Connections is a weekly publication for the people of Central United Methodist Church to inform, them about programs, updates and pertinent events.
EXCITING NEWS FROM OUR CAMBODIAN MINISTRY
Dear Friends
Since our lives have been affected by Covid-19, we have seen the value of the unity of all believers. Covid-19 has created social distancing and self-isolation. However, we have learned that through technology we can connect with other believers. We are now faced with a “since this, then what” time in our lives as believers. Since the pandemic, how should we live? How shall we change the way we do for the Lord?
As I prepare for a Sunday service, I realize that the truth is, I will conduct a worship service and preach from my e-book, in my computer through the phone conference call service – just like thousands of other preachers are doing. We can do a lot through the means of distance technology. However, when it comes to the “passing of the peace” (or the greeting), we know something important is missing. For we worship not as individuals, but as the Body of Christ.
Often times I am called by senior church members who are feeling lonely. They miss their Central brothers and sisters in Christ. I told them that this season is a unique time and that their yearning for others is a sign of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit inside of them. I have told them that his vocation was strong. We should desire to be with each other. The Bible reminds us that we should never give up meeting together. We cannot learn forgiveness in isolation. We cannot practice love while we are apart from each other. We might even come to learn that the occasional pain we experience in church life through our Bible Study or Sunday service. We might discover that it is for these very reasons that we truly need each other.
Right now, I am thanking God for the General Board of Global Ministries. They have given the Cambodian language ministry of Central a $4,000.00 grant to support Khmer-languageministryneeds during the COVID Crisis. This grant willprovide us with the opportunity topurchase several tablets that will be loaned to members of our Cambodian congregation, who otherwise would not be able to purchase one. Members of the congregation will teach other members how to use them. With this gift our church members will be able to join the Zoom Bible Study and other online opportunities. The remaining funds will be used to improve our sound equipment, purchase masks, and hand sanitizer.
Please continue to pray for the Cambodian members of our congregation. Pray that they will be in good shape and remain healthy always.
Pastor Viseth Hou
CONGRATULATIONS!
Pastor Viseth wrote and submitted the grant application on behalf of the Cambodian language congregation to the General Board of Global Ministries. The members of his congregation will benefit from this grant in many ways.
This is our connectional church at work. Our tithe to the conference supports such grants and Central has benefitted from a number of grants this year. Sophal Suon is a member of our “Reopen Team” and can update the Khmer-speaking members about our timeline for outdoor services.
If English-speakers would like to borrow a tablet, please contact Jan as we have two to loan during Shelter in Place.
TWO BOOKS, ONE SUMMER
This Sunday, participants in the Two Books, One Summer program will gather by Zoom at 1.00pm to discuss the book The Nightingale by Kristen Hannah. If you have read the book, we hope you will join the discussion. Contact Alan Cook ([email protected]) and he will send you the zoom information.
The second book for Two Books, One Summer is The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson. Copies of the book can be found at a branch of the public library, online, or we have two books to loan; contact Alan Cook if you would like to borrow a book.
“The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek is a gem of a book and a tribute to the importance of books. Richardson tackles numerous topics from Kentucky in the 1930s – horrific coal mining conditions, the true blue-skinned people that lived in Appalachia, and the Pack Horse library service. The book is a tale of family, prejudice, and perseverance, and one woman’s decision to find her own way despite her hardscrabble existence.” A review by a reader of this book.
JOIN THE CELEBRATION
Today Walter Richard is celebrating his 98th birthday. We hope you will join us in sending him birthday greetings this week. Send your card to Walter Richard, 1910 W. Alpine, Stockton, CA 95204.
It would be helpful to know if you are celebrating a milestone birthday (90-100+) this year. Let Susie Wanden know this important information – [email protected]. Thanks.
OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE
Did you see the beautiful prayer shawls on the altar last Sunday? We are looking for people to be a part of this vital ministry. If you knit or crochet, we would love for you to make a few prayer shawls.
Would you like to be the Prayer Shawl contact person? This person maintains records, receives calls and arranges for distribution of shawls. Consider signing up to deliver prayer shawls.
If you can help with our prayer shawl ministry contact Susie Wanden.
SPECIAL NOTE
Next week you will receive Connections and News From 3700 through a social media platform called MailChimp. We will no longer be sending out these two publications through our church email platform. If you do not receive the publications next week, please contact Susie Wanden and let her know.
VACATION TIME
- Susie Wanden will be on vacation next week, July 27-August 2. She will not have email or phone access. Please contact another staff member if you have an emergency or need immediate assistance.