The Newsletter of the Bay Area Chinese Bible Church

The seminar also made the World Mission Leadership Team (WMLT) think of some needed changes on how missions work is done. Currently the WMLT coordinates both local and global missions. However, after the conference it was apparent to the team that it could adequately handle only one. Because of the heavy emphasis on global missions, the team has not been able to develop an effective strategy for evangelizing our neighbors.

As a result, the WMLT identified the need to form and empower a second group to coordinate efforts to reach the local area. A meeting was held October 27th for those who attended the Global Focus Seminar to come and decide if they would like to help form this second team. Hopefully the enthusiasm and energy seen during the seminar will be seen again in this second team. This is a great opportunity for those interested in missions to get involved.    -Darryl Kong

October 6th—BACBC members passed two proposals. The first one was to contract with DPR Construction, Inc. to build Educational Wing I as designed by BCA, with estimated cost to be $6.86 million. Project funding is to come from the Stewardship Fund and the church and school’s retained earnings. The church will finance the project balance with a construction loan up to $5 million to be converted to a conventional loan at the end of construction. The second proposal authorizes the Church Council to use any of the following steps in the event of a funding shortfall—Reduce the project cost, utilize the unused balance of designated funds or utilize a line of credit.

October 4th—CCS held a fundraising dinner/auction at Hayward’s Centennial Hall. Over 400 people attended this gala, which raised money for Educational Wing I in Alameda. Theodore Hsiao bought “Principal for a Day,” the most hotly-contended item. Emily Jue donated a 1984 Rabbit convertible, which went for $810.00.

After a delicious buffet dinner, event organizer, Debbie Leong, hosted the program. Speakers and a video presentation gave the attenders a taste of what CCS is like. -Carol Hall

Entitled “An Evening in December,” this year’s program promises to be one of the best ever. Mark your calendars for December 15th, 21st, and 22nd. The first two dates will be dinner theatre events.

Enthusiastic waiters and waitresses will serve those attending the dinners. Adults will eat a home cooked meal while their little ones will have their own separate dining area and menu along with an age-appropriate program. This will truly be a good bonding time for the adults, especially with their family and friends.

After dinner, comedy and music will illustrate some distractions and attractions of the season. Pastor Steve will give a brief Gospel message. If you want to invite your unchurched friends to a seeker-oriented and culturally relevant event, then this year’s program certainly fits the bill. Remember that Christmas is widely accepted as a universal Christian holiday and that people are more willing to attend a Christian event during this season more than any other.

So buy your tickets early. Why? Because last year’s shows sold out. Do not be disappointed this year. Plus, if you purchase a table of ten you can pick where your table is situated in the auditorium. With prices of $8 for auditorium seating and $5 for Children’s Program, it is such a great deal. See you there!  - Ken Yee

Take for instance Christmas 2001. We actually bought a whole table for our family and friends, since last year’s program was a “dinner theatre”. The folks at our table told us the food was really good and we heard from more than one person that the dinner environment allowed for the attendees to chat and get to know each other in a relaxed setting. Food—the universal icebreaker! What a great relationship-building event!

So try something new this year if you’ve been meaning to invite some folks who aren’t real hip on church. This is a chance to have them get to know some real church-type people (as opposed to the Hollywood “stereotypes”) in a very “unchurch” atmosphere.      -Karen & Jon Low