Children, Youth, & Family
by Vanessa Sihite & Ximena Leroux
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the year?
Over the past twelve months, we have seen God at work among our students, teachers, volunteers, and parents—through times of learning and fellowship in Sunday School, as well as through the various events and programs we have hosted and organized.
Could you share the activities and the engagement of your ministry this past year?
Here are some activities that we did from the Spring of 2024 to present:
Creation of Children's Book "Joy" by Byron Walker and Tomomi Sato.
This book was published in Easter 2024.
Youth Confirmation Retreat in Karuizawa
The retreat took place 26-29 April 2024 in Karuizawa, supported by parents and some YAG members.
Easter Good News For Kids Play
Byron Walker and some YAG members did the play.
Easter Egg Hunt event
Took place after the Easter Service
Angels and Flocks members participated in Easter Egg Hunt in Sanctuary and the 4th floor
Confirmation Sunday (5 May 2024)
We had the Confirmation Class of 2024 presented during the service, and youth members helping the service. (link)
Sunday School teachers, nursery workers, parents, and youth volunteers have faithfully contributed to a vibrant and Christ-centered children’s ministry.
In fall, we continued teaching essential Old Testament stories through a mix of Bible lessons, games, and crafts.
In the winter and spring seasons, we shifted focus to Gospel stories and teachings on the sacraments of Communion and Baptism.
“Rooftop Reflection” gatherings in the fall brought parents together for fellowship on the church balconies.
Cookie-decorating events were held for families during Advent and again on Valentine’s Day to foster intergenerational bonding.
Teens enjoyed a fun outing to Tokyo City Dome in late fall for movement and connection.
Young adults actively supported children’s ministry by writing and performing two seasonal plays—one at Easter and another at Christmas.
Our nursery is cared for by two experienced staff members, and parent volunteers continue to support Sunday School each week.
The year has been filled with meaningful collaboration, joyful learning, and faithful service across all age groups as we strive to live out Matthew 19:14.
Young Adult Group Ministry
by Pastor Joseph Park
Once again, we have been richly blessed this year with many new active members joining our Young Adults Group (YAG). YAG is a vibrant and colorful fellowship of college students and young professionals navigating adulthood. Whether you’re new to faith or a seasoned believer, TUC YAG aims to create an open and safe space where we can ask life’s important questions and share our stories.
Recognizing Tokyo as a transient and diverse community for young adults, YAG's central focus this year has been to foster a strong sense of community and deepen our connections with God and each other. To achieve this, the newly established YAG Committee collaborated to plan, organize, and manage our group’s activities. To enhance communication and coordination within the wider TUC community, we appointed two co-coordinators—Pastor Joseph Park and Sophie Wang—to act as organizers and liaisons between church leadership and the YAG community.
Truly embracing our church's value of being 'open to all,' we warmly invite everyone to join our weekly Bible studies, monthly fellowship meetings, and to take initiative in contributing to and shaping our fellowship. This collective participation and collaboration have transformed YAG into the thriving and inclusive community we cherish today.
Highlights from our activities this year include:
Autumn Potluck
Fall Retreat: Abide
Hanging of the Greens
Lunar New Year Celebration with Pastor Joseph at the Mini-Manse
Weekly Bible Study on the Book of Samuel, led by Sophie Wang
Winter Retreat: Manifest
Baptism of 4 YAG members in March 2025