TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - June 6, 2018

Knowing God

Today is June 6, 2018

Welcome to your mid-week!

In Psalm 139, David writes a psalm about God. And, in his psalm, David teaches us that God is a God who knows us, who wants to be with us, and who loves us.

Despite our failings and weaknesses; mistakes and rebellion; apathy, laziness, and pride, God wants to be with us because he loves us. This is God's desire. God's heart.

And, in his psalm, David makes it clear that this is what God wanted even before we were born.

David's response too all of this is to trust God. David doesn't fear that God will leave him or condemn him, nor does David try to hide what he feels and thinks. David is completely honest because he feels so completely secure. 

David knows who God is. He knows God's desire. He knows God's heart. This is why David is able to submit to God's lead. He closes the psalm with these words:

Psalm 139:23-24
Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Our challenge is whether we know the God that David describes? Do we know God's desire and heart? Do we know God's love? And, if we do, can we say the same words as David? Can we ask God to search us, test us, and lead us in the way of everlasting?

God's blessing upon you as you wrestle with this challenge and I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday.

- Frank Kim

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Upcoming Events

• June 6 (Weds) [TODAY] - All Generations Cell Group Apologetics Study. Topic: "Because It’s True: Lesson #2, Does God Exist?" 7pm at the Benedicts.
• June 9 (Sat) - CPG Cell Group Bible Study. 5:30pm in the EM Chapel. 
  Book of Study: Song of Songs 5:2-8:14. Topics: Marital Fighting, Romance, & Fidelity.
• June 10 (Sun) – New Members Welcome Party. 4:30pm, ELIM Café.
• June 25-28 (Mon-Thurs) – VBS
  • VBS Registration has begun!
    Early Bird registration by June 16. Cost: $40 per child with $10 sibling discount per additional sibling. (So 2nd sibling is $30, 3rd sibling is $20). 
    Late registration after June 16. Cost: $60 per child, no sibling discount
• June 29 (Fri) – Skid Row Prep
• June 30 (Sat) – Skid Row Mission

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​Important Summer Dates to Note

• July 14-21 (Sun-Sat) – Youth Summer Missions
• July 17-30 (Tues-Mon) – Thailand Summer Missions with SBT
• July 27-29 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat at Mount Kare
  • $100 per person, $350 max per family by July 8
    $120 per person, $400 max per family by July 15
    $60, $200 per family for those needing scholarship or who are in college* (please talk to Pastor Frank if you need financial assistance.)
    Registration Form: link
• Aug 5 (Sun) – Graduation/Promotion Sunday
• Aug 10-12 (Fri-Sun) – Youth Summer Retreat

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Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - MAY 30, 2018

The Father's Heart

Today is May 30, 2018

Welcome to your mid-week!

The father, in the parable of the prodigal son, shows an amazing amount of compassion toward the prodigal son. 

Here was a son who demanded his inheritance early. A son who left him. A son who squandered everything he had and came back home in rags and what does the father do?

The father shows compassion on him. And not just some spontaneous, reactive compassion toward a surprising situation. No. 

The father was looking for him. 

The father was scanning the horizon. His eyes were actively hoping to see his son to point that, when he was a long way off, the father recognized him, ran to him, and embraced him.

The father wasn't just reacting compassionately. He was looking to be compassionate.

And, what does he do when the son asks for forgiveness? The father doesn't say 'your forgiven.' He doesn't accept his apology only to bring it back later on. He doesn't go on about who won nor does he go on about who was right.

No, the father's only focus is restoring his son back into the relationship they once had before he left. And, in putting on the clock and ring and sandals and celebrating the way he does, the father teaches us what true forgiveness is: restoration of the relationship.

And so, that is our challenge. To be like the father in active compassion and restorative forgiveness. God blessings upon you as you wrestle with this challenge and I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday. 

- Frank Kim

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Upcoming Events

• June 3 (Sun) – Membership Class 3. 12:30pm-1pm
• June 3 (Sun) - VBS Training 2. 1:15pm-2:30pm @ EM Chapel
• June 6 (Weds) - All Generations Cell Group Apologetics Study. Topic: "Because It’s True: Lesson #2, Does God Exist?" 7pm at the Benedicts.
• June 9 (Sat) - CPG Cell Group Bible Study. 5:30pm in the EM Chapel. 
  Book of Study: Song of Songs 5:2-8:14. Topics: Marital Fighting, Romance, & Fidelity.

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​Important Summer Dates to Note

• June 25-28 (Mon-Thurs) – VBS
  • VBS Registration has begun!
    Early Bird registration by June 16. Cost: $40 per child with $10 sibling discount per additional sibling. (So 2nd sibling is $30, 3rd sibling is $20). 
    Late registration after June 16. Cost: $60 per child, no sibling discount
• July 14-21 (Sun-Sat) – Youth Summer Missions
• July 17-30 (Tues-Mon) – Thailand Summer Missions with SBT
• July 27-29 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat
• Aug 5 (Sun) – Graduation/Promotion Sunday
• Aug 10-12 (Fri-Sun) – Youth Summer Retreat

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 Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - May 23, 2018

Reka-be

Today is May 23, 2018

Welcome to your mid-week!

The Rekabites were a family devoted to their forefather's commands for over 200 years. They were an example of faithfulness, obedience, and steadfastness that God used, in Jeremiah 35, to rebuke his people.

And, in a way, it is a rebuke toward us.

Why can we be so devoted and steadfast to secular things and not devoted to things of God? Why do we care so much about secular causes and hobbies and countries and people more so than Godly causes, hobbies, kingdom, and people?

These are pressing question that all of us should wrestle with considering our responsibility as Christians. I mean, who do we project, by our actions and investment, as our Lord? Is it the light of Christ? Or is it something else?

Because, if the Rekabites can be devoted and steadfast to someone dead for over 2 centuries, how much more should we be devoted to and steadfast with God, who is alive and speaking to us every day?

Something to think about...

God blessings upon you and I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday.

- Frank Kim

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Upcoming Events

• May 25 (Fri) - Skid Row Prep. 6pm in the Kitchen.
• May 26 (Sat) - Skid Row Mission. Van leaves 6:20am from church.
• May 27 (Sun) – All Church Picnic @ Wilson Park after 11am service
• June 3 (Sun) – Membership Class 3. 12:30pm-1pm
• June 3 (Sun) - VBS Training 2. 1:15pm-2:30pm @ EM Chapel
• June 6 (Weds) - All Generations Cell Group Apologetics Study. Topic: "Because It’s True: Lesson #2, Does God Exist?" 7pm at the Benedicts.

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​Important Summer Dates to Note

• June 25-28 (Mon-Thurs) – VBS
  • VBS Registration has begun!
    Early Bird registration by June 16. Cost: $40 per child with $10 sibling discount per additional sibling. (So 2nd sibling is $30, 3rd sibling is $20). 
    Late registration after June 16. Cost: $60 per child, no sibling discount
• July 14-21 (Sun-Sat) – Youth Summer Missions
• July 17-30 (Tues-Mon) – Thailand Summer Missions with SBT
• July 27-29 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat
• Aug 5 (Sun) – Graduation/Promotion Sunday
• Aug 10-12 (Fri-Sun) – Youth Summer Retreat

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1 Corinthians 15:58 - "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - May 16, 2018

Don't Be Like Adam

Today is May 16, 2018

Welcome to your mid-week!

Before Eve was created, God made Adam and gave him very clear directions in Genesis 2:16-17:

“You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”

It was Adam's responsibility to both follow and convey this command to Eve. And yet, as they approached the tree of the knowledge of good and evil,

Adam said nothing.

As Eve reached for and took the forbidden fruit in her hand, 

Adam said nothing.

As Eve brought the fruit to her lips and took a bite of the fruit,

Adam said nothing.

Adam's silence can only be described as extreme apathy toward Eve. Adam just did not care about her.

Now, you would think that this apathetic silence would be the worst of Adam's sin but, when confronted by God to the sin that he committed, Adam does not take responsibility for it but, instead, blames Eve. 

Genesis 3:12
"The man said, 'The woman you put here with me—she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it.'"

Adam, at first, stands silent as Eve hurts herself and then, when confronted, accuses her for his own negligence. Clearly, Adam did not honor his wife.

...

This past Sunday we celebrated Parent's Day and we remembered the command to 'honor our parent's. From this command we focused on the principle of honor by looking at the mistakes of the first parents; by looking at the mistakes of Adam. And, boy, was his mistakes blatantly obvious.

So then, let us not be like Adam. Let us not be apathetic toward each other or blame each other but, instead, as it says in Romans 12:10, honor one another above ourselves. God blessings upon you this week and I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday.

- Frank Kim

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Upcoming Events

• May 17 (Thurs) – YMF Cell Group. 6:45pm in the Fellowship Hall
• May 20 (Sun) - Ministry Council Meeting. 12:30pm-1pm.
• May 20 (Sun) – Membership Class 2. 1pm-1:30pm @ EM Chapel
• May 20 (Sun) - VBS Training 1. 1:15pm-2:30pm @ Elementary Chapel
• May 25 (Fri) - Skid Row Prep. 6pm in the Kitchen.
• May 26 (Sat) - Skid Row Mission. Van leaves 6:20am from church.
• May 27 (Sun) – All Church Picnic @ Wilson Park after 11am service
• June 3 (Sun) - VBS Training 2. 1:15pm-2:30pm @ EM Chapel
• June 6 (Weds) - All Generations Cell Group Apologetics Study. Topic: "Because It’s True: Lesson #2, Does God Exist?" 7pm at the Benedicts.

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​Important Summer Dates to Note

• June 25-28 (Mon-Thurs) – VBS
  • VBS Registration has begun!
    Early Bird registration by June 16. Cost: $40 per child with $10 sibling discount per additional sibling. (So 2nd sibling is $30, 3rd sibling is $20). 
    Late registration after June 16. Cost: $60 per child, no sibling discount
• July 14-21 (Sun-Sat) – Youth Summer Missions
• July 17-30 (Tues-Mon) – Thailand Summer Missions with SBT
• July 27-29 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat
• Aug 5 (Sun) – Graduation/Promotion Sunday
• Aug 10-12 (Fri-Sun) – Youth Summer Retreat

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Romans 12:10 - "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves."

TFPC EM NEWSLETTER - May 9, 2018

Choose to Do Right

Today is May 9, 2018

Welcome to your mid-week!

In Genesis 4, before Cain killed his brother Abel, there was a moment when God spoke to Cain. This was right after Cain's emotions were triggered and right before Cain's act of murder.

And, in this moment when God spoke to Cain, God did two things. He made Cain aware of the danger before him and He showed him that he had a choice to do what was right. God showed Cain that sin was like a lion ready to pounce; ready to devour him, and the choice was to either open that door to that lion or to leave that door closed.

Cain chose to open the door.

...

For us, every single time we are triggered emotionally in a negative way, that scenario should plays out in our minds.

Do I 'a.)' choose to sin against my brother or sister in Christ? or do I 'b.)' choose to do what is right?
Do I 'a.)' let my emotions dictate my actions? or do I 'b.)' let my emotions gauge where my hope and trust is?

Because that's what emotions are. They show us what are heart loves and trusts and fears. And the more we are aware of the consequences of our emotions and the power of the choice we have, the more we have the ability to choose right and to grow; to be more mature and to bear the fruit of the Spirit. 

So, that is our challenge. To not be like Cain. To hear when the Holy Spirit speaks to us, to not be enslaved by our emotions, and to choose to do what is right.

God blessing upon you this week and I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday.

- Frank Kim

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Upcoming Events

• May 12 (Sat) – CPG Cell Group Bible Study. This Saturday @ 5:30pm in the EM Chapel. 
  • Book of Study: Song of Songs 2:8-5:1. Topics: Courtship, Wedding, & Honeymoon
• May 13 (Sun) – Parent's Day. EM will be serving dessert
• May 13 (Sun) - KM Golf Tournament Fundraiser for Honduras Mission - Last Day to Sign-Up
  • The Tournament will be on June 2 (Sat) at Los Amigos Golf Course (7295 Quill Drive, Downey 90242). Questions? Please contact Elder Lee at 213-820-7381
• May 17 (Thurs) – YMF Cell Group [Date Updated]
• May 20 (Sun) – Membership Class 2. 1pm-2pm @ EM Chapel
• May 27 (Sun) – All Church Picnic @ Wilson Park after 11am service

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​Important Summer Dates to Note

• June 25-28 (Mon-Thurs) – VBS
• July 14-21 (Sun-Sat) – Youth Summer Missions
• July 17-30 (Tues-Mon) – Thailand Summer Missions with SBT
• July 27-29 (Fri-Sun) – EM Family Retreat
• Aug 5 (Sun) – Graduation/Promotion Sunday
• Aug 10-12 (Fri-Sun) – Youth Summer Retreat

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Volunteers Needed!

• Parent's Day Dessert Prep and Service Volunteers Needed!
• For Parent's Day (May 13), the men of EM will cut and serve cake for all 3 services. For those that signed up, please come at your appropriate time! If you did not sign-up, just show up, we need all the help we can get. Again, men only!

• VBS Volunteers Needed!
• Training Sessions are held after lunch, Sundays on May 20, June 3, 10, 17, & 24 and Saturday June 23. VBS is from June 25-28. Registration forms are in the back. Questions or concerns please contact Pastor Judie at yuilkimlee@yahoo.com

• TFPC Lease Committee Volunteer Needed!
• TFPC has been getting inquiries for renting availability and the KM would like to organize a committee to deal with these inquires made up of KM and EM members. They plan to meet once a month and are looking for either a CPA, lawyer, or property manager to join from our side. If interested please contact Elder Joy Chung at jc@towerescrowtorrance.com

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Service Opportunities

• Praise Team 
• The EM Praise team is looking for members to join the team. They practice every Saturday from 10am-12pm and play for both Sunday services coming in at 9am on Sunday to sound check. Questions about responsibilities and commitment, please contact Praise Leader Charles Roh at chuckyroh@gmail.com 

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1 Peter 5:8 - "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."