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
