PASTOR'S PEN
Forty Days…
As of this writing, we have
just entered into the church season of Lent. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday
and is observed during the 40 days (excluding Sundays – which are considered
‘mini Easters’) leading up to Easter. This year, Ash Wednesday was February
6, and so, Easter will be on March 23. (The days change from year to year
because these dates are based on the lunar calendar.)
In any case, Lent is
observed for forty days. It’s not 7 days (a week), a month (30/31
days) or any other length – it’s forty days. Why forty? Why not any
other number? These questions led me to ponder about the significance of the
number itself – at least in the biblical sense.
Actually, the number forty
comes up pretty often in the Bible. Beginning with the flood in Noah’s time
in which it rained for forty days and forty nights…the
Israelites wandered in the wilderness for forty years…Moses was up on
the mountain for forty days and forty nights when he received
the Ten Commandments from God…when Jonah preached to the people of Ninevah,
they repented and fasted for forty days…the prophet Elijah fasted on
Mt. Horeb for forty days…Jesus, after his baptism, went into the
wilderness himself and fasted for forty days.
The above is not a
comprehensive list, but it does show us that the number forty holds a
certain significance for the biblical audience. And when you look at the
events surrounding the number, you see a pattern: they were transitional
times in which it usually led to something new that God was doing. The flood
led to a new covenant with the Israelites (with the rainbow as sign), the
wandering in the wilderness prepared the Israelites to finally enter the
Promised Land, as Moses received the Ten Commandments it was the first step
in the Israelites becoming a organized nation. Jesus’ forty days in the
wilderness was a transitional for him as he prepared to enter his public ministry.
In the same way, Lent is a
time not only for reflection and repentance (as is traditionally seen), but
it is also a time for preparation and transition into something new that God
is leading us to. Actually, the reflection and repentance is something that
should be preparing us for the ‘new thing’ that God has in store for us. So
Lent is not a time for us to just become ‘more spiritual’ or ‘more repentant’
than other times, it’s a time in which we anticipate and prepare for the Easter
event – when God shows us God’s surprising, amazing power and leads us
into something new.
So, during these forty days
of Lent this year (or however many days are remaining for you), I invite all
of us to be in a posture of openness and prayer as we prepare and look forward
in anticipation to the Easter event that will happen in each of our
lives – when we are led to the wonderful, new thing that God brings. You see,
friends, Easter was not just an event that happened thousands of years ago –
it’s still happening, within and among us!
Come, and join the journey
of Lent and Easter with us…
Blessings,
Pastor Grace Kaori Suzuki
DEACONS' REPORT
Gung Hay Fat Choy! Happy
Valentine’s Day! Just as February is a month to celebrate many special
holidays, so do we celebrate the lives of all of you in our community of
faith. And we have much to celebrate: Welcome to our new, and congratulations
to those who were married in January.
We, as Deacons, are here to serve and
minister to those in need, but also want to celebrate the joys in your life
and encourage you all to know full joy in the Spirit. We are commissioned to
be good stewards of God’s gifts: to listen, comfort, share, restore,
encourage, motivate, build, empower, equip and mobilize each of you in your
walk with God. You can call upon us if you need a prayer partner, a ride to
the doctors’s office, or just someone to go to lunch with.
Please be in
prayer for our world and those in our community.
If you have any prayer
requests or needs, please contact the church office.
COFFEE FELLOWSHIP:
The Deacons would like to thank the individuals who
contributed to the coffee fellowship during the month of January, and on 1/27/08
for a special refreshments for the Youth-led Worship & Scout Sunday.
The Deacons are aware that there are others who contribute but do not sign up
on the list. We wish to thank you also.
“Rejoice always, pray without
ceasing, in everything give thanks:; for this is the will of God in Christ
Jesus for you. 1Thessalonians 5:16-18
Jan Der, Co-Moderator
ARTICLE OF INTEREST
Clerk's Report
The Session, at its regular
meeting on Sunday, January 27, 2008, discussed and acted on the following
items:
Approved
the revisions to the church’s by-laws. Final approval will be voted on at the
congregational meeting on February 3, 2008.
Session
appointed the Elder Commissioners to Presbytery.
Adopted
covenant with Covenant Presbyterian Insurance Program, Inc. in acknowledging
our duties in protecting God’s property.
Nominated
a Church Treasurer and will have the congregation vote on the nomination at
the congregational meeting on February 3, 2008.
Granted
vacation and study leave for the Pastor.
Approved
serving communion on the first Sunday of the month and with the Seder Meal on
March 21, 2008.
ARTICLE OF INTEREST
New Year and Remembrance
With a month of 2008 already gone, the year
seems to fly by. The New Year means many things to many people. The popular
New Year meaning can be FRESH, NEW, YOUNG, INVIGORATING. The New Year can
mean a new start, a new page in our lives.
For those of us who see life more ‘in the
past’, this is a time of reflection of fond memories of the years past gone
with accomplishments achieved.
Nisei members who joined the church in the 50’s
lived through crucial events which impacted the church. Not only did they
live through difficult times, but prayerfully made decisions and
contributions to make the church what it is today. We should be reminded of
the church’s key decision to remain in Japantown after we were displaced from
the old church site on Post Street. The decision was made based on the
intrinsic mission of the church…. to serve Jesus Christ in the Japanese
American community.
To abandon the old site and to build a brand
new church building meant a commitment of leadership and money. When I think
back to those dedicated Nisei leaders who no longer are with us, we can only
be thankful that they were instrumental to set the future course for the
church.
As I sit in the pews on Sunday mornings, I
notice the gradual decline of Nisei attendance. Soon they will be gone like
our Issei pioneers. We have a rich history of the church’s ministry to San
Francisco’s Japanese American community. As we see changes in our
worshippers, let us remember all those who came before us who paved the way to
keep Christ United Presbyterian Church a viable ministry in San Francisco’s
Japantown.
To our Nisei pioneers, thank you!
