Announcements for June 1, 2008

PRAY FOR THE PEOPLE IN MYANMAR AND CHINA Today and on June 15, we will receive special offerings for relief work in Myanmar and China where the cyclone and earthquake have left thousands homeless and in need of medical care, shelter and food. Money will be forwarded directly to Food for the Hungry, a relief organization providing direct care from teams already working in those countries. Checks should be written to CCC and designated for relief work. Donations not earmarked for a specific country will be divided between relief efforts in China and Myanmar.

FRIDAY ENGLISH FELLOWSHIP The monthly potluck dinner at Tom and Joanne’s will be on Friday, June 6 at 7:00 pm. Coordinate potluck dishes and RSVP to Jo Ann Eng and rides from the metro with Tom. Peter Yim will share how God is preparing him for missions work in Singapore.

ENGLISH ASSOCIATE PASTOR Praise God for continuing to lead a number of pastoral applicants to CCC. Our search effort has received a number of resumes for the English Associate Pastor position. The search committee is continuing the review. While there are no named official candidates at this stage as the application process is still ongoing, and resumes are still coming in, we are inviting a number of applicants to visit our church as guests over the summer months on a rolling basis. Please expect a number of guest speakers at the English service in June/July. Please continue to pray for God’s guidance, wisdom, patience, and obedience.

APPRECIATION Thank you for your assistance, your prayers, and your gifts for my Mom’s passing into God’s glory. May God continue to bless your ministry. -Ann Tang and Family

MAKING SENSE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH We are called to work out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12) and to give an answer to why we believe (1 Peter 3:15). The second Sunday School class of Seeking to Understand the Christian Faith will meet today 12:30 – 1:30 pm in Room 301. We will discuss the historical evidence for Christianity; outside sources for the bible; translation; credibility of the New Testament. Contact Garrett or see flyer on the bulletin board.

UPCOMING EVENTS: June 15 – Graduation Sunday (please give names of graduates to church office or Linda Wong); July 13 – Church Picnic; August 8-10 – Summer Retreat, Walk thru the Old Testament.

Board Highlights from May 17, 2008 Meeting [this will be provided after every Board meeting]

• Natural disaster relief fund (China earthquake and Myanmar cyclone) established and collections scheduled for June 1 and June 15.
• Search committee following up on 11 applications for Associate Pastor position. Some applicants may visit during the summer as guest speakers in English service.
• AALEAD (Asian American Leadership Empowerment and Development for Youth and Families) will conduct a 6-week, all-day Summer Children’s Program from June 16 to August 1. The church will use the lunch hour for Bible teaching.
• Coordinating with DC election office for use of HMH as a polling facility during the September and November elections.
• Seven plaques (of historical significance) have been selected to hang in hallway.
• Board vacancy left by Chi Chang Lee’s move to CA will not be filled until the next election.
• Combined Federal Campaign application for Chinatown Service Center has been approved.
• Nominating Committee appointed and chaired by Tow Moy and Texas Chee.

EXTERIOR RENOVATION WORK The formstone is off! Worcester Eisenbrandt is working steadily on paint removal, repairing the window frames, and pointing brickwork. They will continue their restoration work for the next few months.

Prayers

Prayer and praise will be our power house: ‘“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord Almighty.” We urge all believers to raise up the church in prayers, expecting God to move and act. Jesus says the harvest is already plentiful but we must pray (Mt 9:38).

Pray for brothers and sisters in Christ:

• Those in need of healing, and others receiving medical treatments. Please remember especially Rev. and Mrs. Shen as they cope with Rev. Shen’s slow recovery from surgery.
• Pray for Ms. Fan who is seeking God. A tumor is in her brain. Pray that her daughter in mainland China will get a visa as soon as possible
• Pastor Charles’ family members who are struggling with different medical conditions. May God give the family strength and grace to encourage each other.
• Greg Chen and his family in China as they mourn the loss of Greg’s father on Monday, May 26. May they be comforted by God’s love and our prayers.

Pray for needs of the church:

• Coworkers to lead our young people
• Strengthening Bible study groups
• Wisdom for Search Committee as they evaluate candidates for Associate Pastor and the needs of the church to find the one God has called to be our Associate Pastor
• The exterior work on the church will run smoothly
• Plans for retreats, youth programs and outreach
• The strengthening of our bible study groups
• All speakers as they prepare their sermon and the worship services

Pray for individual spiritual growth:

• Pray that our faith will not waiver despite disappointments, loss, and lack of understanding in our lives. Ask God to keep our eyes focused on him and our trust wholly in His hands.
• Take your focus off your circumstances, and look to the One who promises His help. Scripture from Isaiah 41:10 gives this assurance: “Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”.