YA.COMMUNICATION | MAY 26, 2014

Memorial Day
Mon, May 26, 2014
As our country celebrates the Memorial Holiday, let us remember and give thanks to God for service men and women who gave their lives so this country could continue and live in the privileges we have. We should also extend prayers to family, friends and co-workers who in recent years have lost people because of this service. May God's comfort, peace and strength bring recovery and renewal upon them. 

Mark 10:45 "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Christ is The Rescuer for all humanity, who gave his life so all could really live and have eternal life. 
     For the various reasons one may join the military, I don't believe any service person joins for the sole purpose of dying. None set out to die. They recognize the inherent danger of military work and combat, and know that death is possible, but none say his or her intention is to die. Christ came to earth to die. That was his intention in coming. In obedience to the Father, Christ knew his death was required, and no other ransom was sufficient or comparable to save man from God's wrath and to reconcile with God. In the helplessness of man, Jesus became the ultimate Servant. 
     Looking to Jesus as our example, we should "die for others" (Jn 15:12-14, 1 Jn 3:16) and become a servant to all. Not an easy task, to say the least, but placing humanity above personal survival, personal gain and personal comfort was what Jesus did. "He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Phil 2:8). Dying for others is lowering ourselves to uplift and benefit them. It may cost a little. It may cost a lot. 
     But who shall we serve? Well, everyone. The expectation upon us—in obedience to God the Father—is to have the same regard for others as Jesus did for us. Jesus also died for the Jewish priests, pharisees, scribes that persecuted him and the Romans guards that killed him. For the strangers who need help, for the bosses who are jerks, for the rude neighbors—they're the ones we're also to serve, not just the people we like. As American soldiers died in service for anonymous citizens, God wants us to serve those who he brings into our presence, know them or not, like them or not. That's being like Jesus. That's loving like Jesus. 

Connections this Week | Sustainable Relationships. 

Tue, May 27, 7-9:30p | Gerry & Suzie Gee's house (MPK)
Thu, May 29, 7-9:30p| Simeon & Amy Wong's house (MPK)
Light dinner provided at each meeting. Join us for community.

Topic: Singleness & Marriage

Speakers: Spencer Sun & John Chow


ESPM | English Speaking Prayer Meeting

Wed, 7:45-9:00pm | Praise Center
Join the church to pray. With the 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for Chinatown this Saturday, we want to continue to keep it in prayer. We seek after God's oversight and presence. We seek for his sovereignty over this day and how he will use this event for his will and glory. 

YA.COMMUNICATION | MAY 20, 2014

CONNECTIONS: UPDATE YOUR CALENDARS!

We only have two more sessions in the Sustainable Relationships series; however, please note that the last meeting has been moved up. ALSO, the very last session will be for both men and women (A change from what was previously planned.) Looking forward to get connected!

Sustainable Relationships. 

TUE, 7-9:30p | GERRY & SUZIE GEE'S HOUSE (MPK)
THU, 7-9:30p| SIMEON & AMY WONG'S HOUSE (MPK)
Light dinner provided at each meeting. Join us for community.

May 27 & May 29 (original dates; no change).

Topic: Singleness & Marriage

Speakers: Spencer Sun & John Chow

June 3 & June 5 (One week earlier; moved up from original date)

Topic: Sex & Sexual Temptation

Speakers: Alvin Cheng & Melinda Cheng
(For both men and women.)


YOUNG ADULT NETWORK (YAN) RETREAT. 

Fri-Mon, May 23-26. The Oaks

For those who are attending, you should have received an email with instructions and preparation material. If not, you can get the information here. 

Please forward all payments due to Lawrence Fung. 

FCBC-LA LOOKING FOR HELP in the Area of Information Technology.

If you're familiar with IT Networking Infrastructure or have IT Management or Director experience, church can use your service. This is a pressing matter, and any leads would help. Please contact Pastor John. 

YA.COMMUNICATION | MAY 12, 2014

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO MOMS!
I hope you felt loved and appreciated on this special day. For most of the moms in our department, you're still just starting out as a mother, but we recognize the time, energy, love and commitment it takes to be a wife, raise a child, work and handle other responsibilities. May God's grace, which is sufficient, find you daily. 

CONNECTIONS RESUMES this WEEK, 7-9:30PM!
SUSTAINABLE RELATIONSHIPS
Topic: Dating and Courtship
Speaker: Daniel Spickard
TUE, MAY 13 | GERRY & SUZIE GEE'S HOUSE (MPK)
THU, MAY 15 | SIMEON & AMY WONG'S HOUSE (MPK)
Light dinner provided at each meeting. Join us for community.

BIG SUNDAY IS HERE!!!
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO PARTICIPATE!
MAY 16-18, FRI-SUN—Choose one date!
You can still be part of this weekend fun. Get some friends together, register at Big Sunday, and GO! That's it. 


MULTI-CHURCH YOUNG ADULT RETREAT—It's On!
MAY 23-26, Fri-Mon
In the coming days you'll receive material to help prepare for this retreat. Start with prayer!!!

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 3-on-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT!
SATURDAY, MAY 31 | FCBC GYM
Tournament benefits Castelar Elementary School's Education through Music Program. This program utilizes the creative influence of music to cultivate well-rounded, enriched growth and development in every child. Due to recent Castelar is in danger of losing the program. Together, we can ensure that children in Chinatown will continue to have access to this indispensable curriculum. [Find out more and register!]

YA.COMMUNICATION | APRIL 27, 2014

NO CONNECTIONS SMALL GROUP this Week, Apr 29 & May 1. 
[Connections resumes May 13 & 15]
We'll be taking a break this coming week. Please take advantage of this pause to get together over a meal. 


COMFY COZY CORNER
SAT, MAY 3, 9A-12N, SUZIE GEE'S PLACE
The guest speaker is Nina Lim, who has a powerful testimony for our young adult women. RSVP at the Comfy Cozy Facebook page or with Thelma Tong 

HAVE YOU SIGNED UP FOR BIG SUNDAY?
FRI-SUN, MAY 16-18
Take 5 minutes to check out what's available.
Take 5 friends with you to the site.
Take 5 from the normal weekend and get into a BIG adventure!
Check out the projects at Big Sunday

Stop by the Big Sunday Table in the Courtyard to let us know you're participating. We want to track our goal of getting many FCBCers on mission. We'll also answer any questions you may have. 

MULTI-CHURCH YOUNG ADULT RETREAT—Registration is Still Open!!
FRI-MON, MAY 23-26 (Memorial Day Weekend) | THE OAKS 
Registration:
April 1 to 30: $175.00 (regular fee)
May 1 to 23: $200. 
Register here: YA Network Retreat

Meet our speaker, Brian Colmery. Here's a vid shown at Saturday's Open Mic Night. 


UPDATE ON MY DAD
My dad continues to slowly recover from his stroke. He is able to hear and speak but his responses are slower. He's regained a substantial amount of strength and movement in his left side but he's far from 100%. [Finish reading here]

REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 3-on-3 BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT!
Saturday, May 31 | FCBC GYM
Tournament benefits Castelar Elementary School's Education through Music Program. This program utilizes the creative influence of music to cultivate well-rounded, enriched growth and development in every child. Due to recent Castelar is in danger of losing the program. Together, we can ensure that children in Chinatown will continue to have access to this indispensable curriculum. [Find out more and register!]

YA.COMMUNICATION | APRIL 14, 2014

CONNECTIONS this Week, 7-9:30pm!
SUSTAINABLE RELATIONSHIPS. 
Topic: Loneliness. 
Speaker: Thelma Tong
TUE, APR 15 | GERRY & SUZIE GEE'S HOUSE (MPK)
THU, APR 17 | SIMEON & AMY WONG'S HOUSE (MPK)
Light dinner provided at each meeting. Join us for community. 

"FORGOTTEN."
GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE 
FRI, APR 18 | WORSHIP CTR, 7:30-9:00PM
Good Friday was a day which the disciples of Christ because faithless in their teacher. Despite the claims of Jesus to be Messiah, on this "good" Friday in Jerusalem, being a great ruler did not materialize. Instead they feared for their lives being his followers. Did Jesus fail them? Were promises of hope broken? Did God forget—forsake—his only Son? 

HELP NEEDED TO FOLD SUNDAY PROGRAMS 
FRIDAY, APR 18 | CONNECTION CORNER, FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
Your help is requested to handle this needed task. Join others at Connection Corner to serve the church in this way. 

THANKS FOR PRAYING
AN UPDATE ON MY DAD. 
As mentioned in service on Sunday, my 85 year-old dad had a major stroke on Saturday afternoon. By God's grace and mercy, he was preserved from death and is recovering. As I reflect back on the eventful Saturday, I see how God's hand was working and orchestrating care for him. (To read the rest…)

YOUNG ADULT NETWORK EVENT: OPEN MIC NIGHT
SAT, APR 26 | FCBC'S PRAISE CENTER, 5-8PM
Join other young adults from So Cal area for a casual night of fellowship. Check out the details for Open Mic Night. 

TAKE 5 for BIG SUNDAY 
Dedicate a Day to Bring Beauty to Los Angeles. 
FRI-SUN, MAY 16-18
The entire English-speaking congregation is taking part, committing to one day of mission in Los Angeles. Represent Christ in our community. Take 5 friends or co-workers to serve at sites that need help. Organize your 5 people and register at bigsunday.org on or after April 18. 

BIG SUNDAY TEASER CARDS. This past Sunday, worship programs included a "Take 5" insert. Make this card visible on your office desk or cubicle so you can  invite your co-workers to form your team. Take 4, 5, 6 people to Big Sunday!

STOP BY THE BIG SUNDAY TABLE IN THE COURTYARD, and let us know you're participating. We want to track our goal of getting many FCBCers on mission. We'll also answer any questions you may have. 

MULTI-CHURCH YOUNG ADULT RETREAT—Registration is Open!!
FRI-MON, MAY 23-26 (Memorial Day Weekend) | THE OAKS 
Participating churches include CBCOC, CBCWLA, Covina FSBC, FCBC-LA, FCBC-Walnut, MBCLA, MBCP. This is a great opportunity to meet, fellowship and learn with the larger Body of Christ. Seize this moment! The young adult life is one of significant transition with many uncertainties. Attend the retreat and discover through message and workshops how faith and fellowship can make the young adult journey fruitful and exciting.   
REGISTRATION:
April 1 to 30: $175.00 (regular fee)
May 1 to 23: $200. 
Register here: YA Network Retreat
Speaker: Brian Colmery

SAVE THE DATE FOR COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULT CAMP!!!
FRI-SUN | Aug 8-10 | FORREST HOME CAMPS
More details to come.
Want to create an fantastic camp? Be part of the planning. Contact Johann Chan.

YA.COMMUNICATION | MAR 17, 2014

CONNECTIONS this Week, 7-9:30PM!
SUSTAINABLE RELATIONSHIPS. 
Topic: He Said, She Said — How Genders Communicate Differently
Speakers: Van & Melissa Quach.
TUE, MAR 18 | GERRY & SUZIE GEE'S HOUSE (MPK)
THU, MAR 20 | SIMEON & AMY WONG'S HOUSE (MPK)
Light dinner provided at each meeting. Join us for community!

Photo by Austin Quan

PRAYER FOR AMOR TEAM #2
ESPM | Wed, Mar 19 | Praise Center, 7:30pm
Our second team is set to leave this Saturday. Support them in prayer this Wednesday. The team is composed of young adults and collegians: Kevin Leong, Clement Ng, Spencer Sun, Danny Su, Elliott Lee, Greg Wan, John Chow, Daniel Lew, Austin Quan, Joy Lam, Christian Li, Darren Lo, Bryan Mak, Bryant Lew, Enoch Cheung, San Thach, Ryan Yuan, Daniel Li, Kevin Cho, Damian Au, Linda Wong, Doulos Kun, Samantha Millare, Tesia Au, TianChen Lu, Jenny Liao (26). 

MULTI-CHURCH YOUNG ADULT RETREAT—Registration is Open!!
FRI-MON, MAY 23-26 (Memorial Day Weekend) | The Oaks 
Participating churches include CBCOC, CBCWLA, Covina FSBC, FCBC-LA, FCBC-Walnut, MBCLA, MBCP. This is a great opportunity to meet, fellowship and learn with the larger Body of Christ. Seize this moment!
Registration Rates:
  March 1 to 31: $145.00 (early bird) This is a great deal!!
  April 1 to 30: $175.00 (regular fee)
  May 1 to 23:$200. 
Register here: YA Network Retreat
Speaker: Brian Colmery
  The young adult life is one of significant transition with many uncertainties.
Attend the retreat and discover through message and workshops how faith and fellowship can make the young adult journey fruitful and exciting.   

BIG SUNDAY — Dedicate a Day to Bring Beauty to Los Angeles. 
FRI-SUN, May 16-18
The entire English-speaking congregation is taking part, committing to one day of mission in Los Angeles. Stay tuned for more details but prepare to participate.





SAVE THE DATE FOR COLLEGE & YOUNG ADULT CAMP!!!
FRI-SUN | Aug 8-10 | FORREST HOME CAMPS
More details to come.
Want to create an fantastic camp? Be part of the planning. Contact Johann Chan.

YA.COMMUNICATION | MAR 1, 2014

Connections this Tuesday and Thursday, 7-9:30PM: SUSTAINABLE RELATIONSHIPS
TUE, MAR 4 | GERRY & SUZIE GEE'S HOUSE (MPK)
THU, MAR 6 | SIMEON & AMY WONG'S HOUSE (MPK)
Speaker this Week: Chris Tomokiyo
Topic: Men and Women — Two Different Operating Systems




"¡Muchas Gracias" on behalf of the February Amor Team! "Thank you, God, for answered prayers! Thank you, young adults, for praying for the team! The team had a great trip, and we were able to start on 2 houses. For each, we got about 2/3 done (foundation and raised walls). At one site, a few of our team members were able to have lengthy conversations—in Spanish!!—with the homeowners, and the homeowners

Photo by Austin Quan

shared how God had been working in their lives. One common takeaway from the team was how content the families were despite not having much and living in poor conditions. It's God that makes one rich! 

You may still join the March Amor trip (Sat-Tue, Mar 22-25). Descriptions of the trip are here: AmorFAQs, Amor Ministry. Register ahora! Amor.March2014. Registration closes March 2.

Thailand Info Meeting—Go. Teach. Preach.
Sun, Mar 2 | 1:30-2:30pm | Life Center 305 
This is a non-commitment information meeting. This mission is open for young adults and collegians. A description of the trip will be given on Sunday, helping you make a prayerful decision. Registration deadline is Mar 16. For a description of the trip check the Thailand link in the sidebar.

Welcome Back, India Team!
The members of the team will be sharing in various settings. Hear from them in worship on March 9, and at ESPM (Wed, 7:30pm | Praise Center)

Multi-Church, YA Network Retreat—Registration is Open!!
FRI-MON, MAY 23-26 (Memorial Day Weekend) | The Oaks 
Participating churches include CBCOC, CBCWLA, Covina FSBC, FCBC-LA, FCBC-Walnut, MBCLA, MBCP. 
Pricing: 
March 1 to 31: $145.00 (early bird)
April 1 to 30: $175.00 (regular fee)
May 1 to 23:$200. 
Register here: YA Network Retreat

L.A. Marathon is Next Sunday—Plan Your Route to Church!
The LA Marathon is next Sunday, Mar 9. The race will be starting at Dodger Stadium and weaving through parts of Chinatown. Avoid road closures and headache: LA Marathon Route. For those who are running, have a great run!

Daylight Savings is Next Sunday, Mar 9
We've barely had a winter but spring has arrived. Change your clocks forward one hour next Saturday night. 

Darren Lo, Candidate for College Minister
The College Minister search committee is glad to announce that its candidate for the position is Darren. The process is not done and it includes you. 
MEET THE CANDIDATE AND Q&A: Mar 16 | 1:30pm | Life Center 304. This is a setting to find out who he is, what are his plans for Flight, and his calling to ministry.
SPECIAL MEMBERS' MEETING: Mar 30 | 3:00pm (updated) | Worship Center. Church members' are encouraged to attend to cast a vote on Darren. Take an active role in your church and the college ministry.