PASTOR'S PEN
Thanksgivings…
“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1
As I write this article at
the beginning of July, we have just launched into the second week of our
Summer Camp. As I listen to the leaders and the campers’ joyous voices
resonating throughout the building, I cannot help but be in gratitude for the
camp ministry (in its 32nd year, still going strong!) alongside with so many
amazing things recently emerging here at CUPC.
In addition to the fact
that our Summer Camp is well-known and well-loved in the community, in recent
years we have really begun to focus on the camp as a ministry and outreach of
CUPC. This year, we have a Director for Spiritual Growth on the Summer
Camp staff for this particular reason. The Friday night youth fellowship has
an excellent interim youth director which draws the high school
leaders from camp – in addition, we just began reaching out to the middle
school campers by inviting them to join for part of the fellowship, then
breaking off into their own group.
The church as a whole has
also been very intentional about developing the small group ministries
this year – we have already had a couple of new study groups that met this
year, and other emerging fellowship groups as well. We also launched the ‘Celebration
of Stewardship’ series in May, which is opening us up to further
understand, learn and discover what the full meaning of stewardship is, and
how we may be a part of it.
In order to support and
enhance all these ministries, new and existing, we are in the midst of a
couple of construction projects – the unisex restroom upstairs (across
the hall from the sanctuary) will be done in mid-July. We are also
resurfacing our playground space and installing new equipment in August in
time for the new school year.
Speaking of the new school
year – the governing body of the church (session) recently approved to have a
new intern from the fall with an emphasis on our Japanese-speaking
ministries. Also in the works is another support person for the
church’s other ministries beginning in the fall (more info to come!).
As you can see, there is so
much to be grateful for! As the psalmist above points out, God is indeed good
and loving – and God’s steadfast love (also translated as faithfulness)
is everlasting. The faithful God of the psalmist is the same God who
continues to work within and among us – enabling us to grow in many ways and
to nurture others. And we have the opportunity at CUPC to see it with our own
eyes – now, that’s definitely something to celebrate about and be thankful
for!
Come join in the celebration and thanksgiving,
Pastor Grace Kaori Suzuki
DEACONS' REPORT
Mark this date on your
calendar: Sunday, July 20, 2008. That’s the Sunday that the Deacons are
singing during the worship service. (For my part…it’s more like making a
joyful noise.) As you know, the choir is on their summer hiatus, so different
members of the congregations or guest artists sing or perform in their place.
If you would like to share your God-given gifts or talents this summer,
please sign up with our lovely choir director.
Summer camp is well under
way as evidenced by the increase in attendance during the worship service
with the summer camp leaders and the Moment for Summer Camp when leaders
share their past week’s experiences. This is a great way for the congregation
to be connected with summer camp and get to know the leaders who were once
campers themselves. And our interim Youth Director is planning the Friday
Night Fellowships.
You may have noticed
construction signs around the mens’ bathroom near the social hall. This is a
result of work being done to build a bathroom on the second floor, next to
the sanctuary. Thank you for your patience as we continue to strive to be a
welcoming church, not only through our people, but as a church building for
those who are less mobile.
♥ A
memorial service was held this past Saturday, June 28, for Michi Tanaka. The
congregation was thanked for their ministry in supporting the family.
Please lift up in prayer
those in our community and our world. If you have any special prayer requests
or needs, please contact the church office.
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP:
The Deacons would like to thank the individuals
who have contributed to the coffee fellowship during the month of June.
The Deacons are aware that there are those who contribute but do not sign up
on the list. We wish to thank you also.
Jan Der,
Co-Moderator
ARTICLE OF INTEREST
Remembering Michi Tanaka (May 25,1916 – May 16, 2008)
A Memorial Service for
Michi Tanaka , a pioneer Nisei member of our church, was held on Saturday,
June 28, 2008, in the church sanctuary. Family members and long-time friends
gathered together to celebrate Michi’s long life and her contributions to her
family, her church, and the wider community.
A beautiful reception hosted
by the family and the Deacons following the memorial service officiated by
our pastor. We will miss Michi, but know her love of the church will continue
with the active service of her young family members.
Kathy Reyes
Summer Camp Moments, Sunday, June 29, 2008
Hi, my name is Quincy. I’ve
been coming to CUPC summer camp since I was in the first grade so I’ve been
lucky enough to grow with these people. That’s why I come back. I just love
the camp seeing all the campers I’ve had with there missing teeth and just
seeing all their energy just makes my day so much easier to get up to.
This first week of camp was
so fun seeing everyone coming back, meeting all the new people and new
campers. Friday was track and field day and was really fun seeing all the
younger campers doing the relays and just trying so hard.
This year is kinda
interesting because I am working with people that used to be my leader when I
was a camper. For example, my leader in second grade is now my director. I
remember a specific time with him where he made us skip out on free time to
rehearse out NSYNC parent’s night skit. But because he did we danced just
like them. Yeah, I just really like the camp and the whole atmosphere and all
the people here and yea.
Quincy Ouellette
