EMOT Mother's Day Feature: Ashley

We would like to introduce you to our English Ministry Operational Team (EMOT): Pastor Randy(lead), Pastor Calvin (assistant), Pastor Adriel (youth), Stephen Pun (chairperson/Christian Education), James Pan (worship deacon), Renee Tung (outreach deacon), Ashley (outreach deacon) and Glenna (care deacon). The EMOT is here to serve our English congregation church family! We thought it would be fun to ask the team about their moms leading up to Mothers Day.
Here's Ashley and her mom!!

**What was your relationship like with your mom growing up and what is your relationship like now?**

I think my mom was under a lot of stress when I was growing up. She took my brother and I to many different lessons, and also had to juggle so many duties as a stay at home mom. With all her responsibilities, it could sometimes put strain on our relationship. Now that I'm an adult with my own family, I think our relationship has changed for the better!! I can always call up my mom if I need help or have questions. I love when she comes by to visit the grandkids cuz we get to chat and catch up as well.

**What would you like to say to her?**

Thank you for showing your love through your actions mom. I remember you used to get up extra early to make me a hot lunch since I hated sandwiches and taking leftovers. I didn't know it then, but now I definitely know how much you had to love me in order to do that.

Also, I'm sorry for teasing you when you used to say you didn't know what to make for dinner. I always thought it would be a no-brainer....and BOY...WAS I WRONG. Thank you for always keeping us well fed with your cooking!

**Now that you’re on your own, what do you appreciate most about your mom?**

I appreciate that you look after my family too!! The food, the soups, the time spent at my house...Thank you for always being there for me!

EMOT Mothers Day Feature: Calvin

We would like to introduce you to our English Ministry Operational Team (EMOT): Pastor Randy (lead), Pastor Calvin (assistant), Pastor Adriel (youth), Stephen Pun (chairperson), James Pan (worship deacon), Renee Tung (outreach deacon), Ashley (outreach deacon) and Glenna (care deacon). The EMOT is here to serve our English congregation church family! We thought it would be fun to ask the team about their moms leading up to Mothers Day. Meet Pastor Calvin's mom! 😍

What was your relationship like with your mom growing up and what is your relationship like now?

Mom was a teacher (Kindergarten) and a piano teacher, she also served at the church with my Dad. All this to say, she did it all! Today she is still the same, still taking care of the family, or my grandfather and any churches that need help. She models for me a life of service, sacrifice and giving. And she has always prayed for me. Even though I am in my 40s and married, living on my own, her care and love is the same!

What is something she always says?

Pray & Trust God

What is your favourite memory with your mom?

Going to Florida with Mom and my siblings was a blast! That's what I want to see mom do more: vacations! Please take more holiday trips mom!!! 🛩

What would you like to say to her?

Thank you mom for how you raised me and how you model for me—not just in words, but in your life and actions—a life with purpose and a mission!

Now that you’re on your own, what do you appreciate most about your mom?

Cooking and so much more ;) My mom used to do everything for me... even in my 20s... I was spoiled for sure!!! 🍜

EMOT Mothers Day Feature: James

We would like to introduce you to our English Ministry Operational Team (EMOT): Pastor Randy (lead), Pastor Calvin (assistant), Pastor Adriel (youth), Stephen Pun (chairperson), James Pan (worship deacon), Renee Tung (outreach deacon), Ashley (outreach deacon) and Glenna (care deacon). The EMOT is here to serve our English congregation church family! We thought it would be fun to ask the team about their moms leading up to Mothers Day. Meet James and his mom!

What was your relationship like with your mom growing up and what is your relationship like now?

I had a good relationship with my mom in my youth and always felt cared for and loved by her.

Today, I am privileged with many opportunities to love and care for my mom in her senior years and our relationship has grown closer with much humor, honesty, and ease of conversation.

What is something she always says?

"Love you plenty!"

What is your favourite memory with your mom?

Taking mom on a road trip from Calgary to Arizona while experiencing and exploring the beauty of God's wonderful creation through the changing landscapes and incredible national parks.

What is something your mom did/does that you would love to emulate with your own family?

She has a solid prayer life. She finds ways to encourage and uplift those around her. She has a joyful and youthful spirit.

What would you like to say to her?

"I love you, mom! You make me smile when I think of you. You are so young at heart and surprise me with the crazy things you do. Thank you for your love for Jesus."

Now that you’re on your own, what do you appreciate most about your mom?

My mom continues to be my biggest fan. She continues to pray for, support and cheer me on in my care for my family, work, church life, and personal endeavors.

EMOT Mothers Day Feature: Pastor Randy

Pastor Randy pictured with his mom over 20 years ago.

We would like to introduce you to our English Ministry Operational Team (EMOT): Pastor Randy (Lead), Pastor Calvin (Fellowship) Pastor Adriel (Youth), Stephen Pun (Chairperson/Christian Education), James Pan (Worship Deacon), Renee Tung (Outreach Deacon), Ashley (Outreach Deacon) and Glenna (Care Deacon). The EMOT is here to serve our English congregation church family! We thought it would be fun to ask the team about their moms leading up to Mothers Day. First up, Pastor Randy!

What is something your mom always said?

“How’s my Randy”

“There’s no fool like an old fool!”

What is your favourite memory with your mom?

My favourite memory is of us sitting at the kitchen table and talking things out especially in my teen years.

What is something your mom did that you would love to emulate with your own family?

Every night she was on her knees praying for us as a family. Each by name with specific requests.

What would you like to say to her?

Thank you for loving me so deeply and leading me to Jesus.

Now that you’re on your own, what do you appreciate most about your mom?

Her unconditional love and the fact that she was my prayer warrior.

Mission Corner: Josh & Deb Wong

Our Missionary Spotlight for this month is Josh and Deb Wong who are serving in Halifax. It's a busy season for Josh and Deb as they continue to work with P2C leadership with their strategy in developing student leaders to bring more post secondary students to Christ. One area of focus is "Helping students take their next steps with God" where energy is spent building meaningful relationships and opening new doors through friendships. Here are some personal and ministry prayer requests from Josh and Deb:

Ministry:

We are sending Mission Trips for the first time in a couple of years. Please pray for the 35+ students who have been accepted to go on a mission trip experience this year would have the funds raised and their hearts prepared as they engage in gospel work across Canada and around the world.

Deborah and I are part of the leadership of P2C-Students and leading the ministry through a lot of change. Please pray that God's Spirit will help the ministry to effectively help students take their next step towards Jesus and bring about the change to do this well.

In a season where our staff and student leaders have pivoted numerous times, pray for resiliency as we go into a new season of preparation and engagement with a generation of students who crave community and connection. Pray that we will be able to connect well with seeking and searching students and create a welcoming and safe environment as we point them to Jesus.

Personal:

This past semester has been especially busy and tiring. Pray that both Josh and Deborah will be able to take some time to rest and recuperate well going into the Spring semester.

We have significant monthly financial support to raise. Pray that God will provide the $3000+/month needed for our minimum salary.

April is when we remember and celebrate the life of our firstborn, Abel Wong. Pray that we will spend meaningful time remembering and celebrating his life.

Josh and Deb will be coming to Calgary this summer. Until then be sure to stay connected with them by visiting their website!

What! You had a baby?! Henry, Ashley, Isaiah & Eliana

Hey everyone! Did you know that we have had a few covid baby additions to our church family since the pandemic? Obviously it's been hard for our community to connect so we're hoping to introduce the littles to you! We also wanted to gain some understanding, insight and empathy for what it is like for families with young children during the pandemic. Here's Henry, Ahsley, Isaiah and their new little one, Elliana!

1) What, you had a baby?! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and about your little one!

Ash grew up at South E Free while Henry has been coming since Jr. High. I guess you could say we're a bunch of oldies now! We recently added a fourth member to our family. Eliana is consistently mesmerized by everything her big brother Isaiah does!

2) What was your experience of being pregnant and being on mat leave like during the pandemic?

It was extra challenging since I work in a hospital, so there was constant worry of getting COVID. I tried to be as diligent as I could with precautions, but there the worry was still consistently on my mind.

Being on mat leave is the complete opposite! I now have a very valid excuse to hermit at home allowing me to keep a schedule for Ellie's feeds and naps. However, I do miss seeing people in person and going on mall/shopping trips with other moms.

3) What do you find challenging for your baby particularly because it’s a pandemic?

One of the big things is we're limiting the number of people we see in person. This really limits the amount of faces I can expose to Ellie, so I worry she won't be good with new people in the future and they may make her upset. I worry also about Isaiah's social skills since he's 2.5 now and developing social interaction is a big thing. I do praise God he goes to a dayhome, so he is able to get some socializing while there!

4) Did you see anything positive about having a baby during the pandemic?

They say babies/toddlers thrive on a predictable schedule, so the pandemic has really made most of our days have a very predictable schedule!

Henry's also been working from home, so that's been a huge blessing. He gets to spend more time with the kiddos since there's no commute!

5) How has your perspective of church and community changed since the pandemic?

Though we're very blessed to have technology to allow us to connect virtually, the pandemic has really shown me in-person connection is so powerful and incredibly important. Even though technology is a great temporary solution, I believe it's extremely difficult to have community without in person connection and care.

6) Do you miss in-person worship/life group?

So Much Yes!!!! Online worship isn't the same at all. Even Henry is looking forward to seeing everyone! That being said, Sunday mornings are also much less rushed for now! haha

7) How do you manage your stress/anxiety with your babies during these times?

Lots of support from Henry (he's generally more calm) and lots of prayer!! Many of my prayers now are about asking God to help me let go of my fears and learning to trust Him.

8) What would your advice be to expecting moms/families who’s going through pregnancy for the first time during this time?

Lean on your current ALG (if you have one) and other friends right now. If you're an expectant mom, please join our (unofficial) SCCEFC mom's group chat!! I've learned sooo much from the moms of our church and have received so much helpful advice in my times of need. SHOUT OUT to JONI for starting something so amazing and supportive!

9) What would your advice be to friends and small group members who want to support new parents during the pandemic?

If they're comfortable with you visiting, I'm sure the new parents could use a hand with their laundry load, dishes or vacuuming! Another idea would be looking after baby while mom/dad take a shower/nap or both!

If they're not comfortable with you visiting their home, please don't be offended. However, I'm sure they would appreciate a hot, cooked meal or treats if you could drop something off.

Thanks Ashley for sharing your experience from the past two years. Our church family would love for everyone to be plugged into a life group (or youth group!) for community. If you would like to join a group check out https://sccefc.ca/get-connected or contact [email protected] we'd be so happy to hear from you!