May 27, 2021
Dear TCCBC church family, greetings!
By the grace of God, the Mother’s Day worship and the installation service for Pastor Michael Kwong of the Cantonese congregation and Pastor Stephen Choy of the English congregation two weeks ago went well. A number of brothers and sisters have remarked about how nice and warm they felt this service was. These were the blessings from God. We will be having another joint worship service on June 20 to celebrate Father’s Day with a special program for them. I hope that many more brothers and sisters will join us in the church to worship and celebrate with us together.
From the most recent reports, the pandemic situations in the U.S. and some European countries have seen evident reduction and easing. Using the U.S. as an example, the number of people infected has fallen below 15,000 in this past day. In California, over 22 million people over the age of 16 (approximately 55% of the California population) have already received their first dose of vaccine. More than 16 million people (approximately 41%) have received their second dose. These percentages should be even higher by the time you receive this letter. Have you received your COVID-19 vaccine shot? Even though I did not officially do a survey, there should be over 75% in our church who have received vaccination. From my understanding, apart from a few who experienced mild fever or fatigue, the majority basically did not have serious reactions from their vaccination. We thank God for His watch over us on this. The state has started vaccinating those over 12 now. If you live in Alameda country and have not received vaccination yet, you can use this link to set up a vaccination appointment.
With the easing of the pandemic and the increase in vaccination percentage, it is likely that the state’s pandemic restrictions will be lifted on June 15 according to the government’s official website. Social distancing mandate will be lifted also. All businesses can resume normal operation. This is very positive news for the church. We can also feel more comfortable gathering in the church. Certainly, the church will continue to safeguard the health and safety of brother and sisters in the early stages of complete reopening by following the necessary procedures. Unless there is unexpected development, we are optimistic about the complete reopening of the church, and be ready to resume all ministries and events on-site. We will have further deliberations in the Church Council meeting in June. God willing, we will resume in-person gatherings completely starting in July according to our regular schedules from the past.
Let me respond here to recent reports on air quality issues in the church and having subsequently consulted with pertinent co-workers. Beside maintaining ventilation and temperature in the church building, air filters are also replaced regularly to ensure good air quality. The work is performed by brothers and sisters during the time when no one is at the church. We do not need to be concerned as they diligently perform inspection, replacements and adjustments to the central air system. I also want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation to those who quietly work behind the scene, faithfully serving brothers and sisters by providing a comfortable environment for them to worship! I trust that God sees and rewards your unnoticed labor.
One of the mysteries in the body of Christ lies within the sweet fellowship with each other. Through a word of encouragement, a hand of support, an expression of appreciation, or even a case of iron sharpening iron, we stand together edifying each other in Christ. The June publication of Heavenly Dew awaits your sharing of your spiritual insights, a blessed experience of God in your life, or a praise to give glory to God. I encourage you to send your article to Sara Wei (ws30687@nullyahoo.com) by June 15.
I have mentioned to you before about the church leadership seminar series in the second half of the year. Registration starts now. Even though the theme is intended for deacons, council members and all the co-workers in the church, we also welcome all brothers and sisters who are interested in church leadership and team ministry to join us. Please see the enclosed for the details. I am hopeful that God will use this training seminar to align the church leadership and management to the desires in His heart, and help everyone to rise up to serve our Lord and His church with one heart. Please complete the registration form and email back to Pastor Lee at (jobklee@nullgmail.com) before the deadline. I apologize that we are unable to accommodate late registrations or registration at the seminar.
By the way, if you can, please join us in our combined prayer meeting for all congregations at our church on May 29, 2021 at 9:00am. Thank you.
Serving with one heart in Christ,
Job Lee
Pastor Job Lee, Senior Pastor
With fellow church leadership team
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