To persuade or not to persuade:
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
2010 GGC Winter Retreat
From 28th of December to the 31st of December 2010, GGC Youth Group and EM went on an annual winter retreat. The retreat was held at Tahquitz Pines, Idyllwild Ca. Although not everyone from the Youth group and EM was able to attend, retreat mood was vibrant from the get-go with over 30 people in attendance.
On the day of the arrival, there seem to be some disappointments from the younger attendees because of absence of snow. Nonetheless, the first day began with unpacking, orientation, distribution of the rooms ensued by delicious dinner prepared by the staff. Once the worship began, there were some technical difficulties regarding the sound system, hence the worship was shortened. However, with engaging message and fervent prayer time, the attendees went to sleep with satisfaction.
The second day began with much snow; it snowed much during the first night that the ground was covered with whiteness of snow on the morning of second day. The attendees were happy and the breakfast was delicious. The morning of second day entailed workshop given by pastor Julian, who taught about purpose of Christian life, which was ensued by reflection time and a prayer time. During the workshop snow stopped and rain began to pour. This was bad because rain freezes the snow. By lunch time, the ground was frozen with ice, which was somewhat slippery. Afternoon entailed another workshop prepared by teacher Jay Kee, who taught about Christian priority. This was ensued by another reflection time and a prayer session. There was plenty of free time and a resting time after the workshop, which satisfied the young Jr. High students who wanted to play games. The second worship session, after the dinner, was awesome. Worship team was great (after adjusting & fixing the sound system) and the message was even better. Prayer time gave us an ample time to reflect on our faith as well as our day.
The third day began with amazing breakfast once again followed by Quite Time as usual. After the Quite Time, there was a group game time where the attendees learned silly dance moves from Jay Kee and they also engaged themselves in rock, paper and scissor game where people can get tagged by others who win the rock, paper, scissor game. The game was fun!!! The afternoon program ensued with Workshop given by teacher Chris Kim, who taught about biblical humility. The application of this workshop was very good because it gave the listeners time to engage in understanding the biblical characters' humility (different passages were given to different groups to understand humility demonstrated). In the afternoon, during the free time, some of the parents dropped by and brought snacks for us. The third worship was even better than the second night. The worship team was superb and the message was also very engaging. The ensuing Prayer time gave the attendees ample time to pray for themselves.
Overall, this winter retreat was very good for couple of reasons; first, it was good because the retreat entailed good mixture of young to old people of the whole of Galilee Grace Church, second, it was good because the worship team actually behaved and sounded like a true worship team, third, it was good because everyone seem to be engaged in the retreat without much difficulty. All in all, everything was just fantastic! We all hope to have this kind of retreat again! Signing off, Patrick!!!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
New GGCEM members
Hello, GGCEM, it’s been a while, but we have forgotten to recognize the new members to the GGCEM. Eric Jang, Hanna Ki and Isaac Kim have successfully completed the Membership Bible Study, and thus became a member of the GGCEM. Although this occurred a while back, it needs to be recognized. All three of them went through the six weeks of the study and passed the exam on the last week.
As we are on the issue of membership bible study, as of year 2011, there will be annual mandatory two-week members’ bible study in the month of January, which will resume the membership status of the each member. The reason for this new annual two-week’s bible study is due to the lack of participation of some of the already members. Unfortunately, some members have failed to live and act as responsible GGCEM members.
Hence, the necessary solution was to institute annual mandatory two-week bible study, which is already established in various 2nd generation churches around southern California. This two-week bible study will give the members continual status as members of GGCEM and also the opportunity to recommit themselves as servants of our Lord Jesus Christ and His body GGCEM annually. May we be found faithful upon His return!!!
GGCEM Potluck!!!
On the 18th of December, GGCEM held a potluck at Sunny Choi’s house. This was an annual potluck held by GGCEM since the establishment of the group. The Choi family was gracious enough to open up their house for the GGCEM potluck. The night began with the tasting of delicious food prepared by the Chois’. Although it was potluck and people brought food, most of the food was prepared by the Chois’ and they were delicious. After the meal, the members played the card game called Apples to Apples. It was the first time I’ve played that particular game, and it was pretty fun! I think everyone had fun too!!!
Then the White Elephant Gift Exchange ensued. Everyone brought pretty decent and appropriate gifts. I say this in comparison to some of the previous years’ gifts. I particularly remember one gift, a several years ago, which was a used Bugs Bunny Flash light with electrical chords strapped around it’s body (if I remember it correctly)??? I believe that was chosen as the worst gift of that year. However, the year 2010’s worst gift was a T-shirt that had a writing, which said, “I know Jay Kee.” I guess I don’t have to explain who brought this gift. The best gift was the Inception DVD (I think!).
Overall, the night went well, and I believe that the warm atmosphere of the Choi household had a lot to do with the quality of the gathering! Thanks to the Choi family and we’ll see all of you next year!!! Signing off, Patrick!
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