I love this time of the year, the cool crisp air, the leaves changing colors.  It encourages me to stop and contemplate God’s beauty reflected in nature, enjoy the transition as it happens while realizing that it is part of God’s plan and design.  As I do so, I can’t help but think as our church navigates through our own season of change, that this too is part of God’s greater plan and design.  I am most hopeful in our Lord and am grateful for how HE has and continues to fulfill his promises to us corporately and individually. 
One of those promises is the promise God gives in Jeremiah 3:15 “And I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding.”  Isn’t this so true?  I am so encouraged when I see our pastors passionately seeking after God’s heart and sacrificially serving us through the good times and tough times.  They are truly heroes and prove it to us each and every day!  
As October is Pastor’s Appreciation month, I encourage you to take time today and say thanks in your own way.  Exercise the power you have to bless…
- Elder Michael J. Park

Like every year, the EC Elders, Deacons and Oikos Leaders have prepared gift cards and flowers to demonstrate our appreciation toward our EC pastors.  As I was going through the same routine of “collecting resources” from our EC Elders, Deacons and Oikos Leaders to purchase gift cards and flowers, I could not help but wonder if we truly understand the meaning of the word “Appreciation.” So I looked it up via an online dictionary.  Appreciation means “an ability to understand the worth, quality, or importance of something”.
Although gift cards and flowers are nice, I believe our pastors feel the most appreciated when we take time to get to know them, to thank them, to pray with and pray for them…you get the picture. 
Please bless our pastors today and any other day by delivering your “thank you” personally.
To our pastors:  Thank you from our hearts!
- Elder Alex Guo

From the Hearts of our EC Elders
October 20, 2013

We would not have been able to remain at NCFC today without God's promise that He will always be with us to the ends of the earth. Therefore, who would not fear God, and who would not praise God's name?  All praise and glory be to God, who with infinite grace and mercy is guiding our church.
We see many of our church members striving towards unity by encouraging one another even with differing opinions and feelings. In this, we have assurance that NCFC can remain as a church that 'makes disciples of all nations to give glory to God.’ Our church, focused on the gospel, desires to continue in advancing God’s kingdom through evangelism and missions with the dream of seeing His kingdom fully come here on earth as we await the return of our Savior, Jesus.  Nevertheless, we apologize for not having been able to tend to the needs of our struggling church members due to many issues needing our immediate attention. In the future, we will serve our church members with more humility, care and prayer.      
The resignation of Pastor Jamie, who steadfastly served with us for the past 23 years, brings NCFC much sorrow and sadness. However, we pray with earnest hearts that God will be with Pastor Jamie and continue to use him for His glory.
The Board of Elders would like to share our official position and clarification on several issues related to Pastor Jamie's resignation.
Firstly, no official documents prepared by or speeches made publicly by the Board of Elders in the past have contained the term 'embezzlement' in reference to Pastor Jamie.  Nevertheless, it is our sincere regret if these baseless rumors and assumptions by people both in and outside of NCFC have caused any damage to Pastor Jamie's reputation.
Secondly, should any information in official documents prepared by the Board of Elders be revealed as inaccurate, we will share the corrected information publicly.
Thirdly, we will offer Pastor Jamie payment toward his retirement that includes the retirement pension funds already paid to date and the amount equivalent to his salary for the remaining months of his sabbatical. We regret not being able to provide more generously due to the current difficult financial situation of our church. We pray for God's abundant blessings upon Pastor Jamie.    
Fourthly, we will repay the loan given to us from Covenant Christian School (CCS) after appropriate adjustments.
Other remaining issues not referenced above will be settled as soon as possible through discussions with Pastor Jamie.  Please pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the process so the outcome will be honoring to God and the church. 
Again, we would like to thank Pastor Jamie and Dr. Kim for serving our church for the past 23 years.  We pray expectantly for God's guidance to be upon Pastor Jamie, Dr. Kim, Jeremy, Stephanie and Elliott and for God to receive even greater glory through them in the future.
A farewell reception for Pastor Jamie will take place at VA campus at 5pm next Sunday, June 23rd.  Please join us to honor and remember Pastor Jamie and his years at NCFC. 
Lastly, we know that God, and only God, will receive glory through everything. Considering how all things in this world are under God's providence and plan, we eagerly pray for 'all things to work together for good' so He alone will receive all the glory through New Covenant Fellowship Church and Pastor Jamie.

June 16, 2013

NCFC Board of Elders