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: Director of Education: Sade Bryant Office Manager: Robyn Jovalis Choir Director: Eileen Boyd, Pianist : Christopher Congdon Phone: (916) 421-1017 Fax: (916) 391-3620 Website: www.sacjumc.com Worship: Sunday at 10:30am Volume 49 December 2015 No. 12 Christmas Eve Service Thursday, Dec. 24 7:00 pm Children s Christmas Program December 13 during worship Please come and join us in worship as we see Christmas through the eyes of children! Imagine No Malaria Tube Have you seen the long tube for Imagine No Malaria in the Narthex? We are raising money to stop Malaria! Thank you for your support! We have filled the first tube with quarters and we will continue to fill it a second time. If you have quarters, please bring them. We will have the tube in the Narthex on Family Sundays! December 18-7:00pm - Christmas Light Fun. All who wish to take in beautiful Christmas lights in Sacramento will meet to walk and fellowship All are welcome to join us as we go caroling for those who are homebound! Sunday, December 13 12:30 pm - Meet in Sanctuary to practice 1:00 depart for Caroling Call Robyn or Sade at 421-1017 for more info. Our Faith Journey Advent 2015 Each year during Advent, the church publishes testimonies, reflections, or stories of faith from the congregation. Pick yours up in the Narthex now!
Sakura Dayori Page 2 December 2015 Invitation to Worship December 6, 2015 Second Sunday of Advent Malachi 3:1-4 Luke 1:68-79 Philippians 1:3-11 Luke 3:1-6 December 13, 2015 Third Sunday of Advent Zephaniah 3:14-20 Isaiah 12:2-6 Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:7-18 December 20, 2015 Fourth Sunday of Advent Micah 5:2-5a Luke 1:46b-55 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45 December 24, 2015 Christmas Eve Isaiah 9:2-7 Psalm 96 Titus 2:11-14 Luke 2:1-20 December 27, 2015 First Sunday After Christmas Day Isaiah 52:7-10 Psalm 98 Hebrews 1:1-4 (5-12) John 1:1-14 Ushers Dec. 6 Eddie & Sandy Koshino Dec. 13 Ryland Fernandez & Thomas Jovalis Dec. 20 Art & Gloria Imagire Dec. 27 Dale Fong & James Newsome Dec. 6 Belle Ito Greeters Dec. 13 Kathy Sakamoto Dec. 20 Julie Toyama Dec. 27 Frances Lee Welcome Table Dec. 6 Yuki Kozuma, Julie Nishite Dec. 13 Kyung Chung, Wayne Shimizu Dec. 20 Yoshiko Harper, Kathy Marquardt Fellowship Tobans Dec. 6 UMW Dec. 13 Garden Angels Dec. 20 Boutique/Craft Club Dec. 27 Trustees Sakura Dayori Page 9 December 2015 GENERAL FUND as of October 31, 2015 In Celebration of Margaret Inouye s continued recovery Inouye, Andrew Inouye, Tim In Celebration of Birthday Kawahara, M/M Yosh In Celebration of Mortgage Burning Nakagawa, Rev. Mark Miller, Kiyo In Celebration of Dr. Takiya Kawamura, Lillian In Memory of Lawrence Katayama Ikami, Lily Mikami, Joanne Yamadera, Mickey Kashiwagi, Michael Ito, Stan Taniguchi, Dale In Memory of Alice Ichiho Murakami, Susanna In Memory of Ken Ouchida Niiya, M/M Herbert Osuga, M/M David Fong, Alvon Lee Nishikawa, M/M Henry In Memory of Hisako Horikoshi Oucida, Donna Hansford, M/M George In Memory of Min Shimada Takechi, M/M Curtis In Memory of Henry Taketa Taketa, Sally In Memory of Tsugiyo Kempton Yamadera, Mickey ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS LEGACY FUND As of October 31, 2015 Miyasaki, Anne Improvement Fund As of October 31, 2015 Nakashima, M/M Kent In Memory of Lawrence Katayama Teranishi, Sue In Memory of Hisako Horikoshi Yuki, M/M Philip December Security Toban: Ted Narasaki
Sakura Dayori Page 8 December 2015 Sakura Dayori Page 3 December 2015 ALTAR FLOWERS You are invited to sign up on the 2016 Altar Flower Chart to bring flowers for special people you wish to honor, or in celebration of a special event, or in memory of your special people. The Altar Flower Chart is located on the Fellowship Hall bulletin board. The instructions for bringing your flowers are next to the chart, or if you have any questions, please see me - Belle Ito. Thank you for sharing in this ministry of beautifying the sanctuary for worship. Small Groups @ SJUMC! 1. 2nd & 4th Sundays at 9:30am in the Garden room Caring for One Another Group (Led by Mindy Takechi & Mary Nakamura) 2. 2nd Sundays at 12:30pm-Fireside- Japanese Bible Study Group (Led by Rev. Takiya) 3 & 4. Two Walk to Emmaus Groups 5. Monthly UMW Reading Group We have joined up with a recycling project! Schedule your pick up and the proceeds can be donated to us! www.ewaste4good.com 800-317-3112 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, etc. SJUMC ADULT LITERACY PROGRAM The SJUMC Adult Literacy Program for parents of children attending Mc Coy/ Chacon Elementary Schools is a fulfilling, joyful experience for volunteers who work in a team to teach reading and writing English to these adults. The program takes place Wednesday mornings, 10:00 am to 11:00 am, at Bowling Green/ McCoy Elementary School, 4211 Turnbridge Road. Head tutor Betty Kimoto begins each hour with a lesson. Students go over the lesson with individual tutors. Students and tutors spend the last 20 minutes of the hour in group conversation. There are now 2 students in the Mc Coy program. Two women have been waiting for a tutor since March, 2015. Please call Betty Kimoto, 916 395 3275; Barbara Kado, 530 758 7339; and Patty Honbo, 530 756 0616 for more information. We also encourage you to visit the class. The two current students, Maria Ramirez and Maria Orozco, will enjoy meeting and speaking with you. No Church Planning Day in December Just a reminder that we had our Church Planning day in May, so there will not be one in December. Please look for information for some of the projects from the outcomes of the church planning day 2015! SJUMC was honored at Florin JACL on November 14, 2015. SJUMC people filled two tables as Rev. George Nishikawa, our pastor Emeritus and our Church Council Chair Wayne Shimizu accepted a plaque recognizing the contributions of the church that was so vital to the history of the Florin JACL. The Staff-Parish Relations Committee appreciates your concerns and love for Rev. Motoe and her family. In order to support this important bonding time for the entire family, we ask individuals not to contact Rev. Motoe directly during her leave. If you have a need to contact the pastor, please contact the church office at 421-1017 for assistance. If necessary, the office may contact the pastor on your behalf. We thank you in advance for your understanding. Rev. Motoe will be on leave from Nov. 2 to Feb. 10 (Ash Wednesday). We look forward to Rev. Motoe returning for the Lenten season. Our inspiring guest preachers and laity Sundays from Nov.1 to Feb. 7! Date Dec. 06 Dec. 13 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Dec. 27 Jan. 03 Jan. 10 Jan. 17 Jan. 24 Jan. 31 Feb. 07 Guest Preacher Rev. George Nishikawa Children Rev. Greg Bergquist Rev. Don Fado Mission committee Rev. Nobu Hanaoka Dr. Mary Maaga Rev. Don Fado Please return the Stewardship pledge cards! You should have received a letter in early October asking for your pledge for 2016. Pledging is important as it gives the Church Council an amount that they can use to budget for the next year and also as a part of your spiritual practice of tithing. Please prayerfully consider your giving for SJUMC in 2016, fill out the pledge card(s) and bring them to worship or send them into the office. Dec, 5 for the January issue. Please submit articles to Joanne Mikami at hankojo@starstream.net
Sakura Dayori Page 4 December 2015 Sakura Dayori Page 7 December 2015 Children & Youth 4th grade and up received Bibles in October. If you have a child 4th grade and older that does not have their own Bible, let us know and we will make sure they get one! JACL Now Accepting Applications for Kakehashi Project 2015-2016! Apply now for the 2015-2016 Kakehashi Project! Up to 185 students will be selected to participate in this year's Kakehashi Project, coordinated by the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) and the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE), and supported by funding from the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The goal of the Kakehashi Project is to build cooperation between Japanese Americans/Asian Americans and Japan by providing students with a better understanding of Japan through a variety of fields, including politics, economics, and culture. Kakehashi Project alumni are encouraged to become effective advocates in enhancing U.S. - Japan relations. Participants will attend a 9-day trip to Japan where they will visit a number of historical and educational sites, experience traditional and cultural activities, and participate in lectures and workshops. Each trip will visit Tokyo and one other city to be announced. Trip Date & Deadlines Mar. 13-22, 2016 - Early bird-jan. 3, 2016; Reg. Feb. 2016 Program and Application Guidelines Currently enrolled Japanese/Japanese American or Asian American students 18-25 years old are encouraged to apply. You do not need to be a JACL member to be eligible. Application is available online. If you have any questions or issues, please contact Craig Shimizu at japanprogram@jacl.org. Rev. Motoe will be on maternity leave and vacation from Nov. 2 - Feb. 10. Pastoral Care will be covered by Rev. George Nishikawa and Rev. Peter Willms. Children s Christmas Program December 13 during worship All children and youth are invited to participate in this years children s Christmas program. The Sunday School will be leading us in worship as we tell the Christmas story through readings and carols. Please join us for this very special moment in Advent. KIDS CALENDAR December 13 10:30am - Sunday School Worship Service. The Sunday School will lead in worship as we celebrate Jesus birth. 12:30pm - All Church Caroling Party. We will join with other SJUMC folks to go caroling. December 18-7:00pm - Christmas Light Fun. All Youth Ministries 13 Sunday School Christmas Worship Service, Family Worship, Caroling Party 18 Christmas Light Walk 20 Christmas Sunday; @ 1pm Youth Christmas Movie and Pajamas 24 Christmas Eve Worship 7pm *Hands on Sacramento Opportunity to Serve with Getting Kids Outdoors. Youth & Young Adult Connection (YYAC) December 6th 2015 Christmas Party hosted by SJUMC @ 5pm. Enjoy a night of games like Minute to Win it, gift exchange, music, food, and much more. *A collaborative gathering Young Adults Ministries 13 Sunday school Christmas Worship Service, Family Worship, Caroling Party 18 Christmas Light Walk 19 Scavenger Night (4pm 7pm) 20 Christmas Sunday 24 Christmas Eve Worship 7pm *Hands on Sacramento Opportunity to Serve with Getting Kids Outdoors.
Sakura Dayori Page 6 December 2015 Sakura Dayori Page 5 December 2015 The 14th Annual SJUMC Crab Feed will be held on February 13th, 2016 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 $15.00. 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 916.393.4586 or cell phone 916.704.4586. Come join us for the Bowling Green Family Lunch on Saturday, December 19! 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 email Sue Teranishi at sue328ter@gmail.com or talk to her after church if you can help. SJUMC Prayers Comfort and Prayer for the families and friends of: Lawrence Katayama Roy Kato (father of Ray Kato) Lloyd Sakakihara Hisae Horikoshi (wife of Rev. Casper) Kini Muraki Father Tony Prandini Margaret Inouye Special Prayers Chris Jovalis Christina Moreno Marge (Sister of Sue Teranishi) Jean Kanemoto May Ukita Farrington Blaisdell Marion Murai Chewy Yasushi Ito Francis Asahara Keiko Nakata Catherine Taketa Hiroko Arimoto Traveling mercies People who are affected by the CA fire The World Situations including Jerusalem People who are facing surgery People who are going through tough times Thanksgiving Chris Congdon Leo Hosoda Eileen Boyd s retirement SJUMC is on Facebook! Please join us! プレイグループ Japanese Speaking Outreach Program for Children 水曜日 Wednesday 10:00am 10:45am 無料 Free! 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 95823 10:00am 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 916-421-1017, 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! 日本語聖書の学び毎第 2 日曜日 ( 礼拝後 ) ポットラックファイアーサイドルームにて Japanese Language Bible Study - Every 2nd Sunday of the month with a potluck in the fireside room 聖書は自分一人で読んでいて意味のわからない箇所に遭遇することがあります 毎回 聖書の学びの会の後 皆さんと感想や意見を交わしあい聖書を学びあうのも楽しいものです Handy People Needed! Please submit any names (such as God s helpers, God s handy man, etc.) of people who can do small projects around the church (such as changing light bulbs, etc,!) Thank You from the UMW We would like to thank all the people who helped make our Fall Rummage Sale a success. Thank you to all the ladies and men who worked so hard from Thurs. to Saturday; to all the people who donated items for our sale: to the Garden Angels for setting up our site; and to the youths who helped in so many ways. Unsold items were donated to: Friends of the Library, Salvation Army, Developmental Living Center, St. John s Shelter, Lyon Realty s WIND Youth Services, JFK s Golf Club, and SPCA. November Tobans Prayer Group ~ Would you like to pray with someone? The group meets every 3 weeks on Thursdays in the Garden Room at 11:15am. Collect Boxtops 4 Education for Bowling Green! Please clip the Boxtops 4 Education when you see them on any products for Bowling Green McCoy Academy. There will be a box for them in the Social Hall on the glass case. Some products that have them are Kleenex boxes, Cheerios, General Mills, Swanson's, even Hanes underwear. Check the full list at btfe.com or the printed list next to the box for the coupons.