Next Sunday, there will be no service of any language in our church. Originally, a sharing was planned and now it is canceled. For those who are not going to the Mandarin congregation camping or Taiwanese retreat, I would urge you to attend any church that is Christ-center and has Biblical teaching, Following are some options for your consideration:
There is a special musical service performed by Taiwan Naruwan Choir sponsored by Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary, Taiwan at
Taiwanese Presbyterian Church in South Bay
2079 Lomita Bl, Lomita, CA 90717
(310) 666-4995 Rev. Thomas H. Chen
The sermon will be in Taiwanese. Concert: will uses a Mixture of Mandarin, Taiwanese and Native Taiwanese languages.
For those who prefer Mandarin service, you may go to Ling-Liang Church (Bread of Life Church) located at 2780 Lomita Blvd. Torrance, CA 90505. This church locates one block east of Torrance Memorial Hospital near Costco. Tel: 310-325-7777. Their Mandarin service starts at 11:00 AM English service starts at 9:00 AM.
Just like Rev. Lu said, we often didn’t run well in our pilgrim journey. Yet let’s learn to have the same kind of determination to finish the race that we are in.
This is the time that people taking vacation. We are no exception. Some of our members are traveling. Andrew’s parents are returning to Taiwan tomorrow. Tony Lin went back on Monday. Last night, my wife and my son went to Taiwan for three weeks. Praise the Lord, he watches over us no matter where we might me.
Last week, I mentioned Louis Armstrong’s song “This is a Wonderful Day”. Thanks to Justin’s correction. It should be “This is a Wonderful World”. Somehow I like many songs from that era. For example, another song quickly comes to my mind.
“Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” It says:
Where have all the flowers gone, long time passing? … Gone to young girls, every one!
Where have all the young girls gone, long time passing? … Gone to young men, every one!
Where have all the young men gone, long time passing? … Gone to soldiers, every one!
And where have all the soldiers gone, long time passing? … Gone to graveyards, every one!
And where have all the graveyards gone, long time passing? … Gone to flowers, every one!
When will they ever learn, oh when will they ever learn?
This is an anti-war song. Yet, it reveals the repeat phenomena and points out we don’t learn much from them. Once again, King Solomon said :
This Sunday, Rev. Jeffery Lu (呂紹昌牧師) will be our speaker. I look forward to listening to his message. He has been with us several times before. His messages have been a good reminder to me. During this summer, he has been quite busy in mission trips and organizing ABC convention. Let’s prepare ourselves. I believe God has some words for you. I was pretty touch by Rev. Chou’s message last Sunday. Seeing role model like her is should encourage us to adjust our direction and follow the Lord closely
Let me finish this email with another song just popped up in my heart
Yesterday, I went to nearby park to exercise. There were many people playing balls, jogging, strolling, eating BBQ, or simply sitting there watching sunset. With sea breeze softly touching my face, I enjoyed it and didn’t want to go home. It was a relaxing and refreshing moment for me. I remember Louis Armstrong’s song “This is a Wonderful Day”. Them I remembered a movie I have watched before “Good Morning Vietnam”. In that movie, the above mentioned song “This is a Wonderful Day” was played while the screen shows helicopter bombing and people killing each other. Our life is a mix of happiness and sadness. At the same moment, various things happen. King Solomon said ”
神造萬物、各按其時成為美好．又將永生安置在世人心裡” How is your summer? This could be a up moment or could be a down moment for you. No matter what. 這世界和其上的事都要過去… Many years ago, I saw a short phrase on my friend’s desk.『除卻永恆無大事』 That has been a good reminder to me and I like to share it with you.
We will have 周淑慧牧師 be our speaker on coming Sunday (8/19). She and her husband, 吳德聖牧師, started our church 27 years ago. Soon after, EFC planted another church at Orange County. She went there to shepherd them and built that church to become one of the largest among EFC. Both of them have retired from EFC. Yet, they are busier than before. They travel around the world to spread Gospel and equip believers to be better soldiers of God’s Army. She is a powerful and inspiring speaker. Please come to worship together.
Also on Sunday afternoon, Randy and Peggy Chu would like to invite all of us to their new home located near West High. Please reserve your time to go to share their happiness and bless their family.
On coming Sunday, we will have Rev. Jonathan Chiu (邱志健牧師) to be our speaker. He will preach at both Taiwanese and Mandarin services. Following is a brief introduction about him. I found it somewhere online:
經歷：
1966 - 1989為中國學園傳道會同工
1979-1989兼任浸禮聖經會台北會幕堂牧師
1989年5月應美國亞特蘭大華人基督教會邀請，擔任主任牧師至2 0 0 2年7月底。 (By the way, 呂紹昌牧師 succeeded him to be the senior pastor of the same church after Rev. Chiu left that post due to personal health conditions. - Peter)
現職：
美國國際關懷協會總幹事
Rev. Chiu has very tight schedule traveling to many places to help churches and support missionaries. While he comes among us, we would like to take the chance to ask him to lead the communion during the Mandarin service. If possible, I plan to have communion once a month. That is not just a routine religious ceremony. That is a moment that we quiet ourselves in front of Him to renew our relationship with God and refresh our commitment to follow Him closely.
If you plan to come to the camping trip, please sign up ASAP to help the coworkers to prepare for it. Your helping hand is also welcome.
