September Chimes: The Christian Faith

Dear Centenarians, 

During the past month I’ve had two positive experiences in dealing with the local media.

A letter I had written to the Los Angeles Times in response to an article on immigration was published on Aug. 11^th. To the credit of the Times editorial staff, they contacted me to make sure I was the letter writer and to verify what I’d written. Due to space limitations, they couldn’t run my entire letter, but ran enough of it to get my point across (to view it, go to www.latimes.com, then type in “Jim Wallis” in the search box).

A few days later, I was contacted by the producer of a radio show who had seen my letter. I was asked to go on the show the following week, which is produced locally but broadcast to a national audience. After thinking about the possible risks of doing this, I finally accepted the invitation and appeared on the morning broadcast.

The show’s host is Jesse Lee Peterson, who is a pastor and also head of the Tea Party movement here in Los Angeles. During the approximately 40 minutes of interview time,

we discussed contemporary issues that intersect religious faith, political ideology and the human experience. While he and I represented mostly opposite sides of the same issues, I found the conversation to be engaging and spirited, and him to be a very cordial and respectful host. In short, I had fun!

More important than having fun, however, was the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversation about faith and life that inform each other.  On a recent Sunday I stated that our United Methodist Christian faith does not exist in a spiritual vacuum, but is a faith that is lived out by engaging the world, its people and circumstances.

The Christian faith is to be lived as well as believed, for in our living is when we really discover what we believe. That means taking advantage of opportunities to engage people who have perspectives and outlooks that do and don’t jive with yours.

That is what makes life so richly interesting, and I appreciate these recent opportunities to engage the issues of the day with in ways that challenge me to think and live faithfully!

Grace and Peace,

Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa

August 2013

Dear Centenarians,

From time to time throughout ministry, there are surprising moments that reinforce my faith in God’s ability to transform people’s lives from near-emptiness to fullness. Such a moment happened two weeks ago in worship, when a once-homeless person showed up dressed in dapper business attire!

The last time he was at church was two years ago, on a “Blessing of the Animals Sunday.” I drove him to the DMV the following day so that he could obtain a State Identification card, which he said he needed for a job interview.  

After I dropped him off and headed home, I simply chalked up this experience to many other similar ones I’ve had over the years. The cynical part of me was convinced that nothing would come  of my efforts to lend him a hand, and I would never see him again.

You can imagine how shocked and surprised I was when he appeared in worship, dressed as he was! During the lunch following worship, he shared that the day after he obtained his state identification card he was hired by a nearby department store as a security guard.

After a few months of doing that, he answered a truck driving ad in the newspaper and was subsequently hired by the trucking company. The company relocated him to Oklahoma, where he was born. He now drives cross-country routes for the company (which is why he was in L.A.), and he had gotten married along the way!

Perhaps the most uplifting thing about our conversation was when he referred to Centenary as “my home.” Realistically, I know that our chances of seeing him again in worship will be few and far between.

However, God has given him this congregation as a “home ” during his travels, and we are blessed by God to be a part of this person’s amazing transformation into a new life.

Grace and Peace,

Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa

The Poster on the Wall

Dear Centenarians,

As I was passing through a hotel on a recent trip, I noticed an attractive poster on the wall with the following words:

         “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.”   John Wesley

Seeing these familiar words by the founder of the Methodist movement on the wall of a hotel lobby struck me as odd at first, although I have to admit that it gave me a sense of pride as well.

Then, I realized that a picture of the globe was imbedded in the center of the poster, recalling to my mind another well known Wesleyan saying:

         “The world is my parish.”

At that point, it all made sense to me. You see, the Methodist tradition has always stressed the outward expressions of one’s Christian faith just as much as one’s inward piety.

In fact, John Wesley started the Methodist movement during Industrial Revolution-era England precisely because he believed that Christians of that time were not going beyond the church walls and ministering to the needs of the people during that time of England’s history.

From here began Wesley’s practice of taking communion to workers inside  of the coal mines and to women and children who worked in the sweat shops. Soon to follow were schools, shelters, hospitals and other ministries  that were established by Wesley’s followers. These were not simply social services, but “means of grace” that exemplified the ministry of Jesus.

In an ironic twist, seeing that poster on a hotel wall reminded me of Wesley’s emphasis of living the Christian faith “beyond the walls,” and out in the world, encountering people in real life situations and bringing the gospel to them just as Jesus did.

We come to church each week to worship, but we take what we experience in worship beyond the church walls, out into the world, which is our true parish.

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa

June 2013

Dear Centenarians,

On a recent trip to Chicago to attend the funeral of an aunt, I had several pleasant experiences that reminded me of the historical and spiritual connections that bind us as United Methodists.

At the funeral (which was held in a Lutheran church), there were a number of Nisei’s (2^nd generation Japanese Americans) in attendance who knew my aunt from their involvement in the local community. They were actually members of the Ravenswood Fellowship U.M.C. in Chicago. Like Centenary, the historical roots of the Ravenswood church are of Japanese immigrant families who were affected by the WW II internment experience, and returned or settled in Chicago afterwards.

Many of these Ravenswood members knew of Centenary, and one of them even grew up in Los Angeles and attended the Sunday School during the pre-WW II period. Several others also know families here in Los Angeles who are connected to Centenary.

Also during my stay, I spoke with a karate instructor who currently teaches a class at the Ravenswood UMC. It turns out that a number of years ago he was a student here at Centenary in the karate program that is run by Sensei Art Ishii. When this student moved back to Chicago two years ago, he approached the Ravenswood church about the possibility of starting a class there for children and adults. Upon hearing that he had been a student of a martial arts class that was held at Centenary, the Ravenswood congregation opened their doors to him without any hesitation.

Over the years I have had similar encounters and experiences when visiting other churches and similar communities. These are relationships that I treasure and value deeply, for they remind me of the deep roots that we hold as United Methodists, and especially as Centenary members.

In a day and age when relationships and contexts change so quickly, it is important to be reminded of historical connections like these that continue to hold significance in the church, and for we who continue to embody these connections today.

Grace and Peace,

Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa

May Chimes--From the Desk of Reverend Mark

Dear Centenarians,

Our “Arigato Bazaar” held just two weeks ago was a huge success on all levels!

“Congratulations” and “Thank You” to all Centenarians for showcasing Centenary at its finest!

Each year, the bazaar reflects what I consider to be its most important function, which is in bringing people together. Just like the “regional connector” that will be built in Little Tokyo, bringing together (“connecting”) train riders from all across the southern California region, so also does the bazaar serve a similar, important purpose.

As I made the rounds throughout the day, I could see and hear these connections in many ways: Friends greeting one another; grandparents and grandkids laughing with each other; long-lost church members reacquainting themselves with each other, and meeting new church members.

The bazaar also provided a global dimension in its connections that day. A booth selling beautiful tee-shirts continued to raise disaster relief funds for the survivors of the Japan “3.11” earthquake and tsunami. Those funds will be given through U.M.C.O.R.

Additionally, a news crew from the Turkish National Broadcasting group was on hand to film scenes throughout the afternoon. They will use this footage in a program on global culture to be broadcast in Turkey sometime in the next month. To add to this interesting twist, the following morning in worship we heard the scripture reading from Acts 16, highlighting the discipleship role of a woman named Lydia, whose birth is traced to Asia-Minor, which is modern day Turkey!

In an age when our sense of connecting with someone is decreasingly “human” and increasingly “digital,” it was heartening to witness the “spiritual” connections being made throughout the Arigato Bazaar, all made possible by your dedication to Jesus Christ and his church.

Once again, congratulations, and thank you, for another successful and outstanding Arigato Bazaar!

Grace and Peace,

Reverend Mark M. Nakagawa

April Pastor's Column

Dear Centenarians,

“Did you see the tree? The cherry’s are finally blossoming!”

These words by one of our members greeted me two Sundays ago as I entered the social hall. Surprised, since, just two days before I had looked at the tree without seeing any signs of cherry blossoms, I went outside to look again. And, sure enough, small blossoms were beginning to emerge from the branches!

Springtime is surely here, and to use the words of a well-known Japanese folk song, “haru ga kita!” The spring season means newness, freshness, growth, action.  Here at Centenary, those signs of life already abound very much!

We are currently in “Arigato Bazaar mode,” as we prepare for this great annual event that the kicks off the Japanese church bazaar season in southern California. Please see the announcements in this issue of the Chimes to find out how you can participate in the fun and excitement!

Later this month, we will host the annual National Japanese American United Methodist clergy gathering, with a special presentation by Bishop Grant Hagiya, author of a newly-released book, Spiritual Kaizen.

And, as I announced in worship two weeks ago, Centenary will host the 41 member Ohio Northern University Choral group over Memorial Day weekend in May, as part of its five-week national tour (see related article).

With such signs of life and activity abounding throughout Centenary, I invite you to become involved in the life of Jesus Christ. Yes, that’s right….. our life as the church is the life of the body of Christ. It is a body that is fully alive, not dead, and that gives life to all.

Let us continue to shout the words that we proclaimed on Easter:

Alleluia! Christ is Risen! Christ is risen, indeed!

Grace and Peace,

Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa

Jackie Robinson: Faith in himself--and in God

Chimes Readers:

I am taking the liberty of sending this article to you, which appeared in this morning's Wall Street Journal.
It is about Jackie Robinson, and the important role of the United Methodist Church in his life and career.
This article is a fitting complement to the movie "42" that opens this weekend, and I hope you find reading
it worthwhile.

Rev. Mark Nakagawa
centenaryumcla@aol.com

Jackie Robinson: Faith in himself--and in God

From the Desk of Reverend Mark-March

Dear Centenarians,


In our office two weeks ago, a phone call came in from a person who wanted to make a donation towards Japan earthquake relief, in light of a recent series of earthquakes that have happened there again.
When I invited her to two-year memorial event for the “3.11” Japan earthquake and tsunami which was taking place here in Little Tokyo that coming weekend, she responded that she lived in Pennsylvania! Natu-rally I was piqued at this, as well as thankful for her offering that I ex-plained would go to U.M.C.O.R., our denominational relief agency.

She went on to explain that there were other churches in her area that had collected Japan earthquake relief funds two years ago, but that none of them were Japanese American churches. This, she felt, was an important consideration as to where she would make her donation (she herself is not “J.A.”). After searching the web for such a church she found Centenary, liked what she saw and read, and thus made her decision to route her donation through our church at that time and sought to do so again.

The church of Jesus Christ is a “universal church” in that it is expressed through many different languages, cultures and ethnicities. Yet, within this universalism are the “particulars” of various languages, cultures and ethnicities that give congregations a unique quality and richness that adds to the whole entity.

The apostle Paul addressed this special characteristic of Christ’s church in his eloquent description of the church as “one body having many members.” (I Corinthians 12) While the members have different functions and roles to play, they contribute to one whole, one body, while retaining their unique qualities. All of the members are unique, and yet, they complement each other by being a part of one body.

I am thankful for this woman’s call, as it reinforced the unique spiritual and cultural heritages on which this church was founded. While we are always open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and to the new persons among us, let us not forsake or forget the richness that we contribute to the body of Jesus Christ as his Church.

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa

February 2013

Dear Centenarians,

A recent article in The Japan Times Weekly contained this headline:

         “N.Y.C.’s Grand Central Station on track for centenary.”

It cited the 100^th anniversary of the United States most famous train station two weeks ago, while recounting its “grand opening” in 1913; the station began with 67 trains that enabled thousands of people to depart and arrive daily.

Of particular significance to me was the article’s identification of Grand Central Station as more of a “terminal” instead of a “station.” The former is a place where trains stop and start their routes, while the latter is a place where trains just pass through.

That analogy can be applied to many churches today, and particularly Centenary United Methodist Church. Throughout our 100+ years as a congregation, there have been many families whose presence has spanned two, three, four, and perhaps more generations, giving faithful witness to Jesus Christ during that time.

At the same time, there are also persons and families whose time within the congregation has been of limited duration, before they moved on to the next phase or destination in their life journeys. Nevertheless, their contributions to our worship and community life have blessed us in deep and lasting ways.  More recently, Centenary has received newcomers into the fold, both beginning Christians as well as seasoned faithful, who have stepped right in and are contributing to our congregational life in new and exciting ways.

We have just begun the season of Lent, the 40 day period that began with Ash Wednesday and culminates on Easter. The season of Lent is a time for “new beginnings” in faith to take root, and also for established faithful to return to the Lord. Of all the church seasons, Lent and Easter define the most important aspects of the Christian faith: repentance, forgiveness, fellowship, prayer, fasting, baptism.

Whether your life as a Christian has been lifelong, recently begun, or in an exploring stage, I invite you to join us during Lent for worship, Bible-study, and a variety of faith-building opportunities.  This is the perfect time to establish a new beginning in your faith journey, or to strengthen your present journey of faith.

I look forward to seeing you in church!

Grace and Peace

Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa

January 2013

Dear Centenarians:

During the holidays, I had the opportunity to spend a week in Seattle, WA, visiting family and friends. Having been there before, I anticipated the chilling temperatures that awaited me (it was pretty cold here in Southern California during that same time, I’m told)!

One thing I was not prepared for was the beautiful sight of the snow-covered Cascade Mountains. During worship on Sunday, Jan. 6, which was Epiphany, I told of traveling on the interstate one dark evening, and losing my bearings even with the benefit of a GPS on the car’s dashboard.

After a few moments of confusion, I noticed the bright, snow-capped peaks at a distance, cutting through the darkness of night. It had nothing to do with the reflection of the stars and was simply the brightness of the snow making it self visible. In a matter of moments, I figured out where I was, and we were able to continue our journey.

That experience was an “epiphany” of sorts, a manifestation of God through the light of those snow-capped mountains. Like the story of the wise people (“magi”) who were guided by the light of the star to see Jesus, my experience on the dark road was a reminder of the light of the Christ child that revealed itself at Christmas, and that continues to reveal itself today.

The events which we have witnessed in recent weeks depict a world of darkness, and one couldn’t be blamed for giving up hope for a peaceful world. Yet, the story of Epiphany as found in Matthew’s Gospel gives us precisely that hope. The light of the star that broke through the darkness of the night sky and guided the magi to the Christ Child continues to shine through the darkness in our time.

Let this light guide us throughout the coming year as we seek to be faithful to the stories of Christmas and Epiphany!

Grace & Peace,

Rev. Mark M. Nakagawa