I F G F P I N O L E M O N T H LY N E W S L E T T E R

I Am Thankful

Pastor Sugi’s Notes on Thanksgiving • Matters to Thank by Frederick Kennedy

Pastor Jeffri’s Corner • Blessing in Disguise by Leonardo Saerang

Let’s Pray for November by Joan Wirolinggo

Care Group of the Month: Frontier • In-House Foodie Review: Ran Kanom Thai

Event Highlight: Thanksgiving Retreat SF x LA by Christian Liong

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2014

It’s November!

Autumn season is in full swing and we will start

feeling stronger wind and chilly weather. At the

same time, it is also a period to prepare our hearts

for the coming holiday season, starting with the

celebration of the Thanksgiving Day. So accordingly,

we have chosen the topic “I Am Thankful” for this

month’s theme. How do we appropriately celebrate

Thanksgiving? Of course, by being thankful in our

heart, first and foremost to God, who is the source of

all blessing. But is there anything else we need to do,

more than just an inward attitude of thankfulness?

I believe there is! And that is why we choose the

topic — so together we can learn and apply God’s Word

regarding thankfulness in our lives. Let’s celebrate

this Thanksgiving Day with our hearts focused on

Jesus, with our actions ready to reflect our heart of

thankfulness. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from

the big family of IFGF Pinole.

Blessings,

Pastor Sugi Hendric

Testimony:Matters to Thankby Frederick Kennedy

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S tepping out of my comfort zone is the last thing I

would do when adapting to a new surrounding.

On New Year’s Eve, I set foot at Jakarta Soekarno-Hatta

International Airport. It was a devastating day for me.

I wasn’t prepared to leave to the United States, but the

plane was already waiting for my presence. I had to leave

my brother back in Jakarta, my mother with me, and

my dad waiting for me to transit in Hong Kong. The next

two months swing by very quickly and before I knew

it, my mother was already boarding her flight back

to Indonesia. There are many things to be thankful

for in this world. All of them are blessings from God

whether it be good or bad to you.

I was listening to one of my mentor’s sharing about Romans 8:28.

What I understood from the verse was that everything happens

not to us, but for us. If the good happens like you expected, then

God have rewarded you. The key things in life to be thankful for

are friends, family, and God Himself.

To be thankful for those that are close to me. Without them,

I wouldn’t be able to survive each day. They are the ones who are

there when I need them the most. They are the ones who give me

a shoulder to cry on. They are the ones who pick me up when I

fall. They are the ones who are willing to share the burden with

me. I am thankful for the community I’m surrounded with –

the people that I can reach out to and talk to. I am thankful for

CG Hoper and Favor.

To be thankful for those that are giving me moral support.

Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The confidence

that they have given me, the opportunity to even be here in the

US. Although we are one-third world away from each other,

I believe that this is their decision to send me here. I believe that

whenever I succeed, they will be proud. I believe that whenever

I fail, they will be there to lift me up. I am thankful for my family.

To be thankful for our Savior – He who have created me to

be in this world. I believe that whatever I’ve done, it’s for my

own good. Whatever happens in this world, if it’s not like what

you expected, it’s a teaching from Him. It’s a declaration

of what He wants to tell you. It’s a punishment for what

wrongdoing you have done. I am thankful for God. I believe

that all things happen to us for a reason, to be a better good in

the future. God has His ways of shaping us, molding us,

teaching us, and through the things that happen in life, is

one of His ways. To know and react what He has done is one

thing, but to be thankful and understand it, is another thing.

PASTOR JEFFRI’S CORNER

Worrying is never the solution. It drains our emotional tank, and yet never give us a solution. Try being

thankful instead – knowing that He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, will

never leaves us nor forsakes us. READ: PHILIPPIANS 4:6

Blessing

In Disguise by Leonardo

Saerang

This Summer

has been a

rough one for me;

tangled in a web of

struggles, juggling

between work visa,

job search, and

personal issues had

worn me out to my

maximum capacity.

When I refl ect back,

however, I can’t help

but be thankful, because when I thought

I was alone, He had never left my side.

Before I continue, let us take a look at

the life of Jacob (Genesis 37- 41). As the

youngest son who had been promised

all the greatness through his dream,

surely he must have high hopes but

for all we know, his life was a roller

coaster. From being the favorite son,

a transformation struck him where he

went through a series of tribulations

from being betrayed by his own

brothers, sold to the head of Potiphar’s

household, framed and jailed for two

years to the position where God wanted

him to be. Perhaps this was how I felt

this summer. I feel that my life has

its ups, and inevitably there will be

moments of downs.

As a person who likes security, I do

not appreciate these cycles of ups and

downs. However, when we scrutinize

Joseph’s life, which is far worse than

mine, and his

journey towards

God’s plan, there

is one thing that I

believe that made

him achieve it: the

Lord is always with

Him (Genesis 39:2,

21). Even in the pit

of darkness, God’s

grace and favors

was suffi cient. And

you know what; he is also with me and

with you too!

Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for

I am with you; do not be dismayed, for

I am your God. I will strengthen you

and help you; I will uphold you with my

righteous right hand.” And if God is for

us, who can be against us? What a great

reminder of how much He loves us!

Friends, let us stop focusing on our

struggles and our helplessness. Instead,

start surrendering to God who is always

with us. I am still struggling too right now

in facing my personal issues, but I have

decided that this will not be my focus.

After all, He who is with me will turn it

to the good and the better for me.

How about you? I am thankful not because

of my circumstances but for Him to be with

me through all the circumstances I face.

Though these experiences may look like

a stumbling stone for me, He turns it into

blessings in the end.

IFG

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LET’S PRAYFOR NOVEMBER

with Joan Wirolinggo

New workers and leaders

in the house of God

(1 Thes. 5:12-13)

The new church building

for God’s glory (Haggai 1 :8)

Pastor Sugi, his wife and his

three children as well as all

the church leaders (1 Tim.

5:17)

A thankful heart and joy

of the Lord while waiting for

God’s promise to be fulfilled

(Philippians 4:4-7)

Thanksgiving retreat that

it might be impactful and

fruitful

The passion and drive to

pursue God’s holiness

(Hebrew 12:29)

Healthy growth in Care

Group members and more

quality workers (Acts 2:46-

47)

The nations of Indonesia

(Prov. 28:2), United States

where we live (Jer. 29:7),

Nepal (Matthew 24:14), and

Israel (Psalm 122:6)

Testimony:

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CG Frontier was formed just over a year ago to serve the needs of

the young professionals in San Francisco Bay Area. Despite living

in different parts of the Bay Area (ranging from East Bay to South

Bay), distance does not prevent us from sharing lives with one

another. There are a lot of things that we do in CG Frontier. We share

our struggles and strengthen one another in the spirit. We share

our happiness and praise God together for He is good all the time.

We share our knowledge on different aspects of life, from financial

planning to cultivating good relationships with our colleagues at work.

On top of the Care Group gatherings once every two weeks, we

also have über-fun outings every other week, where we would enjoy

one another’s company and get to know one another deeper. Most

important of all, we are a family, that’s what CG Frontier is all about!

CG OF THE MON-TH SPE-CIAL

Thinking of joining CG Frontier

in the South Bay?

Anthony (408) 685-1540

cg

frontier

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Ran Kanom Thai

I am confident that everyone is thankful that God has given us

the opportunity to be blessed to have plenty of food to eat and

also a wide variety of options to choose from. Not only are we

given the chance to eat such delicious food we are also blessed

to gather with one another and celebrate the blessings that the

Lord has given us.

The restaurant that I am going to be reviewing today is Ran

Kanom Thai. Ran Kanom Thai is a Thai restaurant with two

different locations one in Richmond and in San Pablo as well.

Ran Kanom had a dream to provide the best Thai food made

with 100% organic food, from their spices, vegetables, seafood

and their meat as well. Not only does this restaurant provide

such good quality food it also comes with affordable prices.

When you first walk in the restaurant, you have a choice of

either ordering food from their steam tables or from their menu.

There is a wide selection of food on their menu: Noodles with

soup or just stir-fry, E-San E-San which is Green Papaya or

Fruit Salads, Rice Porridge, and Rice Plates. Love Spicy food?

this place is great for you! They have different levels of spice to

fit your taste buds. If the food is not spicy enough for you they

provide additional spices as well. After you enjoy your meal

you can try their exotic desserts like their Mango Sticky Rice

and their Durian dessert. As you finish your lunch or dinner

you can also enjoy their variety of snack that you can buy

and bring home for you to enjoy. All in all, Ran Kanom Thai

provides quality food for an affordable price.

by Emmanuel Calica

3288 Pierce St, Richmond, CA

(510) 356-4885

2300 El Portal Dr, San Pablo, CA

(510) 255-7284

This weekend makes a great

opportunity to re-calibrate with God.

Yes, we are swarmed with tests,

homework and projects; but when

we sacrifi ce our time for God, He is

sure to reward us abundantly.

Do you feel like you’ve run dry, hit a wall, or aren’t as excited

about God as you once were? Maybe you’ve never felt

passionate about what God is doing in your lives and in the lives

of others. I know that there have been seasons in my life where I

am just doing the “Christian” thing; go to church—check, go to

care group—check, have Christian karaoke on Sundays—check,

attempt to read the Bible and pray daily—check. This routine

becomes stale and what was a relationship with Jesus is now just

religious duties.

Every year, IFGF hosts a Thanksgiving Retreat and this year

we are collaborating with San Francisco and Los Angeles in

Bakersfi eld to reignite our fi re for God and people! It will be held

in Double Tree Hotel, Bakersfi eld, on November 27th – 29th.

This year, we have the privilege and honor of hosting Pastor

Joey Bonifacio, an amazing speaker from the Philippines, with a

passion to see people connect with God and with each other.

This is what ’s bound to happen

if you don’ t go.

Through Mark 12:30-31 we know that God is very much into

relationships. He created relationships not just for people to

relate with people, but more importantly, for people to relate to

God. Often times we contemplate and wonder if that is our job.

“It should be my care group leader who leads people to know

God,” or “my pastor should be the one to make disciples,” are the

types of things Christians may think to themselves, but I want

to remind and encourage every Jesus loving Christian out there

that it is our job to make disciples of all nations. I am extremely that it is our job to make disciples of all nations. I am extremely that it is our job to make disciples of all nations. I am extremely

excited for retreat expecting to see a bunch of young people seek excited for retreat expecting to see a bunch of young people seek excited for retreat expecting to see a bunch of young people seek

out God, fi nd what they’re looking for, and share with everyone out God, fi nd what they’re looking for, and share with everyone out God, fi nd what they’re looking for, and share with everyone

they know the goodness they have found in Christ.they know the goodness they have found in Christ.they know the goodness they have found in Christ.

The Christian life was never meant to be boring, but one The Christian life was never meant to be boring, but one The Christian life was never meant to be boring, but one

that is filled with excitement, joy, and the satisfaction of that is filled with excitement, joy, and the satisfaction of that is filled with excitement, joy, and the satisfaction of

connecting the created people to the creator God.connecting the created people to the creator God.connecting the created people to the creator God. If you

fi nd yourself busy with work and school, friends and family, and fi nd yourself busy with work and school, friends and family, and fi nd yourself busy with work and school, friends and family, and

other miscellaneous activities and wondering if there is more to other miscellaneous activities and wondering if there is more to other miscellaneous activities and wondering if there is more to

life, come to the retreat and trust that God will encounter you life, come to the retreat and trust that God will encounter you life, come to the retreat and trust that God will encounter you

there and impart a new passion and desire in your lives!

Event Highlight:ThanksgivingRetreat SF x LAby Christian Liong

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IFGF Pinole 2885 PINOLE VALLEY ROAD

PINOLE, CA 94564

(925) 609 4343

IFGFGISIEASTBAY@GMAIL.COM

IFGFPINOLE.ORG

SUNDAY SERVICE EVERY 2:15 PM

CARE GROUPS

PRAYER GROUPS

PASTORAL TEAM NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS

MINISTRIES UPCOMING EVENTS

CG FAITH

SAN FRANCISCO

Melanie 925.586.7770

Jason 925.305.1278

CG KING

SAN FRANCISCO

Vincent 925.356.1375

CG WARRIORS

PINOLE

Maxwell 510.374.2686

Chris 510.837.7867

FAITH (Every Thursday & Friday)

Melody 925.788.5078

KING (Every Saturday)

Vincent 925.356.1375

HEROES (Every Thursday)

Alus 408.904.8001

James 206.331.8409

LEGENDS (Every Thursday)

Shirley 415.990.8178

Evelin 925.289.6785

WARRIORS (Every Tuesday)

Maxwell 510.374.2686

FAVOR- HOPER (Every Thursday)

Melvin 510.708.0540

Genesis Newsletter - Irene Chandra

Multimedia - Melanie Thio

Prayer & Intercession - Joan Wirolinggo

Refreshments - Nathalia Prasetyo Jo

Praise & Worship - Yosia Urip

Transportation - Leonardo Saerang

Documentation - Eric Timotius

Revelation Videos - Jessica Tjahjady

Sunday School - Jen Hendric

Ushers - Renaldi

Sunday Service Coordinator - Christian Liong

Women Of Virtue - Karen Liong & Elissa Irma

Men’s Ministry - Christian Liong

Website - Yosia Urip

Sound System - Fendy Soegiono

SUGI HENDRIC Senior Pastor

JEFFRI HALIM Associate Pastor,

Biblical Teaching

Nov 7 & 21 Caregroup Gatherings

Nov 8 Corporate Prayer Meeting

Nov 9 Pinole Church Day 2014

2:15 - 5 pm

Nov 15 IFGF Pinole 21st

Anniversary

Nov 27-29 IFGF California

Thanksgiving Retreat

Dec 5-6 BUILD Leadership

Conference 2014

CG LEGENDS

BERKELEY (SISTERS)

Shirley 415.990.8178 (Freshmen)

Evelin 925.289.6785 (Transfers)

CG HEROES

BERKELEY (BROTHERS)

Alus 408.904.8001 (Freshmen)

James 206.331.8409 (Transfers)

CG FAMILY

PINOLE

Ps. Sugi 510.724.5400

CG FAVOR

PLEASANT HILL

Rebecca 925.482.5562

Jessica 925.334.2011

CG HOPER

PLEASANT HILL

Karen 925.577.6634

Melvin 510.708.0540

CG FRONTIER

SOUTH BAY

Antony 408.685.1540

Adi 415.463.9010

06 Glorio Yulianto

08 Andrea Pangemanan

09 Freddy Kurniawan

10 Jessica Audrey Wijaya

14 Kevin Go

15 Parama Pradana

29 Jason Novanto