10/2/2025 Thankful Thursday

*MISSED LAST SUNDAY? – We missed you and hope you had a chance to worship and rest in the Lord and His people! Our journey in “THE CHURCH IN ACTION” continued through the book of Acts with a message on – Where the Holy Spirit Dwells as He Speaks to Us the Words of Christ, part 27 – “Listen to the Holy Spirit, for His Dwelling Place is in You” (ACTS 7:44-53). Re-watch here: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFsHpY1Dya0). **You can always join us virtually livestream wherever you are in the world at our livestream webpage, every Sunday morning at 10:30am (CDT – central time): https://www.youtube.com/@HosannaPresbyterianChurch/streams

*CONGRATULATIONS TO THE GEE FAMILY’S PREGNANCY! – We expect another third Gee princess to arrive in March 2026, our newest and youngest Hosanna sister in our Lord Jesus Christ! Sincerest congratulations and we can’t wait to meet God’s gift and creation! All glory and praise be to God for our new sister Gee!
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*A BLESSED AGAPE life group GATHERING last week! – Pray for our AGAPE families and young adults shepherded by co-shepherds Elder Nara & Deacon Jonathan Jeng.
 
*RETREAT FEES for the HOSANNA FALL RETREAT “LIFT UP YOUR EYES!”!!!!! – If you have not already, for all who are attending the retreat, zelle the retreat fee to the hosanna email: [email protected] with a note/comment “retreat fee.” $60 per adult/$30 per child. $30 per staff/$10 per child of staff. This will greatly help the Deacons prepare scheduling, lodging, and food. Thank you!
 
*FALL RETREAT STARTS NEXT FRIDAY (10/10)!!!! – Arrive and check-in at 4:30pm, 8786 County Road 167 McKinney, TX 75071! Dinner (delicious spaghetti, ground beef tomato sauce, garlic bread, pickles, onions, salad, and dessert) will start promptly at 5:45pm. Worship will begin promptly at 6:45pm. We hope to see everyone there! Please inform the Deacons in-person if you need a ride or if you are coming but have not registered.
 
*FALL RETREAT SCHEDULE –
 
Friday, October 10, 2025 at McKinney Ranch

• 4:30pm – Check-In, Unload, Setup, and Prepare Dinner
• 5:45pm – Dinner (Spaghetti, Meat Sauce, Pickles, Jalapenos, Garlic Bread, Salad)
• 6:45pm – Evening Worship: “Lift Up Your Eyes: Look” (John 4:31-38) by Rev. Brian Hsieh
• 7:45pm – Room assignments (by Deacons) & Group # assignments
• 8:00pm – Snacks, Fellowship Time & Commuters depart
• 11:00pm – Lights Out

 
Saturday, October 11, 2025 at McKinney Ranch

• 8:30am – Commuters arrival & Morning Devotional Time/Prayer Time with Groups
• 9:30am – Breakfast (Bagels, Cream Cheese, Cereal, Milk, Juice, Bananas, Apples, Berries, Hard Boiled Eggs) & Preparing for Worship
• 10:30am – Morning Worship: “Lift Up Your Eyes: Repent” (Psalm 139:23-24) by Rev. Brian Hsieh
• 11:30am – Breakout Discussion Reflections/Prayer Time with Groups & Preparing for Lunch
• 12:30pm – Lunch (Burgers, Hot Dogs, Chips, Relish, Ketchup, Mustard, Pickles, Lettuce, Onions, Tomatoes) & Fellowship Time
• 2:00pm – Spiritual Team-Building Games & Activities (led by Director Trey Reynolds), Rest Time, and Preparing for Dinner
• 5:00pm – Dinner (Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, Rice, Lettuce, Ssamjang, Cucumbers, Korean Peppers, Carrots, Kimchi)
• 6:45pm – Evening Worship: “Lift Up Your Eyes: Exercise” (Philippians 2:12-18) by Rev. Brian Hsieh
• 7:45pm – Breakout Discussion Reflections/Prayer Time with Groups
• 8:15pm – Snacks, Fellowship Time & Commuters depart
• 11:00pm – Lights Out

 
Sunday, October 12, 2025 at Hosanna Church (Ezra Chapel)

• 7:00am – Cleanup and Pack-up
• 8:00am – Breakfast (Bagels, Cream Cheese, Cereal, Milk, Juice, Bananas, Apples, Berries, Hard Boiled Eggs)
• 9:00am – Check-Out of McKinney Ranch & Head to Church (Ezra Chapel)
• 10:30am – Closing Worship/Resurrection Sunday Lord’s Day: “Lift Up Your Eyes: Remember” (John 21:1-13) by Rev. Brian Hsieh
• 12:00pm – Breakout Discussion Groups & Lunch at Gymnasium Cafeteria

*2025 “LIFT UP YOUR EYES” (John 4:35) HOSANNA FALL RETREAT, 10/10-12 (Fri-Sun) SPECIAL GUEST PREACHER! – Let’s honor and give thanks to the Lord for our guest preacher by giving him our full attention and hearts to the Lord! Rev. Brian Hsieh, Associate Pastor, English Ministry of Collin County Chinese Fellowship Church, Plano, TX. Rev. Brian Hsieh grew up in the Tampa Bay area in Florida. During his studies at the University of Florida, he had the opportunity to serve on campus, and help in the youth and children ministries at a local church. It was during this time that the Lord gave him a passion for full-time ministry, and upon graduating, he moved to Dallas to attend seminary at Dallas Theological Seminary, where he received the Master of Theology degree in 2011. From 2010-2020, Pastor Brian served as youth and then English Pastor at Plano Chinese Alliance Church. He joined the staff at Collin County Chinese Fellowship Church in 2022. Brian is married to Nelly, and together they have a daughter, Emery. Their hope and heart in serving in the Chinese church is that while language and culture may be the common ground that initially brings us together, it would be superseded by our new identity in Christ as believers. *Let us remember Pastor Brian in our prayers and be ready to receive God’s Word through him.
 
*ALL-CONGREGATION PRAYERS – As Scripture commands us, let us pray for one another, especially those who are sick/ill physically among us (JAMES 5:14-15; 3 JOHN 1:2) as well as special topics needing our attentive intercession.

• FOR HEALING: Sister Miki Krief’s mother (Deaconess Hwa-Ja Kang), for the Lord to strengthen her elderly health condition and for Miki’s continued godly oversight and care for her mother; All Hosanna congregants suffering from various ailments: back pains, eye pains, fevers, body aches, allergies, cough, sinuses, leg pains/sprains & broken bones, and other illnesses
• PRAISES TO GOD FOR ANSWERED PRAYERS: Lord’s answer in overflowing joy for the Gee family’s pregnancy; God’s election of Hosanna’s newest ordained officers – Elder Nara Im Jeng, Deacon Jonathan Jeng, and Deacon Juhae Park; Re-installation of Elder Patrick Liu
• FOR THE CHILDREN: All our Hosanna children to grow in health, stature, wisdom, and the favor of the Lord
• FOR HOSANNA LIFE GROUPS: JAMES & AGAPE to flourish in fellowship, spiritual growth, outreach, and multiplication
• FOR STUDENTS IN COLLEGE/POSTGRADUATE STUDIES: In Dallas (Sophie Park, Joseph Ko, Rachel Ko, Eugene Hong, JJ Kim, Hogan Lee, Andy Kim, Unice Kim, Roi Lee); In Austin (Hannah Kim); In San Marcos (Hannah Lee); In Waco (Daniel Jang); In Lubbock (Angel Lee); In Rhode Island (Noah Cha); In Massachusetts (Sarah Kim); In Houston (Alex Koh – medicine, Aaron Lee – optometry)
• FOR PASTORAL ORDINATION: Minister Dr. Samantha Chao’s pastoral ordination journey – Minister Chao is currently in the phase of discerning and beginning the journey to Ordained Minister of the Word and Sacraments in our denominational family (ECO) – a Covenant Order of Evangelical Presbyterians. Pray for this important season of discernment and may the Lord add unto her all the equipment she needs to fulfill her calling for the Lord’s Church and Kingdom! Amen; Pastor Chester’s ordination mentee – Minister Dr. Will Zhao’s pastoral ordination to advance well in God’s grace and help
• FOR FUTURE MINISTRY TEAMS & SERVANTS: Formation of our Hosanna Intercessory Prayer (HIP) Team; 2025-’26 Candidates for Ordained Office (Deacons & Elders); *3rd Elder candidate – We trust that in God’s time and God’s way, the Lord will appoint and send to us His servant to help complete the required makeup of the Session of three Elders. We want to assure the congregation that the prayerful search will remain open year-round and once the candidate is identified, another election will held and the candidate installed accordingly. Let us pray for the one that God is calling. *Nominations for this office can be made known directly to any of the Elders.
• FAMILIES/INDIVIDUALS ON BREAK: For the Lord’s protection, restoring strength, Christ-centered family time, and safe return from travels
• FUTURE MINISTRY: 2025 “Lift Up Your Eyes” Hosanna Fall Retreat and special guest preacher Rev. Brian Hsieh; Baptism candidates: Jason Ventura (adult believer’s baptism); Elena Ventura (covenant child baptism)
• FOR OUR COUNTRY & THE WORLD: For those suffering from wars and hunger, especially the little children and infants; for persecuted Christians & missionaries across the globe

 
*UPCOMING THIS WEEK –

• 10/5 (Sun) –
  • STAFF BREAK: Minister Dr. Samantha Chao
  • SPECIAL GUEST WORSHIP & PRAISE LEADER: Vincent Li
  • DESSERTS ministry during lunch for whole Bethany-Hosanna church families
  • *12:00pm after-service BREAKOUT DISCUSSION GROUPS at Gymnasium Cafeteria
  • *12:00pm FREE LUNCH: Menu TBA at Gymnasium Cafeteria. Enjoy!

 
*UPCOMING NEXT WEEK –

• 10/8 (Wed) ORDAINED OFFICERS online gathering (retreat prep)
• 10/10 (Fri) – 10/12 (Sun) FALL RETREAT with Rev. Brian Hsieh, Collin County Chinese English Ministry
• 10/13 (Mon) COLUMBUS DAY HOLIDAY
• 10/18 (Sat) 4:30pm-7:30pm, JAMES life group at Park’s home (Waxahachie). Join us!
• 10/19 (Sun) NEW ORDAINED OFFICERS ORIENTATION (part 1), 1:15pm-2pm at Corner Room
• 10/26 (Sun) NEW ORDAINED OFFICERS ORIENTATION (part 2), 1:15pm-2pm at Corner Room

 
*PRAISE SONGS for this SUNDAY! – Practice them and be ready to sing them on Sunday morning. Praise on, brothers and sisters! (1) Worthy; (2) Hymn of Heaven; (3) The Jesus Way

*THIS SUNDAY’S BREAKOUT DISCUSSION GROUPS after-service in the gymnasium cafeteria – This Sunday, spend some time in your group tables and share the life of the preached Word. Pre-read, think through, and share this spiritual food in discussion with one another!
“See the Heavens Opened, with Christ’s Standing Ovation” (ACTS 7:54-60)
 
(1.) [v.54-56] After Deacon Stephen finished his sermon, how did his hearers respond (v.54)? Despite their response, what filled Deacon Stephen and what did his eyes see as he gazed into heaven (v.55-56)? According to the prophecy about Jesus in Psalm 110:1, is Jesus normally sitting or standing at the right hand of the Father God? Why was the Lord Jesus standing instead of sitting? Like Deacon Stephen, if you were to gaze into heaven and see the glory of God, would Jesus be sitting or standing at seeing your life and testimony for Him? How is the Holy Spirit moving you to live for the applause and standing ovation of Christ instead of this world?
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(2.) [v.57-58] When the council heard Deacon Stephen speaking of Christ’s standing ovation at his sermon, what did they do (v.57-58)? What did those who witnessed the stoning of Deacon Stephen do with their garments, acknowledging the person who was overseeing and approving the execution (v.58)? We focus a lot about living well for the glory of Christ, but how can we prepare to die well for the glory of Christ? How can your death as a matured person in Christ be the birth of a young Saul/Paul for Christ? How can your faithful witness for Christ be another’s life transformation in Christ? By our temporal lives, how can we influence and raise the next generation of the apostle Paul’s, Pastors, Elders, Deacons, Worship leaders, etc?
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(3.) [v.59-60] As they were stoning Deacon Stephen, what two requests did he call out to the Lord Jesus to do (v.59-60)? After Deacon Stephen said these things, how is his death described (v.60)? How are you holding the wounds of those who sinned against you? Have you forgiven them, turning your wounds into scars? In Christ, how is death like falling asleep and then to wake back up again? How are we never going to die? 
 
[Korean translation] “하늘이 열리고, 그리스도께서 서신 것을 보라” (사도행전 7:54-60)
 
(1.) [54-56절] 스데반 집사가 설교를 마치자 청중들은 어떻게 반응했습니까(54절)? 그들의 반응에도 불구하고, 스데반 집사는 무엇이 가득 차고 하늘을 우러러보았을 때 무엇을 보았습니까(55-56절)? 시편 110편 1절에 나오는 예수님에 대한 예언에 따르면, 예수님은 보통 아버지 하나님 우편에 앉아 계십니까, 아니면 서 계십니까? 왜 주 예수님은 앉아 계시지 않고 서 계셨습니까? 스데반 집사처럼, 만약 당신이 하늘을 우러러보고 하나님의 영광을 본다면, 예수님은 당신의 삶과 그분에 대한 간증을 보시며 앉아 계실까요, 아니면 서 계실까요? 성령께서는 어떻게 당신을 이 세상이 아닌 그리스도의 박수와 기립 박수를 위해 살도록 인도하고 계십니까?
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(2.) [v.57-58] 공의회는 스데반 집사가 설교에서 그리스도께서 기립 박수를 받으신 것에 대해 말하는 것을 듣고 무엇을 했습니까(v.57-58)? 스데반 집사가 돌에 맞아 죽는 것을 목격한 사람들은 처형을 감독하고 승인한 사람을 인정하며 옷을 어떻게 입었습니까(v.58)? 우리는 그리스도의 영광을 위해 잘 사는 것에 많은 초점을 맞추지만, 그리스도의 영광을 위해 잘 죽을 준비를 어떻게 할 수 있습니까? 그리스도 안에서 성숙한 사람으로서의 당신의 죽음이 어떻게 그리스도를 위한 젊은 사울/바울의 탄생이 될 수 있습니까? 그리스도를 위한 당신의 충실한 증거가 어떻게 다른 사람의 삶의 변화가 될 수 있습니까? 우리의 현세적인 삶을 통해 사도 바울의 다음 세대, 목사, 장로, 집사, 예배 지도자 등에게 어떻게 영향을 미치고 양육할 수 있습니까?
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(3.) [59-60절] 그들이 스데반 집사를 돌로 쳐 죽일 때, 그는 주 예수님께 어떤 두 가지 간구를 드렸습니까(59-60절)? 스데반 집사가 이 말을 한 후, 그의 죽음은 어떻게 묘사됩니까(60절)? 당신은 당신에게 죄를 지은 사람들의 상처를 어떻게 받아들이고 있습니까? 당신은 그들을 용서하여 당신의 상처를 흉터로 만들었습니까? 그리스도 안에서 죽음은 어떻게 잠들었다가 다시 깨어나는 것과 같습니까? 어떻게 우리가 결코 죽지 않을 수 있습니까?
 
*UPCOMING (*notice some dates may have changed) –

• 10/5 (Sun) DESSERTS ministry
• *10/10-12 (Fri-Sun) HOSANNA FALL RETREAT (Columbus Day Holiday Weekend) at 8786 County Road 167 McKinney, TX 75071 (Guest Preacher: Rev. Brian Hsieh)
• 10/18 (Sat) JAMES life group at the Park’s home (Waxahachie)
• 10/19 (Sun) DEACONS ORIENTATION (part 1)
• 10/25 (Sat) AGAPE life group
• 10/26 (Sun) DEACONS ORIENTATION (part 2)
• *NOVEMBER: Tables/Chairs monthly setup/cleanup
• 11/2 (Sun) DAYLIGHT SAVINGS ENDS (turn clock one hour back) & DESSERTS MINISTRY
• 11/23 (Sun) THANKSGIVING WORSHIP – COMMUNION
• 11/29 (Sat) THANKSGIVING POTLUCK
• 12/20 (Sat) CHRISTMAS FELLOWSHIP & GIFT-EXCHANGE
• 12/21 (Sun) CHRISTMAS WORSHIP – COMMUNION

 
 
*UPCOMING HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY TO YOU FROM OUR HOSANNA FAMILY! We celebrate you and love you in Christ so much! (*Let us know if we missed your birthday! We sincerely apologize) –

• [10/04] Daniel An – *COLLEGE
• [10/07] Deacon Chong Choe
• [10/18] Irene Park – *CHILDREN
• [10/26] Stacy Hong
• [11/8] Eric Sung
• [11/13] Joseph Ko – *COLLEGE
• [11/13] Hanna Park
• [11/14] Emma Jeng – *CHILDREN
• [12/5] Winnie Kim
• [12/13] Aiden Song
• [12/15] Kate Choe
• [12/15] Minister Dr. Samantha Chao
• [12/16] Jason Ventura