Spiritual Formation
by Peter Mathies
How have you seen God at work in your ministry over the past year?
We have seen God at work through volunteers that work on God's behalf here among us:
Whenever our ministry team gathered to discuss the upcoming work, I was always amazed at how a few of us could develop plans for the Stewardship campaign. We were led to a new approach to Rally Day, with Julie's quilt, a composite video, and a question-and-answer panel in the sanctuary, bringing the Stewardship and Rally Day messages to the entire Congregation in attendance.
During the leadership retreat workshop, which involved learning, deep relationship building, and attunement to the Spirit, his presence was palpably felt among us.
Seeing the conviction and dedication of the Prayer & Healing team, ready to pray with and for members of the Congregation in need and their organization and delivery of the biannual Prayer services.
Could you share the activities and the engagement of your ministry this past year?
1) Stewardship
The Stewardship Campaign 2024 was held over eight Sundays from October 6 through November 24 with the theme of "GIVING OUR WHOLE SELVES TO GOD - An ongoing journey of fuller dedication."
Again this year, Julie Fukuda handcrafted the now-annual "Stewardship Quilt," which captures and communicates this year's theme in a most beautiful way. We are grateful for her exquisite artwork.
Sunday sermons were dedicated to the themes of Active in Joyful Service (Oct 6), Integrated in Community, Caring for Creation, Time, Prayer (as part of the Prayer & Healing Service), Talent (Rally Day), and Treasure (Dedication Sunday).
Rally Day was designed differently this year. The main part of messaging was within the worship service, featuring a composite video that introduced ministry activities and a panel Q&R facilitated by the pastor that interviewed five representatives about their experience serving in their respective ministries.
Many congregants followed the invitation to further conversations with ministry team representatives and signed up for volunteer activities. The hospitality team supported these activities with an extra-special buffet.
2) Leadership Retreat-Workshop
At the beginning of March, we held a Leadership Retreat-Workshop for ministry team leaders, with the objectives of 'Guide and inspire leaders to develop joyful service and grow people' and 'Prepare leaders specifically for their role at a Rally Day Follow-up event scheduled for March/April.'
The half-day event provided ample time for learning to know each other at a deeper level, attuning to God's presence among us, and better understanding the 'Values and Identity of TUC' as well as the 'Roles and Structure of TUC Leadership.'
3) Spiritual Life
Prayer & Healing Ministry/Prayer & Healing Service: On Sundays, after the 11 am worship service, the Prayer and Healing Ministry Team members pray with those who request prayers. Twice a year, in spring and in fall, the team also organizes and holds a Worship Service with a focus on prayer and healing that provides time for all congregants to pray together within the service. This year's fall Prayer & Healing service was also part of the stewardship series highlighting the role of Prayer in stewardship: Time, Prayer, Talent, Treasure. (YouTube)
Prayer Chain: Prayer requests, mainly received online through the TUC Website, are quickly posted to the prayer chain. As necessary, the Prayer Chain coordinator contacts the pastors for a follow-up with those who post the prayer. The prayer chain is another way to stay in touch with current and past members.
Reading and Praying the Psalms: Participants meet once a week to read and meditate on a short scripture passage in the way of Ignatian Spiritual Exercises. The day of the meeting is, in fact, the last of a 'seven days - seven minutes' meditation practice that enlists our senses and the imagination to enter the scene described in the passage. We have spent most of the year reading the Gospel of Mark.
Group Lectio Divina with Pastor Joseph offers an opportunity to start the day with slow contemplative reading of a short Scripture passage. Digesting the word of God rather than studying is a metaphor that describes this ancient practice.
4) Adult Education
Daily Lenten Devotional: Reviving a TUC tradition of reading a gospel together during Lent, JY Lee coordinated a journey through Mark’s Gospel, guided by reflections from current and former TUC members and pastors.
A Lenten Pilgrimage: a weekly activity for church members to walk to various destinations near TUC in the spirit of pilgrimage.
The Art of Lent: Acclaimed author Sister Wendy Beckett guiding us on a Lenten journey by reflecting on the timeless beauty and insights of some of the world's greatest paintings, alongside her short meditations.
Atheism for Lent: In a less conventional approach, Peter Rollins encourages a practice of decentering during the season of Lent. This is an invitation into a journey of existential exploration.
Sermon Lab is a weekly gathering under the leadership of Pastor Joseph Park that meets on Tuesday evenings to read and discuss the scripture verses that will be preached on Sunday. Participants are encouraged to ask their questions and in turn can learn of various understandings in our diverse congregation. The Spirit speaks to us through the text of the scriptures as well as through the voices of one another.
TUC Friends Bible Study is a weekly study that meets Wednesday evening with Lorene Clemens as facilitator. Exploring several topics based on sermons by Pastor David Jeremiah the class most recently studied the nature of spiritual warfare and how to equip ourselves with the whole armor of God to stand firm in grace.
One-off event - Victorian Poetry - Led by Lilith Ayvazyan, this series delved into the profound themes of faith and love expressed in Victorian poetry. From heartfelt reflections on Christian devotion to the stirring echoes of romantic longing, we considered how 19th-century poets grappled with spiritual and emotional truths.
One-off event - Reconciliation - Keiko Holmes, a Christian who has devoted her life to a ministry of reconciliation, presented her work to promote reconciliation between Japanese people and Japan's former World War II prisoners of war. Her work has helped to heal and inspire thousands of people.
Member-led events: Members of the congregation find themselves and meet for Bible study, sharing of life, prayer/meditation, and fellowship (e.g. Women's Bible Studies and Mindfulness Meditations)