SAKURA DAYORI SJUMC, the Garden Church

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1 The Sakura Dayori is published once a month by the Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church to provide updates to our members and our constituents. Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage paid Sacramento, CA Permit No. 790 SAKURA DAYORI SJUMC, the Garden Church 桜便り Senior Pastor: Rev. Motoe Yamada Foor Pastor Emeritus: Rev. George Nishikawa Pastor of Visitation: Rev. Peter Willms Director of Education: Shaday Bryant Office Manager: Robyn Jovalis Choir Director: Lyssa Ogilbee Phone: (916) Fax: (916) Website: Worship: Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Volume 50 December 2016 No. 12 Christmas Worship Christmas Eve Saturday, Dec. 24 7:00 pm Christmas Day Dec :30am Look for the UMW Christmas Tree on Sunday Mornings! The December Tobans will be collecting Christmas gifts for 60 kindergarten children from Bowling Green Elementary School. See page 9 for more info! The Church Choir now meets on Mondays, from 7-8:30p.m. We encourage ANYONE who loves to sing, sings in the shower or carries a tune in a bucket to join us. It is great fun and very spiritually uplifting! Although all voices are welcome, we particularly need tenors and baritones. For those who cannot make evening rehearsals, you are invited to join us on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for the anthem rehearsal followed by 10:30 a.m. worship. Children s Christmas Program December 11 during worship Please come and join us in worship as we see Christmas through the eyes of children! The Redemption of Scrooge Advent Series and Study (First Sunday of Advent is Nov. 27) Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance. Is redemption possible for such a greedy, dark and sad character? The Redemption of Scrooge, from Matt Rawle s The Pop in Culture Series, shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in Dickens Christmas classic. From the ghosts of Christmas past, to the Life of the present, and the resurrection of Christmas future, this Advent study will bless us every one and reinvigorate our spiritual journeys as we look at this familiar story through the lens of faith. We will be honoring those with perfect attendance during Advent, so look for the stickers and tracker page during Advent!

2 Sakura Dayori Page 2 December 2016 Sakura Dayori Page 11 December 2016 Invitation to Worship December 4, 2016 Second Sunday of Advent Isaiah 11:1-10 Psalm 72:1-7, Romans 15:4-13 Matthew 3:1-12M December 11, 2016 Third Sunday of Advent Isaiah 35:1-10 Luke 1:47-55 James 5:7-10 Matthew 11:2-11 December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent Isaiah 7:10-16 Psalm 80:1-7, Romans 1:1-7 Matthew 1:18-25 December 24, 2016 Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20 December 25, 2016 Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) John 1:1-14 Join us in Family Worship: 2nd Sunday of each month! Come to our family service where all ages can worship together.. Bring your whole family! Ushers Dec. 4 Phil & Lois Yuki Dec. 11 Sunday School Dec. 18 Elaine Maeda & Joyce Oshiro Dec. 25 Rickey & Ryland Fernandez Greeters Dec. 4 Patty Honbo Dec. 11 Laura Katayama Dec. 18 Belle Ito Dec. 25 Wayne Shimizu Welcome Table Dec. 4 Yuki Kozuma, Kathy Marquardt Dec. 11 Julie Nishite, Wayne Shimizu Dec. 18 Keiko Kato, Clarence Kado Dec. 25 Lorenzo Moreno, Yoshiko Harper Fellowship Tobans December Security Tobans: Eric Hirata, Tommy Hoshiyama GENERAL FUND PLEDGES Mr. & Mrs. Nelson Akabori Scott Chung Mr. & Mrs. Jack Clark June Tanihana Bernice Dingley Erik Hoffmann M/M Richard Fernandez Bianca Hoffmann Karen Fong M/M Larry Fong Lincoln Fujii Megumi Goi M/M Rick Tomlinson M/M Mark Hagiya M/M George Hamai Mayumi Hamakawa Yoshiko Harper M/M Tom Hoshisaki Lily Ikami M/M Art Imagire Andrew Inouye Mitzi Ishisaka Shizue Ito M/M Joe Iwata M/M Russell Kanemasu Laura Katayama Amy Kawahara M/M Robert Kimoto M/M Mike Kimura M/M Charles Kobayashi M/M Eddie Koshino Patty Koyama Yuki Kozuma M/M Edwin Kubo JoAnne Kubokawa Frances Lee M/M Tony Lee M/M Evan Lum Dr/M Melvin Maeda Elaine Maeda Donations Given for 2016 PLEDGES Received during October 2016 Vicci Uyeda M/M Ben Matsuo Kazuko Matsuoka Joanne Mikami John Nakamura Mary Nakamura M/M Kent Nakashima Mary Ann Nakashima Ken Namikawa Rev/M George Nishikawa Julie Nishite M/M Roy Okamoto Marie Okino Edith Oshita Michiyo Osuga Susan Otani Norman Robinson M/M Kelvin Ronay Katherine Sakamoto Vickie Sakauye-Tom M/M Stuart Satow M/M Victor Shibata Michiko Kawaguchi Frances Sumida M/M Stimson Suzuki Christopher Matsumoto M/M Curtis Takechi M/M Bill Taketa M/M Frank Tanaka M/M Russell Tanaka Dr/M Jun Tanimoto Seiko Tateishi Sue Teranishi M/M Kenneth Toyama M/M James Umino Millie Wataji Mickey Yamadera M/M Richard Yang Ayako Marshall C.L. Goldsmith Keiko Kato Rose Williams Mark McLean Belle Ito M/M Steve Hoig Judie Higashi Nancy Nakamura M/M Teruo Shintaku M/M Dale Fong M/M Ron Fong M/M Andrew Foor Sumire Fujita Micki Fukushima M/M Henry Johnson Kathy Marquardt Lois Nishimura Tsuneko Maruyama Linda Tomita Carol Ng M/M Isao Yanagisawa IMPROVEMENT FUND PLEDGES M/M Chuck Alicaya Scott E. Chung Karen Fong Lincoln Fujii Naomi Goto M/M George Hamai M/M Jeff Harada M/M Art Imagire M/M Russell Kanemasu Amy Kawahara M/M Robert Kimoto M/M Eddie Koshino Yuki Kozuma M/M Kim Combs Frances Lee Elaine Maeda M/M Ben Matsuo Joanne Mikami M/M Kent Nakashima Mary Ann Nakashima

3 Sakura Dayori Page 10 December 2016 GENERAL FUND in Celebration of Granddaughter s Birth Fong, M/M Larry In Memory of Debbie Blasidell Alicaya, M/M Chuck Iwata, Grace Niiya, M/M Herbert Takechi, M/M Curtis In Memory of Irma Hanni Alicaya, M/M Chuck Fong, Alvon Ito, Kiku Kato, M/M Ray Kobayashi, M/M Chuck Koshino, M/M Eddie Kushi, Frances Maeda, Elaine Perry, Josephine Shimazu, Glen Takeda, Atsuko In Memory of Bert Shikasho Fujii, Lincoln Fujii, Jim Hagiya, M/M Mark Ito, Belle Kashiwagi, Sue Kashiwagi, M/M Warren Kobayashi, M/M Chuck Koshino, M/M Eddie Kubo, M/M Edwin Lee, Frances Lew, Diane Lewis, M/M Tony Matsuoka, Kazuko Mizoguchi, M/M Max Nakashima, Mary Ann Ouchida, M/M Lester ACKNOWDLEGMENTS As of October 31, 2016 Shibata, M/M Victor Takechi, M/M Curtis Takuma, Fumi Tanaka, M/M Russull Wong, M/M Steven Yamadera, Mickey Yomogida, M/M George In Memory of Margaret Inouye Inouye, Andrew In Memory of Donald Harper Ito, Kiku In Memory of Min Shimada Koshino, M/M Eddie In Memory of Sue Okamoto Mizuno, M/M Tom In Memory of Catherine Taketa Naito, Dick Nakashima, Mary Ann In Memory of Kinue Muraki In Memory of Joyce Makishima In Memory of Masako Yokomichi Suzuki, M/M Stimson In Memory of Tsugiyo Hayashi Kempton Yamadera, Mickey In Memory of Katherine Mizuno Goi, Carol In Memory of George Goi Goi, Carol In Memory of Hagumi Takizawa Goi, Carol IMPROVEMENT FUND In Memory of Bert Shikasho Alicaya, M/M Chuck Ishisaka, Mitzi Tanaka, M/M Ryu Yuki, M/M Philip In Memory of Catherine Taketa Hamai, M/M George Hironaka, Carol Ishisaka, Mitzi Ito, M/M James Kashiwagi, M/M Sam Kawaguchi, Michiko Kihara, Shigero Mitani, Alice Ayako Mitani, M/M Dick Ogawa, Ruth Shirai, Eucaly Annette Taketa, M/M Bob Tsukamoto, Marielle Yamada, Gerald Yuki, M/M Philip In Memory of Irma Hanni Imagire, M/M Art In Memory of Kini Muraki In Memory of Joyce Makishima In Memory of Donald Harper Yuki, M/M Philip KINGDOM FUND In Memory of Catherine Taketa Nishikawa, Rev/M George In Memory of Debbie Blasidell Oshiro, Joyce Sakura Dayori Page 3 December 2016 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 As we come to the end of the 2016 year, I look back at the wonderfully spirit filled year!! It was my first year as Church Council Chair and was Church Council a great experience. We have an extremely talented and hard-working leadership team who keep the church functioning and moving forward. I give thanks to God for all their time, talents and efforts. God gave me the opportunity to use my talents and gifts to learn, lead, discern, pray and bring the Holy Spirit to decision making focusing on God s will. The Church of the Resurrection (COR) Leadership Institute was an amazing experience and I want to thank Reverend Motoe, the COR Team and the Congregation for your support! It was truly wonderful, inspirational and moving! Arlene and Mindy were great travel companions and I enjoyed our late night in-depth discussions on what we learned in our workshops. We look forward to implementing what we learned in the coming year! If you re interested in going to COR, feel free to come talk to me or anyone from the COR Team. December 16-6:30pm - Christmas Light Fun. All who wish to take in beautiful Christmas lights in Sacramento will meet to walk and fellowship together. Contact office at for information. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10 One of the COR workshop s I attended was on Spiritual Gifts. The workshop was intriguing and inspiring. Each one of us has God given spiritual gifts that can be tapped into and flourished to bring joy and fulfillment to our lives! Please come to the small group in 2017 to discover and explore your gifts! The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect. James 5:16 We will also be marching forward with a Breakthrough Prayer Initiative. The power of prayer is amazing as we pray together as one body of Christ! More to come in 2017! These are spirit moving and exciting times!! Feel the passion of Jesus Christ!! I look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ together! Praise God for giving us the amazing gift of Jesus Christ!! Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family! Many Blessings, Kimi Ronay Church Council Chair All are welcome to join us as we go caroling around the church neighborhood We will meet after serving at the Bowling Green Luncheon. Then back to the church for Hot Cocoa! Call Sade at for more info.

4 Sakura Dayori Page 4 December 2016 We would like to thank all of the department chairpersons and helpers who worked so hard to make the bazaar a success. The net income was about $10,000. A little less than what we had hoped for, but we still had great fellowship and made a few dollars. Each year around bazaar time in October, we continue to have many conflicts with other community events. The bazaar planning committee has met and we are recommending that our Fall Food Bazaar be changed to the 1st Saturday in May. Our United Methodist Women have graciously agreed to give up this date and to reschedule their Semi-Annual Rummage Sales to a new date. UMW will make an announcement as to their new date. The Flower Chart is on the bulletin board in the Fellowship Hall. All are invited to honor a loved one or give flowers in their memory on Sundays. The Chart will show what Sundays are available. Please take a moment to look at it and consider giving to the church in this way. Thank you for helping to beautify the sanctuary for worship with your Altar Flowers! Bring the Church to Them If members are not able to come to church, we can bring the church to them! We will have opening prayer, brief introductions, devotional, hymns, prayer requests, closing prayer. Place: Carlton Plaza, 6915 Elk Grove Boulevard, Elk Grove, CA (next to Nugget Market) Room: Craft Room, 2nd floor (midway down the hall) Meets: December 18 Time: 12:45-1:30 p.m Bazaar Report There is a lot of work that needs to be done in preparation for our new Bazaar date of May 6, Let s all mark our calendars as a reminder to attend and most importantly to help the various committees when you are called upon. With so much happening at once, we apologize that if we forget to call and personally ask for your help, just volunteer anyway. For many of you it s, Been there, Done that. It is your expertise that is needed for our success. The more you get involved, the more successful the Bazaar will be. There are many positions that need to be filled such as Bazaar Chairperson(s), Chow Mein Chairperson(s), Publicity to name a few. The current chairpersons will assist to make it a smooth transition. Please contact the current chairs or the church office of your willingness to help. Thanks for your support!! Tommy Hoshiyama and Victor Shibata Place: ACC Care Center Dining Hall, 7801 Rush River Dr, Sacramento, CA Meets: 4th Wednesdays Time: 10:00-10:30 a.m. Sakura Dayori Page 9 December 2016 A letter from Bishop Minerva G. Carcaňo Brothers and Sisters, We have lived some difficult months in this country; months of growing hostility among political leaders, with the lashing out at others in extreme ways, and not just at political opponents. Racism, misogyny, xenophobia, a disregard for the economically poor, and all too often a lack of honesty, have characterized the race for the presidency. It brought out the worst in us for all to see. During this year as I traveled across the country and to other parts of the world, persons I encountered kept reminding me that the U.S. Presidential election affected them as well. The power of the leading nation of the free world is still felt around the globe. The nastiness of our political season troubled those I met along the way. They feared that it would pour over into the diplomatic relationships between our country and theirs. At our 2016 General Conference the bishop of the Methodist Church of Argentina shared with me his deep concerns about our Presidential election. Remember us when you vote, he said to me. In our democratic society a fair election has been held and a president has been elected. I hope that we United Methodists participated in the election. As United Methodists we believe that the strength of a political system depends upon the full and willing participation of its citizens. [1] We have voted and the election is done, but the concerns and fears left by such a terribly contentious political process remain. Our beliefs now guide us forward with a deep sense of responsibility. Our Social Principles clearly state that The Church should continually exert a strong ethical influence upon the state, supporting policies and programs deemed to be just and opposing policies and programs that are unjust. [2] So, if the racist, misogynist, xenophobic, uncaring and dishonest attitudes of the race for the presidency should surface in the policies and programs of the Trump administration we have much work to do as persons of Christian faith. Vigilance with a readiness to act will be required of all of us. But between now and January 20, 2017 there is already work to be done. There are young people who are undocumented who fear that a wall will be built, so high that it will forever separate them from their families and God s preferred future for them. Women are concerned that their hard fought-for rights will be diminished if not erased. Some of our brothers and sisters of other living faiths are discerning the difficult decision of whether they remain in this country, their home, or return to the countries of their heritage, beloved places but no longer home to them. The economically poor are fearful that their despair will be no one s concern, compassion having gone missing in the political rhetoric, justice, a responsibility of civil society, ignored. However we may have voted I pray that we remember that above all, above political parties and nation states, we are those who follow Jesus Christ alone, citizens of the reign of God. I believe that on this day Jesus is beckoning us to join him in walking with those who are suffering most, those who are broken in spirit and body, those who are living in fear and have lost hope. Following Jesus and standing with and caring for those whom Jesus also loves, may require that we challenge the political powers of our time. Let us be people of Christian faith, unafraid, for the God of justice will be with us. Blessings, Bishop Minerva G. Carcaño

5 Sakura Dayori Page 8 December 2016 The Redemption of Scrooge Nov. 27 Bah! Humbug! Dec. 4 The Remembrance of Christmas Past Dec Children's Program Dec. 18 The Life of Christmas Present Dec. 24, Christmas Eve service Dec. 25, The Hope of Christmas Future Ebenezer Scrooge is a man in dire need of a second chance. Is redemption possible for such a greedy, dark and sad character? The Redemption of Scrooge, from Matt Rawle s The Pop in Culture Series, shows us how the teachings of Jesus can be found in Dickens Christmas classic. From the ghosts of Christmas past, to the Life of the present, and the resurrection of Christmas future, this Advent study will bless us every one and reinvigorate our spiritual journeys as we look at this familiar story through the lens of faith. Meeting on the first Sunday of every month at 9:15am in the Office Classroom. Everyone is warmly invited to join us whenever we meet. Whether you are grieving a loss or going through a major change in your life, blessings await you when you attend. Books (English and Japanese) are available to borrow in the Fireside Room 様々な日本語の本がファイアーサイドルームにあります どうぞ借りてください Small SJUMC! 1. 1st Sunday at 9:15am in the Office Classroom Facing Life s Changes Together (led by Rev. Peter Willms) 2. 2nd & 4th Sundays at 9:30am in the Garden room Caring for One Another Group (Led by Mindy Takechi & Mary Nakamura) 3. Sunday Small Group at 7pm at Belle Ito s House 4-5. Two Walk to Emmaus Groups 7.UMW Reading Group 8.Bible Survey - Sundays at 9:15am in the Fireside room except the 1st Sunday (led by Rev. Peter Willms) The Church Office will be CLOSED from 12 noon on December 23 and re-open on Tuesday, January 3 Bags of Grace at SJUMC Are available in the Social hall to give out to people in need. Please take a couple and keep them in your car. Sakura Dayori Page 5 December 2016.????????????????? Did you know? The Staff Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) determines salary, benefit and other staff expense amounts and seeks approval from the Finance Committee. The Board of Trustees is responsible for facility income and expenses such as rental of the fellowship and multicultural halls, painting, roof repairs, plumbing, kitchen equipment, windows, doors, janitorial services, security, etc. They also seek approval from the Finance Committee. Bazaar income goes to the Special Events Fund (this is the church s reserve; contingency fund). If you have a specific question regarding church operations and finances, please submit it to the editor (by hankojo@starstream.net or put a note in the newsletter mailbox in the church office). Come join us for the Bowling Green Family Lunch on Saturday, December 17! Volunteers are needed to help prepare lunch at church, starting at 9am, then servers and greeters at Chacon at 11:45am. The free lunch is served from 12-1pm to Bowling Green students and their families. Please Sue Teranishi at sue328ter@gmail.com or talk to her after church if you can help. Growing in Giving You should have received an invitation from us. Did you RSVP? 2017 is around the corner and planning for the new year is in full swing. As you know, any planning includes finances; what is in your heart for the coming year? We are excited this year to make giving as convenient as possible for you! We can help you set up automatic payments through your bank; we can send reminders; we are also exploring mobile options via Tithe.ly. The importance of pledging by October 30, 2016 was so that the Finance Committee could develop their budget for Imagine trying to plan your household budget, vacation, or home improvements without knowing how much your salary, retirement, or social security checks were going to be! However, if you missed the deadline, we will joyfully accept your pledge any time. If you did not receive your invitation, please stop by or call the office so that we may get it to you. 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Blessings, Jill Kanemasu, Lori Lee, Mindy Takechi, Rev. George Nishikawa, Carol Wong Stewardship Committee Stop Hunger Now Packaging Event Sunday, March 5, 2017 Plan to arrive for 1 p.m. start time

6 Sakura Dayori Page 6 December 2016 プレイグループ Japanese Speaking Outreach Program for Children 水曜日 Wednesday 10:00am 10:45am 無料 $1.00 場所サクラメント日系合同メソジスト教会ガーデンルームにて 6929 Franklin Blvd, Sacramento CA :00am 子供の歌 お話 ゲーム 11:00am 持ちよりランチ対象小さいお子さん (0 歳から ) とその付き添い. アドバイザーハーパーよしこさん ( 元保母さん ) マーシャルあやこさん ( 歌の先生 ) ボックスなみさん (3 人の男の子を育ててます ) 質問がある方は 牧師の山田まで連絡ください , revmotoe@sacjumc.com. If you know someone who is looking for a Japanese speaking group for kids, please let the person know about this program! Sunday School Parents! Please fill out the Sunday School Registration form and Medical info form. You can return it to the Office, in the Narthex or to the Youth Room. It is important for our Sunday School teachers to have parent s info in case of an emergency. Children must have a registration form completed to get Basketball credit. SJUMC Prayers Comfort and Prayer for the families and friends of: Bert Shikasho Masako Yokomichi Cathy Takeda Debbie Blaisdell Prof. Tom Swift (SJFF member) Stan Muraki (cousin of Jayne Rusmmason & Judie Higashi) Donald Harper (husband of Yoshiko Harper) Irma Hanni Special Prayers Larry Fong Sandra Coronado & Vasuano Williams (parents of Shaday Bryant) Bob Jovalis Kathy Nakashima Tom Nishizaki Jean Kanemoto May Ukita Farrington & Helen Blaisdell Marion Murai Chewy Yasushi Ito Francis Asahara Keiko Nakata Our nation after election Many people who are traveling World Situations People who are facing surgery People who are recovering People who are going through difficult times Thanksgiving Granddaughter of Sue Teranishi January is Sakura Dayori Page 7 December 2016 ATTENTION! Be on the lookout for a Christmas tree bearing the names of children in need of a special Christmas gift from you! The December Tobans will be collecting Christmas gifts for 60 kindergarten children from Bowling Green Elementary School. We are asking for the generosity of all of you to come and choose an ornament from our tree with a child s name on it and purchase a gift for that child. It will mean so much to them. More information will follow in the Sunday bulletin or you can call Arlene Hagiya or Keiko Kato The 15th Annual SJUMC Crab Feed will be held on February 11th, 2017 in the Multicultural Hall. This function benefits the Special Events Fund to support our Church budget. This all you can eat menu will include salad, spaghetti, nigiri, crab, ice cream and drinks. Bring a big appetite as the fresh crab is wonderful. We will also have our world famous raffle sponsored by the Basketball Program and the ever popular paper airplane contest. Adult tickets are $50.00 and children under 10 are $ Tickets can be purchased after church on Sundays beginning in December until the week before the crab feed. Tickets can also be purchased at the office. If you have questions, call Janet Takehara at or cell phone We have joined up with a recycling project! Schedule your pick up and the proceeds can be donated to us! Items they pick up, working or not: All Televisions Video Games, Computers, Computer Monitors, Fax Machines, Calculators, Desktop Copiers, Cell Phones, Telephones, Printers, Vacuum Cleaners, Speakers, Keyboards, Scanners, Mice, Laptops, Networking Equipment, Power Tools, Misc. Wires, and Cords, Household Phones, Stereo Systems, Medical Equipment and Much More! All electronics are recycled locally in California. CEW # Dec. 5 for the January issue. Please submit articles to Joanne Mikami at hankojo@starstream.net