Chinese Community United Methodist Church . about us

CCUMC The First 100 Years	welcome to CCUMC Here you can learn more about our church, what we do in fellowship and in the community. Situated in the heart of Oakland's Chinatown, CCUMC is multi-generational in age and diverse in cultural heritage. We have many wise members who have lived long and enriching life to the little members who are just beginning to take their first steps. Our church family at CCUMC is also comprised of many who are new to this country but also those who are fourth (or more)-generation born in America and even the Bay Area. To meet the needs of this diversity, CCUMC is made up of two parallel language ministries: the Chinese-speaking Congregation, and the English-speaking Congregation. These two congregations have separate ministry councils which are led by dedicated members who focus on the needs specific to each congregation. As part of the United Methodist Church, CCUMC seeks to open hearts, open doors, and open minds through active engagement with our world. Following the tradition of John Wesley and the founders of United Methodism, we place primary emphasis on Christian living, on putting faith and love into action, and endeavor to make what John Wesley referred to as "practical divinity" as a hallmark of our church's life. We invite you to explore and learn more about our life together in Christ.
	our history Chinese Community United Methodist Church was founded in Oakland, California, in 1887. The church was established as part of a chain of Methodist Chinese Missions by the Rev. Dr. Otis Gibson. In the early days, the Chinese Methodist Church held worship service and Sunday School. To serve the community, an English school for immigrants, and a Chinese school for the American born Chinese also operated. The early days were sustained by courageous workers, both Chinese and American born as there were strong anti-Chinese sentiments. The church was located at several sites in Oakland Chinatown. By 1905, the church resided were it currently sits today. In 1913, a fire devestated the building and a new building was erected. But by the 1940s, the Church outgrew even this building. Under the leadership of Rev Edwar Lee, a new church and the current main sanctuary was built in 1952. With more growth, more space was needed, and a new social hall and classrooms annex was built in 1970. Today, the Chinese Community United Methodist Church conducts both a Chinese language worship service and English worship service on Sundays.
	CCUMC staff
		Emily Lin is the Lead Pastor of our church. Pastor Emily is a Bay Area transplant who hails from Taiwan via Chicago, IL, Columbus, OH and Gaza, Palestine. She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University and later went on to study at the Pacific School of Religion where she earned a Masters of Theological Studies. Pastor Emily brings a thirst for learning together, an openness to making mistakes, and a deep commitment to cultivating a passionate and transformative life of faith with CCUMC.
		Samuel Ng is the Assistant Pastor of our church. Rev. Samuel Ng was born and raised in Hong Kong. He graduated from the Overseas Bible Seminary (Hong Kong) in 1975 and served as an ordained United Brethren in Christ pastor for many years. Rev. Ng brings a diverse background, including assisting with the Heres Life Gospel Campaign and doing training for the Lay Evangelical Institute of Campus Crusade for Christ. Rev. Ng earned a Masters of Christian Ministry from the Christian Witness Theological Seminary (San Jose) in 1995. Rev. Ng's pastoral motto is: Christian growth through winning, building and sending people for Jesus Christ.
		Theresa Leung is our church secretary. During the week, Theresa receives church visitors and answers the church phone.

the leadership of CCUMC
The leadership of CCUMC is comprised of a Chinese Ministries Council and an English Ministries Council which work in parallel to meet the needs of both congregations. Derek Lang is the English Ministries Council chairperson. He has faithfully lead the English congregation towards new and exciting frontiers. Leo Lin is the Chinese Ministries Council chairperson. With his strong vision of christianity, he continues to lead the Chinese congregation to maintain their focus on their spiritual lives. Vince Wong is the Board of Administration and Trustees (BOAT) Council chairperson. BOAT oversees the general adminstration, finances, and trustees activities for the church.	Derek Lang	Leo Lin
	Vince Wong
who are united methodists? United Methodists come in all sizes, shapes, colors, dispositions, outlooks and life experiences, but they share a unique outlook forged in the shared experience of a church and a nation born in a century of remarkable change. No matter how or where they serve Jesus Christ around the world, United Methodists do God’s work in a unique connectional covenant. Our theological traditions are steeped in the Protestant Reformation and Wesleyanism, and similar ecclesiastical structures and relationships that date back almost two hundred years. John Wesley and the early Methodists saw their work in the simplest, most uncomplicated terms: Do all the good you can, to all the people you can, in all places you can. We are dedicated to a life of Christian purpose – a life of participation and personal responsibility, of generosity, sacrifice and self-restraint, responding to the call of Jesus Christ. Today we speak many languages and live in many countries – with different cultures, ethnic traditions, national histories and understandings of Christian faith and practice. We are a covenant community, concerned about God’s children everywhere. In life’s clouds of doubt and division, we see the sunlight of God’s purpose that brings healing, hope and harmony. We love worship, study of God’s word, music, church suppers, and a sense of community, a sense of belonging. We welcome people of faith into our churches, and people who are searching for answers to life’s tough questions, too, because we know what it’s like to fee alone and unsure… to need a welcoming place with open hearts, open minds, open doors. We roll up our sleeves and say, "Let’s get to work," as we answer the call to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We live the promise we made the day we joined The United Methodist Church… the promise of our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service.

Chinese Community United Methodist Church - 321 8th Street Oakland, CA 94607 - (510) 452-1020 [ directions & map ]