Bulletin: 2026-01-04

Bulletin: 2026-01-04

News

  1. Joint Inauguration Sunday Service this coming Sunday, January 11, 10:30am-12:15pm. Special lunch available for purchase. Children’s program provided. No GROW classes that day.
  2. 2026 Church Directory. Please inform the office of any changes.
  3. Bible Reading. Please notify Jennifer Liu in the church office if you have finished reading through the Bible this year. Those who have finished reading it can enjoy a discount on next year’s church retreat. Bible Reading Schedules to use for 2026 are available in the sanctuary lobby.
  4. Wednesday Prayer Meeting resumes Jan. 7, 7:30-8:30pm (Zoom: 233 085 786; PW 007276). Contact P. Larry ([email protected]) for info.
  5. Make a Connection
    • Thursday Bible Studies
      • Open to all, studying the book of Job, 6:00-8:00pm at Marcus & Corina’s. Contact Marcus Bejot ([email protected]) for info.
      • Crossroads (Young Adults) Bible Study starts again this week on Thursday, Jan. 8, 7:00pm in CO204. Contact P. Steve ([email protected]) for info.
    • Help new friends connect by joining the 2026 Welcome Team. Signup here. Contact P. Larry ([email protected]) for info.
    • Toddler Families will meet this Sat., January 10, at 11:00am in D-103 and D-104. Contact P. Steve ([email protected]) for info.
  6. Next Generation Ministry
    • AWANA and Youth will resume this Friday, Jan. 9.
    • Awana Office is recruiting a Cubbies Director from January to May. If interested, please contact Mary Wong ([email protected]).
    • Chinese School starts today.

GROW (Sundays 11:15am-12:25pm) Dec. 2025-Feb. 2026

Youth – Bible Studies for Life (Youth Center) Various teachers
College & 12th Grade – New City Catechism (D-203) P. Chris
Gospel Project – From Captivity to Restoration (B-110) Nathan Palmer
Book of Genesis (CO-206) Marcus Bejot & P. Larry

WORD: Relays in the Life of Faith

Steve Houston • Joshua 24, Judges 1-3

Passing on the baton of serving requires the wisdom of the ages.
Picking up the baton of serving requires the exercise of choice.

  1. The Relay from Leaders to Rising Leaders (Joshua 24)
    • Joshua passed on the baton of serving. (Joshua 24:1,14-15)
      • He called on leaders to serve God when he was close to dying.
      • He confronted their idolatry and told them to destroy their idols.
    • Israel’s leaders picked up the baton of serving. (Joshua 24:16-18; 3:24)
      • They took Joshua’s challenge (:14) and resolved to serve God. (:16-18)
      • They took Joshua’s warning (:19, 24) and obeyed in combat. (Judges 2:6)
    • Hey older baton receivers! You have moral agency to pivot!
    • Taking action now increases the chances that change will stick.
  2. The Relay from Adults to Rising Adults (Judges 1-3)
    • Caleb passed on the baton of serving. (Judges 1:11-12)
      • Caleb was Joshua’s fellow “servant of the Lord” in belief and in battle.
      • Caleb invited the younger generation to serve and obey the Lord.
    • Othniel picked up the baton of serving. (Judges 1:13; 3:5-6; 3:9-10)
      • Othniel shunned common malpractice by choosing a believing spouse.
      • Othniel served God as a soldier and then as a Spirit-led judge later.
    • Hey younger baton receivers! You have moral agency to self-regulate!
    • Turning every “have to” into a “get to” will set your life-course.

PRAY:

  • For fruit from the Youth Wintercamp and travel mercies as they return today.
  • For God to be with our new elder and deacon board.
  • For the Chinese Pastoral Search Committees and their candidate search.
  • For the continued recoveries of Elder Andy from a heart attack and for Alan Beebe from a broken neck.

English Worship Service

Praise (3 songs)Duane
CommunionP. Larry
Welcome/AnnouncementsP. Larry
MessageP. Steve
Reflection SongDuane
BenedictionP. Steve