West LA Connections

West LA Connections

West Los Angeles United Methodist Church 1913 Purdue Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-479-1379 [email protected] www.wlaumc.com

Sunday Worship Services 9:30 AM English Language Worship, Nursery, and Sunday School 10:30 AM Fellowship Time 11:00 AM Japanese Language Worship Church Office Hours Mon-Fri 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Staff

Rev. Gary Oba Senior Pastor [email protected] Rev. Janet Cromwell Associate Pastor [email protected] Rev. Rebecca Hirata Local Pastor Japanese Language Ministry [email protected] Midori Tashiro Administrative Assistant Newsletter Coordinator [email protected]

A Publication of West Los Angeles United Methodist Church

A Reconciling Congregation

October 2017

Like a Good Neighbor One of the questions we are asking at the church is who is our neighbor? Fifty years ago, the church’s neighbors were the many Japanese Americans who settled in the Sawtelle area before and immediately after World War II. Their large numbers were the reason our church’s ministry was started. Neighbors were the persons who looked like you, attended the same public schools, and shopped at the same family-owned businesses. For two generations, WLAUMC knew who its neighbors were. It’s not that way anymore. Many of the old time residents either have passed away or moved. Many of the small old homes they lived in have been sold, torn down, and replaced with sleek, expensive, multi-unit condos. The neighbors are a mix of professional young adults, students, and affluent families of a variety of racial ethnic backgrounds. The church is once again asking, who is our neighbor? A lawyer once asked the same question of Jesus after he agreed that we must “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and your neighbor as yourself.” (Luke 10:25-37) The lawyer asked, “And who is my neighbor?” In response, Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan, the point of which is, our neighbor is the one who needs our help. Not necessarily the one who lives next door. Not necessarily the one who looks like us. Not even someone we like! Jesus taught that it is more important to love our neighbor than to ask who our neighbor is. Loving our neighbor could be as simple as helping a senior find their car at the mall. Or patronizing a locally owned business. Or welcoming the stranger who appears at worship. It could mean contributing to relief aid for those affected by the recent hurricanes and earthquakes. When we help those needing assistance, we are loving our neighbor and fulfilling God’s greatest commandment. In Christ,

Rev. Gary

Our Mission Statement

Our Mission is to promote

spiritual growth—Building a

community of faith and making

disciples of Christ by reaching

out with compassion,

forgiveness and love. At West LA

UMC, building a community of

faith is what we are about.

We pray for those seeking healing and comfort:

(Please contact Church Office for this information)

We give thanks to God and rejoice for:

(Please contact the Church Office for this infor-mation)

Please keep these persons in your prayers and contact them with your well wishes:

(Please contact the Church Office for this information)

Prayers

Prayers for members & friends

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Asian Cultural Festival

Saturday, September 16.

Perfect weather and incredible volunteers made for a fabulous 2017 Asian Cultural Festival.

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9:30 AM Worship Services In October

Bring your family and friends to worship and fellowship on Sunday mornings. October 1 One Service at 10:30 AM Family Worship and Communion, followed by a Potluck Luncheon. Rev. Becky Hirata preaching. Text: Exodus 17:1-7

October 8 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: Exodus 16:1-18 Theme: God provides even when there is grumbling.

October 15 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-21 Theme: God’s call can be a terrible burden.

October 22 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Test: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; and Psalm 51:10-14 Theme: God does not look at outward appearances, but God looks on the heart.

October 29 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Text: 1 Kings 5:1-5;8:1-13 Theme: God’s sanctuary is a holy place.

Ohana 2.0 - "Use Your Words" Part II:

Mindful Reflection and Writing for Parents

October 14, 10:00 AM—1:00 PM

As the parent or family member of a young child, how often are you asked the question: "Why?" -- usually at the most inopportune time! When we rush an "I'll tell you later" just to get out the door, we lose a precious opportunity to reflect, share, and connect. Our willingness and ability to answer the "why" questions affirms a child's God-given curiosity, builds a foundation of trust, and sets the stage for the exploration of faith.

Join us as we continue the "Use Your Words" mindful writing series to reflect on these "why" questions in an unhurried spiritual way. The workshop will begin with names -- why did you give your child his/her name -- and stretch from there. Bring your laptop, tablet, journal or writing materials.

Facilitated by Jeri Okamoto-Tanaka (JOT Workshops), a Certified Life Legacies writing instructor, Amherst Writers & Artists Affiliate, UMC Certified Lay Servant and, most importantly, a WLAUMC Ohana 1.0 parent of two young adult daughters. No writing experience necessary. Parents, grandparents, and others welcome!

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Participants in July’s Origami Lesson for Kids and Parents, led by Miki Oba Mitchell, learned to make Ninja stars, helmets and swords.

Origami Ninjas

Narrative Lectionary Readings for October

The following readings serve as the foundation for the Sunday morning 9:30 Worship Service. By reading these scripture lessons during the week, you can prepare your heart and mind for Sunday worship.

Broadway Benefit Concert

Join us for West LA UMC’s Broadway show on Sunday, October 22, at 2:30 pm, featuring music from The Sound of Music, Les Miserablés, Godspell, and more! Tickets can be purchased after worship with a suggested donation of $10.00. All proceeds will go to UMCOR to aid in disaster relief efforts. We can’t wait to see you there!

The sun is shining it’s a lovely day, The perfect afternoon to see a play!

You’ll want to make sure that you stay for

Broadway at West LA!

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Ethnic Ministerial Scholarship Awardees The Scholarship Committee has selected two ministerial students to receive this year's J.K. Sasaki-Harry Murakami Ethnic Ministerial Scholarships. The first awardee is Ms. Jessica Miyeko Kawamura. She is a full-time student at Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She is starting her second year in the Master's of Divinity program. Her home church is Berkeley United Methodist Church in Berkeley, CA. During school she attends the New Church UMC in Atlanta. Her GPA currently is 3.6, and she plans to graduate in May, 2019. She plans to be a local church pastor at a church on the West Coast. Ms. Kawamura is deeply committed to the Japanese-American community. The second awardee is Ms. Colleen Kiyoko Tani. Ms. Tani is seeking a Master's of Divinity degree at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, CA. She just completed her second year. Ms. Tani's spiritual formation started at Centenary UMC through Sunday School, youth programs, and Asian Camp. After completing her master's degree, Colleen wants to serve as a chaplain, spiritual director or parish minister. Her professor, Dr. Maia, states "her work as a student is nothing short of remarkable and her future in ministry is extremely promising." Ms. Tani plans to obtain her master's degree in May or August of 2018. She has a GPA of 4.0. Her current church is Buena Vista UMC in Alameda, CA.

October 1 Exodus 17:1-7

October 8 Exodus 16:1-18

October 15 1 Samuel 3:1-

21

October 22 1 Samuel 16:1-

13; Psalm

51:10-14

October 29 1 Kings 5:1-5:

8:1-13

General Budget


Stewardship Report

Coming up

World Communion Sunday Joint Worship followed by Potluck Sunday, October 1 10:30 AM, Sanctuary.

Bell Choir Rehearsal Sunday, October 8 11:15 AM, Room 6.

Ohana: Families with Young Children Saturday, October 14 10:00 AM, Social Hall.

Volunteering Opportunity Fair Saturday, October 14 2:00 PM, Courtyard. To remove the barriers between eager volunteers and volunteering opportunities.

Broadway Concert Sunday, October 22 2:30 PM, Sanctuary.

Japanese Film Night “Hachiko” Friday, October 27 7:30 PM, Sanctuary.

Origami Lesson for Kids and Parents Saturday, October 28 10:00 AM, Social Hall.

All Church Halloween Party Saturday, October 28 6:00 PM, Social Hall.

UMW General Meeting Saturday, October 21, 10:00AM — 1:00 PM, Sanctuary

All from Circle’s members are encouraged to attend the United Methodist women General Meeting on Saturday, October 21, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM in the Learning Center. After a short business meeting, member Grace Seto will speak about

the book she wrote a few years ago, Nisei Mom and Issei Daddy. The

meeting will conclude with lunch prepared by Kathi Yamazaki and the

Committee.

All member should RSVP to your respective Circle Liaison by October

14. Non-members are welcome to attend; please contact Midori in the

church office for more information or questions.

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Café Aloha Senior Lunch

“Hachiko” “Hachi-ko Monogatari” Friday, October 27, 7:30 PM, Sanctuary Our last film of 2017 is the multi-award winning original film, directed by Seijiro Koyama, based on the true story of Tokyo University professor, Hidesaburo Ueno and his beloved and loyal Akita, Hachiko. Hachiko became famous waiting for his master’s arrival on the four o’clock train in the same place at the station every day, no

matter the season or weather; even after the professor’s death at work, Hachiko continued his vigil until his own death nine years later. In color, 107 minutes, made in 1987.

Saturday, October 7, 11:00 AM Social Hall

The last Café Aloha of the year will take

place on Saturday October 7, at 11:00 AM. All

church seniors and a friend from the

community are welcome to attend this free lunch and

music program led by Rev. Becky. Please RSVP on the

sheet in the Social Hall.

Japanese Film Night



Special Offerings

Memorial Offerings

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「六一と安子の小児園」

「六一と安子の小児園」という本が出版された。9月30日（土）には出版記念講演会がトーラ

ンスである。

安子の父親はアメリカに来て、農場を季節ごとに渡り歩く移民者一世。母が死に、父は安子

をメキシコ人の家族に月15ドルで預けた。ある日、安子の近くのストーブがひっくり返り、

大やけどを負った。医者に連れて行くことなく、安子は指を7本なくしてしまった。何も知ら

ない父親は娘安子に会いに来た時、ショックを受け、もう娘に会いに来ることもなかった。

そして、送金はなくなった。安子は邪魔な存在になり、家族は左足首にロープを巻き付けて

動けないようにした。足には大きな傷跡がある。

ベビーカーに安子を入れてメキシコ人家族の娘は登校し、放課後まで、学校の校舎の脇に放

置。このメキシコ人移民区の小学校の先生が、一日中泣いている日本人の赤ちゃんを保護す

るようにアレンジした。

安子は日本人移民の子供の施設「小児園」をしていた六一に救われた。安子は六一の娘とし

て育てられた。

小児園は、家庭的なハウス。普通、体罰があり、お仕置きとして食事も与えないらしい。し

かし、SocialWorkerが言うには、小児園は「これほど秩序のない施設はほかにない。しかし、

子供達は幸せそうで、清潔な服装をしている。」

毎朝、礼拝で一日が始まるイエス様の優しい愛を受ける優しい家であった。安子は六一から

イエス様を信じる事を教えられ、主のため、人のために生きることを教えられた。

父、六一が作った小児園を助け、自分も中国に行って、同じように小児園をスタートした。

中傷を受けても子供に愛情を注いで教育した。手を洗って、座ってたべる。歯を磨く。顔を

洗う。という大事な教育である。

安子は自分を捨てた親を赦せない。と思っていたか。育児放棄をして、指7本をなくした、あ

のメキシコのファミリーを赦せない。と思っていたか。中国で意地悪をしてきた人たちを赦

せない。と思っていたか。そう思う人ではなかった。それ以上に主に対する感謝を忘れな

い、主の優しい心を与えられ生きた。神様に対して、自分の罪は赦されたという感謝の気持

ちを忘れない人であった。

The Book called “Rokuichi & Yasuko’s Shonien” was published in Japan. On Sept.30, we will hold a presentation day on “Shonien” in Torrance. “Shonien” was the orphanage started by Rokuichi in LA in 1914. It was a very warm children’s home. Yasuko was a special baby to Rokuichi. He adopted her and raised her as his daughter. Yasuko was abandoned by her father, neglected by the foster parents, and lost 7 of her fingers as a baby. But, Rokuichi taught her to believe in Jesus and love the Lord Jesus & others. With God’s grace, Yasuko grew up as very loving & kind person and even established “Shonien” in China! “Shonien” is a legacy of Issei & Nisei. May this book be utilized to share God’s love in our community.

Rev. Becky Hirata 平田

JAPANESE MINISTRY

日本語部スケジュール

10/1 10時半日英合同礼拝

12時ポットラックランチ

10/7 11時シニアランチ

10/8 11時日本語礼拝

12時バイブルスタディ






12時祈り会

12時半賛美練習

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You are invited to a

Halloween Party Saturday, October 28, 2017

6:00 – 8:00 PM, Social Hall

For children of all ages!

Crafts, Games, Snacks, Costume Parade, Prizes, and So Much Fun!

Donations of candy and treats are appreciated.

For more information or to volun-teer, contact the Church Office.

World Communion Sunday Sunday, October 1, 2017 10:30 One Worship Service 11:30 All Church Potluck

West LA UMC celebrates World Communion Sunday with churches throughout the world.

Come for our One Worship Service at 10:30 AM in English and Japanese.

Stay afterwards for the All Church Potluck in the Social Hall at 11:30 AM. Bring a dish to share and enjoy lunch with friends.

Documents

West LA Connections