TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 16, 2020
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 10:23AM The Magi's Merry Christmas
Today is December 16, 2020
Welcome to your mid-week!
When we look at the modern day nativity scene, what is biblically incorrect are the 3 Magi (aka the 3 wise men) being there. When Jesus is born they are not with him standing in the manger. No. They are ~800 miles away in Persia. In fact, the first time the Magi meet Jesus is it at his home and he is no longer called a baby but a 'child' (Matthew 2:11). Based on Herod's calculations (Matthew 2:16), it had taken the Magi up to 2 years to get to Jesus.
Meaning, these Magi chose to go on a 2 year, ~800 mile trip just to see Jesus (and that is just one way).
When I think about their choice to say 'yes' on that journey, I can't help but think of our own spiritual journey. Just like the Magi, we took a step of faith in following Jesus. We too face adventures and wonders, anxiety and fear, weariness and excitement as we fix our eyes on Jesus.
And the point of us being part of a church is that we do not walk on this journey alone. As Hebrews 12:1-2 reminds us, we are on this journey together. This is why I believe there were 3 Magi and not just one. Together we can run with perseverance the journey marked for us, just as the Magi did.
With the pandemic numbers as bad as they were in March, it is easy to feel like we are going no where, if not backwards. But, what the Magi's Christmas reminds us, is that we are all on a journey. We may feel like we are stuck or stagnant or walking through mud, but it will not last forever. Just like the Magi, we need to persevere through because, in the end, we too will see Christ.
God's blessing upon you as you mediate on the Magi's Christmas and I look forward to worshipping with you online this Sunday.
- Rev. Frank Kim
Youtube Link from last Sunday's Worship: HERE
Cell Group Discussion for your mid-week: HERE
December Announcements
- Dec 18 (Fri) - EM Online Prayer Service. 7:30pm. Link can be found HERE. Come join us in prayer as we prepare for the coming of Christmas.
- Dec 20 (Sun) - Welcome and Fellowship
- Hosted by Grace Song and the Welcoming Team, "Welcome and Fellowship" will be held each Sunday from 10:45am-11:25am, between the 2 EM Sunday Services and will run through December. We encourage all members to stop on by for a chance to see each other face to face and to have some connection in the midst of this pandemic. The direct link can be found HERE and, will be recurring each week. We will also give the link at the end of the 9:45am service in the youtube chat section.
- Dec 20 (Sun) - YMF & PV Cell Group Christmas Zoom Meeting. 2pm
- Dec 25 (Fri) - Christmas Joint Online Service. More information to come.
Other Announcements
- Youth Ministry is asking for 3 Youth Teachers (2 boys, 1 girls) for the upcoming academic year. If interested, please contact Pastor Edward Kim at shin.e.kim88@gmail.com
- Cell-Groups will continue to meet virtually. Please contact Pastor Frank at frankkim1@gmail.com if you have any questions or nee further information.
- PV Cell Group is now meeting Sundays weekly via zoom at 2pm.
- YMF Cell Group is now meeting Wednesdays bi-weekly via zoom at 7:30pm.
- College Cell Group is now meeting Thursdays weekly via zoom at 7pm.
- The '5 Loaves & 2 Fish' Ministry continues. If you are able, please donate dry goods, cleaning supplies, and paper products to the main lobby during church office hours. If you are in need, please stop by the church lobby and take whatever is available for you and your family.
- Due to California's order, there will be no on-site worship until further notice. There will still be online worship for 9:45am and the 11:30am service. It will be offered only via Youtube for the time being.
- KM is encouraging all families to pray together for those effected by the coronavirus at 9pm daily.
- Offering can still be done via online HERE or via mail: P.O. Box 622, Torrance, CA 90508
- For online offering, please select English Ministry (EM), write your EM Member number in the Member ID section, & place details in the memo section. Example: whether the offering is for tithe, thanksgiving, Sunday offering, designated offering, mission offering, etc.
- If you need your members ID# please contact Pastor Frank at frankkim1@gmail.com
- Please continue to pray for all those affected by the coronavirus, especially those on the frontline of the disease who are putting themselves at risk in the service of us all.
