As you know, one of our ministries at Faith is to host the Filipino American Christian Fellowship.  Around 40-50 persons call this group their church home.  We have met them a few at a time at our Maundy Thursday service over the past few years.  

This year New Years Eve falls on a Sunday and through the miracle of earth rotation and time zones, we are able to worship at our usual time (10 a.m. Sunday) which is the same moment that 2018 begins in the Philippines.

We will have a very brief "watchnight" service which is a longstanding tradition in Methodist circle, especially among  African American congregations.  It is usually held before midnight local time but we will do so before midnight Filipino time.

Rev. Glenn Sampayan, the pastor of the Filipino Fellowship, and I would like us to enjoy this day the way they do in the Philippines.  This means a meal.  You are asked to bring a dish.   Glenn says avoid chicken for cultural reasons.  He will explain that.  

Also, bring 12 coins and a round fruit.  This will all make sense when you come!

I'm so excited to have the gift of the Filipino Fellowship at Faith and to have them generously share some of the gift of their culture with us.  If you have ever lived overseas, you know what a gift it is to be able to have a moment of "home" and share it with others.  Let's offer the gift of our presence and see ourselves as being guests to learning a new way to celebrate the new year in solidarity with our human family across the globe as well as our dear friends of the Fellowship.

Remember, come at the usual time, 10 a.m. Sunday, but meet us in the Wright Fellowship Hall (next to the bell tower).

Kyle