Pastoral Team
By Pastor Steve
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
Our 150th Anniversary was a joyful remembering God’s faithfulness in the past and looking forward to newness in our future. While it was a year of “coming back” to the sanctuary in person and of “coming back” to church for very many people, it was definitely not a year of “going back” to former ways. Hear these words from the Prophet Isaiah, as translated in The Message version:
Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history. Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new. It's bursting out! Don't you see it? There it is! I'm making a road through the desert, rivers in the badlands.
— Isaiah 43:18-19
God has moved us into a new day, a new season, and now a new year at Tokyo Union Church. Hallelujah! Praise be to God!
There is a new world to navigate. We need new structures for a new world. When we think of where God is leading us, where we are headed — we have to admit that what got us here will not get us there.
The “Pop-Ups” are good examples of creative new collaborative events. One “Pop Up” was the intergenerational movie night, it was not just a fellowship time – and not just a young adult night – it was a church family time of spiritual formation, and evangelism, and community life It was people from 20-70, having fun, eating together, talking deeply about life’s meaning. It was beautiful & fantastic, but it doesn’t fit our old categories.
We know things now we did not know a year ago. We face things now we had no idea of 2 years ago. We see realities now that did not exist 3 years ago. And so the Council is beginning to reimagine and reorganize itself and the church for this new world.
Communications has become essential – it was all we had when the pandemic hit, but basically all we had was email for a weekly Ltr. to the Congregation, and a website that we strained to make flexible and more user friendly. Now our oldest members connect by Zoom expertly. We have a new website with thousands of users. We are growing our social media presence. Best of all is our exciting team of new people, young and old, with expertise to design a new communication world.
Our current Council structure was designed years ago as the church was declining post-3/11. After the pandemic we are emerging as something new. Our former categories need to be rethought and made more breathable. We are rethinking a New Church for a new world!
As you enjoy this Annual Report, please join me in marveling at the new thing God is doing. God is making a new way through the desert. Thanks be to God!
Administration Ministry Team
The 150 Anniversary of Tokyo Union Church
By Catherine Sasanuma
Three years ago, in January 2020, we were looking forward to the Olympics and excited to welcome the world at our doorstep. Six weeks later we were in the midst of a global pandemic that closed us off from one another and the world. And our church doors were shuttered for over two years.
On Palm Sunday weekend, April 8th, after two years of physical isolation, we launched Tokyo Union Church’s 150th Anniversary. Finally, we were able to reconnect with our wonderful congregation and re-inaugurate Tokyo Union Church in a joyful celebration we named “Meet Pray Love.”
Through the heroic and tireless efforts of our AV, Tech and other volunteers, musicians, TUC pastors and staff we were able to launch the event both virtually and in person. Jonathan Oh conquered all technological challenges to make this happen.
“Meet, Pray, Love” was a homecoming of sorts with everything the word implies: we were coming back to God’s house, we were celebrating 150 years of our ministry and we were reaching out to former, current and future members both remotely and in person. This was designed to reach every alumni in every time zone. We broadcast in three time zones around the globe. Over 1,100 alumni joined us.
There were numerous elements to Meet, Pray, Love, all presented in a new and hybrid way. We kicked this off with eight hours of programming. Nine of our former pastors participated. We started with TUC’s history from Pastor Steve, updates from former pastors—talking about where they were, what they were doing, how their lives were. It was absolutely joyful to see so many of our former pastors who have led and ministered to us in so many ways, not physically together, but together via livestream from Sweden, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and the United States.
And we discussed memories of how Tokyo Union Church developed and evolved, challenges and moments of grace and enjoyed humor and laughter.
And we talked about prayer and the meaning of prayer. Our pastors talked about what prayer is, how they pray and the role of prayer for both their lives and the life of a congregation.
Our youth challenged the congregation to perform 150 acts of love and kindness in the coming year—a remarkable act of wisdom from our young members. And we had a Taize song service dedicated to peace in the Ukraine. Tokyo Union Church is blessed to have a remarkable musical ministry.
1,100 people from 17 countries took part in this remarkable on-line event and 200 people filled our church. One of the beautiful things about this eight hour of messages was its fluidity. People would watch and listen and then perhaps wander downstairs for a cup of coffee and a muffin, or to reconnect with other friends and members whom they had not seen for the past two-plus years.
A special historical photograph exhibition welcomed Meet, Pray, Love guests in the entry foyer thanks to Ikuko Mori, Maki Yamamoto and Alison Yamaguchi. Murakami San led to tours to Tsukiji. In 1872, when TUC was born, foreigners were required to live in this area.
The Meet Pray Love April 8th event was only the start of TUC’s 150th anniversary. Through the coming months we continued to celebrate our Church in countless ways, big and small. We call them ‘pop-ups’ events because many of them were one of a kind.
We focused on building community with a series of small events. Pastor Hector led numerous coffee tastings with members of our church: the young adults, the choir, the ushers. We had a Family Fiesta, with a pinata, live guitar and authentic Mexican food. You have never seen so many children with their parents in tow. Our Mexican member Martha Gomez coordinated this 150th family celebration.
One of the most fun events was Chili and Movie night! Kane Mitani, a film producer (who worked on the film Silence with Martin Scorsese) organized this event. Kane selected the film Big Fish, a movie about relationships and then led a lively discussion afterwards.
The main and perhaps most memorable event was the Joyful Jubilee celebration, held October 1st and 2nd and it WAS truly a joyful! The church was filled. That weekend over 500 people attended the two days of dinners, lunches, and a special coffee hour. Our Church was beautifully decorated with lights, traditional antique Japanese linens and banners. On Saturday Nobu catered our special lunch and dinner with delicious bento boxes. It was an evening of beauty, celebration, music, laughter and thankfulness and JOY! To honor our Arts Ministry, a short dramatic ballet dance launched the evening dinner celebration.
The Sunday service was led by Pastor Barry Dawson, Pastor Matt Hardin and Pastor Johann, all of whom had been issued special visas to allow them into Japan. The choir dazzled us with the first live performance after covid. Flute and koto musicians reminded us of our special Japan heritage. MOHN’s Homeless Chef, Kudo San, prepared a delicious curry lunch, highlighting TUC’s commitment to our Homeless Ministry. The meal ended with a huge dessert buffet by members. To say it was a sweet ending is an understatement!
In November about ten members made a pilgrimage to Nagasaki, organized by Linda Hirata to recognize, remember, find inspiration and learn about the early Christians in Japan.
Our motto was to “Commemorate the past, Celebrate the present and Create the future”. Our tag line was, “A community of love for all people.” Our only regret is that Japan’s borders were closed, preventing TUC’s alumni from joining the 150th celebrations in person.
The 150th Anniversary Year was a turning point in TUC’s history. It was more than the sum of its parts. It generated a groundswell of love that will continue to buoy and sustain us going forward. There are so many to thank: our former pastors, current pastors, staff, our congregation members, our leaders and servants and the TUC 150th Anniversary Committee: Nick Ashley who guided us weekly, Russell Gesling, Ikuko Omori, Maki Yamamoto, Jonathan Oh, Linda Herata, Kane Mitani, Yasu, Kawabe, Hillary Disher, Curtis Jordan, Rika Nakajima, Jody Fuller, Josephine Alade, Martha Gomez, Jean Pengosro, Alison Harada, Florence Ene, Pastor Hector Herrera and Pastor Steve Yamaguchi.
Now we are prayerfully working on charting a course for the next 150 years!
Stewardship
By Alan Sorba
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
The regular and joyful gatherings of a committed group to study, share on, encourage, and grow spiritually in stewardship;
The carrying out of a stewardship season program with diverse and encouraging messages on stewardship;
An increase in the number of Time & Talent and Financial pledge forms received for 2023; and,
Our welcome new and enthusiastic members to the stewardship team in 2023.
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
We held early morning calls each month. As part of this, we enjoyed deepening our relationships by taking turns and sharing a bit about our personal experiences. We then delved in and studied various aspects and materials on stewardship. For example, we read the book Divine Time Management by Elizabeth Saunders and shared what resonated with us from it. We prayerfully decided on the stewardship season Bible verse to be Romans 12:15, “...so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others…". Leading up to Dedication Sunday in late October, our team members presented four moments for ministry (“MFM”). First, Julie Fukuda shared on a real-life story of how Vacation Bible School went so well because volunteers pitched in where needed. She then encouraged us to consider doing the same, that is, to help take care of TUC like it’s our home. Nick then reminded us through a Good News for Kids (and adults!) message that we’re all uniquely important and part of the same body of Christ. Brad followed with an inspiring message not to be afraid to take on new challenges because they can allow us an opportunity to use our strengths and for God to fill in for our weaknesses. Finally, Jackie shared on a practical and encouraging way to think about giving. On top to these MFMs, Pastor Steve and Pastor Hector preached all together four sermons on stewardship. TUC received 99 Time & Talent pledge forms for 2023 (compared with 36 forms received in the year before) wherein people expressed interests in serving in multiple areas including with livestream services, MOHN, communications, prayer, evangelism, worship, Koinonia, hosting and gatherings, crafts, property & use, connecting with alumni, stewardship, hospitality, children & youth, finance and accounting, and welcoming new members. In response to receiving these forms, TUC Elders were excited to reach out and welcome new members to their teams. TUC received 87 Financial pledge forms for 2023 totaling ¥38.2 million (¥ pledges: 76 / ¥16 million; $ pledges: 11 forms / $168,400). In the prior year, 68 financial pledge forms were received totaling ¥40.5 million (¥ pledges: 58 forms / ¥24.3 million; $ pledges: $184,500) In early 2023, we welcomed new and enthusiastic members to our team, affirmed our areas of ministry within stewardship, and are now brainstorming initiatives we’d like to focus on this year.
Music and Worship
By Jody Fuller
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
God has blessed us with active and dedicated volunteers who gave their time and talent to serve as ushers, prepare the chancel for worship and the sacraments, share beautiful songs that uplift our souls, lead worship singing, create beautiful flower arrangements, operate the audiovisual, and offer Livestream worship every Sunday!
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
NEW HYMNAL
We are incredibly grateful to Hugh Wilkinson for his generous donation of ¥1,106,484 to purchase new hymnals for our congregation. This contribution allowed us to update and enhance our worship experience with a wider selection of hymns and songs. The new hymnals will be a valuable addition to our congregation, and we appreciate Mr. Wilkinson's generosity in making this possible. Thank you for your support and dedication to our community.
USHER TEAM
Leader - Sam Donkor
The year past was full of blessings and also challenges. Due to the Covid -19, church attendance was down considerably. We faced a shortage of ushers and continue to look for new members for the usher team. Ushers have essential tasks such as giving out bulletins and welcoming people to worship with a smile. Ushers make sure people are comfortably seated. Ushers collect the offering and tidy up the Sanctuary after worship. We welcome all YOU to join the usher team!
Usher Team Members: Theophilus Bannor, Becky Agatsuma, Toshihiro Agatsuma, Carmen Chua, Jody Fuller, Jojo Alade, Keiko Ozaki, Tomoka Tasaka, Devon Arthurson, Jennifer Luvanda, Linda Lau Hirata, Anne Dala*, Mike Tsunashima, Atsuko Tsunashima, Darey-Ann Louisville*, Chie Matsuda, Chika Eto, Larry Mojumdar, Lorraine Mojumdar, Matt Ushida, Philip Jellicoe, Sam Donkor, Tazuko Arai, Vanessa Shiite, Russell Gesling, Anita Gesling, Nancy Pierson, Maki Yamamoto*
Those with star marks are the ones who joined the Team within the past year.
FLOWER GUILD
Leader - Akiko Adachi
Flowers were displayed weekly in the sanctuary with special flowers on Christmas and Easter.
Active members of the flower guild are Tomoko Sakurai, Chika Eto, Hisae Iwasaki and Akiko Adachi.
ALTAR GUILD
Leader - Dima Kato
As the COVID pandemic subsided and more people attended services in person, we were happy to prepare communion for more and more people. We look forward to preparing for more baptisms in the future.
The Altar Guild is very grateful to Jody Fuller, Laurel Yamashita, Anita Gesling, Yumi Hoshi, Yuko Horiuchi, and Yuko Harada, who did the bulk of the work in 2022. The Lord has sent us five more people eager to prepare for the services and the sacraments: Sarah Dusek, Jennifer Luvanda, Yannick Plomteux, Nobuko Sato, and Charles Cook. Sarah, Jennifer, and Yannick prepared 660 candles for the Christmas Eve services and have been replacing the pulpit and lectern paraments. With joy in our hearts, we look forward to serving together.
Altar Guild members: Jody Fuller, Laurel Yamashita, Yuko Horiuchi, Yuko Harada, Suresh Kukde, Nobuko Gaine, April Morito, Dima Kato Altar Guild supporters: Anita Gesling, Yumi Hoshi Altar Guild trainees: Sarah Dusek, Jennifer Luvanda, Yannick Plomto, Nobuko Sato, Charles Cook
SANCTUARY CHOIR
Director - Yuka Omi
The Sanctuary Choir serves 2-3 Sundays a month. The choir sings for the 8:30 and 11:00 worship services on the 1st Sunday of the month and for the 11:00 on the 3rd and 5th Sundays. The choir participated in the 150-anniversary kick-off weekend into Palm Sunday with our virtual choir videos. After two years of reduced numbers of singers allowed to sing in the sanctuary, the full choir resumed at the 150-anniversary service on October 2nd, 2022. The Sanctuary Choir and Union Praise Choir joined together and sang “Gather to Offer You” for this very special event. We welcomed several new members into the choir and welcomed back returning members. We took a break from having Choir Sunday during the pandemic but will resume it in June 2023. While we sang our traditional public domain songs, we added some contemporary repertoire to our list. We seek a way to present our favorite repertoire that touches our spiritual and musical soul and complies with the license requirements.
UNION PRAISE TEAM
Leaders - Lorene Abella Clemens, Madoka Yoshida, Brad Schmidt
We are blessed with singers who show their love of Christ through song. UPT sings various music and especially focuses on praise music that fills our hearts during worship. A special Christmas concert was held in December featuring singers and instrumentalists from TUC and guest musicians. TAIZE WORSHIP Leader - Nancy Pierson Taize worship services were a regular part of worship on the 4th Sunday of each month. We thank Nancy Pierson, coordinator and singer for Taize worship, and all the singers and instrumental musicians who support this special worship service. We thank Pastor Steve for his active role as a singer and guitarist.
AV and LIVESTREAM TEAM
Leader - Jonathan Oh
We joyfully serve the Tokyo Union Church congregation by providing a positive in-person and online worship experience. Over the past year, we have redeveloped our team to balance the service loads better and improve the worship service's audio and visual aspects. We praise God that we could be a part of the 150th-anniversary services and programs, and we are thankful that we could resume using lyrics on our projections and online services. Our team is beginning to have occasional lunches together to have deeper fellowship and to grow as a community. In the coming months, we hope to increase the number of members on both the AV and Livestream teams and to develop an improved structure for our operations to make it more enjoyable and efficient. Your prayers and support are always appreciated, and we always welcome new members to join the team!
Here are the team members who served during the 2022 year: (AV) David Berg, M. Catala, Ayumi Ito, Jimu, Risa Kikura, Ren Kubo, Isaac Lee, Kanehira Mitani Jonathan Oh, Rance del Rosario, Daiki Sasaki, Brad Schmidt, Remi Yamazaki (Livestream Hosting) Nee Lam, Winnie Langelaar, Jonathan Oh, Vanessa Sihite, Maya Tatsuno
With grateful hearts, we thank the Pastoral Team of Steve Yamaguchi and Hector Herrera for their leadership, support, and encouragement of everyone on the Worship and Music Ministry Team.
Personnel Ministry Team
By Eiji Hoshi
Elders: Alison Harad and Eiji Hoshi
Members: Pastor Steve Yamaguchi, Dennis Schneider, Francois Keet (Finance liaison), Kathy Koll, and Yoshito Kijima
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
We were sorry that faithful sexton, Mr. Daiki Sasaki, decided to resign from the position last July. But God caused everything work together for our good. His full job responsibilities were nicely shared by a property manager, staff, a cleaning service and TUC volunteers. He entered upon a career!
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
This can be as specific or general as you would like. The purpose is to give the congregation a quick sense of TUC's activities this year.
The Personnel Ministry Team (PMT) is responsible for all the full and part-time employees of TUC. There are currently nine people in paid employment: Pastor, Associate Pastor, Director of Youth Ministry, Director of Children Ministry, Finance and Accounting Manager, Office Administrator, Choir Director and two Organists. The PMT’s role here is to support all the church staff, including the pastors. We are also responsible for preparing, maintaining and renewing annual employment contracts and ensuring evaluations and feedback are provided on a timely basis. PMT responds to any personnel issues that arise as well as provides support and helps to facilitate a pleasant work environment for the church staff. PMT meets almost monthly to discuss issues. In February 2023, we took up a Love Gift offering for the nine church staff members. Thank God that the loving congregation offered a lot of gifts for them.
Finance Ministry Team
By Alan Sorba (Treasurer), Francois Keet (Elder), Joe Dunkle, Russell Gesling, Catherine Sasanuma (President), Kats Mikami, Larry Mojumdar, Joan Sawe, Julie Voskuil
Finance Team
The activities described in the annual report have been made possible by the existence and effective operation of two separate legal entities, the Shukyo Hojin of TUC and the Tokyo Union Church Foundation, Inc. (“TUCF”). Each is a fully self-funded and self-managed charitable institution. Consistent with prior years, the financial results in this report have been prepared by combining the financial information of these entities (collectively “TUC”).
The congregation determines operating priorities through the constitutionally prescribed directives, procedures, organizational structure and leadership selections. The congregation funds its operating priorities through regular tithing, loose donations, and designated gifts.
TUC is grateful to receive donations designated for specific purposes such as for Outreach including the Mission with Our Homeless Neighbors (“MOHN”) and for the rebuilding of TUC’s church building, however unrestricted giving is encouraged in particular as it helps fund important operating costs such as the salaries of pastors and staff and expenditures necessary to maintain the church building and the pastor’s manse.
The Finance Team monitors the short and long-term financial situation and offers recommendations as appropriate to help ensure that steps can be executed effectively in consideration of congregational priorities in a transparent manner.
Shukyo Hojin of TUC
Shukyo Hojin of TUC (“SKH”) supports TUC’s vision and integration in the community by assuring a legal entity status in Japan. SKH also takes charge of organizational financial transactions as a legal entity.
SKH arranges the reports so that the Japanese authorities can understand the mission, vision, and activities of TUC. On April 20, 2022, the SKH approved the 2021 activity reports and 2021 financial report for submission to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shibuya Tax Office.
Tokyo Union Church Foundation, Inc.
The Tokyo Union Church Foundation, Inc. is a Delaware 501c (3) non-profit corporation (Tax number 51-6024083) and files a 990-PF tax return with the Internal Revenue Service yearly. It allows United States taxpayers to make tax-deductible donations.
The 2022 officers were, John Mullins (Chairman), Russell Gesling (Vice Chairman), Brock McMunn (Secretary) and Joseph Dunkle (Treasurer). The term of office is three years and the Board receives no compensation.
The members of the Investment Committee are John Mullins, Russell Gesling, Joseph Dunkle, Karl Koschnitzke, Finance Ministry Team Elder of Shukyo Hojin of TUC, and Treasurer of Shukyo Hojin of TUC.
Property and Use
Deacons: Ikuko Omori & Maki Yamamoto
The Property & Use committee manages and oversees the maintenance, upkeep, and use of all real estate and physical property of TUC, including all maintenance contracts and insurance policies as well as the day-to-day management and operation of all church facilities and the manse.
We are a dedicated group of TUC members who care about our church building, the pastor’s homes, and church property. We joyfully serve together each working with the gifts and talents God has given them. We are open to all members and welcome volunteers who want to serve and enjoy fellowship.
Finance elder Francois Keet leads our committee and provides helpful insight with decisions that require careful use of church finances. We want to give special thanks to our Daiki Sasaki for his loyal service at TUC in the role of sexton until Q3 2022. Daiki was well-loved by everyone in TUC and will be greatly missed. With the departure of Daiki, we also welcome our new Property Manager Mr. M Catalá.
We had many reasons to be thankful and to celebrate the fellowship of our team (Ikuko, Maki, Matt Ushida, Larry Mojumdar, Keola Lacar, Chie Matsuda, Takako Schmidt, and Jody Fuller) and share accomplishments that resulted from many hours of work given in service by Property & Use members.
In 2023, we are very blessed and thankful for the following new volunteers joining the P&U team: Edward Lafayette, Monique Bloomfield, Ron Reid, Yannick Plomteux, Venkatesh Prateeka Jeruis, Mary Aso, Samuel Donkor, Jackie Militello, Manae Murakami, Suresh Kukde, Vanessa Sihite, Bianca Allen, Brad Schmidt, and Noriko Sakoh
Members of Property & Use meet to discuss ideas, suggestions, improvements and pray for our work and for each other.
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
Finance
Property and Use
The major accomplishments this year are as follows:
4th-floor bathroom renovation
Electrical box replacements/breakers / High Voltage Receiving Equipment – to ensure safety
Replacement Air-condition switches
Elevator maintenance and inspection
Gas heater water replacement 4th floor
Manse Repair & Maintenance – Doors, Skirting boards, Mosquito screens, plumbing (Inspection)
Transition the Cleaning of the Church to an outsourcing company
Cleanup of Church (basement and garage) and 4th floor for our children and youth ministry
Annual Maintenance and Shaken of the Church Van.
Safety Inspection & Pest Control
Repaired internal wall cracks and doors and repainted.
Building Maintenance (DIY Work, Maintenance of B1 washer and dryer, Replacements lighting bulbs, Changing the batteries in the faucets, Managing Dehumidifiers, and Other minor work that cannot be outsourced)
Safety evacuation drill on 18th Sep
Each member of the team shares their time and talent in many ways such as on-site volunteering, praying for each member and attendance at meetings to share work and fellowship.
Outreach Ministry Team
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
The Outreach Ministry Team decided in 2021-2022 that the key communities they will give to are, notably, the homeless, children (ex., orphans, underage care providers), those in poverty, vulnerable women (ex. domestic violence victims, single mothers), disaster victims, the imprisoned, those persecuted for the faith, and internally, externally displaced people, and refugees. Thus now giving us the funding criteria and funding request form that we believe is accessible, inclusive, transparent, and responsible.
We look forward to continuing to strengthen the Outreach Ministry that connects TUC to serve our neighbors in need in Tokyo, in Japan, and beyond.
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
Financial Giving -
Designated donations received included:
¥7,236,266 for Outreach: Philippine Self Help Foundation (“PSHF”) ¥3,476,851, MOHN ¥2,790,313, Easter Special Offering ¥452,800, Christmas Special Offering ¥463,105, BOTT Memorial Fund ¥33,745, and others ¥19,452;
Designated donations spent for Outreach included:
¥3,334,508: PSHF;
¥2,025,945: MOHN; and,
¥869,503: Others - World Vision (Ukraine) ¥470,749, Asia Rural Institute ¥100,000, Budou no Ki ¥100,000, Joyful Opportunity English Education ¥100,000, Global Giving ¥58,344, the BOTT Memorial Fund ¥25,560, and gifts for recipients in Tohoku ¥14,850.
Tohoku Relief -
As we have done for the past 10 years, this year again we sent our Christmas and Easter greetings and blessings and our prayers and encouragement for March 11 to Heart Knit, Tohoku Help Disaster Recovery Organisation and the three churches in Tohoku we supported after the 2011 disaster: Miyako Community Church, Seaside Bible Church in Sendai and Senmaya United Church of Christ. Thanks to Dima Kato for organizing this.
Budou no Ki -
Budou no Ki is a Christian domestic violence shelter and support organization that offers emergency shelter, pro-bono legal assistance, and counseling for battered women and children. In 2022, TUC Outreach increased its support for this organization as one of the recipients of the Christmas Offering. We support transportation costs associated with volunteers moving out victims from violent homes and accompanying them to social welfare and legal agencies.
MOHN - Larry Mojumdar
Prepare many onigiri bentos to be delivered the next morning.
To deliver the above early every morning, excluding Sundays, by going to TUC first to receive the bentos prepared the day before, and deliver them to places in Shibuya 109, or other basement areas where many homeless survive overnight.
Prepare warm bentos every third Saturday of the month and deliver them to Yoyogi park where our homeless neighbors line up to receive these bentos.
Hand out OSECHI foods on the first of January in Yoyogi park to let our neighbors taste a little favor of traditional Japanese New Year breakfast.
Bott Memorial Home -
In December Larissa Soares and Naomi Tokuda graciously and efficiently carried on with the Christmas Gifts Program. The children enjoyed opening the gifts and had a joyful time on the 24th, thanks to so many donors who were eager to send their love to the children.
After our announcement of the Christmas gifts for Bott children last November, a generous donor who only participates in TUC online services, expressed his willingness to give presents to Bott Memorial Home. Bott’s requests were the donor wanted to donate some money for Bott children and some families in need. Neck warmers were purchased for the handbell team members and donated the rest of the money to Budou-no-ki. The director, Ms. Mori, used the money to prepare Scotch eggs, cookies and cyclamens for the mothers and children that they were supporting, to celebrate Christmas. After that, the donor wrote he and his wife wanted to buy and send shoes and clothes for twenty children in the Home and asked for needed sizes, which I told him. He also sent two boxes of toys as well. Director Miyamoto of Bott Home wrote thank-you letters.
Thanks to Akiko Adachi for maintaining a strong relationship with Bott Memorial Home
Youth Discipleship
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
Children Ministry:
We are grateful to have more and more children coming back to TUC. After seeing God at work during our online sessions back in 2021, we went back to in-person VBS and Sunday School in 2022. We had around 20 kids joining VBS where they learned about the wonders God created like Soil and Water, Plants, Insects, Animals and Humans. I really appreciate the dedication from the volunteers and parents who took part in VBS. I see God at work through our Children Director Larissa Soares, who has been a blessing to our ministry.
I also see God at work in our volunteers who dedicate their time and talent for our young members, in our regular Sunday School sessions, as well as big events such as the Christmas Party and Christmas Family Service.
We had our Christmas Event “We Three Kings”, where kids learned about the significance of Christ through the three wisemen. We introduced the Safe Church Policy to the volunteers to ensure the safety of our young members in any TUC-related activities. We are thankful for God’s guidance and blessings to all our young members, volunteers, and parents.
Youth Ministry:
I see God at work through the hard work, talent, and creativity of M. Catala, the Youth Director.
Since M’s arrival, the Youth Group has been rebuilding in the following areas:
Connecting with the youth to see what they want from TUC’s Youth Group.
Refining the look and feel of the group to make it current/relevant.
Creating opportunities for fellowship between the youth.
Asobu: monthly hang out events
Click: online weekly hang out events
Opening TUC’s Youth Group up to English-speaking teens in our area. Not necessarily relying on the existing TUC population.
We appreciate the dedication from our volunteers and youth members who have been helping us in various ways.
Young Adult Group:
The Young Adults Group (YAG) is a community currently made mostly of young adults who are working professionals. We welcome those who are university students and those aged in their 20s and 30s to join this growing group. Over the past year, we have had an explosive growth, especially after in-person services resumed in full force. Many of the new members came once the borders were re-opened and found a home at TUC, bringing a greater diversity to the group along with different spiritual experiences and backgrounds. In addition to higher numbers, we have also had multiple activities and opportunities for our members to grow closer together in Christ, including regular fellowship time after Sunday services and times for study and prayer. YAG has also been involved in the Alpha course and evening dinner gatherings. We had a transition in leadership as Alexandria Kayy and Isaac Lee became the new co-coordinators. Jonathan and Rachel Oh took on new roles as chaplains for the young adults. We are thankful to see the Lord blessing this growing community, and we look forward to a deepening of our family in Christ in the coming year.
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
Children and Youth:
VBS
Sunday School for Youth and Children
We Three Kings Christmas Party
Christmas Family Service
Good News for Kids
Asobu (monthly hang out sessions)
Click (weekly online hang out sessions)
Parents lunch
Easter Egg Hunt (upcoming)
Parents & Kids lunch events (upcoming)
YAG:
Fellowship
Involvement in Alpha course
Evening dinner gatherings
Community Life
By Admin Team
Tokyo Union Church celebrated its 150th Anniversary last year with a series of events and activities that focused on building community and commemorating the church's rich history. The celebration, "Meet, Pray, Love," began with an eight-hour programming that included talks by former pastors, discussions on prayer, and a challenge to perform 150 acts of love and kindness in the coming year. The event, broadcasted in three time zones and attended by over 1,100 alumni from 17 countries, marked the end of the church's two-year physical isolation.
Following the launch event, the church continued celebrating its anniversary with "pop-up" events focused on building community. These events included coffee tastings, a family fiesta, a chili and movie night, and a pilgrimage to Nagasaki. The celebration's highlight was the Joyful Jubilee, a two-day event that included dinners, lunches, and a special coffee hour. The event was attended by over 500 people and featured performances by the church's choir and musicians, a dramatic ballet dance, and a curry lunch prepared by the church's Homeless Ministry.
Throughout the celebration, the church emphasized its commitment to building a strong community and commemorating its past while creating a future guided by love and kindness. The celebration was a testament to the church's resilience in the face of the global pandemic and its dedication to bringing people together in faith and fellowship.
Nominating Team
By April Morito
Elders: Andy Chen, April Morito
Members: Mary Aso, Russell Gesling, Suresh Kukde, Pastor Steve Yamaguchi, and Pastor Hector Herrera
The Lord has graciously watched over and guided this team throughout this year, giving us wisdom and discernment in our search for the new elders who will lead the church as we come out of the difficult pandemic years. We thank the following incoming elders who have accepted the Lord’s call to lead the church in the coming year and who were elected by the congregation at the January congregational meeting: Catherine Sasanuma, Rika Nakajima, Alan Sorba, Isaac Lee, Alison Harada, Francoise Keets, Jody Fuller and April Morito.
We also want to thank those stepping down after dedicating long hours of work and leadership. Stephanie del Rosario, Noriko Sakoh, Winnie Langelaar. We appreciate all the sacrifice you have given to the church's work.
The Nominating team is also tasked with putting together a Pastor Search Team who will be responsible in finding a new pastor who will lead our church when Pastor Steve’s contract ends. The NMT is in the middle of putting this team together at the time of writing this report, and we will be taking the nominees of the Pastor Search team to the congregation for approval.
We also thank elders who continue to serve in their respective ministries: Brad Schmidt, Vanessa Sihite, Eiji Hoshi, Andy Chen, and Michiko Yaegashi. Lastly, the church's smooth running depends mainly on those who quietly work behind the scenes, consistently showing up and getting the work done, and yet remain anonymous. We thank you, and we thank the Lord for you - friends and members and church staff who dedicate their time and talents to the work of the Lord. Our hearts are full and overflowing with thanks and praise to our Lord.
Evangelism Ministry Team
By Brad Schmidt
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
ABC Ballet with their productions of Messiah and also even Romeo and Juliet. We had a person who was seeking come and he said he cried - had never cried in over 20 years.
Alpha - We started an Alpha class to help people to get an idea about what Christianity is about. I have especially seen God working in providing us workers and also helping us to keep having faith that he will work things out!
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
Working with ABC Ballet to reach the visitors, dancers and also the parents to Christ. Alpha - great discussion and fellowship in eating and preparing food together
Spiritual Formation
By Michiko Yaegashi
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
Adult Education
Sermon Lab - The Holy Spirit speaks to us through the text of the scriptures and the voices of one another. God uses a rich blend of diverse religious backgrounds. The Spirit also prompts and provokes thinking on the text before the sermon, which some people greatly enjoy.
Group Lectio Divina with Pastor Steve - God speaks to us through the text we listen to on the given day. As we spend much of the hour in quiet and listening, the words of the text seep into our hearts and minds. There God can speak to us, and we can hear the biblical text more deeply. Participants experience a sense of calm and peace. God meets us. In this weekly oasis of quiet in the presence of God. Newcomers are always welcome.
Pastoral Investigations - Led by Pastor Héctor there were three different chapters in the year 2022. The first class, "How the Bible was Made," delved into the history and use of the Historical-Critical Method to explore the Bible's creation. The second class, the used the Yale Bible Study to investigate “What is Christmas About? The Incarnation,” was led by Rev. Dr. Allen Hilton. The third class, "Who Were the Women in the Bible?" focused on less well-known female biblical characters and was led by Dr. Jacqueline Vayntrub and Dr. Yii-Jan Lin. All classes will use the Harvard pedagogical method of "Connect, Extend, Challenge" and meet online.
Reading & Praying The Psalms - They have seen God changing their lives through His words. Through prayer with God, they could receive peace and joy from above.
Adult Christian Education - Led by Pastor Hector and Jonathan Oh. They studied Shusaku Endo's book Silence, about the Hidden Christians in Japan, and viewed videos about this critical time in Japan's history. They also reflected on how Hidden Christians practiced their faith and the legacy they have today. Additionally, they celebrated the 150th anniversary of Tokyo Union Church by viewing videos about various aspects of its history. The class also talked about Global Christianity, seeking to listen more and understand the influence of culture in theological practice. As part of this conversation, members of Tokyo Union Church shared their history and faith reflections.
Spiritual Life
The Prayer & Healing Ministry - When the team members pray for those desiring prayer after the service, they feel God sending those who need prayer. They also feel God at work when they are given the words of prayer those desiring prayer need and when those desiring prayers are given healing, guidance, answers, and encouragement after prayer. After the Prayer & Healing Service, they feel that God has worked when they read the feedback from those who have been cleansed, encouraged, blessed, and miraculously healed.
The Prayer Chain - While the Prayer Chain letter is used only for urgent prayer requests and is not a regular weekly or monthly email sending, the coordinator was able to see how sharing requests contributes to the community at TUC in a quiet way. There have been requests for help regarding basic food and shelter, and the requests seem desperate. The coordinator passes on the request and receives a response from brothers and sisters who wish to help. The email address is then forwarded to those who want to help. They have a community of believers who care and will take actions to care. They see God at work in the work of this community.
Wednesday Prayer Group - They pray for TUC, its members, and its Ministries. They find peace and see God in His answers to their prayers.
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
Adult Education
Sermon Lab - A weekly Bible study that meets every evening at 6:30 PM on Tuesdays. They dig deeper into the Bible verses that will be preached on Sunday with the preacher. Everyone is welcome to ask questions, listen to other perspectives, and grow deeper in faith and understanding of the Holy text.
Group Lectio Divina with Pastor Steve - A time to spend listening to the Bible-slowly, quietly, attentively. Each Thursday morning at 8 am gather with Pastor Steve to listen to God’s word for the day. All comers are welcome.
Pastoral Investigations - A weekly study that will take place on Zoom every Wednesday at 12:00 pm with Pastor Hector. The study will wrestle with classic and modern texts from the Christian tradition. Everyone is invited to eat lunch and join the study during lunch break.
Reading & Praying The Psalms - Over the last year, the group has been reading the Gospel of John in the style of St. Ignatius's Spiritual Exercises with guidance from a Jesuit who has a profound experience with the Spiritual Exercises.
Adult Christian Education - Adult Christian Education is between the first and second Services. In August 2022, Pastor Hector facilitated the Book Reading Group using the book “Silence.” The topic in September was “Japanese Hidden Christians.” Pastor Hector facilitated this class in person, and Jonathan Oh facilitated it online. Pastor Hector and Jonathan continued to lead this group on “History of TUC” and “Theology Without Borders.”
Spiritual Life
The Prayer & Healing Ministry - Prayer and Healing Services are held in spring and fall. Prayer for those desiring prayer after Sunday services have resumed. At the monthly meeting, they have prayer time as well.
The Prayer Chain - The members pray for prayer requests sent by the coordinator almost twice a month
Wednesday Prayer Group - They send out prayer requests among the members and have prayer time individually every first and third Wednesday.
Leaders and Staff
Council
Pastors and Officers
Steve Yamaguchi, Pastor
Hector Herrera, Associate Pastor
Catherine Sasanuma, President
Winnie Langalaar, Vice-President
Alan Sorba, Treasurer
Pepper Del Rosario, Clerk
Elders
Francois Keet, Finance
Andy Chen, Nominating
April Morito, Nominating
Andy Chen, Nominating
Booyeon Lee, Outreach
Jody Fuller, Worship & Music
Eiji Hoshi, Personnel
Alison Harada, Personnel
Brad Schmidt, Evangelism
Vanessa Sihite, Youth Discipleship
Noriko Sakoh, Community Life
Michiko Yaegashi, Spiritual Formation
Shukyo Hojin
Kathy Matsui-Koll
Larry Mojumdar
Mary Foster
Jody Fuller
Rika Nakajima
Ikuko Omori
Staff
Audrey Thorne, Pastoral Assistant
Larissa Soares, Children’s Director
M. Angel Catalá, Youth Director | Facilities Manager
Daiki Sasaki, Sexton
Megumi Naito, Office Administrator
Kats Mikami, Accounting
Yuka Omi, Choir Director
Miwako Horii, Organist
Takako Hanabusa, Organist
TUC Foundation, Inc.
John Mullins, Chairman
Russell Gesling, Vice Chairman
Brock McMunn, Secretary
Joseph Dunkle, Treasurer