URC Weekly 12/20/09: Christ the Savior is Born!



Hi Family,

Merry Christmas!!!  What if there was no such thing as Christmas gifts?  Malls wouldn’t be out of control, we wouldn’t be busy in a whirlwind of shopping, and we wouldn’t be spending money like water.  It’d just be a good time with church and family, and we’d celebrate the birth of our Savior a bit more.  One day, I’ll launch my global “no gifts on Christmas/only worship and family” campaign, but until then, let’s slow down and remember that the Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.  What an amazing truth.  Everything is different because of it.  “Come, let us adore Him!”

1) BAPTISM: At Jesus’ baptism, the Father’s love and power of the Holy Spirit were poured out.  During our baptism service last Sunday, we experienced both, along with the presence of Christ.  God has written an amazing story, so far, in the lives of Sam, James Kim, Sarah Kwon, and Jacob.  For those who laid hands and prayed for one of them, I ask that you, specifically, be their partner in prayer support and spiritual encouragement as they continue their walk with Jesus.

2) CHRISTMAS EVE FESTIVAL: THIS THURSDAY @ 8:30 PM @ LARGE SANCTUARY.  Every ministry of our church will perform, and for URC, Charlene will team up with our praise team for a live music/video extravaganza.  You don’t wanna pass up something described as an “extravaganza.”  Performances will start @ 8:30, and then we’ll worship @ 11:00.

3) SCRIPTURE READING/OFFERING: Charlene Park

4) DEVOTIONS: Psalm 138-143 (“When I called, you answered me.”)

5) WINTER RETREAT: SOME CHANGES TO THE RETREAT INFO, so please reread everything.  First of all, I’m sorry, I confused the two buildings of where we’re staying and where we’re worshiping.  We’re staying at Big Pine Lodge, which holds 40, not 70, and has eight bedrooms, not 16.  I still want the parents to each have a bedroom to themselves, so I ask the rest of us to squeeze a bit more.  As of today, roads are still clear (snowed one inch today), and we don’t need chains.  Will update.  Please keep our retreat in your prayers every day this week.

If you haven’t paid, BRING $100 BY THIS SUNDAY TO WON. If you haven’t signed up but wanna go, let me know ASAP.

1. DATES: 12/27-29, Sunday (after Christmas) to Tuesday
   1. a. ARRIVE BY 3 PM SUNDAY AND LEAVE TUESDAY MORNING
2. SPEAKER AND PRAISE TEAM
   1. Speaker: Pastor Chae No from OKEC
   2. Praise Leader: Pastor Billy Kim from Sarang Community Church
3. THEME: HOLY NATION
   
   1. 1 Peter 1:14-15: ¹⁴As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. ¹⁵But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.
4. PLACE: Camp Maranatha (54162 Maranatha Dr., Idyllwild, CA 92549; 951-659-2739)
   1. Website is http://www.campmaranatharetreat.com/, and you can find directions at http://www.campmaranatharetreat.com/printmap.htm
   2. 2.5 hours from LA with lodges, a cafeteria, field, basketball/volleyball court, hiking trails, amphitheater with fire pit, and a worship center
   3. Possible snow
   4. Big Pine Lodge, which holds 40
      1. i.       8 bedrooms, each with bathroom and shower, each with 1 queen, 3 twin beds
      2. ii.      No sheets or pillows on the beds, so we’ll have to bring sleeping bags.  There are also no towels, so BYOT.
      3. ii.      MEALS: Sunday dinner, Monday 3 meals.  We’ll leave first thing Tuesday morning and buy fast food, so please bring money for your meal.
   5. Stuff to bring: Bible, sleeping bag, towels, toiletries, medications, winter clothes/jackets, hiking/athletic shoes, games/board games for hang out time
5. COST: $100 per person (discounted from $160)
6. DRIVERS (and total number of people in their cars): Sang (2 + equipment/bags), John Yi (4, driving Sang’s Fit), Older Daniel (4), Hyonroh (4), Mike/Jane (7), Tae/Sara (4).
   
7. POSSIBLE OTHER DRIVERS: James Kim (4), Sam/Charlene (4), Sarah Kwon (4), Jessica Kim (4)
9. TO DO: If you’re on the list below, I’ll email you separately Tuesday night with further instructions, so please check email.
   1. PERSONNEL/SUPPLIES
      1. i.      (DAVID) Game Master: Board/group games
      2. ii.      (JACOB) Sports Master: Bring basketballs, footballs, ping pong paddles/balls, frisbee…
      3. iii.      (MIKE) Snack/late-night food/drinks Master: Bowl noodles, chips, water…
      4. v.      (JANE) Program Pamphlet Master
      5. vi.      (SAM ROBERSON-YI) PowerPoint Master
      6. vii.      (CHARLENE) Photography Master
      7. viii.      Discipleship Leaders: Sang, Hyonroh, Charlene, Sarah Kwon

Hope to see y’all on Christmas Eve!