From the Desk of Rev. Mark Nakagawa

Dear Centenary Faithful:

This year marks the 100^th anniversary of Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees (“sakura”) to the U.S. in 1912.  Communities around the country are celebrating this milestone, and recently a local celebration was held to commemorate this occasion. Centenary has received a cherry tree as a result of this, and it is planted in the front area along Central Avenue.

You won’t notice it, however, unless you look closely. It is a small, bare tree at the moment. In fact, it was a “bare root” when we received it, and our volunteers took great care as they planted it! By this time next year, its branches will be filled with beautiful cherry blossoms, and I envision our front entry way into the narthex to be covered with them!

I believe that this gift of a young, small cherry tree is symbolic for the season of Lent that Christians currently observe. This is the church season when we go “back to our roots” of Christian faith: confession, repentance, forgiveness, renewal….which leads to new life.

The Lenten season is a special time for meditation and prayer, and an increased understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and Resurrection. It is also a time to prepare for baptismal vows and recommitment to the Christian life.

Like the young cherry tree that will eventually grow into a full, mature tree, we also strive to grow in our Christian faith and understanding of God’s ways for the world.

During this Lenten season, take some extra time to pray, meditate, fast, doing good works, so that you will grow further in faith.

I look forward to seeing you throughout the Lenten season, and especially on Easter, when we will celebrate our resurrected Lord in worship together!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa