You matter
Dear WTUC Family,
We’re right in the middle of Advent, and the signs of Christmas are all over Tokyo. Yet in the midst of the bright lights and hurried excitement, there are many who are less than joyful and are not at peace. For those who are feeling this way, you’re not alone. It’s okay to not feel okay. If you are seeking a way to contemplate hope in the midst of difficulty, I would like to commend to you something that may help.
This past week, our sister congregation Tokyo Union Church held its annual Blue Christmas service. It is done in the style of Taize, and it gives us time to slow down, to reflect, and to ponder upon what hope, peace, joy, and love mean in Christ when we might not feel hopeful, not at peace, not joyful, and not loved. View the service here, and I pray that the Holy Spirit will give you comfort and peace in the midst of the challenges that you may be going through right now. You matter to God.
In addition, this coming Sunday, we will be gathering online via Zoom at 11:00 a.m. for our worship service where we will be talking about joy. Sometimes we talk about joy as a feeling, as a spark, but how does Scripture describe and discuss joy? I invite you to join us as we worship the living God and hear the Word proclaimed about and with joy during this Advent season.
As a reminder, WTUC will also be doing its annual trip this Sunday to Nozomi no Ie, a children’s home near Japan Lutheran College and Theological Seminary. We will first gather at 2:30 p.m. at the Sacks, followed by a trip over to the home where the program begins at 4:00 p.m. If you’re able to go and brighten the day of the children with song and gifts, please make the time to do so. You can contact Yasu Nagatsune here if you would like more information.
We also have online Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services scheduled, and so please check out the WTUC Calendar for information and links to the service.
I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday. Again, if you ever need prayer, please do not hesitate to contact our Prayer Team. We want to pray for you through the difficult times and rejoice through the good times. Even in our weakness, God is strong, and God is faithful.
Blessings,
Jonathan