Gardena Valley Baptist Church Issue 12 June 16, 2010 GVBC MISSION STA TEMEN T Helping people discover Jesus and become His fully devoted followers. GVBC PURPOSE STA TEMEN T At GVBC, we seek to glorify God by: ~ reaching the world for Christ ~uniting as His family ~worshiping Him with our lives ~growing in Christ-like character ~and serving others in love. Inside this issue: Vacation Bible School 2 Ohana Fest Community Outreach UCLA Honorary Degree Ceremony Family News Mission Field FYI: Events Calendar Christian Musical Orientation/ Signup Meeting 3 4 5 6 7 SPIRIT WHEN THE MUSIC STOPS Arturo Toscanini, the great conductor, was sitting at his podium before a concert one evening. As the orchestra warmed up just minutes before the performance, a bassoon player approached him in a fearful panic. Maestro, I am very sorry, but my instrument has suffered an accident, and the E- flat will not sound. I am afraid I will not be able to play tonight. Upon hearing the news, Toscanini went silent and closed his eyes. The bassoon player cowered in fear of his fury. The great conductor put his hands to his head and continued in silence, adding to the poor bassoon player s agony. At last Toscanini looked up and said quietly, Do not worry. E-flat does not appear in your music tonight. Toscanini had played through the entire concert in his mind, reviewing every note the bassoon player would have to play. With his intimate knowledge of the music, the conductor was able to reassure the bassoon player that everything would be all right. I don t know about you, but I m a lot like this bassoon player. When I face a daunting issue in my life, the music stops and I begin to worry about the future. When I graduated from college, I worried about my career direction. When I first began to consider full-time ministry, I worried about finances. When Joshua was born, I worried about his health and development. In my current position as Youth Pastor, I worry about the challenges and trials our students face each day. The problem with worry is that it can be paralyzing. Like the bassoon player, I can easily get to the point where I feel helpless, insecure, at a loss of what to do next. Maybe you can identify with me. Maybe you ve also felt like this yourself. Has the music stopped in your life? There is good news for us! In Jeremiah 29:11, we read these encouraging words: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. What a comfort to know that God is the Great Conductor who knows our music intimately. What a comfort to know God has given us everything we need to play our parts in His grand symphony. What a comfort to know that as we come before God in prayer and lay our future at His feet, we place our trust in the One who sees the big picture and knows exactly what He is doing. So, what are we waiting for? Let s pick up our instruments and start making music again! His servant, Daniel Matsuda Assistant Pastor, Youth
Come join our Prayer Safari! This year s theme centers around the Lord s Prayer. Children will learn about the love of Christ. Registration forms available in the Sunday school classes, the Narthex counter or from the office. Deadline to register and for supply donations is Sunday, July 11 or until maximum capacity has been reached. We need your help! VBS is a wonderful opportunity to minister to the children in our neighborhood and church. Would you consider just one of the many ways you can help us bring Jesus to the lives of these young ones? There are so many ways to be involved. We need help with: Donating supplies for crafts. Contributing snacks for the staff. Teaching or helping in the classroom. Being a mighty prayer warrior. We also need donations for: Craft supplies: (place in collection box in Narthex). Jar lids with ribbing prefer fairly large lids with wide ribbing. Medium-sized disposable round canister or cans with plastic lids (e.g. powdered drink or nuts container, small coffee can, Gerber graduate snack containers, etc.) Need 60 total. Round ice cream cartons with lids (washed and dried) 1/2 gallon or 1.5 qt. size. Need up to 60. Beads (any with large holes, such as pony beads). Would like wooden beads. Markers (prefer washable markers if possible). Crayons. Empty white wipes boxes. Blue painter s tape. Decorating supplies: (items will be returned to you. Contact Jenny Kaya at jykaya@hotmail.com or the office.). Large safari stuffed animals (giraffes, zebras, elephants, lions, hippos, etc.). Small Khaki or tan-colored tents. Woven baskets (rustic/african style various sizes). Animal print sheets/bedspreads/fabric. Bongo drums. Rounded clay pots (large jug shaped). Safari hats. Throw rugs (African style prints). Wooden horse. Child s jeep (rideable size). African travel posters. Refreshments for our VBS Staff: (contact Jody Komae at Heart4kids@aol.com). We like to provide a break area for the staff where they can have a quick refreshment before going back to work with the children. Please provide any kind of finger food you think they might enjoy. To be dropped off daily in the church kitchen. Your time: If you have time to help prepare for or work at VBS, please let us know how you would like to help. We hope to have 175 kids on campus the week of VBS so it is very important we get our staff in place and organized to insure our ministry to the children will run as smoothly as possible. We need a form filled out by every volunteer even if you have already committed to help. Forms need to be on file by July 16. For volunteer sign up or information contact: Susan Wakuta, ext 689 or susan@gvbc.net. Page 2 SPIRIT
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR: OHANA FEST Come join our community outreach for families. This is a great way to participate in a short-term term mission right in our own backyard. Volunteers NEEDED for! Two shifts: 9:00 11:30 am 11:30 am 2:00 pm Flyers on the Narthex counter. Signup in the Courtyard between services or call the church office. Contact Barbara Moncada via the church office. Saturday, July 10, 2010 Mas Fukai Park 10:30 am 1:30pm Free Family Fun For those in our community Games Balloon Art Crafts School Supplies Entertainment Issue 12 Page 3
Pictures from the ceremony s brochure passed out at the service. Fukiko Florence Kuida, Paul Masatoshi Kuida, and Yasuo Sata (not pictured) were among 125 other honorees who received UCLA Honorary Degrees, recognizing Japanese- American students affected by the U.S. Executive Order 9066. In 1942, as a result of this U.S. Executive Order, more than 200 Japanese-American students attending UCLA were forced to leave their university studies, and were sent to internment camps during World War II. On Saturday, May 15, 2010, UCLA recognized these students with an honorary degree. The ceremony was held at the Schoenberg Hall, Schoenberg Music Building at UCLA. The ceremony began with a video titled Something Strong Within directed and edited by Robert A. Nakamura, Directory, UCLA Center for EthnoCommunications. After the academic procession,our national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, played. The Master of Ceremonies was Tritia Toyota MJ 70, PhD 04. During the ceremony, there was a welcome given, a greetings from the faculty and students from Class 2010, honoree address, keynote address, musical performance, honorary degree conferral, and reading of the names. The ceremony ended with the UCLA alma mater Hail to the Hills of Westwood, followed by the recessional. Following the ceremony, the audience and honorees attended a reception at the UCLA Faculty Center. This was a wonderful way to honor and recognize those whose education was cut short during World War II. Congratulations to all the honorees! Page 4
Our prayers and condolences go out to: Family News To the family of May Minami who passed away. Her funeral service was held on Wednesday, June 16, 10:00 AM at Gardena Valley Baptist Church. Rev. Sam Tonemura and Pastor Steve Langley coofficiated. Patti Hatashita, Matthew & Kevin and family in the passing of Patti s husband, Gerry, who passed away on Tuesday, June 15. Funeral arrangements pending. Letters to our family Dear GVBC Family, On March 23 I underwent open-heart surgery. I thank Pastor Steve for praying with my family and me at the USC University Hospital on the morning of the operation. Thanks also to the GVBC prayer chain, small groups and individuals for their prayers and cards. Thanks GVBC for the flowers; they uplifted my spirits during the early days of my recovery. Thanks to Lily S. for acting as liaison phoning me regularly and keeping our GVBC friends informed of my post-op progress. It was a lucky (blessed) day in 2006 when we discovered GVBC. Thanks to God for allowing my physical body to remain living amongst family and friends for a while longer. May God richly bless you all as He has my family and me. Love in Christ, Frank Kuwata In the news A picture of Ann Matsushima was spotted in the Thursday, June 3, 2010 Gardena Valley News on page 32 with the article titled Art Goes Eyeball to Eyeball with Music at Dance Studio. Ann, one of the founders of a creative outlet for artists of all inspirations called Eyeball Burp, held a Saturday night of art and music at the Gardena Dance Studio on the corner of Western Avenue and 166th Street hosted by Eyeball Burp. The band Wells played, a video presentation was shown, and various art work was on display. Good job, Ann. Ken and Diane Kudo Mission Field On June 14, the Kudos celebrated 41 years of marriage. On July 4, they will celebrate 34 years in Brazil. They write with thanksgiving for the faithful support in prayers, encouragement, and finances from their supporters, which reflects perseverance in following Christ as Lord. Ken and Diane have experienced unspeakable joy recently. For Ken, it was discussing various aspects of John Calvin s Institutes with a lawyer, who became a Christian 26 years ago. Since his conversion, this man has brought a few to Christ and also discipled them. A recent experience with the Holy Spirit led this man to feel the warmth and glow of the spirit. He continues to shine a bright light for Christ, wherever he is placed. Most recently, God placed him as a graduation speaker at a law school in Brazil. For Diane, unspeakable joy is seeing Christians, whom she personally discipled for over 10 years, ministering all over the world. Diane continues teaching two of her favorite topics, The Grace of God and The Kingdom of God. Thank you for remembering the Kudos in your prayers. Michael and Chris Mason It s summer and the Masons are in Southern California. During the eight weeks (June through August), they will visit as many of their supporting churches as they can. It will also provide them a time with much needed rest. While the Masons are gone, the leadership team members, Noji and Kanayama, will be taking over the entire responsibility of preaching, sharing testimonies, and leading worship at Sakai International Bible Church (SIBC). Please remember Noji and Kanayama in prayer. The Masons request prayer for SIBC, that the members of the body would continue to grow spiritually and come into a genuine, even more intimate relationship with the Lord. Approximately seven non-christians attended the Easter service. Please pray for their salvation. In April, Takeaki Shibuya, once a member of the leadership team, left to minister in Australia. Please pray that God would raise up more people for the leadership team at SIBC. Michael continues to serve as the school chaplain at Kansai Christian School (KCS). Please pray that the Holy Spirit would work in the hearts of the students to have true relationship with Jesus. Please also pray for the funds needed to finish the new school facility, which has been in use at KCS for one year. The needed funding would provide more basics such as an intercom system. Thank you for praying for the Mason s ongoing ministry in Japan. Please pray for a refreshing and productive trip in Southern California. Issue 12 Page 5
CONTACT: office (310) 323-5683. EMAIL: gvbc@gvbc.net [put your event in the subject line]. You can also call or email the event leaders directly. WEBSITE: www.gvbc.net. Children s Ministry KidZone (1 st - 5 th graders), Fridays, 7:00-8:30 PM, Community Hall. Wear comfortable clothes and gym shoes to all events. June 18 Water Bottle Boats June 25 Sockey/5th Grade Farewell Vacation Bible School Sunday, July 26 to Friday, July 30 [see article on page 3]. Contact: Susan Wakuta, ext. 689, susan@gvbc.net. Discovering Jesus Bible Study Wednesdays of June 23 and July 7, 6:00 8:00 PM, room 113. Helps those who want to meet Jesus for the first time. Taught by Cyril Nishimoto. Info at the Guest Center in the Courtyard or contact Cyril via the church office. 180 High School Ministry Sunday, June 20 Recognition of Graduates Friday, June 25 Departing Seniors Farewell Party Saturday, June 26 to Friday, July 2 Short Term Mission Trip to Long Beach. Sunday, June 27 Promotion Sunday Contact Daniel Matsuda, ext. 681, daniel@gvbc.net. Women s Breakfast Saturday, June 26, 8:30 11:30 AM, Community Hall. All women college age and up invited. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and rekindle your Women s Retreat friendships. Also, we will have crafts and a workshop. Registration forms in the Narthex. Contact the church office. Independence Day office closed Monday, July 5 Ohana Family Festival Saturday, July 10, 10:30 AM 1:30PM, Mas Fukai Park. A Free time for family and children in our community. We will be handing our free school supplies, snacks to our community and they can participate in games, story time, music & dancing, crafts. Volunteers needed! To volunteer contact director Barbara Moncada or the church office. Hope for the Future Fireproof Movie Night Thursday, July 22, 6:00 9:00 PM, Sanctuary. Contact Cindy Matsuda hopecindymatsuda@gmail.com. Mexico Outreach Missions (M.O.M.) Friday, July 23 to Sunday, August 1, Summer Mission Trip from Oaxaca to Panama Saturday, October 2, Tijuana Friday, December 17 to Sunday, December 19, 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. 301 Class Sundays of August 1 and 8, 12:30 3:30 PM. Learn about your unique spiritual gifts, your S.H.A.P.E. (Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, Experience) and take the next step in the ministry exploration process. Taught by Pastor Annette Page 6 Kakimoto. Class begins with a FREE lunch. Register by checking off the appropriate box on the back of your Connection form or contact Jan Magnani at the church office ext. 0 or email her at: jan@gvbc.net [Class number in the subject line]. Baby Dedication Sunday, August 15, both worship services. GVBC Seminarian Golf Tournament Monday, August 16, Rio Hondo Golf Club, 10627 Old River School Rd, Downey. Support our seminarians through tee sponsors, raffle prizes, or as a golfer. Applications available in the Narthex and on our website. Contact church office. Youth Summer Camp Sunday, August 8 to Friday, August 13, Alpine Conference Center, Blue Jay, finished 5 th to finished 11 th grades. Contact Daniel Matsuda, Youth Pastor, ext. 681, daniel@gvbc.net. JEMS Co-Ed Softball Tournament Saturday, August 14, Wilson Park. Entry feel includes: T-shirt, lunch, guest speaker during lunch and 1st place teams receive individual gifts. For more info contact Harvey Ujimori via the church office. Neighborhood Day of Prayer Outreach Saturday, August 21, 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. On Saturday, Aug 14 and Sunday, August 15 we will walk the neighborhood to get their prayer requests. Contact Bob Matsushima via the church office. Primetimers 2010 Calendar of Activities Great Reno Balloon Race & Lake Tahoe, Thursday, September 9 Sunday, September 12. Cost $492 per person double occupancy, single occupancy add $150 (includes gratuity to the bus driver). Payment due: August 2. Glory of Christmas at Crystal Cathedral, Sunday, Dec. 12. Cost: $105 (based on 19-28 participants) includes the gratuity to the driver. Please note: price does not include dinner. Please eat your dinner prior to boarding the bus. We will leave GVBC at 6:00 PM and return at 10:30 PM. Payment due: October 24. Make checks payable to Gardena Valley Baptist Church [your event title in subject line]. Contact: Keiko or Richard Imatomi via the church office. Keep Gardena Beautiful Saturday, September 18. We ll be working in the wetland preserve near South Park on Vermont & Artesia Blvd. Contact the church office. Men s Retreat Saturday, September 25 to Sunday, September 26 at Victory Ranch. Contact the church office. Cult & Occults Seminar Sunday, September 26, 12:30 3:00 PM, room 113. Contact Marianne Matsuda Perspectives Mondays starting September 26 January 10, 2011, 7:00 9:00 PM, Room 218/220. Contact Tom Park. Storytelling Class Sunday, October 10, 12:30 3:00 PM, room 113. Contact Cyril Nishimoto. SPIRIT
Christmas Musical Orientation/Signup Meeting A Prodigal Christmas Come to our orientation/signup meeting on: Sunday, July 11 10:10 to 10:40 AM room 218 Co-written by David Cheng and Susie Shelley Directed by Susie Shelley Assistant Director Juliet Schurr Multi-gen Choir directed by Wendy Katagi Adult Choir directed by Patty Yanaga Come learn about our Christmas musical and signup to join our team. Also, you can pick up the script, CD of the songs, music sheets, and rehearsal schedule at this meeting. We will perform A Prodigal Christmas on: Saturday, December 4 Two performances at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. We need actors, singers, musicians, stage hands, and technical support. All are welcome to join our team. No experience needed. Contact: Susie Shelley, ext. 673, susie@gvbc.net David Cheng at noelquest2007@yahoo.com Issue 13 will be uploaded to website on Wednesday, July 7. Hard copies available on Sunday, July 11 in the Narthex. All articles should be submitted by Sunday, July 4. The Spirit is copyrighted 2010 and a publication of Gardena Valley Baptist Church, 1630 W. 158th Street, Gardena, CA., 90247, (310)323-5683, FAX: (310)768-2783, Email: gvbc@gvbc.net, Website: www.gvbc.net, Senior Pastor: Steve Langley (310)323-5683, Editor: Susan J. Shelley, susie@gvbc.net. Office hours: 9:00am 5:00pm, Nichigo Website: www.gvbc.info. 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. Issue 12 Page 7
Gardena Valley Baptist Church 1630 W. 158th Street Gardena, CA 90247-3712 (310) 323-5683 Web: www.gvbc.net E-mail: gvbc@gvbc.net Twitter: http://twitter.com/gvbc Morning Worship @ 8:45 AM & 10:45 AM Nichigo Japanese-speaking Service @ 10:45 AM, R00m 201 Sermon Series on Colossians: Metamorphosis Sunday, June 20/Father s Day/Grad Recognition Pastor James Chang Colossians 3:15-17 ~ The Peace/Word of Christ Sunday, June 27 Pastor James Chang Colossians 3:18-4:1 ~ The Christian Home Sunday, July 4/Communion Pastor Chris Koga Colossians 4:2-6 ~ Making the Most of Opportunities Sunday, July 11 Pastor Steve Langley Colossians 4:7-18 ~ Other Faithful Servants of Christ English-speaking children s Sunday school runs concurrent with the Worship Services. Nichigo children s Sunday school 9:30am, Room 206. Steve Langley, Senior Pastor, ext. 0 Bunso Otani, Nichigo Pastor, ext. 676 Ron Matsuda, Associate Pastor Teaching, ext. 679 Annette Kakimoto, Assistant Pastor Leadership Development, ext. 680 James Chang Assistant Pastor of Young Adults, ext. 682 Chris Koga, Assistant Pastor College, ext. 685 (pt) Daniel Matsuda, Assistant Pastor Youth, ext. 681 Layne Wakuta, Pastoral Intern Junior High, ext 684 (pt) Susan Wakuta Elementary Children s Director, ext. 689 Linda Matsuda Director Early Childhood, ext. 683 (pt) J.J. Frey, Worship Coordinator (pt) Wendy Nakano, Office Manager, ext. 672 Rei Abe, Nichigo Secretary, ext. 677 (pt) Peggy Kushigemachi, Financial Assistant, ext. 675 Jan Magnani, Secretary, ext. 671 Dawn Robinson, Christian Educ. Secretary, ext. 678 (pt) Susie Shelley, Newsletter Editor ext. 673 (pt) Kevin Hatashita, Maintenance Asst. ( pt) Socorro Kagawa, Maintenance Asst. (pt) Kevin Maeda, Maintenance Asst. (pt) Kyle York, Maintenance Asst. (pt)