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

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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

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