From the desk of Rev. Mark

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 21^st 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