West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, February 28, 2016 worship 

Pastor:  Rev. Teresa Thompson Sherrill     wtucrev@gmail.com

9:30 AM – Adult Sunday School at the Sacks` using the Swedish method with the sermon`s scriptures, Multigenerational Sunday School in the cafeteria with Kay Zebley.

11:00 AM -  Dr. Wilbert Shenk will bring the sermon, Did I Hear You Say Kingdom? from Matthew 4:12-17; 10:5,7. In his sermon he will be speaking about forgiveness and provide some updates from the West Nickel Mines Amish Schoolhouse tragedy. Kazuko Sacon will lead us on the organ. Our delightful robust fellowship time will be after the service.

***

about the preacher – Wilbert is Senior Professor of Mission History and Contemporary Culture at the School of Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary since 1995. He has previous experience as director of the Mission Training Center and associate professor of mission at Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (1990–95); director of the Overseas Ministries Division of the Mennonite Board of Missions (1965–90); and a teacher in Indonesia (1955–59). He has mentored many PhD students in Japan, including our own Mike Sherrill. He will be giving lectures at the Ochanomizu Christian Center on Monday February 29 and Tuesday March 1st at “The 4th Great East Japan Earthquake International Theological Symposium” with the theme of “Being Called ‘Kirisuto-san’ – Revisiting Christian Identity in Post-disaster Japan. All are welcome – Adults 1,000 yen, Students 500 yen.

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

March 6th – Lent 4 Worship, Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion will be served. Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

March 13th – Adult Sunday School, Multigenerational Sunday School, Lent 5 Worship, Charles McJilton of Second Harvest Japan preaching, Youth and friends leading Worship.

March 20th – Lent 6 Palm Sunday Worship, Rev. Dr. Jim Sack preaching, March of the Palms, Communion will be served. Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

March 25th – Good Friday Service at 6:30pm, in the sanctuary.

March 27th – EASTER, Pastor Teresa preaching, Easter Egg Hunt, Robust Easter Fellowship.

***

Little Kidz: Please go with Sammie to learn about the Lord`s Prayer.

Confirmation Class: March 21st at the Bennett`s home – Supper from 6:30. Class from 7pm.

ES/MS Youth: March 18th ES/MS Swim night – 5:30-7:30 at ASIJ; Hosted by the Loveman family.

HS Youth: Gathering cloth to continue with quilting projects, please give your usable material to one of the Youth. Youth and friends leading Worship March 13th.

***

MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL!! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL!! 

We have Multigenerational Sunday School from 9:30AM in the cafeteria the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Who is welcome? All ages. We  will be creating, discussing, playing games, acting out bible stories and more. At the same time, the Sacks host the Adult Sunday School, also at 9:30AM in their living room. The method used is the, “Swedish Bible study method,” interacting with the texts for the service through our own life experiences. Their home is right across the Lutheran Campus from our sanctuary. Best coffee in town = ) Come and enjoy! (At times Adult Sunday School is held in the Upper Room, hosted by Dr. Toshi Sasao, on the 2nd floor above the Sanctuary.) All are welcome. Need more information, contact wtucrev@gmail.com any time = )  Next Sunday Schools – February 28th and March 13th! Easter Egg hunt on March 27th! All friends invited!

***

WTUC  Announcements:  *Questions or concerns?  Feel free to email wtucrev@gmail.com anytime *Please enjoy and refer our website https://wtuc.net/ and FB page (West Tokyo Union Church) to others. Please make any suggestions for additions to the Pastor Teresa and/or Steering Committee. If you’d like to be added to the WTUC church email list, are interested in baptism or membership, please contact Pastor Teresa *If interested in joining the WTUC Prayer Chain, let Pastor Teresa or Prayer Chain Coordinator, Kayo Ozawa, know of your interest. Please submit prayers to wtucrev@gmail.com or Kayo. *Sign up for snacks for fellowship time with Ann or Jill. We appreciate your contributions to our community life!

***

Text for the sermon –

Matthew 4:12-17 (NRSV)

Jesus Begins His Ministry in Galilee

12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 He left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 so that what had been spoken through the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: 15 “Land of Zebulun, land of Naphtali, on the road by the sea, across the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles – 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light, and for those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has dawned.” 17 From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Matthew 10:5,7

5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: “Go nowhere among the Gentiles, and enter no town of the Samaritans, … 7 As you go, proclaim the good news, ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, February 21, 2016 worship 

Pastor:  Rev. Teresa Thompson Sherrill     wtucrev@gmail.com

11:00 AM –  Pastor Teresa will bring the sermon, Light over fear from Psalm 27. Kazuko Sacon will lead us on the organ.  Ruth Ingulsrud will bring the Children`s Message. Communion will be served. Our delightful FELLOWSHIP time will be after the service.

***

beautiful words from St. Anselm (1033-1109) for us today – reminiscent of our lectionary passages for Lent 2

Jesus, as a mother you gather your people to you:

You are gentle with us as a mother with her children;

Often you weep over our sins and our pride:

tenderly you draw us from hatred and judgement.

You comfort us in sorrow and bind up our wounds:

in sickness you nurse us,

and with pure milk you feed us.

Jesus, by your dying we are born to new life:

By your anguish and labour we come forth in joy.

Despair turns to hope through your sweet goodness:

through your gentleness we find comfort in fear.

Your warmth gives life to the dead:

your touch makes sinners righteous.

Lord Jesus, in your mercy heal us:

in your love and tenderness remake us.

In your compassion bring grace and forgiveness:

for the beauty of heaven may your love prepare us.

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

February 28th – Adult Sunday School, Multigenerational Sunday School, Lent 3 Worship, Dr. Wilbert Shenk preaching, organ: Kazuko Sacon.

March 6th – Lent 4 Worship, Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion will be served. Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

March 13th – Adult Sunday School, Multigenerational Sunday School, Lent 5 Worship, Charles McJilton of Second Harvest Japan preaching, Youth and friends leading Worship.

March 20th – Lent 6 Palm Sunday Worship, Rev. Dr. Jim Sack preaching, March of the Palms, Communion will be served. Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

March 25th – Good Friday Service at 6:30pm, in the sanctuary.

March 27th – EASTER, Pastor Teresa preaching, Easter Egg Hunt, Robust Easter Fellowship.

***

Little Kidz: Please remain in the servece and enjoy books and coloring.

Confirmation Class: February 22nd at the Bennett`s home – Supper from 6:30 provided by the Ocheros, Class from 7pm. The theme will be the Prayer/Body of Christ/the Church.

ES/MS Youth: March 18th ES/MS Swim night – 5:30-7:30 at ASIJ; Hosted by the Loveman family.

HS Youth: Gathering cloth to continue with quilting projects, please give your usable material to one of the Youth. Youth and friends leading Worship March 13th.

***

MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL!! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL!! 

We have Multigenerational Sunday School from 9:30AM in the cafeteria  the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Who is welcome? All ages. We will be creating, discussing, playing games, acting out bible stories and more. At the same time, the Sacks host the Adult Sunday School, also at 9:30AM in their living room. The method used is the, “Swedish Bible study method,” interacting with the texts for the service through our own life experiences. Their home is right across the Lutheran Campus from our sanctuary. Best coffee in town = ) Come and enjoy! (At times Adult Sunday School is held in the Upper Room, hosted by Dr. Toshi Sasao, on the 2nd floor above the Sanctuary.) All are welcome. Need more information, contact wtucrev@gmail.com any time = )  Next Sunday Schools – February 28th and March 13th! Easter Egg hunt on March 27th! All friends invited!

***

WTUC  Announcements:  *Questions or concerns?  Feel free to email wtucrev@gmail.com anytime *Please enjoy and refer our website https://wtuc.net/ and FB page (West Tokyo Union Church) to others. Please make any suggestions for additions to the Pastor Teresa and/or Steering Committee. If you’d like to be added to the WTUC church email list, are interested in baptism or membership, please contact Pastor Teresa *If interested in joining the WTUC Prayer Chain, let Pastor Teresa or Prayer Chain Coordinator, Kayo Ozawa, know of your interest. Please submit prayers to wtucrev@gmail.com or Kayo. *Sign up for snacks for fellowship time with Ann or Jill. We appreciate your contributions to our community life!

***

Text for the sermon – Psalm 27 

1 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When evildoers assail me to devour my flesh— my adversaries and foes— they shall stumble and fall. 3 Though an army encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war rise up against me, yet I will be confident. 4 One thing I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in his temple. 5 For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will set me high on a rock. 6 Now my head is lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord. 7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry aloud, be gracious to me and answer me! 8 “Come,” my heart says, “seek his face!” Your face, Lord, do I seek. 9 Do not hide your face from me. Do not turn your servant away in anger, you who have been my help. Do not cast me off, do not forsake me, O God of my salvation! 10 If my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will take me up. 11 Teach me your way, O Lord, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies. 12 Do not give me up to the will of my adversaries, for false witnesses have risen against me, and they are breathing out violence. 13 I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, February 14, 2016 worship 

Pastor:  Rev. Teresa Thompson Sherrill     wtucrev@gmail.com

9:30 AM – ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL in the Sacks` home

9:30 AM – MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY in the cafeteria with Pastor Teresa

11:00 AM –  Carolyn Morikawa will bring the sermon, Preparing for the Emotional Roller Coasters of Life, sharing encouraging Bible verses from her journey. Carolyn will also share a Children`s Message from John 9:1-7. Steve and Carrie Bennett will be leading us in Praise Music. Our delightful FELLOWSHIP time will be after the service. A Steering Committee meeting will be in the Upper Room following our Fellowship Time.

***

As we cross with Christ into the landscape of Lent and into the mystery that lies ahead of us, may we know at least this about ourselves: that our name, too, is Beloved.

Beloved Is Where We Begin

If you would enter

into the wilderness,

do not begin

without a blessing.

Do not leave

without hearing

who you are:

Beloved,

named by the One

who has traveled this path

before you.

Do not go

without letting it echo

in your ears,

and if you find

it is hard

to let it into your heart,

do not despair.

That is what

this journey is for.

I cannot promise

this blessing will free you

from danger,

from fear,

from hunger

or thirst,

from the scorching

of sun

or the fall

of the night.

But I can tell you

that on this path

there will be help.

I can tell you

that on this way

there will be rest.

I can tell you

that you will know

the strange graces

that come to our aid

only on a road

such as this,

that fly to meet us

bearing comfort

and strength,

that come alongside us

for no other cause

than to lean themselves

toward our ear

and with their

curious insistence

whisper our name:

Beloved.

Beloved.

Beloved.

—Jan Richardson from Circle of Grace

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

February 14th – Adult Sunday School, Multigenerational Sunday School, Carolyn Morikawa preaching, Youth & Friends leading worship music. Steering Committee Meeting.

February 21st – Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion, organ: Kazuko Sacon.

February 28th – Adult Sunday School, Multigenerational Sunday School, Dr. Wilbert Shenk preaching, organ: Kazuko Sacon.

***

Little Kidz: Please go with Oliver to learn about Jesus Walks on Water.

Confirmation Class: February 22nd at the Bennett`s home – Supper from 6:30 provided by the Ocheros, Class from 7pm. The theme will be the Prayer/Body of Christ/the Church.

ES/MS Youth: March 18th ES/MS Swim night – 5:30-7:30 at ASIJ; Hosted by the Loveman family.

HS Youth: Gathering cloth to continue with quilting projects, please give your usable material to one of the Youth.

***

MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL!! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL!! 

We have Multigenerational Sunday School from 9:30AM in the cafeteria  the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Who is welcome? All ages. We will be creating, discussing, playing games, acting out bible stories and more. At the same time, the Sacks host the Adult Sunday School, also at 9:30AM in their living room. The method used is the, “Swedish Bible study method,” interacting with the texts for the service through our own life experiences. Their home is right across the Lutheran Campus from our sanctuary. Best coffee in town = ) Come and enjoy! (At times Adult Sunday School is held in the Upper Room, hosted by Dr. Toshi Sasao, on the 2nd floor above the Sanctuary.) All are welcome. Need more information, contact wtucrev@gmail.com any time = )  Next Sunday Schools – February 14th and 28th!

***

WTUC  Announcements:  *Questions or concerns?  Feel free to email wtucrev@gmail.com anytime *Please enjoy and refer our website https://wtuc.net/ and FB page (West Tokyo Union Church) to others. Please make any suggestions for additions to the Pastor Teresa and/or Steering Committee. If you’d like to be added to the WTUC church email list, are interested in baptism or membership, please contact Pastor Teresa *If interested in joining the WTUC Prayer Chain, let Pastor Teresa or Prayer Chain Coordinator, Kayo Ozawa, know of your interest. Please submit prayers to wtucrev@gmail.com or Kayo. *Sign up for snacks for fellowship time with Ann or Jill. We appreciate your contributions to our community life!

***

Text for the sermon – John 9:1-7 (NRSV)

A Man Born Blind Receives Sight

9 As he walked along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned; he was born blind so that God’s works might be revealed in him. 4 Ww must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When he had said this, he spat on the ground and made mud with the saliva and spread the mud on the man’s eyes, 7 saying to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means Sent). Then he went and washed and came back able to see.

to inaugurate the beginning of Lent

join us for simple soup and worship

Wednesday February 10th, 2016

at the Tang/Lee home

contact wtucrev@gmail.com for directions

or meet at the WTUC parking lot at 5:15pm for a ride

Soup: 5:30pm

bring soup, bread, fruit, salad to share

Service: 6:30pm

including the imposition of ashes

sponsored by West Tokyo Union Church 

11:00 Sunday morning worship

@Lutheran Seminary and College ( Luteru Shingako Daigaku)

3-10-20 Osawa  Mitaka-shi, Tokyo

https://wtuc.net

FB: West Tokyo Union Church

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, February 7, 2016 worship 

Pastor:  Rev. Teresa Thompson Sherrill     wtucrev@gmail.com

11:00 AM –  Pastor Teresa will bring the sermon, Listen to Jesus, from Luke 9:28-36. Communion will be served. Kazuko Sacon will be on the organ. Our delightful FELLOWSHIP time will be after the service.

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

February 10th Ash Wednesday – simple soup supper and Imposition of Ashes service at Ann Tang and Peter Lee`s home, soup: 5:30pm, service: 6:30pm. All are invited. Need directions contact wtucrev@gmail.com  Meet at WTUC parking lot at 5:15pm for a ride over. Please bring your favourite soup, bread, fruit or veggies.

February 14th – Adult Sunday School, Multigenerational Sunday School, Carolyn Morikawa preaching, Youth & Friends leading worship music. 

February 21st – Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion, organ: Kazuko Sacon.

February 28th – Adult Sunday School, Multigenerational Sunday School, Dr. Wilbert Shenk preaching, organ: Kazuko Sacon.

***

Dazzling – A Blessing for Transfiguration Sunday

Believe me, I know

how tempting it is

to remain inside this blessing,

to linger where everything

is dazzling

and clear.

We could build walls

around this blessing,

put a roof over it.

We could bring in

a table, chairs,

have the most amazing meals.

We could make a home.

We could stay.

But this blessing

is built for leaving.

This blessing

is made for coming down

the mountain.

This blessing

wants to be in motion,

to travel with you

as you return

to level ground.

It will seem strange

how quiet this blessing becomes

when it returns to earth.

It is not shy.

It is not afraid.

It simply knows

how to bide its time,

to watch and wait,

to discern and pray

until the moment comes

when it will reveal

everything it knows,

when it will shine forth

with all that it has seen,

when it will dazzle

with the unforgettable light

you have carried

all this way.

http://paintedprayerbook.com/2013/02/03/transfiguration-sunday-dazzling/#sthash.8VdAhd65.dpuf

***

Little Kidz: Please go with Sara to learn about Jesus Heals the Paralyzed Man.

Confirmation Class: Ash Wednesday simple soup and Imposition of Ashes service at Ann, Peter, Emin and Sopheen`s home, soup: 5:30pm, service: 6:30pm.

HS Youth: Gathering cloth to continue with quilting projects, please give your usable material to one of the Youth.  Youth & Friends leading worship music on February 14th.

***

MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL!! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL!! 

We have Multigenerational Sunday School from 9:30AM in the cafeteria  the second and fourth Sundays of the month. Who is welcome? All ages. We will be creating, discussing, playing games, acting out bible stories and more. At the same time, the Sacks host the Adult Sunday School, also at 9:30AM in their living room. The method used is the, “Swedish Bible study method,” interacting with the texts for the service through our own life experiences. Their home is right across the Lutheran Campus from our sanctuary. Best coffee in town = ) Come and enjoy! (At times Adult Sunday School is held in the Upper Room, hosted by Dr. Toshi Sasao, on the 2nd floor above the Sanctuary.) All are welcome. Need more information, contact wtucrev@gmail.com any time = )  Next Sunday Schools – February 14th and 28th!

***

WTUC  Announcements:  *Questions or concerns?  Feel free to email wtucrev@gmail.com anytime *Please enjoy and refer our website https://wtuc.net/ and FB page (West Tokyo Union Church) to others. Please make any suggestions for additions to the Pastor Teresa and/or Steering Committee. If you’d like to be added to the WTUC church email list, are interested in baptism or membership, please contact Pastor Teresa *If interested in joining the WTUC Prayer Chain, let Pastor Teresa or Prayer Chain Coordinator, Kayo Ozawa, know of your interest. Please submit prayers to wtucrev@gmail.com or Kayo. *Sign up for snacks for fellowship time with Ann or Jill. We appreciate your contributions to our community life!

***

Text for the sermon – Luke 9:28-36

28Now about eight days after these sayings Jesus took with him Peter and John and James, and went up on the mountain to pray. 29And while he was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and his clothes became dazzling white. 30Suddenly they saw two men, Moses and Elijah, talking to him. 31They appeared in glory and were speaking of his departure, which he was about to accomplish at Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and his companions were weighed down with sleep; but since they had stayed awake, they saw his glory and the two men who stood with him. 33Just as they were leaving him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; let us make three dwellings, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah” —not knowing what he said. 34While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were terrified as they entered the cloud. 35Then from the cloud came a voice that said, “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him!” 36When the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. And they kept silent and in those days told no one any of the things they had seen.