Announcements for August 24, 2008

Mandarin Ministry Update (1) Pray for Greg and Luna as they prepare to go overseas. Greg and Luna will be back in DC in November. (2) The contact persons for Mandarin ministry are Zhengyu Feng and Pastor Charles. Please underpin the entire ministry team with prayers (Neh 8:10; Ps 81:8).

The Koo Family Good news on Max, Pastor Charles’ nephew: “The chemo has shrunk Max’s tumors down to a level where further radiotherapy is unnecessary. He has one more session to go. He is in good spirits, acknowledging God’s grace making them strong in Him. Thank you all for praying for us.”

NEW MEMBERS will be received on November 23 at the Joint Thanksgiving Sunday Worship Service. Those who are interested in joining the CCC family of faith through baptism, affirmation of faith or transfer, should contact Pastor Charles as soon as possible so that membership classes can be arranged.

CALENDAR FOR SEPTEMBER will be published next Sunday. Please submit your activity details for inclusion in the calendar to linda@ccccdc.com by Wednesday. You are reminded that information for the weekly bulletin is also due on Wednesdays. Thanks for your help.

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING is scheduled today in Room 303 immediately after the 11 am worship service to discuss additional exterior renovation work and hear an update from the Search Committee.

SEARCH UPDATE The Committee has invited Luther Schrum to visit as a formal candidate for English Associate Pastor on September 12-14 following his wedding and travels. The interview schedule will be out soon.

SUNDAY LUNCH PROGRAM begins on September 7, 2008. If you can help cook lunch, please sign the schedule on the kitchen bulletin board. Please also return any items borrowed from the kitchen and remember to request supplies/equipment from the Kitchen Committee at least a week in advance if your group is in need of anything. Thanks for your cooperation.

HELP NEEDED Our GWU Bible Study group will help overseas students to settle into the area as they arrive to attend school this fall. You could help welcome these students in the following ways:

Please contact Zhengyu Feng or after Mandarin worship for details. Many other opportunities to help exist, so if you can even spare a couple hours of time, let Zhengyu know of your availability.

ELDER CARE POSITION A couple in the church needs help in their home 3x per week (4 hours each time). Some English helpful. Call the church office if you can help meet this need.

EXTERIOR RENOVATION WORK Most of the church building restoration under the initial agreement will be completed in the next few weeks – formstone and paint removal, brick pointing and repair, wood and stained glass window restoration as well as brick restoration and window replacement in the townhouse. Some further work to bring the building back to its original look is being discussed. Praise God for restoring this home!

SUPPORT CHINATOWN SERVICE CENTER BY SHOPPING! Macy’s celebrates a national day to recognize local non-profit organizations including the Chinatown Service Center (CSC). By purchasing a shopping pass, you can support the continued community outreach effort of the CSC, while enjoying a day full of discounts, entertainment, and a chance to win a $500 gift card on Saturday, September 20, 2008 at any Macy’s store nationwide. Please purchase $5 Shop for A Saving Passes from May Cheung or at the CSC office or contact Lisa Ma at 202-898-0061 for further information.

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. Also remember family members who provide unending care and support.
• Pastor Charles’ family members who are struggling with different medical conditions. Praise God for improvement in Max’s condition.
• Pray for those preparing to go off to college in the next couple weeks.
• Pray for perseverance for those who are in the middle of their 30-day commitment from the Summer Retreat to read the Bible and pray everyday.
• Pray for Greg and Luna as they prepare for a faith journey of service in China, that the road will be clearly marked and free of obstacles.
• Pray for those thinking about making a faith commitment to Jesus Christ.

Pray for needs of the church:

• For the Nominating Committee’s task – that members will pray earnestly about serving God in a leadership position in the church.
• For the resources needed to bring glory to God through the beauty of the church building and the program needs therein.
• For wisdom for Search Committee as they tackle the task of filling two Associate Pastor positions. May God lead us to discern his perfect will.
• For the programs of the church to stay focused on evangelism and discipleship and for the Board to lead the church into kingdom ministry.

Pray for individual spiritual growth (devotional materials are on the magazine racks):

• Strive to relate to others in love. My dear brothers and sisters, always be willing to listen and slow to speak. Do not become angry easily, because anger will not help you live the right kind of life God wants. James 1: 19, 20.
• Practice this fruit of the Spirit. Smart people are patient; they will be honored if they ignore insults. Proverbs 19:11