West L. A. Connections Where Nurturing Empowerment Welcoming Service A Monthly Publication of the West Los Angeles United Methodist Church Happens! October 2016 West Los Angeles United Methodist Church Festival and Facebook Friends 1913 Purdue Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90025 Phone: 310-479-1379 Email: [email protected] Website: www.wlaumc.com Like the summer, our annual Asian Cultural Festival has quickly come and gone. It seems like only yesterday Stan was calling for the first planning meeting. Now all the tents have been folded up, the tables and chairs put away, and leftover sodas carried to the youth room. We are good for another year! Sunday Worship Services Many people were pleased with this year’s festival. Attendance was up, spirits high, and sales brisk. The weather could not have been lovelier, with plenty of sunshine and cooling breezes. 9:30 AM English Language Worship Nursery and Sunday School 10:30 AM Fellowship Time for both congregations 11:00 AM Japanese Language Worship Office Hours Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM Pastors' Office Hours Rev. Gary: Tues-Fri, 9 AM to 1 PM Rev. Janet: Tues-Fri, 9 AM to 1 PM Rev. Becky: Sat, 10 AM to 12 PM Staff Rev. Gary Oba, Senior Pastor [email protected] Rev. Janet Cromwell, Associate Pastor [email protected] Rev. Rebecca Hirata, Local Pastor Japanese Language Ministry [email protected] Midori Tashiro, Administrative Assistant and Newsletter Coordinator [email protected] Our Mission Statement Our Mission is to promote spiritual growth - Building a community of faith and making disciples of Christ by reaching out with compassion, forgiveness and love. At West LA UMC, building a community of faith is what we are about. West L.A. Connections Every year we learn something new. This year it was the power of Facebook. We promoted our festival in the usual ways: newsletter, Rafu Shimpo, flyers, posters, etc. But this year, Rev. Janet promoted it heavily on the church’s Facebook page along with pictures from previous years. Over the past two years, we’ve accumulated a lot of friends on our Facebook page. This year, our friends passed along news of our festival to their friends, who passed it to their friends, etc. Before we knew it, word of our festival had spread like a wildfire! We also saw results from some new avenues of promotion. For the second straight year, we were able to have our event listed in Westways Magazine, the AAA communication tool that is sent to over 4 million households in Southern California. Rev. Janet also was able to use some of the neighborhood email lists with which she has become familiar. Our volunteer drivers who shuttled people back and forth from the Trident building to the church said that many of their passengers were attending the festival for the first time. Many had heard about our event from some of these newer means of promotion. In addition, we met numerous people from the neighborhood who said they didn’t know there was a church on this street! My new learning was a greater appreciation for how our annual Asian Cultural Festival is a way of serving our community. The festival is more than a fundraiser or an opportunity for old friends to get together. It is a major way of inviting new people to encounter the warmth, hospitality, joy, inclusiveness, and eating fellowship of the church. As Jesus said, “Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with them, and they with me.” (Rev. 3:20) Grace and peace, Rev. Gary Page 1 October 2016 Prayers Connecting and Nurturing through Prayer ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Narrative Lectionary Readings for October The following readings serve as the foundation for the Sunday morning 9:30 Worship Service. By reading these scripture lessons during the week, you can prepare your heart and mind for Sunday worship. October 2 Exodus 12:1-13; 13:1-8 October 9 Exodus 32:1-14 October 16 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10 October 23 2 Samuel 7:1-17 October 30 1 Kings 17:1-16 (17-24) World Communion Worship Service Sunday, October 2 One Worship at 10:30 AM Please mark your calendar for one combined English and Japanese worship service on October 2, beginning at 10:30 AM, and immediately followed by an All Church Potluck at 11:30. Plan to attend worship and bring something to share at the potluck. West L.A. Connections Page 2 October 2016 Worship & Studies Growing in Faith through Worship and Study October 9:30AM Worship Services Sunday School and Bible Studies October 2 – 20 Sunday after Pentecost World Communion Sunday Family Worship and Holy Communion 10:30 AM Joint Service Rev. Becky Hirata preaching. Text: Luke 17:5-10 Children and Youth Sunday School th God calls us to grow in faith and knowledge. Children and youth are encouraged to come each Sunday to learn about God’s love and Jesus’ ministry, and to have fun and make new friends. Birth to 3 Nursery (Next to sanctuary) 3 & 4 Year Olds Cool Kids Room 1 K to Grade 3 Explorer Room 3 Grades 4-8 Trekker Room 2 Grades 9-12 Youth Room 8 (Second floor) October 9 – 21st Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: Exodus 32:1-14 Theme: God is swayed by our compassion. October 16 – 22nd Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: 1 Samuel 1:9-11, 19-20; 2:1-10 Theme: God is swayed by our suffering. Tuesday Night Bible Study Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Learning Center. Following the theme, "Finding God in the World," participants take turns selecting and leading discussions on topics they have come across in newspapers, magazines, Facebook posts, blogs, etc. New members are always welcome. Please contact Rev. Gary for more information. No meeting will be held on October 18. October 23 – 23rd Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: 2 Samuel 7:1-17 Theme: A dynasty that will last forever. October 30 – 24th Sunday after Pentecost Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: 1 Kings 17:1-16 (17-24) Theme: God will preserve the one who risks everything to follow the word of God. “Alive Now” Study Group Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 AM in Room 2. The Wednesday morning study group uses the Narrative Lectionary Readings (on page 2) as the basis of their weekly discussion. Please see Rev. Gary for more information. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Men’s Bible Study Group Periodic Thursdays, 7:15-8:15 PM in Room 2. The Men’s Study Group meets on periodic Thursday evenings. Contact Fred Hifumi for dates. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Membership Classes Rev. Gary Oba will lead a two-part Membership Exploration Class on October 9, and 16, in Room 2. The classes on will meet at 11:15 AM, following worship. Each class will last about 45 minutes. The class is for those who are thinking about being baptized or joining the church, or who have questions about WLAUMC or The United Methodist Church. Besides time for questions, the classes will give some background on WLAUMC and its current priorities, and the meaning of baptism and membership. If you are interested or have questions, please see Rev. Gary. Asian Cultural Festival This year’s Asian Cultural Festival brought many first-time guests to our church. Among the day’s highlights was seeing people learning about our church and the history of our members and friends who were interned during the Second World War. West L.A. Connections Page 3 October 2016 Children, Youth, and Family Ministries Supporting Families in Spiritual Growth and Discipleship Ohana 2.0 Gathering Saturday, November 19, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM The event for October for Ohana 2.0 has been canceled. We look forward to the Church Halloween Party on Saturday, October 29, 6:00 - 8:00 PM. Please check with the church website for details. We look forward to the Ohana Gathering on Saturday, November 19, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM. The Topic/Theme is “An Opportunity for Parents to Learn About Ways to Make Their Children Shine.” We will cover the following questions & provide answers to: How important is play? Are boundaries and limits important for a child? Has child development and the educational system changed that much? What are the most significant values that you can teach your child? Are Strands that important? How does technology impact your child? How can I optimize my child’s future? 4th Grade Bible Presentation On Sunday, September 18, West LA UMC presented Bibles to four 4th Graders including Olivia, Jennifer, Kyle, and Jessica. Each student received a copy of the Deep Blue Kids Bible, which features the new Common English Bible translation. These Bibles were specially chosen for their readability, background information and definitions, inspirational reflections, and scripture memory verses. A panel of Early Childhood professionals, all colleagues of Rose Honda, will be at Ohana 2.0 on November 19. They can certainly help us enrich our children’s development and answer questions and concerns we all share. Their bios are: We pray that all of our students will grow in faith and discipleship as they read their Bibles each day. Gwen Dophna is a college instructor at SMC for twenty-five years, Valley College and UCLA Extension and Pacific Oaks College. She taught young children for twenty years, including those from homeless families. She has her M.A. in Early Childhood Education. Gwen is the Founder of the Westside Early Childhood Education professional development forum. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sunday School Snacks As the new school year begins, we want parents to know that Sunday School teachers offer snacks in their classrooms. Having snacks makes for a fun environment, builds community as kids eat together, and oftentimes makes the lesson more meaningful. If your child cannot participate or has special dietary needs, please let your child's teacher know. By completing the Church Program Registration Form, you can notify teachers if your child has any allergies. The Christian Education Committee Rose Honda is a retired pre-school teacher and former director at the John Adams Child Development Center, Santa Monica Unified School District. She was member of Play Matters Committee, So. Cal Association for the Education of Young Children. Rose is a lifetime member of WLA UMC. Lova Hyatt recently retired from Santa Monica Unified School District after a 40-year career in teaching young children. She began working with preschool aged students at John Adams Child Development Center under the direction of Rose Honda. After receiving her Bachelors degree and Credential in Child Development from California State University at Northridge, she transferred to John Muir Elementary School and taught Kindergarten and First Grade for twenty years of her career. Lova has also been our church soloist for over forty years. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Church Program Registration Forms Each year, parents are asked to complete a Church Program Registration Form for each of their children age 18 and younger. These forms include vital information for the health and safety of our church’s children, including allergies, special needs, and medical information in case of an emergency. Forms can be found on the church website under “Resources”. Copies can also be found in each Sunday School classroom. Please contact Rev. Janet Cromwell if you have any questions. Thank you for your help! This is another golden opportunity for parents to help their children shine! Jane Shimotsu, Ohana Coordinator West L.A. Connections Page 4 October 2016 Library Open for Borrowing & Browsing Upcoming Events Sunday, October 9, 11:00 AM Learning Center 2nd Floor Learning, Fellowship, Serving, and Fun The Church Library is open for reading and borrowing books from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. New books and resources are continually being added to the collection. For more information about the Library collection, contact Jean Dote, Haru Nakano, or Midori Tashiro. Stop by and take a look. Jean Dote, Library Committee Reconciling Congregation Ad Hoc Committee Update The conversation continues as we, as a community and as individuals, discern whether to become a Reconciling Congregation. Welcoming further dialogue and reflection, we have adjusted the schedule for the vote on this matter and have not yet mailed ballots to official church members. We will keep you posted on the new voting schedule. On August 28th, the Ad Hoc Committee hosted a forum with West District Superintendent and former WLA UMC Senior Pastor Mark Nakagawa and Rev. Keith Inouye, Senior Pastor of Wesley UMC (a Reconciling Church) in San Jose. With Rev. Becky translating, they shared their pastoral experiences and thoughts on this subject, which included an overview of the varying California-Pacific Annual Conference, national, and global UMC perspective, positions, and efforts to find a "Way Forward." Lay Leader Stan Shimotsu spoke to the Nichigo congregation the following Sunday acknowledging the request for additional viewpoints and discussion. Accordingly, on Sunday, October 16th at 12:15 pm, Rev. Kawano, a retired Nichigo pastor from Union Church in Little Tokyo and well-respected leader in the Southern California Nichigo Church Federation, will join us for a Nihongo presentation (with English translation). The Nichigo and English congregations are invited and encouraged to attend. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the pastors or Lay Leader Stan Shimotsu or Assistant Lay Leader Jeri Okamoto. Thank you for your continued prayerful participation. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Café Aloha Senior Lunch and Program Saturday, October 22, 11:00 AM, Social Hall Our church’s senior members and friends will gather for a program and lunch on October 22. The program includes a presentation and singing led by Rev. Becky Hirata. Japanese food is served for lunch. Please RSVP by signing the Café Aloha sheet in the Social or by contacting Rev. Becky. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Japanese Film Night Friday, October 28, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary This month, West LA UMC will feature “Sweet Bean An,” directed by Naomi Kawase. It will be our last film screening of the year. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend this great film. The film is free and open to the public. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ All Church Halloween Party Save the Date! Saturday, October 29, 6:00-8:00 PM Please plan on attending the annual Halloween Party at WLA UMC! Festivities include fun crafts, games and treats so please bring your family and friends and join us! Halloween Party donations of treats are appreciated as well as set-up help starting early afternoon. Please contact Valerie Harada, Wayne Nomi, Emily or David Cook for more information. 2016 Asian Cultural Festival Tai Chi Demonstration. West L.A. Connections Page 5 October 2016 Final Holiday Boutique Workshop. Our last workshop for the Boutique will be held on Friday, October 21 from 9:30 AM. We will complete our crafts and inventory, label and price our articles, etc. If you are able to work, please notify our luncheon coordinator by October 16. We would also appreciate food donations for our ongoing project, UCLA Wesley Foundation 580 Café. Thanks! United Methodist Women Learning, Fellowship, and Service United Methodist Women present the Holiday Boutique November 5, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM The United Methodist Women of WLAUMC hold a Christmas Holiday Boutique of handcrafted items every other year. It takes two years for the women to plan and prepare all the handcrafted items for the Boutique Sale. Holiday Boutique Set-Up On Friday, November 4, at 9:00 AM, all hands are needed to set up tables, display goods, put up signs, etc. If you are able to help, please notify Work-Scheduling Coordinator, Pam Ryder, as soon as possible. In addition, she will be making a work schedule for the day of our Boutique and would appreciate the times of your availability. Thanks! All of the proceeds from the sale of the Boutique crafts and food items are donated to charitable organizations outside of our local church. This is to fulfill our UMW mission of providing service to women and children. We hope that you will bring friends and shop at the Boutique and participate in giving to others. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 80+! A Group Tuesday, October 4, 11:30 AM, Aki Restaurant 80+! A group of WLA United Methodist Women regularly meets at Aki Restaurant on the first Tuesday of each month. Originally started to give former Circle II women a chance to "stay connected," the fellowship has expanded and all women who are 80 and older are welcome to the luncheons. The participants enjoy great fellowship, much laughter, hearty lunches, fine service, and are informed about current and upcoming UMW activities. For more information, please contact Aya Sase or Sets Yamashita, 80+ Coordinators. Crafty Friends Welcome! Through the years, many crafty friends of UMW have donated handmade creations for our Holiday Boutique. If you wish to donate new handcrafted items this year, we would appreciate receiving them before October 21 so we may put labels and prices on them. To make donations, please contact any of the Boutique coordinators: Fusako Hamamoto, Sadie Hifumi, Pam Ryder, Lois Tateishi or Kathi Yamazaki. Country Store. A popular feature of our Boutique has always been our Country Store. If you have any new, or almost new, treasures smaller than a breadbox you wish to donate, please bring them to church no later than October 30. If you have any questions, contact the Country Store coordinator, Rose Honda. Rose will begin pricing the treasures the week before the Boutique so she would appreciate any help you can give her. Thank you! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lost and Found We have a small but growing collection of items that have been found at church. Please call or stop by the church office if you are missing something. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Takuan Workshop. We will be bottling takuan on Saturday, October 15 from 9:00 AM for sale at our Holiday Boutique. Please contact coordinators, Sadie Hifumi or Keiko Kano, if you are able to help. If you have pint-sized canning jars you can contribute, bring them to church by October 9 so we can determine what additional supplies we need. Thank you! Opportunity Quilt "Scrappy CreAsians." Please invite your friends to purchase tickets to participate in the drawing for the opportunity quilt. The drawing will be held at 2:00 PM at the close of our Holiday Boutique on November 5 (winner need not be present). The unique quilt, created by Grace Seto with Japanese print fabrics, will be on display on Sundays after worship. Donations are $1.00 for one ticket and $5.00 for six tickets. Don't miss this opportunity to own a beautiful quilt! West L.A. Connections Handbells for the Holidays October 9, 11:15 AM, Room 6 Handbells add a special touch to our holiday worship services. Music Director Ashley Ramsey will begin handbell rehearsals on Sunday, October 9 at 11:15 AM in Room 6. New ringers are always welcome. Please see Ashley for more information and to sign up. Page 6 October 2016 Special Offerings Giving to God through our Tithes and Offerings Flower Donations If you or your family would like to provide flowers for Sunday Morning Worship, please contact the church office or sign up on the Flower Calendar in the Social Hall. Persons who donate flowers may take them home at 12:00 Noon, following the Japanese Language Worship Service. On-line Giving The church’s website has been updated to make on-line giving even easier. A new tab has been added to the top of the Home Page, entitled “Donate”. By clicking that tab, you may give a one-time gift or set up a reoccurring pledge. West L.A. Connections Page 7 October 2016 Japanese Ministry Praising and Serving God Together 「シニアランチの 8 周年お祝い」 On October 22, we will celebrate eight years of Café Aloha Senior lunch ministry. We will enjoy a special guest and Matsutake mushroom rice, a very special delicacy. 10 月 22 日 11 時より、Café アロハ・シニアランチを する。8 年間、無事祝福されて続いたこのシニアミニ ストリーをお祝いしたいと思う。 Nichigo and Eigo-bu work together to carry this ministry. We especially would like to thank Frances Uchida for her leadership for 8 years. Eight years ago, even I was involved in the cooking team. And we made mistakes….and disappointed and laughed together! 9 年目になる今回は、特別ゲストを準備して、松茸ご 飯をいただく予定である。松茸は高価な食べ物。美味 しい秋の味覚を楽しむ機会は、神様の造ったキノコを エンジョイする時間。文化の秋、食の秋を満喫させて もらえる感謝の心を忘れないでいよう。 We sing the old Japanese songs and hymns. The Bible story time has been always a blessing. “Even to your old age and gray hairs, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4) 日本語部から食事を準備する奉仕、英語部からヘルプ をする奉仕、いつもチームワークがいいなと感心して いる。 リーダーとして奉仕してきたフランシス・ウチダ姉に は本当に感謝したい。ちょうど 8 年前のスタートの時、 毎回、私も食事準備チームに参加していた。私が料理 に参加するから、失敗もあったな。。。。今は笑い話 しである。フランシス姉の優しい人柄と面白いコメン トに笑わされてきた。 In God’s eye, ji-chan & ba-chan are important, and senior ministry is very very important. We must be proud to have senior ministries. It is for God’s glory and a privilege to honor ji-chan & ba-chan in our church. May the Lord bless Café Aloha senior ministry. Pastor Becky Hirata 平田 皆、日本の昔の歌と賛美歌は、いつも元気よく歌って くれる。日本語と英語の聖書の話しも、よく聞いてく れる。 主の御名がほめられるようにミニストリーを続けてい きたいと思う。 日本語部カレンダー 地上の生涯、誇りをもって最後まで生きるため、シニ ア・ミニストリーがある教会が必要である。 10 月 2 日 10 時半 12 時 私達は、シニアが多い教会を誇りに思うことが大事で ある。特別な使命を神様からいただき、シニア・ミニ ストリーは我が教会の特権である。 10 月 9 日 11 時 12 時 「あなたがたが年をとっても、わたしは同じようにす る。あなたがたしらがになっても、わたしは背負う。 わたしはそうしてきたのだ。なお、わたしは運ぼう。 わたしは背負って、救い出そう。」（イザヤ書 46:4） 10 月 16 日 11 時 12 時 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ West L.A. Connections 日本語部礼拝 バイブルスタディ 日本語部礼拝 10 月 22 日 11 時 シニアランチ 10 月 23 日 11 時 日本語部礼拝 10 月 30 日 11 時 12 時 2時 Page 8 教会ポットラック リコンサイリング話し合い 12 時 Asian Cultural Festival Chirashi Preparations 日英合同礼拝 バイブルスタディ 日本語部礼拝 祈り会 年次総会 October 2016 October 2016 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 World Communion 3 10:30am Joint Worship, Holy Communion, Family Worship 11:30am All Church Potluck 6:30-9:00pm Kelton AA Mtg 9 9:30am English Worship 9:45am Sunday School & Youth 11:00am Japanese Worship 11:00am Library Open 11:15 UMW M&M Mtg 11:15 am Handbells 11:15am Membership 10 16 17 9:30am English Worship 9:45am Sunday School & Youth 11:00am Japanese Worship 11:15 Membership 4:00pm Yonezawa Engagement Service 23 9:30amEnglishWorship 9:45am Sunday School & Youth 11:00am Japanese Worship 1:00pm Ad Council Mtg 30 9:30am English Worship 9:45am Sunday School & Youth 11:00am Japanese Worship 2:30 pm All Church Conference 6:30-9:00pm Kelton AA Mtg 4 11:30 am 80+ Women’s Luncheon, Aki Restaurant 7:30pm Bible Study 11 7:30pm Bible Study 18 5 6 9:30am “Alive Now” Study 10:30am Tai-Chi Class 9:30am Prayer Meeting 10:30am Tai-Chi Class 7:30 pm Altar Guild Mtg 7:00pm Choir Practice 12 13 9:30am “Alive Now” Study 10:30am Tai-Chi Class 9:30am Prayer Meeting 10:30am Tai-Chi Class 11:00am Staff Mtg 7:30pm Trustees Mtg 20 9:30am “Alive Now” Study 10:30am Tai-Chi Class 9:30am Prayer Meeting 10:30am Tai-Chi Class No Bible Study 7:00pm Sawtelle Japantown Mtg 7:30 pm Finance Mtg 24 25 26 6:30-9:00pm Kelton AA Mtg 31 Halloween 15 21 22 28 29 9:00 am UMW Takuan Making 9:30 am UMW Workshop 11:00 am Café Aloha 9:30 Newsletter Folding 9:30am Prayer Meeting 10:30am Tai-Chi Class 6:00pm Halloween Party 7:30pm Bible Study 1 All Saints Day 7:00pm Choir Practice 2 3 7:30 pm Japanese Film Night 4 5 Holiday Boutique Change your clocks tonight! 6:30-9:00pm Kelton AA Mtg West L.A. Connections 14 7:00pm Choir Practice 27 9:30am “Alive Now” Study 10:30am Tai-Chi Class 8 9:00 am Tanoshimi-kai Trip 7:00pm Choir Practice 19 6:30-9:00pm Kelton AA Mtg 7 Page 9 October 2016 All Church Conference Sunday, October 30 2:30 PM in the Sanctuary District Superintendent Rev. Mark Nakagawa will preside over the WLAUMC All Church Conference on Sunday, October 30, 2:30 pm, in the Sanctuary. The All Church (or Charge) Conference is the church's annual meeting. Through the Charge Conference, the local church reports its ministries to the larger Annual Conference of which it is a part. Important reports are made concerning the church's leadership, vision, building, and finances. New officers and leaders are elected. The budget for the new year is presented and voted upon. All the church's members are asked to attend this annual meeting. Come also to welcome our new district superintendent and friend, the Rev. Mark Nakagawa! West LA United Methodist Church 1913 Purdue Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025 wlaumc.com 310-479-1379
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