West Tokyo Union Church Weekly – Sunday, June 26, 2016 worship

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

9:30 AM – Adult and Multigenerational Sunday School (Adult in the back of the cafeteria facilitated by Carolyn Morikawa, and Multigenerational in the front of the cafeteria facilitated by Pastor Teresa.) All are welcome!!!

11:00 AM – Pastor Teresa will bring the Message “In your presence is fullness of joy” from Psalm 16. Ruth Ingulrud will delight us with the Children`s Message. Kazuko Sacon will lead the worship on the organ. Mark Hisamatsu will be our liturgist. Our delightful robust fellowship time will be after the service.

***

words for encouragement this week

Come, bless the Lord, in whom we find our refuge and safety.

You are our God; all the good things come from You alone.

Come, bless the Lord, who gives us a rich inheritance,

and surrounds us with abundance.

You are our God; our lives are in your hands.

Come, bless the Lord, who guides us on the path to eternal life,

whose presence strengthens and sustains us.

You are our God; we will not be shaken. Let’s worship God together!

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

June 26th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Last Sunday worship of the 2015-16 church year. Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time. Worship at WTUC will start up again on September 4th, 2016.

***

MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL!! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL!! on June 26th. 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 facilitated by Pastor Teresa. At the same time, there Adult Sunday School, also at 9:30AM in the cafeteria. The method used is the, “Swedish Bible study method,” interacting with the texts for the service through our own life experiences. Come and enjoy! All are welcome. Need more information, contact wtucrev@gmail.com any time = ) BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING Adult Sunday School will be held from the fall. 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 16 (NRSV)

Song of Trust and Security in God – A Miktam of David.

1 Protect me, O God, for in you I take refuge.

2 I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord;

    I have no good apart from you.”

3 As for the holy ones in the land, they are the noble,

    in whom is all my delight.

4 Those who choose another god multiply their sorrows;

    their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out

    or take their names upon my lips.

5 The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup;

    you hold my lot.

6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

    I have a goodly heritage.

7 I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;

    in the night also my heart instructs me.

8 I keep the Lord always before me;

    because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.

9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices;

    my body also rests secure.

10 For you do not give me up to Sheol,

    or let your faithful one see the Pit.

11 You show me the path of life.

    In your presence there is fullness of joy;

    in your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly – Sunday, June 19, 2016 worship

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

9:30 AM – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School (no multigenerational Sunday School this week) in the Sacks` living room – best coffee in town = ) All are welcome!!!

11:00 AM – Pastor Teresa will bring the Message “a sound of sheer silence” from 1 Kings 19. Carolyn Morikawa will delight us with the Children`s Message. Kazuko Sacon will lead the worship on the organ. Betsy Terada will be our liturgist. Communion will be served with healing ministers ready to pray for you. We will have a blessing for our Father`s/Caregiver`s. Our delightful robust fellowship time will be after the service.

***

words for encouragement this week

At the corner of disarray and emptiness,

you came, Hesed God, passing by

as creation sprang forth out of the sheer silence:

   splitting valleys to push up mountains,

   breaking planets into moons,

   pouring waters into seas.

All this was for those shaped in your image,

   but we threw down your hopes,

   leaving you alone as we

   forsook you for sin and death.

Prophets came proclaiming your word

so we could hear, that in hearing

we might believe, and in believing

we could call on you,

   but we refused to listen.

Unwilling to give up on us,

you sent Jesus to us,

coming into all our broken places.

With those who confess you with their lips,

with those who believe in their hearts,

we sing our praises to you:

Holy, holy, holy, God who does not forsake us.

All creation worships and praises you.

Hosanna in the highest!

***

a new study opportunity …

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ~ How to Have an Intentional Healing Ministry in Your Church 

By James K. Wagner

9:30-10:30am, non-Multi-Generational Sunday mornings – (6/19 and continuing into the fall) @ Sack house.

We will be studying the Sacramental Model of Healing Ministry, using this book by Methodist pastor James Wagner. Dr. Wagner helps us to see healing prayers as a natural outcome of the church, inspired by the compassion of our Lord who wills goodness to each person in both general and specific ways. Any genuine ministry is concerned with encouraging and helping others, not on building up oneself or one’s group. It is centered in the Word of God. 

Let us explore together such questions as: “What is the sacramental healing ministry of the Church?” “What about when healing doesn’t seem to happen?” “What is the significance of forgiveness?” and many other questions. 

We will continue this study over a few months, reading the text out loud together and discussing as we go along. Feel free to join whether or not you have had any prior connections with the healing ministry. 

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

June 19th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Children`s Message: Carolyn Morikawa; Father`s/Caregiver`s Sunday, Fellowship time.

June 26th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Last Sunday worship of the 2015-16 church year. Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Children`s Message: Ruth Ingulsrud; Fellowship time. Worship at WTUC will start up again on September 4th, 2016.

***

MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL!! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL!! on June 26th. 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 facilitated by Pastor Teresa. At the same time, there Adult Sunday School, also at 9:30AM in the cafeteria. The method used is the, “Swedish Bible study method,” interacting with the texts for the service through our own life experiences. Come and enjoy! All are welcome. Need more information, contact wtucrev@gmail.com any time = ) BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING Adult Sunday School also at the Sack`s on June 19th, and into the autumn. 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 – 1 Kings 19:1-15 

1 Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and how he had killed all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So may the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life like the life of one of them by this time tomorrow.” 3 Then he was afraid; he got up and fled for his life, and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah; he left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: “It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.” 5 Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, “Get up and eat.” 6 He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank, and lay down again. 7 The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” 8 He got up, and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God. 9 At that place he came to a cave, and spent the night there. Then the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 11 He said, “Go out and stand on the mountain before the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by.” Now there was a great wind, so strong that it was splitting mountains and breaking rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire; and after the fire a sound of sheer silence. 13 When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his mantle and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. Then there came a voice to him that said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 He answered, “I have been very zealous for the Lord, the God of hosts; for the Israelites have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword. I alone am left, and they are seeking my life, to take it away.” 15 Then the Lord said to him, “Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus; when you arrive, you shall anoint Hazael as king over Aram.

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, June 12, 2016 worship

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

9:30 AM – Adult Sunday School in the back of the cafeteria facilitated by Carolyn Morikawa and Multigenerational in the front of the cafeteria with Pastor Teresa.

11:00 AM – Pastor Teresa will bring the Message “Showing Great Love” from Luke 7. Ruth Ingulsrud will delight us with the Children`s Message. Kazuko Sacon will lead the worship on the organ. Our delightful robust fellowship time will be after the service.

words for encouragement this week

Creator, Builder, Architect, Designer—You are always making something new in us, and in the world around us. Open our hearts to knowing You in a new way, to experiencing Your love in a new way, and in sharing Your love in new ways. May we be open hearted and open minded to know that You are far beyond what we can imagine, far beyond whatever walls we try to construct, for You are always beyond the bounds of our limitations. Open our hearts to have no boundaries, no walls, and no limits. In the name of Christ, who has blown the lid off of the box of life and death, we pray. Amen.

http://rev-o-lution.org/2016/06/03/worship-resources-for-june-12th-2016-fourth-sunday-after-pentecost/

***

Mark`s Natsumikan Marmalade

Thank you for purchasing Mark Hisamatsu`s 20 jars of delicious homemade marmalade! 10,500 yen was raised for WTUC`s long term budget.

***

a new study opportunity …

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ~ How to Have an Intentional Healing Ministry in Your Church 

By James K. Wagner

9:30-10:30am, non-Multi-Generational Sunday mornings – upcoming dates – (6/19 and continuing into the fall) @ Sack house.

We will start a study about the Sacramental Model of Healing Ministry, using this book by Methodist pastor James Wagner. Dr. Wagner helps us to see healing prayers as a natural outcome of the church, inspired by the compassion of our Lord who wills goodness to each person in both general and specific ways. Any genuine ministry is concerned with encouraging and helping others, not on building up oneself or one’s group. It is centered in the Word of God. 

Let us explore together such questions as: “What is the sacramental healing ministry of the Church?” “What about when healing doesn’t seem to happen?” “What is the significance of forgiveness?” and many other questions. 

We will continue this study over a few months, reading the text out loud together and discussing as we go along. Feel free to join whether or not you have had any prior connections with the healing ministry. 

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

June 12th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time.

June 19th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time.

June 26th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Last Sunday worship of the 2015-16 church year. Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time. Worship at WTUC will start up again on September 4th, 2016.

***

MULTIGENERATIONAL SUNDAY SCHOOL!! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL!! on June 12th and 26th. 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 facilitated by Pastor Teresa. At the same time, there Adult Sunday School, also at 9:30AM in the cafeteria. The method used is the, “Swedish Bible study method,” interacting with the texts for the service through our own life experiences. Come and enjoy! All are welcome. Need more information, contact wtucrev@gmail.com any time = ) BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING Adult Sunday School also at the Sack`s on June 19th, and into the autumn. 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 – Luke 7:36-50

36One of the Pharisees asked Jesus to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee’s house and took his place at the table. 37And a woman in the city, who was a sinner, having learned that he was eating in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of ointment. 38She stood behind him at his feet, weeping, and began to bathe his feet with her tears and to dry them with her hair. Then she continued kissing his feet and anointing them with the ointment. 39Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what kind of woman this is who is touching him—that she is a sinner.” 40Jesus spoke up and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” “Teacher,” he replied, “Speak.” 41“A certain creditor had two debtors; one owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42When they could not pay, he canceled the debts for both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” 43Simon answered, “I suppose the one for whom he canceled the greater debt.” And Jesus said to him, “You have judged rightly.” 44Then turning toward the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has bathed my feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. 45You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. 47Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which were many, have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love. But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.” 48Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49But those who were at the table with him began to say among themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?” 50And he said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, June 5, 2016 worship

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

9:30 AM – Blessed to be a Blessing series! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL (in the Sack`s living room) – facilitated by Karen, Carol and Jim. No materials needed, join when you can throughout the study, and this book study will continue in the autumn. (6/5 and 6/19, and then into the fall – see below for more details

11:00 AM – Carol Sack will bring the Message “From Hole to Whole” from Isaiah 53, Psalm 30, James 5 and Luke 7. Sammie, our 2016 graduate will share with us her future plans. Youth and friends will lead us in worship. Communion will be served with Carol playing the harp. During our delightful robust Fellowship Time after the service, the Hoskins family will share a special treat to celebrate their dear Sammie.

***

words for encouragement this week

Strangers meet.

Oil and grain turn to bread.

The sick are healed.

The weary are lifted up.

The prisoners are set free.

The everyday becomes a miracle.

This is God’s work.

We are its witnesses.

Let us worship God.

~ http://www.ministrymatters.com/worship/tag/prayers#axzz2TrliqFM6

***

about the preacher – Carol grew up in Minnesota. She has lived in Japan for over 30 years as a missionary of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.) She directs Lyra Precaria, a ministry of pastoral harp, and teaches a class on “Sense-Able Spirituality” at the Japan Lutheran Seminary together with her husband Jim. Jim and Carol are parents of Jonathan, Bethany and Emily, and love being grandparents of Kaya (4) and Nina (2) who live blessedly close by.

***

Mark`s Natsumikan Marmalade

Thank you for purchasing Mark Hisamatsu`s 20 jars of delicious homemade marmalade! 10,500 yen was raised for WTUC`s long term budget.

***

a new study opportunity …

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ~ How to Have an Intentional Healing Ministry in Your Church 

By James K. Wagner

9:30-10:30am, non-Multi-Generational Sunday mornings – upcoming dates – (5/29, 6/5 and 6/19) @ Sack house. This Sunday School will continue on in the fall.

We will start a study about the Sacramental Model of Healing Ministry, using this book by Methodist pastor James Wagner. Dr. Wagner helps us to see healing prayers as a natural outcome of the church, inspired by the compassion of our Lord who wills goodness to each person in both general and specific ways. Any genuine ministry is concerned with encouraging and helping others, not on building up oneself or one’s group. It is centered in the Word of God. 

Let us explore together such questions as: “What is the sacramental healing ministry of the Church?” “What about when healing doesn’t seem to happen?” “What is the significance of forgiveness?” and many other questions. 

We will continue this study over a few months, reading the text out loud together and discussing as we go along. Feel free to join whether or not you have had any prior connections with the healing ministry. 

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

June 5th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Carol Sack preaching, Communion will be served, Graduate Sunday, Youth and friends will lead the worship. A sweet will be prepared by the Hoskins’ family to celebrate Sammie`s graduation!!!

June 12th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time.

June 19th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time.

June 26th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Last Sunday worship of the 2015-16 church year. Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time. Worship at WTUC will start up again on September 4th, 2016.

***

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 facilitated by Pastor Teresa. 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 = ) BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING Adult Sunday School also at the Sack`s June 5th and June 19th. 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!

***

Texts for the sermon from

***Isaiah 53:1-5, Psalm 30, James 5:16-18, Luke 7: 11-17 (NRSV)***

Isaiah 53:1-5

1 Who has believed what we have heard?

    And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?

2 For he grew up before him like a young plant,

    and like a root out of dry ground;

he had no form or majesty that we should look at him,

    nothing in his appearance that we should desire him.

3 He was despised and rejected by others;

    a man of suffering and acquainted with infirmity;

and as one from whom others hide their faces

    he was despised, and we held him of no account.

4 Surely he has borne our infirmities

    and carried our diseases;

yet we accounted him stricken,

    struck down by God, and afflicted.

5 But he was wounded for our transgressions,

    crushed for our iniquities;

upon him was the punishment that made us whole,

    and by his bruises we are healed.

Psalm 30

I will extol you, O Lord, for you have drawn me up,

    and did not let my foes rejoice over me.

2 O Lord my God, I cried to you for help,

    and you have healed me.

3 O Lord, you brought up my soul from Sheol,

    restored me to life from among those gone down to the Pit.[a]

4 Sing praises to the Lord, O you his faithful ones,

    and give thanks to his holy name.

5 For his anger is but for a moment;

    his favor is for a lifetime.

Weeping may linger for the night,

    but joy comes with the morning.

6 As for me, I said in my prosperity,

    “I shall never be moved.”

7 By your favor, O Lord,

    you had established me as a strong mountain;

you hid your face;

    I was dismayed.

8 To you, O Lord, I cried,

    and to the Lord I made supplication:

9 “What profit is there in my death,

    if I go down to the Pit?

Will the dust praise you?

    Will it tell of your faithfulness?

10 Hear, O Lord, and be gracious to me!

    O Lord, be my helper!”

11 You have turned my mourning into dancing;

    you have taken off my sackcloth

    and clothed me with joy,

12 so that my soul may praise you and not be silent.

    O Lord my God, I will give thanks to you forever.

James 5:16-18

16 Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. 18 Then he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the earth yielded its harvest.

Luke 7: 11-17

11 Soon afterwards he went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went with him. 12 As he approached the gate of the town, a man who had died was being carried out. He was his mother’s only son, and she was a widow; and with her was a large crowd from the town. 13 When the Lord saw her, he had compassion for her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 Then he came forward and touched the bier, and the bearers stood still. And he said, “Young man, I say to you, rise!” 15 The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 Fear seized all of them; and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen among us!” and “God has looked favorably on his people!” 17 This word about him spread throughout Judea and all the surrounding country.

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, May 29, 2016 worship

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

9:30 AM – Blessed to be a Blessing series STARTS! ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL (in the Sack`s living room) – facilitated by Karen, Carol and Jim. No materials needed, join when you can throughout the study, and this book study will continue in the autumn. (5/29, 6/5 and 6/19)

11:00 AM – Rev. Dr. Jim Sack will bring the Message “Come, But Please Don’t Come” from Luke 7 and Galations 1. Kazuko Sacon will lead us in worship on the organ. Our delightful robust Fellowship Time will be after the service. Following the Fellowship time will be a Steering Committee meeting in the Upper Room.

***

powerful words for encouragement this week

O Spirit, help us so to serve you, that all the world might hear and rejoice in the greatness of your name:

Lord of hosts, God of gods, Ruler of glory, Judge of earth, Lover of justice, Avenger of wrong;

Upholder of life, Lifter of heads, Parent to the orphan, Protector of the weak; Maker, Savior, Redeemer, Deliverer, Helper, Shepherd, Keeper, Midwife, sheltering Wings, forgiving God!

O Spirit, help us so to serve you, that all the world might hear and rejoice in the greatness of your love:

The love that opens, stretches forth, anoints, lifts up, rescues, saves;

The love that leads, abides, receives our spirits, helps, holds our times;

The love that holds the cup of agony—a strong love, exalted, high, but forgotten! O Spirit, help us so to serve you, that all the world might hear and rejoice in the greatness of your love:

The love that creates the heavens and earth and all who — dwell therein, that performs great signs and wonders;

The love that rules, that triumphs, that scatters the wicked and makes them still;

The love that brings slaves out of bondage, that gathers the lambs and all who are scattered, the love that is bared before all the nations!

***

about the preacher – Jim and Carol Sack have been long term missionaries in Japan with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Japan since 1982. Jim teaches clinical psychology classes in the undergraduate and graduate school as well as pastoral counseling classes in the seminary. Carol is director of “Lyra Precaria,” a ministry that provides harp music and voice at the bedside of the dying. 

***

Mark`s Natsumikan Marmalade – Thank you for purchasing Mark Hisamatsu`s 20 jars of delicious homemade marmalade! 10,500 yen was raised for WTUC`s long term budget.

***

a new study opportunity is coming …

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ~ How to Have an Intentional Healing Ministry in Your Church 

By James K. Wagner

9:30-10:30am, non-Multi-Generational Sunday mornings – upcoming dates – (5/29, 6/5 and 6/19) @ Sack house. This Sunday School will continue on in the fall.

We will start a study about the Sacramental Model of Healing Ministry, using this book by Methodist pastor James Wagner. Dr. Wagner helps us to see healing prayers as a natural outcome of the church, inspired by the compassion of our Lord who wills goodness to each person in both general and specific ways. Any genuine ministry is concerned with encouraging and helping others, not on building up oneself or one’s group. It is centered in the Word of God. 

Let us explore together such questions as: “What is the sacramental healing ministry of the Church?” “What about when healing doesn’t seem to happen?” “What is the significance of forgiveness?” and many other questions. 

We will continue this study over a few months, reading the text out loud together and discussing as we go along. Feel free to join whether or not you have had any prior connections with the healing ministry. 

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

May 29th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Rev. Dr. Jim Sack preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon, Steering Committee meeting following the Fellowship Time.

June 5th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Carol Sack preaching, Communion will be served, Graduate Sunday, Youth and friends will lead the worship. A sweet will be prepared by the Hoskins’ family to celebrate Sammie`s graduation!!!

June 12th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time.

June 19th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time.

June 26th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Last Sunday worship of the 2015-16 church year. Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Fellowship time. Worship at WTUC will start up again on September 4th, 2016.

***

Little Kidz: Please go with Sara and have fun learning about the Sower and the Seed.

ES/MS/HS Youth: Next Youth and friends worship on June 5th – looking for folks to lend their gifts to the service.

***

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 facilitated by Pastor Teresa. 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 = ) BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING Adult Sunday School also at the Sack`s May 29th, June 5th and June 19th. 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!

***

Texts for the sermon from Luke 7:1-10 (NRSV)

Jesus Heals a Centurion’s Servant

7 After Jesus had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 A centurion there had a slave whom he valued highly, and who was ill and close to death. 3 When he heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to him, asking him to come and heal his slave. 4 When they came to Jesus, they appealed to him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy of having you do this for him, 5 for he loves our people, and it is he who built our synagogue for us.” 6 And Jesus went with them, but when he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to say to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof; 7 therefore I did not presume to come to you. But only speak the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I also am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me; and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my slave, ‘Do this,’ and the slave does it.” 9 When Jesus heard this he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, he said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 When those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave in good health.

Galatians 1:1-5 (NRSV)

Salutation

1 Paul an apostle—sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead— 2 and all the members of God’s family who are with me,

To the churches of Galatia:

3 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave himself for our sins to set us free from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, May 22, 2016 worship

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

9:00 AM – Puppeteers please meet to set up, do a sound check and practice.

9:30 AM – Adult Sunday School in the Sack`s living room and Multigenerational in the Cafeteria – we will meet in a back corner or outside as Mitaka Lutheran Church is preparing for their annual bazaar – enjoy shopping after worship = )

11:00 AM – YOUTH SUNDAY Worship Service – Allie Rogers will bring the Message “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life” from John 14. The Puppeteers (Ruth, Emin, Jeremiah, Kai, Oliver, Sara, and Sophia) will delight us with “Grow Where You are Planted.” The young and the young at heart will have a chance to sing “I Just wanna be a Sheep.” Cathy Berghahn will present thank yous to those who have facilitated Christian Formation this year. Youth and friends will lead the worship. There will be a short congregational meeting regarding next year`s budget after the worship. Our delightful robust fellowship time will be after the service. To CELEBRATE our Youth EVERYONE as able please BRING A YUMMY to share = )

***

about the preacher – Allie is a junior at the American School in Japan.  She is a 3-sport varsity athlete that is also the vice president of the student body.  She is actively involved on the leadership team for Abot Kamay, a community service group at ASIJ that helps schools and villages in Thailand.  During the summer, Allie lives in Minnesota with her two brothers and her parents. 

***

a blessing for us this week –

Gathered in this place, let us now scatter, to go into the world with a rush

to share God’s grace with everyone we meet.

Having heard the prayer uttered for us, let us go to live it out,

believing that Jesus is with us, as we bring the fresh breath of hope to others.

Having been touched with the Spirit’s peace, let us go to bring it into our communities,

to bring calm to every trembling heart, to offer light to those in life’s shadows.

In the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

***

Friday the 20th, Amy Harbaugh will be hosting a GAME NIGHT at ASIJ for the ES and MS students (young at heart are welcome too.) Please meet at the ASIJ gate at 6pm. Game night will last till 8pm. Pizza will be served = )

***

Mark`s Natsumikan Marmalade – Thank you for purchasing Mark Hisamatsu`s 20 jars of delicious homemade marmalade! 10,500 yen was raised for WTUC`s long term budget.

***

a new study opportunity is coming …

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ~ How to Have an Intentional Healing Ministry in Your Church 

By James K. Wagner

9:30-10:30, non-Multi-Generational Sunday mornings – upcoming dates – (5/29, 6/5 and 6/19) @ Sack house. This Sunday School will continue on in the fall.

We will start a study about the Sacramental Model of Healing Ministry, using this book by Methodist pastor James Wagner. Dr. Wagner helps us to see healing prayers as a natural outcome of the church, inspired by the compassion of our Lord who wills goodness to each person in both general and specific ways. Any genuine ministry is concerned with encouraging and helping others, not on building up oneself or one’s group. It is centered in the Word of God. 

Let us explore together such questions as: “What is the sacramental healing ministry of the Church?” “What about when healing doesn’t seem to happen?” “What is the significance of forgiveness?” and many other questions. 

We will continue this study over a few months, reading the text out loud together and discussing as we go along. Feel free to join whether or not you have had any prior connections with the healing ministry. 

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

May 20th – 6-8pm Friday night – Game night for ES and MS students – meet at the parking of ASIJ at 6pm. Pizza will be served = )

May 22nd – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Allie Rogers preaching, Puppet Show by Ruth and friends, Youth and friends will lead worship, Congregational meeting after the worship.

May 29th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Rev. Dr. Jim Sack preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon, Steering Committee meeting following the Fellowship Time.

June 5th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Carol Sack preaching, Communion will be served, Graduate Sunday, Youth and friends will lead the worship.

June 12th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

June 19th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

June 26th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Last Sunday worship of the 2015-16 church year. Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Worship at WTUC will start up again on September 4th, 2016.

***

Little Kidz: Please stay in worship and enjoy Youth Worship Sunday.

ES/MS: May 20th – 6-8pm Friday night – GAME NIGHT – meet at the parking of ASIJ at 6pm. Pizza will be served = )

HS Youth: Still working on quilting projects. Next Youth & friends worship on June 5th – looking for folks to lend their gifts to the service.

***

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  – May 22nd! June 12 and 26th – 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 from John 14:1-14

1 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know the way to the place where I am going.” 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you know me, you will know my Father also. From now on you do know him and have seen him.”

8 Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and you still do not know me? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. 11 Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; but if you do not, then believe me because of the works themselves. 12 Very truly, I tell you, the one who believes in me will also do the works that I do and, in fact, will do greater works than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If in my name you ask me for anything, I will do it.

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, May 15, 2016 worship

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

11:00 AM – PENTECOST Worship Service – Pastor Teresa will bring the homily “Hearing the Wind” from Acts 2. Our Confirmands (Aidan, Anna, Emma, Kai, Karen, Ken, Sophia and Tristan) will read their creeds. The Confirmation class will sing Books of the Bible. Singing Communion will be served with Gene Witt as our cantor. Kazuko Sacon will lead us on the organ. Cathy Berghahn will be our liturgist and Mark Hisamatsu will bring our children`s message. Our delightful robust fellowship time of red, orange and blue foods* (symbolizing Pentecost) will be after the service. Pick up a jar of Mark`s Natsumikan Marmalade for 500 yen too, all proceeds go towards WTUC`s budget = ) EVERYONE PLEASE BRING A RED, ORANGE OR BLUE YUMMY TO SHARE DURING FELLOWSHIP TIME.

***

Spirit… spirit… spirit… spirit…

The crunch of word the splash of light the run of water

Spirit… spirit… spirit… spirit…

The breaking of word the flow of light the rush of water

Spirit… spirit… spirit… spirit…

Come Spirit

scoundrel of grace invade and infect us with goosebumps and justice

Come Spirit

spark in the chaos and unstop our ears to the song in creation

Come Spirit

rascal of heaven bring us to the edge of all things created

Come Spirit of grace

Come Spirit of life

Come Spirit of creation

Come now… now… now… now

~ written by Roddy Hamilton, http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws

***

Sunday, May 15th is Pentecost and Confirmation Sunday! Our confirmation class has been studying the foundations of our faith throughout the year, and will share with us their “creed” during this worship. We will have a time of blessing for them, and then we will all take communion together. A robust fellowship time celebrating Pentecost and our confirmands will follow the worship – *EVERYONE, as able, please bring red, orange, yellow finger foods to symbolize fire or blue finger foods, to symbolize the Spirit – invite your friends!

Our confirmand class will be singing the Books of the Bible song, and then the congregation will be invited to JOIN IN – feel free to click and practice so that you can sing along – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENT6HD58yA4

Next Friday the 20th, Amy Harbaugh will be hosting a GAME NIGHT at ASIJ for the ES and MS students. Please meet at the ASIJ gate at 6pm. Game night will last till 8pm. Pizza will be served = )

Then on Sunday, May 22nd will be our annual Graduate Sunday (congratulations Sammie!) and Christian Education Appreciation Sunday. Youth and Friends will be leading the worship this Sunday – see Julie or Allie to lend your talents to the worship music. Ruth Ingulsrud is writing a special puppet play, and Allie is preparing a sermon. Another chance to encourage the Youth of WTUC and invite your friends!

***

Mark`s Natsumikan Marmalade – Mark Hisamatsu made 20 jars of his delicious homemade marmalade for our congregation. He is donating the proceeds towards WTUC`s long term budget. Suggested donation – 500 yen per jar. Enjoy = )

***

a new study opportunity is coming …

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ~ How to Have an Intentional Healing Ministry in Your Church 

By James K. Wagner

9:30-10:30, non-Multi-Generational Sunday mornings – upcoming dates – (5/29, 6/5 and 6/19) @ Sack house. This Sunday School will continue on in the fall.

We will start a study about the Sacramental Model of Healing Ministry, using this book by Methodist pastor James Wagner. Dr. Wagner helps us to see healing prayers as a natural outcome of the church, inspired by the compassion of our Lord who wills goodness to each person in both general and specific ways. Any genuine ministry is concerned with encouraging and helping others, not on building up oneself or one’s group. It is centered in the Word of God. 

Let us explore together such questions as: “What is the sacramental healing ministry of the Church?” “What about when healing doesn’t seem to happen?” “What is the significance of forgiveness?” and many other questions. 

We will continue this study over a few months, reading the text out loud together and discussing as we go along. Feel free to join whether or not you have had any prior connections with the healing ministry. 

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

May 15th – Confirmation Celebration and Pentecost Worship with Pastor Teresa giving a homily, Confirmands will read their “creeds” and sing Books of the Bible, Singing Communion, Organ: Kazuko Sacon, Pentecost Fellowship Time of red, orange and blue treats.

May 20th – 6-8pm Friday night – Game night for ES and MS students – meet at the parking of ASIJ at 6pm. Pizza will be served = )

May 22th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Allie Rogers preaching, Puppet Show by Ruth and friends, Youth and friends will lead worship, Congregational meeting after the worship.

May 29th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Rev. Dr. Jim Sack preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon, Steering Committee meeting following the Fellowship Time.

June 5th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Carol Sack preaching, Communion will be served, Youth and friends will lead the worship.

June 12th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

June 19th – Blessed to be a Blessing Adult Sunday School, Pastor Teresa preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

June 26th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Last Sunday worship of the 2015-16 church year. Pastor Teresa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Worship at WTUC will start up again on September 4th, 2016.

***

Little Kidz: Please stay in worship and enjoy the Confirmands creeds and Pentecost worship.

ES/MS: May 20th – 6-8pm Friday night – GAME NIGHT – meet at the parking of ASIJ at 6pm. Pizza will be served = )

HS Youth: Still working on quilting projects. Next Youth & friends worship on May 22nd and June 5th – looking for folks to lend their gifts to the service. Please grab a snack and meet after the worship on the 15th to practice the puppet show. Please come at 9am (puppeteers) and 9:30 on the 22nd for a final practice. Bring your scripts please to practices.

***

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  – May 8th and 22nd! June 12 and 26th – 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 from Acts 2

1When the day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place. 2And suddenly from heaven there came a sound like the rush of a violent wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues, as of fire, appeared among them, and a tongue rested on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability.

…22“You that are Israelites, listen to what I have to say: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with deeds of power, wonders, and signs that God did through him among you, as you yourselves know— 23this man, handed over to you according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of those outside the law. 24But God raised him up, having freed him from death, because it was impossible for him to be held in its power.

…37Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and to the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” 38Peter said to them, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ so that your sins may be forgiven; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

…41So those who welcomed his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand persons were added. 42They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common; 45they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, 47praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly Sunday, May 8, 2016 worship

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

9:30 AM – Multigenerational (in the cafeteria with Pastor Teresa) and Adult (in the Upper Room with Dr. Toshi Sasao facilitating) Sunday School.

11:00 AM – Worship Service – Rev. Dr. Mike Sherrill will bring the sermon “Got a light?” from Psalm 27.  Kazuko Sacon will lead us on the organ and Carrie Bennett as our liturgist. Please enjoy Fujiko Nielson`s Easter Season art installation. Our delightful robust fellowship time will be after the service. After the fellowship time will be a Steering Committee meeting to discuss the upcoming budget.

***

Gracious Light-Bearer,

Into the shadows of our isolation

you speak words of life and community.

Challenger of our lives,

you call us from places we call home

to lead us more deeply into the world you love.

With your gentle, healing touch

you redeem the broken places of our lives

and you heal the wounded places of the earth.

Inspire our worship here this day,

so that we may receive liberation in your word,

and be filled to overflowing

to share your reconciling love throughout the earth.

We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.

~ written by Rev. Elizabeth Dilley, http://www.ucc.org/worship/worship-ways/

***

about the preacher for May 8th: Mike Sherrill is Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies and Chair of Religious Affairs in the School of International Politics, Economics and Communications of Aoyama Gakuin University. His research interests center on ancient spirituality and the role of religion in contemporary society. He is ordained in the Mennonite Church and has served in Japan in church ministry and Christian higher education for over twenty years. With regard to hobbies he trades in pen and paper for wrenches and power tools to grapple with projects in car repair and home improvement. He is the husband of Pastor Teresa, and dad of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Sophia – & Moses the super dog.

***

Next Sunday, May 15th is Pentecost and Confirmation Sunday! Our confirmation class has been studying the foundations of our faith throughout the year, and will share with us their “creed” during this worship. We will have a time of blessing for them, and then we will all take communion together. A robust fellowship time celebrating Pentecost and our confirmands will follow the worship – everyone, as able, please bring red, orange, yellow finger foods to symbolize fire or blue finger foods, to symbolize the Spirit – invite your friends!

The following Sunday, May 22nd will be our annual Graduate Sunday (congratulations Sammie!) and Christian Education Appreciation Sunday. Youth and Friends will be leading the worship this Sunday – see Julie or Allie to lend your talents to the worship music. Ruth Ingulsrud is writing a special puppet play, and Allie is preparing a sermon. Another chance to encourage the Youth of WTUC and invite your friends!

***

a new study opportunity is coming …

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ~ How to Have an Intentional Healing Ministry in Your Church 

By James K. Wagner

9:30-10:30, non-Multi-Generational Sunday mornings – upcoming dates – (5/29, 6/5 and 6/19) @ Sack house. This Sunday School will continue on in the fall.

We will start a study about the Sacramental Model of Healing Ministry, using this book by Methodist pastor James Wagner. Dr. Wagner helps us to see healing prayers as a natural outcome of the church, inspired by the compassion of our Lord who wills goodness to each person in both general and specific ways. Any genuine ministry is concerned with encouraging and helping others, not on building up oneself or one’s group. It is centered in the Word of God. 

Let us explore together such questions as: “What is the sacramental healing ministry of the Church?” “What about when healing doesn’t seem to happen?” “What is the significance of forgiveness?” and many other questions. 

We will continue this study over a few months, reading the text out loud together and discussing as we go along. Feel free to join whether or not you have had any prior connections with the healing ministry. 

***

Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

May 8th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Rev. Dr. Mike Sherrill preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Mothers/Caregivers celebration. Steering Committee meeting after the Fellowship Time.

May 15th – Confirmation Celebration and Pentecost Worship with Pastor Teresa giving a homily, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

May 22th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Allie Rogers preaching, Puppet Show by Ruth and friends, Youth and friends will lead worship, Congregational meeting after the worship.

May 29th – Rev. Dr. Jim Sack preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

June 5th – Carol Sack preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

***

Little Kidz: Please go with Heather and enjoy learning about The Disciples.

Confirmation Class: Please be praying with the confirmands as they prepare to read their “creeds” and sing the “Books of the Bible” on Pentecost, May 15th.

HS Youth: Still working on quilting projects. Next Youth & friends worship on May 22nd and June 5th – looking for folks to lend their gifts to the service.

***

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  – May 8th and 22nd! 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!

***

Texts 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?

Isaiah 30:15

For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.

Romans 8:31b

If God is for us, who is against us?

Romans 8:38-39

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Luke 12:35-36

35 “Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit; 36 be like those who are waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that they may open the door for him as soon as he comes and knocks.

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, May 1, 2016 worship

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

11:00 AM – Worship Service – Rev. Christian Zebley will bring the sermon “Walking In the New” from Ephesians 4. Kazuko Sacon will lead us on the organ. Communion will be served. WTUC Hymn-Singers will sing. Please enjoy Fujiko Nielson`s Easter Season art installation. Our delightful robust fellowship time will be after the service.

***

God of life

God of hope

God of all

Help us to

to be renewed in the spirit of your minds

and to clothe yourselves with the new self

created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Sustain us

Guide us

Heal us

Then send us

forth into

the world

That we

may love

as you love.

Amen.

~ written (adapted) by Terri, http://revgalblogpals.blogspot.ca/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WTUC Hymn-Singers will practice and lead the congregation in the hymn “More Love to Thee” on Sunday morning. If you like to sing hymns, by all means come to the organside around 10:40 Sunday morning to run through this hymn. It is fun to sing in parts as much as possible, but if you prefer singing melody (lower voices included) that is very much welcome.  

***

about the preacher: The Zebley family lives nearby in Nishi Tokyo. Christian is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and preparing to plant a new church in the Roppongi/Ebisu area of Tokyo in 2016. He is working in partnership with Grace City Church in downtown Tokyo and the City to City Asia network of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in NYC. In 2011, he founded and leads Global Leadership Dynamics. GLD ministers to leaders of diverse backgrounds, creates unity in the Body of Christ and forges partnerships between organizations for Kingdom advancement. <www.globalleading.org.> Christian recently served as the leader of the Co-Labor Follow-Up department for the BGEA Celebration of Hope at the Budokan. He is a graduate of Swarthmore College BA, Princeton Theological Seminary MDiv, and currently working on a DMin in Leadership at Denver Seminary. Kay is a graduate of Wellesley College with a degree in International Relations. She has also studied spiritual direction at San Francisco Theological Seminary.  She leads the Zebley family home school.

***

a new study opportunity is coming

BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING ~ How to Have an Intentional Healing Ministry in Your Church 

By James K. Wagner

9:30-10:30, non-Multi-Generational Sunday mornings – upcoming dates – (5/29, 6/5 and 6/19) @ Sack house. This Sunday School will continue on in the fall.

We will start a study about the Sacramental Model of Healing Ministry, using this book by Methodist pastor James Wagner. Dr. Wagner helps us to see healing prayers as a natural outcome of the church, inspired by the compassion of our Lord who wills goodness to each person in both general and specific ways. Any genuine ministry is concerned with encouraging and helping others, not on building up oneself or one’s group. It is centered in the Word of God. 

Let us explore together such questions as: “What is the sacramental healing ministry of the Church?” “What about when healing doesn’t seem to happen?” “What is the significance of forgiveness?” and many other questions. 

We will continue this study over a few months, reading the text out loud together and discussing as we go along. Feel free to join whether or not you have had any prior connections with the healing ministry. 

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Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

May 1 – Rev. Christian Zebley preaching, Communion will be served. Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

May 8th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Rev. Dr. Mike Sherrill preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon. Mother`s Day celebration.

May 15th – Confirmation and Pentecost worship with Pastor Teresa giving a homily, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

May 22th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Pastor Teresa preaching, Youth and friends will lead worship.

May 29th – Rev. Dr. Jim Sack preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

June 5th – Carol Sack preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

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Little Kidz: Please stay in worship enjoying books and colouring materials.

Confirmation Class: Please be praying with the confirmands as they prepare to read their “creeds” and sing the “Books of the Bible” on Pentecost, May 15th.

HS Youth: Still working on quilting projects. Next Youth & friends worship on 5/22 – looking for folks to lend their gifts to the service.

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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  – May 8th and 22nd! All friends invited!

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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!

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Text for the sermon – Ephesians 4:17-24

17 Now this I affirm and insist on in the Lord: you must no longer live as the Gentiles live, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of their ignorance and hardness of heart. 19 They have lost all sensitivity and have abandoned themselves to licentiousness, greedy to practice every kind of impurity. 20 That is not the way you learned Christ! 21 For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

West Tokyo Union Church Weekly - Sunday, April 24, 2016 worship

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

April 10th – 9:30 AM – Multigenerational (in the cafeteria with Christian and Kay Zebley) and Adult (in the Sack`s living room) Sunday School.

11:00 AM – Worship Service – Hiro Morikawa will bring the sermon “Saved for What?” from 2 Corinthians 5. Carolyn Morikawa will interpret. If you have been wanting to bring a Japanese speaking friend to WTUC – this is a great Sunday to invite them = ) Kazuko Sacon will lead us on the organ. Ruth Ingulsrud will being us the children`s message. Rev. Claudia will bring the Mission Moment. Please enjoy Fujiko Nielson`s Easter Season art installation. Our delightful robust fellowship time will be after the service.

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Prayer (inspired by 2 Corinthians 5: 17)

God of all new things, God of Spring, and fragrant flowers, and

unexpected snow. God of hope and new life, Bless us, we pray, this day.

Creator God from whom all life springs forth, we give You thanks.

Come, one and all, celebrate and rejoice!

Celebrate and rejoice – The old has passed away

Everything has become new!

God of all things passing away, God of old and yesterday, the One who is with us in our despair and fear. God who sighs and weeps, with us,

God who wipes away our tears.

Loving God, we offer up these prayers of concern this day – for those struggling to rebuild lives from natural disasters, and for those recovering from human disasters and those struggling with illness.

Hear us when we pray. Incline your ear to our words,

silent

shouting

cries,

mournful

whispers

stunned

wordless.

Be gentle with our suffering with our sorrows and losses, and especially when our hard hearts close us off to you. Be gentle. Be gentle. O God, be God!

Anoint us with your touch so that the softness of your love can break into our hardness and open us anew.

Anoint us, Holy One and fill us with you loving touch. Fill us that we can touch in your love and fill others. Fill us gently. Fill us.

In all our relationships – With, through, and by Your love becomes

Reconciled.

Celebrate and rejoice – the old has passed away. In you, in your resurrection,

In your life and love, Everything becomes new! Amen.

~ written by the Rev. Terri C. Pilarski http://expansivelanguage.blogspot.ca/

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Upcoming Preaching Ministry and Community Events

April 24 – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Hiro Morikawa preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

May 1 – Rev. Christian Zebley preaching, Communion will be served. Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

May 8th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Rev. Dr. Mike Sherrill preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

May 15th – Confirmation and Pentecost worship with Pastor Teresa giving a homily, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

May 22th – Multigenerational and Adult Sunday Schools, Pastor Teresa preaching, Youth and friends will lead worship.

May 29th – Rev. Dr. Jim Sack preaching, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

June 5th – Carol Sack preaching, Communion will be served, Organ: Kazuko Sacon.

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Little Kidz: All are welcome to go with Sammie who will share about the Sermon on the Mount.

ES/MS Youth: Sunday, April 24th – 5:30-7pm. @ ASIJ for Pool fun, Devotion activity and Pizza! Please meet at the FRONT GATE OF ASIJ AT 5:20PM. Sunday, April 24th to be signed in by one of the ASIJ parents (Loveman, Norris, Bennetts). 

Confirmation Class: Monday, April 25th – Working on their “creeds” and their “Books of the Bible” that they will share at Pentecost, May 15th. 

HS Youth: Still working on quilting projects. Next Youth & friends worship on 5/22 – looking for folks to lend their gifts to the service.

***

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 – April 24th, May 8th and 22nd! 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 – 2 Corinthians 5:15-19

15 And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view; even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view, we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us.