SUMMER CAMP EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Hello, my name is Jillian Hom and I am extremely
excited and honored to serve as the Executive Director for CUPC Summer Camp’s
32nd year. Overall, this will be my 10th summer involved in CUPC’s ministry,
and my second as Executive Director.
For those of you who are not familiar with me, I
have a bachelor’s degree in child/adolescent development and Japanese language
from San Francisco State University. Last year, I studied abroad in Tokyo,
Japan for 10 months and missed most of the 2007 Summer Camp program. One of the
hardest things about being away from home was not being able to be involved in
the church, especially Summer Camp. So, I am very excited to be back for a
second time around. I just hope that I can keep up with the lively campers and
tireless leaders and directors like I used to.
Summer Camp has become a huge part of my life,
which I value greatly. Not only did it lead me to a relationship with God, it
caused me to seek a Christ-like life. I am very grateful for the many doors
that Summer Camp has opened for me. I have become more involved in the life of
the church and my heart has truly been opened to God’s will. I only hope that
the impact Summer Camp has had on my life can be reflected through my work
within the program. As well as positively influencing the lives of the campers,
leaders, and directors.
From the Summer Camp Staff, I would like to thank
all of the church members for constantly supporting the Summer Camp Program.
Whether it’s through prayer, driving for fellowships, cooking meals, various
donations, office work, etc., you all keep this program growing and striving.
Thank you!
Jillian Hom
DEACONS' REPORT
These last couple of months have flown by and we
are already into the summer! Summer means graduation and we have two graduates.
Summer also brings summer mission trips and this year one of our members will
be participating in a cross-cultural mission training with Global Trek in the
Philippines, living and working in poor communities in Manila. One of the
reasons this person felt called to serve in Manila was that he has learned that
God is a global God and He loves people everywhere.
In Sunday School, the
children have been learning about Paul the Missionary, and Paul’s message was
the same…that God is the God of all people. It is truly amazing to see how the
young people of our church have truly embraced our mission statement to “Go Ye
Therefore”. (God is good ... All the time!) May we continue to support and lift
them up in their work.
We bid farewell and God’s blessings on our former
youth director and his family. He served as the youth director and intern this
past year.
On May 4th we celebrated and welcomed six new members into our
faith community with a festive reception.
May has been a month for a lot of
farewells. Several of our loved ones and people in our families and community
have passed away from this earthly life, but live on in our hearts and in
nearer presence of our Lord. Please be in prayer for the family members and
friends during this time. 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 months of April and May. The Deacons are aware
that there are others who contribute but do not sign up on the list. We wish to
thank you also.
Jan Der, Co-Moderator
ARTICLE OF INTEREST
Remembering Ichiro Sugiyama (April 17, 1917 – May 16, 2008)
A memorial service for Christ Church’s oldest
living member was held in the sanctuary on Saturday, May 31, 2008. It was
attended by his involving family, relatives and many cherished friends.
Ichiro joined the church 75 years ago, and grew up in the church from the
time he was a youngster. He lived a few houses down from the church’s original
site at 1500 Post Street. Being the only child, his mother encouraged him to
attend the church on the corner. Thus began Ichiro's lifetime association with
CUPC. Through his long years of being involved in the church, served as Sunday
School teacher, deacon, elder and clerk of session. He loved to sing and
possessed a beautiful tenor voice. He with his wife was a long time member of
the chancel choir.
He also had a strong interest in Lion’s Club
International, and together with Nao, served in various official roles, taking them
to major cities here and abroad.
He lost his dear wife, a few years ago, and
subsequently lived at home with son and his family in San Francisco.
Christ
Church members deeply mourn the loss of our pioneer Nisei member, who for the
past 75 years regarded our church as his spiritual home.
Mother’s Day
Corsages
On May 11th, Mother’s Day, fresh floral corsages were presented
to all the women at our Sunday worship service This project is sponsored by our
Nichigo Division. Many thanks to the people who came out to make the beautiful
corsages.
Silence Is Not Golden
Three years back, I wrote a VP
article, “Is Silence Golden?” I referred to the old saying that silence is
valued and honored in our society. Here we are in 2008, and the Iraq War
continues. Churches throughout the country pray for peace, and yet peace is
still in the distant future. In this country, as well as in other democracies,
free expression of views is encouraged and valued . People want to know how
others think and feel.
With the presidential election coming up, and the
issue of war and peace becomes crucial, it is important that each one of us as
Christians share our views of our country’s future in years ahead.
Kathy
Reyes
