TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 9, 2020
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 9:12AM The Shepherd's Merry Christmas
Today is December 9, 2020
Welcome to your mid-week!
When I think about the shepherd's experience of Christmas, it is not them seeking Jesus immediately or telling others of their experience that challenges me the most. It is their initial encouragement to each other to take that step of faith.
Luke 2:15
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.
What if they didn't encourage one another? I mean, who would take care of the sheep? Wasn't it late at night? Weren't they tired? Why trust what the angel said in the first place?
There is a myriad of excuses the shepherds could have said to each other to not take that step of faith. But, because of their encouragement, they were able to take that step and be the first to see Jesus. Ordinary shepherds, being the first to see the king of kings and lord of lords.
In this broken and sinful world, it is easy to get discouraged, feel hopeless, or just overwhelmed. Especially with our latest example of the pandemic. It is easy to feel unloved, to love less, and to blame God for all things.
This is why the bible tells us to encourage one another daily (Hebrew 3:13). Encouragement is what gives us hope (Romans 15:4), what helps us through times of discipline and testing (Hebrews 12:5), and what helps us to take steps of faith.
And, just like the shepherds, if we can encourage one another to take those steps daily, then we will not miss out on the miracles God has in store for us. So, when I say 'Merry Christmas' what I'm really saying is, "let's remember the joy of our salvation and the hope of eternity given to us as a gift, and let us try, one more time, to walk the faithful path that God calls us to because, as Hebrews 10:23 reminds us, 'he who promised is faithful.'"
God's blessing and protection over you and your family and I look forward to worshiping 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
- This year's SBT toy drive had 47 people/families signup up to provide toys for 213 children. Thank you to all who participated!
- Dec 13 (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 in the emailed newsletter and we will also give the link at the end of the 9:45am service in the youtube chat section.
- Dec 18 (Fri) - Christmas Prayer Service
- Due to increased covid numbers, the Christmas Pageant has been canceled. Instead, we will be having an online prayer service. More information to come.
- Dec 20 (Sun) - YMF & PV Cell Group Christmas Zoom Meeting
- Dec 25 (Fri) - Christmas Parking Lot Service. More information to come.
Additional 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.
