Dear Centenarians,
Our
annual “Arigato Bazaar” held earlier this month was a contemporary model of
interfaith practice and inclusiveness. This was reflected in a community dance
that was done in the Japanese “ondo” tradition, a first for Centenary and, I
believe, for any Christian church.
The
ondo tradition is generally associated with the Buddhist observance of “obon,”
held during the summer months. In truth, ondo is a Japanese folk-style music
tradition that claims no particular religious connotation. It is a community-oriented way of including
everyone in an art form that celebrates communal spirit and participation.
In
these ways, our ondo dancing was a big success! People of all ages, generations
and ethnicities (and religions, I assume)
danced together for almost an hour, as contemporary and traditional
renditions of ondo music blared through the sound system. The experienced dancers who came dressed in
their beautiful, traditional kimono, and who had to maintain their composure
all throughout the day while waiting for the ondo to begin impressed me!
The
inclusiveness of the bazaar was reflected on a broader level throughout the
downtown area that day. A Japanese Children’s Day also transpired at the
cultural center just a few blocks away, while the annual “Cinco de Mayo”
festival offered opportunities to celebrate and observe an important Latino
tradition in greater downtown Los Angeles.
We at Centenary are
blessed with a strong tradition of affirming our historic Japanese American
ethnic culture and unique way of sharing and evangelizing the Gospel of Jesus
Christ. Our location in an urban environment that is rapidly becoming a “Noahs
Ark” which embraces people of all cultures, religions and lifestyles puts us at
the nexus of 21st century life and faith and gives us new
opportunities to share our heritage in the context of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ, the One
who said “behold, I make all things new,” continues to reveal God in new and
exciting ways in new and exciting times.
We are privileged to
be partners in this grand endeavor, so let us continue to reveal God in new and
exciting ways in all that we do!
Grace and Peace,
Reverend Mark M.
Nakagawa
