Welcome to Castro Valley UMC!
Highlights of Our Journey towards Easter
Just a month ago, it was hard for me to figure out ways to get “excited” about Easter. I know, excitement should arise just because Jesus has risen, but it wasn’t helpful to read every writer in my resource books and articles preparing for this Easter season commenting that we are in the third Easter of the pandemic.
Well, you have proved me wrong. Our presence in worship attendance, daily prayer devotion, and small group fellowship have been so uplifting—exciting enough for me to forget that we are still in the pandemic with its limited activities. And I believe that with the devotion of our church family that desires to worship the Lord, share prayers with one another, and engage in the word of the Lord, our 2022 Easter will truly shine to glorify our God.
Our Zoom attendance has been a gift of the pandemic. The Zoom worshippers consist of members who are either not comfortable leaving the house yet, are feeling under the weather, are living away from Castro Valley, or are on vacation and tune in for the time of worship. The beauty of this Zoom gathering is the sense of intimacy it offers, especially given that we get to see each other’s face and worship with one another.
The small group fellowship has also been a great blessing for our in-person worship. These small groups, where people have been sitting in the same group for the entire Lenten season, has created a growing, deeper relationship as its members care and pray for one another.
The daily prayer devotion, each guided by a member of our church family, is a true gift in this season of Lent. I’m thankful to start each day with beautiful prayers using expressions and phrases that are different than mine. The prayers have not only guided me to center myself in Christ but also to appreciate each member’s profound theology and love for God.
Rev. Dr. Shijung Shim
Virtual Worship Instructions
You can join online worship services three ways:
- From a regular land line, call (669) 900-6833 and then wait for the prompt to join a meeting. Enter 752 414 7720 followed by the # sign. At the next prompt enter the # again.
- Smartphone users must first download the Zoom application from the appropriate App Store. Tap on the icon after downloading and tap on the Join button. Enter 752 414 7720 and tap the Join bar.
- PC or tablet users should open a browser and then enter http://www.zoom.com in the address bar. When the Zoom screen appears, click “Join A Meeting”. Enter 752 414 7720 and click on the Join bar.
- A password is required. Please contact the church at (510) 581-3486.
Your Online Giving
Your generous, sharing hearts help us continue our local and global ministries. We give thanks to the Lord for your gifts. Let us pray: Dear God, may your goodness and mercy be affirmed in the gifts we give. And, may we grow in your love and grace. Amen.