Issue 5 March 8, 2017

Transcription

1 Issue 5 March 8, 2017 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil, or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. (1 Peter 1:3-6) Inside this issue Profile of Teresa Louie by Kathy Aiso Friday Food Ministry by Gerald Mayewaki 2 3 Our Mission Field 4 Sweethearts Snack by Susan Wakuta Family News 5 The Daniel Class by Diane Shinmoto 5 FYI Events Calendar 6 Announcements 7 Our Worship Schedule 4 8 (WE)DENTITY: YOUTH WINTER CAMP BY LAYNE WAKUTA, YOUTH DIRECTOR These are the encouraging words of the apostle Peter to the Christian church of his day. And this message of God s hope, assurance, protection, and power is something we still treasure today as followers of Jesus Christ. This wonderful promise of salvation we share in Jesus Christ is our identity or (WE)DENTITY which was the theme of our Youth Winter Camp, February at Oak Glen Christian Conference Center. Our speaker, Pastor Terry Coon of Citylights Church LB, shared from 1 Peter 1:3-2:10, which speaks of the living hope we share in Christ and how this should affect our behavior and attitude toward God and each other. This living hope should motivate us to desire to be like Jesus and love one another deeply from the heart. But Pastor Terry also warned, Striving to look more like Jesus Christ in our daily lives may lead to opposition from the world. Pastor Terry stressed, in times like this, We need to trust that Jesus is enough. We are shielded and protected by God s power and when I can t even keep myself, God keeps me. Pastor Terry summed up, This confidence we share in the living hope of Christ with this simple equation: Jesus + nothing = everything. This message definitely resonated with many of our students. The most important thing God taught me this weekend was to trust Him and you don t need to fit in. We don t need anything but God and we should focus on Him. Jesus + nothing = everything. Love your neighbor as yourself, stated Arisa Tateishi (6 th grade). Michael Noguchi (9 th grade) stated, It s okay to be persecuted because there is no greater joy than Jesus Christ can give. His salvation will far outweigh your suffering. Emily Matsui (11 th grade) stated, As I leave camp, the biggest difference in my life will be to change the way I act around my friends. To look more like Jesus and not being afraid to share my faith with other Christians and non-believers. 71 students and 18 cabin leaders and staff attended the weekend retreat, including 9 from Citylights Church (5 students and 1 leader from OC and 3 students from LB.) Additionally, 20 students were first-time attenders and 3 students made first-time commitments to follow Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior! The icing on the cake for the weekend was the arrival of snow on Sunday morning. For some of our students, this was the first time they ever experienced falling snow. All of us adult leaders were concerned about road conditions and getting down the mountain safely, but God showed His faithfulness and made the snow completely melt away by the time we were ready to leave camp. Overall, it was an awesome weekend of learning and experiencing the blessings of our (We)dentity in Jesus Christ. Pastor Terry & Rhea Coon Junior Class

2 THE POWER OF POSITIVE INFLUENCE PROFILE OF TERESA LOUIE BY KATHY AISO As I get older, I appreciate and am grateful for my life and the people who are influential in a good way. Teresa Louie TERESA LOUIE is a spunky Christian with a good sense of humor. She expresses her opinions in an amiable way which serves her well on the Golf Ministry where she is the sole woman. She is also on the church Board as a Member-atlarge. SPIRITUAL SPARKS IGNITED Although Teresa felt inexperienced, she accepted the Board position, desiring to serve and be more accountable to the Body at GVBC. As co-leader of her community group, Teresa likes the accountability with fellow group members which include co-leader, Cyril Nishimoto. Cyril has been a dear man to my husband, Bill and myself, Teresa affirmed. Teresa described Cyril as committed, loyal, dependable, gentle, non-judgmental, respectful, and a solid Bible teacher. In their current Bible study, her community group is coming to a better understanding of the depth of God s love in relation to man s wicked, sinful nature. Teresa elaborates, Cyril is teaching us how to live in line with the Gospel and really understanding how Man is more wicked than he ever dared believe and at the same time, he is more loved and accepted by God then he ever dared hope! Teresa is grateful for Cyril s influence in her life as a strong Christian and gifted Bible teacher. Starting with the Stan & Nancy Terasaki s community group and continuing with Cyril s, the spiritual sparks have ignited for Teresa as she studies God s Word. SPEAKING VOLUMES TO HER HEART Also, Pastor Ron Matsuda has been a positive influence on Teresa s Christian walk. When she attended GVBC as a child, she remembers Pastor Ron and his wife, Anne, were missionaries to Indonesia. Pastor Ron later served as senior pastor of GVBC, during which time Teresa and her future husband, Bill, received pre-marital counseling. During those counseling sessions, Teresa got to know and deeply respect Pastor Ron. Just the way Pastor Ron speaks, he speaks volumes to me, Teresa shared. He is such a humble man and servant. Pastor Ron has a silent strength to him. As Pastor Ron has been to Teresa, Pastor Daniel Matsuda has had the same positive influence on Teresa s daughter, Traci. Traci attended the high school youth group meetings which were then under the leadership of Pastor Daniel. Pastor Daniel set such a good example which Traci actively sought the Lord and also wanted to serve the high school youth after she graduated. As a mother, Teresa could not be more grateful to Pastor Daniel for his positive direction and influence on Traci s life. Today, Traci lives with her husband, David, in San Diego where they actively serve at a local church. They had Pastor Daniel officiate at their wedding ceremony. ACCEPTED THE LORD AT AGE 6 A native of Honolulu, Hawaii, Teresa grew up as an only child. She and her parents moved to Los Angeles when she was less than a year old. They relocated to Gardena and eventually settled in Torrance. At age five, she and her mother began attending GVBC. At age six, she went forward at an evangelism service to receive the Lord. Teresa attended Sunday school until the 9 th grade at which time the family moved to Torrance. Over a decade passed before Teresa returned to GVBC with her future husband, Bill, to receive pre-marital counseling and to get married. Realizing the importance of church for their daughter, the Louies began taking Traci to GVBC when she was five. Traci grew up in the Sunday school, learning about and developing a personal relationship with the Lord when she was a teen. Traci s exuberant joy of being a spiritually growing Christian led her parents to seek Christ. They followed Traci in getting baptized after taking the 401 class. In addition to Traci, God blessed the Louies with two younger children, Allison and Joshua. RETIREMENT LED TO USING HER SPIRITUAL GIFTS God allowed Teresa the financial freedom to retire early. After 32 years at TRW [which became Northrup Grumman], Teresa decided to retire. Today, because she is retired, she is able to more fully care for her parents who live with her family. She is also able to get more actively involved at GVBC by serving on the church Board. She also serves with F.O.R. as the head coordinator for her 16-year-old son Joshua s basketball team. God has gifted Teresa with musical talents and athletic abilities. Together with Bill, Teresa has played tennis and softball as well as snow skiing and bowling. As part of Rick Nakayama s worship team, Teresa previously helped lead the singing at some Sunday morning worship services. Outside of church she enjoys getting together with her best friends to sing in a women s quartet called One Voice. She also participates in the South Bay Women s Chorus. As a child she took piano lessons from Denko Hirose, the wife of the late former GVBC senior pastor, Rev. Eishi Hirose. 2 3)

3 (Profile of Teresa Louie 2) LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING Teresa s favorite Bible verse, Proverbs 3:5, reminds her, even if she doesn t understand some of the circumstances in her life, God is always faithful and in control. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. For the past 37 years, Teresa has dwelt with daily physical pain. God alleviated her major pain through neck surgery. It is comforting for her to know God helps her deal with the pain which has remained. She acknowledges God s faithfulness in both the big and small issues in her life. She feels blessed for strong Christian examples who influence her to steadfastly follow the Lord and study His Word. She acknowledged, through her Christian walk, the last few years have been among some of the best years of her life. I finally feel comfortable in my skin, knowing how loved and accepted we are in God s eyes, she related. FRIDAY FOOD MINISTRY BY GERALD MAYEWAKI On a stormy February 17 th the GVBC Friday Food Ministry made another trip to St John s to prepare and serve a wonderful hot meal to the needy in our community. Roger Sato of Back Home Lahaina donated 2 large trays of his tasty Lahaina Fried Chicken while our crew prepared teriyaki-weiners, rice, green salad, mixed veggies, garlic bread, fruit cocktail w/bananas and oranges, cookies and punch. The Thursday Women s community group and their husbands led the ministry crew. Wynne Yonamine gave us our scripture for the day from 1Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God s will for you in Christ Jesus. We also prayed for those who normally would have come on foot or bicycle to the meal, but were prevented because of the weather. We were also joined by Yoshi Ide s group of 6 high school students from Japan. It was quite a blessing to see many of these students at GVBC the following Sunday, too! Praise God! 3

4 OUR MISSION FIELD THEREFORE, GO AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS. MATTHEW 28:19 MISSIONS OUTREACH TO MEXICO (M.O.M.) GVBC partners with Torrance Bread of Life Church and several other churches, providing ministry to prisoners in the Tijuana and Ensenada prisons; assistance to the poor and vulnerable migrant farm workers in the countryside of San Telmo; medical and dental services, food distribution, Bible teaching, worship in song and services, men s and women s ministry, prayer, and children s ministry in Tijuana and San Telmo. Requirements: A valid passport is mandatory. Spanish speaking is not mandatory but helpful. A smile goes a long way. Must have a flexible attitude as things on the mission field often change without notice; a willing heart to serve the Lord in an international setting; a clear criminal record; be 18 years or older, however, if under 18 years, must be accompanied by one parent. Must have a signed consent for each trip (you will receive this in an before departure after registering). Future mission trip opportunities: Saturday, May 27 to Sunday, May 28 2-day trip to San Telmo and Ensenada Jail, cost $130. Saturday, October 14 1-day trip to Tijuana, cost is $40. Friday, December 15 to Sunday, December 17, Christmas Outreach, 3-day trip to San Telmo and Ensenada Jail, cost is $150. Cost: Make checks payable to Bread of Life Church. Cost covers roundtrip bus transportation to Mexico and some meals during the trip. Scholarships, depending upon need, are available through an application to the GVBC Missions Committee. First timers: It s advisable to attend the orientation meeting (date/location will be ed prior to each trip); and to speak with someone who has gone on the Mexico missions trip for helpful tips. For more info contact Sanaye Nagami via the church office. Registration forms and information available on the Narthex Counter. SWEETHEARTS SNACK SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 BY SUSAN WAKUTA, CHILDREN S DIRECTOR The Children s Ministry was so happy to welcome 36 widows to this event. It is always a special time for the Sunday school children to get to know these wonderful ladies. We are grateful to the people who made and brought all the delicious food. The widows received hand-made Valentine s Day cards from the children and roses from a generous donor. Sunday school teacher, Carol Allen, told the children to think of this opportunity as spending time with their grandma. It was wonderful to see our 4 th and 5 th graders serving and sharing God s love with them. (L) Toy Sato and Laura Ishikawa (L) Ruth Barns & Joyce Enos (L) Florance Hayashi, Evelyn Weathers, Nancy Watanabe Photos by Silvio Carrara 4

5 FAMILY NEWS A NEW COMMAND I GIVE YOU: LOVE ONE ANOTHER... JOHN 13:34 OUR PRAYERS AND CONDOLENCES TO THOSE WHO HAVE LOST LOVED ONES To Yuri Ogawa, Stephanie Nakayama, Sharie Tom, Stacie Inana and families in the passing of their husband, father, and grandfather, James, who passed away on Friday, March 3. The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. at GVBC. Pastor Steve Langley will officiate. Reception immediately follows. LETTERS TO OUR GVBC FAMILY Dear GVBC Family, We were overwhelmed and touched by the gorgeous tropical wreath sent to us at dad s [Henry Nagahori] service. His hand was truly upon us as we felt covered by your prayers and love. Thank you church family. Love, Lisa and the Nagahori Family Dear Pastor Steve Langley and your entire Church Body, Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We wanted to personally express sincere appreciation to you and your church for hosting His Little Feet once again. The team was truly blessed by their time at GVBC. We pray lives in your church were touched and changed from the experience with the His Little Feet children and staff. We know children around the world were impacted. Praise God for how your church responded: The love offering given to the ministry of His Little Feet totaled $7,916; there were 27 children sponsored through Compassion International; there was interest expressed in going on a mission trip and adopting children who need a forever family. His Little Feet was indeed blessed by the hospitality and generosity of the people in your church who opened their homes to the choir children and staff. The meals provided for the team was also wonderful and a great help. Please express our appreciation again to all those who hosted and helped provide meals for the team! We thank God for the way He has worked in and through your church and you all are in our prayers as you press on to defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. (Psalm 82:3) With love, gratitude and God s blessings, Mike & Christa Hahn, Founders & Directors, His Little Feet THE DANIEL PLAN CLASS BY DIANE SHINMOTO Do you need help maintaining a healthy lifestyle? Your faith in Christ can help with this discipline. The Daniel Plan is a Discipleship Program which is based on five Essentials: Faith, Focus, Food, Fitness, and Friends. We use the book The Daniel Plan: 40 Days to a Healthier Life authored by Pastor Rick Warren (Saddleback Church) and Drs. Daniel Amen and Mark Hyman. Dr. Daniel Amen is a physician, certified psychiatrist, and founder of the Amen Clinics around the United States, specializing in ADHD. Dr. Mark Hyman is a practicing family physician, author, speaker, and educator in his field of functional medicine. This is an 8-week course on Saturdays from April 1 to June 3 from 9:00 11:00 a.m. (we will not be meeting on April 15 due to Holy Week.) Registration will continue on the Sundays of March 12 and 19. Each Daniel Plan session involves a DVD, study guide, discussion, learning how to make smoothies, healthy salad dressings, easy exercises, and encouragement from your brothers and sisters in Christ. Each student will need to purchase a book ($3.25) and a study guide ($7.75). The Daniel Plan Cookbook (for $10.00) is optional. This holistic program is under the Discipleship Ministry headed by Pastor Annette Kakimoto. The team leaders are Diane Shinmoto, Maureen Takeuchi, and Kris Koga. Here are three personal testimonies of former Daniel Plan class students: (L) Diane Shinmoto, Pastor Annette Kakimoto, Maureen Takeuchi Teresa Louie I really enjoyed the Daniel Plan program and grateful for the support and guidance of Diane, Kris and Maureen. I enjoyed the camaraderie and the structure of the class along with the sampling of some delicious, healthy snacks. This is a plan unlike any other in that it brings the focus on the key five essentials of how to achieve a healthy lifestyle by treating our bodies as God s temple. I definitely want to take this class again to absorb all the resources available [read Teresa s profile on pages 2 and 3]. Rosie Garnica God has taught me many things from the Daniel Plan. I pray before going to the grocery store so I don t get tempted to buy things that are not on my list. I have learned to read labels. When I now buy tortilla chips, it has to be 5 or less ingredients. Gary Uchino The Daniel Plan Class was rewarding to learn how to eat healthy. By reading labels, I learned that if any product that lists ingredients like a chemistry test is something I do not buy. I ve joined a gym, and it helped me lose weight and gain more energy. I also now have an appreciation for fresh, whole foods. If you have any questions, please Diane Shinmoto at dhowdi@aol.com or Pastor Annette Kakimoto at Annette@gvbc.net/ 5

6 FYI EVENTS CALENDAR PRAY FOR JAPAN Saturday, March 11, 7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary. March 11 is the 6th anniversary of the earthquake/tsunami in Japan. Come worship the Lord and pray for Japan. DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS Sunday, March 12 spring forward one hour. JUST WALK ACROSS THE ROOM Sundays of March 12, 19, and 26, 12:30 3:00 p.m. This is a personal faith sharing, 3-week course. Childcare is available upon request. Book proved for free. Sign up at the Guest Center in the Courtyard after the worship services. PROTECT YOUR LOVED ONES FROM BEING SCAMMED Friday, March 17, 10:00 a.m. in room 220. Everyone is invited to hear U.S. Postal Inspector Glenn Morimoto. Information brochures are on the Narthex counter. No signups needed. Just come and invite any interested friends or family members. CITY OF GARDENA APPRECIATION WEEK St. Patrick s Day Week Monday, March 13 to Friday, March 17. Join with our Neighborhood Committee and show your love and appreciation for our City of Gardena employees by baking cookies and/or writing encouraging cards. From the Fire Station to Public Works to the Police Department to City Hall we can show our city services a love which goes beyond our walls. This makes a great community group outreach project. Please fill out the signup sheet on the Narthex counter and put in either the offering bag or the black Response Box. You will be contacted and given instructions. MARRIAGE CONFERENCE Friday, March 17, 7:00 9:00 p.m., Saturday, March 18, 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. The theme is, Words That Build Ephesians 4:29. The main speakers are: Brad Toy, Chris Koga & Daniel Matsuda. Full conference is $45 per couple or $30 per individual (includes Saturday lunch). Friday only: $15 per couple or $10 per individual. Whether you are dating, engaged, recently married or married for over 50 years, join us for the Words That Build marriage conference. Sign-up deadline is Sunday, March 12. Registration forms available in the Narthex. RE ENGAGE [NOTE: date change] Fridays, March 24 to June 30 (no meeting April 14 Good Friday), rooms 214 (with exception on 1st Fridays of the month Nichigo Ministry Meetings), 217, 250 & 251. Contact Pastor Daniel Matsuda, ext. 681, daniel@gvbc.net. DANIEL PLAN Saturdays from April 1 to June 3 [no class on April 15 due to Holy Week], 9:00 11:00 a.m., Room 218. [Meeting on April 29 in room 201 due to a large missions training day]. Led by Diane Shinmoto. Register in the Courtyard after the first service and Community Hall after the second service. The Daniel Plan book is $3.25, study guide is $7.75. Optional cookbook $10.00 [see article on page 5]. OFFICE CLOSED Monday, April 17 MOTHER S DAY Sunday, May 14 OFFICE CLOSED MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 29 GVBC PRIMETIMERS TOURS Note: The Primetimers Tours are for all adults, not just for seniors National Parks of the Southwest: Monday, May 15 to Saturday, May 20, $1,795 per person (double occupancy), $2,290 (single), includes gratuities for driver & tour director. DEADLINE: Final payment due no later than Sunday, March 19. No refunds after final payment is made. Departs at 8:00 a.m. from New Gardena Hotel. New Nixon Library: Thursday, June 15, departing at 10:30 a.m., return approximately 5:00 p.m., $124 per person includes: bus ride (with gratuity for the bus driver); guided tour of the Nixon Library & lunch at the Knott s Chicken Dinner Restaurant. The library has been closed for a year while undergoing an 15 million dollar renovation. Everything is new with interactive displays and upgraded technology. Also, you can step aboard Marine One, the presidential helicopter Presidents Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford to all parts of the globe. DEADLINE: Final payment due on May 21. Laguna Arts Festival & Pageant of the Masters: Tuesday, August 15, $130 per person (includes gratuity for driver). No refunds after final payment is made. Departs at 3:30 p.m. from GVBC. Returns approx. 11:30 p.m. Tickets were purchased in advance so sign up while tickets are still available. Please pay in full at time of registration. See Keiko Imatomi or Audrey Yee in the Courtyard on Sundays. Candlelight Pavilion Dinner Theater THE SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS : Thursday, December 7, departing at 10:00 a.m., returns approx. 5:00 p.m., $134 per person includes motorcoach transportation, a sit-down, served lunch, the show, gratuity for your servers. The Candlelight Pavilion in Claremont blends the elegance of décor and dinning with the excitement of professional music production of Sounds of Christmas. DEADLINE: Final payment is due November 5. No refunds after final payment is made. To make reservations, contact Richard or Keiko Imatomi after the worship services or through the church office. Make checks out to GVBC with your trip title in subject line. DISCOVERING JESUS CLASS Sundays of April 23 June 18, 10:45 a.m., Room 214. Led by Cyril Nishimoto. 6

7 ANNOUNCEMENTS GVBC s Christian Service Scholarships This scholarship is given as an encouragement to GVBC college students (or those who will be in college this fall) who volunteer in Christian service. Up to $750 will be awarded to applicants. See application in the Narthex for requirements. Application & recommendation DEADLINE is June 20, no exceptions. For info contact Wendy Nakano, ext. 672, wendy@gvbc.net. Scholarships for Success Christian Community Credit Union is awarding $60,000 in scholarships! The Christian Community Credit Union s Scholarships for Success program is awarding scholarships to qualified students who are members of the Credit Union with an active checking account, attending a college, university, or seminary for the academic year, and enrolling (per semester/quarter) with 12 units or more for Undergraduate students; six units or more for Graduate students. For more information about the Scholarships for Success program, please visit the website at: mycccu.com/scholarship DEADLINE: Scholarship applications are due by March 31. You can download scholarship applications at: mycccu.com/promotescholarship For more info or questions call CCCU (2228) or info@mycccu.com. EARLY CHILDHOOD EASTER CELEBRATION! Date: Saturday, April 8 Time: 9:00 11:30 a.m. For: Nursery through Kindergarten (older siblings are invited too) Location: Community Hall Please join us for a tasty breakfast followed by special activity stations in our celebration of Jesus resurrection. This event is free. Invite your family and friends. Grandparents, be sure to bring your grandchildren. Registration flyers are in the Nursery and Early Childhood Sunday school classes or the Narthex counter. For more information, Tammy Hernandez at tammy@gvbc.net. NEXT SPIRIT ISSUE Available online Wednesday, March 22 at Our Newsletter. Hard copies available in the Narthex and the back of the Community Hall. All articles should be submitted by Sunday, March 19. The SPIRIT is copyrighted 2017 and a publication of Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W. 158th Street, Gardena, CA., 90247, (310) , FAX: (310) , gvbc@gvbc.net, Website: Senior Pastor: Steve Langley (310) , ext. 0, Editor: Susan J. Shelley, ext. 673, susie@gvbc.net. Office hours: 9:00am 5:00pm. The Spirit is published twice a month to keep members and friends informed of programs and events of the church and to report news about GVBC and its people. Announcements, praise, prayer requests, and letters are welcome. Articles are subject to editing and/or postponement. 7

8 Gardena Valley Baptist Church 1630 W. 158th Street Gardena, CA Phone (310) Website Twitter GVBC Pastoral Staff STEVE LANGLEY EXECUTIVE Pastor ext. 0 English Worship Services: 8:45 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Children s Sunday School concurrent Japanese Worship Service: 10:45 a.m. Children s Sunday School at 9:30 a.m., Room 206 SUNDAY, MARCH 12 Brad Toy: Last Days SUNDAY, MARCH 19 Pastor James Chang: Breath of God SUNDAY, MARCH 26 Pastor Daniel Matsuda: Fight the Good Fight SUNDAY, APRIL 2/COMMUNION Pastor James Chang: We re in This Together PALM SUNDAY, APRIL 9 Pastor James Chang: Jesus Leads Me Home GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 14 7:00 8:30 p.m., Sanctuary Brad Toy and Lee Matsunami: Time to Worship EASTER SUNDAY, APRIL 16 8:45 and 11:00 a.m. Both services in the Community Hall Pastor Daniel Matsuda: Jesus Makes Me New EIJI OSATO Associate Pastor, Nichigo ext. 676 DANIEL MATSUDA Associate Pastor ext. 681 JAMES CHANG Assistant Pastor ext. 679 ANNETTE KAKIMOTO Assistant Pastor ext. 680 CHRIS KOGA Assistant Pastor BRAD TOY College-age Director LAYNE WAKUTA Youth Director ext. 684 SUSAN WAKUTA Children s Director ext. 689 TAMMY HERNANDEZ Early Childhood Coordinator EMILY NOGUCHI Nursery Coordinator LEE MATSUNAMI Worship Music & Arts Coordinator 8