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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.
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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 where 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.
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CCUMC staff
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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. |
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Theresa Leung is our church secretary. During the week,
Theresa receives church visitors and answers the church phone. |
the leadership of CCUMC
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| 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.
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Derek Lang
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Leo Lin |
Vince Wong
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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.
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