I am Loved Interview with Melody Thio Devotional by Christian Dalimarta Valentine’s Day Restaurant Ideas LOVE: Married Couples Speak Up
IFGF Pinole Monthly Newsletter February 2015
The world worships love. It is one word that gives the poets, songwriters, moviemakers, and novelists of all ages unending inspiration that sparks amazing stories and songs. Considering how many trillion times this word has been uttered since the beginning of time could make one assume that we have truly understood the subject. Unfortunately, that is not the case. From Pastor’s Desk
More and more, the definition of true love has become unclear in this postmodern age. Mental pictures of sacrifices, commitments, and eternity should be used to describe the relational nature of love. Nowadays those words would be considered irrelevant, and replaced with words such as uncertainties, only-when-it-is-convenient, and physical intimacy.
We are in danger of losing the essential nature of being human if we lose our understanding of what true love is. True love is not just an imaginary romantic entity poets and songwriters write about. It truly exists – given by our loving creator. What is true love? How should we love? What do we do when we love someone? How can we love our enemy when we find it hard to love even our friends? These are all valid questions that we want to explore this month as we learn from God’s Word. After all, The Book of Love calls God ‘Love’, as in “God is Love” (1 John 4:8). Let’s learn to love, Ps. Sugi
Shown on Front Cover: Olivia Chandrawinata and Jef fri Halim
This Is Our Church
Melody Thio Ad Designer / Board Game Master / Care Group: Faith
Hi Melody, when are you going back for good and how are you feeling? February 11. So make sure you come to the airport to send me off. Haha. I have mixed feelings about it. I’m sad because I’ve been here for 6 years already, and Pinole is my family. My home away from home. And now that I’m going back to my other home, it feels like a foreign country, literally and metaphorically.
What compelled you to go home? James. But also last time when Pastor John Mendez came, the topic was about you can go now. Basically when he said you could go now, the message for me is you can go back to Indonesia now, like it is time for me to leave.
Good to know. I heard that you’ve been crying a lot. Yes, a lot. I have. And I cried everywhere and anywhere, even in the work office. In the office, the co-workers were super nice. They also gave me a farewell party. And also iPad mini. That was super unexpected, as a farewell gift, though they never gave it to anyone else. I was so touched and cried in front of them. The account people gathered
and everyone thanked me. It was so sad. Then when I went back home, I read the message they gave me, I cried. Then the next morning I read it again and cried again.
What will you miss the most about being here? The fellowship. The community. I hear a lot of stories if you go back to Indo it is really hard to find the community. It is hard to find a place that is like IFGF Pinole, basically.
You’ve done a lot for the church these last six years that you’re here. What are the most memorable things that you can think of? I think every single ministry and contribution mattered a lot (laughs) to myself and I hope to the church too. I can see that there is a huge difference in myself too. For example, when I first came to Pinole, I was a baby Christian. That time, I could not even pray. If people asked me to pray, they knew that I would make a thousand excuses not to do it. My friends were the witnesses. It’s amazing how God has taught me how to pray. And now, pastor has asked me to pray in front of the congregation. That is huge.
FEBRUARY 2015 • 03
You were also heavily involved in Easter production and Music Ministry... Right. First, I wanted to join music because I like singing,
could really learn how to depend on Him, because it wasn’t something I’m comfortable with. Definitely something that I could not have done on my own.
even though I couldn’t really sing. I don’t know if I am able
And then, Genesis! I also worked a lot under Karen’s
to sing now, but it’s better than six years ago. For example,
guidance. From simple layout to designing to make it
I remember Ci Olive asked me to start practicing so that
attractive for people to read. Genesis, that was fun and
I would be a worship leader some day. And then I just
Karen was an amazing art director for me. (laughs)
laughed it off, saying that: “It’s impossible. I won’t be a worship leader. It’s not my calling. My calling is... as a singer right...” But I guess I jinxed it on myself. A few years later, I found myself called to be a worship leader. But I actually thought it was because there’s a lack of people. I thought I was the only one left . That was also really outside of my comfort zone. At first I was really scared and I had no idea of what to do. But in the end, God really helped me. I
Melody’s school graduation with her boyfriend, James.
02 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
Easter productions! I’m going to miss Easter a lot. I’m so sad that I’m going back home before I can watch our next production. My last task in IFGF Pinole is doing script for the production, which is full of romance and comedy. So just come and join and watch if you wanna know what the story is about. Now I’m promoting it... Preparing for Easter is a lot of fun. It’s the time to spend with friends from
The quirky Melody on her dark horse.
different groups, people that you don’t necessarily hang out with on daily basis.. It’s good to get to know each other and feel a part of the family.
Pretend that this was your last night. What would be your last words to everyone here? Hmm. A lot of you guys are so young, I feel old. Haha. It
There is also Revelation video ministry. Revelation is
is not a coincidence that you guys are here in Pinole. You
more unique to me because I think pastor asked me to
are lucky to find this place because you won’t be able
start it. Basically, we just needed to shorten the time for
to find a place that is like home. Especially if you are an
announcement, because previously we used people to
international student, and you won’t stay in the US for
announce it and the problem was it was taking to long. So
good, say you’re only staying for 4-6 years. Really enjoy
we had an idea to have a video announcement instead.
your stay because every single moment will be precious
When I told pastor about it, he was just like, “Okay then.
and memorable to you. Every single second will create a
You go ahead and give it a start, Melody.” I was like, that
lasting impact in the depths of your soul. So enjoy it, and
was not something I expected. I thought I would give an
I love you!
idea and then he would tell someone else to do it. So we really did it from scratch, from not knowing what it do but in the end, I guess it all worked out. Thanks to God. And
Aww. We love you too. Promise us you’ll be back. Of course
•
it’s been going well with someone else in charge. Now that everything is under the same Publication Ministry.
Are you coming back then? I will come back in summer for Melanie’s graduation but it will be past Easter. So I will wait for the performance to show up online.
So, you’re a creative mastermind. Any ideas on what you’d be doing in Indonesia? I’m still going to keep working in advertising. I like it. Once I go back to Indonesia, I will look for ad agency and start working.
Melody Thio is an alumni of the Academy of Art University, Advertising major. She leads Care Group Faith in San Francisco. Melody juggles multiple ministries in IFGF Pinole and is known for her brilliant creative mind and exceptional dance skills.
FEBRUARY 2015 • 05
LET’S PRAY FOR DECEMBER with Joan Wirolinggo
New workers and leaders in the house of God (1 Thes . 5: 1 2-1 3) The new church building
Devotional
The Gift of Righteousness
for God ’s glor y (Haggai 1 :8)
by Christian Natalus Dalimarta
Ps . Sugi and Ps . Jef fri and
Care Group: Heroes
their family as well as all the ch urch leaders (1 Tim 5: 1 7 ) The conviction by Holy Spirit tha t God loves us (Psalm 8: 1-5)
The way I see this life has changed
For the authority that I am
drastically after I meet this person
under is way greater than this
named Jesus. Repentance is prob-
earthly power.
Valentine event tha t it will
ably the best word that explains how
go well and fruit f ul
my eyes are made open. Repentance
The passion and drive to
is not talking about changing of
pursue God ’s holiness
behavior but changing of mind. It
(Hebrew 1 2 :29)
completely opens my eyes about
Healthy grow th in Care group’s members and more qualit y workers (Acts 2 :46-
who I am and my identity. I will boldly say that I am His most beloved son, for He is mine and I am His!
This world may say that I fail and am unworthy, but now I can speak back to the world “you have no dominion over me anymore!” I am covered in his grace; I am worthy, loved, and righteous! “A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your
Through Jesus Christ at the cross,
right hand; but it shall not come
I receive the gift, something that I
near you” (Psalms 91:7). “The law of
don’t deserve of righteousness and
the world has no power against the
(Proverbs 28:2) , United
will reign like a king in this world
ways of God,” is where I find my rest.
S ta tes where we live
(Romans 5:17). I know very well also
(Jeremiah 29 :7 ), Nepal
that my God is always with me
This is indeed what I call faith:
(Ma t thew 24: 14), and Israel
and this world no longer has any
how Jesus and the cross makes
(Psalm 1 22 :6)
dominion over me.
a difference in my life! It creates
47 ) The nation of Indonesia
In Jesus name, Amen .
Yes, this world may have its own way in expressing how things happen (how your GPA affects your job opportunity, how your background affects your future, or how environment affects your health) but it has no dominion over me.
06 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
hope. Religion doesn’t necessarily bring hope but Jesus is hope! And this hope won’t ever disappoint us, for his love has been poured out in our hearts (Romans 5:1-5). I am really thankful about how encountering Jesus changes my perspective about this world: to live this life by faith not by works!
Restaurant Ideas for Valentine’s Hidden Gems of SF– Perfect for a Valentine’s Dinner Date.
La Folie 2316 Polk St, San Francisco, CA Looking for a fancy Michelin-star restaurant for Valentine’s Day? La Folie has delicious French food where each dish is crafted with a taste of love to perfection. From its amuse bouche, foie gras, to its seared boat scallops gives a wonderful blend of different flavors and textures that calls for an unforgettable experience. Of course, its dessert is a must-try from its Warm Edam Cheese Souffle to Chocolate Fondant. Each dish is also crafted with a unique display that makes the experience even more worthwhile.
Zushi Puzzle 1910 Lombard St, San Francisco, CA For those who are a big fan of Japanese food, Zushi Puzzle is a great place with authentic taste. It is special for its fresh salmon roe with sake and, of course, the handroll – best I’ve ever tasted. When you eat at Zushi Puzzle, you got to save the best for last – beef kobe nigiri. Its beef kobe nigiri is worth five stars and melts in your mouth. It is perfect for a dinner date if you are looking for a more fun and casual setting. The dim lighting and cozy atmosphere creates a romantic ambiance perfect for a Valentine’s Dinner Date.
Michael Mina 252 California St, San Francisco, CA This Michelin-star American restaurant is perfect for a Valentine’s Dinner Date. The chef’s tasting menu gives a unique experience of gastronomy from its Ahi Tuna Tartare, Lobster Risotto, Black Truffle Scallops to Caramel Fois Gras Ice Cream. The food will make your taste buds come alive. This Valentine’s they have a $75 package deal with $25 option wine pairing.
Fang 660 Howard St, San Francisco, CA For those spouses who have been celebrating Valentine’s Day for ten years or more and looking for something more simple and relaxed, Fang is a great place. This fusion Chinese restaurant has really good steamed Peking buns, which are delicious as the buns are warm, fluffy on the outside and the meat is juicy on the inside. Its fish soup with noodle is also delicious with a light milky flavorful broth and its sesame chicken is flavorful.
FEBRUARY 2015 • 07
LOVE: Married Couples Speak Up! Love, love, love. It’s easy to talk about love when it’s associated with butterflies in your stomach, or when she holds your hand for the very first time. But what happens after you have spent years together with the same person? Does love change? Does it have the same meaning still? How do you know if he still loves you? Married couples in IFGF Pinole weigh in. Read what they have to say!
Jeffri says... LOVE IS: Serving one another and giving words of affirmation through no matter what situation. DOES SHE KNOW YOU LOVE HER? Her love language is word of affirmation so i have to affirm her tell her I love her, but my love language is serving so the way I show my love is by doing various chores around the house.
Olive says... WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT THE LOVE IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP? The most prominent meaning of love in our relationship is patience and serve one another as husband and wife. Jeffri is one of the most patient and understanding person I have ever met, and I can’t thank God enough for this combo. It saves me a lot of headache and emotional roller coaster. HOW IS JEFFRI SPECIAL? I can even say that just by saying he is patient is an understatement. Perhaps because maybe we both are phlegmatic people, so we tend to be patient, but a servant husband is a rare to find.. So ladies, if you got a boyfriend with a servanthood attitude (who loves God), he is a keeper.
08 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
Nita says... LOVE IS: Love is coming home to a bouquet of fresh flowers and a sweetly written message even after you have broken your promise and disappointed him. Love is a decision you make every morning to trust and protect each other’s back even when the situation looks unfavorable. HOW DO YOU KNOW HE LOVES YOU? He patiently listens to what I have to say, affirms me when I’m in doubt and encourages me to become better. He works hard and learns new things to better serve and lead the family.
“Love is coming home to a bouquet of fresh flowers
Renaldi says... WHAT IS LOVE? Love is still smiling at your partner even
and a sweetly written
after she drinks your precious boba and accidentally drops
message even after you
forgiveness.
have broken your promise
HOW DO YOU KNOW SHE LOVES YOU? She does things
and disappointed him.”
it on the floor. Love is about understanding, sacrifice, and
that she is not particularly skilled at or enjoys doing them just to make me happy. She motivates me and supports me during difficult times.
FEBRUARY 2015 • 09
Adi says... LOVE IS: Love is unconditional. It is accepting one another in good or bad, anytime and anywhere. HOW DO YOU KNOW SHE LOVES YOU? When I make mistakes, she will not condemn me, but instead she will try to help me correct the mistake with a sincere heart.
Angel says... WHAT IS LOVE? For me, love is being able to understand each other and forgiving each other when we make mistakes. HOW DO YOU KNOW HE LOVES YOU? When he helps me with doing chores and errands around the house. He really cares for me. I felt really loved when he prays for me, because it actually strengthens me when I feel weak.
Martin says... LOVE IS: Love is what is told in 1 Cor 13; love is kind, love is not selfish, love is patient. For my children, I try to prioritize their needs before ours. In our relationship, love is putting the needs of my wife before mine. HOW DO YOU KNOW SHE LOVES YOU? Wenny always waking up early in the morning to cook for the family. She always support me at all times. If I ever made a mistake, she corrects me with love.
Wenny says... WHAT IS LOVE? Love is not selfish, like you think about other people more than yourself. Sometimes if you have your own needs, it is to have the ability to prioritize others than yourself even though it had gone out of your comfort zone. As a wife, love is not a fancy thing - going out everyday, having dinner in a nice place. Instead, it is accepting your husband’s weaknesses, focusing more on his strengths. HOW DO YOU KNOW HE LOVES YOU? For me, it’s the small little things like caring about the kids, spending time with the family even though he just went back home after a tiring day at work. He always spends time with family like it’s a more important job than his own work. 08 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER
Julietha says... LOVE IS: Love is accepting, understanding, and solving. Understanding differences and able to move on without finding fault. Imagine problems we try to move on without anger but with understanding acceptance sacrifice with no heavy heart. HOW DO YOU KNOW HE LOVES YOU? He understands regardless I feel happy, sad, angry– no matter what situation. He can detect whenever something is wrong without saying anything and can react depending on the situation; mutual understanding within one another.
Enrico says... WHAT IS LOVE? Love between a man and woman in marriage becomes deeper. You share their happiness and sadness. Being on the same boat as one another. HOW DO YOU KNOW SHE LOVES YOU? Actions. Whenever in any difficulty, my wife will comfort me and vice versa. Support one another to carry the burdens together not by themselves.
“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” – 1 COR 13:4-7 (NK J V) FEBRUARY 2015 • 11
IFGF Pinole
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IFGFGISIEASTBAY@GMAIL.COM
PINOLE, CA 94564
IFGFPINOLE.ORG
(925) 609 4343
SUNDAY SERVICE EVERY 2:15 PM
CG FAITH
CG FAVOR
CG LEGENDS
SAN FRANCISCO
PLEASANT HILL
BERKELEY (GIRLS ONLY)
Melanie (925) 586 7770
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Shirley (415) 990 8178 (Freshmen)
Jason (925) 305 1278
Jessica (925) 334 2011
Evelin (925) 289 6785 (Transfers)
CG KING
CG HOPER
CG HEROES
SAN FRANCISCO
PLEASANT HILL
BERKELEY (GUYS ONLY)
Jay (415) 758 8645
Karen (925) 577 6634
Alus (408) 904 8001 (Freshmen)
Benny (510) 367 0664
Melvin (510) 708 0540
Nicholas (650) 417 8228 (Transfers)
CG WARRIORS
CG FRONTIER
CG FAMILY
PINOLE
SOUTH BAY
PINOLE
Maxwell (510) 374 2686
Antony (408) 685 1540
Ps. Sugi (510) 724 5400
Chris (510) 837 7867
Adi (415) 463 9010
PRAYER GROUPS
MINISTRIES
UPCOMING EVENTS
FAITH (Every Thursday & Friday)
Documentation - Eric Timotius
06: Care Group Gathering
Melody (925) 788 5078
Genesis Newsletter - Irene Chandra
14: Valentine’s Welcoming Party
CARE GROUPS
KING (Every Monday) Jay (415) 758 8645
Men’s Ministry - Christian Liong Multimedia - Melanie Thio Praise & Worship - Adi Julianloo
HEROES (Every Thursday)
Prayer & Intercession - Joan Wirolinggo
Alus (408) 904 8001
Refreshments - Nathalia Prasetyo Jo
James (206) 331 8409
Revelation Videos - Jessica Tjahjady
LEGENDS (Every Thursday) Shirley (415) 990 8178 Evelin (925) 289 6785
20: Care Group Gathering 21: Corporate Prayer Meeting
Sound System - Fendy Soegiono Sunday School - Jen Hendric Transpor tation - Leonardo Saerang Ushers - Renaldi
WARRIORS (Every Tuesday) Maxwell (510) 374 2686
Website - Yosia Urip Women’s Ministry Karen Liong & Elissa Irma
FAVOR - HOPER (Every Thursday) Melvin (510) 708 0540
PASTORAL TEAM
FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS
SUGI HENDRIC Senior Pastor
02 Dorothy Pramono
09 Nathalie
03 Clarissa Ardawinata
13 Virginie Poetry & Evelin Ang
JEFFRI HALIM Associate Pastor,
06 Samuel Hendric
14 Yosia Urip
Biblical Teaching
07 Mariska Natalie Tjoeng
19 Deverell Alim
08 Kevin Christopher
24 Kevin Soenarto
Stephanie Hartono
28 Ariani Untoro & Kevin Johannes