7; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20

December 30 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26; Col. 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52

WORSHIP THEMES FOR NOVEMBER/DECEMBER (10AM SUNDAY UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)

November 4 All Saints Sunday joint CWS/English Communion “Love God; Love Your Neighbor”

November 11 Veterans Day “Your Whole Life? For What?”

November 18 Thanksgiving Sunday/ Stewardship Celebration “Beware…Keep Awake”

November 25 Christ the King Sunday “Witnesses for the King”

December 2 1st Sunday of Advent joint CWS/English Communion “Looking and Waiting”

December 9 2nd Sunday of Advent “Children’s Christmas Story”

December 16 3rd Sunday of Advent “The Messiah: Combined Choirs”

December 23 4th Sunday of Advent “A Journey of Joy”

December 24 Christmas Eve (Monday) Candlelight Service, 11pm “A Quiet Newborn Baby”

December 30 [1st Sunday after Christmas Elbert Traister, Preaching

First United Methodist Church of San Gabriel

Fall Stewardship Campaign

The theme of our annual stewardship emphasis this year sounds good,

doesn’t it? “Moving Forward by Faith” has a nice “ring” to it. But what does it mean to move forward by faith? And what does that have to do with an

annual stewardship emphasis?

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith, it is not possible to please God. It

stands to reason, then, if we are to please God, we need to have faith. Faith

is simply taking God at His word. Faith is believing that God actually exists and that God will keep His promises. It is realizing that God will do what He has committed to do.

That kind of confidence is only available to us through Jesus Christ. He is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and ending of everything, including our faith. Christ is both the source of our faith and the one in whom we place our faith.

How does that relate, though, to giving and to our annual stewardship emphasis? If faith is simply “taking God at His word” and if God owns everything, then as God’s managers and stewards, we are to trust God to provide what we need and to give

direction concerning our giving. Let’s face it — the old song is very accurate scripturally: “This world is not my home; I’m just a

passin’ through.” But to fully realize that takes faith. It requires us to accept God’s claim that we own nothing, that we are only here temporarily on our way to our eternal home.

The Scriptures are filled with examples of people like that, people like Abraham who looked for a city whose builder and maker was God. People like Noah, who trusted God in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. People like Daniel who

placed his full confidence in God even when he was to be the main course for the lions’ dinner.

These and many others obeyed God, even when from a human perspective, it did not make sense to do so. They were aware

of a principle that has endured for the ages: When God gives us direction, and we confirm that direction according to the

Scriptures, we can obey, even when circumstances appear contrary. And we can be confident that God will provide a blessing because of our obedience.

One author put it this way:

The great battle of our spiritual lives is, “Will you believe?” It is not, “Will you try harder?” or, “Can you make yourself worthy?”

It is squarely a matter of believing that God will do what only He can do. This is what God honors.

That kind of faith involves every area of our lives, including our giving. As you think about your giving and as you consider

what commitment God would have you to make as part of this year’s stewardship emphasis here at First United Methodist Church of San Gabriel, will you do so by faith? Will you ask God to give you the ability to believe His promises and, as He

provides, to give by faith?

Many years ago, the Christian Herald Magazine provided this illustration:

A lady who was showing a large piece of family silver apologized as she took it from the cupboard, “Dreadfully tarnished,” she said. “I can’t keep it bright unless I use it.” That is just as true of faith as it is of silver. Tucked away in the Sunday closet of the

soul, and only brought out for show on special occasions, it needs an apology. You can’t keep faith bright unless you use it.

As you think about using your faith, especially in terms of the commitment God would lead you to make concerning your giving

next year, please think about what Chuck Swindoll wrote:

God honors faith and obedience. He will honor your faith if you will trust Him in a walk of obedience.

BILL SEMPLE

I want to say a BIG “THANK YOU” to all our faithful members who have generously given Altar flowers this year in memory or to honor loved ones. We filled every Sunday but one (November 25th). This is quite an accomplishment for our small congregation and is very much appreciated.

I will be taking orders for 2019 starting on Sunday, November 25th after the 10:00 am service. Please check your 2019 calendars and come prepared to pick a date (or dates) that you would like to adorn our altar with a beautiful flower arrangement. The cost is very fair $30. Thank you so much for your participation -Jeanne Courtice 626-287-5311

The Children’s Choir will be leading the 10:00 a.m. church service on Sunday December 9, 2018. We invite the entire congregation both English and Chinese, Parents, family, and friends to attend the worship service.

The Children’s Choir will be presenting special music, And Advent readings. There will also be Christmas carols For Congregational participation! Come join us in worship and support the young people of our congregation!

Coming

Soon!

.

NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER Combined Group of Young Adult and Older Ladies

lst Sunday of each Month Place to be determined

Lunch Group - Every Sunday after Fellowship Place to be determined Breakfast Club Thurs., November 8 @ 8:00 AM Coco’s on Michilinda Thurs., December 13 @ 8:00 AM Mimi’s in Monrovia Chinese Circle-Sunday, November 18 @12:45PM Fellowship Hall ALL CIRCLE MEMBERS – Please collect in November for WORLD THANK OFFERING and give the collection to Treasurer, Carol Steck.

Fu

Your Gift will be

Arriving Soon!

Dear Friends, Luke 21:25-36 tells us to be watching for the signs of Christ's coming, his return to this world. This passage tells us to "lift up your heads" because "your redemption is drawing near."

We can live with this orientation and expectation because of what God has already done – in Jesus.

You think of it this way – do you remember how exciting it is to receive a little postcard announcing that a gift will soon be shipped to you, and that it's given to you by a friend?

We're excited and we enjoy the waiting! We haven't fully received the entire gift yet – but we know it's coming.

And we know it's coming because we're received the communication – the message.

This eager anticipation is what Advent is all about. We've received the message – the logos of God – Jesus born for us! So now we can live out each and every day looking up, looking around, watching for the signs of his kingdom at work in our lives – watching for the return of Christ to fulfill history's best dreams.

Friends, you have a gift coming! "Your redemption is drawing near!" May all the blessings of God's perfect gift fill your heart and your home this holiday season.

"From the fullness of His grace we have all received one blessing after another."

— John 1:16.

Manny Ferrer

In Our Thoughts and Prayers Vera’s sister, Clara; Wing Kwong; Barbara Lam’s mother; Naomi Buck; Arlene Duncan; Stu Courtice; Dick & LeAnn Oren, Bill & Cheryl Semple, in the recent death of Dick’s sister, Barbara Oren Henley; Bob Oren, Dick’s brother; Gene Weal; Dorothy Homenick; Marjorie Norton; Gene Webb; Jan Johnson; Carol Miller; Manny & Ellen Ferrer; Judy Orcutt; Dr. Paul Hanashiro; Marilyn Schwarz; Jeanne Davison; Ted Elmgren; Pastor Roy Snapp-Kolas; Bishop Grant Hagiya; D. S. Melissa MacKinnon; the United Methodist Church; the Church Universal; our community, our nation and our world; the sick, the grieving, the poor, the lonely and the rejected; those affected by gun violence; those affected by fires in California, Europe, and around the world; those affected by the aftermath of hurricanes Florence & Michael; those affected by the earthquake in Indonesia

SPECIAL OFFERING FORUNITED METHODIST STUDENT DAY IS NOVEMBER 25 United Methodist Student Day furnishes scholarships and loans for students attending United Methodist-related and other accredited colleges and universities. To participate, please write “UM Student Day” on an offering envelope or in the memo line of your check. Or you may use your UM Student Day envelope (that came with your pledge envelopes). Please make checks payable to SGFUMC.

NOVEMBER 4, 11:45 AM – Women’s Lunch Group at Marie Callender’s on Baldwin; RSVP to DeeDee Southerland, Men’s Lunch Group, see Elbert for details.

PASTOR SHARONIs typically in the office on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons, and all-day Thursday, although she is often out making pastoral care visits on Thursday. For pastoral care needs, or to make an appointment with Pastor Sharon, you may call the church office, or contact her directly by phone/text/email: 661-810-3953, cell; sharon.snappkolas@gmail.com

Pastor Sharon plans to be on vacation December 25, 2018 through January 3, 2019. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone from Pastor Sharon and her husband, Pastor Roy. For pastoral care needs while Pastor Sharon is on vacation, please contact the church office, Dick Oren, Delora Brown, or another church leader. You may also contact Pastor Sharon directly, to inform her of the situation, by phone/txt: 661-810-3953; or email: sharon.snappkolas@gmail.com

SET CLOCKS BACK ONE HOUR BEFORE BED

SATURDAY NIGHT, NOVEMBER 3, 2018

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 All Saint’s Day

-Deadline- Submission

Charge Conference Reports

2

7:45 pm Chinese Choir – S

3 8:30 am

Cantonese Prayer Meeting 8:00 am How-to- Workshops at Sage-Granada Park UMC 8:30 am KNI Japs Saturday Class FH- 2nd Flr 6:00 pm Double Ring - FH

4 DST ENDS

24th Sunday after Pentecost

10:00 am English-CWS Joint Communion-S 10:00 am Children’s/ Adults Baptism Sunday School 11:10 am Children’s Choir 11:30 am C Worship 11:30 am UMYF – Y 11:45 am Women’s lunch group at Marie Calendar’s on Baldwin 3:00 pm Disciple Class

5

6

10:00 am Cantonese Bible Study FR 6:30 pm Prayer Mtg. FR 7:30 pm PSPRC - Mtg. - FR

7

10:30 am English Bible Study FR 11:45 am Lunch Grp 3:30 Cantonese Bible Study – FR 6:00 pm Wednesday Night - FR & FH 6:30 pm Worship Committee Mtg Rm 14 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal S

8 8:00 am UM Women Breakfast Club, at CoCo’s on Michillinda 7:30 pm Fast Tract Disciple Class FR Charge Conference

Report Printout Day

9

7:45 pm Chinese Choir – S 12:0 0pm Joy & Joshua - FH

10

8:30 am Cantonese Prayer Meeting 8:30 am KNI Japs Saturday Class FH- 2nd Flr 6:00 pm Living Water Fellowshjip FR

1125th Sunday after

Pentecost 10:00 am English Wrsp 10:00 am CWS 10:00 am Children’s Adults Baptism SS 11:30 am Chinese Wrsp 11:30 am UMYF-Y 3:00 pm Disciple Class

12

13

6:30 pm PSPRC w/ DS 7:30 pm Charge Conference – FH

14 10:30 am

English Bible Study 11:45 am Lunch Grp 3:30 pm Cantonese Bible Study Rm 14 6:00 pm Wednesday Night - FR & FH 6:30 pm ESL Class 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal S

15

7:30 pm Fast Tract Disciple Class FR

16

7:45 pm Chinese Choir – S 10:30 Chinese Ministry visiting Broadway Health Care

17 8:30 am

Cantonese P M 8:30 am KNI Japs Saturday Class FH- 2nd Flr 5:30 pm Timothy Fellowship 6:00 pm Enoch Fellowship

1826th Sunday after

Pentecost 10:00 am English Wrsp 10:00 am CWS 10:00 am Children’s Adults Baptism SS 11:30 am Chinese Wrsp 11:30 am UMYF-Y

19

20

6:30 pm Prayer Mtg. FR 7:30 pm CCOM

2110:30 am

English Bible Study 11:45 am Lunch Grp 6:00 pm Wednesday Night - FR & FH 6:30 pm ESL Class 7:00 pm Trustees Meeting Rm 14 7:30 pm Chancel Choir S

22

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

-Office Closed-

23

-office Closed -

24

8:00 am UM Men’s Breakfast 8:30 am CPM 8:30 am KNI Japs Saturday Class FH- 2nd Flr

25 Christ the King

Sunday 10:00 am English Wrsp 10:00 am CWS 10:00 am Children’s Adults Baptism SS 11:30 am Chinese Wrsp 11:30 am UMYF-Y

26

27

10:00 am Cantonese Bible Study – FR 6:30 pm English prayers – FR 7:30 pm Administrative Council Mtg

2810:30 am Bible

Study FR 11:45 am Lunch Grp 3:30 pm Cantonese Bible Study Rm 14 6:00 pm Wednesday Night - FR & FH 6:30 pm ESL Class 7:30 pm Chancel Choir S

29

6:00 pm Prayer Cell – FR 7:30 pm Fast Tract Disciple Class FR

30

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1 8:30 am

Cantonese Prayer Meeting 8:30 am KNI Japs Saturday Class FH- 2nd Flr 6:00 pm Double Ring

2 lst Sunday of

Advent 10:00 am English Worship – S 10:00 am Children’s Adults Baptism SS 10:00 am Bible Baptism Study R 14/15 FR 10:00 am CWS 11:10 am Children’s Choir 11:30 am UMYF – Y 1:00 pm Advent Kick off Potluck Lunch & Crafts

3

4

10:00 am Cantonese Bible Study – FR 6:30 pm Prayer Mtg .- FR

5

10:30 am English Bible Study – FR 11:45 am Lunch Grp 6:00 pm Wednesday Night - FR & FH 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal S

6

6:00 pm Prayer Cell – FR 7:00-9:30 pm Cantonese Disciple

Bible Study FR

7

8

8:30 am Cantonese Prayer Meeting 8:30 am KNI Japs Saturday Class FH- 2nd Flr 11:00 am Mission Area Christmas Potluck Meeting Shepherd of the Hill Monterrey Pk

9 2nd Sunday of

Advent 10:00 am English Wrsp 10:00 am CWS 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School 11:30 am Chinese Wrsp 11:30 am UMYF-Y

10

11

10:30 am Cantonese Bible Study - FR 6:30 pm Prayer Mtg. - FR

12 10:30 am

English Bible Study 11:45 am Lunch Grp 3:30 Cantonese Bible Study – Rm 14 6:00 pm Wednesday Night - FR & FH 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal S

13

8:00 am UM Women Breakfast Club, at Mimis - Monrovia 6:00 pm Prayer Cell – FR

14

12:00 pm Joy & Joshua Fellowshp 7:30 pm Chinese Choir – S

(Newsletter Submission Deadline for

Jan – Feb. 2019)

15

8:30 am C P M 8:30 am KNI Christmas Performance - S

16 3rd Sunday of

Advent 10:30 am Combined Christmas Worship Service – S 2:00 pm Caroling

17

18 10:00 am

Cantonese Bible Study – Rm 14 12:00 pm Staff Christmas Party 12:45 pm Chinese Circle - FH 5:00 pm English Council on Ministries (offsite)

19

7:00 pm Trustees Meeting - Rm 14 7:30 pm Chancel Choir Rehearsal S

20

6:00 pm Prayer Cell – FR

21

6:00 pm Prayer Cell – FR

22

8:00 am UM Men’s Breakfast 8:30 am KNI Christmas Performance - S 8:30 am Cantonese Prayer Meeting

23 4th Sunday of

Advent 10:00 am English Wrsp 10:00 am CWS 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School 11:30 am Chinese Wrsp 11:30 am UMYF-Y

24

Christmas Eve 7:00 pm Chinese Christmas Eve Service S 11:00 pm English Candlelight Service

25

CHRISTMAS DAY

26

27

6:00 pm Prayer Cell – FR

28

6:00 pm Prayer Cell – FR

29

8:30 am Cantonese Prayer Meeting

30 lst Sunday

after Christmas 10:00 am English Wrsp 10:00 am CWS 10:00 am Children’s Sunday School 11:30 am Chinese Wrsp 11:30 am UMYF-Y

31

Location Key: S: Sanctuary / FR: Fireside Room / FH: Fellowship Hall /C:Chapel / Y: Youth Room / PO: Pastor’s Office

Location Key: S: Sanctuary / FR: Fire Room / FH: Fellowship Hall /C: Chapel / Y: Youth Room / PO: Pastor’s Office