Three Questions to Ask Before Posting to Social Media. Where s the Bento? Primetimer s 2014 Tours. Mission Field 4. Family News 5

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1 Issue 2 January 22, 2014 Inside this issue Where s the Bento? Primetimer s 2014 Tours 2 3 Mission Field 4 Family News 5 Church Events Calendar 6 Announcements 7 Our Worship Schedule 8 Three Questions to Ask Before Posting to Social Media Growing up in the 80 s and 90 s, I watched with childlike wonder the bludgeoning growth of the internet and the massive global movement toward online social media. Like never before, online giants like Google, Facebook, and Twitter have intricately woven the digital internet into the fabric of the modern human life. The thing is there really aren t really any set parameters for engaging with this brave new world. Regularly, I see teenagers post shockingly angry rants against their parents; young adults post heart-wrenching near suicidal thoughts; full-grown adults post embarrassing photos for the whole world to see. It seems all of life is going online, but should all of it be online? Having struggled with this tension between share and do not share for many years now, I d like to encourage us to pause for a few moments just before hitting the post online button and consider a few questions: 1. Am I seeking approval? Receiving likes and comments from online posts can become quite an addictive indulgence. The more likes we receive, the more we feel validated, acknowledged, and worthwhile. On the other hand, receiving no likes can often make us feel unrecognized and unworthy. While it is not necessarily wrong to receive encouragement, it is dangerous if the likes go so deep so as to shape your self-worth. This is precisely the point when you re posting online, not merely to share, but in a desperate attempt to fill some emptiness within. Your worth is not measured by the number of Facebook likes you receive; rather, your worth is divinely bestowed to you from a loving Heavenly Father. For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother s womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139: Is this a moment to protect? Not every single great moment in life needs to be immediately shared online. When your baby does something cute, I doubt he s hoping to get posted online for the world to comment. He just wants to be loved, held, and enjoyed by you. When your close friend shares something deep over breakfast, she s probably not trying to get onto your Twitter feed within 140 characters or less. Some moments really are best privately enjoyed in the delightful intimacy between you and your loved ones. And, something precious is lost when try to squeeze it into an online post. Protect the moment. Put the phone down. Treasure your loved ones with undivided attention. Love without needing the world in on it. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Corinthians 13: Does it reflect Christ-in-me? What you do online matters to both the formation and the expression of your Christian spirituality. People tend to think they can get away with more online, being hidden behind a computer screen. Resist being one way in person and totally another way online. Our God can use what things you share and how you engage with others not only to reflect His love and promote His beautiful Gospel, but also to shape your soul toward His likeness. Church, love the Lord your God wholeheartedly... online. Everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial. 1 Corinthians 10:23 with love, James

2 PRAISE NIGHT WHERE HERE S THE BENTO ENTO? BY LAYNE WAKUTA AKUTA,, PASTORAL P INTERN As the month of January quickly passes and the Broncos and Seahawks are set to meet in Super Bowl XLVIII, some of you may be thinking something is missing in the midst of the excitement. Some of you may be questioning, Why aren t there any youth group students chasing me down and trying to sell tickets? Or maybe, Where s the humorous movie-based parody video with a nonsensical reference to chicken? Some of you may even be asking, When s Rob Fukuzaki coming back? Well, these questions may have to go unanswered for the time being, because, to quote a song lyric from the Disney animated feature Frozen, For the first time in forever we are NOT doing Super Bowl Obento. Why, you may ask? Obento has always been very labor intensive. And, we ve honestly grown weary of the many hours of prep and execution time it takes to do a fundraiser like Obento. So instead, we re going to kickoff the church s anniversary year with something new and exciting called: PRAISE NIGHT which will be held on Saturday, March 29 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00.p.m. in the Community Hall. Praise Night will be an event where church family and friends are invited to come and see the Greenhouse Middle School and 180 High School groups share various creative forms of praise and worship to our Lord, such as song, dance, dramatic/comedic skits, and more. Complimentary food and beverages will also be served. Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to contribute to the Wall of Blessings, which will be a wall of 144 envelopes numbered from $1.00 to $ Attendees will be encouraged as they feel led to take one of the envelopes and fill it with the dollar amount specified. Proceeds from Praise Night will still support the Youth Camp Scholarship Fund. It will truly be a blessing for our youths who want to attend camp. Please join us for what is sure to be a special night of praise and glory to God! Where s the Bento? 2

3 PRIMETIMER RIMETIMER S DEATH VALLEY COMES ALIVE! [NOTE date changed] March 17 to 19, Monday to Wednesday Primetimer s 2014 Tours SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI PARK April 9, Wednesday SAN FRANCISCO YOUR WAY! May 19-22, Monday to Thursday WARNER BROTHERS STUDIO VIP TOUR June 10, Tuesday NEBRASKA / SPAM MUSEUM TOUR September 24-30, Wednesday to Tuesday CORONADO CHRISTMAS & DEL MAR HOLIDAY OF LIGHTS December 11, Thursday *You do not have to be 55+ to join us on any of these of these tours. All adults are welcome. Contact Richard or Keiko Imatomi through the church office. Death Valley Comes Alive March 17 to 19 3 Days & 2 Nights Death Valley the name is foreboding. yet, here in this valley, you ll find spectacular wildflower displays, snow covered peaks, beautiful sand dunes, abandoned mines and the hottest spot in North America! you ll join up with a local guide and spend an entire day tracing the wagon ruts and footsteps of pioneers. points of interest along the way include Badwater, the Ubehebe crater, Harmony borax Works and Scotty s castle. you ll spend both nights at the Furnace creek ranch which sits amidst towering mountains, inspiring canyons and glittering salt flats. also included is an evening BBQ dinner under the stars. Join us as death Valley comes alive! $545 per person (double occupancy) $710 PER PERSON (SINGLE OCCUPANCY) Price includes gratuities for the driver and step-on guide in Death Valley. DEADLINE: Final Payment Due by February 9 Tour Departs: 8:00 a.m. from New Gardena Hotel 1641 W. Redondo Beach Blvd. Gardena Returns: approximately 6:00 p.m. For Further information please contact: Keiko and Richard Imatomi through the church office. 3

4 OUR MISSION FIELD GO THEREFORE AND MAKE DISCIPLES OF ALL NATIONS MATTHEW 28:19 GVBC Short-Term Mission Trip to Thailand GVBC will be sending a team to Thailand next year, January 6-18, 2015, and they will be assisting in working with water systems. Applications will be available soon. The Missions Committee recommends that GVBC members who are interested in short-term missions consider this opportunity. If other options are considered, candidates must first speak with the Missions Committee 6 months prior to departure. Contact Sanaye Nagami, Missions Chair, through the church office. Ken & Diane Kudo and Jim & Leta Van Meter Both the Kudos and Van Meters sent their personal Christmas greetings with holiday photos. They rejoiced that the Lord humbly came to earth as a baby so He would deliver us from sin. The Van Meters quoted John 3:16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." Pete & Sheryl Silzer, Wycliffe Bible Translator Sheryl is co-authoring a book on Asian life and ministry. It was submitted to a publisher last year. She requests prayer that God will guide in regard to it's publication. Sheryl's work in cross-cultural studies the goal of which is to make missionaries more culturally sensitive to their co-workers has impacted many places such as the Mexico Multicultural Council, Korea, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and World Gospel Mission's annual furlough conference. In addition to the Silzer's ministry, thank you for praying for Sheryl's health. I'm working with a nutritionist to see what needs to be adjusted to reduce my blood sugar numbers for my diabetes, she writes. Michael & Chris Mason, Sakai Bible Church, Japan Oasis Church held it's first-ever baptism in a Japanese bathtub! Michael baptized Dez, a young Filipino woman, who is married to a Japanese man. The Masons request prayer for Dez to grow in her faith as she learns to surrender every part of her life to Jesus. Also, pray Dez's hunger and passion for the Lord be an inspiration to others in the church family. The Masons are challenging their church members to read the New Testament (NT) at least once this year. Please pray the church members will accept the challenge and read it. Also, pray for their personal growth the church members will be encouraged to help one another grow in truth and move forward in relationships with Jesus from reading the NT. On a personal note, Chris' father and mother are in the process of moving from their home in Gardena to an assisted living community in Alhambra. The Masons are thankful for GVBC for lending a hand during this transition. Please pray for Chris's parents, who are 91 (father) and 83 (mother), for the transition be as peaceful and smooth as possible. Also, please remember Chris, being an only child, will be coming out to help when the actual move takes place. Pray for her necessary finances (the airline ticket) as well as the students she leaves behind (Chris needs to find a substitute teacher while she is away). Michelle Law Michelle is wholeheartedly doing ministry in Minnesota! She is living with Trevor and Stephanie Kaihoi. Steph is the founder of "Legacy Living Ministries" (LLM) so she is Michelle's boss, landlord, roommate, and friend. On October 11, 2013 in Willmar, MN, Michelle helped out at a LLM conference. The conference was "Mentoring With No Regrets (MWNR) which trained women on how to disciple other women. Over 320 women, from age 17 to 95, attended with over 12 denominations and 40 different churches. At MWNR, Michelle oversaw check-in/administrative logistics as well as read a poetry piece which she had written in Michelle is now a certified barista! She works at Caribou Coffee in a corporate building in (Con nued on page 5 page) 4

5 OUR MISSION FIELD (Our Mission Field Con nued from page 4) downtown Minneapolis. At Caribou Coffee, she hopes to be a witness to her co-workers. She is also an active member of LLM which will take on new projects such as branding and planning their next event. As you pray, know I am doing well and God has been so faithful in providing for my every need. I am excited for how He will shape and grow me this year and I am praying for you all, that you may experience grace and peace," she writes. Tommy Dyo, Campus Crusade for Christ, Epic Last year, Tommy visited recruiting events which were held in New York, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles. The purpose was to challenge over 120 key transitioning college students to consider serving long term with the Epic Movement (EM). As I move into 2014, I need to minimally raise an additional $1,200 a month, he wrote. This will cover some extra travel and increased cost of living expenses. Thank you for keeping the Van Meters, Kudos, Silzers, Masons, Michelle Law, Tommy Dyo, and all of our missionaries in your prayers. May the harvest of new believers be plentiful in this new year! FAMILY NEWS A NEW COMMAND I GIVE YOU: LOVE ONE ANOTHER. -JOHN 13:34 Prayers and Condolences Kari Maeda and family in the passing of her beloved mother. A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 25 in Irvine. Pastor Steve Langley will be officiating. Letters to GVBC Dear GVBC Family, Thank you so much for the lovely orchid plant in memory of our husband, father, and grandfather, Taro Fukushima. We appreciate your thoughtfulness very much. Your kind words and support have been such a comfort. Thank you, Miwako Fukushima and Family Dear GVBC, Thank you for the beautiful orchid floral arrangement on the passing of my mom. Your kindness is much appreciated. Sincerely, Tom & Joyce Mayeda Jones 5

6 FYI EVENTS CALENDAR Pastor Ron s Bible Study Classes OASIS: Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m., room 218. Following Christ Today: Sundays, 10:45 a.m., room 218. This class is the revised former Basic Christianity Class with a renewed focus on learning to follow Jesus today as His disciples in this fallen world. Whether you are a brand-new Christian or have been a believer for many years, you will gain valuable, life-changing insights from this class. Winter Quarter Community Groups You can still register for the 8-week winter quarter which began on Sunday, January 19 and ends on Sunday, March 9. Visit the registration table in the Narthex to register and pick up a Community Group Directory. For more info contact the church office. College/Young Adult Retreat Friday, January 31 Sunday, February 2. Contact James Chang, ext. 682, james@gvbc.net or Chris Koga, chris@gvbc.net. City of Gardena Encouragement Week Help GVBC love its city! Bake goods and write encouraging notes to show our appreciation to the City of Gardena employees who serve our community. From the Library to the Fire Station, we re spreading a lot of love during Valentine's Day week (February 10 14). We also need help delivering the cookies. Please complete the sign-up sheet on the narthex counter and place it in the offering bag if you or your community group would be interested in showing our city a little love! Contact GVBC Neighborhood Ministry at: neighborhood@gvbc.net. Bilingual Saturday Service Saturday, February 8, 7:00 9:00 p.m., Sanctuary. Pastor Toby from Venice Free Methodist Church will be speaking. The Bilingual Service is every second Saturday of the month. Refreshments served in Room 201 after the service. Everyone welcome. For our March 8 Bilingual Service, Pastor Ken Matsuda from Oasis Chapel in Japan will be here. For more info contact Pastor Eiji Osato, ext. 676, eiji@gvbc.net. The next bilingual service will be February 8. registration & monies to Jan at the Narthex Counter. DEADLINE: MUST turn in by Sunday, February 16. The Art of Marriage Video Conference Calling all married and engaged couples! Come to a powerful, Biblically-driven, 6-session video conference taking place at GVBC Friday, February 28, 7:00-9:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 1, 9:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. No matter how long you ve been married, whether you re doing well or struggling, you will benefit by investing this weekend in strengthening your marriage! Cost is $50/ couple and includes materials and lunch on Saturday ($20/couple if you ve attended before and have your materials). Deadline to sign up is Sunday, February 2. Childcare and scholarships available. Signup after the worship services in the Courtyard or call Pastor Daniel at the church office. Singspiration In celebration of GVBC s 100th you re invited to a Singspiration on Sunday, March 30, 3:00 p.m., Sanctuary. GVBC used to join other churches in a time of singing hymns and choruses every month, called Nisei Sing. They moved from church to church and it was a time of praising God through singing, hearing God s Word spoken, and enjoying the fellowship of Christians from throughout the Los Angeles area. They also traveled to San Diego a few times. Enjoy refreshments after the singing. You are welcome to bring your own goodies to share. If you have a hymn or old chorus you would like to sing, please let Shig Kawashiri know: shig@gvbc.net. Vacation Bible School Monday, July 14 to Friday, July th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon Saturday, August 16, Marriott Hotel, Torrance. Pick up your FREE Save the Date magnet and a GVBC 100th Anniversary Post-It pad on the Narthex counter. GVBC Golf Tournament Friday, August 22 Men s Breakfast Saturday, February 15, 8:00 1:00 a.m., Community Hall President s Day Monday, February 17, Office Closed Annual Business Meeting Sunday, February 23, lunch at 12:30 p.m., meeting to follow, Community Hall. Bring your own lunch or purchase a delicious box lunch from Back Home in Lahaina for $5. Includes: 2 types of meat, rice & salad for $5. Turn in 6

7 ANNOUNCEMENTS 100 TH ANNIVERSARY APPAREL ORDERS Order your GVBC 100 th Anniversary T-Shirts, Polo Shirts, and/or Sweatshirts after the worship services on Sundays. DEADLINE: Order forms and payments will be collected until February 9 and orders should be filled by the end of March. Check out the display in the Courtyard to see samples of the colors and sizes available. Leave your order form and payment with the 100th Anniversary Committee member in the Courtyard. HELPING HANDS MINISTRY Do you need help with a small job? We help Seniors, single moms, and singles who need help with small tasks. We have installed wheel-chair ramps, rails for stairs, grab bars for bathroom showers, security lights, and security doors. We ve also repaired fences, gates, and simple plumbing. We ve installed smoke detectors and have done some simple yard work. If you are in need of a small job, please contact Mas Kushigemachi through the church office. RETIRED MINISTERS & MISSIONARIES OFFERING During the entire month of February, we will be collecting our annual Retired Ministers & Missionaries Offering (RMMO). A letter along with an envelope will be mailed out to your home soon. ONLINE GIVING Don t have a check handy? You can give online! Check our website at Give. GVBC WEDDING PHOTOS NEEDED If you were married at GVBC, we can scan your picture and post it in the Community Hall or hallway on Sunday, February 16 for our Valentine s Sunday Please turn them into the office by February 9. NEXT SPIRIT ISSUE Available online Wednesday, February 5 at Hard copies in the GVBC Narthex and in the back of the Community Hall. All articles should be submitted by Sunday, February 2. The Spirit is copyrighted 2014 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 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. 7

8 8 Gardena Valley Baptist Church 1630 W. 158th Street Gardena, CA Phone (310) Website Twitter Worship Schedule GVBC Staff English Worship Services: 8:45am & 10:45am Children s Sunday School concurrent Japanese Worship Service: 10:45am Children s Sund ay School at 9:30am, Roo m 206 Sunday, January 26 Pastor Daniel Matsuda Sunday, February 2 Philip & Corenne Smith American Baptist Churches, Brazil Sunday, February 9 Pastor Gary Tawa Cerritos Baptist Church Sunday, February 16 Valentine s Sunday Pastor James Chang Steve Lan gle y Senior Pastor ex t 0 Daniel Mats uda Associate Pastor, Yo uth ext 681 Eiji Osat o Associate Pastor, Nichigo ext 676 James Cha n g Assistan t Pastor, Neigh borhood ext 679 An net te Kaki m ot o Assistan t Pastor, Lead ership Dev. ext 680 Chris Ko ga Assistan t Pastor, Colleg e ext 685 Layne Waku ta Pastoral Intern, Middle School ext 684 Susa n Wak uta Elementary Children s Director ext 689 Michelle K o ga Nursery Director J.J. Fre y Wo rship Coordin ato r Wen d y Naka no Office Man ag er ext 672 Pegg y K us hige mac hi Fin ancial Assistan t ext 675 Jan Ma g na ni Secretary ext 67 1 Rei A be Nichigo Secretary ext 677 Au bre y Ma tsu na mi Christian Ed uc. Secretary ex t 678 Susie Shelley Newsletter Editor ex t 673 Socorr o C oc o Kaga wa Main ten ance Asst Gerald Ma ye waki Main ten ance, AV Asst. Ro bert Kat o Sund ay Services, Assistan t