March 18th, 2024
Sharing Grievance with All,
Our dearest sister Emiliana Merano just returned to our heavenly Father at 4:06 pm (March 13th) at the Jamaica Hospital. She got a heart arrest last night and was moved to the hospital.
As we all know, she was a wonderful servant of God and precious members of our church. Please share your warm and sincere love and prayer with Jean and her family. Her funeral service will be held at Leahy McDonald Funeral Home (111-02 Atlantic Avenue, Richmond Hill NY 11419) on This Friday, March 22nd (Viewing 5:00-7:30pm/Service at 7:30pm-9:00) and the Burial Service will be held at Maple Grove Cemetery (127-15 Kew Gardens Road, Kew Gardens, NY 11415 at 10:15 AM on Saturday, March 23rd). We all extend our sympathy and comforting prayer to Jean’s family. See you at the funeral service, soon.
Pastor Park
February 28th, 2024
Greetings
Greetings in the name of our Jesus,
Do you agree that time passes quickly, with almost half of Lent already gone, even though it feels like the year 2024 just started the day before yesterday? Do you also agree that eventually, I will die soon due to the rapid passage of time? Do you agree that upon my death, I will either go to heaven through the crucifixion of Jesus Christ or deny that faith and go to hell? During this Lenten season, let us all remember that we must fill every moment of our lives with Jesus Christ in order to enter the kingdom of God.
DECEMber 5th, 2023
Greetings
Greetings in the name of the Lord,
Since some time ago, the term "Christer" has become popular among Christians. This term combines "Christmas" and "Easter." Nowadays, Christians are said to only attend church on Christmas and Easter. Based on my personal thoughts and beliefs, I have come to the conclusion that while Christer may celebrate Christmas and Easter, there is no Salvation among them. I dedicated 12 years to the study of theology, from being a theology student to obtaining a doctorate in pastoral studies. I have been involved in ministry for over 30 years since 1992, preaching and pastoring.
However, as time passes, I increasingly feel that genuine Christians are rare, and those truly seeking salvation are diminishing. The churches are filled not with true Christians but with those who may appear similar. I have made a decision before God. Those who mistakenly believe themselves to be Christians, self-afflict, self-satisfy, and consider their faith as a hobby are not true Christians. If salvation were that easy, I might have chosen to be Buddhist or Confucianist instead of becoming a Christian.
Salvation is not easy; do not be deceived. I do not minister to those who pretend to believe. I minister to those who truly believe in Jesus Christ as the Savior and dedicate their entire lives, material possessions, health, and time to Him. Early Christians worshiped in tombs, gave birth to children, raised them, worshiped, and died in those tombs, evading Roman persecution until Christianity became the official religion in 313 AD, before the Korean War, when all homes crumbled, Korean Christians slept in the rain and wind, and in the morning, they gathered bricks one by one to rebuild churches first, where they prayed, even though they did not even have their own houses. At some point, I witnessed the self-conceited, corruption, and decay of Christians in the United States and around the world. I see lives where everything is abundant, everything is ample, everything is capable, but Sunday worship is ignored. Unfortunately, one thing I can say is that salvation is not easy, and for Christians who do not worship on the Sabbath, the day God commanded, there is no salvation. Sunday is not a day for Christians to rest; it is a day for Christians to remember only one God, come before Him, praise, honor, respect, and worship Him. Sunday is God's day, not yours. Those who believe in this way are Christians, and salvation belongs to those Christians. Faith is not false, and it is not treated lightly by God. Those who treat Sunday lightly will be treated lightly by God on the final day. I pray that you love God far more than the world and come to church. The church is not for anyone; it is for true saints.
Praying for victory in faith,
Pastor Park
Dec 5th 2023
NOVEMber 20th, 2023
Greetings after the Thanksgiving Sunday Worship in 2023
Greetings in the name of the Lord.
Yesterday, you made the best choice in your life. You decided to participate in the annual Thanksgiving worship to offer praise to the Lord. You could have chosen to catch up on tasks at home, study, spend time with other family or friends, or even opt for a sweet, late morning sleep. However, you chose to rise early, have breakfast, freshen up, get dressed, and actively come to church. You chose to praise God, meditate on His word, engage in collective prayer, and participate in activities that bring joy to the Lord. While this was your decision, it is, in fact, a grace that occurred because you obediently said ‘Amen’ to the leading of the Holy Spirit within you.
I have been busy over the past week, making numerous phone calls, exchanging emails, reading and writing, and handling various tasks related to my family. Amidst all these activities, the best thing I did was to consistently seek worship with God throughout the week and offer worship to the Lord on Sunday. If asked to identify the best thing I've done in my life, I can confidently answer: "Worshipping the Lord every Sunday." All other events such as marriage, having a child, obtaining a doctoral degree, buying a house or a car, pale in comparison to the act of coming to church every Sunday to worship the Lord. The one thing I have excelled at is precisely the act of "worship." Through weekly worship, my life has found direction, the strength to follow that direction, and solace, encouragement, and assurance in times of weariness and difficulty. This is how I have come this far.
I believe that those of you who chose to worship with me yesterday will experience God's abundant grace and protection. People in the world focus more on party preparations, makeup, dressing up, and revelry, often neglecting the precious grace of God. Their lives may seem joyful and glamorous on the outside, but internally, they are deteriorating daily. On the other hand, I hope you, who strive to keep the holy Sabbath every week, may not appear to have much happening outwardly, but trust that everything is progressing prosperously and safely under God's guidance.
I look forward to meeting you again this week to worship together. I hope that this week, you, like me, will choose the best thing in our lives.
Austin Park
NOVEMber 18th, 2023
Thanksgiving Sunday
Greetings in the name of the Lord,
Tomorrow is "Thanksgiving Day." This letter is intended for those who recognize the Lord as their Master and have resolved to serve only Him. "The work of the Lord" is not about what I do for the Lord, but rather, 'offering everything I am to the Lord so that He can accomplish His work through me.' What can I do for the Lord? Can I offer Him complete holiness, sincerity, truth, dedication, wealth, life, or anything else?
No, I cannot. I am a sinner, a weak person secretly cherishing the deep roots of sin, just like the Apostle Paul. There is nothing I can do for the Lord. Except one thing—surrendering my imperfect self to the Lord just as I am. That's when the Lord can work. Meeting the Lord who works wonders with my imperfect self, I become a true Christian, realizing the value, power, and amazing love of the Lord that I never imagined. When I put an end to my will, effort, and pride, the Lord begins to work.
Those who understand this will make a decision to come to the Lord tomorrow on Thanksgiving Day and offer everything to Him. Those who have already made this decision will want to reaffirm it, so it doesn't waver. May we all realize, even a moment sooner, that giving everything to the Lord was ultimately the wisest decision in our lives. Before it's too late…
Looking forward to meeting all of you in the presence of the Lord tomorrow.
Austin Park
NOVEMber 9th, 2023
Thanksgiving Sunday
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’f feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” -Luke 17:11-19-
All 10 people received healing from Jesus, but only one, a Samaritan, returned to Jesus, fell at his feet, and gave thanks. Jesus remarked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Do you belong to the nine, or are you among the Samaritan who returned to express gratitude to Jesus? Is there anyone among you who has not yet experienced the love of Jesus and the grace of His redemption through the cross? If we are truly thankful for the love of Jesus on the cross, we will seek Him wherever He is present. Believing that He healed not only my physical ailments but also my soul, we would desire to be in communion with Jesus forever. November 19th is Thanksgiving Sunday, a day to give glory to God. It is not just about attending church for a day of praise and thanksgiving. On this day, we gather to collectively remember, commemorate, and commit to returning to Jesus daily, dedicating ourselves to His love and the cross. A Christian who does not express gratitude is not truly a Christian. The beginning of being a Christian involves a wholehearted thanksgiving and dedication to Jesus, who saved us from sin. Gratitude is the identity of a Christian and a symbol of faith unique to Christians. I am always grateful to meet with you each week, thankful for the privilege of serving Jesus. A person who thanks the Lord needs nothing else from the world; only the Lord is necessary. Let us remember the voice of Jesus asking, "Where are the other nine?" and pray for an evening of remembrance.
Rev Dr Austin Park
umcrh@hotmail.com
October 23rd, 2023
Greetings after the Anniversary
Greetings, in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ!
Yesterday, full of thanksgiving and joy of Jesus, was, significantly, meaningful to all of us. Not only did we confirm how much we love our church but the service was also lifted up with our determination to continue to serve our Lord Jesus. As a pastor, I truly thank you for all who supported and helped for the successful anniversary service, wherever you were yesterday.
We want to keep up the good work with mission and calling. Our church from now on prepares for the successful ending of 2023. Our Sunday school is preparing the “Holy-Win Sunday this week. The Youth Group is planning for the apple picnic. The adult service is planning for the thanksgiving and the charge conference. And after the Thanksgiving, we will go into the Advent season until the end of this year.
Christianity is established with the various church traditions and rituals. To participate in such is not only for confirming our “Belonging,” but also for serving for the better church community which is a model of the kingdom of heaven. Unless you participate in the world that Jesus Christ died to save, you would never be able to work in the kingdom of God.
Faith is made not by my own assumption such as “I can go to the kingdom of heaven,” “I am a christian.” or “I love Jesus,” without acts or practice such action. Do not substitute or replace the Lord’s day with your worldly business. Rather replace your worldly problems with the blood of Jesus on the cross, and see what is going to happen in your life. God will pour his gift more and more along with the Holy Spirit. God will protect you from Satan’s trap. God will use you as His precious servants that no body can do you harm.
I look forward to seeing you again every Sunday. Let us meet together again in the church on the Lord’s day, and confirm our joy and love every week until we live forever in the kingdom of God.
Thank you all, once again.
Pastor Park
718.344.5574
October 21st, 2023
TOMORROW
Good evening, all in the love of Jesus.
I just came back home from the church. I saw our youth practiced their dancing from 2:30 pm this afternoon. I also saw Angella, Pamela (Germane), Vilda, and Mavelyn decorated the fellowship Hall from 2:00 pm(But they could not find the right things so they had to go to Costco and BJ’s and still in the church until now.) Specially, Pam Germane started Chemo therapy yesterday (Biopsy; last Friday) but came to the church today to prepare for tomorrow. Catherine, Iva, Loris, Lani, Pam Persaud, Alison, Diane came to the church to practice for the Choir and decorated the church. (Catherine could not find the flower and balloon so she had to go shopping at 7:20 and has to come back to the church.)
Luke7:30-32 "the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose for themselves.31“To what then will I compare the people of this generation, and what are they like? 32They are like children sitting in the market- place and calling to one another,‘We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we wailed, and you did not weep.’
We are all wrestling with our daily business and dealing with issues are not easy such as health, job, finance, study, family etc. But let me ask you one thing. Is your situation better after your struggling by yourself? Did you resolve such issue by yourself? Or do you think that you can resolve such issues with your own might and experience? Do you think that you can be successful in your life if you do not keep the Lord’s day holy and sacred? Have you ever been successful because you focused on your own business and did not come to the church on Sunday? Have you ever felt that ignoring the Sabbath really helps you solve your own issues in the life? Yes, you might say so. But I can definitely say, ’No.’ ’Not in my case.’ I confess that I could never resolve my own problems and my family’s issues with my own answer. Rather, whenever I struggled with myself and was frustrated in the middle of myriad of troubles, there was always Jesus who stretched his arms and held me.
Let us think about the very thing that prevents me from coming to the Lord on the Lord’s day! Whatever it may be, to stick to it is NOT the answer. The right answer, whenever we struggle with, is to put those issues, business, and duty ASIDE for a moment, and come to the Lord, and ask HIM to dealt with them. Yes. It is the answer.
Tomorrow is the anniversary Sunday, Next month, we will celebrate the Thanksgiving, we will celebrate the Christmas and New Year again. And every Sunday, which is the Lord’s day, we will celebrate until our breath is alive. Jesus is inviting you tomorrow.
Men should dress up with white shirt and blue ties, and shoes. Women dress up with whatever which makes you beautiful (Not to the people but to the Lord) with Necklace, Ring(s), Earrings, Bracelet, Hat………I know you have a lot.
By 9:10, to be ushers, to help in the parking lot, to greet the people, to clean and arrange the fellowship hall.
And after the program, please stay as long as you can and help one another to clean up.
I see you soon, and be blessed by the Grace of God.
Pastor Park
718.344.5574
UMCRH@HOTMAIL.COM
October 18th, 2023
Dear my sisters and brothers of the grace of God who gave us his holy breath andabundant gifts everyday,
I pray that all your business is in the right shape in accordance with the plan of God. Four more nights are left until our birthday. Yes! It is our birthday and our celebration. But more than that, there is much significant meaning of this Anniversary Sunday. Not only do we celebrate but we will also testify and witness how much we love God, and how much he has provided us whenever we needed him for the past 103 years, and how much more we want to show Him our passion and dedication. It is our joy and honor to serve him as one body and one spirit in the Richmond Hill Community so far.
I encourage you one more time to bring your family, friends, and neighbors. I also encourage you to be there a little earlier. We need people who can set up the table in the fellowship hall, who can serve in the parking lot, and who can be usher to guide the members in the sanctuary. But, most of all, I encourage you to sit in the sanctuary and prepare your heart within the Holy Spirit with prayer. I also want you to dress up with your best. Do not wear any too much sporty, light, casual wears such as hoodies, shorts, or sandals. Let us be prepared the royal, gorgeous attire and dress on this joyful and honorable Sunday. Do not be late for the service because I know you do not want to make our Lord Jesus wait for you.
I do know you love the church and your service has been precious until today. But, unless you show your love and heart with your presence and physical participation, how can Jesus appreciate or evaluate your work for him? The church is not a cyber or metaphysical place. The church is a physical and real community that all the real people gathered together and dedicate their REAL service together. Without coming to the church on the church birthday, how can we expect to go the Kingdom of God when we die? Identify who you are! As Jesus said to the Laodicean Church, we should be either Cold or Hot. If it is just lukewarm, Jesus said, “I will spit it out!” Do not be unclear about yourself. Make sure your faith and Determine to follow Jesus clearly. Do not Stand in the vague or grey area.
Again, let us be prepared with prayer, and if there is anything that we should know or we can help one another, please feel free to share any time.
I love you all, and you know this. Let us make the BEST Anniversary Sunday so that our Kids will REMEMBER, Forever and forever, who we were.
In the peace of God,
Pastor Park
"As they were going along the road, someone said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.”And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”To another he said, “Follow me.” But he said, “Lord, first let me go and burymy father.”But Jesussaid to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”Another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first say farewell to those at my home.”Jesus said to him, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
Luke9:57-62
October 9th, 2023
Greetings
Dear brothers and sisters in our Lord, Christ Jesus,
I greet you with love and prayer.
As our Anniversary Sunday is getting closed, I humbly encourage all of you to pay special attention to the Sunday service. Our church is now standing on the verge of a significant moment of history. As you know, we cannot even count how many churches have closed for past 10 years. Hundreds of the United Methodist Church, themselves, have also failed to be kept opening the doors and this cannot but be the critical warning sign into the world. In the place that used to be churches for the people of Christ, a new building, new community, new organization will settle and this means that our children and children’s children will grow up under the secularized values and worldly teachings without any critical reflections on their own faithful life. What we can do is just preserve the safe place for our children and new servants of God and secure the faithful ground among us, because this is the calling and mission from Jesus to us.
From that perspective, the 103rd Anniversary is one of the most meaningful events that we can celebrate as one body and spirit. I want you to bring all friends, family members, and neighbors on that Sunday so that we can celebrate and give thanks to the Lord who has held us fast for that long times. You are invited not by pastor, but by Jesus. Jesus said, “The Harvest is Full but there is short of Workers.” To attend the church Service is to express your identity as his servant(s). Please mark this day in your calendar or schedule and be yourself prepared.
Long Island West District the Committee of the Church Locations and Buildings permitted our church (UMCRH) to sell the church and allowed us to keep the money (About $3M). This is amazing and surprising grace and gift, compared to other churches’ situations that are still struggling financially everyday. I want you to show how much you love your church to DS. I want you to show how seriously and sincerely you are ready to serve the church of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on that Sunday. Please try to do your best to save the day. It is the Lord’s day, not yours.
If you need any help or support, please let me know so that I can figure out the best way to help you for the Anniversary Sunday.
In the Grace of God,
Austin Park,
Your pastor.
September 26th, 2023
In the name of the Lord, greetings.
2023 seems to be another remarkable year in the history of our church! After the challenges we faced due to the pandemic, our church has been working diligently from the beginning of this year until now. The Sunday School has experienced revival, and in September, we started a new group called the Youth Group. The Youth Group consists of 9 students, and Jennifer is serving as their teacher. They are organizing a "Car Wash Project" this Sunday morning, October 1st, entirely based on the students' plans and ideas. Last summer, our Vacation Bible School (VBS) concluded successfully, and all of this would not have been possible without the dedicated sacrifice and service of our church members. Since the end of last year, we have been live-streaming all our services, which are available on YouTube. Additionally, since early September, we have had Adult Bible Study sessions with the active participation of 7-8 members. Furthermore, our parents have generously donated a Grand Piano to the church. Most importantly, after burdening us in many ways for the past 30 years, Living Word Church has left, and we have sold the church building and parsonage to the new Solid Rock Pentecostal Church. This has significantly reduced our financial burden. I firmly believe that all these accomplishments would not have been possible without your prayers, love, and dedication.
Firstly, I encourage everyone to bring their cars this Sunday and entrust our students with them while you join us for worship. Your cars will be cleaned thoroughly, and it's an opportunity to show our love for our children.
Secondly, on the fourth Sunday of next month, the 22nd, we will be holding a commemorative service for our 103rd church anniversary. I request that we all come together with our families, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the historic birthday of our church. Our church has tirelessly testified to God's Word in Queens, New York, more than any other church in history. This is your mission in this lifetime, and it will be the most honorable glory in heaven. The church's birthday is a precious and immensely significant day for remembering and praising the grace that God has worked throughout history. On this day, I hope that you will prepare yourselves with new clothes and a renewed heart. I will continue to speak to and request from all of you. Just as we have done for the past 103 years, I hope you will become proud adults for the new generation.
With love and respect from Austin Park, Sep 29th, 2023 In the Office
Rev Dr Austin Park
October 9th 2022
Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Grace of the Lord.
I greet you in the name of power and love of our Lord, Jesus Christ. We are coming into a fruitful season that makes us give thanks to the Lord. Specially, on October 23rd, we will celebrate our church’s 102nd Anniversary. This will be more meaningful to us than any other Sundays because we have gone through so many things for the last year and it is time for us to witness his victory and glory who has kept us in his joy and thanksgiving regardless of all circumstances. It will also be special because we have invited our new DS Rev Elizabeth Abel and the service will be also a joint service with the UMC of Trinity and the Love and Grace. Please pray for this wonderful celebration everyday. It is the very opportunity to get blessed by God who always brings his generous gifts to his people who like to worship him.
Peace in His Love,
Pastor Park
june 13, 2020
Dear brothers and sisters of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
May our good Father always check your single step every moment lest you should fall! Here I share a few things.
First, tomorrow, (This Sunday Jun 14th), you and I will watch “New York Annual Conference Sunday Respite Service,” instead of our own Richmond Hill UMC Live stream. Our NYAC made a good service which has been already uploaded so that all members in NY can worship God with one heart and spirit through the message of our Bishop, Bickerton and many other wonderful leaders of NYAC. This is not only an opportunity to be a part of NYAC, but also a privilege to be connected with other children of God through cyber technology.
Please, check out “New York Annual Conference Sunday Respite Service” from New York Annual Conference on Vimeo.
The video is available for your viewing pleasure at
The second announcement is that, even though all adults are encouraged to view the NYAC Worship tomorrow, we will still have THE Sunday school WORSHIP Through ZOOM like last Sunday, at 10:00 AM, and the Youth Bible Study at 11:00. Please encourage your children to join this beautiful meeting and have fun with teachers. Our sister Alison Babb will send or give you the ZOOM invitation (ID/PW) again to you.
We will open our church soon (in the middle of July) : I am not sure, though, exactly when it is, because our Bishop will let us know the exact date in the near future. But no matter when it may be, we should prepare our building to be ready for reopening. Yesterday, under the supervision of Rayman Alli, we cleaned all the church carpets. And we will also have a plan to disinfect our building soon.
Please continue to pray for the church. The church is built by Jesus and Jesus is the head of the church. Please regard the church as the center of your faithful life. You will be blessed by the church, will be flourished through the church, and your children will grow in power and wisdom through the early education in the church. If not, when they grow up, you will see that they are lost in the middle of their unstable and wandering life
To worship in the church is not a burdensome duty but an utmost blessing and privilege. Please continue to pray for the church.
My brothers and sisters, I hope I can see you again and that I would be always available for you. If you have any inquiry or prayer request, please feel free to contact me.
Best wishes in the hope of Jesus
Pastor
june 6, 2020
Praise the Lord, because He is always right, always just, always full of Love and Grace!
Dear sisters and brothers of RHUMC
We are in the turmoil….turmoil of the pandemic, turmoil of discrimination, turmoil of injustice, turmoil of riots and violence, turmoil of unfairness, turmoil of troubles and problems…….. But in this turmoil, we see the light of Jesus and works with Jesus and serve Jesus by being a part of His Church. Because we believe that our Lord, shepherd, will lead us to the green pasture, ultimately, we praise him and worship him in every circumstance.
Here I want to share few things with you.
1) Our beloved brother and sweetest friend, Osman Michael returned his Heavenly Father through the service that I officiated yesterday. I witnessed that his children and Sylvia (wife) were strong in faith and hope, even in the sorrow of loss, and expressed lots of thanks to our church members who were real friends of Osman to the end. Please continue to pray for Osman’s survived family members.
2) From tomorrow, our Sunday school students under their parents’ supervision will start the virtual Sunday school service through ZOOM at 10:00 AM. Alison will lead tomorrow class and please have your children prepare the Bible. It is exciting to see them through a screen finally after almost four months passed.
3) Due to the Sunday school service at 10:00 AM, our youth group Bible study time will start at 11:00 AM. Please note that the time has changed for the youth Bible study.
4) So far, I recorded my sermon and uploaded it to YOUTUBE so that you can watch the video worship any time. But this way has been a unilateral way. From tomorrow, June 7th, I will initiate the RHUMC Live Stream Worship through Youtube at 9:00 AM. But there are many challenging conditions that I found after several tests and trials. First, our church internet speed is not fast enough, so the viewers noticed that live streaming was occasionally frozen. Second, the camera and audio quality are relatively very poor so you might not be clearly following what the participants are doing in the screen. Nevertheless, I will try to broadcast the live stream service tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM. (You might think that this is too early. But Sunday school starts at 10:00, followed by the Youth Group Bible Study at 11:00.) And it is never early because you do not need to dress yourself up and consider a traffic duration.
One very important thing is that I will send you the Youtube Live Stream Address tomorrow morning at around 8:30 AM-8:50 AM, through email. I cannot send you the address to you earlier than that because the live stream is a live stream, not recorded video. Please, wait until you receive the address tomorrow morning and if you once received it, please click it to open and be a part of a worshiper of God.
5) Last point is that, because tomorrow live stream service is just a first time trial that we have never done before (even though I tested several time), it might be not successful. So I did not prepare a lot with my message. Instead, I will officiate the Virtual HOLY COMMUNION tomorrow and praise. Of course, not even such worship might not even be possible or successful. If that is a case, I will come back home afternoon, and record my sermon and will upload it to YouTube like before.
My dear fellow sisters and brothers,
Now, let me ask you only one thing before I finish writing. There might be some members who do not use email or do not even have an account. For them, please contact them and let them know about the plan I have written so far so that we miss the least of our church family members on Sunday morning. I cannot do all by myself without your support and help.
And do not forget that How much I appreciate you and miss you!
In the grace and love of Our Lord, Jesus Christ,
Pastor Park
may 23, 2020
To my fellow Christians and Church Family Members.
May God bless all of you and your family in his power and wisdom!
(1) First of all, my heart is very heavy because I have to inform you that our faithful brother and sweetest friend, Osman Michael, yesterday (22nd, 2020) returned his Heavenly Father in the kingdom of heaven. We know that we have to celebrate his faithful life in the Lord, Jesus Christ, now but we also cannot hide our sorrow and grief for loss of our best friend. He was friendly, humble, and strong in his faith. He never hesitated to serve Jesus not only as a member of the church but also as a servant of God in his whole life time. Please keep in your prayer his children and family, friend members. About the procedure of his funeral, we do not know anything yet. But I will let you know as soon as I am updated.
(2) Second, our bishop informed us that we cannot open the church door No earlier than June 15th. However, one good news is that we can start, at least, the preparation of reopening the door, from now on. Of course, I tell you again that we still DO NOT KNOW WHEN exactly we can reopen the door YET. We just begin to prepare for reopening. For the purpose of reopening the door, the first step we need to follow is that we should prepare the safety tools and sanitary supplies such as Masks, Hand Sanitizer, Alcohol or Anti-Virus or Disinfect Cleaners, and personal leather/cloth/plastic globes, Soaps, Toilet papers, Paper Towels and so on. But the problem is that it is too hard to find such supplies today due to a short of supplies, related to COVID 19. I cannot do the preparation by myself. It is too hard for me to buy such supplies. Therefore, I ask you if you can find such necessary supplies around you. If so, please buy them and bring the receipts to me so that the church can reimburse you. When you buy such stuffs for your own, please remember the church and buy extra for the church. The church will reimburse you. Even though the church reopens the service after June 15th, unless such supplies are prepared, the door will not be opened.
(3) Third, even thought NYS and NYC allowed us to open the service after June 15th without all necessary supplies, the service would be a totally different from before COVID 19 for a tremendous amount of time. No handshakes, No hugs, No touch, Sitting at least 6 feet aways from the individual, No children service, No food, No drink, No Choir, No Paper (Paper Bulletin will be replaced with a projector screen), and so on. This year, as we already know, there would be NO SUMMER Vacation Bible SCHOOL this year. The video sermon on Youtube/Facebook will go on for the time being and the church is also considering Live Stream Service in our parking lot or around the church in your car.
(4) This week’s sermon video will be uploaded tomorrow morning 12 O’clock AM. Please copy this link below and paste it in your search engine or YouTube, and click it.
https://youtu.be/lPA8toyLytwThoughts about Judgement "Your breath stinks!"United Methodist Church of Richmond Hill Rev Austin Park May 24th 2020 Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 Sharon Goffeyoutu.be
My dear brothers and sisters of God,
You know how much I miss you and want to see you meet you. I want to hug you and join your hands and pray and praise together like we did just a couple of months ago. Even though we do not know when we can do such vital worship again, but the only one thing I know is that God is good, and his grace is everlasting. Please stay safe and continue to pray for the church and the survived family members of our friend, Osman Michael.
Sincerely yours,
Pastor Austin Park
May 23rd, 2020
april 13, 2020
Dear all church members,
I greet you with the name of power and wisdom, Jesus Christ.
We are now in deep sorrow for having found that our faithful brother Ralph Beepat has passed away last Saturday. He went to work last week, until his breathing became too labored to continue working. His difficulty of breathing continued and finally he breathed his last breath on his own couch last Saturday. His niece called 911 but when they arrived, he was already unconscious, according to his niece. Now his body is in a hospital on Long Island and I personally do not have further information about the hospital or its procedures.
Let us keep his family and friends in our prayer and stay safe.
I will keep updating any new information.
In peace of God,
Pastor Park, Austin
april 11, 2020 Easter
Praise the Lord,
He is risen, surely is risen!
My dear beloved sisters and brothers in Jesus Christ,
There is nothing more important than our Lord’s grace and love.
He died because he loves us; he is raised, because he loves us; I pray that all of you are full of his grace and love in the Easter morning, wherever we are.
First of all, in accordance with the order from NYAC, Bishop, and NYC, we should continue to close the door of the church. Nobody knows when we will reopen. But the closed thing is just a door of the church. The door of love and grace of Jesus Christ is always open to everyone who calls his name, “LORD.”
Second, I truly appreciate your prayer, concerns, and offerings. Many of us dropped off offerings into the mail slot in the parsonage, and some sent it through electronically using apps such as Zelle, Venmo, and other ways. The church of God has been established by such pious and sincere members as you. And we will celebrate the 100th anniversary this coming October.
In addition to that, I inform you that the church has had no paid staff from April. Our secretary, Youn, and I have decided voluntarily to be laid off (not receiving any salary) until the church opens its doors again, due to the financial difficulties. However, please continue to be contributory to the church because the church needs to pay the bills such as insurance, electricity, gas communications, missions, and other expensive trustee payments. Your offering is filed not in this world but in the kingdom of heaven. An offering is neither donation nor gift. An offering is a heavenly privilege and a responsible answer toward Christ’s calling you HIS people who were saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. You are not serving man in the church; but you are serving Jesus and his people so the church door should never be closed.
Third, the most important and urgent prayer request for today is for two church family members who are going through very critical and serious situations. Sis Jean Asuncion was diagnosed with pneumonia. Sis Annie Hosein, a mom of two young daughters, was diagnosed of cancer about a year ago, and last week they found that her tumor began to spread in her spine. I urge you to lift up your strong prayers to the Lord. There is nothing that we can do except pray; but prayer is the best thing we can do. Continue to pray for them. And he will definitely heal them and restore their strength.
I also urge you to pray for other church members who are working in the frontline, especially, sis Monica Parsan, Neisha Latchman, Anthony Wittington, Vanessa Latchman, Sylvia Park, and other members.
I know how much you miss your service in the church and how much you miss one another. That time will surely come soon. Continue to rejoice in the Lord, because he knows the best way. I truly thank you for your love and dedication to the church of Jesus Christ.
Sincerely in the grace of God,
Pastor Austin Park
April 11, 2020
april 1, 2020
My dear brothers and sisters of Richmond Hill
I greet you in the name of the Lord, Jesus Christ. I have heard from many of you that you are spending your days with thanksgiving and joy within Jesus Christ even though the worldly pandemic has deprived us of much of our security, daily routine, and financial plans. I keep on hearing, however, that Jesus is telling me “you do not lose anything. Because you did not lose me.” I want to share this voice from the bottom of my heart with all of you, my faithful family. Unless we have not lost Jesus in us, there is nothing we have lost yet. I truly thank to many of you who faithfully dropped off, or sent your precious offerings to the church, even though the church door has closed for the last three weeks. We have Jesus. Yes. As long as we have Jesus, that is all. He knows our struggling and will recover soon all we have lost so far.
First, I am happy to let everyone know that I will open the ZOOM Early Morning Prayer Conference. This Early Morning Prayer of the Zoom Conference Meeting will start from April 5th (which is the Palm Sunday), and it will be held at 7:00 in the morning. It will continue every morning and you will be invited through both/either email and text message. Simply click on the invitation URL then you can join. You can join this conference through your computer (Desktop/Laptop), or/and Tablet or/and your smartphone. If you are not comfortable or do not know how to install Zoom Cloud Meeting, please ask anybody who is available to help you around you, or ask our secretary, Youn through her email or you can simply call me at my phone; 718-344-5574. I love to help you.
Our youth students have already started this Zoom Conference Meeting and Bible Study last Sunday, a total of 5 students joined and it was very successful.
Second, as we all know, to worship Palm Sunday/Good Friday/Easter Sunday in our church building does not seem to be possible. By the order(recommendation) of both Bishop and NYC/NYS, we are not allowed to have a physical gathering. As of now, nobody knows how long this will go on. Now, your faithful journey is on your own. I urge you to be strong in your faith, keep up your good works, and keep Jesus in your hearts every moment. We will meet again, and when we do, we will share our triumphant stories with one another.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Pastor Park, Austin
Please: Download the apps;
ZOOM Cloud Meeting for the Early Morning Prayer Meeting.
Venmo for the offerings without any fees and physical traveling.
(1) Early Morning Zoom Prayer of Richmond Hill UMC
Time: April 5th Sunday at 7:00 AM
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/622178426?pwd=NEttK0RUck1mZEQwRlJGWHB3YTZ5Zz09
Meeting ID: 622 178 426
Password: 046989
(2) RHUMC YOUTH BIBLE COMMUNITY "WHAT IS THE DISCIPLE'S PATH"
Apr 5, 2020 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/707017722?pwd=NWZZbEo2M0FUWjIyRktYemVTWlZoQT09
Meeting ID: 707 017 722
Password: 054273
The two above Conference meetings are scheduled on this Sunday. Please copy the blue letters (URL, Address), starting with https://
If you have any inquiry, please email to ‘umcrh@hotmail.com,’ or call pastor at 718-344-5574
See you soon.
march 28, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters of Richmond Hill UMC
I greet you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ who saved us from eternal curse through his cross and will save us from current difficulties through his endless love and wisdom.
I hope you find hope and encouragement in this letter. We are a strong faithful community, called “the church of Jesus.” Because Jesus told us to be “light and salt in the world,” to be contributory to our community is our duty and mission. How can we fulfill our mission now in this critical situation? I would say, that, love our family and neighbor through prayer is the only answer. Please continue to pray. Continue to read the Bible everyday (5 chapters daily). Continue to praise at home (two hymns daily). I encourage you to keep this guideline of the service everyday until we meet again.
The Guideline of the Family Service at Your Own Place (house/room/or any private place) on Every Sunday (or Anyday)
1. Gather everyone together at 10:00 AM (or any comfortable time for everyone or alone)
2. Prepare Hymnal and Bible (If you do not have Hymnal, find any songs in youtube)
3. Pray together (Any volunteer from your family can start)
4. Open the Bile and read in turns (This is just for one sample for March 29/2020) Galatians 5, John 2) 5. Go to YOUTUBE (click the link to the video service https://youtu.be/4_NFJybNlrE (This is just one sample for March 29/2020.)
6. After the video service, please share your own response to the word or the Bible Scripture with other family members or on your own.
7. Finish the worship with the Lord’s Prayer.
8. After you finished the worship, please, write to the YOUTUBE video sermon that “you have done.”
When you pray, please pray for the sake of; (1) the church, (2) this country: USA, (3) the world, (4) your family & friends, (5) for your own spiritual growth and more close relationship with God.
I also notify that we will initiate a few settings with you.
1) I encourage all of you to download the app “ZOOM Cloud Meeting” in your phone, so that I can start the RHUMC Adult HOME (Family) Bible Study as soon as possible.
2) The youth/young adult group will start the YOUTH/YOUNG ADULT BIBLE STUDY from tomorrow(3/29) through Zoom Cloud Meeting.
3) The best way you can communicate with the church is through our Homepage (the church website: richmondhillumc.com Please visit our homepage at least once a week for any update.
4) Some of us are not comfortable to download any app in their phone(s) because of security reasons. If you are in that case, please find the best way you can contribute to the church electronically from your own bank. Every bank has its own system for their customer who wants to process easily in a remote way, and they will guide you. Please, do not send your offering to the church, because the church office is now closed and traveling to the church for secretary is restricted.
My brothers and sisters of Richmond Hill UMC. Nobody knows how long this virus is staying in our location. We do not know when we can safely meet one another and hold and hug one another to pray for everyone like we did last January. But the time will come back again. We will praise the Lord and pray for our beloved family again. It is because the Final Victory belongs to God and we believe that.
Stay safe and stay holy. Make your home a Sanctuary of God everyday. Where you are now is His Church as well.
May God bless you!
Pastor Park, Austin
march 24, 2020
Dear my Sisters and Brothers in our Savior Jesus Christ
He will win. He will bring final victory with us soon. He will liberate us from all kinds of bondage. He will set us free from Egypt, Babylon, and Virus. It is because he will just win. The ending has been already set up before creation. All we do is just praise his mighty power and mysterious work through his wisdom while turmoil. Do not get discouraged. Do not get fear from any situation. God always works for better ending through His own mysterious way.
Even though we do never know when we can hold our lovely service again, we know that God is always with us when we worship him, read the Bible, praise his name, and pray in the name of Jesus. That is enough at least just for now. Many of us are laid off, our time to work was just reduced. Everything is frustrating without Jesus but nothing is depressing with Jesus.
In this letter, I am pleased to inform you that we have still many ways to participate in our church service and be a part of supporting group financially and spiritually.
First, please continue to pray for the church. The church has been struggling with many monthly bills to pay such as the church Insurance(about $2,300), Utility ($1,500), Apportionment ($1,000), Staff Benefits/Taxes/Stipend (more than $6,000) as well as other fees and charges (Office Expenses/Copy Machine Lease/Security Bills and so on, more than $2,000) I cannot even write all of these, and these monthly expenses must be paid regardless of we have a physical service or not. The church executive meeting decided to make some crucial actions to lessen financial pain as much as possible. First, pastor Park, I, decided to return the pastor’s expenses for business ($3,000, which corresponds to the March Salary) to the church back, Second, two paid staffs (Sexton, Pianist) are not going to be paid until the church service resumes.
However, even though we are struggling with this situation more than ever, we also decided to forgive April donation from two churches (Living Word and Love and Grace), because we want to share love and peace with them in this time.
I, however, stress that God is with us and as long as he is our Lord, nothing can hurt his church, Richmond Hill UMC that has been strongly founded for last 100 years. In this letter, I want to encourage you to support the church as much as possible and also introduce several good ways to do so.
First to the members who have either/both a smartphone(tablet) or/and computer.
1) Please, download the app “WhatsApp” in your phone. This is a messenger application that can help you upload your video or picture without any loss of quality of your production. You need this because I, your pastor, will request the video clips of yours from you (Sermon/Prayer/Reading/Praising/Singing….). When you send me the video you made, in the process of your video transferring, you might lose some quality of resolution. Therefore, I encourage you to download the app, if you experience such
problem. Should you have any inquiry or question, please feel free to contact Ms Keziah Persaud. She will be happy to help you download the app in your phone correctly. If you call me, or send request email to the church, then I will let you know her number.
2) Please, download the app “ZOOM Cloud Meetings.” This application can help you join our video conference meeting. We can do Bible Study, Choir practice, even worship, together at the same time, without respect to the limit of my current location. Stephanie, Jennifer, Sylvia, and I have already tested this and it worked perfectly fine. Should you have any help or inquiry to download it, please ask Ms Stephanie or Jennifer. If you need their personal contact number, please let me know or send your email to the church.
3) Please, download the app “Venmo,” or “Paypal Business.” This app will help you send your offering anytime from your own location extremely easily. Sylvia and Ms Youn have already sent their offering through Venmo, and they were successfully received through the app. If you need help to install the app, please, contact Ms Youn through the church email, then she will respond right away.
4) If you are not comfortable with installation of the “Venmo,” “Paypal Business,” please, go to your own bank and ask the best way you can transfer your fund to the church electronically(remotely) such as ‘chase quickpay’ system.
5) After this letter in paper, the church office will send you with electronic letter(Email) to contact you, in order to reduce expenses (Copy macine/paper/inc/stamps/heating/electric for office time). If you received this church letter, please send your reply to the church email (umcrh@hotmail.com) in order to verify your email. If you have no email/computer/smartphone, then do not worry. We will continue to send this letter in paper. Many of our church members might not be familiar with electronic device and email. Do not worry and just let your pastor know the best way to serve you.
6) Pastor’s Sermon and Sunday worship will be continually uploaded on Youtube and Facebook. In the video, more members will participate to the video. Please, be informed that pastor Park might have to ask you to record your own video. Then, please “Be Contributory to this process.” And please share youtube video with your friends as many as possible, because we want to make a leverage of evangelism of this difficult situation.
I do not know how I can express how much I miss you and thank you for your strong faith. You are the soldiers of God and God’s choir team. Please be safe and thankful until we meet all together. Do not forget that God loves us and He never forgets to take care of whom He created/chose, and saved through his son’s blood.
May God bless you!
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Pastor, Austin Park
March 24, 2020
March 16, 2020
Dear my beloved faithful friends in the Lord Jesus Christ
I pray that all yours be full of the grace of God in this difficult situation.
This is the second letter followed by the first letter which was mailed out to you last Friday. In the first letter I encouraged to continue to attend the church to worship the Lord in the sanctuary unless we have any other special direction from the NYS GOV and NYC. Approximately 30 minutes later, all UMC pastors received the Bishop’s letter that orders any official gathering in the church building to be banned. Yesterday, we in NYC were also notified by Mayor that the public school is closed from Monday. In accordance with this official direction, I announce that the church service is not going to hold until 22nd (March) which is this following week. The church council meeting, Sunday school, choir practice on Friday, and all other meetings in the church building are canceled.
This decision is very important at this critical time in terms of that we should try to do our best to protect ourselves, our children, and senior members who are specially weak to this virus.
However, to postpone the Sunday church service NEVER means that our worshiping the Lord, Jesus Christ can be stopped. The Lord who died for us and saved us and gave us eternal life is worthy of being praised and glorified Anytime and Anywhere, regardless of any circumstance, in our lives. And I do believe that your passion and dedication in the Lord have neither decreased physically nor been diminished spiritually. Rather I received many phone calls and texts from our church members who support contacting other members promptly and shared encouragement. Our heart toward the service and spiritual zeal to worship God together as one body are getting hotter and hotter. The longer we worship individually, the more passion to worship God together is growing in ourselves.
Here are some ways to continue to be a part of the service in the Lord.
First please continue to pray for the church. Read the Bible everyday, Pray in all occasions, Fast if possible for the people who suffer from this contagious disease in all over the world.
Second please contact other church members to encourage one another and be aware of what our church members are in need of as well as prayer in this critical time.
Third please mail your offering to the church or directly visit the church with your offering during the week day (Office hour M,T,TH, FRI 9:00AM:1:00PM). Due to this unexpected situation, the income to the church has extremely decreased. The church, all of sudden, is now struggling with financial difficulty because the services were canceled, and the Love and Grace Church was also canceled. It is hard for us to ask for the rent fee from the churches that are also struggling with themselves at this moment.
This is a time for us to be strong in faith and dedicated to the church. I humbly ask you for increase your giving as much as possible, or if you can, your special gift would be welcomed preciously more than any time, specially in this month. Please, do not think that the church is begging for the money. It is just that we are returning what we have received from the Lord to Him. As we all know through the life lesson, there is nothing more precious to serve God by all our might and heart. As you put your energy and financial support together for the parking lot 3 years ago, on behalf of the church, I, as your pastor, ask all of us to consider special offering or increase your dedicated offering to 30% of your weekly or monthly plan (It is because our income has decreased about 30% compared to last year) for just few months, until we overcome this worldly pandemic.
Forth I uploaded my sermon to Youtube, and Facebook, and will continue to do it. However, the best way to share the message is to visit our home page and you will find the YouTube link of my sermon. Please refer to the below address.
Click to; richmondhillumc.com
or
Click to; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBTWzoVGZcw&feature=youtu.be
Let us not forget that our Richmond Hill UMC has been alway strong and wise in every critical occasion for the last 100 years. This year is the 100th year of our church. I truly and strongly believe that God will grant us his enormous, overflowing, abundant grace and blessing to our church after this crisis. Please join this wonderful opportunity to serve the Lord when God really needs our devotion and dedication.
My dear family,
We will gather together and share our joy, happy smile again like we have always done every Sunday, soon. Even though it is not easy for us to get together now, do not forget that God is with us, works among us. He does neither rest nor sleep. I pray that all of you stay in His protection and grace every moment until we meet together.
In Christ, our Lord,
Pastor Park, Austin
march 12, 2020
Dear my sisters and brothers,
The pandemic disease, COVID-19, covers the whole world with fear and anxiety, rapidly. As the pastor of the United Methodist Church of Richmond Hill, I want to share what we can do together as one body of Christ, now.
First, I encourage you to stay in strong prayer in Jesus Christ. He is a wounded healer. He knows our pain, fear, and weakness. In this critical situation, to pray for our neighbor and world is our duty and mission that were assigned by our Lord. Trust in your power of prayer. It is not you who works, but Him, and he will work with you and within you who lifts up sincere prayer. I also encourage all you to contact other church members as, many people, and frequently, as possible and let your pastor, Austin Park, know so that we can know promptly who needs and what kind of help our church member(s) needs.
Second, I encourage you to come to church every Sunday until NYC allows. There is no reason why we are terrified by this disease. My daughter goes to school everyday, my wife goes to work everyday, at least, until Now. Therefore, if we stop coming to church because of fear of this disease, even though we go out and work outside with/among the crowd all day long, it would be an ‘antinomic’ excuse or just poor self-justification that does not have any plausible theory. Unless NYC informs us that ‘we need to stay home!’ then, the Sunday church service will go on. If once NYC commands all the religious communities’ gathering to be prohibited, then I will change our Sunday service format to ‘Youtube’ broadcasting format so that all of you can participate in the church service at home through the internet. But before then, please, try to do your best to come to the church so that we can encourage one another and collect a powerful group prayer for the world.
Third, I encourage all of you to wash your hands both after you entered the church building and before you leave the church building (Twice), because, as all already know, the church doors, door knobs, handles, and rails might be the first and LAST place for this contagious disease. Please, keep your own individual sanitary material such as hand anti bacterial sanitizer, tissues, globes, and masks, if you can. If you have any extra(s), please bring them with you so that we can share with one another.
Forth, I encourage all of you to be careful when you touch other members and kids. I do not think it is a good idea to shake, hold, join hands. Also hugging, kissing on the face might be carefully controlled, even though we cannot stop our joy and happiness as we see our church family without expressing through our wholeness(body and the spirit). Please, DO NOT TOUCH LITTLE SUNDAY SCHOOL KIDS and SENIORS who are over 80 years old, because it is informed that seniors who are over 70-80 years old are more vulnerable to Corona Virus 19.
Dear my family,
You are the most precious gifts that God gave to me. As I think of you and pray for you, my heart is full of thanksgiving and happiness. I want you to stay in healthy life, physically and spiritually. Let us show how strong, how sincere, how hopeful, how joyful our Richmond Hill UMC is in this critical situation, depending on the power of prayer and cooperation with trustworthiness.
In Christ, our Lord, Jesus
Pastor Park, Austin