genesis: i am loved

I am LovedInterview 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.

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

From

Pastor’s

Desk

Shown on Front Cover: Olivia Chandrawinata and Jeffri Halim

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

This Is Our Church

Melody ThioAd Designer / Board Game Master / Care Group: Faith

You were also heavily involved in Easter production and Music Ministry...

Right. First, I wanted to join music because I like singing,

even though I couldn’t really sing. I don’t know if I am able

to sing now, but it’s better than six years ago. For example,

I remember Ci Olive asked me to start practicing so that

I would be a worship leader some day. And then I just

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

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.

And then, Genesis! I also worked a lot under Karen’s

guidance. From simple layout to designing to make it

attractive for people to read. Genesis, that was fun and

Karen was an amazing art director for me. (laughs)

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

02 • GENESIS NEWSLETTER

Melody’s school graduation with her boyfriend, James.

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

is not a coincidence that you guys are here in Pinole. You

are lucky to find this place because you won’t be able

to find a place that is like home. Especially if you are an

international student, and you won’t stay in the US for

good, say you’re only staying for 4-6 years. Really enjoy

your stay because every single moment will be precious

and memorable to you. Every single second will create a

lasting impact in the depths of your soul. So enjoy it, and

I love you!

Aww. We love you too. Promise us you’ll be back. Of course •

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.

There is also Revelation video ministry. Revelation is

more unique to me because I think pastor asked me to

start it. Basically, we just needed to shorten the time for

announcement, because previously we used people to

announce it and the problem was it was taking to long. So

we had an idea to have a video announcement instead.

When I told pastor about it, he was just like, “Okay then.

You go ahead and give it a start, Melody.” I was like, that

was not something I expected. I thought I would give an

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

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.


The quirky Melody on her

dark horse.


LET’S PRAY FOR DECEMBER

with Joan Wirolinggo

New workers and leaders

in the house of God

(1 Thes. 5:12-13)

The new church building

for God’s glory (Haggai 1 :8)

Ps. Sugi and Ps. Jeffri and

their family as well as all the

church leaders (1 Tim 5:17)

The conviction by Holy

Spirit that God loves us

(Psalm 8:1-5)

Valentine event that it wil l

go well and fruitful

The passion and drive to

pursue God’s holiness

(Hebrew 12:29)

Healthy growth in Care

group’s members and more

quality workers (Acts 2 :46-

47)

The nation of Indonesia

(Proverbs 28:2) , United

States where we live

(Jeremiah 29:7 ), Nepal

(Matthew 24:14), and Israel

(Psalm 122:6)

In Jesus name,

Amen.

The way I see this life has changed

drastically after I meet this person

named Jesus. Repentance is prob-

ably the best word that explains how

my eyes are made open. Repentance

is not talking about changing of

behavior but changing of mind. It

completely opens my eyes about

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!

Through Jesus Christ at the cross,

I receive the gift, something that I

don’t deserve of righteousness and

will reign like a king in this world

(Romans 5:17). I know very well also

that my God is always with me

and this world no longer has any

dominion over me.

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.

For the authority that I am

under is way greater than this

earthly power.

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

right hand; but it shall not come

near you” (Psalms 91:7). “The law of

the world has no power against the

ways of God,” is where I find my rest.

This is indeed what I call faith:

how Jesus and the cross makes

a difference in my life! It creates

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 encounter-

ing Jesus changes my perspective

about this world: to live this life by

faith not by works!

Devotional

The Gift of Righteousnessby Christian Natalus DalimartaCare Group: Heroes


Restaurant Ideasfor Valentine’sHidden Gems of SF– Perfect for a Valentine’s Dinner Date.

La Folie2316 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 Puzzle1910 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 Mina252 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.

Fang660 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.


LOVE: Married CouplesSpeak 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.


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.

Renaldi says...WHAT IS LOVE? Love is still smiling at your partner even

after she drinks your precious boba and accidentally drops

it on the floor. Love is about understanding, sacrifice, and

forgiveness.

HOW DO YOU KNOW SHE LOVES YOU? She does things

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.

“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.”


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.


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.


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.

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.


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.


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 (NKJ V)

IFGF Pinole 2885 PINOLE VALLEY ROAD

PINOLE, CA 94564

(925) 609 4343

[email protected]

IFGFPINOLE.ORG

SUNDAY SERVICE EVERY 2:15 PM

CARE GROUPS

PRAYER GROUPS

PASTORAL TEAM FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS

MINISTRIES UPCOMING EVENTS

CG FAITH

SAN FRANCISCO

Melanie (925) 586 7770

Jason (925) 305 1278

CG KING

SAN FRANCISCO

Jay (415) 758 8645

Benny (510) 367 0664

CG WARRIORS

PINOLE

Maxwell (510) 374 2686

Chris (510) 837 7867

FAITH (Every Thursday & Friday)

Melody (925) 788 5078

KING (Every Monday)

Jay (415) 758 8645

HEROES (Every Thursday)

Alus (408) 904 8001

James (206) 331 8409

LEGENDS (Every Thursday)

Shirley (415) 990 8178

Evelin (925) 289 6785

WARRIORS (Every Tuesday)

Maxwell (510) 374 2686

FAVOR- HOPER (Every Thursday)

Melvin (510) 708 0540

Documentation - Eric Timotius

Genesis Newsletter - Irene Chandra

Men’s Ministry - Christian Liong

Multimedia - Melanie Thio

Praise & Worship - Adi Julianloo

Prayer & Intercession - Joan Wirolinggo

Refreshments - Nathalia Prasetyo Jo

Revelation Videos - Jessica Tjahjady

Sound System - Fendy Soegiono

Sunday School - Jen Hendric

Transportation - Leonardo Saerang

Ushers - Renaldi

Website - Yosia Urip

Women’s Ministry - Karen Liong & Elissa Irma

SUGI HENDRIC Senior Pastor

JEFFRI HALIM Associate Pastor,

Biblical Teaching

06: Care Group Gathering

14: Valentine’s Welcoming Party

20: Care Group Gathering

21: Corporate Prayer Meeting

CG LEGENDS

BERKELEY (GIRLS ONLY)

Shirley (415) 990 8178 (Freshmen)

Evelin (925) 289 6785 (Transfers)

CG HEROES

BERKELEY (GUYS ONLY)

Alus (408) 904 8001 (Freshmen)

Nicholas (650) 417 8228 (Transfers)

CG FAMILY

PINOLE

Ps. Sugi (510) 724 5400

CG FAVOR

PLEASANT HILL

Rebecca (925) 482 5562

Jessica (925) 334 2011

CG HOPER

PLEASANT HILL

Karen (925) 577 6634

Melvin (510) 708 0540

CG FRONTIER

SOUTH BAY

Antony (408) 685 1540

Adi (415) 463 9010

02 Dorothy Pramono

03 Clarissa Ardawinata

06 Samuel Hendric

07 Mariska Natalie Tjoeng

08 Kevin Christopher

Stephanie Hartono

09 Nathalie

13 Virginie Poetry & Evelin Ang

14 Yosia Urip

19 Deverell Alim

24 Kevin Soenarto

28 Ariani Untoro & Kevin Johannes

genesis: i am loved

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