Cornerstone Bible Study - 4/7: The message was proclaimed to the Gentiles

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study.

• Bible Study: Acts: 11:1, Albert and Alex will lead
• Date/Time: 4/7 (Friday) 8:00pm
• 8-8:30pm - Children sing along praise and worship session. Please arrive promptly
• Snacks: The Holy Spirit will bring the Word of God for us to feast on

(no snacks as our Lenten sacrifice)

Starting with Peter's vision and the Holy Spirit's baptism of Cornelius and the gentiles in Caesarea, the Church in Jerusalem accepted and praised God for giving the Gentiles the same opportunity to repent and live! Thus the Good News was spread afar to Jews and Gentiles alike.

Attached is the schedule for the quarter, please invite a friend!
<<06-q2-cornerstone-bible-study-schedule.xls>>
God Bless,
Maria

Cornerstone Bible Study: March 06 Pictures

Here are some pictures from the March gatherings: (click to see more)

Cornerstone Bible Study - 3/31: "Whoever fears God and does what is right is acceptable to Him"

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study.

• Bible Study: Acts: 9:31, Angela will lead
• Date/Time: 3/31 (Friday) 8:00pm
• 8-8:30pm - Children sing along praise and worship session. Please arrive promptly
• Snacks: The Holy Spirit will bring the Word of God for us to feast on

(no snacks as our Lenten sacrifice)

In the attached email from Tony, please find Fr. Chu's latest health condition. Please keep father in your prayers. There is also a special request to pray at 10:00pm daily this week for the special intention of Fr. Chu's peace, health and mission.

<> <<06-q1-cornerstone-bible-study-schedule.xls>> <>
Attached is the schedule for the quarter, please invite a friend!

God Bless,
Maria

Legion of Mary log for children

Dear Ming Shu and Cornerstone parents,

I've been thinking about this and discussed with Ming Shu once, but have
not gotten around to do it yet till now...

Since the Children are really into their Legion of Mary prayer and
"weekly report" each week, I thought it would encourage them if there is
a way to log what they did in the week. Please take a look at the
attached and give me comments on whether you think it's a good idea for
each child to have a booklet made out. The first 2 slides are cover
pages (one for boy and the other for girl). The third slide is the
weekly pages that go in between, The idea is that :

1. you will use one page per week.
2. Write the dates in the "Week of" cell. E.g. 4/1/06 - 4/7/06
3. You child (or with your assistance) will put a tick mark for each of
the chores or virtue they displayed for that day.
4. On Friday's LM meeting, they can report on what they did from the log
book.
5. We will provide stickers so that they can choose their favorite
stickers to paste on each tick mark on the week's page either during the
LM meeting or after.

I think we should have one book for each child or not have it at all.
So, if anyone really feels strongly about not having this, please voice.
It's ok to have differences in opinion . I'm not married to this
idea. If you don't like the graphics, I won't be offended... I'm not
very artistic and basically just slammed this together using standard
animation objects I can find in powerpoint. Any volunteer can change
that and make it more sophisticated...

The rows are completely customizable. What I've shown here are Justina's
"hot buttons" and things I think would either be good for her to focus
on now or she can learn to manage. In fact, these should change when
they are ready for newer challenges. So I wouldn't start with too many
pages and the booklet should allow taking out and inserting new pages.
Each child is different, so I would encourage you to think about the
things applicable to your child and customize the rows
(add/delete/change etc)

Lastly, if we do decide to do this, I would be happy to:
- customize the page for your child (if you provide the content). You
can either edit and send the powerpoint file back to me, or give me
hardcopy hand written edits with your child's name on it.
- Make up the booklets for each child
- Get the stickers they would need for each week's meeting

Ming Shu, please provide your input as well. Tony and Wendar, wanted to
copy you too for any comments/suggestions you have... Hope Wendar is
feeling better. We can perhaps talk more about this on Friday.

In Christ,
Maria

Cornerstone Bible Study - 3/24: The Conversion of Saul

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study.

• Bible Study: Acts: 9:1, Lucia will lead
• Date/Time: 3/24 (Friday) 8:00pm
• 8-8:30pm - Children sing along praise and worship session. Please arrive promptly
• Snacks: The Holy Spirit will bring the Word of God for us to feast on

(no snacks as our Lenten sacrifice)

With God, nothing is impossible! This week we will see how God miraculously transformed his selected servant, Saul - the murderer and persecutor of the early Church to, Paul - a Holy Spirit filled disciple and preacher of the Good News.

In Christ,
Maria

Cornerstone Bible Study - 3/17: Saul Persecutes the Church

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study.

• Bible Study: Acts: 8:1, Arthur will lead
• Date/Time: 3/17 (Friday) 8:00pm

Please plan to arrive promptly starting this week as we will pilot a children sing along praise and worship session from 8-8:30pm. Thanks to Rae and Tony, they have selected 5-6 simple english children's Bible songs for the kids. Please prep your kid(s) ahead of time for this exciting new activity!

In Christ,
Maria

Cornerstone Bible Study - 3/10: The arrest and stoning of Stephen

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study.

• Bible Study: Acts: 7:1, Maria will lead
• Date/Time: 3/10 (Friday) 8:00pm

Since we did not cover the story of Stephen's arrest and stoning last week, I will be lazy and reuse last week's intro :-). In this week's Bible study, we will see the account of the first documented Martyrdom in the Church's history. This is a really rich chapter. I would encourage everyone to read the whole chapter at least once and reflect upon what it means to you during this season of Lent.

Let Saint Stephen's eloquent recount of how God's chosen people have rejected God throughout the history of God's salvation, ending with the strong statement to the Jewish high priests and council: "How stubborn you are!, How heathen your hearts, how deaf you are to God's message!", be an invitation to us, as we begin the Lenten season - to not harden our hearts if we hear God's call today. But respond with a completely renewed heart from within. A new wineskin - the only leak proof way of accepting the new wine promised to us from the beginning of time.

God Bless,
Maria

3/3/06 The selection of Stephen

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study: Acts: 6:1, William will lead

In this week's Bible study, we will see the account of the first documented Myrterdom in the Church's history.

Let Saint Stephen's eloquent recount of how God's chosen people have rejected God throughout the history of God's salvation, ending with the strong statement to the Jewish high priests and council: "How stubborn you are!, How heathen your hearts, how deaf you are to God's message!", be an invitation to us, as we begin the Lenten season - to not harden our hearts if we hear God's call today. But respond with a completely renewed heart from within. A new wineskin - the only leak proof way of accepting the new wine promised to us from the beginning of time.

God Bless,
Maria

Cornerstone Bible Study: Feb 06 News & Pictures

News from February:

• Jennifer started joining us. Agnes and John are regular members.
• Alex came back from Taiwan.
• Jessica (Director of the CCD program) and Kenneth Wang visited.
  
• Presented Cornerstone to the Bishop as part of the SJCCC Chinese Young Adult programs.
  

Here are some pictures from the gatherings: (click to see more)

2/24/06 Miracles and Wonders

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study: Acts: 5:1, Arthur will lead

This week, we will study a rather controversial topic of Ananias and Sapphira's death because they lied to the Holy Spirit and kept money to themselves. I don't quite understand the rather extreme manifestation myself. Perhaps this could spark some interesting discussions...

God Bless,
Maria

2/17/06 The Believers Pray for Boldness

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study: Acts: 4:23, Angela will lead

Once Peter and John were freed, they wasted no time, but continued to pray and invoke the Holy Spirit. We will find out how the works of the Holy Spirit has turned from giving boldness and wisdom to the believers in proclaiming the Good News, to that of creating selfless charity amongst the believers…

See you all on Friday.

God Bless,
Maria

2/10/06 Salvation is to be found through Him alone

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study:Acts: 4:1, Corinna will lead

The Holy Spirit continues its works through Peter and John and other believers. Giving them extraordinary boldness, wisdom to witness about the risen Christ, speak against the Jewish leaders and converting thousands to believe in the resurrection of our Lord.

God Bless,
Maria

2/3/06 Peter's Message in the Temple

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study: Acts: 3:11, Lucia will lead

We will continue to read about Peter's witness to the Israelites about how the lame man was cured through the power of the name of Jesus. His preaching and recount of Jesus' crucifixion by the ignorant crowd, centers around the theme of: "Ignorance leads to sins and repentence leads to forgiveness and Spiritual strength."

See you all on Friday.

God Bless,
Maria

1/31/06 New Beginnings

Lots of news as we begin the new year:

• Mike and Corinna have opened their new home for our Bible study!
• Agnes and John have joined us!
• William got engaged!
  
• Maria and Justina are back from their trip!

Here are some pictures from the gatherings (click on the pictures to see more)

1/27/06 The Apostles perform miracles

• Welcome and thank you Ana for being the guest Bible study leader!!
• Welcome Alex and Albert to the Bible study!
  

Here is the invitation/summary from Maria:

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study. We have a new location this week. After much hard work and blessings, Mike and Corrina are ready to open up their new home for our gathering. Thanks and congratulations! We also have a guest speaker this week. Welcome Ana!

• Bible Study: Acts: 3:1, Guest speaker: Ana Tsai

Another announcement and reminder is about SJCCC's Chinese New Year celebration this coming Sunday (1/29/06). Attached email has the detailed information. It is a wonderful way to start the new year and have everyone in our group share the joy of the spring festivities and receive abundance grace. Please rsvp to Kai Min with headcount if you would like to join the dinner right after the celebration.

God Bless,
Maria

---

-----
Dear Maria,
Hope all is well with you and Justina!

Attached is an invitation from SJCCC to invite everyone to the Chinese New Year celebration. The dinner is $10 per person.

Would you please include it in the cornerstone invitation email since I think quite a few people are not in the SJCCC alias.

God bless,
+Tony

-----

Dear brothers and sisters in Chirst,

Our community has a big celebration for our Chinese New Year this coming
Sunday (1/29/06).

Bishop Mc Grath and our friends from the Diocese of San Jose will join in
with us.

I am so happy to invite all of you to come celebrate our New Year and to have
fun.  Please try your best to dress to reflect "Chinese Culture".

Schedule as follows:

3:00pm ~ 4:15pm  Mass ( includes parish Jubliee Cross and the rite of
Honoring Ancestors)
4:15pm ~ 5:15pm  Reception (inculdes traditional show and red envelopes to
kids)
5:30pm ~ 6:30pm  Presentation (at resturanent)
6:30pm ~ ???     Dinner (at China Stix Resturanent)

All are welcome.  Please don't miss this wonderful celebration of Chinese New
Year.

ps.  If you want to join the dinner party, please let me know ahead of time
because we need a head count for the resturanent. Thanks.

May God be with us always and bless us.
Happy Chinese New Year

kai min

1/20/06 The coming of the Holy Spirit

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study: Acts: 2:1, Arthur will lead

We will learn about how God has sent his holy spirit to guide his early Church. How does this apply to us? Perhaps an out pouring of the Holy Spirit can help us overcome our own limitations in our quest to be closer to God. Come find out…

God Bless,
Maria

1/13/06 Jesus is taken up to heaven

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Here is the information for this week's Bible study. We will begin studying a new book - The Act s of the Apostles: Chapter 1, Mike will lead

Hope your week was filled with much joy, peace and blessings!

God Bless,
Maria

1/8/06 New Year's resolution

Dear brothers and sisters,
It was great to see many of you at the Friday night meeting. For those missing the meeting, we look forward to seeing you next week. Maria will send out an invitation/reminder during the week.

At the following URL, you will find the "Bible reading" sharing I talked about during the meeting. I am sending this to everyone since this is somewhat related to New Year and may help in everyone's New Year's resolution. :)

http://www.blessed-family.org/

It was one of my first testimonies from 6 or 7 years ago, please forgive my extremely poor Chinese. My language skills are pretty poor, but God decorate the weak parts with His glorious deeds, so hopefully it is still worth reading. On the site, you can also see a few other bilingual Lent related articles on the site. Over time, I will try to put up our other testimonies that we have published over the years.

If you are interested in the books or tapes referred to in the article, please feel free to let me know.

May God bless us to be touched by Him,
+Tony

PS, Eugene and Jenny, please forward this to Lighthouse brothers and sisters as well. Thanks.

1/6/06 The Resurrection

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Happy New Year to everyone! Here is the information for the first Bible study gathering of the new year. Bible Study: Matthew 28:1-20, William will lead

I look forward to seeing everyone again after a long break. Thank you Tony for sending out the notices last month! Praise and thank God for keeping us and our families in his good hands till we meet again. As I'm catching up on the happenings, I learned that it has been an eventful few weeks. Let us all keep each other in our prayers that God's grace will strengthen us and his spirit will continue to move us in putting our complete trust in Him, that all things happen for a reason, eventhough we do not understand it now. I'd just like to share a beautiful verse from Isaiah that I have found solace in over the years:

"My thoughts, says the Lord, are not your thoughts, nor are my ways your ways. As high as the heavens are above the earth, so high are my ways above your ways, and my thoughts above your thoughts." (Isaiah 55: 8-9) Connecting the dots takes time. Sometimes, it takes more than a life time - Till that happens, lets keep our Faith, Hope and Love high and find encouragement and God's peace through each other's prayers, kind words and actions.

God Bless,
Maria

12/9/05 - Cornerstone Christmas Party

Praise and thank God we had a very joyful Christmas party to honor our Lord's birthday! Let us especially pray for those who are sick and have difficulties in their lives; and pray those who are traveling in this season, may God's blessing be with them to heal them and keep them in His peace and joy. May God use us as His instrument to pass on His love to those in need and those around us.


Thanks to everyone for the delicious food and your participation in the gift exchange and the games. Thanks to Ming Shu and the Jr. Legion of Mary team for their support, and thanks to Arthur for sharing pictures from the Isreal trip. Welcome Madeleine and her family, Vincent's wife Amy, and Angela's husband Cory to join us.


Now, can you figure out what Vincent and Cory doing in these pictures?