Mothering Sunday

#2024-0310

Today is the fourth Sunday in Lent, also known as "Mothering Sunday," as our rector, Rev. Lily Chang, mentioned.

Rev. Lily explained that our church, St. James' Church (聖雅各堂), is considered the "mother church" of The Leading Star Church (景星堂) in Taiping, Taichung City. Thus, she extended an invitation to Rev. Richard Lee, who serves at The Leading Star Church, to join us in celebrating Holy Eucharist this morning.

The Leading Star Church is a small congregation. Following our English-speaking service, Rev. Richard also took part in the Mandarin service, accompanied by a few members from The Leading Star Church...

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Regarding "Mothering Sunday," here is some information I'd like to share:

Mothering Sunday is a special day celebrated in the UK, Ireland, and some other countries to commemorate one's baptism in the church. This tradition dates back to the Middle Ages and falls on the fourth Sunday during Lent, the period preceding Easter. On this day, Christians traditionally return to the church where they were baptized.

In 1913, Constance Adelaide Smith reintroduced the tradition of Mothering Sunday. Her intention was not only to honor the church but also to celebrate all mothers, including the Virgin Mary (the mother of Jesus), and Mother Nature. This revival gained popularity, particularly influenced by the American Mother's Day celebration. In the UK, it is often referred to as "Mother's Day" now, and it has become a day for expressing gratitude towards mothers and celebrating motherhood.

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相關文章 (See also)：

1)  A Spiritual Retreat (photos, part two)     (2019)

2)  St. James' Church 53rd Anniversary (堂慶~聯合禮拜)     (2023)

3)  聖雅各堂英文部 2023 年照片回顧     (2023)

Transitioning Responsibilities

#2024-0307

Here are two emails from me indicating that the responsibilities I've held for more than 12 years will be released. The first email was written on March 5th, and the second was sent out just a few minutes ago.

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Dear Laura,

Thank you very much for your email. I was pleased to learn that Matthew is willing to help with the weekly bulletin. Great news! I have been responsible for this task since May 20, 2012. It's been quite a while, hasn't it? Now, with Matthew taking over, I can finally have a break. However, I am more than willing to assist him whenever needed.

Perhaps Matthew can start preparing the worship leaflet for Sunday, March 17. I've already drafted a simplified bulletin for this upcoming Sunday's use!

If Matthew reviews the attached draft, he'll get an idea of what the worship leaflet looks like. By utilizing the ROTA information and the Lectionary Page website (https://www.lectionarypage.net/), he can create a new, usable leaflet by updating the front page and scriptural lessons. Regarding the hymn numbers, he can reach out to the musician scheduled for that Sunday. (For example, Phoebe Chen will play on March 17, while Shirley Ke will play on March 24 and 31.) I'll inform our musicians about the change in the bulletin maker once everything is settled.

I would like to include Matthew in this conversation, so he is aware of the details discussed in this email.

Blessings,

Jerry Liang

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Dear Matthew and Laura,

I hope this message finds you well. I recently had a discussion with Rev. Lily regarding our proposal to change the maker of the weekly leaflets, and I am pleased to share her feedback with you both.

Rev. Lily was delighted to learn that both of you, along with other English speakers such as Ben, Ryan, and Hans, are willing to contribute your assistance to the English congregation. To facilitate the transition, she has provided the following suggestions for Matthew:

1. Matthew will assume responsibility for creating the leaflets starting from Easter Day onwards. As such, I (Jerry) will continue drafting bulletins for the special worship on March 17 (featuring Taize songs) and Palm Sunday on March 24 (including "the liturgy of the palms"). Matthew will then produce the leaflet for Easter Day on March 31 and for all subsequent Sundays.
2. It is recommended that the initial draft of each Sunday's leaflet be submitted to Rev. Lily approximately 10 days before the respective Sunday. For instance, the leaflet for March 31 should be submitted no later than March 21. This timeline allows Rev. Lily to review the content, including announcements and special prayers, and ensure the selected hymns (typically chosen by the musician initially) are appropriate and usable.
3. Following Rev. Lily's review of the first draft, Matthew will distribute a revised version to the ministers scheduled to serve on the upcoming Sunday. This distribution should occur approximately 6 days in advance, either on Monday or Tuesday preceding the target Sunday. This timing enables the preacher, LEM, readers, musician, etc., to prepare adequately and allows for any necessary revisions to the leaflet.
4. The final version of the leaflet will be emailed to all members of the English congregation one or two days before the Sunday service. As I have compiled a comprehensive list of email recipients, including both current attendees and those who have previously worshipped with us, I believe it is beneficial to regularly share our bulletins or leaflets with them. (Note: To safeguard their personal data, particularly their email addresses, I typically use BCC, "blind carbon copy," when sending the final version.)

If Matthew wishes for me to continue sending the final version to all recipients, I am more than happy to do so.

Thank you once again, Matthew and Laura, for your willingness to assist. May the Lord continue to bless you abundantly.

Warm regards,

Jerry Liang

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相關文章：

1)  A Large OOPS     (2013)

2)  We Miss You, Darren Yang!     (2015)

家族聚餐 @ 西海岸餐廳

#2024-0302

Today, my mother-in-law organized a Family Reunion luncheon at Xi Hai An, also known as the West Coast Restaurant. In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, she had also invited her brothers, cousins, and their spouses to join the event.

Jean and I suggested sharing the costs of the banquet; however, my mother-in-law insisted on paying for it all herself. It's evident that she thoroughly enjoys having many of her offspring and relatives gathered around for such a wonderful meal. May the Lord bless her with health and happiness in all the days to come!

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相關文章：

1)  大安的海邊     (2010)

2)  The Postponed Celebration of the Mother's Day     (2020)

3)  "西海岸" 最美的時刻     (2022)

4)  尾牙照片及影音 (A Weiya Party)     (2024)