West LA Connections A Publication of West Los Angeles United Methodist Church A Reconciling Congregation

Transcription

1 West LA Connections A Publication of West Los Angeles United Methodist Church A Reconciling Congregation October 2017 West Los Angeles United Methodist Church 1913 Purdue Ave., Los Angeles, CA wlaumc@aol.com Like a Good Neighbor One of the questions we are asking at the church is who is our neighbor? Fifty years ago, the church s neighbors were the many Japanese Americans who settled in the Sawtelle area before and immediately after World War II. Their large numbers were the reason our church s ministry was started. Neighbors were the persons who looked like you, attended the same public schools, and shopped at the same family-owned businesses. For two generations, WLAUMC knew who its neighbors were. It s not that way anymore. Many of the old time residents either have passed away or moved. Many of the small old homes they lived in have been sold, torn down, and replaced with sleek, expensive, multi-unit condos. The neighbors are a mix of professional young adults, students, and affluent families of a variety of racial ethnic backgrounds. The church is once again asking, who is our neighbor? A lawyer once asked the same question of Jesus after he agreed that we must Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:25-37) The lawyer asked, And who is my neighbor? In response, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, the point of which is, our neighbor is the one who needs our help. Not necessarily the one who lives next door. Not necessarily the one who looks like us. Not even someone we like! Jesus taught that it is more important to love our neighbor than to ask who our neighbor is. Loving our neighbor could be as simple as helping a senior find their car at the mall. Or patronizing a locally owned business. Or welcoming the stranger who appears at worship. It could mean contributing to relief aid for those affected by the recent hurricanes and earthquakes. When we help those needing assistance, we are loving our neighbor and fulfilling God s greatest commandment. In Christ, Rev. Gary Sunday Worship Services 9:30 AM English Language Worship, Nursery, and Sunday School 10:30 AM Fellowship Time 11:00 AM Japanese Language Worship Church Office Hours Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM Staff Rev. Gary Oba Senior Pastor obagary@gmail.com Rev. Janet Cromwell Associate Pastor jlcromwell8@gmail.com Rev. Rebecca Hirata Local Pastor Japanese Language Ministry pastorwlaumc@yahoo.co.jp Midori Tashiro Administrative Assistant Newsletter Coordinator wlaumc@aol.com Our Mission Statement Our Mission is to promote spiritual growth Building a community of faith and making disciples of Christ by reaching out with compassion, forgiveness and love. At West LA UMC, building a community of faith is what we are about.

2 Prayers We give thanks to God and rejoice for: (Please contact the Church Office for this information) We pray for those seeking healing and comfort: Prayers for members & friends Please keep these persons in your prayers and contact them with your well wishes: (Please contact Church Office for this information) (Please contact the Church Office for this information) 2

3 Asian Cultural Festival Saturday, September 16. Perfect weather and incredible volunteers made for a fabulous 2017 Asian Cultural Festival. 3

4 Origami Ninjas 9:30 AM Worship Services In October Bring your family and friends to worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings. October 1 One Service at 10:30 AM Family Worship and Communion, followed by a Potluck Luncheon. Rev. Becky Hirata preaching. Text: Exodus 17:1-7 October 8 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: Exodus 16:1-18 Theme: God provides even when there is grumbling. Participants in July s Origami Lesson for Kids and Parents, led by Miki Oba Mitchell, learned to make Ninja stars, helmets and swords. Ohana "Use Your Words" Part II: Mindful Reflection and Writing for Parents October 14, 10:00 AM 1:00 PM As the parent or family member of a young child, how often are you asked the question: "Why?" -- usually at the most inopportune time! When we rush an "I'll tell you later" just to get out the door, we lose a precious opportunity to reflect, share, and connect. Our willingness and ability to answer the "why" questions affirms a child's God-given curiosity, builds a foundation of trust, and sets the stage for the exploration of faith. Join us as we continue the "Use Your Words" mindful writing series to reflect on these "why" questions in an unhurried spiritual way. The workshop will begin with names -- why did you give your child his/her name -and stretch from there. Bring your laptop, tablet, journal or writing materials. Facilitated by Jeri Okamoto-Tanaka (JOT Workshops), a Certified Life Legacies writing instructor, Amherst Writers & Artists Affiliate, UMC Certified Lay Servant and, most importantly, a WLAUMC Ohana 1.0 parent of two young adult daughters. No writing experience necessary. Parents, grandparents, and others welcome! 4 October 15 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Theme: God s call can be a terrible burden. October 22 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Test: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; and Psalm 51:10-14 Theme: God does not look at outward appearances, but God looks on the heart. October 29 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: 1 Kings 5:1-5;8:1-13 Theme: God s sanctuary is a holy place.

5 Ethnic Ministerial Scholarship Awardees The Scholarship Committee has selected two ministerial students to receive this year's J.K. Sasaki-Harry Murakami Ethnic Ministerial Scholarships. The first awardee is Ms. Jessica Miyeko Kawamura. She is a full-time student at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is starting her second year in the Master's of Divinity program. Her home church is Berkeley United Methodist Church in Berkeley, CA. During school she attends the New Church UMC in Atlanta. Her GPA currently is 3.6, and she plans to graduate in May, She plans to be a local church pastor at a church on the West Coast. Ms. Kawamura is deeply committed to the Japanese-American community. The second awardee is Ms. Colleen Kiyoko Tani. Ms. Tani is seeking a Master's of Divinity degree at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. She just completed her second year. Ms. Tani's spiritual formation started at Centenary UMC through Sunday School, youth programs, and Asian Camp. After completing her master's degree, Colleen wants to serve as a chaplain, spiritual director or parish minister. Her professor, Dr. Maia, states "her work as a student is nothing short of remarkable and her future in ministry is extremely promising." Ms. Tani plans to obtain her master's degree in May or August of She has a GPA of 4.0. Her current church is Buena Vista UMC in Alameda, CA. Broadway Benefit Concert Narrative Lectionary Readings for October The following readings serve as the foundation for the Sunday morning 9:30 Worship Service. By reading these scripture lessons during the week, you can prepare your heart and mind for Sunday worship. October 1 Exodus 17:1-7 October 8 Exodus 16:1-18 October 15 1 Samuel 3:1-21 October 22 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 51:10-14 October 29 1 Kings 5:1-5: 8:1-13 Join us for West LA UMC s Broadway show on Sunday, October 22, at 2:30 pm, featuring music from The Sound of Music, Les Miserablés, Godspell, and more! Tickets can be purchased after worship with a suggested donation of $ All proceeds will go to UMCOR to aid in disaster relief efforts. We can t wait to see you there! The sun is shining it s a lovely day, The perfect afternoon to see a play! You ll want to make sure that you stay for Broadway at West LA! Stewardship Report General Budget (Please contact Church Office for this information) 5

6 Coming up World Communion Sunday Joint Worship followed by Potluck Sunday, October 1 10:30 AM, Sanctuary. Bell Choir Rehearsal Sunday, October 8 11:15 AM, Room 6. Ohana: Families with Young Children Saturday, October 14 10:00 AM, Social Hall. Volunteering Opportunity Fair Saturday, October 14 2:00 PM, Courtyard. To remove the barriers between eager volunteers and volunteering opportunities. Broadway Concert Sunday, October 22 2:30 PM, Sanctuary. Japanese Film Night Hachiko Friday, October 27 7:30 PM, Sanctuary. Origami Lesson for Kids and Parents Saturday, October 28 10:00 AM, Social Hall. All Church Halloween Party Saturday, October 28 6:00 PM, Social Hall. UMW General Meeting Saturday, October 21, 10:00AM 1:00 PM, Sanctuary All from Circle s members are encouraged to attend the United Methodist women General Meeting on Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Learning Center. After a short business meeting, member Grace Seto will speak about the book she wrote a few years ago, Nisei Mom and Issei Daddy. The meeting will conclude with lunch prepared by Kathi Yamazaki and the Committee. All member should RSVP to your respective Circle Liaison by October 14. Non-members are welcome to attend; please contact Midori in the church office for more information or questions. Café Aloha Senior Lunch Saturday, October 7, 11:00 AM Social Hall The last Café Aloha of the year will take place on Saturday October 7, at 11:00 AM. All church seniors and a friend from the community are welcome to attend this free lunch and music program led by Rev. Becky. Please RSVP on the sheet in the Social Hall. Japanese Film Night Hachiko Hachi-ko Monogatari Friday, October 27, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary Our last film of 2017 is the multi-award winning original film, directed by Seijiro Koyama, based on the true story of Tokyo University professor, Hidesaburo Ueno and his beloved and loyal Akita, Hachiko. Hachiko became famous waiting for his master s arrival on the four o clock train in the same place at the station every day, no matter the season or weather; even after the professor s death at work, Hachiko continued his vigil until his own death nine years later. In color, 107 minutes, made in

7 Special Offerings (Please contact Church Office for this information) Memorial Offerings (Please contact Church Office for this information)

8 六一と安子の小児園 六一と安子の小児園 という本が出版された 9 月 30 日 ( 土 ) には出版記念講演会がトーランスである 安子の父親はアメリカに来て 農場を季節ごとに渡り歩く移民者一世 母が死に 父は安子をメキシコ人の家族に月 15 ドルで預けた ある日 安子の近くのストーブがひっくり返り 大やけどを負った 医者に連れて行くことなく 安子は指を 7 本なくしてしまった 何も知らない父親は娘安子に会いに来た時 ショックを受け もう娘に会いに来ることもなかった そして 送金はなくなった 安子は邪魔な存在になり 家族は左足首にロープを巻き付けて動けないようにした 足には大きな傷跡がある ベビーカーに安子を入れてメキシコ人家族の娘は登校し 放課後まで 学校の校舎の脇に放置 このメキシコ人移民区の小学校の先生が 一日中泣いている日本人の赤ちゃんを保護するようにアレンジした 安子は日本人移民の子供の施設 小児園 をしていた六一に救われた 安子は六一の娘として育てられた 小児園は 家庭的なハウス 普通 体罰があり お仕置きとして食事も与えないらしい しかし SocialWorker が言うには 小児園は これほど秩序のない施設はほかにない しかし 子供達は幸せそうで 清潔な服装をしている 毎朝 礼拝で一日が始まるイエス様の優しい愛を受ける優しい家であった 安子は六一からイエス様を信じる事を教えられ 主のため 人のために生きることを教えられた 父 六一が作った小児園を助け 自分も中国に行って 同じように小児園をスタートした 中傷を受けても子供に愛情を注いで教育した 手を洗って 座ってたべる 歯を磨く 顔を洗う という大事な教育である 安子は自分を捨てた親を赦せない と思っていたか 育児放棄をして 指 7 本をなくした あのメキシコのファミリーを赦せない と思っていたか 中国で意地悪をしてきた人たちを赦せない と思っていたか そう思う人ではなかった それ以上に主に対する感謝を忘れない 主の優しい心を与えられ生きた 神様に対して 自分の罪は赦されたという感謝の気持ちを忘れない人であった The Book called Rokuichi & Yasuko s Shonien was published in Japan. On Sept.30, we will hold a presentation day on Shonien in Torrance. Shonien was the orphanage started by Rokuichi in LA in It was a very warm children s home. Yasuko was a special baby to Rokuichi. He adopted her and raised her as his daughter. Yasuko was abandoned by her father, neglected by the foster parents, and lost 7 of her fingers as a baby. But, Rokuichi taught her to believe in Jesus and love the Lord Jesus & others. With God s grace, Yasuko grew up as very loving & kind person and even established Shonien in China! Shonien is a legacy of Issei & Nisei. May this book be utilized to share God s love in our community. 日本語部スケジュール JAPANESE MINISTRY Rev. Becky Hirata 平田 10/1 10 時半日英合同礼拝 12 時ポットラックランチ 10/7 11 時シニアランチ 10/8 11 時日本語礼拝 12 時バイブルスタディ 10/15 11 時日本語礼拝 12 時バイブルスタディ 10/22 11 時日本語礼拝 12 時バイブルスタディ 10/29 11 時日本語礼拝 12 時祈り会 12 時半賛美練習 8

9 11:00 Japanese Worship 11:15 Women s Retreat Mtg. October 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 10:30 One Worship Holy Communion Family Worship 11:30 All Church Potluck 8 9:30 English Worship 11:00 Japanese Worship Library open 11:15 Bell Choir Rehearsal 15 9:30 English Worship 11:00 Japanese Worship 11:15 Bell Choir Rehearsal 12-2 Broadway Rehearsal 22 9:30 English Worship 11:00 Japanese Worship 2:30 Broadway Benefit Concert 29 9:30 English Worship 11:00 UMW Board Mtg 11:15 Bell Choir Rehearsal 2 6:30 Kelton AA 9 November Newsletter deadline 6:30 Kelton AA 16 6:30 Kelton AA 23 6:30 Kelton AA 30 6:30 Kelton AA 3 11:00 80+Women s Luncheon at Aki 7:00 Choir 7:00 Habitat Coalition 10 7:00 Choir 7:00 West District Mtg 17 8:30 Fat Tuesday Men s Breakfast at Marie Callender s 7:00 Choir 24 7:00 Choir 31 Halloween 7:00 Choir 4 9:30 Alive Now Study 7:30 Bible Study 11 9:30 Alive Now Study 7:30 Bible Study 18 9:30 Alive Now Study 7:30 Bible Study 25 9:30 Alive Now Study 7:30 Bible Study 5 9:30 Prayer Ministry 7:30 Altar Guild Mtg 12 9:30 Prayer Ministry 19 9:30 Prayer Ministry 7:30 Finance Mtg 26 9:30 Newsletter 9:30 Prayer Ministry :00 Café Aloha :00 Ohana Gathering 2:00 Volunteer Fair UMW Program 1-4 Broadway Rehearsal 27 7:30 Japanese Film Night - Hachiko :30 Origami Lesson for Kids & Parents 6-8:00 Halloween Party 9 9

10 World Communion Sunday Sunday, October 1, :30 One Worship Service 11:30 All Church Potluck West LA UMC celebrates World Communion Sunday with churches throughout the world. Come for our One Worship Service at 10:30 AM in English and Japanese. Stay afterwards for the All Church Potluck in the Social Hall at 11:30 AM. Bring a dish to share and enjoy lunch with friends. You are invited to a Halloween Party Saturday, October 28, :00 8:00 PM, Social Hall For children of all ages! Crafts, Games, Snacks, Costume Parade, Prizes, and So Much Fun! Donations of candy and treats are appreciated. For more information or to volunteer, contact the Church Office.