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!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

There is no small group 12/26, but...

Small Group 12/19

I don't have pictures of our last meal, but just imagine some really tasty bruschetta, salad, and lasagna soup!

It was quite the romantic evening this past Tuesday, as we worshiped amidst $1 mini-lights, strumming guitars, and beautiful voices. Thanks Justin and Ben for leading us in that impromptu worship session!

Next week we will have a double study (because of the unexpected break). Will and Paul will provide dinner and Ben will lead us in worship. Also, this Saturday at 3pm is the LSCC Christmas Party! Don't forget to bring a dish, a gift, and a friend!

Lastly, I will leave you a few pictures from our visit to California Santa. We had a great time assemblying and painting toys, and using power tools! Enjoy the pictures and see you all next week!

Small Group 12/12

I am sorry for the late post everyone. It's been a busy week!

First off, I want to thank Marina and Sam for a delicious, ethnic dinner this past study. It was greatly enjoyed and appreciated.

As we approach the end of Romans, Paul lays out his plans for future ministry. He also reiterates the fact that when Jew and Gentile support one another and live together peacefully it not only pleases, but glorifies God. He expresses his confidence that they will follow his teachings stating, "I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ. " (Romans 15:29)

Next week, Yukari and Kiki will provide dinner and Justin will lead us in worship. And don't forget the LSCC Christmas party! The details are as follows:

LSCC Christmas Party/Potluck
Saturday, 12/16/06 3PM
34756 Chesapeake Court, Union City, CA 94587
http://www.livingstonescc.com/web/guest/lsccxmas
Bring a Friend!!!

I hope to see all of you next week! Ciao!

Small Group 12/5

Thank you Justin and Gracie for a delicious supper. Do you like the pictures?

At our last study, we were taught yet another reason to accept one another, that reason being the glorification of God. Paul stresses the fact that Jesus died for both Jew and Gentile, thus accepting all of us. We therefore, should accept and admonish one another in an effort to build each other up and glorify God! Did you admonish today?

Next week, we will meet at the usual time and the usual place. Sam and Marina will prepare the feast and Justin will lead us in worship. Don't forget your devotionals and hasta luego!

Small Group 11/28

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday, spending time with family and friends and eating some great food! I also hope everyone had a chance to meet up with a fellow bible study member over the past week and share some quality time.

This week, we will continue our study of Romans. The yummies will be provided by Justin and Gracie and worship will be led by Ben. See you all on Tuesday!

Small Group 11/14

The following post will be a recap of the last two weeks thus it may be long, but read on!

The focus of this week's bible study was accepting one another and our differing opinions. We were taught to not pass judgment, but look for ways to show love and help each other grow. Paul points out the fact we are all servants and should leave the judging to the ultimate judge, Jesus Christ. So when you find yourself picking at the specks in another's eye, think about the log in yours.

Next week we will continue our study of Romans. Jeff and Tak (#1) will bring food and worship will be led by Ben. Also, this Sunday is Operation Christmas Child. Remember to bring your shoe boxes full of toys and other goodies. You can find more info, including what not to bring at this website.

Lastly, thank you all who came out and dressed up for the Halloween Par-tay! There were some great costumes and here are some pictures from the ghoulish night. Until next time, kwaheri!

Halloween Par-tay!! 10/31

This week we were reminded to love one another, exemplifying selflessness and not selfishness. Paul exhorts not to put off doing this, but to show love NOW. It's what God expects of us and is the "fulfillment of the law." Are you showing the love today?

Next week, come dressed in your spookiest, funniest or most original costume and enjoy some Halloween festivities. Everyone will bring food and everyone will also sing (yes, there will be karaoke)! Hope to see you all next Tuesday! Ahn nyung hee ke se yo (do you know what language "goodbye" is in this week?)

Devotionals

I hope everyone is taking time each day to refocus on God and spend time in prayer and in His word. It is far too easy to get caught up in the day to day things we do and forget to spend some time with our Lord.

I like to read after the day is done, taking time to reflect on the day and letting the stress of the day melt away before sleep time and when I don't wake up too late, I like to pray in the mornings just after I get up to give thanks for another day.

I hope you are all keeping with your devotionals and don't feel bad if you haven't done it in a while. He doesn't want our guilt to keep us from meeting Him. Make today the day you start!

Small Group 10/24

At our last meeting we were taught the reasons why we should submit to governing authorities. Paul informs us that God gives this authority to governing figures. We should therefore be submissive because of this fact, as well as the simple fact of avoiding punishment. It is often easy to dismiss authority, especially when we feel that they are in the wrong, but even then we are to have "reverance" because God commands it. Reflect on that!

Next week, we will continue with our study of Romans. Sam and our newest chef Marina will provide the food and worship will be led by Justin. Until next time, sayonara!

Small Group 10/17 & Harvest Crusade

Welcome back everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful week and are well rested from the eventful weekend. Last we met, the question of "can we show unconditional love" was posed. There were arguments for both sides and it is still a discussion that is yet to be finished at our next Q&A session!! Sorry for the cliffhanger!

This weekend is Harvest Crusade. Continue to pray for this event and for those who may be seeking Christ that night. Also, are you interested in being a follow-up coordinator for LSCC? (This person will coordinate the congregation to follow-up with those who accepted Christ that night and to keep in contact with them). Pastor Josh can give you more details on this if you need any. Visit the website if you need any addtional info such as location, time, or which bands are playing!

At our next small group, chefs Justin and Gracie will do the honors and worship will be led by Ben. Until then, Bon Soir!

Q&A, Prayer, Worship Night!! 10/3

Sorry for the late post, but here is a recap of the previous week as well as things to come:

Last week we learned that the blueprint for the body of Christ is the church. As a church, we are to be "absorbed in love" and to be "attached by good." We are also reminded that this love is to be genuine, giving each other the "VIP" treatment. So as you finish this week, remember to share the love!

So who is sore from broomball? I sure am! Thanks to all who came out and participated. Hopefully the bruises will heal quickly.

Next week we will have a special bible study. It will be a Q&A, prayer, and worship night! Bring your questions, guitars, and prayer requests for just a good time of fellowship.

Hope to see you all next week. Aloha!

Small Group 9/26 & Broomball 9/29

In this week's bible study, Paul reminded us that as members of the body (of Christ) we are to use are spiritual gifts accordingly. We are also reminded to be humble and not boast about our gifts as God has graced us each individually with a function to further His kingdom. Do you know what your spritual gift (or gifts) is? Find out here and be prepared to share next week!

This coming week will be double fun!!! We will have our regularly scheduled bible study on Tuesday. Dinner will be provided by chefs Jeff and Tak and worship will be led by Ben. We will also have a joint small group activity. Are you ready for some broomball?!?!? Here are the details:

Dinner (optional)- Rubio's in Fremont AutoMall @ 8pm
Directions to Rubio's
Broomball- Sharks Ice in Fremont @ 10:15pm
Directions to Sharks Ice
Cost $10/person
Contact Sam for more info!

Remember, Harvest Crusade is coming!! Who are you praying for? I will end on that note. Zaijian!

Small Group 9/19

On a special Tuesday evening, bible study started with tasty enchiladas prepared by chef Sam (recipe provided by chef Kiki). Worship was beautifully led by Justin. And as Jeff guided us through Romans 12:1-2, we learned to be a "living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God." The night ended with the sendoff of two wonderful members, Cynthia and Steve. Our prayers will continually be with them as they transition into the next chapter of their spiritual journey. Don't forget us!

Next week, there will be a quiz on this memory verse: Romans 11:36. Learn it, love it, live it! Will and Paul will feed us and Justin will lead us in worship. Harvest Crusade is less than a month away. Visit the website or contact Gracie for more info! Also, check out the updated LSCC website for upcoming church events, bible studies, and prayer requests.

That's all for now. Hasta luego!

Small Group 9/12

With our appetites satisfied by pitas and pie (thanks Justin and Gracie), we continued our study of Romans. What seemed like a lesson in cultivation was in fact a message of hope. The "branches of Israel" were broken off so that the "Gentile branches" could be grafted onto the olive tree. But Paul points out that if Israel discontinues their walk of disbelief and takes on a walk of faith, they can also be grafted back on to that same tree. Ultimately, God shows kindness and mercy to all by faith. For a possible pop quiz in two weeks, memorize Romans 11:36.

Next week, dinner will be provided by Sam and Kiki, worship will be led by Justin. Harvest Crusade is quickly approaching (Oct. 13-15) so continue to pray for those whom you would like to invite. Contact Gracie if you are interested in ushering or singing in the choir for this event.

See ya'll next week!

Small Group 9/5

As we continued our study of Romans this week, we were taught God gives grace not on the basis of works but by His choice. This fact was exemplified through his dealings with Israel. Even though Israel was an obstinate and disobedient people, God did not totally reject them. Instead, He chose to use their failures to bring salvation to the world and bring Israel to repentance.

We continue with Romans next week. Chefs Gracie and Justin will do the honors. Ben will lead us in worship. This week will also conclude the Impact classes for Harvest Crusade. Check out the Harvest Crusade website for final dates & locations.

That's all for now. Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend!

Small Group 8/29

So I hope the unexpected break was used to catch up on memorizing verses. You never know when there could be a pop quiz! Things will be the same for this week. Dinner will be provided by chefs Jeff and Tak. Worship will be led by Ben. See you all on Tuesday!

Small Group 8/22

Thanks to chefs Will and Paul, we enjoyed some tasty stewed pork and potatoes, as well as a frosty pineapple cocktail. Delicious! For the rest of the evening, we engaged in a (friendly) competition of Cranium. Congratulations to team Sam, Gracie, Anne, and Will who brought their A-game in performing arts, trivia, and creativity to defeat the playing field. And thanks to all who came out and participated.

This week we will continue our study of Romans. Chefs Jeff and Tak will provide dinner and worship will be led by Ben.

Harvest Impact classes continue through the month of August. The second round of sessions will begin this Friday Aug 18th. For more info contact Gracie or visit www.harvestcrusades.org. That's all for now. See you all on Tuesday!

Wild Card Night 8/15!!

On full stomachs of great breakfast food, we were reminded to always seek to bring the good news of Jesus Christ to others. As this week comes to a close, continue to reflect on Romans 10:14-15 as you go through your daily tasks. And for those of you up for the challenge, Jeff will reward those who memorize this passage (remember the tiramisu)!

This coming week will be a wild card night (mandatory, not optional)! It will be a time of friendly competition and fellowship, so come out and have fun! Dinner will be provided by chefs Will & Paul. Bring whatever games you would like to play. It's always great to have options.

Lastly, pray about Harvest Crusade. There are IMPACT classes throughout the month of August. For more info, go to www.harvestcrusades.org OR contact Gracie.

That's all for now. Take care and God speed!