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

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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

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