Several Watermark Parents Updates

Dear WM Parents,

Happy holidays, hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with you loved ones.  Here are several information to share with you:

(1) There will be no Bible study in the month of December, but room #2 will be open for those of you who need a warm place to stay and to to fellowship.

(2) We will be collect gift money of $20 (or more if you wish to contribute more) per WM family for Christmas presents to give to the WM young adults to show our appreciation.  We plan to present the gifts on 12/17.

• Amy, Xiuli, and/or Wendar will be in room #2 during WM hours on 12/3 and 12/10 to collect the money, and be sure to sign the card too.
  
• On 12/4 (Sun.) you can also find Amy at the downstairs church during Mass,
  
• and on 12/11 (Sun.) you can do so at the upstairs church with Wendar.

(3) Don't forget to make reservation for the Watermark Families Christmas Holiday Trip (see attached email "Watermark Families Christmas Holiday Trip (Update #2)".  It would be a great opportunity for the kids to hangout and for the families to have some relaxing time together.   We are hoping Fr. Olivera can join us too!

Blessings,
Wendar

When you make reservation for Grand Sierra on hotel.com, the 3rd night is free.  So if you plan on staying 3 nights, the rate averages to $39/night/room, which is a mighty good deal.

Make sure you print your hotel.com reservation confirmation, and you get 30% off adult lift ticket at Mount Rose.

Wendar

-----------------
So here's some updates:

(1) We have booked at Grand Sierra (http://www.grandsierraresort.com/), the rate is $59/night/room, and if you are a AAA member, the rate would be $53 instead.  Some rooms in this hotel allow pets, so there will be $20 extra per night if you are bringing your pet.  This hotel also has a bowling alley, an arcade, a movie theatre, go cart, and miniature golf for the kids.

(2) Event 1 on Monday will be buffet dinner at Grand Sierra, after dinner, the kids can hangout together for bowling, movies, or come to our kids room to just hangout together or for card/board games.

If your family would like to join us, please go ahead and make your hotel reservations, then let me know the dates you will be joining us (and your suggestions too), no later than 12/11 so I can plan the group events.

Cheers,
Wendar
-------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Watermark Families,

Several of us who are part of the Watermark family are planning to have a short winter holiday trip together, and we would like to extend this invitation to all of the WM families:

Event 1 on 12/26, Monday: Group buffet dinner at one of the Reno casinos (TBD), kids can hang out afterwards, so can the parents.

Event 2 on 12/27, Tuesday:  Skiiing or snow boarding at Mount Rose near Reno (Those who don't ski or snow board can hang out together for other activities.  Some families will arrive on Mon. 12/26, some will depart late Tues 12/27, and some will stay more days for other activities or more skiing, we can organize the detail once we have the the number of families attending and their schedules)

Possible Event 3 on 12/28, Wednesday: Can be skiing at the same or different ski resort, or group outing to Tahoe or Truckee.  Please feel free to suggest.

Casno Hotel Choices: the choice of casino hotels are El Dorado (http://www.eldoradoreno.com/) and Silver Legacy (http://www.silverlegacyreno.com/, $59.99/room) because they are connected, so is Circus Circus.  Another hotel with a very good deal is Grand Sierra, but it is less convenient since it's driving distance from the El Dorado and Silver Legacy.

If your family would like to join us, please go ahead and make your hotel reservations, then let me know the dates you will be joining us (and your suggestions too), no later than 12/11 so I can plan the group events.

Happy Holidays,
Wendar

Watermark Parents December Schedule

Dear Watermark Parents,

Due to busy holiday schedule with many families and parents, there will be NO parents Bible study in the month of December.  However, a few parents will still congregate in room #2 during the Watermark meeting times to chat so they don't need to wait in the car or go make multiple trips, feel free to join them if you wish.

The WM parents Bible study will resume in January, on every 2nd and 4th Saturdays.

Gobble Gobble,
Wendar

Potluck Photos and Parents Gathering Photos

Dear Watermark Parents,

We had a record turn out at this month's potluck, hope you all enjoyed the food and the fellowship.  Here's a link to the photos from the potluck:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150467867575579.423087.521775578&type=1&l=6e5f99fb85
and a few photos from the parents' gathering after potluck:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150466845710579.422903.521775578&type=1&l=4220208f0e

Our next potluck will be Jan. 14, 2012, but we will have Bible study on the following days: 11/19, 12/10.  The January potluck menu will be planned by Jenny Lin and Anita, I will contact you two early in the year.

Thanks to Fremont parents for providing weekly snacks and drinks for the Watermark youths in September, October, and November.  The 12th grade parents (except the Fremont parents) will be responsible for December, and Amy will be the coordinator.  January snacks and drinks responsibility will go to 10th grade parents (sans Fremont parents), and Ellen Tou will be the coordinator.  Please work with with Amy and Ellen to help out when they contact you.   Thank you.

Blessings,
Wendar

Watermark November Potluck (Update #2)

Thanks so much for the quick sign ups!               --- Wendar

Dear WM Families,

Thanks to Maria Wang and Sandra Hung's planning, our menu for the November potluck will be an early Thanksgiving meal.  The date will be 11/12 (Sat.) 6PM, at lower church.  We will have several families of the youthd from CCCSJ (our sister church in Fremont) joining us this time, so we are anticipating around 60 people at this festive potluck.  Please sign up no later than 11/9 (Wed.).  Please don't forget to bring a serving utensil, and prepare your food in a way so they are easier to serve at the potluck (any cutting should be done prior to serving).   Thanks.

Love, Joy and Peace,
Wendar

火雞肉20人份   ( 汪星潔  )
火雞肉20人份    ( 洪惠紋 )
Ham  20人份  ( Amy Bau )
Ham  20人份 (Rose Kung)

Mashed Potato含醬汁20人份  (Maria Tsai)
Mashed Potato含醬汁20人份 (Jerry Chu)

義大利麵含醬汁20人份 (Hai-Hsia)
義大利麵含醬汁20人份 -- One family
Lasagna  20人份  -- One family
Lasagna  20人份  -- One family

生菜沙拉 20人份  (Rosa Tsai)
生菜沙拉 20人份  (Jenny Lin)
Corn (loose or cob)  50人份 (please cut corn in 2 or 3 pieces if bringing ears of corn)   --- One family
Dinner roll 50 人份  (Wendar)

Watermark November Potluck

Dear WM Families,

Thanks to Maria Wang and Sandra Hung's planning, our menu for the November potluck will be an early Thanksgiving meal.  The date will be 11/12 (Sat.) 6PM, at lower church.  We will have several families of the youthd from CCCSJ (our sister church in Fremont) joining us this time, so we are anticipating around 60 people at this festive potluck.  Please sign up no later than 11/9 (Wed.).  Please don't forget to bring a serving utensil, and prepare your food in a way so they are easier to serve at the potluck (any cutting should be done prior to serving).   Thanks.

Love, Joy and Peace,
Wendar

火雞肉20人份   ( 汪星潔  )
火雞肉20人份    ( 洪惠紋 )
Ham  20人份  ( Amy Bau )
Ham  20人份 - One family

Mashed Potato含醬汁20人份  -- One family
Mashed Potato含醬汁20人份 – One family

義大利麵含醬汁20人份  ---  One family
義大利麵含醬汁20人份 -- One family
Lasagna  20人份  -- One family
Lasagna  20人份  --One family

生菜沙拉 20人份  -- One family
生菜沙拉 20人份  ---  One family
Corn (loose or cob)  50人份 (please cut corn in two if bringing ears of corn)   --- One family
Dinner roll 50 人份  (Wendar)

10/22 Watermark Parents Bible Study Reminder

Dear Watermark Parents,

We will have Bible study this Saturday in room #2 from 7:30 to 10 PM.  Since Sandra filled in for Maria Wang last week, this week Maria will be leading the Bible study.  Jerrick won't be able to join us until around 9:30PM, so his session of choir class will be after Bible study instead of before.  You can find the English Gospel passages in http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/102311.cfm, and don't forget to bring your Chinese Bibles.

In Christ,
Wendar

Free Seminar - College Admission Workshop

Dear WM Parents,

Please see attachment of a flyer regarding a free seminar on the morning of 10/22 that might interest you.  The topics include:

• Sharing the college experience
• Dreaming about the best possible you
• Gaining admission to your dream college
• Q&A Session

Thanks to Daniel Wang and Angela Chen for sharing this information with us.

Blessings,
Wendar

Watermark Parents Bible Study and Misc. Info

Dear WM Parents,

Please be reminded that there will be Bible study this Saturday, 7:30 - 10 PM, in room #2.  We will start with praising and worship by Jerrick Wu, then Maria Wang will lead us with the study of the Scriptures (http://www.sjccc.org/groups/watermark/program-year/2011-2012/boom-sizzle/, scroll down and click on the link under 2011-10-15).  Don't forget to bring your Chinese Bible.  Feel free to bring snacks or drinks to share if you wish.

We are still looking for volunteers to lead Bible study on 11/5, 11/12, and 11/19.  Please let me know if you can help.

Regarding the seminar topics, the most popular topics are:

• How to help our teens maintain/continue their faith when in college?
• 親子溝通

Three additional topics were suggested by parents:
(1) SAT-1, SAT-2, PSAT, ACTs, CAHEE, AP tests - What are these tests?  Are these tests required by HS/Universities?  When should they be taken?  Etc.
(2) Marriage and family relationships.
(3) Realizing harassment in a relationship and how to handle it (this addition was suggested to be part of thet opic of "teenagers and sex in today's society and teen relationships".)
Please reply to let me know if you are interested in any of these 3 topics by 10/15, thanks.

In Christ,
Wendar

Potluck Photos

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150415614240579.412496.521775578&l=7dd01cf806&type=1

Blessings,
Wendar

Watermark October Potluck

Dear Watermark Parents,

Please sign up for the next Watermark family potluck which will be on 10/8, Saturday at 6PM, at lower church.   It seems so soon because we normally have potlucks on the 2nd Saturdays of each month due to Watermark schedule, but the September potluck happened on the 3rd Saturday, which explains the close proximity of the two potlucks.  Please sign up for a dish below no later than 10/5, next Wednesday.  Thanks to Maria Ku and Ann Lee for planning the menu for this potluck.

• 9th grade families - please each  bring an appetizer for 12 (examples: garlic bread, wheat bread, egg rolls, Dumpling, Potsticker. Meatbun, tofu…)
• 10th grade families - please each  bring a dessert for 12 (examples: brownies, cookies, fruits…)
• 11th grade families - please each  bring a salad and drinks for 12 (cups will be provided)
• 12th grade families - please each  bring a main dish for 12 (examples: pastas w/meat, lasagnas, kung pao chicken, fried rice, Fried noodle,  Meat and Veg, Meat only,  etc.…)
• Bryan Bau - pasta with meat sauce
• Daniel Fu - sushi

Blessings,
Wendar

Watermark Parents' Bible Study Schedule and Reminder

Dear Watermark Parents,

We had a great start of Bible study last Saturday lead by Maria, we will continue this Saturday and Yue Ming Tang will be leading us in the study.  You can find the English readings at http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/100211.cfm, please bring your Chinese Bibles to the meeting.  Please let me know if you can join us this week.

7:30 - 8PM will be music praising and worship lead by Jerrick Woo.  Please let us know if you can do so this week, Jerrick.  Thanks.

Please feel free to bring drinks or snacks for sharing, but it is not mandatory.  Also, please let me know if you can help lead any future Bible studies:

• 9/24/11: Maria Ku (done)
• 10/1/11: Yue Ming Tang
• 10/8/11 (potluck): TBA
  
• 10/15/11: Maria Wang
• 10/22/11: TBA
  
• 10/29/11: 郭武潔修女 sharing, host by Hai-Hsia
• 11/5/11: TBA
• 11/12/11 (potluck):
• 11/19/11: TBA

Look forward to seeing all of you this weekend.

Blessings,
Wendar

Fwd: About 9/24 WM Parents' Bible Study

Forwarding message from Tony Fu:

Dear Maria, thank you for leading the Bible study on Saturday. I enjoyed the session very much. You lead the praising and prayer for our kids wonderfully, you gave a very nice summary and we had very warm sharing from everyone. Despite your humbleness, watermelon (and desserts from other parents) were very delicious.  I think you set a fantastic example kicking off the Bible study for this year's Watermark parents.  Thank you.

May God bless us and our family this week.  Hope to see everyone on Saturday!
God bless,
+Tony

Watermark Seminar Topics - Please Respond

Dear Watermark Parents,

During the first Watermark parents meeting, there were discussions of holding parents seminars (3rd Sat. night if there is) every few months with topics pertaining to families of teenagers.  Here are a list of topics from the previous years and from parents' suggestions, please let me know which ones you will be interested by 10/5, and the results from all of you will determine the topics and frequency of such seminars.  Thank you.

1. 親子溝通
2. 升 學講座
   
3. How to prepare our teens for college /Money management for teens (when and how much to give allowance, how to balance check book, when to setup bank account, credit card/debit card, etc.)
   
4. Social network for teens and parents (what is social network? why are young people using it? how to protect my teen/myself on internet/social network? basic social network etiquette, etc.)
5. Teenagers and sex in today's society, and teen relationships
   
6. How to help our teens maintain/continue their faith when in college?
7. How to help our kids explore different jobs/careers/college majors?
8. House of Hormones (how to cope with mid-life crisis, menopause, and rebellious teens all at once?  Coping with teen and adult depression.)
9. Teenagers and sex in today's society, and teen relationship
10. Please send me additional topics if any

Blessings,
Wendar

Reminder: Watermark Parents Bible Study 9/25

Dear Watermark Parents,

It was voted during the first WM Parents meeting that there will be weekly Bible study during the days of Watermark Youth's Boom Sizzle, and the Scripture to be studied will be coming Sunday's readings.  This week, Maria Ku will be leading the study, please bring your Bible.  Feel free to bring snacks or drinks for sharing if you wish, but certainly not mandatory.  The planned schedule will be as follows:

7:30pm Praising (Jerrick Woo)

8:00pm Praying for youth

8:15pm Bible study

9:30pm sharing / snack / drink

Here's a link to the English version of this Sunday's readings (please let me know if you have links to a Chinese version):
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/092511.cfm
Also a google doc link here that Watermark YAG set up for use with their study (Watermark youths only study the Gospel portion of the readings):
https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&pid=explorer&chrome=true&srcid=0Bx94zkv0ddD1MWUyODFhZDAtNjQyNi00ZGZjLTllYzEtNzNhNTEyYjI2YjNh&hl=en_US

Please let me know if you plan on coming or not so we can keep a head count.  Thank you.

Blessings,
Wendar

Watermark Potluck Photos and Parents Meeting Minutes

Dear Watermark Parents,

Thank God for His blessings, the first Watermark gathering on 9/17 attended by over 80 people was a big success.  If you missed last gathering, we hope you will be able to bring your kids to Watermark and join the parents in room#2 this Saturday.  There was a brief introduction about Watermark after the potluck, then the youth continued with their games, Bible study and worship, while the parents moved to room #2 for a productive meeting.  Thank you all for your participation, I'll see you this Saturday evening.

Blessings,
Wendar

P.S. Here are some photos from the evening to share with you:
http://sjccc.org/index.php/sacred-heart-school/cm/759-wm-first-boom-sizzle-09-17-2011.html
And here's the meeting minutes recorded by Xiuli for your information:

1. Monthly family potluck (need two parents to plan a menu - freeform or themed)
1. 9/17/11:  Amy Li, Xiuli Chu (Mission Complete!)
2. 10/8/11:   Maria Ku, Anne Lee
3. 11/12/11:  Maria Wang, Sandra
4. 1/14/12: Anita, Jenny Lin
5. 2/8/12: Margaret Chung, Jean Ng
6. 3/10/12: Christina,  Sonia
7. 4/14/12: Haishia, Feiwen, Margaret Tang
8. 5/12/12: Maria Chen, Maria Tsai

2. Parent meetings/activities during WM time:
1. Seminar – 3^rd Sat night if there is a seminar

                                                              i.      How often:  (TBD)

                                                            ii.      Topic:  (TBD) Please email suggested topic to WendarFu@gmail.com

1.      親子溝通

2.      Finance: when to give and how much to give allowance, how to balance check book, when to setup credit card/debit card...

3.      升學講座

4.      Young adult Q&A

5.      … …

2. Weekly bible study/sharing – Sunday 1^st Reading, 2^nd Reading and  Gospel

                                                              i.      Parent meeting schedule: (Bring Chinese Bible, leader bring 感恩祭典)

7:30pm Praising (Jerrick Woo)

8:00pm Praying for youth

8:15pm Bible study

9:30pm sharing / snack / drink

                                                            ii.      Bible Study Leaders sign up:

1.      09/24/2011:  Maria Ku

2.      10/01/2011:  Yue Ming Tang

3.      10/15/2011:  Maria Wang

4.      10/22/2011: 

3. Coordinator for each grade or region will arrange schedule for a parent to bring snack and drinks for WM kids Bible study, about 30 people. Amy Li will be the Overall Coordinator. (Free form: water, drink, fruit, 自由發揮, not too expensive, home style is fine)

1. Fremont parents cover up to end of November (Coordinator: Maria Tsai ??):

9/24, 10/1, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/19, 11/26,

2. 9^th grade (Coordinator: Sonia):  2/4, 2/18, 2/25, 3/3, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31,
3. 10^th grade (Coordinator: Ellen Tou): 1/7, 1/21, 1/28
4. 11^th grade (Coordinator: Xiuli):  4/7, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/19
5. 12^th grade (Coordinator: Amy):   12/3, 12/10, 12/17

4. Any donations or offering to Watermark: writing check to SJCCC, in Memo section put "Watermark".

Watermark Activities Photos From May 21st

Dear All,

Hope you all had an enjoyable and informative year with the Watermark parents, have a great summer.

Here's a link from last night's Watermark and WM Parents' activities:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150260683165579.370901.521775578&l=49f249ecb3

Blessings,
Wendar

Final Update & Reminder: 5/21 WM Potluck and Parents Workshop

Dear Watermark Families,

The last WM potluck and parents workshop of the year will be on May 21st (Sat.), 6PM at lower church.   Thanks to the 11 families supporting the potluck, please see the sign up list below, please bring serving utensil for the dishes you bring.  Many hanks again to Xiuli, Feiwen and Amy for hosting the potluck and for the menu design with the "Time to Wrap Up" theme.  Please don't forget to bring your own eating utensils.

春捲 ：Egg rolls (18人份) - Amy
春捲 ：Egg rolls (18人份) - Wendar
餛飩：Wonton ( about 40 粒 ) - Maria Tsai
Curry 餃 ( about 40 粒 ) - Anita
牛肉 捲 餅 ： Beef wraps (36 人份) - FeiWen
春餅：Vegetable and meat wraps ( 18 人份) - Xiuli
壽司：Sushi  (18 人份) - Wendar
壽司： Sushi (18 人份) - Catherine Wong (Martin's mom)
麵飯類: Fried rice (18 人份) - Junfen
素菜類：Vegetables,tofu,bean curd or eggs (18 人份) - Rebecca Lei
素菜類： Vegetables, tofu,bean curd or eggs (18 人份) - Andy Wong (Rebecca's dad)
葷菜類：Pork (12 人份) - Maria Chen
葷菜類： Chicken (12 人份) - Amy (orange chicken)

This month's parents' workshop subject will be " 社交網路及臉書 - Social Network & Facebook", Tony will be our speaker, and we will meet in room #2 from 7:45PM to 9:30PM.  Some of the the various topics to be covered include:

• 不同種的社交網路 - Different types of Social Networks
  
• Facebook 的許多用處 - Many benefits of Facebook
• 如何使用 Facebook - How to use Facebook
  
• 使用 Facebook 時的禮貌 - Facebook Etiquette
• 使用 Facebook 時如何保護自己 - how to protect yourself when using Facebook

Cheers,
Wendar

Last WM Potluck and Parents Workshop of the Year 5/21 - Update #2

Want to take this opportunity to thank Feiwen, Xiuli, and Amy for planning this month's potluck menu.  The theme is "Time to Wrap Up", therefore many of the items are wrapped food with some kind of "skin".  What a creative idea!   Please see updates to the sign-ups below.
------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Watermark Families,

The last WM potluck and parents workshop of the year will be on May 21st (Sat.), 5PM at lower church.   Since we are expecting more people to come to this potluck, and we have to make sure there's sufficient food for everybody, so please sign up no later than 5/19 (Thur.)  Thank you.

春捲 ：Egg rolls (18人份) - 1 family
春捲 ：Egg rolls (18人份) - 1 family
鍋貼,餛飩, 燒賣：Pot Stickers,Wonton or Shaw-my ( about 40 粒 ) - Maria Tsai (餛 飩)
鍋貼,餛飩, 燒賣： Pot Stickers,Wonton or Shaw-my  ( about 40 粒 ) - 1 family
牛肉 捲 餅 ： Beef wraps (36 人份) - FeiWen
春餅：Vegetable and meat wraps ( 18 人份) - Xiuli
春餅： Vegetable and meat wraps (18 人份) - Amy
壽司：Sushi  (18 人份) - Wendar
壽司： Sushi (18 人份) - Catherine Wong (Martin's mom)
麵飯類: Rice or noodle dish (18 人份) - 1 family
麵飯類: Rice or noodle dish (18 人份) - 1 family
素菜類：Vegetables,tofu,bean curd or eggs (18 人份) - Rebecca Lei
素菜類： Vegetables, tofu,bean curd or eggs (18 人份) - Andy Wong (Rebecca's dad)
葷菜類：Chicken, pork or beef (12 人份) - Maria Chen (pork)
葷菜類： Chicken,pork or beef (12 人份) - 1 family
葷菜類： Chicken, pork or beef (12 人份) - 1 family

This month's parents' workshop subject will be " 社交網路及臉書 - Social Network & Facebook", Tony will be our speaker, and we will meet in room #2 from 7:45PM to 9:30PM.  Some of the the various topics to be covered include:

• 不同種的社交網路 - Different types of Social Networks
  
• Facebook 的許多用處 - Many benefits of Facebook
• 如何使用 Facebook - How to use Facebook
  
• 使用 Facebook 時的禮貌 - Facebook Etiquette
• 使用 Facebook 時如何保護自己 - how to protect yourself when using Facebook

Cheers,
Wendar

Last Watermark Potluck and Parents Workshop of the Year May 21st

Dear Watermark Families,

The last WM potluck and parents workshop of the year will be on May 21st (Sat.), 5PM at lower church.   Since we are expecting more people to come to this potluck, and we have to make sure there's sufficient food for everybody, so please sign up no later than 5/19 (Thur.)  Thank you.

春捲 ：Egg rolls (18人份) - 1 family
春捲 ：Egg rolls (18人份) - 1 family
鍋貼,餛飩, 燒賣：Pot Stickers,Wonton or Shaw-my ( about 40 粒 ) - 1 family
鍋貼,餛飩, 燒賣： Pot Stickers,Wonton or Shaw-my  ( about 40 粒 ) - 1 family
牛肉 捲 餅 ： Beef wraps (36 人份) - FeiWen
春餅：Vegetable and meat wraps ( 18 人份) - Xiuli
春餅： Vegetable and meat wraps (18 人份) - Amy
壽司：Sushi  (18 人份) - Wendar
壽司： Sushi (18 人份) -1 family
麵飯類: Rice or noodle dish (18 人份) - 1 family
麵飯類: Rice or noodle dish (18 人份) - 1 family
素菜類：Vegetables,tofu,bean curd or eggs (18 人份) - 1 family
素菜類： Vegetables, tofu,bean curd or eggs (18 人份) - 1 family
葷菜類：Chicken, pork or beef (12 人份) - 1 family
葷菜類： Chicken,pork or beef (12 人份) - 1 family
葷菜類： Chicken, pork or beef (12 人份) - 1 family

This month's parents' workshop subject will be " 社交網路及臉書 - Social Network & Facebook", Tony will be our speaker, and we will meet in room #2 from 7:45PM to 9:30PM.  Some of the the various topics to be covered include:

• 不同種的社交網路 - Different types of Social Networks
  
• Facebook 的許多用處 - Many benefits of Facebook
• 如何使用 Facebook - How to use Facebook
  
• 使用 Facebook 時的禮貌 - Facebook Etiquette
• 使用 Facebook 時如何保護自己 - how to protect yourself when using Facebook

Cheers,
Wendar

Watermark April 16h Kids and Young Adults Dinner

Dear Watermark Parents,

As you might know from my previous email, this school year's final potluck and workshop will be on 5/21.  However, Patrick wishes to still have a dinner gathering with the Watermark kids on April 16th after the WM leaders meeting, so we will order Costco pizzas for them.  Thank you very much, Xiuli Chu and Junfen Wang for volunteering to order, pickup, deliver the pizzas, and the setup and cleanup for this event.  In addition, Xiuli and Amy will prepare some salad, fruits, drinks, and desserts for the kids, thank you both for your generosity.

We estimate 35 kids and young adults will attend, so we will order 8 Costco pizzas (Patrick suggests 4 combos, 2 cheese, and 2 pepperoni) that will total to about $90.  I am inviting Watermark parents to help share the cost by donating money to endorse this event.  Please email to me the amount you can support, and I will be at Watermark this Saturday (4/2, 7:30PM) and at church this Sunday (4/3) to collect your donation.  Thank you very much in advance for your generosity and your support for Watermark.  (Please note, this is not an April Fools' joke. )

Blessings,
Wendar

Fwd: Free Parents Seminar on Healthy Relationship, Love and Sexuality

Hi Watermark Parents,

Please see below the information from Stan Tsai (Luke and Bethany's dad) about a seminar that can be beneficial to parents of teenagers.  Since we will not have a WM parents group activity in April, it would be great if you can take advantage of the opportunity to attend this event.

Blessings,
Wendar

On 3/17/2011 10:07 AM, Stan Tsai wrote:

From: Melanie Lin

Here is the event that we talked about when we all met last time.  A seminar on how to talk to your teens about healthy relationship, love and sexuality.

 

Attached please find the flier for this event.  This seminar will be held at St. Joseph church on Saturday, Apr. 16th from 8 - 9:15 pm with light refreshments following the talk.

 

Please note that this seminar is not just about "sex".  It is about the complete and beautiful divine design that God puts in each and everyone of us which enables us to become a complete human being that is capable of having relationships and intimacy.

 

Please mark your calendar and if both parents can attend, that is always best.  If only one can come, please be prepared to take note because Amy provides lots of wonderful information.

 

I know you all have a busy life.  However, I believe this is one of the best gift you can give to your teens and your family by coming to hear Amy.  Amy will enlighten and entertain with her sense of humor and her professional expertise and show us ways to talk to our kids about these very sensitive and tough topics.

 

Please invite your friends, colleagues, families and neighbors who have high school age children.  It's always better to spread blessings to more people.

 

Feel free to contact Melanie if you have any suggestions or questions.

 

Blessings to all,

Melanie

_

Results From 3/12 WM Parents Meeting

Dear WM Parents,

Here are the results from WM parents meeting on 3/12:

• There will not be a potluck nor workshop in April due to Lent and Spring break schedule of many high schoolers.
  
• Our next potluck will be 5/21.  It will be the last potluck for this school year.  3 parents volunteered to coordinate the potluck and plan a menu, and I will mail out the menu/sign-up email for that potluck around 5/8. 
  
• There will also be a parents workshop on 5/21.  The subject and guest speaker will be announced in early May.

Blessings,
Wendar

Re: March Watermark Parents Activity

Dear All,

FYI, WM kids are welcomed to the 6PM dinner even if they don't attend leaders meeting, but it would help make the volunteer parents' lives much easier if you could RSVP to me by this Thursday.  It is difficult for them to know whether to order food for 40 people or for 10 people without an idea.  Since it's not a potluck, everything purchased are more costly than homemade, and we don't want to order too much extra food when few are coming.  Although some parents offered to cover the extra expense, but I think it's always good to not be wasteful.

WM parents can RSVP to me as well.  WM parents are also encouraged to attend the parents meeting at 7:30PM so we know your input for the remaining 2 months (April and May). We would still like to hear from you even if you your input is that you don't plan to participate in any activities, just drop me a note, so we can determine if the effort is worthwhile.  Thanks.

Blessings,
Wendar

Dear WM Parents,

After much thoughts and discussions, we have decided to take a break from potluck this month.  We will provide ordered food (Pizzas from Costco, pastas and bread sticks from Pizza Hut, and Subway sandwiches) at 6PM for the kids and young adults attending the 5PM leaders meeting on 3/12, Sat.  I will need help from Patrick to provide a head count for me by 3/10, Thursday, thank you.

For WM parents and other WM kids who wish to participate, please RSVP to me no later than 3/10, Thursday, so I can order enough food for everyone.  The parents will meet after dinner to discuss the April and May activities.  The cost will be $5/child, $6/adult, and will be collected at time of dinner.   Please remind your kids to prepare their own water.

Blessings,
Wendar

March Watermark Parents Activity

Dear WM Parents,

After much thoughts and discussions, we have decided to take a break from potluck this month.  We will provide ordered food (Pizzas from Costco, pastas and bread sticks from Pizza Hut, and Subway sandwiches) at 6PM for the kids and young adults attending the 5PM leaders meeting on 3/12, Sat.  I will need help from Patrick to provide a head count for me by 3/10, Thursday, thank you.

For WM parents and other WM kids who wish to participate, please RSVP to me no later than 3/10, Thursday, so I can order enough food for everyone.  The parents will meet after dinner to discuss the April and May activities.  The cost will be $5/child, $6/adult, and will be collected at time of dinner.   Please remind your kids to prepare their own water.

Blessings,
Wendar

Re: WM Parents Feb Potluck Announcement (Update #6)

Dear WM Parents,

Thanks to the 15 families' potluck sign up, we are expecting about 40 people (WM YAGs, WM teens and families, and Fr. O) at the party, it will be a 溫馨熱鬧的 family gathering.  Special thanks to Xiuli and Maria Tsai for designing this month's potluck menu, and for signing up multiple items.

This Chinese New Year Watermark Potluck will be on 2/12 (Saturday) at lower church, 6 PM - 7:30 PM.   Although we are not going to have a workshop, please stay after the potluck, so the parents can have a chance to fellowship and enjoy the CNY snacks together while our kids Bible study at WM.

A couple of reminder notes:

• Please make sure the food are made or cut into serving size for the potluck; large food pieces are difficult for serving.
• Please bring serving utensils suitable for the dish you bring (chopsticks, fork, or spoon).
• Please bring some Chinese new year snacks such as 瓜子, 橘子, 糖果, 花生, 蓮子, etc. to share while we fellowship after dinner.
  

兩隻腳: Chicken or duck (12人份) - Anita (Curry 雞 and 白飯)
兩隻腳: Chicken or duck (12人份) - Maria Tsai (醉雞)
兩隻腳: Chicken or duck (12人份) - Rebecca Lei (Duck)
沒有腳: Vegetables, tofu or eggs (18人份) - Maria Chen (菜甫蛋)
沒有腳: Vegetables, tofu or eggs (18人份) - Wendar Chen (豆腐)
沒有腳: Vegetables, tofu or eggs (18人份) - ChiaoLi Wang (Broccoli)
四隻腳: Pork, beef, or lamb (12人份) - Amy Bau (香腸 and 叉燒肉)
四隻腳: Pork, beef, or lamb (12人份) - Feiwen Deng (鴛鴦拼盤 - 牛肉，半辣，半不辣)
四隻腳: Pork, beef, or lamb (12人份) - Xiuli (豬 肉餡炀白菜 - 40 pieces)
水裡游: Fish, shrimp, or seafood (8人份) - Jenny Lin (去殼鹽水蝦)
水裡游: Fish, shrimp, or seafood (8人份) - Wenching Juan
麵飯類: Rice or noodle dish (18人份) - Rosa Tsai ( Fried Rice)
麵飯類: Rice or noodle dish (18人份) - Catherine Wong (臘腸香菇糯米飯)
餃子 (元寶) (about 40粒, please also provide dipping sauce) - Xiuli (三鮮水餃)
餃子 (元寶) (about 40粒, please also provide dipping sauce) - Junfen
糖年糕 (18人份) - Sandra Hung (紅豆年糕)
糖年糕 (18人份) - Maria Tsai (紅豆年糕)

Happy Year of Rabbit,
Wendar

WM Parents February Potluck Announcement

Dear WM Parents,

There will be a Chinese New Year Watermark Potluck on 2/12 (Saturday) at lower church, 6 PM - 7:30 PM.  There will NOT be a workshop on that day due to complications, so we will try to plan a different workshop in March. 

Xiuli and Maria Tsai are our potluck menu designers this month. Each family can select an item blow to prepare 一道有地方特色的主菜 depending on the region they came from, for example, Taiwan, Shanghai, Shandong, Guangzhou, etc.  But for those who don't really cook, like myself ;-) , some Chinese style 家常菜也很好.  Please make sure the food are cut into serving size by time of potluck; large food pieces are usually difficult for serving.  Thanks.

In addition, every family can bring a package of Chinese new year snacks such as 瓜子, 橘子, 糖果, 花生, 蓮子, etc. to share while we chat after dinner.

Please reply to me via email the category you choose, and the 菜名 if you have it but not required, by 2/8 (Tuesday), thank you.

兩隻腳: Chicken or duck (12人份) - Anita (Curry 雞 and 白飯)
兩隻腳: Chicken or duck (12人份) - Maria Tsai (醉雞)
兩隻腳: Chicken or duck (12人份) - 1 family
沒有腳: Vegetables, tofu or eggs (18人份) - Maria Chen (菜甫蛋)
沒有腳: Vegetables, tofu or eggs (18人份) - Wendar Chen (豆腐)
沒有腳: Vegetables, tofu or eggs (18人份) - 1 family
四隻腳: Pork, beef, or lamb (12人份) - Amy Bau (香腸 and 叉燒肉)
四隻腳: Pork, beef, or lamb (12人份) - 1 family
四隻腳: Pork, beef, or lamb (12人份) - 1 family
水裡游: Fish, shrimp, or seafood (8人份) - 1 family
水裡游: Fish, shrimp, or seafood (8人份) - 1 family
麵飯類: Rice or noodle dish (18人份) - 1 family
麵飯類: Rice or noodle dish (18人份) - 1 family
餃子 (元寶) (about 40粒, please provide dipping sauce) - Xiuli (八 寶三鮮水餃)
餃子 (元寶) (about 40粒, please provide dipping sauce) - 1 family
糖年糕 (18人份) - Maria Tsai
糖年糕 (18人份) - 1 family

Happy Chinese New Year!
Wendar

Photos From 1/15 WM Potluck and Workshop

Dear WM Parents and Guests,

Hope you enjoyed a fun potluck and an informative workshop tonight ... okay, last night.  Here are some photos from the events to share with you:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=320333&id=521775578&l=e0a9176fab
Hope to see you all again at our next WM event on 2/12.

99,
Wendar

Re: WM January Potluck and Workshop (Update #5)

Thank you all for the quick and generous responses!  The list is completely signed up.  If you and your child(ren) wish to join us and still have not yet sign up, I have added a few more items below for your choice.  It will be a great new year's potluck gathering (between Western New Year and Chinese New Year), I look forward to seeing all of you.

Cheers,
Wendar

------------------------------
Dear Watermark Parents,

Happy New Year!  Please join us at the next Watermark potluck (6 PM, lower church) and workshop (7:30 PM, Room #2) on January 15th (Saturday).  Thanks to 曉雯, Anita and 雅慧's coordination, they have designed our January potluck menu, looks very yummy.  Please sign up by replying to this email no later than 1/11 (Tuesday), Thank you.

炒米粉            36人份 ---  雅慧(Vivian's mom)

蘿蔔糕             36人份 ---  雅慧(Vivian's mom)

咖哩角             36人份 ---  Anita (Jasen Lei's mom)

魯肉飯(w/白飯) 36人份 ---  俊芬

紫米八寶甜粥   36人份 ---  曉雯

熱水+茶包        36人份 ---  曉雯

炒飯  12人份 --- Amy Bau

炒飯  12人份 --- Xiuli Chu     

滷蛋  24粒切半 --- Rebecca Lei

滷肉  12人份 --- 王巧利 (Chicken)
滷肉  12人份 --- Vincent Lau (Pork)

滷肉  12人份 --- Lisa Lee(Beef)

滷豆腐干  12塊切片 --- Wendar

滷豆腐干  12塊切片 --- Maria Tsai

炒青菜      18人份 --- Maria Chen (Anthony Lee's mom)
炒青菜      18人份 --- Rosa Tsai
水果         12人份 --- June Chen (Austin Chen's mom)
水果         12人份 --- Feiwen
年糕           30人份 --- ???

The subject for this month's workshop will be "Preparing Our Teens for College".  Some of the sharing topics on this subject are:

• Finance - When to set up bank account?  When to let them have debit card or credit card?  Debit card vs. credit card?
• What amount of allowance (零用錢) and expense is sufficient but not too much?
• 注意事項 with college application, dormitories, transportation, safety, etc.
  
• How to cope with difficult roommate and privacy issues in the dorm?
• What kind of change will our teenager face when they enter college?

I have invited several past WM parents to the panel to share their experience, they are:

• James Hua 華正朔 - 1 son and 1 daughter
  
• Simon and Cecilia Liao (廖煥中, 郭武湄) - 2 daughters and 1 son
  
• Kaimin Yang (楊開敏) - 1 son
  
• Rosemary Hua will also join us if she's available.

They will also be our guests to the potluck.  Tony Fu will be the workshop facilitator.  If you have any specific questions relating to this subject, feel free to let me know before1/13, thank you.  I look forward to seeing all of you then.

Peace and Joy,
Wendar

Re: Reminder - WM January Potluck and Workshop

Dear WM Parents,

All the items on the potluck menu list are completely signed up by 18 families, thank you so much for your generosity.  We are expecting 50+ people coming to the potluck (18+ families, 6 YAGs, 6 guests), it will be a fun and joyful gathering.  If you wish to join us but have yet to sign up, please pick any one of the  items with the stars (***) to bring (please let me know what you pick as well).

Please remember to bring serving utensils with the dishes you bring!  Also, only tea will be served with the meal, so please prepare your own drinks if you and/or your children wish to have something different.

The potluck will be 6PM at lower church, and the workshop "Preparing Our Teens for College" will be 7:30PM -10PM at room #2.  Look forward to seeing all of you then.

Blessings,
Wendar

------------------------------

*** 炒米粉            36人份 ---  雅慧(Vivian's mom)

蘿蔔糕             36人份 ---  雅慧(Vivian's mom)

咖哩角             36人份 ---  Anita (Jasen Lei's mom)

魯肉飯(w/白飯) 36人份 ---  俊芬

紫米八寶甜粥   36人份 ---  曉雯

熱水+茶包        36人份 ---  曉雯

*** 炒飯  12人份 --- Amy Bau

炒飯  12人份 --- Xiuli Chu     

滷蛋  24粒切半 --- Rebecca Lei
滷蛋  24粒切半 --- Hongfei Xu

*** 滷肉  12人份 --- 王巧利 (Chicken)
滷肉  12人份 --- Vincent Lau (Pork)

*** 滷肉  12人份 --- Lisa Lee(Beef)

滷豆腐干  12塊切片 --- Wendar

滷豆腐干  12塊切片 --- Maria Tsai

炒青菜      18人份 --- Maria Chen (Anthony Lee's mom)
炒青菜      18人份 --- Rosa Tsai
水果         12人份 --- June Chen (Austin Chen's mom)
水果         12人份 --- Feiwen
年糕           30人份 --- Annie 立玫Chen

Watermark January Potluck and Workshop

Dear Watermark Parents,

Happy New Year!  Please join us at the next Watermark potluck (6 PM, lower church) and workshop (7:30 PM, Room #2) on January 15th (Saturday).  Thanks to 曉雯, Anita and 雅慧's coordination, they have designed our January potluck menu, looks very yummy.  Please sign up by replying to this email no later than 1/11 (Tuesday), Thank you.

炒米粉            36人份 ---  雅慧(Vivian's mom)

蘿蔔糕             36人份 ---  雅慧(Vivian's mom)

咖哩角             36人份 ---  Anita (Jasen Lei's mom)

魯肉飯(w/白飯) 36人份 ---  俊芬

紫米八寶甜粥   36人份 ---  曉雯

熱水+茶包        36人份 ---  曉雯

炒飯  12人份 --- Amy Bau

炒飯  12人份 ---          

滷蛋  24粒切半 ---

滷肉(beef/pork/chicken)  12人份 ---          

滷肉(beef/pork/chicken)  12人份 ---          

滷豆腐干  12塊切片 --- Wendar

滷豆腐干  12塊切片 ---

炒青菜      18人份 ---
炒青菜      18人份 ---

The subject for this month's workshop will be "Preparing Our Teens for College".  Some of the sharing topics on this subject are:

• Finance - When to set up bank account?  When to let them have debit card or credit card?  Debit card vs. credit card?
• What amount of allowance (零用錢) and expense is sufficient but not too much?
• 注意事項 with college application, dormitories, transportation, safety, etc.
  
• How to cope with difficult roommate and privacy issues in the dorm?
• What kind of change will our teenager face when they enter college?

I have invited several past WM parents to the panel to share their experience, they are:

• James Hua 華正朔 - 1 son and 1 daughter
  
• Simon and Cecilia Liao (廖煥中, 郭武湄) - 2 daughters and 1 son
  
• Kaimin Yang (楊開敏) - 1 son
  
• Rosemary Hua will also join us if she's available.

They will also be our guests to the potluck.  Tony Fu will be the workshop facilitator.  If you have any specific questions relating to this subject, feel free to let me know before1/13, thank you.  I look forward to seeing all of you then.

Peace and Joy,
Wendar