Our Mission Statement

Growing More Christlike Together

West LA UMC is a Reconciling Congregation, welcoming all persons regardless of sexual

orientation or gender identity.

West LA Connections A Publication of West Los Angeles United Methodist Church

West LA United Methodist Church May 2020 1913 Purdue Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90025 310-479-1379, westlaumc@gmail.com, www.wlaumc.com

Sunday Worship Services

Please view weekly worship services online at

wlaumc.com. Church Office

Throughout this time of Safer at Home, please call

the Church Office at 310-479-1379 to speak to

the pastors.

Staff

Rev. Gary Oba Senior Pastor obagary@gmail.com

Rev. Janet Cromwell Associate Pastor jlcromwell8@gmail.com

Rev. Rebecca Hirata Local Pastor Japanese Language Ministry beckyhirata@gmail.com

Rev. Dr. Richard Kuyama Pastor Emeritus ykuyama@roadrunner.com

Ms. Midori Tashiro Administrative Assistant westlaumc@gmail.com

Church in the Time of Coronavirus It has been over eight weeks since our church last gathered for in-person worship. That is well over the biblical number of 40, which stands for “an exceedingly long time.” Unfortunately, there is no clear end in sight.

Recently I was on a telebriefing call led by the L.A. County Department of Public Health. The call was specifically for leaders of faith-based and community organizations. The doctor giving the update said the county stay-at-home orders have helped to “flatten the curve,” but we are still in the acceleration phase of the pandemic. Guidelines will soon be released to let us know how our communities can gather in a safe way. But the doctor intimated that social distancing will be part of the new guidelines.

Dr. Ken Ho has been helpful in suggesting what in-person worship might look like under these conditions. It may mean roping off or removing some of the pews to allow for space between people. We may have to require everyone to wear a mask. We may have to take your temperature at the door and ask the question, have you been quarantined? The choir will have to spread apart. We may have to limit attendance.

We do not know at this time when we will attempt to gather again for worship. It will not be in May. Prayer and guidance from our civic and local church leaders will help us make the decision when to resume and under what conditions.

In the meantime, please continue to join in our on-line worship services. I am so grateful to the dedicated team that's working on this each week. And please be assured, they practice social distancing!

When I pray, How long, O Lord, how long? When will the threat of this modern day plague end? The word comes back from the psalmist: “For a thousand years in your sight are like a day that has just gone by, or like a watch in the night.” (Psalm 90:4). May God grant us the grace to be patient until the angel of death passes over us.

With hope,

Rev. Gary

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Online Worship We give God thanks that our congregation has continued to worship during this difficult time in our nation and world. Thanks to Thomas Gaff’s recording and editing skills, our pastors, and a handful of volunteers, West LA UMC is offering weekly online worship!

Thanks to everyone who has been watching, and those who are assisting others to watch too.

For those persons who do not have internet access, Jeri Okamoto-Tanaka prepares and mails worship packets following the Sunday service. Please contact Jeri or the church if you would like to receive a paper packet of the service.

English Worship Services in May

Please go to the church’s website to worship online

during the upcoming weeks.

May 3 Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Acts 17:1-9 Church at Thessalonica: why we preach a Christ who had to suffer and rise from the dead.

May 10 Happy Mother’s Day! Rev. Gary Preaching. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Faith, Hope, and Love: There is nothing greater than selfless love.

May 17 Annual Conference Worship Experience online.

May 24 Ms. Jeri Okamoto-Tanaka preaching. 1 Corinthians 15:1-26, 51-57

May 31 Pentecost Sunday Rev. Gary Oba preaching. Acts 2:1-4 Hope of Gifts of the Spirit: The good news of God’s grace is to be shared with everyone .

Nancy Shimotsu watches from home. Hisako Terasaki watches with Nat

Akiyama at Hollenbeck Palms

Kids Creation Bible Study Kathy Orebaugh and Jeri Okamoto-Tanaka are leading KCBS for young children (pre-school thru early elementary). Each week, kids enjoy a Bible story, craft project, and prayer. The children say hello, ask questions, and are thrilled to have Kathy lead an art project.

The colorful crosses were created on Easter Sunday, April 12.

On April 19, kids made puffy paint with flour, salt, and food coloring, and created paintings, like this aardvark!

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In Memory On April 19, Frank Fukuhara passed away. Frank was our oldest church member, having celebrated his 105th birthday on February 5. On January 26, the church celebrated with Frank as he shared his testimony during worship and offered thanks to God, his family, and the congregation for his long,

wonderful life. Following the service, everyone enjoyed a delicious birthday cake. Our condolences to Ihoko and Frank’s family at this time.

Looking Ahead… As we watch the news and follow the health and safety advice of our Governor, scientists, and health officials, we acknowledge that many of our upcoming programs will be cancelled, postponed, or moved to an online format. Here is an update on several special summer events.

Kizuna Summer Camp The Kizuna staff is working on an online Summer Camp program, rather than the in-person camp that was to be held at our church June 22-26. Watch for an announcement at gokizuna.org.

Vacation Bible School Jeri Okamoto-Tanaka and Rev. Janet are preparing an online VBS program this summer with a focus on “God’s Great Big Beautiful World.” More information and registration materials will be distributed through emails, the June Newsletter, and on the church website at www.wlaumc.org.

Jr. High Camp and Asian Camp The National Japanese-American UM Caucus Camping Board is planning online Jr. High Camp for incoming 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th graders and Asian Camp for participants who are entering 10th Grade through 2nd year college students. Check out the NJAUMC webpage at njaumccamps.org for information and to see some great photos!

Celebrating Our Graduates Each year, our church likes to honor our graduates from High School, College, Graduate School, and Certificate Programs. these educational accomplishments are worthy of celebration, particularly in light of many graduation ceremonies being canceled and postponed this Spring.

Please call or email the church with the graduate’s name, school, degree, major, future plans, and a photo so that we can recognize our graduates in the June Newsletter and during worship in the future.

Welcome Baby Varin Congratulations to Lauren Yang and Trey Willison upon the birth of Varin Kai Yang Willison on April 2 in Eugene, Oregon. Proud grandparents are Rich and Kay Yang.

Café Aloha Senior Lunch Bento Delivery May 2 and May 16

As we continue to receive daily news related to COVID-19 from government and news agencies, Café Aloha ministry wants to reach out to seniors 70 and older by delivering Bento. We will thank the Lord for the spring season by enjoying delicious Takenoko-gohan and creamy curry, If you are interested in receiving Bento, please contact Pastor Becky Hirata or church office.

5月2日＆16日：シニア弁当

コロナ問題で外出自粛が続きます。教会では

70歳以上のシニアのメンバーにお弁当を届け

ています。主に春の季節を感謝して筍ご飯、

そしてとろけるカレーを頂きます。

ご希望の方は教会オフィスまでご連絡くださ

い。

May 2 Menu: Takenoko-gohan, Miso-soup, Wagashi.

May 16 Menu: Curry rice, Fukujinzuke, Fruits.

5月2日メニュー：筍ご飯、味噌汁、和菓子

5月16日メニュー：カレーライス、フルーツ

West Los Angeles United Methodist Church 1913 Purdue Avenue

Los Angeles, CA 90025

May 2020

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

You can also view this newsletter online at

www. wlaumc.com

Staying Connected through Prayer, Letters, and Zoom As we remain apart for the sake of health and safety, everyone wants our congregation to keep connected. Please consider being a part of one or more of these connectional ministries:

Prayer: When the church was meeting in-person for worship, members would hear the latest prayer requests each week. Due to privacy concerns, prayer requests are not announced during our online worship services. If you wish to receive an updated list of prayer requests, please subscribe to wlaumcprayer by sending a request to wlaumcprayer-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. You will receive an email confirming your request. After you reply to the confirmation email, you will begin receiving the latest prayer requests. If you are already a group member, you do not need to rejoin.

Letters: Several of our senior members would be delighted to receive a card or letter from children or adults in our congregation. If you would be willing to be in touch with one or more people, please contact Rev. Janet at the church for names and addresses.

Zoom Small Groups: Many people have discovered that seeing friends’ faces on Zoom offers a sense of comfort and connection. If you would like assistance in setting up a Zoom gathering or would like to begin a new Zoom group, please contact the pastors.

Let’s stay connected and continue our mission of Growing More Christlike Together.