PASTOR'S PEN
Working together graciously…
“Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking by the Spirit of God ever says ‘Let Jesus be cursed!’ and no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except by the Holy Spirit. Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good … For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it.” - Taken from I Corinthians 12
Recently, I had the privilege of having dinner
with a couple to talk about a possible joint ministry opportunity toward the
Japanese students from Japan in the San Francisco area. The husband had
contacted me about this possible venture a while back, and we have been in
conversation (along with CUPC’s chair of Japanese-speaking ministries) for
almost a year now. Working for JEMS (Japanese Evangelical Missionary Society),
his ministry vision is a para-church ministry that works with Japanese
international students, introducing them to God and Christianity, and hopefully
training them to continue as Christians when they return to Japan.
After attending each other’s ministries a couple
of times to ‘feel each other’s ministries out’, we gathered together at his
home this past week to talk about how things are going, and how we might
discern God’s will for the future in regards to this potential partnership.
Their gracious hospitality in providing their home as a place to meet and
offering a meal was touching. It felt like a good place to be, and the energy
in our conversations was very good.
We talked about our assessments of our ministries
with Japanese students, along with our visions and hopes. We talked about
working collaboratively with various groups and churches with a similar vision
and passion. We talked about how we might cross ‘borders and barriers’ in order
to work together for a common ministry.
We all agreed that the kind of ministry that we
were envisioning was not the ‘traditional way’ of doing ministry – where each
church would more or less create and sustain its own programming. Even if there
were ‘partnerships’, it would usually be with churches within the same
denomination, or similar backgrounds and theological perspectives. But here, we
were talking about a broader way of doing ministry and being partners, across
the ‘usual lines’ of distinction between churches and denominations.
We also acknowledged that not all churches or
church leaders would be open to this kind of ministry – which is quite
understandable. In a way, it forces people to put aside their various
preconceived notions, biases, and differences – and put them aside for the
common work of ministry in the name of the God that they all profess. It
invites people into a sometimes uncomfortable place where you need to be more
open to listening (and hold initial judgment) than you normally would. And it
calls people to think, act, and reflect in new ways – which is always a bit
unsettling!
But as mentioned in the Bible verse above – we
are ALL a part of the body of Christ, and perhaps it is the time to seriously
think about how we can start acting that way. Within the entire Christian
church, I truly think that there is definitely a place for great dialogue and
conversation for the ‘differences’ that tend to separate us. And at the same
time, if it is those same differences that keep us from doing the actual
ministry of God, I believe that we are really missing out on the great and
awesome work of ministry that we are all called to.
Working together graciously…I know that sounds
easier than done. But I think my friend and ‘ministry partner’, (and his wife
as well!) showed me what that could look like. And for that I am grateful –
both to them and to God. And I pray that I could show that same grace back to
them and to everyone else whom God has placed in my life. After all, yes, we
all are indeed the one body of Christ!
Reflectively,
Pastor Grace Kaori Suzuki
DEACONS' REPORT
It was one year ago that we celebrated the wedding
of one of our church members with a potluck luncheon here at CUPC. Can that be
possible? Even though time may seem to be flying by, we the Deacons, are one
constant in your lives. Our first Deacons’ meeting took place on January 18th,
where we voted in our new officers.
In our first meeting, we reviewed our current
ministries and discussed potential new ministries, trying to discern how to
better serve our congregation and the wider community. If there are areas in
your life that you need support in or have any suggestions, please contact your
Deacons. We would love to hear from you.
We welcomed new members into our community of
faith this month through baptism and Barbara transfer of membership. Following
the service, all enjoyed a cake during the coffee fellowship which read “Let
your light shine”. As in Matthew 5:16: Let your light so shine before men,
that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Let us lift up in prayer and praise those in our
community and world.
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP:
The Deacons would like to thank the individuals
who have contributed to the coffee fellowship during the month of January.
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
OUTDOOR FELLOWSHIP
The Christian Education/Fellowship Committee has
approved a new fellowship group. This new group will be called “Outdoor
Ministry”.
The purpose will be to expose all who participate
in God’s outdoor parks, forests and lakes. Through fishing activities, hikes,
camping and other excursions, individuals will experience God’s outdoor
creation. There will be meaningful relationships developed, individual and
group Spiritual connection with God and the outdoors. Devotion and Bible
studies will be part of every outdoor activity. This ministry is open to all
generations.
Needs of the Outdoor Ministry
We are accepting any donation such as fishing
rods, poles, hooks, nets, pole holders, fishing line, tackle boxes, storage for
fishing equipment at church, camping equipment, etc. The equipment will be kept
at church and made available to anyone requesting use.
This new ministry will also accept financial
donations to help purchase needed equipment.
If you have any question please contact the
church office.
Ralph Tanaka
