October issue - Centenary United Methodist Church

Centenary United Methodist Church
300 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90013
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Non-Profit Org.
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Los Angeles, CA
Vol. 18 No. 10
October 14, 2013
Centenary My HOME Church:
Our Anniversary Story
By Rev. KarenFay and Mary Kurushima
“A new girl's club composed of 8 year olds will be formed. A mother's organizational meeting is slated for 7:30 p.m. September 14, 1962”— from the Centenary
Chimes, August 21, 1962
Inevitably, no matter where I am, people approach me and say, “Centenary’s
my home church”. If home is where the heart is, Centenary has definitely
touched and captured the hearts of many people. People have come, gone, and
moved, but still consider Centenary their home. Centenary has had several
homes; moving to various houses in June 1896, in 1902 and 1906. In 1924 on
the corner of 35th and Normandie, Centenary built a church building. Centenary closed its doors, from 1942 to 1945, due to the WWII evacuation and internment of those of Japanese decent. When Centenary was homeless, it was
hosted by Maryknoll Catholic Church from July 1985 to September 1988, until
we moved to our current location. Home is not a location.
Home has been a connection Centenary has made with hundreds of people, offering them a place to belong, to gather and to reunite. Returning from evacuation, Centenary was home, a gathering place. It was where life long friendships
developed, at least 100 couples met and married their lifetime mate. Through
the generations, Centenary has been home to Boy and Girl Scout troops, clubs
for men and women, sports teams, choir, handbell and musical ensemble, Bible
study and fellowship groups, UM Women and Men, youth groups, camps and
special interest groups. Home was also established by the Christian foundation
that was offered to over 500 church school children who attended Sunday
School in the 50’s and 60’s. Centenary was home to over 750 people, born between 1942 to 1975, when 30 Boys “Y” Clubs and 24 Girls’ Clubs provided
children a place to belong.
Three years later, here's a picture of that Centenary Girl's Club. They were initially called the Sparklers, and later renamed themselves the Danelles.
But even more so, Centenary is home, because of God. For the worshipping
followers at Centenary, this church is part of the Body of Christ, created to
share in Christ’s mission in the world. Centenary is called to be home of the
hands, the feet, the eyes, the ears and the heart of Christ; God moving within
and through us now and for over 117 years.
You are always welcomed to this home and to come home. Come offer God
your praise and thanks. Come celebrate this incredible 117 year old home on
Sunday, October 22 at 10 a.m.
Centenary Chimes
October 14, 2013
FROM THE DESK OF
Mark M. Nakagawa
October 14, 2013
Centenary Chimes
Pauline Celebrates 98th Birthday at Church Fellowship
This month brings the celebration of both Anniversary Sunday and Laity Sunday on the same day,
Oct. 20th (see related article). Initially this decision was made due to circumstances beyond our control, with a major event the following weekend preventing us from coming to church on that Sunday.
However, as I’ve thought about it a bit more, it really is fitting to combine both a church anniversary and the role of the laity simultaneously
for a very good reason: without the laity there would not be a church anniversary to celebrate!
The word “laity” comes from the Greek word laos, which means ‘work
of the people.’ It is not ‘work’ in the everyday sense but a special kind of
work: the building up of God’s church. All churches are built by the people of God. And, like the construction of any structure, the construction
of a church requires the skills and talents of a wide variety of people.
Now, I am not talking solely about the physical elements of a church, such as the sanctuary, classrooms, parking lot, etc., which are certainly important in this day and age. I am also talking about
the not-so-physical elements that are of equal importance in building a church. Elements such as
faith, courage, hope, perseverance, vision, are among many of the spiritual elements that go into
building a church, the body of Christ.
Throughout Centenary’s history, we have been fortunate in having people who took seriously their
identity as God’s people and contributed generously to the laos that was necessary to build and rebuild at different times. We are able to continue the life of this church which was built with hard,
physical work combined with deep spiritual gifts born of a deep and abiding faith in God’s promise
to them and us.
Let us continue to do the laos as God’s people, so that those who follow in our footsteps will have
Centenary anniversaries to celebrate just as we have benefitted from the laos of the faithful who
have preceded us.
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa
2
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Centenary Chimes
October 14, 2013
October 14, 2013
Centenary Chimes
AN UNPRETENIOUS MEMORY: Remembering Aiko Nobori
By KarenFay Ramos Young
She was not one who grabbed the spot light, in fact the thought of drawing attention to herself went
against her grain, but she was everywhere. She was a faithful Sunday School student; always in
class. She was in Centenary’s Praise Bands, Instrumental Ensemble, Hand Bell Choir, MYF-youth
fellowship and ministries, youth mission trip teams, at seasonal events and outreach ministries. She
was a professed math geek, an origami artist and loved anime. The list goes on. She was unpretentiously everywhere. Her name was Aiko Nobori She died by suicide at the age of 14. For ten
years, Centenary has participated in the Didi Hirsch Alive & Running 5K in her memory.
Aiko never grabbed the spot light for herself, but the light she left here upon this earth is even bigger, the light guiding us to see God; to know love.
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16.
With a grateful heart, a sincere Thank You to Aiko’s Team participants
(runners/walkers, taiko, supporters) and many donors. We raised over
$9,400 for Suicide Prevention!
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CENTENARY FAMILY CAMP
Come join us!! Away from the rush of city life, a spirited weekend beckons us to be in the presence
of Christ, to be the body of Christ and to share the love of Christ.
WE ARE ONE will offer you the freedom to select workshops and activities ranging from reflective quiet to a community in motion: peaceful rest, crafts, art, reflective faith activities, nature education, walks, music, times of praise and worship. This camp will highlight Centenary’s many ministries, skills and talents. All are welcomed to attend this multi-generational camp that will nurture
a community life of diversity, respect and our Christian faith. For detailed information, pick up a
registration form in the Fellowship Hall. Carole Sasaki can also answer your questions and scholarship requests.
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Centenary Chimes
October 14, 2013
October 14, 2013
Centenary Chimes
shift. Pushing very heavy carts, lifting mattresses, and scrubbing surfaces, over time, resulted in
numerous injuries, forcing her to take daily medication to get through each workday. Wrist pain is
a common injury for those in the industry.
In 2010, the Holiday Inn downtown became the modern LUXE hotel. All rooms were remodeled,
increasing the difficulty of cleaning. There were now more glass surfaces in the bathroom, and increased amenities requiring more detailed attention to cleaning. Yet the room quota did not change.
Housekeeping required more cleaning in the same amount of time. The corporation began disciplining employees for not meeting the quota.
UPCOMING
EVENTS



Sun, 10/20- Anniversary/Laity
Sunday, 10:00 am Worship
Service, followed by luncheon.
Sat, 10/26- Halloween “Ondo,”
4:00 p.m.
Sun, 11/3-Communion Sunday,
All Saint’s Sunday.
In remembrance of these saints who now rest
from their labors….
Reiko Yoshino, sister of Tae Schaeffer, passed away on
July 19th in Fu-Chu city, Japan.
In celebration of milestones….

Sat-Sun, 11/2-3- Family Retreat, Wrightwood.
Timber and Marion Manaka celebrated their 68 th wedding anniversary on October 5th.

Sun, 11/3- Holiday Boutique
Pauline Sakata celebrated her 98th birthday with a special luncheon following worship on Sunday, Oct. 6 th.

Sun, 11/10- Annual Chili
Cookoff

Sat, 11/16- Charge Conference
10:00 a.m.
Find a complete listing of church
activities and events on our website:
www.centenaryunitedmethodistc
hurch.org
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Our Prayers
We lift up prayers for these persons and families:
The Centenary Chimes is published once a month by
Centenary United Methodist Church
300 South Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Tel: (213) 617-9097
Fax: (213) 617-7688
www.centenaryunitedmethodistchurch.org
Staff
Senior Pastor
Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa
Associate Pastor
Rev. KarenFay Ramos-Young
Associate Pastor
Rev. Dr. Y. Richard Kuyama
Lay Leader (English)
Carole and Harry Kuruma
Lay Leader (Japanese)
Shig Kondo
Administrative Assistant
Jane Rivera
Communications
Carolyn Tokunaga
Editor
Marilyn Nobori
Mailing
Dedicated Volunteers
The hotel workers tried to argue for a quota of 13 rooms per shift but the hotel management refused
to listen. Margarita was eventually suspended and ultimately fired from her job for not meeting her
quota. Ashamed, Margarita could not tell her own husband that she was fired for 3 weeks. Her
pride and her faith were shaken, but eventually she gathered the strength to fight back. With the
help of churches and community organizations such as CLUE, hotel workers became united in protests, marches and even a strike demanding a lower quota of rooms cleaned per shift.
Change did not happen quickly nor easily as it became 5 weeks of unemployment for Margarita.
Yet she remained determined, realizing that her fight was no longer just about the quota, but a fight
for dignity, value, and respect as human beings. It became a larger fight for all the other (mainly)
women who work in the hotel industry beside her. She risked and lost her own job to show that the
work of housekeepers has value, and the workers have pride. Minimum wage does not make bodies disposable. By finding her voice, Magarita became empowered, courageously speaking out in
her workplace and community. She is so grateful for the support of her community, and the grace
of God for giving her the strength to fight for justice. Margarita continues to share her admirable
story with optimism and faith that together, workers have the collective power to win the ongoing
fight for justice and dignity.
CONCLUSION
CLUE-LA partners with women and leaders like Margarita on several campaigns in the struggle for
respect and dignity in the workplace and beyond. CLUE is dedicated to promoting and demanding
that society re-evaluate its view of “work” and “labor” while embracing the ancient belief across all
religions that all are children of God, and all have a voice to be heard and respected.
Check out www.cluela.org for more info about this organization.
Margarita and her coworkers did end up winning their battle for a reduced quota, and she has returned back to work as an employee of the LUXE hotel.
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Centenary Chimes
October 14, 2013
A Labor Day Message Continued from page 11
This is where the bible is challenging our perceptions and our way of thinking. Ms. Russell points
out that Jesus uses seemingly absurd stories and parables again and again to challenge the status
quo, disrupting accepted systems which oppress the poor. In this particular parable of the workers,
we easily focus on the first laborers, who work all day and then seem to “lose” money at the end of
the day. “If I work really hard and long, than I should make more than someone who doesn’t work
as hard or long.” But the more uncomfortable, difficult interpretation of this story is to realize that
not a single worker has “lost” any wages. Rather, the landowner has demonstrated generosity. The
landowner demonstrates a dedication exceeding simple “fairness” by giving in abundance, with
unnecessary generosity. He has not paid any workers LESS, rather he is paying MORE. It is perhaps a radical, absurd idea. Since when
does the “last” deserve to be “first?” Jesus is suggesting that we shake up our
ideas of equality and fairness, and consider what it means to live our lives with
the ideal of GENEROSITY. This is the
Christian challenge CLUE Los Angeles
seeks to uphold.
PERSONAL TESTIMONY
One of CLUE’s major campaigns is
within the hotel industry. 40% of hospitality workers in Los Angeles live in poverty. 91% of hospitality workers report
injuries. Hospitality workers walk an
average of 7 miles per day on their shifts alone. CLUE stands with hospitality workers, ensuring
they have a voice to stand up and fight for dignity and just treatment. Margarita Alarcon, a hotel
worker here in Los Angeles took to the pulpit to share her personal story within the hotel industry.
Ben McCleod, also from CLUE, translated Margarita’s message from Spanish to English.
Margarita immigrated to Los Angeles from El Salvador with her 2 children in 1990. She began
working at a garment factory for Neiman Marcus manufacturing fur coats for $4-$7 per hour.
When Neiman Marcus went out of business, Margarita needed to seek other employment. Her desire was to find hotel work, despite being advised against it by many because of the extreme physical demands of the job.
Margarita did eventually procure a job at the Holiday Inn hotel in downtown LA. And it did turn
out to be very physically demanding. She became increasingly sick with fever, headaches, and
pains due to the initial transition to the new job. She was completely exhausted by the first 2 weeks
of cleaning hotel rooms. She was limited to ½ hour per room, with a quota of 14-17 rooms per
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October 14, 2013
Centenary Chimes
Please join us!
On December 1st, we will be exploring ways to have a permanent fund to further the
future ministries of Centenary. All members of the Centenary family are invited to attend the meeting in Room 203 at 12:00. If you would like to be on The Sounding Board,
you do not have to attend the meeting, but will receive the minutes of the meeting. You
will be able to give your suggestions or concerns via the Internet. Please email Vicky
Leon at [email protected] if you would like to attend the December 1st meeting or if
you would like to be on The Sounding Board. If you don’t use the internet please feel
free to see Vicky on Sundays.
Anniversary/Laity Sunday
This year we will combine Anniversary and
Laity Sundays on October 20th. A combined
English/Japanese worship will begin at 10:00
a.m., followed by a special luncheon in the
social hall. We invite you to join us on this
special day of celebration and feasting!
Charge Conference
Reminder
Important Schedule Changes
As previously announced, our charge conference will be held on Saturday, Nov. 16,
at 10:00 a.m. All committee chairs are
asked to submit a report (one page maximum) to the church office by Nov. 1st, as
are fellowship group chairs (UMW,
UMYF, AMI, CenYA).
On Sunday, October 27th, we will not be able to
have church services due to The Dodge Rock
‘n’Roll Los Angeles Half-Marathon that shuts
down Central Ave.
This year’s charge conference will be held
in conjunction with other United Methodist congregations that comprise the
“Downtown Mission Area.”
In lieu of this development, we encourage you
to participate in our 2nd annual “Halloween
Odori Costume Party” on Saturday, Oct. 26,
from 4:00-9:00 p.m. There will be activities for
children and adults of all ages, with food and
refreshments provided! Please go to the church
website for more information on this event.
The Charge Conference is the annual
meeting to review and evaluate the total
mission and ministry of the church, and is
a link between the local congregation and
the larger United Methodist Church.
All are welcome to attend!
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Centenary Chimes
October 14, 2013
LIVING WITH BOUNDLESS FAITH
by Rev. KarenFay
Have you ever met someone who is always humbly excited to share Christ and whose faith
never waivers? Have you ever met someone whose sheer presence is an expression of pure gratitude and appreciation for life and God’s love? I know such a person.
Rev. Miyeko Uriu--Rev. Micki.
On a September evening I joined two other clergy sisters to
visit Rev. Micki at her new retirement community home. She was the
first Japanese American ordained United Methodist clergywoman. She
marveled at our abilities as clergywomen to share Christ in so many
new and different ways and she praised God for the sisterhood of faith
we share. We thanked Rev. Micki for “making a way for us”. As a
pioneer clergy woman she had to rely upon her faith to give her strength
and endurance to serve as a pastor amidst an array of “stumbling
blocks” placed before her—the lack of affirmation, encouragement and
support from her own fellow clergy (men). Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any
stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. NIV Romans 14:13
For Rev. Micki, it was a time when women were both raising children, and needing to
share the financial responsibilities for their families and households. There were so many uncertainties, but Rev. Micki endured because of her faith—the truth of God’s grace and her love for her
children. For Rev. Micki it was a time when her call from God led her into a vocation previously
held only by men. Perhaps she was giving the world a glimpse of what God intended in Revelations 21:5—He who was seated at the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Her
faith led into parish ministries where many embraced her pastoral gifts, many found the assurance
of God’s presence through her pastoral care, and many continue to treasure her as the reason for
their ongoing and strong faith in God. The privilege, joys and memories of offering the bread and
the cup at Holy Communion still fills her eyes with tears of faith, because of the sorrow of loss and
the truth that God loved us so much that God gave us Jesus.
Retired yes, but her faith knows no bounds. It has not retired. As she chats about her upcoming 90th birthday in April 2014 and talks about her limited abilities and poor health she says,
“Because of my faith, I am not afraid of dying” and smiles a smile that can brighten the evening
sky. She glances and points to a painted portrait on the wall to her right, and says, “I’m not afraid
of dying, because I get to be with him”. She points to the portrait again. For Rev. Micki, even that
inevitable day that we all will one day encounter, will be lived as a day of faith. Even in death, for
Rev Micki, faith knows no bounds, because through God’s love for her, she will be reunited with
Ronny, her son who died when he was only three years old.
In life and in death, in strength and in endurance, in hopes and in sorrow, in truth and in
love, faith knows no bounds.
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October 14, 2013
Centenary Chimes
A Labor Day Message
By Heidi Sasaki
On September 1st representatives from C.L.U.E., or Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice,
brought a timely Labor Day message to Centenary’s Sunday worship service. CLUE is an organization comprised of persons of various religious backgrounds dedicated to bringing about economic
justice within the context of Faith.
HOW DID CLUE COME ABOUT?
The first speaker from CLUE was Elizabeth Russell, a member of Echo Park United Methodist
Church. She shared a bit of the history and the aims of CLUE Los Angeles.
United Methodist minister and civil rights activist Rev. James Lawson was one of the key founders
of CLUE in the late 1990s. After serving as the leading proponent of nonviolent resistance alongside Dr. Martin Luther King in the civil rights movement, Rev. Lawson eventually served 25 years
as the pastor of Holman UMC here in Los Angeles. He united other clergy, rabbis and people of
faith in the common desire to fight for justice in the workplace. CLUE Los Angeles helps laborers
have a voice in unjust working situations through its grassroots organizing and nonviolent activism.
Today Reverend Lawson continues training others in the nonviolent confrontation of systems of
oppression.
PARABLE OF THE WORKERS IN THE VINEYARD
Elizabeth Russell offered a bit on the Theology of Labor by sharing the parable of the Workers in
the Vineyard (Matthew 20: 1-16). A landowner hires workers for his vineyard at various times
throughout the day. All are paid equally whether they put in a full day’s work or only a partial one.
The earliest hired workers question the fairness of the wages even though they were paid the wage
they were promised.
INTERPRETATION OF THE PARABLE
One striking occurrence in this parable is the frequency with which the landowner encountered
those without work. He met and hired workers at 9, noon, 3, and 5pm. There seems to be quite an
abundance of unemployed persons. This is not unlike today, as one encounters men and women of
every walk of life who are struggling to find employment. It is a common struggle. Another immediate reaction to this parable is the absurdity of the landowner who is not being fair with his payments. If time is equal to money, then he is certainly not providing the workers wages according to
hours contributed. A person who worked one hour is paid the same as a person who labored the
entire day.
Continued on page 12
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Centenary Chimes
October 14, 2013
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Golf Sponsors and Donors (continued from pg 7) Margaret Hori, In memory of Natsako
INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
Kristi Bala
Mary Enomoto
Judge Ernest Hiroshige
Rev. Richard & Keiko Kuyama
Larry Meyer
Ed Miyashiro
Rev. Mark & Pam Nakagawa
Roy Nakagawa
Robert & Gail Nishinaka
Ernie & Jane Rivera
Randy Chih
CONTINENTAL BREAKFAST
Fred & Kaz Togawa
GOODY BAG DONATIONS
Asao & Carolyn Tokunaga
Darryl & Rev. KarenFay
Ramos-Young
Vicky Leon
David Teragawa
Union Bank
RAFFLE DONATIONS
Betty Coddington
Buzz Fukutomi
Ray & Rose Mayeda
Stuart Osaka
Tetsu & Kathy Tanimoto
David Teragawa
Fred & Kaz Togawa
Donations received from Sep 8 to Oct 6:
Judy Asazawa, In celebration of Pauline
Sakata's Birthday
Angela Castellano, In memory of Ichiro Nakajima
Randy Chih, Special Offering
Lauryn De Latorre, Miss you Rhys
Mary Enomoto, World Communion Sunday
Carol Fujita, VIT Family Camp Scholarships,
World Communion Sunday
Steve & Jan Haruta, In loving memory of Susan
Haruta Stokes
Fumi Hattori, Special Offering for Two Spirits,
10 One Heart
Tokuyama (Yoshie Hagiya's sister)
Aki & Eva Inaba, Special Offering
Dolly Kaplan, In memory of Ichiro Nakajima
Terry Kasuyama, VIT Family Camp Scholar
ships
Ruth Kubo, VIT Card Ministry - Thank you for
the birthday card
Dora Kunishige, World Communion Sunday
Harry & Carole Kuruma, World Communion
Sunday
Victor & Cynthia Lew, In celebration of Pauline
Sakata's Birthday
Harry Manaka, In memory of Ichiro Nakajima
Tim & Marion Manaka, In memory of Ichiro
Nakajima
Kenny Miwa, VITCard Ministry - thank you for
the birthday card - 95 years!
Nerry Miyahira, In memory of Harry Miyahira
Sam & Jean Miyamoto, Zen Kai
Susan & Mike Mochizuki, In celebration of
Pauline Sakata's 98th Birthday
Bill & Betty Murata, VIT Family Camp Scholarships
Rev. Mark & Pam Nakagawa, World
Communion Sunday
Angel Nishinaka, World Communion Sunday
Marilyn & Alan Nobori, Happy Birthday
Pauline, Youth Ministries
Helen Okazaki, In memory of Ichiro Nakajima
Wendell & Jane Oyama, World Communion
Sunday
Yoichi & Emi Serizawa, In celebration of our
57th Wedding Anniversary - Sept. 16,
1956
Tomoko Takasugi, VIT Card Ministry - Thanks
for birthday remembrance
Carolyn Tokunaga, World Communion Sunday
Miyeko Uriu, In memory of Tom Saruwatari,
Ich Nakajima, Jenny Kuyama
Kris & Robin Vensel, World Communion
Sunday
Edith Watanabe, In memory of Ichiro Nakajima
Ted Yamada, Music Ministries
October 14, 2013
Centenary Chimes
Golf Tournament Another Success!
The 20th annual Centenary Golf tournament
held on Friday, September 27th, was great success, with 75 golfers enjoying a pleasant day of
golfing and fun at the Montebello Golf Course.
Congratulations to the Golf Committee, and to
Fred and Kaz Togawa, Committee Chairs, on a
great tournament!
We thank all of our donors for their generous
contributions to the tournament (see acknowledgements).
Here are the tournament results:
Mens
Flight A Low Gross: Michael Dote
Flight B Low Gross: Darien Chung
Low Net A: 1. Tom Furukawa, 2. Dave Yanai,
3. Jason Nava.
Low Net B: 1. Randy Sato, 2. Dave Yamada, 3.
Eddie Imoto.
Ladies
Flight A Low Gross: Amy Chung
Flight B Low Gross: Kaz Kurahashi
Low Net A: 1. Tomoko Yamamoto, 2. Lorraine
Hinatsu, 3. Emi Imoto.
Low Net B: 1. Toshi Asato, 2. Kaz Togawa, 3.
Mitzi Mayeda.
Front A: Lorraine Hinatsu
Front B: Kaz Kurahashi
Back A: Emi Imoto
Back B: Kaz Togawa
Callaway
Low Net: 1. Lauren Yang, 2. Sachiko Suzuki
Closest to the Pin: Etsuko Komaba
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Golf Sponsors and Donors
Front A: Dave Yanai
Front B: Dave Yamada
Back A: Tom Furukawa
Back B: Randy Sato
Callaway
Low Net: 1. John Sasaki, 2. Lance Nakamura,
3. Marc Cohen
Front: John Sasaki
Back: Kimo Spencer
“Card Off” with M. Shintaku (net 66)
“Card Off” with H. Hihara (net 72)
“Card Off” with M. Shintaku (net 32.5)
Closest to the Pin: Craig Tanaka
TITANIUM SPONSOR
Tetsu & Kathy Tanimoto
GOLD SPONSORS
Ed Sato Plumbing
Darren & Linda Shirai
Fukui Mortuary
Harvey Hihara, C.P.A.
SILVER SPONSORS
Fred & Kaz Togawa
Sumi Nakama
Roy & Dorothy Kaneshiro
COMPANY SPONSORS
United Methodist Federal Credit Union
Jon & Kathy Nomura
Grant Nakagawa, D.D.S.
Continued on page 10
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Centenary Chimes
October 14, 2013
ME & JESUS: What Does It Mean to Follow Jesus?
By Carolyn Tokunaga
Worship for this Spiritual Retreat began with a story by Wendy Van Eyck of climbing an
active volcano. She struggled and slipped on her travels uphill and was rewarded with a magnificent view but didn’t find God there. On the way down, she decided that she would follow in the
guide’s sure footed steps. About half way down, she decided that she could put her feet in the vicinity of the guide’s steps and wouldn’t fall – until she slipped. She quickly returned to the rhythm
of placing her feet in the guide’s footsteps and began thinking about Jesus.
Jesus said, “Come follow me to the men who became his disciples. Come put your feet
where I have trodden and I will show you a new life, I will show you a new way of living and you
can trust that I know the path and that I won’t let you stumble and fall.”
But what is the cost of following Jesus? A short humorous dialogue between Jesus and a
potential new disciple explored that commitment. In the play, the man asked to follow Jesus and
Jesus mentioned the sacrifice involved. The man agreed to whatever Jesus demanded and started
by listing his finances, proceeded to car, shed, fruit trees, home and family. He finally realized that
this path would leave him penniless and on his own. Suddenly he knew that being a disciple would
involve more than going to church on Sunday and putting money in
the offering basket. But Jesus reassured him: “You are the one
who came to me. I have asked for everything - your family, home,
money, possessions. All are mine now BUT I would like you to
use them, enjoy them. I’m not taking them away. They can all stay
with you. But don’t forget they are mine, as you are too.”
Are you a FAN or a FOLLOWER? Kyle Idleman writes:
“Many fans have given their minds to the study of God, but they
never surrender their hearts. They have plenty of knowledge about
God, but they didn’t really know God. This is what often separates
fans from followers. It’s the difference between knowledge and intimacy.”
The story of Nicodemus explored the fan/follower definition. In John 3:1-15 we meet
Nicodemus who was a Pharisee who admired Jesus’ teachings, witnessed his miracles but chose to
talk with Jesus only at night, away from prying eyes, afraid to disrupt his comfortable life. As he
listens to Jesus, he begins to understand that Jesus wants more than words of belief. He is looking
to see how those words are lived out in our lives. Being a fan that believes without making any real
commitment to follow isn’t an option. For Nicodemus, becoming a follower doesn’t happen until
he joins Joseph of Arimathea in taking Jesus’ body and preparing it for burial. While others were
hiding in fear, Nicodemus makes this great public gesture of affection and devotion (John 19:3642).
Jesus says, “Believe in Me” about five times in the four Gospels. But Jesus said, “Follow
Me” about twenty times. This Spiritual Retreat gave us the opportunity to explore our relationship
with Jesus – to more fully understand what is required of us as followers.
Thank you Rev. KarenFay for the in-depth study resources and gently guided discussion,
another step in our spiritual journeys.
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October 14, 2013
Centenary Chimes
Rev. Mark’s message on Sept. 8, 2013
A NEW IDENTITY
Rev. Mark was invited to be a guest on a radio show hosted by Rev. Jesse Lee Patterson, an African
American Tea Party member. The invitation was extended in response to a letter Rev. Mark had
written to the Los Angeles Times on immigration. Patterson was a cordial host, but they held opposite views on all topics that were discussed.
Rev. Mark’s appearance dumbfounded the host. He did not fit the stereotype held by Patterson. Rev. Mark surprised him by being who he was – a Japanese-American raised in South Central Los Angeles. Suddenly a pre-conceived notion was dispelled by a face to face meeting.
Rev. Mark related this experience to another one he recently had at an Apple Store. When he
started to ask the Apple associate for assistance, he handed Rev. Mark an iPad and asked him to
type out his question; the associate was a deaf person. Rev. Mark was able to put the salesperson at
ease by typing that he has a cousin who has been deaf since birth, and so he’s glad to see that Apple
hires hearing-impaired persons.
In both cases, expectations didn’t match what that person was. We need to open ourselves
to the life stories of others. Our shared humanity transcends differences.
In Paul’s letter to Philemon, he asks him to take another look and move to compassion and
hospitality. Although speaking about Philemon’s slave Onesimus, it is a letter Paul meant for all.
We are all children of God, baptized into the life of Christ.
Philemon hosted the church in his home. He was a slave owner but also a dear friend to
Paul. His slave Onesimus ran away. During his flight he encountered Paul and became a Christian.
He is delivering Paul’s letter to Philemon that asks that he receive Onesimus as a Christian brother
– to look at him differently in this new identity, to relate to him not as master/slave but as brothers
in Christ. Although he might be accepted back as a slave, he is also a Christian brother. This transformation, this new identity, is shared with his owner, a commonality and a basis for their relationship.
Stories shared, experiences voiced, help shape attitudes. Rev. Mark told the story of his
seminary days, when a professor announced that a guest speaker from the gay community would be
at the next class session. To Rev. Mark’s surprise, the speaker turned out to be a classmate who had
been sitting next to him most of the semester.
The speaker told of an experience that he had earlier in his life. One night on the way to a
dance, he was attacked because of his sexual orientation and lost an eye. For Mark, there was no
justification for the attack and the person/story helped shape an attitude, a new lens in which to
view people. God spoke to him to open his mind and heart, to reject preconceived identities. People are hurt by labels, caricatures, stereotypes. They prevent people from discovering true identities
and building relationships of respect and trust with one another.
God wants us to see others through the lens of God.
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