As we've all become aware of the needs of the people of Japan following their horrific disaster and continuing concerns for their safety, there are several things we can do to help.  This is from the CBF ChurchWorks newsletter:

As the tragedy unfolds in Japan following a major earthquake and tsunami, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship is channeling its response through its ministry partners around the world, including the Japan Baptist Convention and Asia Baptist Pacific Aid.  Right now the best way for you to respond is by giving financially to the reilef and recovery effort.  Donations can also be mailed to: Japan relief account #17019, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, 2930 Flowers Road South, #133, Atlanta, GA 30341.  The Fellowship does not have field personnel in Japan, but our thought and prayers are with our brothers and sisters of the Japan Baptist Convention as they respond to this devastating event.  You can also keep up-to-date on the latest news from Japan on CBF's blog (cbfportal.wordpress.com).

You can also give to Japan relief efforts through Baptist World Aid, the relief arm of the Baptist World Alliance.  Their donation website is:  www.bwanet.org/bwa.php?site=general&id=4

As of yesterday, Ash Wednesday, we (the worldwide Church) are in the season of Lent.  Here's a great description of what Lent is and how we acknowledge and practice it. 

"The season of Lent begins with the observance of Ash Wednesday and ends the day before Easter Sunday.  This forty day season (the Sundays are not counted in the forty) is a time to reflect on one's journey of faith, to examine our relationships, and to become a part of the story of Jesus' journey to Jerusalem and the cross.  

Like Advent, Lent is a contemplative season.  A time of preparation for Easter, Lent if often regarded as a penitential season when we examine our lives and repent or gain a new perspective or path forward.  Christians often take up special spiritual practices during Lent such as fasting and observing extra times of Sabbath, study, and prayer,  The popular practice of "giving up something" for Lent really has nothing to do with exercising one's self-control.  Rather, it is a way to make space in our regular routines to allow God to do something new in our lives." (from www.rethinkingyouthministry.com)

Blessings, friends!  We are now in the Advent season, awaiting and preparing our hearts and minds for Christ's coming.  This website posts a daily Advent devotional and is a great way to take a few minutes and center ourselves amidst the holiday craziness.

Following the Star: www.d365.org/following the star

Also, join us for our Church of the Nations Christmas service this coming Sunday evening (12/12) at 6:00pm, followed by a potluck dinner.  This is one of my favorite services of the year because we get to share and worship in different languages with our brothers and sisters in the Cantonese, Japanese, Vietnamese, Mongolian, and Arabic churches, as well as some special guests from the Karen church.

Make space in your life this season for the wonder and mystery of God. 

 

Are you prepared for an earthquake or other disaster in the Bay Area?  Yes, I know, it's a depressing thought, but a realistic one as well.  Experts strongly recommend that every household have a three day supply of food, water, and other necessities stored in case of such an event.  It is also very important to have contact information for loved ones in case everyone is separated at the time.  If you need help assembling a disaster kit, please let Kent Fong know.  He has volunteered to help our church families and individuals make sure they have what is needed to survive a crisis.  Be prepared!

Also, check out this link for more detailed info:

72hours.org

I hope you were able to join us for some or all of our Holy Week activities.  We had a really nice Church of the Nations Palm Sunday service and meal- you can't beat worshiping in lots of different languages and knowing that even though we may be different, we share a common faith.  

The Good Friday service was a meaningful time of prayer and reflection, preparing our hearts for Jesus' resurrection on Easter Sunday.  Thanks to everyone who brought food to share and joined us in celebrating new life.  Easter weekend marks one of the single most important events in church history and the reason we gather as a church to worship God.  

Stay tuned for upcoming events, the foremost of which is our annual Memorial Day weekend church retreat!  We will be traveling to Redwood Christian Park in Boulder Cree, California to spend a weekend worshiping, learning, hanging out, and having fun. If you haven't already made plans to come, what are you waiting for?