Dear Friends at 5C:
Even with the high number of infections reported each day, America is ready to reopen their economy. As many as 15 states take steps to relax their restrictions this week, California may also join this list in a few days. Governor Newsom announced four stages of reopening strategy last week. According to that policy, we hope that the church may resume worship in person in June if the curve continues its downturn this month. In the coming weeks, the board will study government policy as well as recommended guidance in order to ensure the safety of our members once we return to the campus. Just as always, our church takes both the physical and spiritual wellbeing of our members as the highest priority in church ministry. Praise the Lord that SLO county is not a highly impacted area, so far there is no infection among church members. We continue to pray that God’s grace covers us during the rest of the pandemic season.
Our members are eager to learn the Scripture, and there was an excellent discussion about Naomi’s story during the Monday prayer meeting. We thank God for this desire to learn and grow our knowledge and spiritual life among the congregation. We also thank God for Annie Shi-Mu’s teachings during Thursday’s prayer meeting. It is so surprising that we are showered with God’s blessings during the time of quarantine. Last Sunday we continue to study the Book of Ruth, the loyal love of Ruth inspires people from generation to generation to demonstrate this lovingkindness toward others in need. Especially during this pandemic, the relationship with our loved ones becomes the test of Christian faith. Therefore, it is the perfect time for us to grow our intimacy with family members. May the Lord bless each of our households as we grow our love and compassion through reflecting on His lovingkindness toward us!
Ministry Update:
1. Virtual prayer meetings at 7:30 pm Monday and Thursday.
2. Pastor Chen’s virtual office hours, 10:00 am-12:00 pm every Wednesday and Friday.
3. Chinese Sunday school (Pastor Chen) and English Sunday school (Rachel Ma)
4. Small group “Kindness” will meet this Friday (5/8) through Zoom.
5. Church will celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday (5/10), and Annie Shi-Mu is going to deliver a message during worship service
Prayer Requests:
1. Pray for Coronavirus outbreak in the US and around the world.
2. Pray for the physical and spiritual well-being of our church members.
3. Pray for God’s protection for people who have to work outside the home.
4. Pray for Bianca’s sister who lost her husband last month.
5. Pray for Ed Sherman’s son Lane who undergoes treatment for brain cancer.
Look forward to seeing you virtually on Sunday.
Blessings!
Jinchang
親愛的中岸教會朋友們:
即使每天仍有大量感染病例,美國正在準備重新開啟經濟。本周多達 15 個州已採取措施放寬限制,加州也可能在未来幾天內加入该行列。州長紐森上周宣布了重新開放經濟的四個階段。根據該政策,如果本月感染曲線持續下降,教會有望可以在 6 月恢復常規敬拜。在接下來幾周中,執事會將研究政府政策以及專家建議,以確保聚會的安全。教会繼續将我們成員的身體及屬靈健康放在首位。感謝主,SLO 地區並非重災區。到目前為止,我們教會成員中尚無被感染病例。請繼續祈禱在此次瘟疫流行期間,上帝的恩典眷顧我們。
我們的成員非常渴慕學習神的話語,在週一的禱告會上,大家異常熱烈地討論了拿俄米的故事。感謝神,大家有對學習聖經知識及屬靈生活的渴望。也為裴師母在週四禱告會上的屬靈教導而感恩,每次精心預備都讓大家有美好的收穫。令人驚訝的是,在隔離期間,我們更多地沐浴在主恩之中。上週日,我們繼續學習『路得記』,路得的忠貞之愛激勵著世世代代的人們向需要幫助的同胞伸出援助之手。特別是在這種瘟疫流行期,與親人的關係成為基督徒的信仰考驗。正是如此,現在恰恰是與家人建立親密關係的絕佳時刻。通過反思神對我們的恩慈,可增長自己的愛心和同情心。願主祝福我們每個家庭!
事工更新:
1. 線上禱告會於週一和週四晚間 7 點半舉行。
2. 陳牧師的線上辦公時間為每週三和週五的上午 10:00-12:00。
3. 中文主日學將由陳牧師帶領,英文主日學由馬若曦姐妹带領。
4. 『恩慈』小組將於本週五(5/8)通過 Zoom 聚會。
5. 教會將於本週日(5/10)慶祝母親節,屆時裴師母將證道。
禱告事項
1. 為美國及世界各地的新冠肺炎的爆發
2. 為我們教會所有成員的身體及屬靈健康
3. 為那些必須在外工作的人們祈禱上帝的保護
4. 為張西齡姐妹剛剛失去丈夫的姐姐
5. 為 Ed Sherman 的兒子 Lane 祈禱,他正在接受腦瘤治療
期待周日線上見。
主僕 陳金昌