As we wait…

Written By Jonathan Oh

Dear WTUC Family,

I hope that you have had a blessed week. Our liturgical year has ended, and starting Sunday, we start anew with Advent. Advent is an interesting time because we are proclaiming that we are waiting - both for an event that has already happened (Christ’s birth) and for an event that has not yet happened (Christ’s return). We are in this very interesting state where we hover between the already and not yet.

This Sunday, we will be gathering in person in Room 105 on the campus of Japan Lutheran College and Theological Seminary. Please come join us as we worship the living God beginning at 11 a.m. We’ll be talking about hope and anticipation that we have as children of God. If you are coming to the service, please also consider bringing finger food or a snack for our fellowship time after the service.

‘Tis the season for Christmas activities, and so let me share with you what’s ahead:

  • Next Sunday, December 8, we will be having our Christmas pageant during the worship service, which will be in person. Ruth Ingulsrud and the youth will be leading us through this time of story and song. Please plan to be there as we celebrate the birth of Christ through this special program.

  • Our sister congregation, Tokyo Union Church, will be holding a Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, December 11 at their location on Omotesando beginning at 7:30 p.m. For some, Christmas isn’t all bright lights and joy - maybe it is a reminder of a difficult time or past or of a loved one who has departed. Or maybe in the midst of life’s struggles, the typical message of Christmas joy is drowned out by the harshness of our broken world. The service is designed to help reflect upon the true hope that Christ brings in this season. If you can’t make it to Omotesando, you can also join live online by visiting tokyounion.org.

  • On the afternoon of Sunday, December 15, we will be making a trip to Nozomi no Ie, which is an outreach ministry that we have been supporting for many years. This will be Christmas caroling along with the delivery of presents. If you would like more information, please contact Yasu Nagase, our outreach coordinator, at outreach@wtuc.net.

  • We will be having our Christmas Eve Candlelight Lessons and Carols service online on Tuesday, December 24 at 6:00 p.m. You can join from our YouTube channel, and if you would like, prepare a small candle as we will be using them during the service. If you can’t join at 6:00 p.m., the service will be archived on the channel so that you (and your family and friends) can view the service at anytime.

  • We will also be holding our Christmas Day worship service on December 25 beginning at 9:00 a.m. This will also be broadcast on our YouTube channel, and if you aren’t able to join at 9:00 a.m., this service will also be archived for viewing later.

As I wrap up this letter, I wanted to let you know that I want to make this letter useful for you. If you have suggestions on what may be helpful in future posts, please let me know. I would like to make this communication and experience a positive one.

I hope that you have a great rest of the week, and I will see you on Sunday!

Blessings,
Jonathan

Jonathan Oh
Previous

Here we go a-pageanting!
Next

What a Celebration!