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