PASTOR'S PEN
Looking Forward to 2011 at CUPC...
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20
A (Belated) New Years' Greetings to all of you!
Since we didn't have a January newsletter,
this comes a bit late (now that we are in February)...
but it's every bit as sincere!
Last year, our church celebrated our 125th Anniversary - and we gave thanks for God's continuing faithfulness, and lifted up all those who had contributed to the history and ministry of the church. As we move forward to God's continuing guidance in 2011, I wanted to lift up a couple of events (by no means exhaustive) that we are looking forward to in 2011.
The first is coming up very soon - A Forum on the 'Art of Gaman' on Sunday, March 6, from 12:00pm. Many of you may have heard of Delphine Hirasuna, who has written quite a few books ranging from Japanese cookbooks to historic memorabilia. She is the author of the book Art of Gaman: Arts and Crafts from the Japanese American Internment Camps 1942-1946 (Ten Speed Press, 2005) and was the guest curator for the Smithsonian American Art Museum exhibit under the same name. Ms. Hirasuna will be coming to our church to present about her journey of discovery of the many arts and crafts that was created while many Japanese Americans were interned during World War II.
The second event I would like to mention is our all-church retreat tentatively from October 22-23. We are making arrangements to hold the retreat at Redwood Glen Camp and Conference Center located in Loma Mar, CA. It is located about 10 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean Coast, roughly half way between San Francisco and Santa Cruz, CA. It is about a half hour drive south of Half Moon Bay. It will be a great time for intergenerational fellowship, worship and spiritual renewal - I hope you can all join us!
As we gather together in the various events (the events above, and others) at CUPC in 2011, may we be reminded that Jesus promises to be among us - as in the Bible verse above รข€“ where two or three are gathered. May we intentionally be mindful of his presence as we pray with anticipation for God's guidance. May we be blessed by God's presence, and in turn, become blessings to those all around us!
Peace and blessings for 2011,
Pastor Grace Kaori
CLERK'S REPORT
The session, acted on the following items on January 23, 2011:
Approved to purchase of a one-eighth page ad in Nihonmachi Little Friends' annual fundraising performance program.
Approved the deletion of some of the names from membership roster.
Divided the various Clerk of Session duties among the elders.
The congregation at the annual congregational meeting on January 20, 2011:
Approved Pastor Grace's salary package
Adopted the 2011 budget
Unanimously elected the treasurer of 2011.
DEACONS' REPORT
God is good! The Deacons hope and pray that in this new year, 2011, you will feel surrounded by God's Love, Comfort & Care through our ministries, whether it be coffee hour, Thanksgiving Dinner, flock care or our "Be Green" efforts. The Sunday School lesson this past month has focused on the story of Bartimaeus, the blind man whose faith healed him. In the story, Jesus reveals that the Kingdom of God is about focusing on the needs of others. As we focus on the needs of our faith community, may you in turn go out and share God's Love and make a difference in someone's life.
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 there are others who do not sign up on the list, but contribute. We would like to thank you all.
God is good... All the time! All the time... God is Good!
Jan der, Vice-Moderator
ANNOUNCEMENT
NISEI CHRISTIAN JOURNEY--Its Promise & Fulfillment Volume I and Volume III are available of the Nisei Christian Journey: It's Promise BL Fulfillment. (Volume I is no longer available.)
Younger generations, especially, are encouraged to know and appreciate the tremendous legacy of the Nisei Christians recorded in these books published by the Nisei Christian Oral History Project Board, a labor of love over its 25 year history.
Because the Board desires that these volumes be read widely, these two remaining Volumes are now available for the asking.
Volume I (Oral histories of: Osame Doi (Sacramento), David Yutaka Nakagawa (Pasadena), June Toshiyuki (Fresno), Royal Louis Manaka (Monterey), Nobuko Lillian Omi (Los Angeles), Jack Nishida(Monterey), and Frances Kirihara (Livingston).
Volume III (Oral histories of Rev. Chaplain George Aki, Rev. Lester Suzuki, Rev. Donald Toriumi, Rev. Howard Toriumi, Rev. William Kobayashi, Rev. Lloyd Wake, and Rev. Paul Nagano).
Any donation amount will be gratefully accepted which will be used to help reimburse expenses incurred by the Project. Please send your request and any donation check, plus $5 shipping charge.
If interested, call the church.
