View our February Newsletter - West Los Angeles United Methodist

West L. A. Connections
Where
Nurturing Empowerment Welcoming Service
A Monthly Publication of the West Los Angeles United Methodist Church
West Los Angeles
United Methodist Church
1913 Purdue Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 310-479-1379
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.wlaumc.com
Sunday Worship Services
 9:30 AM
English Language Worship
Nursery and Sunday School
 10:30 AM
Fellowship Time for both congregations
 11:00 AM
Japanese Language Worship
Church Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM
Pastors' Office Hours
Rev. Gary: Tues-Fri, 9 AM to 2 PM
Rev. Janet: Tues-Fri, 9 AM to 2 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
Happens!
February 2017
Going Deep
These are not easy times in which we live. Various forces can
squeeze us like a vise. Pressures at home, work, or in our personal selves
can heat up and come to a boil and demand our attention. And far too
often, we find that when we try to turn down the heat, the handle is
broken.
A young person graduates and has difficulty finding the right job.
Soon the bills start piling up, including student loans. Pride prevents
him/her from moving back home. Frustration and even despair begin to
creep in.
The Bible tells a story about a young person who was having
difficulty with his business. His name was Simon and his business was
fishing. In those days, fishing meant long days, hard labor, and fierce
competition. It also meant being dependent on things beyond your
control, like the weather. Simon and his partners weren’t catching any
fish, and they were beginning to get frustrated.
One day, at the lakeside, Simon encounters Jesus. Jesus said to
him, “Put out into the deep water and let down your nets for a catch.”
(Luke 5:4) We can imagine Simon thinking to himself, “The nerve of
this guy, telling me how to run my business.” But Simon does as Jesus
says, and when he pulls up his nets, there are so many fish that the nets
begin to break.
Abundance is there for our taking, but we have to go deep to get it!
There is nothing deeper than God. We go deep when we are on a
journey to find God. The steps on that journey include such spiritual
disciplines as worship, prayer, study, community, and service.
When we go deep, we will discover the resources that will help us
overcome any trial. As the psalmist wrote:
Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you disquieted within me?
Hope in God whom again I shall praise,
my help and my God. (Psalm 42:11)
Peace be with you,
Rev. Gary
Page 1
February 2017
Prayers
Connecting and Nurturing through Prayer
As a community of faith, we support one another
through prayer. Please include the following persons
in your prayers.
(Kathy Orebaugh's father–health), Nancy Ichinaga
(health), Rose Ikuta (health), Eiko Iwata (health), Judy
Kajikawa (Marlene Sakamoto’s sister–health), Helen
Kitamura (Fred Hifumi’s sister and Shirley Fujisaki’s
mother–health), Junko Kubo (healing and strength),
Ryan Lau (Bart Maeda’s cousin’s son–health), Jackie
Lovell (Jo-Ann Ayres’s niece—continued improvement
from stroke and kidney transplant), Cheyne Lowery
(serving in the military), Wendy Kobayashi Lowery
(health), Lyle Matsushita (Galen & Phyllis Murakawa’s
nephew–health), Fusae Mayeda (Kenji Mayeda’s
mother–health), Rev. Gail Messner (health),
We give thanks to God and rejoice for:
 The generosity of our congregation.
 New members Susumu Kawakita and Manami
Kawakita.
 Virginia Lavallee and Thrinicko Beaboa who became
engaged the week before Christmas.
 The engagement of Eric Setoguchi and Kana
Moriwaki.
 Deaconess Jeanne Roe Smith being honored as an
Impact Maker to Watch at City Hall on January 19.
 Guests and friends worshipping with us.
We pray for those seeking healing and comfort:
 Kenji Mayeda as he begins cancer treatment.
 Helen Chang and Mark Homes’ friend Lorraine Wong
as she undergoes cancer treatment.
 Jack Ong who has moved to an Assisted Living
Apartment in Colorado to be closer to his sister and
her husband.
 Gisele Narisawa’s father, Hidemi Narisawa, who is
recuperating after suffering a stroke on December 22.
 Giselle Narisawa’s aunt, Helen Mieko Ito, who is
recuperating after being hit by a car.
 Robert Gonzalez’s mother-in-law, Elvira DeBernardis,
who is recuperating from a spine fracture.
 Roy Izumi’s family upon his passing on December 24
(George Izumi’s brother and Grayson Izumi’s uncle).
 George Douglas Christie’s family upon his passing
on December 27 (Doug Christie’s father).
 Akio Nomi for health and strength.
 Frances Uchida for strength and good health.
 Dave Cook for healing from severe back pain.
 President Obama’s past leadership and President
Trump’s future leadership.
 Peaceful resolution to conflicts within our country and
around the globe.
Prayers for church members and friends:
Please keep these persons in your prayers and
contact them with your well wishes:
Jo-Ann Ayres (health), Carla Bailey (health), Doris
Berlan (Jane & Stan Shimotsu’s friend–health), Michael
Byrd (Kathy Orebaugh’s nephew–health), Claudine
Cababa (Phyllis and Galen Murakawa’s cousin’s
daughter–health), Dave Cook (health), Mildred Cromwell
(Rev. Janet’s mother–health), Patricia Hirata (health),
Ellen Ho (Ken Ho’s mother–health), Sandra and Steve
Hirose (Stacey Hirose’s parents–health), Albert Hopkins
West L.A. Connections
Page 2
Yae Miyahata (health), Yoko Mori (Frances Uchida’s
friend–health), Steve Nagata (health), Kathy Naylor
(Janice Mayeda’s friend–health), Akio Nomi (health),
Mike Noriega (Phyllis and Galen Murakawa’s friend–
health), Herb Okamoto (Jeri Okamoto’s father–health),
Janice Okinaga (health), Yuri and James Ogawa (Phyllis
Murakawa’s friends–health), Jack Ong (health), Sachiko
Ota (health), Ferdinand Range (Patricia Range
Setoguchi’s brother–health), John Sheridan (Jack Ong’s
friend–health), Mits Shimotsu (health), Dorothy Stroh
(Stan Shimotsu’s friend–health), Nancy Takeda (health),
Lily Tanabe (health), George Tashiro (Naoto Tashiro’s
father–health), Larry Toy (health & strength), Frances
Uchida (health), Adam Vargas (missionary in Japan),
Hunter Wong (Phyllis & Galen Murakawa’s grandson–
health), Vicki and Mel Wong (Jane & Ken Harada’s
friends–Mel’s health), Philomine Yeo (Geoff Yeo’s
mother–hospice care), Massie Yotsukura (strength).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Narrative Lectionary Readings for February
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.
February 5
Luke 7: 1-17
February 12
Luke 7: 18-35
February 19
Luke7: 36-50
February 26
Luke 59: 28-45
February 2017
Worship & Studies
Growing in Faith through Worship and Study
February 9:30AM Worship Services
Sunday School Friendships
February 5 – 5th Sunday after the Epiphany
Rev. Gary Oba preaching.
Text: Luke 7: 1-17
Theme: Mercy has no boundaries.
February 12 – 6th Sunday after the Epiphany;
Scouting Ministries Sunday
Rev. Gary Oba preaching.
Text: Luke 7:18-35
Theme: healing is the only proof necessary of God’s
approval.
February 19 – 7th Sunday after the Epiphany
Rev. Gary Oba preaching.
Text: Luke 7: 36-50
Theme: God turns away no one.
Over the years, Sunday School and Youth Group activities
builds long-lasting friendships. Jessica Kim, Natalie Brush,
Olivia Brush, Lily Sloan, Justin Yamaguchi, Rachel Floyd,
and Samantha Kim enjoying their winter break together at the
Santa Monica Promenade.
February 26 – 8th Sunday after the Epiphany
Praise Band Sunday
Rev. Gary Oba preaching.
Text: Luke 9: 28-45
Theme: We listen to Jesus because he is God’s
chosen one.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday School and Bible Studies
Children and Youth Sunday School
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)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lenten Studies beginning in March
Tuesday mornings at 9:30 AM or
Wednesday evenings at 7:00 PM in Learning Center.
This six-week Lenten Study
will use Rob Fuquay’s book, The
GOD We Can Know: Exploring
the “I AM” Sayings of Jesus as a
source for understanding Jesus’
message in a new and refreshing
way. Led by Rev. Janet
Cromwell, the group will read and
discuss the author’s reflections
on Jesus’ “I am…” sayings in
scripture. The Lenten Study
begins on March 7/8 and the
book may be purchased through the church for $8.00.
Tuesday Night Bible Study
Tuesdays, 7:30 PM, Learning Center.
Pamela Ryder will complete a six-session study on
the book, Slow Kingdom Coming: Practices for Doing
Justice, Loving Mercy, and Walking Humbly in the
World by Kent Annan. Beginning on March 7, Lenny
gill will lead a Bible study. New participants are always
welcome.
“Alive Now” Study Group
Nichigo Lenten Study
Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 AM in Room 2.
The Wednesday morning study group uses the
Narrative Lectionary Readings as the basis of their
weekly discussion. Currently there are about seven
members in the group. They enjoy fellowship as well
as delicious snacks. Please see Rev. Gary for more
information. New members are always welcome.
Thursdays, 7:30 PM in Rev. Becky’s Office.
Why is the Bible important to us? Does God really
care about us? Who is Jesus and why did he come?
As we study and discuss together, may the Lord
deepen our faith. Rev. Becky will lead this study in
Japanese on March 9, 16, 23, 30, and April 13.
West L.A. Connections
Page 3
February 2017
Upcoming Events
Learning, Fellowship, Serving, and Fun
Valentine Making & Souper Bowl Sunday
Ohana 2.0 – "Children & Technology"
Sunday, February 5, 10:30 AM
On February 5, children, youth and adults are
invited to enjoy a warm bowl of soup after worship.
Your Souper Bowl Sunday donations will support hot
meal programs for persons in need.
After enjoying your soup,
please move to the Valentine
Card Making tables to create
Valentines for persons on our
church’s Prayer List. Supplies
will be provided. Please plan to
join us and share your creative talents on this
important outreach project. Take the time to share
some love with those in need. Your cards are truly
appreciated!
Saturday, February 11, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Sanctuary
As a writer, photographer, director, and designer,
Bobby Kim founded The Hundreds, a worldwide
menswear brand. Celebrating 13 years of business,
The Hundreds holds two flagship stores in LA and San
Francisco, and a dynamic online magazine read by
millions. In the summer of 2016, Kim opened his first
restaurant, TikiFish in West LA. For the past four years,
he has been working on his directorial debut, a
documentary on streetwear entitled “Built to Fail: A
Streetwear Story” set to release in 2017.
Bobby will speak on the research and discussion
around children and technology. With the AAP’s new
guidelines that children 2 to 5 years of age should be
limited to one hour of screen time per day - and babies
and infants being exposed to none whatsoever - he
breaks down the pros and cons of the screen on child
development. He will also cover possible alternatives
to tablets and phones for kids’ play, solutions and
family media plans, as well as knowing the difference
between screen time and screen use. We can’t fight
the Internet, so it’s important to draw rules around it.
Jane Shimotsu, Ohana Coordinator
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Library Open for Borrowing & Browsing
Sunday, February 5, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Learning Center 2nd Floor
Did you know reading can reduce stress, make you
smarter and improve memory? Start the New Year off
with a visit to our library, where you can borrow books
and DVDs (in both English and Japanese) on
Japanese American history, Christianity, United
Methodism, parenting, counseling, Japanese arts and
crafts, cooking, language, fiction, and more.
Our children’s area has books and over 100 DVDs
for children of all ages. Please come by after
refreshments and have a look!
For more information about
the Church Library collection,
contact Jean Dote, Haru
Nakano, Midori Tashiro, or
Kathy Orebaugh.
Jean Dote, Library Committee
Friday, February 24, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary
The award-winning “Trail of the Panda” is a very
special and beautiful film about one of China’s rare
enduring National Treasures – the Giant Panda Bear of
Sichuan province. Filmed in the mountains of
Jiuzhaiguo National Park, a mute ten-year old boy
rescues a lost panda cub separated from its mother.
The boy struggles to survive and protect the cub in a
dedicated effort to return it to its mother. The both boy
and panda form a unique connection, discovering the
true meaning of courage and friendship. A worthy film
for all ages. Lessons about life. Five Stars!
All are welcome to this free event presented by the
Shikata family.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
80+! A Group
Tuesday, February 7, 11:00 AM, Aki Restaurant
80+! is a group of WLA United Methodist Women
that 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 welcomes all women
who are 80 and older to the luncheons.
The participants enjoy great fellowship, much
laughter, hearty lunches, fine service, and updates on
UMW activities. For more information, please contact
Aya Sase or Sets Yamashita, 80+ Coordinators.
West L.A. Connections
Japanese Film Night
“Trail of the Panda”
Page 4
February 2017
Summer Opportunities
Kizuna Summer Camp
June 26-30 at West LA UMC
Kizuna's Summer Camp is a local program for kids
ages 7-12 (entering 2nd grade to entering 8th grade),
centered on building a foundation of Japanese
American culture & heritage. Find more information,
registration materials and pictures of last year’s camp
at kizuna-la.org/programs/summer-camp.
Vacation Bible School – Hero Central!
Women’s Retreat – “Sweet Life Café”
Saturday-Sunday, March 25 -26
We are looking forward to our annual Women’s
Retreat on March 25-26 at Aldersgate Retreat Center
in Pacific Palisades. Together we will enjoy a “Sweet
Life Café: Where Women Savor Time With God.”
The Retreat begins Saturday morning at 10:00 AM
and concludes Sunday at Noon. The program includes
singing and small group conversations about scripture,
friendships, and helping others. Everyone enjoys
talking over three delicious meals, taking walks into
town during free time, and making s’mores after the
evening program. The Retreat concludes with a halfhour worship service with communion on Sunday
morning.
Registration Forms are available at the church and
on the church’s website under “Get Involved.” You can
register before February 19 at the low price of only
$99! After February 19, the cost is $125. Registration
ends on March 5.
The Retreat is open to women of all ages and is
the perfect place to make new friends and deepen faith.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Ralph’s Community Rewards Update
On December 26, our church
received $196.68 from Ralph’s
Community Rewards Program.
Thank you to Ralph’s and friends and members of our
church whose enrollment in this program raised these
funds which are used by the Social Action Commission
to host guest speakers, support missionaries, and
other special programs.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Congratulations to
Deaconess Jeanne Roe
Smith for being selected as
an Impact Maker to Watch
for her work on homeless
and food insecurity issues.
She was honored at a
ceremony at City Hall on
January 19.
West L.A. Connections
July 10-14 at West LA UMC
Mark your calendar for this year’s VBS program!
Hero Central will take kids on awesome adventures
alongside some of their favorite Bible heroes and
discover the qualities that make us truly heroic in God.
Hero Central uses music, science, crafts, recreation,
and fantastic Bible stories to help kids (and leaders)
discover their strength in God!
Director Jeri Okamoto is excited about this year’s
program and looks forward to welcoming lots of
children and volunteers this summer!
Plan now to be a part of this fun and inspiring
summer event!
Asian American Summer Camp
July 23-28, Camp Lodestar
Asian Camp changes lives! It leads young adults
into a deeper relationship with God, and helps them
discern God’s direction for their lives.
Asian Camp will be held July 23-July 28 at Camp
Lodestar, Wilseyville, CA, and is open to students
entering 10th Grade thru entering second year in
college in fall 2017.
Registration materials are available online at
njaumc.org and must be completed by the participant
and signed by one of the church’s pastors.
Asian Camp is sponsored by the National United
Methodist Japanese American Caucus.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
West LA UMC Hikers
Thanks to Bob Bailey for coordinating a beautiful hike.
Page 5
February 2017
Special Offerings
Giving to God through our Tithes and Offerings
Thank you for your generosity
Special Offerings
Memorial Offerings
In appreciation to George & Keiko Kikuta for Taichi Ministry
Cooke & Elaine Sunoo
In Memory of Mabel Kitsuse
Mary Kumataka, Stan and Suzanne Kuwano
In Memory of Takashi Sumi
Rose Sumi
In Celebration of 90th birthday of Rose Honda
Keiko Kano, Arnold & Kim Maeda, Yosh & Toshie
Setoguchi
In Memory of George & Toy Kanegai
Michael & Elaine Kanegai Lips
In Celebration of 90th birthday of Nob Niwa
Beverly Ariyasu
In Memory of Shinichi Maesaki
Ted & Wakako Maesaki
Habitat for Humanity
Kay & Rich Yang
In Memory of Hideo Wachi
Shizuko Wachi
Imagine No Malaria
Steve & Kim Sase
In Memory of Suzuna Sekido
Tomoyuki & Yauko Takata
Tanoshimi-kai appreciation
Sayeko Kubota
In Memory of Yoshie Akiyama
Arnold & Kimiko Maeda
Youth Thanksgiving & Christmas
Margaret Toy, Randall & Marlene Sakamoto
In Memory of Jim Kitsuse Family
Paulette Crawshaw
Thank you
Kubota Nikkei Mortuary
In Memory of Abe Watanabe Family
Paulette Crawshaw
Addition to Shikata Scholarship Fund
Gregory & Jean Shikata
In Memory of Sidney Yamazaki
Mark Fujioka, Robert & Mary Fujioka, Rose Honda, Rose
Ikuta, Eiko Iwata, George & Keiko Kikuta, Stan & Suzanne
Kuwano, Haru Nakata, Janice Nishida, Amy Niwa, Nob &
Grace Niwa, Lucky & Fumi Sawamura, Joe & Grace Seto,
Tomoyuki & Yasuko Takata, George & Frances Uchida,
Harriet Woo, Diane Yamagata.
Thanksgiving offerings– Pauline Nakagawa, George
& Keiko Kikuta, Janice Okinaga & Elaine Okinaga
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christian Stewardship
“Monday through Sunday Disciples of Christ”
2017 Stewardship Pledge Campaign
Through spiritual engagement, we go forth into the
world to live lovingly and justly as Monday through
Sunday Disciples of Christ. As a church and
individuals, we reach out.as Christ did to minister to the
sick, feed the hungry, care for the stranger, and
welcome all as our neighbors
Your pledge to the church enables our ministry
leaders to plan for worship, programs, special events,
maintenance, and building improvements to fulfill our
purpose and reach out to others.
Please see contact Harriet Woo or the Church
Office for a Stewardship Packet and Pledge Card.
Thanks to those who have submitted their Pledge
Card, and to those who plan to do so.
Altar Flowers in January
Celebration of New Year
Yoshio & Toshie Setoguchi
In Memory of Eileen Fukuhara
Jimmy Fukuhara
In Memory of Paul Terasaki
Hisako Terasaki and family
In Memory of Clarence & Helen Nishizu
and Julie Ann Takamine
Greg, Jean and David Shikata
Thank you for beautifying our worship services with
Altar Flowers on Sundays.
West L.A. Connections
Food Bank – Ken & Lisa Ho, Carole Nakano
Page 6
February 2017
Christmas Offerings
West L.A. Connections
Page 7
February 2017
Japanese Ministry
Praising and Serving God Together
“Where there is no revelation, the people cast off
restraint; but blessed is he who keeps the law.”
(Proverbs 29:18)
「ビジョンを持つ」
2017 年がスタートしました。
「ビジョンがなければ、民はほしいままにふるまう。
しかし律法を守る者は幸いである。」（箴言 29:18）
ビジョン、幻は預言者受ける神様の言葉です。ビジョ
ンがない時は、何も夢も希望もないので、何を、目指
していきるのか、はっきりとしません。だから、人は
自分中心にふるまい、生きるのです。自分の欲しいこ
とを中心に生きるから、心配も悩みも増えます。社会
に犯罪や悪が増え、コントロールできない位に悪が広
がります。なぜ、社会に罪が蔓延するのか。ビジョン
がないからです。神様の言葉が臨んでいない時、場所
は、罪に悩むのです。
反対に御言葉が臨むと心は満たされ、主の業にわくわ
くします。
イザヤ 2:1-5 を読むと、終わりの光景がイザヤに迫っ
てきました。ビジョンはすばらしく、主の言葉を聞く
ため、世界中から民が集まってくるのです。神殿が素
晴らしいからではありません。預言者が呼び集めたの
でもありません。主の言葉が語られるから、押し寄せ
てくるのです。そこに、救いがあります。
ビジョンがあれば、わくわくし、我慢をする力も与え
られます。主の与えるビジョンは、人を生かし変える
力があるのです。
2017 年は常にビジョンを頂き、信仰の基盤である主の
み言葉に素直に心を留め、歩みましょう。
2017 really has started! I would like to walk this year
with Vision or Revelation (Words from God received by
prophets).
Why Vision so important? Where there is no Vision,
there is no true hope. We live selfish lives, then worries
and troubles always stay with us. In the society, we
see crime and sin go wild.
Blessed are the people who keep the Word. Vision
makes us excited, because our God teaches us the
purpose of our life. Vision keeps us in order and
teaches us to Gaman even in troubles, because we
see that God is going to help out in the midst of any
troubles, to fulfill His Great Vision.
When we read Issiah 2:1-5, we see Issiah having a
vision of the end time. People are brought to the
temple, not because the temple is great, not because
the prophet is inviting them, but the Word is spoken. It
gives life, salvation, peace that they never seen.
Our faith is grounded in Scripture, the Word of God.
Truly and honestly, we would like to receive the Vision
in 2017 and walk humbly with God.
平田 Pastor Becky Hirata
日本語部カレンダー
2 月 5 日 10 時半スープ
11 時日本語礼拝
12 時聖書
2 月 12 日 11 時日本語礼拝
12 時半リコンサイリング
2 月 19 日 11 時日本語礼拝
12 時聖書
2 月 26 日 11 時日本語礼拝
12 時聖書
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome New Members!
We are happy to welcome new members Susumu Kawakita and Manami
Kawakita, father and daughter, who were baptized on December 25, 2016.
Susumu Kawakita was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. After graduating
from Hokkaido National University, he served in the Ministry of Agriculture,
Forestry and Fishery. Currently, he is serving as an Executive Director at Japan
Plywood Association.
Manami Kawakita was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. She came to Los
Angeles during Middle School and graduated from UCLA, majoring MCDB. She
is attending College of Veterinary Medicine at Western University.
Kyoko Kawakita, Satoru Kawakita,
Manami Kawakita and Susumu Kawakita
West L.A. Connections
Page 8
February 2017
February 2017
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
1
5
6
9:30 English Service
11:00 Japanese Service
10:30 Souper Bowl
Sunday and Valentine
Making
11:15 UMW M&M Mtg
6:30 Kelton AA
12
13
9:30 English Service
11:00 Japanese Service
12:30 Reconciling Ministry
Program
February Newsletter
articles due
6:30 Kelton AA
19
9:30 English Service
11:00 Japanese Service
26
9:30 English Service
11:00 Japanese Service
11:15 Women’s Retreat
Planning Meeting
20
President’s Day
9:30 Prayer ministry
10:30 Tai Chi
7:00 Reconciling Task
Force meeting
7:00 Choir Rehearsal
8
9
10:00 iPad class
11:00 80+ Women’s
luncheon at Aki
10:30 Tai Chi
9:30 Prayer ministry
10:30 Tai Chi
11:00 Staff Meeting
7:30 Bible Study
14
Valentine’s Day
10:00 iPad class
7:00 Ad Council Meeting
15
9:30 Alive Now Study
10:30 Tai Chi
21
10:00 iPad class
7:00 Sawtelle Japantown
Future Planning Mtg
27
28
9:00 Fat Tuesday
Breakfast
7:30 Bible Study
Friday
Saturday
3
4
8:00 Registration Begins
8:45 Morning Worship
West District Conference
Training at Holman UMC
10
11
10:00 Ohana: Families
with Young Children
7:00 Choir Rehearsal
16
9:30 Prayer ministry
10:30 Tai Chi
17
18
24
25
7:00 Choir Rehearsal
7:30 Bible Study
6:30 Kelton AA
West L.A. Connections
2
9:30 Alive Now Study
10:30 Tai Chi
7
(Office closed)
6:30 Kelton AA
Thursday
22
9:30 Alive Now Study
10:30 Tai Chi
23
9:30 Prayer ministry
9:30 Newsletter
assembly
10:30 Tai Chi
7:00 Choir Rehearsal
7:30 Japanese Film
Night – “Trail of the
Panda”
WLAUMC Women’s Retreat
Saturday-Sunday, March 25 -26
Registration forms are now available for our annual Women’s Retreat on
March 25-26 at Aldersgate Retreat Center in Pacific Palisades. This year’s
theme is “Sweet Life Café: Where Women Savor Time With God.”
Page 9
February 2017
Reconciling Ministry Program
Sunday, February 12, 12:30 PM
The congregation is invited to attend the program "Time in My Shoes –
LGBTQ Stories" on Sunday, February 12, at 12:30 pm, in the sanctuary.
Three families with ties to WLAUMC will share their experiences of
having gay or lesbian children in their families.
This program is sponsored by the Ad Hoc Reconciling Ministry Committee, as part of the church's
discernment to become a Reconciling Congregation, one that fully accepts LGBTQ persons into all
aspects of the church's life.
The program is designed to aid in the understanding of gay and lesbian persons’ experiences and
those of their families. Through this program, we hope to create awareness and a community of
support for each other and those who may have questions on this topic.
All church members are encouraged to come to this special program as we seek to deepen our
understanding and trust.
West LA United Methodist Church
1913 Purdue Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025
wlaumc.com
310-479-1379

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