Announcements for January 8, 2012

Guest Speaker: Today’s guest speaker is Alan Ginn. His calling is to train pastors and leaders in the 2/3rd World Nations, and we are delighted to have him with us.

Chinese New Year Celebration: On Saturday, January 28th, the English Congregation will host an evening that brings together cultural insight and the Gospel message. Please mark your calendars! We believe you will be able to enjoy this celebration with people from your community and network of friends. Tickets are $10 each and are on sale starting today in the church lobby. Seats are limited, so be sure to get your tickets early. For more information or to lend a helping hand with preparations, please see Debbie Chieng.

Costumes Needed: If you or someone you know has Chinese costumes they can lend us, please contact Debbie Chieng immediately at dchieng@me.com. We are interested in Chinese costumes from any dynasty and including any traditional qi pao (women's) or chang mian ao (men's) attire.

Knot Your Ordinary Class: Our very own Ruth Wong is offering a free Chinese Knot-Making Class next Saturday, January 15, at 2:00pm at church. All knots made will be sold at the market at our Chinese New Year Celebration.

A Flower Offering: Members of the English Congregation are responsible for providing flowers for the altar from January through June each year. See Hannah Hsieh for details or to sign up. Flowers can be dropped off on Friday or Saturday at the church and you can take them home with you after the worship service.

New EMC and Deacon Board Members! We are delighted to have five new people in leadership this year. Mary Kay is the new Coordinator of Evangelism on the English Ministry Committee (EMC). On the Deacon Board, Weilin Koo is the new Treasurer, Mark Childs will be serving as our church Trustee, Mrs. Toh-chin Ng will serve as our Missions Deacon, and Steve Chen is the new Chinese Ministry Committee Chair. We are thankful for such great hearts in leadership. Please keep them, together with the rest of the EMC and Deacon Board, in your regular prayers.

Welcoming Two December Babies: Along with the most beautiful Madison Mitchell, born on Dec. 14th to Darrion and Janice, we are thrilled to have Augustine Noah Baw, born on Christmas Day at 18.5 inches tall and weighing in at 5 lbs. 3 oz. Congratulations to Andy and Anita! Let's give our warmest support to these two expanding families with our prayers and fellowship. Praise God for new life!

Youth Group Resumes in February: We are so blessed to have such great leaders and counselors for the youth – James Shu, Cecelia Jones, and Sylvia Chen. Youth Group will pick up again on the first Friday in February. If you are interested in working with this awesome team, please speak with Pastor Mike or Lindsay Herman.

2011 Finances:
2011 Offering..........................$549,621
Fiscal Year 2011 Budget......$561,705
God richly blessed our church in 2011. Though the total Offerings did not match our Budget, expenses also were held below Budget, and no deficit was incurred. Thank you for your generous giving: you are an answer to prayer and proof that God provides for his church.