PASTOR'S PEN
“…and a little child shall lead them” - Isaiah 11:6
Recently, I came across two instances in which
made me ponder further about the verse above from Isaiah. The first one was
several Sundays ago – our Worship Team had the opportunity to host a ‘Jr.
Worship Team’ where preschoolers and elementary school-age children sang, led
by our junior high school singers. They had practiced on the Friday prior to
Sunday, and lead the entire congregation during worship.
Sunday morning, all of the children and youth in
this ‘Jr. Worship Team’ were WONDERFUL – (ok, ok…so both of my daughters were a
part of this, but still!!) As they sang from their hearts, “Freely You gave
it all for us, surrendered Your life upon that cross. Great is the love poured
out for all - This is our God. Lifted on high from death to life, forever
our God is glorified. Servant and king, rescued the world - This is our God…,”
many of us were drawn to tears. Their angelic voices prompted us to listen from
our own hearts, and join in regardless of whether you knew the song or even
liked the song – how could you not?! We were all moved and prompted.
The second instance was at our dinner table. We
were talking about the Intergenerational/inter-lingual picnic that was
happening the next day after the worship service. Weather forecasts predicted
rain. As my husband said, “I hope it doesn’t rain tomorrow,” I chimed in and
said, “Yeah, we should pray that it will be a nice day.”
Then, out of the blue, at the dinner table, our
younger daughter began to pray – “Dear God, please don’t let it rain tomorrow
and let it be sunny. In Jesus’ name we pray.” I had not expected that. Yes, I
meant it when I said we should pray about it, but I was thinking of a more
‘appropriate’ time, like before going to bed – not right there and now!
Apparently, God had other things in mind.
Many times, the above biblical passage from
Isaiah is read during Advent, in conjunction with awaiting Jesus’ birth. The
connotation is that Jesus is the ‘child’ that is being referred to, and that he
shall lead the people to bring peace to the world. And I truly believe that it
could be read in that way.
At the same time, however, I think of instances
and experiences such as mentioned above in which give verses like this yet
another layer of meaning. Our children can, and do, lead us to worship God in a
more meaningful way, our children teach us to listen with our hearts and be
prompted. Our children live out the creativity and spontaneity of the Spirit.
As we welcome the children and youth in our
congregation, let us be reminded that God works through them too, and perhaps
more innately. So, as we walk in the path of the Child (i.e. Jesus), are we
willing to be prompted into a more wholehearted, creative and spontaneous
faith? Are we willing to let a little child (or children) lead us?
Ponderingly, Pastor Grace Kaori Suzuki
DEACONS' REPORT
This time of the year always is an exciting time
for me. It’s exciting mostly because summer is coming near, but also because it
always seems like a time of life where some journeys end, and new ones begin.
It’s a time to reflect on friendship and on life. These thoughts usually come
to me when at a graduation. The sound of Pomp and Circumstances usually stirs
up all kinds of emotions in me (even when I hear it on TV!). There’s something
about that song that reminds me of loved ones coming together, showing how
proud they are of one’s accomplishments, or the nervousness in some, not
knowing what the next stages of life will bring. With all this going on, it’s
also usually a time of faith, where individuals turn to God to lead them with
their new journeys, and to thank Him for bringing them this far. We would like
to congratulate our college and high school graduates.
This past month, the Deacons have been working
hard in moving the church in a more “green” direction. One step we have taken
is encouraging people to bring and use their own coffee mugs during coffee
fellowship time. This will reduce the use of paper cups during this time. The
Deacons have set aside a designated spot in the kitchen for these mugs to be
placed and stored. We do however ask that if you do have a mug, that you be
responsible for it and clean it after you use it. Also, another step the Deacons
took in “going green” is that we have partnered with the stewardship committee
and got a green compost bin!!! We have already seen this in use, and have cut
back on our garbage build up! Thank you all those who have been cooperative and
participated in this!
Please continue to pray for those in our
community and world. If you have any prayer requests, please feel free to
contact the church.
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP:
The Deacons would like to thank all the
individuals who have contributed to the coffee fellowship during the month of May.
And thank you to the Sturge Trustees for donating the cake honoring Dr. E.
Sturge’s birthday.
Kara Woo, Vice-Moderator
ARTICLE OF INTEREST
Spirit of Service
A week ago, I attended Kimochi Inc.’s annual
“Spirit of Service” awards dinner at JCCCNC. This year, the honorees were
members of Boy Scout Troop 29 and 58. The “Spirit of Service” award honors
groups and individuals who have served the Japanese American community in many
ways, be they physical, leadership, or community projects.
It’s inspiring to learn how young energetic youth
enjoy and participate in service projects for our community. With the Nisei now
in their eighties and nineties, there are new opportunities for the young
people to be of assistance to them. It is my hope that the youth of our church
plan projects or activities that would make life easier for older members
within and outside of the church. The opportunity is here. Let’s get behind it!
Kathy Reyes
