From the Desk of Pastor Peter

by Pastor Peter Kim

We had a great month at FPC this past November, especially because we welcomed 10 new members into our church. We are so thankful to the Lord for all that He is doing in our church and we look forward to growing together as a community to point each other to Christ and to point others outside of the church to Christ.

Our church in the past had a reputation of being a very friendly church (from what I have heard from long-time members), and we have tried through many years to live up to that name. However, as the church grows it becomes easier to lose that friendliness. It is not as easy to get to know so many people. Cliques can form. It is easier to get to know everyone when there are 20 people. But what if there are 200 people? That is why we are hoping to encourage more of a community feel within our church. We have started by including a time to share prayer requests with one another during the service, and, as always, we encourage people to join one of our community groups. In these ways, our church will become more and more friendly.

I believe one more step is needed, though. I believe that we can all contribute to becoming a friendlier church by seeking to love one another as Christ has loved us. We can do this by having a conversation with someone you do not really know, by asking for prayer requests, and even just by greeting people you have not met. I am reminded of a verse from 1st Peter:

 1st Peter 4:8-11  8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.  9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.  10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:  11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies--in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

I hope and pray that all of us together will love one another all for His glory and, in doing so, that we would really become a church that is friendly no matter how large we become. Not by our own strength, but according to what God has supplied.

5 Questions with...Flora Chee

1. How did you first get involved with Friendship Presbyterian? I was first brought to FPC by one of my senior classmates from University at the very beginning of my study here in Taiwan, 4 years ago. Back then, I had just finished my high schooling at an Independent Chinese High School (ICHS) in Malaysia. Together with my friends, we applied for further studies in Taiwan, a very common thing for ICHS graduates to do. Thankfully, I was accepted, and that is how I come to be in Taiwan.

2. What do you do Monday through Saturday? I am an undergrads student, so most of my time is usually spent studying, and preparing for the coming test.

3. What is something people might be surprised to know about you? I think people seem surprised that I study dentistry. Or maybe I should say people seem interested when they know I study dentistry!        

4. What do you find most challenging about being a Christian today? For me, one of the challenges of being a Christian today is trying to be salt and light among my fellow nonbelieving friends. Outside of church, most of my friends are nonbelievers, so there are a lot of times when we show different goals, interests, and values. As a human, we have our own will, that is contrary to God's, and are weak. So the challenge here is that I think it is easy to be influenced and swayed by my peers, especially when I want to find the path of least resistance among friends—which does not always mean following God’s will. 

5. What is one of your favorite books of the Bible? The Psalms are my favorite. I have been using this for my devotion and I still find it intriguing. I think I like how a psalm can be very comforting, that God understands human emotion, and that whatever thought that we have, no matter if it is a good thought or a bad thought, from how David curses his neighbor to praising God, God cares and listens. It feels like a very personal and comforting book.

New Members - November 2018

We always rejoice to welcome new members into the FPC family. Jesus said that his true family was made up not of those he shared blood with but rather those who do the will of God (Mark 3:31-35). Please seek out and greet your new brothers and sisters!