May 11, 2023 | by JB Brayfindley
“Can we do something bad enough to make God stop loving us?” and “Can you believe in evolution theory and still be a Christian?” are two of the many questions youth asked during a LAMP Circuit Joint Confirmation Retreat, March 31 to April 1, 2023, at Monte Toyon Retreat Center in Los Altos, CA. The event brought together more than 50 young people from eight different United Methodist congregations.
“My circuit churches in the El Camino Real District took a bold step to embark on a circuit-wide joint confirmation journey together,” states Rev. Dr. Jeong Park, associate pastor of Los Altos UMC and leader of the LAMP Circuit. “We started the class at the end of February and completed our course of the process in April at the Monte Toyon Retreat Center.”
The seven churches of the circuit plus Seaside Top UMC joined efforts to develop the curriculum, provide leaders and host weekly classes on Friday evenings from February 24 to March 24 as well as organize a weekend retreat complete with guest speakers, workshops, and worship time together to sum up the experience. “I am blessed to work with my circuit colleagues and the youth for this wonderful cause!” states Park.
District Superintendent Samuel Hong was on hand to welcome the youth to the retreat and Rev. Jacey Pickens-Jones, Interim Associate Director of Camping and Young People’s Ministry, gave the message at the opening worship on Friday evening. On Saturday, the retreat featured special guests and workshops including “Gender & Sexuality” with guests both Rev. Jacey Pickens-Jones and Rev. Emily Pickens-Jones serving El Sobrante UMC; “UMC Structure and Policy” taught by Emily Allen, General Conference delegate and member of Aldersgate UMC in Palo Alto; “Church and Society” with David Lai, a Stanford researcher and member of Aldersgate UMC and a “Pastors’ Panel.” Bishop Sally Dyck gave a special message and led a Q & A Session as well as participating in Holy Communion with the youth. “We were truly blessed,” adds Park.
Most churches in the LAMP Circuit are contained within the city of Palo Alto located in the South Bay between Stanford University and Silicon Valley’s Meta in some the wealthiest neighborhoods of the United States. Since the circuit churches form a small triangle with Los Altos UMC six miles to the southeast of Palo Alto and Fremont positioned 16 miles east across the Bay, they are close enough to make collaboration efforts possible.
Churches in the LAMP circuit include:
St. Paul UMC, Fremont served by Rev. Johann Osias with 10 a.m. blended Sunday worship and small groups to “spend time with each other in fellowship, whether it be studying and discussing the Bible, learning a new skill together or enriching the spirit through activity.”
Los Altos UMC served by Senior Pastor Rev. David Samelson, Associate Pastors Rev. Jeong Park, and Rev. Samantha Blewis, as well as Deacon J. Dirk Damonte. The church has 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Sunday worship services in-person and streaming online. The church has several choirs, bell choir and bands. The Bold Service & Social Justice Committee offers many opportunities to serve in the local community and beyond.
Aldersgate UMC, Palo Alto served by Rev. Sungrae Kim offers a 10 a.m. Sunday worship in-person and on Zoom. Choir music albums are available online, too. The church features groups for all ages including “Koyukai” or “gathering of friends” classes for seniors and L*I*F*E support. Outreach includes working with diverse local organizations including Hotel de Zink and Second Harvest Food Bank.
First Tongan UMC of Palo Alto served by pastor Sepuloni Feleunga shares facilities with First UMC in Palo Alto with a 1:00 p.m. Sunday worship and 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening.
First UMC, Palo Alto, served by Rev. Douglas Norris, interim senior pastor, offers 10:30 a.m. Sunday worship in person and streaming on YouTube including a special “Upstream Contemporary” Wednesday night worship. The congregation focuses on fellowship, Bible study and providing support services for the community including “English Together Conversation Partners” and “Rebuilding Silicon Valley.”
St. Andrew’s UMC in Palo Alto served by pastor Saulisi Kanongata’a. The congregation focuses on “spreading Christ’s love both within the membership and to those outside of it,” notes one member. The Sunday 10 a.m. in-person worship is also available on Zoom. The church’s current project includes “Almost Eden Garden Project.”
Wesley UMC in Palo Alto served by pastor Saulisi Kanongata’a has a 10 a.m. English language Sunday worship followed by a 2 p.m. Tongan language worship. The church focuses on youth and young adults with a vision to “impact and renew Palo Alto and beyond with the transforming message of Jesus Christ through words and actions.”
Youth from Seaside Hilltop UMC in the Sal-Mon Circuit, served by Sepuloni Feleunga, also participated in the event.