SPIRIT. Gardena Valley Baptist Church. Pastor s Ponderings by Steve Langley Senior Pastor. Dear Family,

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1 Gardena Valley Baptist Church Issue 22 November 23, 2009 GV BC M I SSI O N ST A T EMEN T Helping people discov er Jesus and become His fully devoted follow ers. GV BC PU R PO SE ST A T EMEN T At GVBC, we seek to glorify God by: ~ reaching the world for Christ ~uniting as His family ~worshiping Him with our liv es ~growing in Christ-like character ~and serving others in lov e. Inside this issue: Harvest Festival Pictures & 2 Thank You Primetimers Southwest Spectacular Tour Annual Election Business 4 You Be the Man by Pastor Steve 4 Family News & 5 Our Mission Field FYI: Events Calendar 6 Emergency Food Pantry 7 The Spirit is Online 7 GVBC Rental Unit Available 7 SPIRIT Dear Family, Pastor s Ponderings by Steve Langley Senior Pastor We just held our Annual Election Meeting last week. Besides electing five board members and passing the 2010 General Fund Budget, we also heard from our new Elementary Children s Director, Susan Wakuta, and how God has been moving in her life. Our outgoing treasurer, Rex Hayashi, also brought us up to date on our real estate loan repayments and the last two years of Nehemiah 3 (our building fund program). Let me say how much I appreciate Rex s diligent work; first as our assistant treasurer for two years, and then as our current treasurer for three more years. He led us through some of the most difficult financial times in our history. I will never forget last year when Union Bank offered us several types of loan options, but as the recession hit, they pulled them off the table. And then, when we finally agreed on the commercial real estate loan, something went wrong... twice. During the 2 days things were held up, the interest rate, being so volatile at the moment, dropped from 6% to 5-3/4% and then to 5-1/2%. What a rollercoaster ride Rex went through, but his even keel and strength kept us on the right track as the Lord provided a good rate for our $3.9M loan. Speaking of the loan, Rex shared with us that during the first nine months of this year, we paid our loans down by $83,855 but at the same time paid $168,975 in interest. Our monthly payment is $28,088 and donations to Nehemiah 3 for the first 9 months of this year averaged about $27,500 per month. We have one year left on Nehemiah 3 commitments, but we ll have 18 more years of loan repayments. We will start meeting now to plan how to proceed in November We know these are hard times for a lot of people but I trust our Lord. He has guided us thus far and He will show us the direction we need to take to complete what He started. We have these beautiful facilities and have to keep our commitment to pay for them. Please keep your church leadership in prayer as we explore possibilities and seek the Lord s direction. His child, Pastor Steve

2 Harvest Festival Pictures & Thank You Photos by Scott Fujikawa Dear GVBC Family & Friends, On behalf of the Pastoral and Children s Ministry Staff, we want to thank everyone for their generous donations, time, energy, and enthusiasm for this year s Harvest Festival. We served over 350 children and their families, offering a safe and fun environment, as well as sharing the love of Christ within our community. It was such a blessing to see so many joyful faces out there! Thank you again for partnering with one another and for ex tending God s love to those around you. In His Name, Lillian Higashi, Director Pastor Steve Langley Page 2 SPIRIT

3 Primetimers Southwest Spectacular Tour 8 Days & 7 Nights Thursday, May 20 Thursday, May 27, 2010 $1,245 per person (double occupancy) $1,645 per person (single occupancy) Deadline: Final payment due no later than April 4, Make checks payable to Gardena Valley Baptist Church [Primetimers Southwest Tour in subject line]. Tour Highlights Overnight stays in Las Vegas, NV; Kanab, UT; Page, AZ; Flagstaff, AZ; and Laughlin, NV. Fully guided tours by our favorite tour director, Karen Two night stay in spectacular Sedona, AZ Tour of the Grand Canyon A cruise on Lake Powell to the Rainbow Bridge with lunch on board Sightseeing aboard the Sedona Trolley A guided tour of Bryce Canyon National Park with a boxed lunch in the park A ride aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad Red Rock Jeep Tour in Sedona A visit to Montezuma s Castle 13 total meals included (7 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners) Price includes a gratuity for the driver and escort Contact: For further information and reservations contact Keiko and Richard Imatomi through the church office. Issue 22 Page 3

4 2009 Annual Election Business Meeting Jim Kawashima, Treasurer Here are the results from our Annual Election Business Meeting held on Sunday, November 8: Our new Board Members who were elected are: Jim Kawashima Kenichi Okada Jerry Sunada Edna Uratsu Church Budget: 112 yes votes 2 abstain 114 ballots were cast Hermann Schurr, Church Clerk Jerry Sunada, Member-at-large Marsha Yoshiba, Church Clerk Edna Uratsu, Member-at-large Kenichi Okada, Member-at-large To the Men of the 2009 Men s Retreat Thank you for the honor you showed me as the recipient of the You Be the Man award for It means a lot to me to know you see those qualities of the award in me. We Walk by Faith but Paul also said we interpret Christ to the world by our walk. I pray daily for the men of GVBC, to be the brothers we all need and hope for in Christ our Lord. Thank you again. His Child Pastor Steve Page 4

5 Family News Letters to our GVBC family Dear GVBC Family and Friends, The families of Meredee Maruyama wish to express our heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness for the love and support during this time of our loss. Special appreciation for the beautiful floral wreath at her memorial service. In Christ, The Kagawa and Maruyama Families In the news Stan Terasaki was pictured in the November 16, 2009 Daily Breeze in an article titled WWII vets among writers at author luncheon. Stan was one of seven featured authors at the 52nd annual Books and Authors Luncheon on Veterans Day at the Terranea Resort. Stan read from his children s picture book Ghosts for Breakfast, named by Smithsonian Magazine as one of its notable books. Stan s book idea came from the tale he had heard many times from his grandmother. It combines humor and suspense. Ghosts for Breakfast was quickly bought by guests as holiday gifts. Congratulations, Stan, for a job well done. To the Men s Ministry, I m honored to be awarded the You Be the Man Award this year during the Men s Retreat. I take it as more than just an accolade, but a challenge to grow as a man of God and take greater steps of faith into this next year. Thank You! James Chang Our Mission Field Fr e d a n d Ja ne Ta nak a "Happy Thanksgiving Day! May w e reme mber to give thanks in everything, even thou gh un able to give thanks for everything, because we have a God an d Savior wh o works out everything for good to the m w ho love Him! What a great God!", writes Fred and Jane. On Nove mb er 4, the Tanakas, along with other Japan CEF staff, were praying for the worldwide work of CEF. There were hu ndreds participating in the event. The Tanakas report that the Yasudas are church planting and have children co ming to their home/ church 2-3 times during the we ek. One day, the eldest child in a fa mily, Yu mi came. She rallied against the Yasudas. What followe d was an ho ur and a half discussion, where the Yasudas shared their faith with Yumi. In the following days, Yumi's attitude softened, w hich led the m to invite her to Sunday morning w orship service. Please pray, along with the Tanakas, that Yumi receive the Lord. The Tanakas pray that they each be "holy vessels for the Lord's ministry." Jane teaches a rhythms class, "Joy-Joy Class" to preschoolers and their mo ms. It meets twice a mo nth and learning includes a few English words, a me mory verse, and a Bible story. Fred assu mes many responsibilities at CEF, including preparation of literature for publication. A Japanese-type flashcard story, "Depe nda ble, The Rescuer," by Allegra McBirney is now ready for publication. The Tanakas requ est prayer for Michiko, who has slow progressing muscular sclerosis, but is a bright testimo ny for Christ. The Tanakas had the privilege of leading Michiko's husban d to the Lord. The husba nd ne eds prayer. Currently, he is not attending church regularly nor has he made a public confession of his faith (I.e. baptism). Thank you for reme mbering Fred and Jan e and the work of CIF in your prayers. Gr e g a n d E gla Ti n gs o n "We say hallelujah and may the Lord be with you always and all ways," writes Greg. Despite the recent great cala mity of rains and flooding in metro Manila and the larger island of Luzon, the Tingsons are rejoicing. Psalm 46:1 comes to mind. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." They are praising God that their pastors, Bible School stude nts, surrounding rural mountain churches, their own family, Pastor Max and Grace Hu ghes, Fortress College personnel, and ASCARE Fa milies were relatively safe fro m the massive flooding, rains, and conseq uent destruction. For many days, rice and n eed ed foo d supplies were in short supply. ASCARE teachers and stude nts helped daily in cleaning up the mud an d debris. Things have returned to normal. Teachers and students have returned to their classes. "Our hearts and minds are glad and w e are back to the normal daily routine, studying the Word and teaching an d proclaiming the LIVING WOR D, Jesus Christ who d aily looks after His own," writes Greg. Issue 22 Page 5

6 CONTACT: office (310) [put your event in the subject line]. You can also call or the event leaders directly. WEBSITE: Click on Calendar then Launch Calendar. Just go to the month & day and click on one of the tiny blue squares. The event with all its information and contact person will pop up. EPIC (College-age) Ministry Sundays, 5:00 PM, room 201. Tuesdays, 7:00 8:00 PM, Weekly Prayer Meeting led by Paul Matsushima & Kyle York, Sanctuary stage platform. Contact Chris Koga, ex t. 685, Children s Ministry Sunday School 8:45 AM and 10:45 AM Contact: Susan Wakuta, Elementary Children s Director, ext. 689, susan@gvbc.net KidZone Fridays, 7:00 8:30 PM, Community Hall. Fun activities, make new friends, biblical devotionals, snacks. Join us and bring your friends for our Friday night fun. Wear comfortable clothes and gym shoes to all events. Contact: Brandon Tsukamoto via the church office or gvbckidzone@yahoo.com Greenhouse Junior High Ministry Sunday Mornings 8:45 AM in room 218, Sunday school, grades 6th to 8th Friday Nights Greenhouse 7:00 PM, room 218 Contact Layne Wakuta, ext. 684, layne@gvbc.net 180 High School Ministry Sunday Mornings 8:45 AM, room 220, Bible study, grades 9th to 12th Friday Nights 7:00 PM, room Winter Camp Friday, March 5 to Sunday, March 7. daniel@gvbc.net Baptisms Sunday, December 27, both worship services in the Sanctuary. Angels Breakfast Saturday, December 5. Early Childhood. Deadline to register is Sunday, November 29. Contact Linda Matsuda, ext All Church Christmas Potluck Sunday, December 6, 5:00 PM, Community Hall. If your last name begins with: A H bring a main dish & dessert I R bring a main dish & salad S Z bring a main dish & rice or vegetables Please label all parts of your container or bring your dishes in disposable containers. Mexico Outreach Missions (M.O.M.) Friday, December 18 to Sunday, December 20, 2009 San Telmo, Mexico Saturday, March 6, 2010, Tijuana Saturday, May 15, 2010, Tijuana Friday, July 23 to Sunday, August 1, 2010, Summer Mission Trip from Oaxaca to Panama Saturday, October 2, 2010, T ijuana Friday, December 17 to Sunday, December 19, 2010, San Telmo Christmas Mission Trip [NOTE: a U.S. passport is required]. Spanish is helpful, but not required. Contact Teresa Matsushima via the church office. Christmas Eve Services Thursday, December 24, 6:00 & 11:00 PM, Community Hall. GVBC Women s Retreat ~~ 2010 ~~ Mark your calendars for Saturday and Sunday, April 24 and 25 for our women s retreat at the Palm Garden Hotel in Thousand Oaks GVBC Seminarian Golf Tournament Monday, August 16 Contact Daniel Matsuda, ext. 681, Page 6 SPIRIT

7 November and December Emergency Food Pantry GVBC is collecting for the Gardena Emergency Food Pantry during the months of November and December. Suggested donations are: canned foods (preferably with pop tops), boxed foods, grains, dry goods (powdered milk envelopes, pasta, Cup O Noodles, Jello), peanut butter & jelly, baby formula, baby food, and toiletries. A complete list of suggested donations is in the Narthex on the Information Table. Place your donations in the large brown box located in the Narthex. Please watch for expiration dates! Thank you for supporting the needy families in our community! The Spirit is Online A BIG change to the mailing of our newsletter will be taking place. In the month of December, the Spirit newsletter will be both mailed to your home and ed. The Spirit is already on our web site, But, starting in January 2010, you will only receive the Spirit through an ed link to our web site. The exception will be shut-ins who are unable to attend church. They will continue to receive the Spirit by mail. Hard copies will also be made available for pick up in the narthex for those who don t have access to the internet, and you will be notified through the Announcement Page in the Sunday Bulletin when it is available. Why are we doing this? One of the main reasons is cost. We will be saving on postage, copying, and paper. Please be patient as we work through this transition. If you have any concerns, please feel free to address them to Wendy, wendy@gvbc.net, or #672. LOOK AT THIS!!! Rental Unit Available GVBC s one bedroom unit is available for rent. If you are interested, please contact Wendy Nakano at the church office, #672. Issue 23 will be printed on Wednesday, December 2. All articles should be submitted by Sunday, November 29. The Spirit is copyrighted 2009 and a publication of Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W. 158th Street, Gardena, CA., 90247, (310) , FAX: (310) , gvbc@gv bc.net, Website: Senior Pastor: Steve Langley (310) , Editor: Susan J. Shelley, susie@gvbc.net. Office hours: 9:00am 5:00pm, Nichigo Website: bc.info. The Spirit is published tw ice a month to keep members and friends informed of programs of the church and to report news about GVBC and its people. Announcements, praise, prayer requests, and letters are welcomed. Articles are subject to editing and/or postponement. Issue 22 Page 7

8 Gardena Valley Baptist Church 1630 W. 158th Street Gardena, CA (310) Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit #85 Gardena, Calif. Return service requested Morning 8:45 AM & 10:45 AM Nichigo Japanese-speaking 10:45 AM, Rm 201 Sunday, November 29, 2009 both services in the Sanctuary First Sunday of Advent: A Time for Salvation Sunday, December 6, 2009 both services in the Sanctuary Second Sunday of Advent: A Time for Salvation Sunday, December 13, 2009 both services in the Community Hall Third Sunday of Advent: A Time for Salvation Sunday, December 20, 2009 both services in the Community Hall Fourth Sunday of Advent: A T ime for Salvation Thursday, December 24, 2009 Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 6:00 & 11:00 PM in the Community Hall English-speaking children s Sunday school runs concurrent with the Worship Services. Nichigo children s Sunday school 9:30am, Room 206 St ev e Lan gley, Senior Pas t or, ext. 0 Buns o Ot ani, N ic higo Pas t or, ext. 676 R on M at s uda, As s oc iat e Pas t or T eac hing, ext. 679 Ann ett e Kak im ot o, As s ist ant Pas t or Lead ers hip D ev elopm e nt, ext. 680 J am es C hang As s is t ant Pas t or of Youn g Adults, ext. 682 C hris Koga, As sist ant Pas t or C ollege, ext. 685 (pt ) D aniel M ats uda, As sist ant Pas t or Yout h, ext. 681 Lay ne W ak ut a, Pas t oral I nt ern J unior High, ex t 684 (pt ) Sus an W ak ut a Elem e nt ary C hildren s D irec t or, ext. 689 J enny Kay a, Elem e nt ary C hildren s As sist, ext 693 (pt) Linda M at s uda D irect or Early C hildhood, ext. 683 (pt ) J. J. F rey, W ors hip C oordinat or (pt ) J unk o Aneg aw a, Nic higo Sec ret ary, ext. 677 (pt ) Peg gy Kus higem ac hi, Financ ial As s ist ant, ext. 675 J an M agna ni, Sec ret ary, ext W en dy N ak ano, Of fic e M a nag er, ext. 672 D aw n R obins o n, C hristian Educ. Sec ret ary, ext. 678 (pt ) Sus ie Shelley, N ew s lett er Edit or ext. 673 (pt ) Kev in H at as hit a, M aint ena nc e As st. ( pt ) Soc orro Kag aw a, M aint enanc e As st. (pt ) Kev in M aed a, M aint enanc e As s t. (pt ) Ky le York, M aint ena nc e As st. (pt)