Dear Beloved Open Door UMC Community, Reconciling Congregation
Hello and Hola!
Last Sunday, guest speaker Barbara Glendenning shared a powerful message titled “Ginkgo Biloba — Bearer of Hope,” exploring themes of resilience and growth. She recounted the remarkable story of several ginkgo trees that stood near the detonation site of the nuclear bomb dropped on Hiroshima. Despite the devastating blast, these trees not only survived but fully recovered, standing tall to this day. They have become a symbol of endurance and vitality, reminding us of the resilience that lies within us. Thank you for Barbara’s inspiring message for all of us!
Desiree and Sabina beautifully decorated the table for Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, adorning it with a banner and showcasing the art of origami. Their thoughtful display added a special touch to our celebration of cultural diversity.
This Sunday, we will honor the legacy of Dorothy C. Sapp with the presentation of the Scholarship Award. Dorothy’s passion for education and social change will be remembered as we recognize the recipient of this prestigious award.
Drawing inspiration from Ezekiel 37:1-9, Hera Minju Oh will share a message as an activist, reflecting on her diverse works for social change and their relevance to Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Her special music performance on the cello will add a soulful dimension to our worship experience.
We are excited about the inspiring worship graphics that Tanya has prepared and the enriching music from our Music Director, Terry, and the Praise Band Team. Thanks to Oscar’s technical expertise, those joining us online via Facebook will have a seamless experience.
Adriana and Erika will lead engaging sessions for our young members, helping them understand God’s love in a fun and meaningful way.
Join us this Pentecost Sunday for a worship service filled with the breath of living spirits and lives. After the service, we will proceed with our church retreat, aligning our missional purposes with our passion-driven ministries. We look forward to having you there!
Rev. Dr. Deborah Jungmi Kang
Beautiful Pentecostal Art by Joanna Pace