Wednesday
Dec302020

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 30, 2020

Acknowledging God's Grace

Today is December 30, 2020

Welcome to your mid-week!

When facing an exile, God's people were shown an act of grace by God. They were given a message. That message: "Return to the Lord." It was a message calling God's people to know him; to press on through their challenges and to know the Lord. And, in that message, was a promise. That, if God's people would return to him, he would respond; that there would be restoration and revival even in the midst of their exile.

What an amazing act of grace by God to his people.

When it comes to the grace of God given to us, I think many of us view it passively. That God gives us what we do not deserve and we just accept it. However, Hosea is a reminder that, when we experience the grace of the Lord, we need to then engage in our faith. And that order is important. If we engage in our faith to receive God's grace, that's legalism. If we receive God's grace and do nothing, that's a distortion of the message of God.

But, when we see God's grace and then respond to that in action - by seeking to know he who gives us this grace more and more - then we will experience the promises of God in our life.

God's blessing and protection over you as we head into 2021, and I look forward to worshiping with you all online this Sunday.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Youtube Link from last Sunday's Worship: HERE
Cell Group Discussion for your mid-week: HERE


New Announcements

  • Korean School Teachers Needed!
    • Time commitment: Saturdays from 9am-11:30am 
    • Initial qualifications: Background of Korean classes with speaking and writing. Some teaching background is preferred.
    • Application: Please send your resume to suechoi2244@gmail.com
    • Contact person: Soo Choi
    • Deadline: Jan. 9th  2021
    • Compensation: $25/hour
  • Jan 10 (Sun) - Ministry Council Meeting. 1pm via Zoom. Link to come next week.

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 Wednesday 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.

Wednesday
Dec232020

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 23, 2020

A message from our Pastoral Staff:

Translation:

We began 2020 with anticipation to see what stories God had hidden throughout the year.
Our stories were not as bright as we had anticipated, with many moments of sadness, embarrassment, and desperation. Still, it is undeniable that God filled those moments with amazing gratitude and God-recognizing grace. We were able to endure this year because you were all in our hearts, and we are thankful and miss you all the more.
As we enter 2021, we do not know what storms lie ahead, but as we hold God's hand in one hand and our loving TFPC family's hand in the other, together we can face what is to come. We pray that you will be healthy, that you will acknowledge God in all things, and that you will be victorious in Him.
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

December 2020
TFPC Pastoral Staff

*** 

The Angels' Merry Christmas

Today is December 23, 2020

Merry Christmas and welcome to your mid-week!

When it comes down to it, we should celebrate and worship Jesus this Christmas. That's what Mary did. That's what the shepherds did. That's what the Magi did. And that's what the Angels did.

And the main reason they did that was because of who Jesus is. As described by the Angel to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11, Jesus is the Savior, Messiah, & Lord.

Jesus Christ rescues us from this broken world, shows us that God's promises are true, and, though being in very nature God, chose to humbly serve us by becoming obedient to death - even death on a cross.

Is that not reason enough to celebrate?

With everything going on in 2020, I am sure our Christmas looks very different than it did last year. Still, what does not change is the love of God for us. That is clearly shown to us in the indescribable gift that we celebrate during this season.

And so, just like Mary and the shepherds and the Magi and the Angels, I would like to encourage us to celebrate and worship Jesus this Christmas for He is worthy of praise.

Merry Christmas! And I look forward to seeing you all for the joint bilingual service this Friday. ;)

- Rev. Frank Kim

Youtube Link from last Sunday's Worship: HERE
Youtube Link fromt last Friday's Prayer Service: HERE

Cell Group Discussion for your mid-week: HERE

Christmas Pageant Videos:


December Announcements

  • Dec 25 (Fri) - Christmas Joint Online Service. 10:30am. You can watch it HERE
  • Dec 27 (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. 

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 will be meeting Wednesdays weekly via zoom at 7pm. [Please note they are not meeting this Wednesday due to Christmas]
  • 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.

Wednesday
Dec162020

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 16, 2020

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.

Wednesday
Dec092020

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 9, 2020

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.

  •  

Wednesday
Dec022020

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 02, 2020

Mary's Merry Christmas

Today is December 2, 2020

Welcome to December and your mid-week!

Mary's experience and response to the Angel Gabriel is a great reminder for us on what it means to say 'Merry Christmas.' 

On one hand, just as Mary was told, we are highly favored and the Lord is with us. Whatever situation this world throws at us, those statement are always true. Before all of creation we were chosen (Ephesians 1:4) and God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6). It is because of God's great love that we can confidently say that we are highly favored and that the Lord is with us. This is why we should be 'merry.'

On the other hand, Mary's response of telling the Angel that she is "the Lord's servant" and "may your word to be fulfilled', challenges us to think of Jesus first this season. That this season is not about our will being done but God's will. This is why we say 'Merry Christmas.'

With all the changes and instability this year has brought us, the start of Advent is a good reminder for us to take a step back and remember He who never changes and what really is eternal.

So, Merry Christmas! And may God bless and protect you as you reflect on Mary's experience.

- Rev. Frank Kim

Youtube Link from last Sunday's Worship: HERE
Cell Group Discussion for your mid-week: HERE


Dec Announcements

  • ​Dec 5 (Sat) Christmas Pageant Videos NEEDED! [EXTENDED DATE]
    • For the upcoming TFPC Christmas Pageant, the English Ministry will be presenting a video of all of us singing 'Joyful, Joyful.' Please watch this Christmas song guide video by our praise leader Charles, and submit a video of your family singing that song with Charles. Pastor Frank will then compile all the videos together. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Frank at frankkim1@gmail.com. Don't forget to wear something Christmasy when you record!
  • Dec 6 (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 6 (Sun) - SBT Toy Drive for the Lawndale School District
    • Due the Covid-19 restrictions, we will be doing this via donors. Basically, those who sign up will be buying a gift for a specific child. A google form to sign-up can be found HERE. Once you fill it out, someone from the outreach team of SBMC will connect you with a child/family.
  • Dec 6 (Sun) - Ministry Council Meeting. 1pm via Zoom.
  • Dec 20 (Sun) - YMF & PV Cell Group Christmas Zoom Meeting

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.