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

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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

____________________________________________

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - MARCH 12, 2025

Season of Lent: Temptation

Today March 12, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

One of the struggles that Jesus faced was temptation. Jesus faced

the temptation of the flesh,

the temptation of pride, and

the temptation of ambition.

But, because Jesus prepared himself by seeking the Lord for 40 days, he was able to overcome each and every temptation with the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

As our trailblazer, Jesus’ example is the example we need to follow.

Are you tempted to worry and be anxious? Seek the Lord in prayer and arm yourself with the scripture verses: Philippians 4:6-7, Matthew 6:25-27, 1 Peter 5:7, & Isaiah 41:10.

Are you tempted to seek revenge on someone? Seek the Lord in prayer and arm yourself with the scripture verses: Romans 12:19, Matthew 5:44, Proverbs 20:22, & 1 Peter 3:9.

Are you tempted by lust? Seek the Lord in prayer and arm yourself with the scripture verses: Matthew 5:27, Job 31:1, Psalm 119:9-11, & 1 Corinthians 6:18a.

When we pray to God to lead us not into temptation, the Spirit helps us to become more aware of those situations we should avoid OR – if unavoidable – it is the Spirit that gives us the strength to endure through temptation.

And, in prayer and the word, we will come to realize that we are not alone in our temptations. That it is not about us conquering our temptation, it is about us holding on to Christ and resting in he who is victorious over every temptation.

And drawing near to Christ and remembering the depths of his victory is what Lent is all about.

God’s blessing upon you as you meditate on temptation and the victory we have in Christ, 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 15 (Sat) - YP Small Group @ Pastor Frank’s 12:30pm

• Mar 15 (Sat) – Men’s Bible Study

• 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

____________________________________________

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER -MARCH 5, 2025

God’s Chosen Fasting

Today March 5, 2025

Good morning, Happy Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent!

God’s heart is for people.

It is why the gospel message is for the whole world, why he calls his disciples to love, and why, when we draw near to the heart of God, the action that should come from that is love for people.

Fasting is one way we draw near to the heart of God. Meaning, to fast and to not love people is not true fasting.

In Isaiah, God rebukes the selfish fasting that his people were doing and tells them that true fasting should lead to these actions:

To loose the chains of injustice

To untie the chord of the yoke

To set the oppressed free

To break every yoke

To share food with the hungry

To provide the poor wander with shelter

To clothed the naked

To not turn away from your own flesh and blood

In essence he was calling them

to fast from their indifference,

to fast from their selfishness, and

to fast from their isolation.

God’s message to his people in Isaiah challenges us to see fasting as more then just a spiritual discipline. True fasting is a call to action. It is a commitment to justice, mercy, and love. It is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world, wherever God calls us.

And that is God’s chosen fasting for us this Lent season.

Gods’ blessing upon you as you mediate on fasting and God’s heart, and I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Sunday Worship this past Sunday: HERE

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

_______________________________________

Announcements

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.

Daylight Saving Time Begins

Daylight saving time starts THIS SUNDAY (March 9). Please set your clocks forward one hour (from 2 AM to 3 AM) to ensure you arrive on time for Sunday worship.

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• Mar 7 (Fri) – Women’s Bible Study

• Mar 8 (Sat) – EM Small Group Leaders Meeting @ Sarah’s, 9am

• Mar 15 (Sat) - YP Small Group @ Pastor Frank’s 12:30pm

• Mar 15 (Sat) – Men’s Bible Study

• Mar 30 (Sun) – LIFE Cell Group

• 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 - FEBRUARY 26, 2025

As We Forgive

Today February 23, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

When God forgives us of our sins, he does so for the purpose of reconciling us to him through Jesus Christ. So, for some forgiveness, that is the direction.

However, not all forgiveness leads to reconciliation, nor should it.

When Jesus asked God to forgive the Roman soldiers who had crucified him, he was not asking God to save them. When Stephen asked the Lord to not hold the sin of his attacks against them, he was not asking God to save them.

Reconciliation takes both parties to work on it. Trust requires time.

Forgiveness, on the other hand, is a you and God thing. It is a heart issue. It is something that should be given freely.

That doesn’t mean it is easy. It can feel impossible to forgive when the wound is deep, when the offense is repeated, or when there is no apology.

But true forgiveness does not mean ignoring the pain or pretending it didn’t happen. It doesn’t mean excusing the wrong or allowing someone to continue harming you. Instead, forgiveness is a choice to release the burden of bitterness and trust God in justice.

Jesus Himself acknowledged the difficulty of forgiveness. When Peter asked how many times we must forgive—seven times?—Jesus responded, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." (Matthew 18:21-22) In other words, forgiveness is a lifestyle, not a one-time event.

If you struggle to forgive, you are not alone. But here’s the good news: forgiveness is not something we do in our own strength—it’s something God empowers us to do. As Philippians 4:13 reminds us, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." That includes forgiving the unforgivable.

And so, let us come to the Lord in prayer and find that strength – to choose to surrender our right to hold on to hurt – to choose to release and dismiss – to choose to do what God did for us.

God’s blessing upon you as you mediate on forgiveness, and I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

_______________________________________

Announcements

NEW ‘Stepping Stones’ Ministry

Starting Sunday, March 2 and continuing every Sunday from 12:30pm-1pm. New registered members are encouraged to have lunch with Pastor Frank and Elder John in the Fellowship Hall. Get to know the church, our denomination, and our ministry!

Summer Mission Opportunities

Philippines – May 22-31

Guadalajara – June 28-July 5

More information at the Church Lobby

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• Feb 28 (Fri) – YMF Cell Group – 6:30pm @ Fellowship Hall

• Mar 1 (Sat) – YP Small Group

• Mar 2 (Sun) – Ministry Council, 8pm via Zoom

• Mar 8 (Sat) – EM Small Group Leaders Meeting @ Sarah’s

• Mar 15 (Sat) – Men’s Bible Study

• 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 - FEBRUARY 19, 2025

Just Pray

Today February 19, 2025

Good morning and welcome to your mid-week!

Jesus’ Parable of the Persistent Widow in Luke 18 is a lesson that we always need to pray for God’s justice. And, on one hand, it is an encouraging parable because it reminds us that

God is just and he will bring his justice.

But, on the other hand, when thinking about the question of ‘when’, the parable teaches us that what might not seem to happen in chronological time for us – in God’s understanding and in faith’s reckoning of time – the answer we see will always be ‘soon’.

This means the purpose of persistently praying to God is not about getting what we want. Persistent prayer is not petitionary prayer. As Jesus shows us in his persistent prayer to the Father, it is not about changing God’s mind, it is about transforming our hearts.

In persistently praying for God’s justice we will be reminded of God’s mercy. How God is not reluctant to bless us, nor does He need to be convinced to do good. That he has already blessed us, already done good, and is still loving us and being generous to us.

And, from that, something happens in us.

We change. Our hearts become more shaped by faith. Our trust in God deepens. And we become people who do not simply demand justice, but people who live justly, who embody the very justice we seek.

So, yes, there will be moments of frustration. There will be times when we wonder why God seems to delay. But we are not praying to an unjust judge. We are praying to a loving Father. A Father who hears, who sees, and who will act—at the right time and in the right way.

The question is not whether God will bring justice. The question is: when He does, will He find us faithful? Will He find us still praying, still trusting, still believing?

God’s blessing upon you as you pray for God’s justice, and I look forward to worshipping with you this Sunday.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Youtube link from last Sunday’s Worship: HERE

Cell Group Discussion: HERE

_______________________________________

Announcements

Upcoming Ministry Calendar

• Feb 21 (Fri) – Women’s Bible Study, 7pm in the Multi-Purpose Room

• Feb 22 (Sat) – Men’s Bible Study @ the Hong’s

• Feb 23 (Sun) - LIFE Cell Group

• Mar 8 (Sat) – EM Small Group Leaders Meeting @ Sarah’s

• 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.  

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