Is a banana a berry and does it grow on a bush?

Yes, the banana fruit is a berry. Berries are identified as being many seeded with a fleshy inner layer. So, technically a banana is a berry. And, believe it or not, bananas don't grow on trees! Originally from Asia, the "banana tree" is really not a tree in the true sense. In fact, banana plants have no wood fiber. The banana plant is the world's largest herb and a member of the lily family. Bananas grow in tropical areas all around the world where the weather is sunny and hot, and there's plenty of rain.

Happy Birthday Tahamaki Kao!

Happy Birthday to our very own Kiki! Another year older, another year wiser. Here's a birthday tribute to you! Crank that souljah boy!

Congratulations!!!

Well the honeymoon is over, so let's all welcome back the newlyweds,
Mr. & Mrs. Ben and Marina Kong!

Different Location for 11/13!!!

Hi All,
Please note the address change for this week's Bible study. We will be meeting at Jeff's Place. If you don't know where that is, check your Evite. See you all tomorrow.

Thank You

Thank you all for coming out to the LSCC Halloween Party. All the effort each of you put into your costumes helped to make that night one full of frighteningly good fun. Thanks again!

Happy Birthday Ben Keen Kong!

Happy Birthday Ben! Sorry it's a day late. Hope your day was a great one!

LSCC Retreat Pics-Finally!

I'm sorry the pics took so long to get posted everyone. These are pics from my camera so feel free to provide links to some of your photos or add a pic post of your own. See you all on Tuesday!

Broomball 9/28

LSCC Broomball
September 28th, 2007
8:15 PM Dinner @ Rubio's Fremont (Auto Mall Exit) http://www.rubios.com/

(43405 Christy Street; Fremont, CA)
9:30 PM Group Activity at City Beach Fremont http://www.citybeach.com/
10:45 PM Broomball at Shark's Ice in Fremont http://www.sharksiceatfremont.com/

COST: $10 (covers Broomball only which is also subsidized by LSCC)

Check out the website for all the details and information on BROOMBALL:
http://www.livingstonescc.com/web/guest/broomball

Week of 9/24

I haven't updated in awhile and I apologize. I still plan to upload pictures from the retreat, so keep checking for it. But besides that, here is what's coming up for LSFG SJ:

9/25- Huddles

Contact your Quarterback for details!

9/28- Broomball

Rubio's @ 8:15 pm

Broomball at Sharks Ice at Fremont

@ 10:15 pm

And in case you are wondering or want to get ahead, we are on study #23, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13. Have a great rest of the week folks!

Huddles this week!

I guess we're all on the same schedule as the other small groups. There's no new study up on the website, so we're all about the huddles this week.

I'm also going to open up some time for sharing about what we did this last week to change a little something in our lives and showing our commitment to Him.

Doesn't have to be much and if you didn't change anything, share that too. No shame. It's not mandated. Yet :)

See you all in a few hours!

Fellowship Group Activity 9/6

I hope everyone had a restful weekend. I'll share some of the pics from the retreat this coming week, so stay tuned. As for our activity on Thursday, we'll be headed out to Rooster T Feathers! Check your Evite for details. If you need more info than the Evite provides, contact Justin Chien. Have a great week folks!

Huddles 8/28

We (sam & kiki) are in Yosemite, but here's a quick recap of last week's study:
1. Pastors have a right to be supported by the church in order to do full-time ministry work.
2. Pastors have a right to work full-time (be it tent-making or whatever) as to not be a hindrance to the church.
3. A pastor must always keep in mind his/her motives for freedom in spiritual leadership.

Next Tuesday, we will have our first huddles group. Sam, Ansel, and Ben will provide dinner and Ben will lead worship. See you all next week!

Week of August 13th

Here are some upcoming events:

Dinner & a Movie

Friday Aug 17th

Bennigan's @ 7:00pm,

4150 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara

Rush Hour 3 @ AMC Mercado 20

Time: 9:00pm

Contact Kiki for more info!!

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Hiking/Lunch at Castle Rock

Saturday Aug 18th

Meet @ 9:00am at one of the parking lots.

RSVP with Jeff!

Hope to see you at one or both of our events! Good day!

Small Group 8/7

That's right, we had homemade Vietnamese spring rolls and they were delicious!!

As we continued our study of 1 Corinthians this past Tuesday, Paul discussed the controversial issue (for that time) of eating food sacrificed to idols. After Paul points out that there are no such things as idols and there is but one God, he also explains how everyone does not have this knowledge. But for those who do have the knowledge, should not walk around "puffed up" causing their brother to stumble, in this case, by eating the sacrificed food. "For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined..." 1 Corinthians 8:11. Remember to show the love!

Next week we will be introduced to an aspect of our new bible study format, huddles! So come out, as Sam and I will provide food and Justin will lead us in worship. Adios for now.

Mini-Golf Madness 7/27 & Baptism

LSCC/LSF Mini-Golf Madness
Friday, July 27th, 2007
Redwood City, CA
6:30 PM Dinner @ Erik's Deli
7:30 PM Malibu (Batting Cages, Games, etc.)
8:00 PM Mini-Golf

This Sunday is the baptism of two LSF SJ members, Yukari and Gracie. Please pray for and support them as they take this most important step in their walk with the Lord. Congratulations ladies!

Small Group 7/24

To be married or not to be married; that is the question.

Did we answer it? Sorta. Paul teaches us that being single allows one to put more focus into serving God where with being married, our attention and focus is divided. "But if they cannot control themselves, they should marry, for it is better to marry than to burn with passion." 1 Corinthians 7:9

Next week we will have Bible study as well as a large group activity, mini golf! For small group, Sam, Ben, and Ansel will provide food, and Justin will lead worship. Following are details for the mini golf event:

Malibu Redwood City
320 Blomquist St.
Redwood City, CA 94063
July 27th, 2007
7:00pm

Hope to see you all next week. Sayonara!

Small Group 7/17

Here is a summary of last week's study taken straight from the leader's notes: "There is no condition in salvation. All can be saved."

Next week, we will continue our study of 1 Corinthians. Justin and Jeff will provide dinner, and Justin will also lead worship. Be sure to start planning your small group activity, especially if it's within the next month. Ciao folks!

Small Group 7/10

Thanks all for coming out to the July 4th BBQ! It was definitely a blessed day, despite the extremely hot weather.

This Tuesday we will resume our regularly scheduled Bible study. Gracie and I will provide the food and Justin will lead us in worship. Stay cool and see you on Tuesday.

Prayer Meeting!

Tonight! Come on in and say a few words, pray silently, or just listen and give support. We need to start throwing our focus into making prayer a larger part of our lives.

I'll hear you all online tonight.

July 4th BBQ

Sam says,

Time for Fireworks, Food, & Fun!
It's our annual July 4th BBQ! Bring your friends and sports gear and get ready to play some softball, ultimate, and picnic games.

Schedule:
1pm Meet at Chesapeake Manor
1:30pm Head over to James Logan
2-4pm Softball and Ultimate
4-5pm Picnic Games
5:30-6:30pm Eat!
6:30-7:30pm Worship/Message
7:30-9:00pm Games/Wii/Dessert!
9:00-10:00pm Fireworks!!!

Location: Chesapeake Manor
34756 Chesapeake Ct., Union City, CA 94587 US
When: Wednesday, July 4, 1:00PM
Phone: 408-202-0495

Hope to see you all there!

Small Group 6/26

Last Tuesday was a night of great discussion as we studied 1 Corinthians 7:1-16. It covered different aspects of relationships, ranging from singleness to marriage. As each of us experience these different aspects throughout our lives, we are reminded by Paul to keep God "in the mix" and to see each as a blessing from Him.

Next week, we will continue our study of Corinthians (and hopefully some more great discussions). Marina and Yukari will provide dinner and Ben will lead worship. Also, July 4th is quickly approaching, so start (or continue) to invite your friends. That's all for now. Until next time, Zaijian!

Small Group 6/19

"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything. " - 1 Corinthians 6:12

Reflect on your daily or weekly activities. What are you mastered by?

We continue next week with 1 Corinthians. Sam and Ben will provide the eats and Ben will also lead worship. Also, remember to check up with your accountability partner for this week. See you all on Tuesday!

Small Group 5/22

First off, congratulations to Jeff and Anne on their recent wedding and forever marriage. We are so happy for you two. We pray you have a wonderful honeymoon in Hawaii and see you in a couple of weeks.

Next up, we will be continuing our study of I Corinthians this week. There has been quite the break so you may want to review previous studies. And if you want to look ahead at Tuesday's study it will be I Corinthians 5:1-8.

Lastly, small group will be at Yukari and Gracie's place for the next couple of weeks. You can find a link to the address and a map in the right hand margin.

That's all for now. See you all on Tuesday. Aloha!

WILD CARD 4/17

Here's the info for next Tuesday:

SAN JOSE Giants Game!

Game Time: 7:00pm
Location: San Jose Municipal Stadium

Sam got a limited amount of tickets (12), so let him know if you want to bring any additional peeps (so he can look into getting more tix). Parking is $6 but there is limited street parking around the stadium. Bring ~$10-20 if you want to buy things to eat. Should be a fun time! Oh, and carpooling is an option, so contact Sam if you are interested in doing that.

Ok, that's all for now. Until Tuesday, au revoir!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUSTIN!!!

HaPPy BiRthDaY Justin! Now wake-UP and enjoy your special day!!

Small Group 3/27

Last week was a Wild Card where we enjoyed a friendly game of 90's trivial pursuit. Thanks to all who came out.

This week we will continue our study of 1 Corinthians. Jeff and (Tak) will bring food and Ben will lead worship. See you all tomorrow.

Small Group 3/13

Are you a waterer? Are you a planter?

We learned this week that these are the questions that we should not be asking ourselves, but rather, does God have a part in our lives, who is the ultimate nurturer of our faith. We were also taught that we can increase our treasures in Heaven by seeking out and doing Kingdom work here on Earth. Sounds like a win-win situation to me.

Next week, we will continue our study of 1 Corinthians. Yukari and I will provide dinner and Ben will lead us in worship. Also, don't forget to change your clocks to an hour ahead this Sunday. Well until next time, take care!

Small Group 3/6

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."- Ephesians 4:29

We will continue our studies of 1 Corinthians next week! Sam and Marina will provide the eats and Justin will lead us in worship. See you all next week!

Small Group 2/13

Paul ministers to the Corinthians not with persuasive words, but humbly and with reliance solely on the Holy Spirit. By doing this, he reiterates that one should not boast or rely on his/her own works and abilities because it is through the Holy Spirit that one will truly understand and accept the gospel.

As we continue our studies next week, Jeff and Tak will prepare the dinner and Ben will lead us in worship. We will also have a quiz on 1 Corinthians 1:30-31 (You can find the verse to the right of your screen under memory verses). So study hard for some yummy dessert. See ya'll on Tuesday!

Memory Verse

Don't forget about the memory verse for this week.

1 Corinthians 1:30-31

30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: "Let him who boasts boast in the Lord."

Let everyone know where the credit is due with this verse and grab some yummy Trader Joe Dessert!

And if I'm not able to do it, everyone gets dessert. But you'll want to memorize it, just in case.

Small Group 2/6

Sorry that I've been MIA. I've been dealing with the job transition thingy, but alas I'm back and here's what's going on at LSF San Jose!

We've started studying a new book, 1 Corinthians. So far, we've been taught the importance of unity throughout the church body. Paul urges the Corinthians to put aside their divisions over small things and focus their hearts and minds on building the kingdom of God. We've also learned that one cannot boast in their own abilities because those abilities and talents are given to us by God. Paul states " Let him who boasts boast in the Lord." (1 Corinthians 1:31)

This week, Yukari and I are cooking and Ben will lead us in worship. Hope to you see you all there! Peace out!

Happy Birthday(s)!!!

Happy Birthday Sam and Marina. Hope each of your days were extra special!!

Small Group 1/9

Happy New Year!!! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and New Year's. How did you celebrate this holiday season?

At our last study, chefs Tak & Jeff filled our stomachs with a delicious, authentic Japanese cuisine, before we delved into our last study of Romans. In this letter, Paul reminds us to be united in our ministry, be cautious of false teachings that may cause disagreement, and remember that God does marvelous works through us for his glory. Amen!

Next week, we will begin our study of 1 Corinthians. Justin and Gracie will provide us with the eats and Ben will lead us in worship. Also, remember to prepare for this week's physical challenge. Last time, as you might remember, Ben schooled us in jumping jacks. Will you be the next to take us all to school? Until next time, au revoir!