TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - APRIL 16, 2025

Season of Lent: Betrayal, Denial, Abandonment

Today April 16, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

The apostle’s betraying Jesus was like David’s betrayal (2 Samuel 11:14-17), Cain’s betrayal (Genesis 4:8), and Absalom’s betrayal (2 Samuel 15:10-14) wrapped into one and times it by 12.

The apostle’s denial of Jesus was like Israel’s denial of God’s care (Number 14:4-5), Jonah’s denial of God’s mercy (Jonah 4:1-2), and King Saul’s denial of David’s innocence (1 Samuel 24:9-11) wrapped into one and times it by 12.

The apostle’s abandonment of Jesus was like Josephs’ brothers abandonment of Joseph (Genesis 37:23-28), Hagar’s abandoned by Sarah (Genesis 21:14-16), and what Naomi must have felt when her brother and sons died leaving her alone in a foreign land (Ruth 1:3-5, 20-21) wrapped into one and times it by 12.

Jesus experienced the deepest painful version of each. Meaning he just doesn’t save us from suffering, he is our companion in suffering. And, with him as our companion, we can find strength in him.

Jesus never betrays us

Jesus never denies us.

Jesus never abandons us.

This is God’s amazing love. But, more then just lovey dovey feelings, it gives us the strength to move forward, to heal, to forgive, and to hope again despite the wounds of being betrayed, denied, and abandonment.

And that is what we remember and celebrate every year for Passion Week.

God’s blessing upon you as you meditate on what Jesus endured and what he will never do to you, and I look forward to worshipping with you this Easter.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Sunday Worship this past Sunday: HERE

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

_______________________________________

Announcements

Staff Update

Starting today, Pastor Michelle Kwak has joined as the new Elementary Ministry Pastor. Please pray for her smooth transition and fruitful ministry.

2025 Summer Short-Term Mission

We are now receiving the second round of applications for the 2025 summer short-term mission trips. This round includes missions to the Navajo Nation (led by Missionary Sungki Hwang) in the U.S. and Uganda in Africa (led by Missionary Minsu Park).

We invite members to join in moving Faith Forward by carrying the gospel and love of Jesus Christ to the world.

(Note: The Uganda mission will proceed only if at least 10 people sign up.)

• Dates: Navajo Mission (Aug 18–22), Uganda Mission (Aug 30–Sept 5)

• Contact: Elder Eunkyung Choi (213-270-5006)

"Use One or Less" Paper Cup Campaign

To promote environmental protection, our church is encouraging everyone to limit paper cup usage to one or less per person each Sunday. Please bring your own reusable water bottle or cup whenever possible.

TFPC Library Information

Our church library holds approximately 13,000 faith-related and high-quality books, including new releases. We encourage all members to utilize this resource.

Operating hours: Sunday 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Loan period: 3 weeks (1-time renewal available)

Note: We do not accept used book donations.

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• April 18 (Fri) - Good Friday - Joint with Youth @ EM Chapel

• April 20 (Sun) - Easter Sunday - Joint Worship @ Main Sanctuary

• July 4-6 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat

Finance Office Announcement

For Online Offering (found HERE) please make sure to select 'English Ministry' and to scroll down and type in where you would want your offering to go in the 'Note / memo' area.  

2025 Offering Statement Request

If you need a donation receipt for tax purposes, please request it via phone or email.

• Phone: 310-618-2222

• Email: financetfpcusa@gmail.com

____________________________________________

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - APRIL 9, 2025

Season of Lent: Emotional Distress

Today April 9, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

One of the crucial ways to help someone heal from emotional distress is to show empathy. That’s why Jesus’ experience of intense anguish in Gethsemane is so significant—when we cry out in prayer, we can trust that Jesus truly understands our emotional pain.

The beauty of Jesus' example in Gethsemane is that he not only shares in our suffering but also models how to endure it.

At Gethsemane, Jesus kneels. He literally grounds himself. Psychologists will tell you that in the midst of emotional distress, we need to ground ourselves – to focus on what we can control and be present in the moment instead of getting lost in our thoughts.

At Gethsemane, Jesus prays to the Father. Therapists will tell you that to help stabilize our emotions, we need to center our thoughts on a loved one, mentor, or higher power.

At Gethsemane, Jesus reframes his thoughts from the cup of suffering to the will of the Father. In therapy, they teach you to do very similar things to cope with emotional distress - instead of focusing on distorted thoughts, you reframe them.

Long before psychologists recommended these approaches, Jesus demonstrated them.

Meaning, Jesus not only suffered for us and with us, but showed us a path through our own suffering. In a world where mental health struggles often carry stigma, his example invites us to both seek and offer empathy, knowing that even our deepest distress is understood.

God’s blessing as you meditate on emotional distress, and I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Sunday Worship this past Sunday: HERE

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

_______________________________________

Announcements

Prayer Requests

Mike Kim’s father went home to be with the Lord this past week. Please pray for him and his family.

A new Children's Ministry pastor has been hired and will start Sunday, April 13th

2025 Summer Short-Term Mission

We are now receiving the second round of applications for the 2025 summer short-term mission trips. This round includes missions to the Navajo Nation (led by Missionary Sungki Hwang) in the U.S. and Uganda in Africa (led by Missionary Minsu Park).

We invite members to join in moving Faith Forward by carrying the gospel and love of Jesus Christ to the world.

(Note: The Uganda mission will proceed only if at least 10 people sign up.)

• Dates: Navajo Mission (Aug 18–22), Uganda Mission (Aug 30–Sept 5)

• Contact: Elder Eunkyung Choi (213-270-5006)

"Use One or Less" Paper Cup Campaign

To promote environmental protection, our church is encouraging everyone to limit paper cup usage to one or less per person each Sunday. Please bring your own reusable water bottle or cup whenever possible.

TFPC Library Information

Our church library holds approximately 13,000 faith-related and high-quality books, including new releases. We encourage all members to utilize this resource.

Operating hours: Sunday 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Loan period: 3 weeks (1-time renewal available)

Note: We do not accept used book donations.

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• April 18 (Fri) - Good Friday - Joint with Youth @ EM Chapel

• April 20 (Sun) - Easter Sunday - Joint Worship @ Main Sanctuary

• July 4-6 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat

Finance Office Announcement

For Online Offering (found HERE) please make sure to select 'English Ministry' and to scroll down and type in where you would want your offering to go in the 'Note / memo' area.  

2025 Offering Statement Request

If you need a donation receipt for tax purposes, please request it via phone or email.

• Phone: 310-618-2222

• Email: financetfpcusa@gmail.com

____________________________________________

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - APRIL 2, 2025

Season of Lent: Tension

Today April 2, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

In the face of all the tension Jesus was experiencing before making his choices – his personal desires, the expectations of individuals around him, and the societal expectations placed on him - Jesus sought the Lord in prayer.

And his experiences means we will experience the same kind of tensions before we make our choices of faith.

We will face the tension between what is good and what is best. The tension between personal desires and God’s calling. The tension between what people expect from us and what God requires of us. The tension between what society expects from us and what God calls us to do.

And, when we find ourselves in that place – in the middle of that tension - where do we turn? Especially when the path forward does not seem clear?

Well, Jesus is our example – he is our trail blazer – he is the one we follow. And what did he do? He turned to the Father in prayer. He sought the Father’s wisdom before making his decision.

And so must we.

Because sometimes the choice isn’t between right and wrong, but between what is good and what is best. And if we are not walking in step with the Father, we may settle for good and miss out on what is best.

God’s blessing upon you as you meditate on the tension you experience before the choices you make, and I pray that you too will have the courage to follow Jesus’ example - seeking the Father’s guidance, embracing his mission, and trusting that his best is always greater than our good.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Sunday Worship this past Sunday: HERE

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

_______________________________________

Announcements

2025 Summer Short-Term Mission Recruitment

Applications are now open for the first round of 2025 overseas summer short-term mission trips. This initial round includes missions to the Philippines (Missionary Won In-Kyu) and Guadalajara (Missionary Choo Ki-Sung).

• Contact: Elder Choi Eun-Kyung (213-270-5006)

• Upcoming announcements for Uganda and Native American mission trips will follow.

• Schedule:

• Philippines: May 22 - May 31

• Guadalajara: June 28 - July 5

• Arizona (Indian Mission): TBD

"Use One or Less" Paper Cup Campaign

To promote environmental protection, our church is encouraging everyone to limit paper cup usage to one or less per person each Sunday. Please bring your own reusable water bottle or cup whenever possible.

TFPC Library Information

Our church library holds approximately 13,000 faith-related and high-quality books, including new releases. We encourage all members to utilize this resource.

Operating hours: Sunday 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Loan period: 3 weeks (1-time renewal available)

Note: We do not accept used book donations.

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• April 18 (Fri) - Good Friday - Joint with Youth @ EM Chapel

• April 20 (Sun) - Easter Sunday - Joint Worship @ Main Sanctuary

• July 4-6 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat

Finance Office Announcement

For Online Offering (found HERE) please make sure to select 'English Ministry' and to scroll down and type in where you would want your offering to go in the 'Note / memo' area.  

2025 Offering Statement Request

If you need a donation receipt for tax purposes, please request it via phone or email.

• Phone: 310-618-2222

• Email: financetfpcusa@gmail.com

____________________________________________

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - March 26, 2025

Season of Lent: Rejection

Today March 26, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

Christ experienced every type of rejection: from his home town to the world, from those who followed him to the local authority, from his family to his disciples.

Just as Isaiah prophesied in Isaiah 53:3, Jesus was despised and rejected by mankind. Meaning, when it comes to knowing the pain of rejection, Jesus knows it.

Rejection, when not treated, leads to us walking wounded.

Walking wounded leads to bitterness and resentment

Walking wounded leads to self-doubt and insecurity

Walking wounded leads to the fear of being vulnerable

Walking wounded leads to withdrawal and isolation

Walking wounded leads to seeking the approval of others

Walking wounded leads to become a people pleaser

Walking wounded changes us. Instead of living from a place of hope – we’re living from a place of hurt. Instead of responding from a place of healing, we just react – where our responses are shaped by those wounds.

Jesus shows us that we do not have to choose to walk wounded. We can choose to walk in faith.

To walk in faith is to have our identity be shaped by the word of the Lord. That, as Ephesians 1:4-5 reminds us, we are chosen, we are loved, we are redeemed.

To walk in faith is means we respond with trust, healing, and hope rather than fear, bitterness, or despair.

Walking in faith doesn’t mean we don’t feel pain— it means bringing those pains to the Lord instead of letting them define us.

The joy of Christ is that, no matter who rejects us, Christ accepts us. Not only does he accept us but he walks with us as we experience the pain of rejection. But, even beyond that, he shows us a way out of the pain of that rejection - to go from walking wounded to walking in faith.

God’s blessing as you mediate on the rejections in your life, and I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Sunday Worship this past Sunday: NA

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

_______________________________________

Announcements

Fellowship Lunch Request for Youth Ministry

We ask that the congregation please let youth students cut the line and get their food first so that they can go to their small groups ASAP. Thank you for your understanding!

2025 Summer Short-Term Mission Recruitment

Applications are now open for the first round of 2025 overseas summer short-term mission trips. This initial round includes missions to the Philippines (Missionary Won In-Kyu) and Guadalajara (Missionary Choo Ki-Sung).

• Contact: Elder Choi Eun-Kyung (213-270-5006)

• Upcoming announcements for Uganda and Native American mission trips will follow.

• Schedule:

• Philippines: May 22 - May 31

• Guadalajara: June 28 - July 5

• Arizona (Indian Mission): TBD

"Use One or Less" Paper Cup Campaign

To promote environmental protection, our church is encouraging everyone to limit paper cup usage to one or less per person each Sunday. Please bring your own reusable water bottle or cup whenever possible.

TFPC Library Information

Our church library holds approximately 13,000 faith-related and high-quality books, including new releases. We encourage all members to utilize this resource.

Operating hours: Sunday 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Loan period: 3 weeks (1-time renewal available)

Note: We do not accept used book donations.

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• Mar 30 (Sun) – LIFE Cell Group @ EM Chapel

• Mar 30 (Sun) - YMF Cell Group @ Multi-Purpose Room

• April 18 (Fri) - Good Friday - Joint with Youth @ EM Chapel

• April 20 (Sun) - Easter Sunday - Joint Worship @ Main Sanctuary

• July 4-6 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat

Finance Office Announcement

For Online Offering (found HERE) please make sure to select 'English Ministry' and to scroll down and type in where you would want your offering to go in the 'Note / memo' area.  

2025 Offering Statement Request

If you need a donation receipt for tax purposes, please request it via phone or email.

• Phone: 310-618-2222

• Email: financetfpcusa@gmail.com

____________________________________________

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - MARCH 19, 2025

Season of Lent: Misunderstood

Today March 19, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

One of the struggles that Jesus faced during his ministry was being misunderstood. And he was misunderstood in more ways than one.

Jesus’ identity was misunderstood

Jesus was labeled everything from being a political revolutionary to a nobody; to the king of the Jews to just the son of a carpenter.

Jesus’ heart was misunderstood

People mistook his authority for arrogance, his love for all as a lack of holiness, his desire to save as a political take over.

Jesus’ message was misunderstood

People thought the kingdom he was talking about was political, not spiritual. That his teachings were about legalism not grace. That his teachings were just morality not the way to eternal life.

Jesus’ actions were misunderstood

People did not understand the real reasons for his servant leadership style, his miracles, and why he needed to die on the cross.

Jesus was incredibly misunderstood

And so, if you ever been misunderstood - if you know the pain of having your identity or your motive or your words or your actions be misunderstood - then know that Jesus knows exactly what that feels like and he walks with us as we endure them.

That is our comfort we are reminded of during Lent.

The challenge is to respond to misunderstandings the same way he did. For, despite all the misunderstandings he experienced, Jesus remained faithful and trusted in the Lord.

And, as we draw near to Christ this Lent Season, so should we.

God’s blessing up on you mediate on misunderstandings - both toward you and yours toward God - and I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Sunday Worship this past Sunday: HERE

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

_______________________________________

Announcements

Fellowship Lunch Request for Youth Ministry

We ask that the congregation please let youth students cut the line and get their food first so that they can go to their small groups ASAP. Thank you for your understanding!

Easter Sunday Baptism & Confirmation Applications

Applications are open for the Easter Sunday baptism service on April 20. Those who wish to apply for infant baptism, children's baptism, adult baptism, or confirmation are encouraged to contact the church office. Deadline: March 23

2025 Summer Short-Term Mission Recruitment

Applications are now open for the first round of 2025 overseas summer short-term mission trips. This initial round includes missions to the Philippines (Missionary Won In-Kyu) and Guadalajara (Missionary Choo Ki-Sung).

• Contact: Elder Choi Eun-Kyung (213-270-5006)

• Upcoming announcements for Uganda and Native American mission trips will follow.

• Schedule:

• Philippines: May 22 - May 31

• Guadalajara: June 28 - July 5

"Use One or Less" Paper Cup Campaign

To promote environmental protection, our church is encouraging everyone to limit paper cup usage to one or less per person each Sunday. Please bring your own reusable water bottle or cup whenever possible.

TFPC Library Information

Our church library holds approximately 13,000 faith-related and high-quality books, including new releases. We encourage all members to utilize this resource.

Operating hours: Sunday 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

Loan period: 3 weeks (1-time renewal available)

Note: We do not accept used book donations.

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• Mar 30 (Sun) – LIFE Cell Group

• Mar 30 (Sun) - YMF Cell Group

• April 18 (Fri) - Good Friday - Joint with Youth @ EM Chapel

• April 20 (Sun) - Easter Sunday - Joint Worship @ Main Sanctuary

• July 4-6 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat

Finance Office Announcement

For Online Offering (found HERE) please make sure to select 'English Ministry' and to scroll down and type in where you would want your offering to go in the 'Note / memo' area.  

2025 Offering Statement Request

If you need a donation receipt for tax purposes, please request it via phone or email.

• Phone: 310-618-2222

• Email: financetfpcusa@gmail.com

____________________________________________