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West L.A. Connections Page 1 May 2017
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A Monthly Publication of West Los Angeles United Methodist Church May 2017
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
11:00 AM
Japanese Language Worship
Church Office Hours Monday–Friday, 9 AM to 2 PM
Staff Rev. Gary Oba
Senior Pastor
Rev. Janet Cromwell
Associate Pastor
Rev. Rebecca Hirata
Local Pastor
Japanese Language Ministry
Midori Tashiro
Administrative Assistant and
Newsletter Coordinator
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.
Spring Appeal
In May, the church will send out a Spring Appeal letter asking
members and friends to consider making a gift over and above their annual
giving to the church budget. Our Finance Committee has determined that
an additional $50,000 is needed to keep the church on a sound financial
footing during the summer months and through the rest of the year.
Raising funds for ministry is not a new challenge for churches.
Many, if not most, churches and community organizations are facing
difficult economic realities at this time.
Churches typically do not raise funds like other non-profit
organizations. Non-profits, like public broadcasting or museums, have
periodic donor drives to ask supporters to pledge amounts like $50, $100,
or $250. They rely on donors’ generosity to support the projects they
believe in.
Churches, however, see giving in a different way. It is a response to
God’s grace. God blesses us with wealth, health, talents, opportunities, etc.
As an expression of gratitude, God asks that we return a portion of our
wealth for the sake of God’s work through the church. The portion that
God asks in return is the tithe, or ten percent of our income.
May we all be on a path towards tithing. It can be a gradual
progression, like a slow walk, starting at two or three percent. But work
towards a goal of ten percent or more. The important thing is to tie your
giving to your income. That is what God asks.
You will find that tithing is a form of not only fiscal but also
spiritual discipline. And like all spiritual disciplines, benefits will flow
from it, including financial ones.
My hope is that this year’s Spring Appeal will be a thing of the past,
like the typewriter. If we as a church can cultivate the discipline of tithing,
we will find ourselves on solid ground, both financially and spiritually.
With gratitude,
Rev. Gary
West L.A. Connections Page 2 May 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.
(For information please contact church office)
Narrative Lectionary Readings for May
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.
May 7 Acts: 26-39
May14 Acts: 15:1-18
May 21 Galatians 1:13-17; 2:11-21
May 28 Galatians 3:1-9, 23-29
Music Ministry Music is an important part of the church’s ministry for all ages, including the Children's Choir that will be singing on Mother's Day, May 14.
Beginning Tuesday, May 9, the Sanctuary Choir will rehearse on Tuesday nights from 7:00-8:30 PM. New members are welcome! The Choir will be on break during the month of July with rehearsals resuming on Tuesday, July 25. Please note that there will no rehearsals on June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 18.
Looking ahead, we are excited about a special musical program on Sunday, October 22.
West L.A. Connections Page 3 May 2017
Worship & Studies Growing in Faith through Worship and Study
9:30 AM Worship Services in May Bring your family and friends to worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings.
May 7– 4th Sunday of Easter Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: Acts 8: 26-39 Theme: The Spirit will give us opportunities to share our faith with others. Rev. Janet Cromwell giving children’s message.
May 14 – 5th Sunday of Easter; Festival of the Christian Home (Mother’s Day) Mr. Dave Cook preaching. Youth leading Rev. Janet Cromwell giving children’s message.
May 21 – 6th Sunday of Easter; Heritage Sunday Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: Galatians 1:13-17, 2:11-21 Theme: We are justified by faith in Christ, not by the law. Rev. Janet Cromwell giving children’s message.
May 28 – 7th Sunday of Easter; Ascension Sunday Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: Galatians 3: 1-9, 23-29 Theme: Through Christ, we are all children of God through faith. Rev. Janet Cromwell giving children’s message.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Easter Morning Celebration
On Easter Morning, the children enjoyed their own Easter Egg Hunt at the church. So much fun!
Thanks to everyone who provided leadership and participation during the holy Lenten Season and Easter
Celebration.
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)
“Alive Now” Study Group Wednesdays, 9:30-10:30 AM in Room 2.
The Wednesday morning study group uses the Narrative Lectionary Readings (found on page 2) as the basis of their weekly discussion. The members enjoy fellowship as they study the scripture lessons. Please see Rev. Gary for more information. New members are always welcome. No class May 3 and 24.
Wednesday Night Bible Study Wednesdays, 7:30-9:00 pm, Learning Center (Formerly on Tuesday nights)
Lenny Gill leads a study on Acts using the N. T. Wright For Everyone Bible Study Guide. Contact the church office or look at the church website for the schedule. New participants are always welcome. This Bible Study moves from Tuesday nights to Wednesday nights beginning May 10. The study on Acts ends on June 21.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Graduate Recognition June 18, 9:30 AM Worship Service
Graduation is just around the corner. We want to acknowledge the accomplishments of our West LA UMC students graduating from High School, College, and Graduate Programs.
Please send the names, schools from which students are graduating, degree title, and future plans to the Church Office by Tuesday, May 31.
Graduates will be recognized on Sunday, June 18, during worship on Father’s Day.
West L.A. Connections Page 4 May 2017
Children, Youth, and Intergenerational Ministries Inspiring the next generation of passionate followers of Jesus Christ.
Susanne Nagata presented information on teaching empathy
to children (above), followed by George and Keiko Kikuta leading Tai Chi at the April Ohana meeting.
Ohana: Families with Young Children Saturday, May 13 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
We look forward to another memorable gathering of Ohana 2.0 on Saturday, May 13, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm. The topic will be “Intimate, Special Moments Together.”
Our plan is to spend the morning sharing and discussing any topic, which may include how we set limits for our children, how we handle issues of anger and frustration displayed through temper tantrums, ultimate parenting skills, or any personal topics that individuals wish to discuss as a group. The goal will be to dig deeper and get to know each other better, as we challenge and enhance our skills toward becoming better parents, as well as better people.
Ohana 2.0 parents, please send me an email and RSVP by May 1st. Thank you!
Jane Shimotsu
Kizuna Summer Camp June 26-30, West LA UMC
This summer, West LA UMC is hosting Kizuna's Nikkei Discovery Camp, a cultural summer camp for students entering Grades 2 thru 8. The camp builds a foundation of Japanese American culture and heritage.
The camp will take place the week of June 26- 30, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM at our church. To register, go to www.NDC.kizuna-la.org or contact Paul Matsushima at [email protected] or 213-973-4465.
Vacation Bible School July 10-14 at West LA UMC
Join the fun this summer at Vacation Bible School for children Age 3 thru entering 5th Grade in the Fall. VBS provides a fun, interactive way for children to learn Bible stories, deepen their faith, and make new friends.
Registration forms are available online and in the Social Hall. The Early Bird discount fee ends May 28.
Youth Assistants, students entering 6th-12th Grade in the fall, help with crafts, science, in classrooms, and with food prep.
Many adult volunteers are needed to prepare snacks and lunch, welcome families, help in the Quiet Room, and more. Please contact Ms. Jeri Okamoto or Rev. Janet Cromwell to volunteer this summer.
Asian American Summer Camp July 23-29, Camp Lodestar
Asian Camp is a week-long experience for students entering 10th Grade in the fall thru entering college sophomores. The camp includes large group worship and culture programs, and small group discussions. Youth enjoy outdoor activities, a talent show, and dance. Information and registration materials can be found at njaumc.org/asiancamp/.
West L.A. Connections Page 5 May 2017
Upcoming Events Learning, Fellowship, Serving, and Fun
Keiro Class: AARP Smart Driver Tuesday, May 2 and Friday, May 5 8:30 AM -12:30 PM, Learning Center
The next Keiro class series will be AARP Smart Driver. This two-day course will be held on Tuesday, May 2 and Friday, May 5, from 8:30AM to 12:30PM in the Learning Center.
By taking the class, you may qualify for a discount on your auto insurance!
Pre-registration is required by contacting Kanako Fukuyama at 213-873-5709 or [email protected].
Japanese Film Night “The Old Bear Hunter” (“Matagi”) Friday, May 26, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary
Despite having won the Berlin Film Festival Award for Best Film and the Director’s Prize from the UNICEF Jury for Children’s Films at the 1982 Berlinale, this film remains one of the most difficult-to-find movie DVDs. It is the story of a legendary matagi who hunts in the snow covered Shirakami Mountains of northern Japan. Ko Nishimura (Akira Kurowawa’s favorite actor) gives his usual outstanding performance. Enjoy this special film!
Japanese Film Night is free and open to the public. Relaxed parking will be available on parts of Purdue and LaGrange for the event.
Movie Showing "For the Sake of the Children" Sunday, June 4, 12:10 PM, Sanctuary
All are invited to attend a free screening of the recently released documentary "For the Sake of the Children" on Sunday, June 4, at 12:10 PM in the church sanctuary.
Marlene Shigekawa, co-producer of the film, will be available after the showing for a question and answer discussion.
The documentary was previously screened at the Japanese American National Museum, and will be screened in the coming months in other locations including New York and San Francisco.
For the Sake of the Children is a documentary that shares the stories and reveals the emotional impact of the Japanese internment on the
generations that followed the largest incarceration of American citizens in US history. The film serves as a cautionary tale of the importance to uphold the Constitutional rights of all regardless of race, religion or social economic status, particularly in the challenging times of geopolitical unrest.
This event is sponsored by the Social Action Committee as part of its ongoing education programs regarding culture and politics in Los Angeles.
Please mark your calendars, tell your friends, and come to see this important film.
Scott Nakaatari
West L.A. Connections Page 6 May 2017
Reconciling Congregation Update
As announced to the English and Nichigo congregations on April 9, the votes are in and counted. Our church is now well on its way to becoming a Reconciling Congregation, that is, one that affirmatively and openly welcomes and accepts individuals of all sexual orientations and gender identities as full participants in the life of the church. Ballots were mailed to all 354 official church members in March. Of the 211 ballots received back, 86% (182) voted Yes and 14% (29) voted No. We will be implementing the administrative steps necessary to complete this transition over the next few months. Recognizing that we may be in different places in our journeys toward understanding God's calling for this church and within ourselves individually, the church will also continue to coordinate further Bible Studies, discussions and other efforts so that we may continue to share, grow, worship and serve together as a diverse, inclusive and welcoming congregation. We are grateful to the many individuals who shared their stories and viewpoints and to the congregation for engaging in prayerful discernment and participating in the many programs throughout this years-long process. May God bless everyone who seeks to worship God and serve others.
Habitat for Humanity Fundraising Update
Westside Churches have pledged to raise funds to build a new Habitat for Humanity home in Culver City. As of April, the churches have raised $140,536 of the $150,000 needed to build the house. We are almost at our goal!
The local Habitat Committee is brainstorming various ideas on how to move forward with the project once ground is broken. The Committee is discussing how to arrange every church's build day(s), wondering if volunteers prefer to go in a large WLAUMC work party or many smaller groups.
The Committee is also considering how to announce the family chosen for the new home, called Patience House. They wonder if it should be announced at an event for all churches at which the selected family invited, or another way.
In addition, the Committee is organizing an on-line auction this summer to raise the final amount needed for construction. They are requesting help with gift card donations.
The next Habitat for Humanity Planning Meeting will be held on May 2, 7:00-8:00 PM in our church’s Social Hall. New Committee Members are welcome.
If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Bob Bailey after worship.
Bob Bailey
Ralph’s Community Contribution Program Quarterly Report: WLAUMC
The twenty-nine WLAUMC households enrolled in the Ralphs Community Contribution Program shopped at Ralphs between December 1, 2016 and February 28, 2017 and thereby contributed $177.23 in donations to the church.
The Social Action Commission uses these funds to sponsor guest speakers and special programs.
Thank you for your participation! If you are not signed up, please see the Church Office for information on how to register. There is no cost to participants, but a big benefit for the church!
West L.A. Connections Page 7 May 2017
Women’s Retreat
The women had a great time at the 5th Annual Women’s
Retreat at Aldersgate Retreat Center in March.
Marie Callender Fundraiser Thursday, May 4, 7:00AM – 10:00PM
The UMW fundraiser at Marie Callender’s (Sawtelle and National) will take place on Thursday, May 4. UMW will receive a percentage of the receipts when your family and friends eat at Marie Callender’s any time pduring that day.
Mark your calendar and join us for a meal at Marie Callender’s! All proceeds go toward UMW mission projects.
UMW 80+! Group Tuesday, May 2, 11:00 AM, Aki Restaurant
80+! is a group of WLA United Methodist Women that meet at Aki Restaurant on the first Tuesday of each month. This is a wonderful way to "stay connected" with friends. The group 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.
UMW Martha and Mary Book Study “This Will Be Remembered of Her” Sundays, May 7, 14, 21, 28, 11:30 AM, Learning Center
Although the Book Study began on April 23, you are welcome to join us!
See Pamela Ryder for more information. The Book Study Schedule April 23 – Introduction, Chapter 1 and 2 April 30 – Chapters 3 and 4 May 7 – Chapter 5 and 6 May 21 – Chapter 7 and 8 May 28 – Chapter 9 and 10
UMW Takuan Preparation Saturday, May 20, 9:00 AM
On Saturday, May 20, UMW members will be cutting and packing daikon for Takuan. Volunteers will meet at 9:00 AM in the Church Kitchen.
We welcome donations of "pint sized" Mason type jars by May 14.
If you have any questions or wish to volunteer, please see Sadie Hifumi or Pam Ryder.
Café Aloha Senior Lunch and Program Saturday, May 6, 11:00 AM, Social Hall
Our church’s senior members and friends will gather for a program and lunch on Saturday, May 6.
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 Hall.
Library Open for Borrowing and Browsing Sunday, May 7, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Learning Center 2nd Floor
The Church Library will be open for reading and borrowing books on Sunday, May 7, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon. Enjoy our church’s Asian American, Theology, and Children’s collections.
West L.A. Connections Page 8 May 2017
Centenary UMC Arigato Bazaar Saturday May 6, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Centenary United Methodist Church welcomes everyone to their annual Bazaar. Free entertainment and demonstrations, activities for children, games with prizes, food, baked goods, fresh produce, plants and flowers, Country Store & Silent Auction. Hourly drawings are held with a grand prize of $1,000. Public Ondo Dancing begins at 4:00 PM.
Centenary UMC is located at 300 S. Central Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90013. For more information call 213-617-9097 or look on line at www.centenarylt.org.
2017 Matsuri of Faith UMC Saturday, May 20, 10:00AM – 4:00PM
Come support our sister church at their annual matsuri festival on Saturday, May 20, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. There will be food, entertainment, plants and produce, handicrafts, silent auction, games, and door prizes.
Faith UMC is located at 2115 West 182nd Street, in Torrance. For more information, call 310-217-7000.
WLAUMC Asian Cultural Festival Save the Date! Saturday, September 16
Our annual West LA United Methodist Church Asian Cultural Festival will be held on Saturday, September 16, from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM with food, entertainment, children's games
and crafts, a silent auction, plants, door prizes and cultural displays!
Volunteers are needed to make this year’s Festival the best ever. Come to the Festival Planning Meeting on Sunday, May 7, at 11:15, in the Learning Center to learn move and volunteer.
Mark your calendar and plan to be a part of this exciting cultural event for our family, friends, and community.
Sonia Dixon and Bob Bailey, Co-Chairs
Palm Sunday Passion Story
Jack Mitchell, Kathy Orebaugh, Geoff Yeo and Mark Holmes presented Christ’s Passion on Palm Sunday. The Reader’s
Theater presentation was directed by Jane Flowers.
Easter Egg Hunt at Stoner Park
Crafts and games were very popular.
Our cooks worked hard grilling hot dogs for over 700 guests
at the annual Egg Hunt on April 15.
The families gathered in the gymnasium as they awaited the
two age-level Egg Hunts.
West L.A. Connections Page 9 May 2017
Special Offerings Giving to God through our Tithes and Offerings
Thank you for your generosity
(For information please contact church office)
Easter Lilies Thank you to all who donated Easter Lilies that adorned our sanctuary on Easter Sunday.
A special thank you to Kazie Kame for coordinating the lily orders, Otto Nakano for helping with the delivery, and to Altar Guild Members Grace Seto, Eleanor Nakano, Sadie Hifumi, Jeri Okamoto, and Joli Kishi for decorating the sanctuary.
West L.A. Connections Page 10 May 2017
Japanese Ministry Praising and Serving God Together
「敬老ホームの日本語礼拝」
毎月、敬老ホームで、日本語の礼拝が行われ
ているのを御存じであろうか。南加キリスト
教教会連合は 45年以上、敬老ホームで日本
語の礼拝を行ってきた。牧師たちが、月 1度
の礼拝をリンカーンハイツ敬老ホームとボイ
ルハイツ敬老ホームで順番を担っている。賛
美とメッセージとお祈りをする簡単な礼拝で
ある。
私はまだ若く新入りである。今年 2月、一度
奉仕に入った。結構、敬老ホームの皆は楽し
みにして待っていた。賛美の時は、元気よく
声を高らかに賛美をしていた。メッセージも
よく聞いていた。知り合いの伯母様が礼拝に
来ていて、礼拝後に話しかけてきた。こんな
所で知り合いに会えるのは嬉しい。また来て
くれるならば、大歓迎だと言ってくれた。
敬老ホームが売却されて、多くの人は日本語
礼拝がなくなってしまうのかと心配していた。
しかし、ガーデナの敬老ホームを含め 2か所
ではなく、3か所でこれからも日本語礼拝を
続ける予定である。
霊的な健康は大事である。礼拝は、生と死を
理解する時を与え、心の中に平安を与える。
主が天国に行く準備をしているおじいちゃん
おばあちゃんのために、霊的に励まし満たす。
日本語で礼拝する大事さを教えられた。
4月にもう一度奉仕をする。今回も誰に会え
るだろうか。主の御名が崇められるように祈
りたい。
Did you know that we hold Nihongo worship service at Keiro nursing home at Lincoln Heights and Boyle Heights? For the past 45 years, Nichigo Pastors from Southern California Churches take turns to provide a monthly worship service in Japanese at Keiro Home.
I am one of the new pastors. In February, I went to serve at Boyle Heights Keiro. Keiro people were waiting and enjoying the worship service, singing out hymns and praising God’s Holy Name!
When Keiro Home was sold, we were worried that there will be no more Nihongo worship services. But, it was not so. We are able to continue Nihongo worship service at not two Keiro, but three Keiro home, including one in Gardena.
We have been an instrument to Keiro older adults’ spiritual practice and nourished them spiritually.
The worship service helps them to have inner peace and sustain their health. We hope to encourage them spiritually and give them hope to live and look beyond this earthly life. Our God loves Ji-chan & Ba-chan!
平田 Rev. Becky Hirata
日語カレンダー
5/6（土）11時シニアランチ
5/7（日）11時礼拝
12時協議会
5/14（日）11時礼拝
12時祈り会
5/21（日）11時礼拝
12時聖書
5/28（日）11時礼拝
12時聖書
West L.A. Connections Page 11 May 2017
May 2017 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 6:30 Kelton AA
2 8:30 Safe Driving Class 11:00 UMW 80+ Women’s Luncheon 7:00 Habitat Meeting 7:30 Bible Study
3 No Alive Now Class 10:30 Tai Chi 7:00 Worship Committee
4 UMW Fundraiser 7:00 AM –10:00 PM Marie Callender’s 9:30 Prayer ministry 10:30 Tai Chi 7:00 Choir Rehearsal
5 8:30 Safe Driving Class
6 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Centenary Arigato Bazaar 11:00 Café Aloha Senior Program and Lunch
7 Family Worship 9:30 English Service 10:30 Children’s Choir 11:00 Japanese Service 11:00 Church library open 11:15 Bazaar meeting 11:30 UMW Book Study
8 6:30 Kelton AA
9 7:00 West District Mtg 7:00 Choir Rehearsal
10 9:30 Alive Now Study 10:30 Tai Chi 7:30 Bible Study
11 9:30 Prayer ministry 10:30 Tai Chi 11:00 Staff Meeting
12 13 10:00 Ohana Gathering for Families with Young Children
14 Mother’s Day
(Children’s Choir sings) 9:30 English Service 11:00 Japanese Service 11:00 Scholarship Mtg 11:30 UMW Book Study
15 June Newsletter articles due today 6:30 Kelton AA
16 7:00 Choir Rehearsal
17 9:30 Alive Now Study 10:30 Tai Chi 7:30 Bible Study
18 9:30 Prayer ministry 10:30 Tai Chi 7:30 Finance meeting
19 20 9:00 UMW Takuan making in kitchen 10:00 AM-4:00 PM Faith UMC Matsuri
21 9:30 English Service 11:00 Japanese Service 11:15 SPRC Meeting 11:30 UMW Book Study
22 6:30 Kelton AA
23 7:00 Choir Rehearsal
24 No Alive Now Class 10:30 Tai Chi 7:30 Bible Study
25 9:30 Newsletter folding 9:30 Prayer ministry 10:30 Tai Chi
26 7:30 Japanese Film Night “The Old Bear Hunter!”
27
28 9:30 English Service 11:00 Japanese Service 11:30 UMW Book Study
29 Memorial Day (office closed) 6:30 Kelton AA
30 7:00 Choir Rehearsal
31 9:30 Alive Now Study 10:30 Tai Chi 7:30 Bible Study
Sunday, June 4, 2017 English Worship Service, 9:30 AM.
Japanese Worship Service, 11:00 AM.
New Member Welcome in the Social Hall following 9:30 AM worship. Remember to wear something RED.
Remain at church to see “For the Sake of the Children” documentary in the Sanctuary at 12:10 PM. (See page 5 for more information.)
Invite your friends to join us!
West LA United Methodist Church 1913 Purdue Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90025
wlaumc.com 310-479-1379
