Centennial-Japanese United Church Christmas...

about the incredible loss of lives in the Philippines and the devastation due to Typhoon Haiyan, my heart has been breaking and so my response is to offer some financial support.

Advent is the season to prepare our hearts and minds to celebrate the birth of Christ once again into our lives. Some of the ways we prepare are through decorating our homes inside and out; buying gifts for the people we love; baking and cooking special favourite festive foods; singing Christmas Carols; watching beloved Christmas movies; gathering with family and friends and attending the Advent and Christmas worship services. All of this prepares our hearts to

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I can hardly believe the Season of Advent has begun and that Christmas is just around the corner. Some people say, “Christmas. Bah, Humbug!” They feel it is too commercialized and busy. Instead of enjoying the season, some people complain we only end up gaining a few extra pounds.

I always say, “It’s Christmas. AMEN!!” Each year at this time I am inspired by the Spirit of God who blessed us with the gift of baby Jesus. Since God gave us such a precious gift, I in turn feel it is important for us to give a gift of love to those who are in need as we are able. And this year is no exception. As we have been hearing on the news

Dear Members and Friends of CJUC,

From the Chair of Council

We are now in the Holiday

season. A time of the year when we

look forward to celebrating the birth

of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Recently

we thanked God for past and

present blessings during our national

Thanksgiving holiday. Now we look forward to December 25th,

Christmas Day.

We are a nation that loves to

celebrate but we need to stop and

ask ourselves, why or what are we

celebrating? Why are we so jubilant?

Why dine together? Why do we

socialize so festively with friends and

relatives? Why the trees and

decorations? Why the city decorations, lights, a plump bearded

man in a red suit? Why all the

shopping? You would probably say,

“It’s Christmas time. Don't you see

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Centennial-Japanese United Church

December 15 , 2013

Christmas Edition

Inside this issue:

Flowers 3

Usher List 4

Community and

Global Partnership 6

Hospitality and Care 7

Donations 8

UCW Report 10

Upcoming Events 11

Final Notes 12

celebrate the gift Jesus brings to our lives.

It is such a wonderful blessing that God chose to experience life with us. Rather than guide us from a distance, God chose to be right here with us to experience all of life’s ups and downs. I am ever grateful for the gift of Jesus Christ in my life. It is during both the difficult and the joyous times that I can turn to my faith and know that I am not alone. God is there to guide and support me on my journey. I believe Advent and Christmas are some of the best times to express our gratitude and love for Jesus Christ who is at work through all of us.

This Advent Season, I am looking forward to all of our special services as we

prepare to receive the fulfillment of Christ’s love and inspiration in our lives. All of our Advent and Christmas services are listed within the Newsletter. We climax with the Christmas Eve service which is filled with the magic, wonder, beauty, joy and love of Emmanuel, God with us. I hope you and your family will be able to join in our Advent and Christmas adventure.

With joyful anticipation,

Rev. Cindy

Dear Friends of CJUC (con’t from front page)

Santa Claus, his reindeers, the toys and Christmas trees?” This is what the celebrating is all about. Or is it?

Is all the rejoicing for Jesus Christ or for Santa Claus? Please remember that Jesus is the reason for the

season and not Santa Claus.

Our Food and Craft Bazaar held on October 12th was quite successful thanks to the leadership and

hard work of Naomi and Theressa Takasaki. Thank you to all those from O-YM and CJUC who worked so

hard, cooked, made crafts and supported the event. We would like to extend our thanks to the people and

companies who donated items and money. The proceeds from the bazaar are about $6500 which will be

shared 30% to O-YM and 70% for CJUC.

The Decaf Coffee and Green Tea Conversations on Mission and Vision for the explorations on possi-

ble amalgamation with O-YM held on Sunday, November 17th was well attended with good discussions, input

and thoughts. Thanks to Rev. Cindy’s good work and the E.T. (Exploration Team) members.

Please check the Service Order

Bulletin Announcements for the latest on

the various special events and services

during Advent to the celebration of the birth

of our Saviour Jesus and we invite you to

join us for some or all of them.

Tina and I extend our warmest

wishes for a very joyful Christmas and all the

best of health and happiness in the New

Year.

GOD BLESS.

Henry Ichiyen

A little boy was waiting for his mother to come out of a

grocery store when he was approached by a man who asked.

“Son can you tell me where the post office is?”

The little boy replied, “Sure just go straight down this

street a couple of blocks then turn to your right.”

The man thanked the boy kindly and said, “I'm the new pas-

tor in town. I’d like for you to come to church on Sunday. I'll

show you how to get to heaven.”

The little boy replied with a chuckle. “You're kidding me,

are you not? You don't even know the way to the post office.”

The following is a cute story...

From the Chair of Council (con’t from front page)

Thank you to all who placed flowers for a

meaningful occasion or contributed to

our fund.

Min & Sumi Mototsune

The Takasaki Family

Sado & Sue Kitagawa

Hisaye Niiya

Nonie & Alex Keen

Bonnie & Barrie Jones

Paul Burns & Family

Dawn and Bernie Rivault &

family

Flowers were given to:

The Sasaki Family

Janice Cermak

Sunday Morning Flowers

We are reminded of the quiet sunshine of nature during our Sunday Services.

Thank You for Caring,

Tina Ichyen

Tad Ogura

Minoru Yatabe

Stuart Seki

Frank Moritsugu

Ron McIntyre

Kay Best

Mickey Kaneko

Ron Bloor

Jean Nagata

Les Tibbles

Carol McLean

Barbara Marshall

Ted Nakamichi

John Liddle

Cindy Cooper.

Usher's Duties · Arrive at Church before 10:20 a.m. · One usher to greet at door and three ushers at 3 aisles only · Obtain names of visitors and pass on

to head usher to make nametags · Collect offering · Tidy up the pews after the service * 4 ushers from CJUC on 1st & 5th Sunday ** 2 ushers from CJUC plus 2 ushers from OYM on 2nd, 3rd, & 4th Sunday February 2014 02 - Linda Sumiya, Sam Ito Ken Koyama, Mat Teranishi 09 - Louise Hirowatari, Brian Kagawa OYM 16 - Pat Idenouye, Kathy Saito OYM 23 - Patricia & Michael Kitagawa OYM March 2014 02 - Irene & Howie Kagawa Harumi Tamemoto, Brian Kai 09 - Sue & Sadao Kitagawa OYM 16 - Gail Kitagawa, Jean Nagata OYM 23 - Ken Matsugu, Nonie Keen OYM 30 - Kay Oiye, Grace Omoto Louise & Tosh Nagano

April 2014 06 - Ken Koyama, Mat Teranishi Kate & Harry Nagata 13 - Madeline & Jim Sakamoto OYM 20 - Kaz Shikaze, Jane Tsujimoto OYM 27 - Peggy & Shin Taira OYM May 2014 04 - Harumi Tamemoto, Naomi Takasaki Christine Terashita, Joy Takahashi 11 - Theressa & Paul Takasaki OYM 18 - Precious & Peter Watanabe OYM 25 - Madeline Hicks, Dorothy Honda OYM June 2014 01 - Peggy Widgery, Chis Masuda Ken Koyama, Mat Teranishi 08 - Midori Koga, Jun Nogami OYM 15 - Tina & Henry Ichiyen OYM 22 - Picnic Sunday 29 - Start of summer services Head Ushers (1

st half /2

nd half of month)

Feb. 2014 - Mickey Kaneko/Christine Abe Mar. 2014 - Ted Nakamichi/Roy Fukuzawa Apr. 2014 - Mickey Kaneko/Christine Abe May 2014 - Ted Nakamichi/Roy Fukuzawa June 2014- Mickey Kaneko/Christine Abe

Usher List—February to June 2014

Following is the Usher's List which will go into effect Feb. 2, 2014. Any changes, replacements, interchanging dates, sickness, etc. is the responsibility of the member

and should be reported to the head usher for that particular week.

Thank you for a

terrific 2013

Food & Craft

Bazaar!

In September, the Takasaki, Sumiya and Liddle families walked on our behalf and raised $635.00 for the Terry

Fox Foundation.

On Oct. 27th, we celebrated World Food Day by serving Stone Soup. Many

thanks to those who contributed soup stock and vegetables. $348.92 was raised

for the Lansing Food Bank.

The Audrey Sasaki Fukuzawa Fund supported Mia Somogyi, a little Canadian girl

living in Toronto, who was deprived of oxygen at birth. There has been a lot of

fundraising in the Chilean community and with our support ($1,500), she is able

to go to Chile in March for special physiotherapy treatments from the man who

developed the special therapy that she needs. For more information on Mia see

www.helpmia.com.

The United Church head office has shown great compassion and leadership by

encouraging members to donate to the Syrian Relief and Typhoon Haiyan Relief

funds. Our church raised $1,170.00 for Syrian Relief which includes matching

funds from the Audrey Sasaki Fukuzawa (ASF) Fund. All donations received by Dec. 8th for the millions

affected by superstorm Haiyan have been matched by the ASF fund and the federal government. Also,

proceeds from our Community Christmas Card will be used for the Typhoon Haiyan fund.

The 14th Japanese Social Services Holiday Drive is on now. We are accepting monetary donations so that

we can help the disadvantaged in our own community. Your donations should be placed in the offering plate

- please make sure it is marked "JSS" and that your name and address are inside the envelope. Tax receipts

will be issued by JSS for donations over $10.00.

This year, Don Valley Refugee Resettlers made two separate sponsorships.

One is a single male named Ahmed Harquaale and the other is Abdullahi Elm

Hoodan and family. DVRR was approached by families of these refugees, who

are former DVRR sponsored refugees themselves, to help to get them to

Canada. The relatives in Canada did most of the work to get the apartment

ready and to help the new refugees settle in Toronto. DVRR will provide

monetary support for one year.

On Sunday, Nov. 24th, we had guest speakers from the Native Men's

Residence (Na-Me-Res). These women work with aboriginal men who are

homeless in Toronto. Our White Gift offering will be designated to help this

organization.

Irene Kagawa

Community and Global Partnership

Ongoing:

* Food donations for the

Lansing Food Bank are

welcome at any time.

* Irene is collecting travel

soaps and shampoo for

those in need.

* Oriole–York Mills is

collecting used stamps for

the Leprosy Mission

Canada. They prefer that

the stamps are cut from

the envelopes leaving

about a ¼ inch border.

Update on Typhoon Haiyan

Through the generosity of

CJUC members, we collected

$1,635. This amount was

then matched by the ASF

Fund, for a total of $3,270.

The $1,635 is also eligible for

matching by the Government

of Canada for a total donation

of $4,905 on behalf of our

Church members!

On Oct. 27th, a H & C meeting was held, ably

chaired by Lorinne Chong. Pat Idenouye is

collecting for the annual CJUC Community

Christmas card with the proceeds going to the

Philippine typhoon fund this year. In place of the

usual November Congregational Gathering, the

Spiritual Formation Team with Rev. Cindy held an

informal gathering over lunch on Nov. 24th,

entitled ``Lunch with the Bible``, sharing their

thoughts and to discover how scriptures inspire

our faith and speak to our everyday lives.

Prayers and get well wishes are extended to all

those in need of hope, comfort and healing. We

especially remember Tad Ogura, Marianne Abe

and those who are unable to come to church and

who are in care facilities. We are happy that

Janice Cermak is back in the choir following her

hip replacement.

CJUC Prayer Group - these individuals offer

confidential prayer support to anyone who is in

need of God's healing love, support and

compassion in their lives. Prayers may be for a

relative, a friend or even yourself. Please call

Noby Matsugu 416-335-5387 or email her at

[email protected].

Hospitality and Pastoral Care

DEATHS of Friends and Members of our

Church

August 6, 2013 - TERASHITA, Kenji, loving

husband of Hiroko. Loving father to Christine,

Arthur (& Jae), and Gail.

August 17, 2013 - TSUKAMOTO, Masami (Bill),

beloved husband of the late Yaeko Nagai, lovingly

remembered by Wendy (Bill), Irene, Karen

(Chris) and grandchildren. Brother-in-law of Joyce

Nagai and uncle of Mary Nagai Noma & Linda

Nagai Sumiya.

August 18, 2013 - BURNS, Norrine Maeko,

beloved wife of Paul, dedicated mother of Cassandra and Lorne. Loving daughter of the late

Kay Sumiya and Lawrence Ikeno and

step-daughter of the late Hiyoshi Sumiya.

Cherished sister of Bonnie (Barry) Jones and

Nonie (Alex) Keen.

August 19, 2013 - TAKATA, Grace Miyoko,

loving wife to Saburo, caring mother to Sandra

and Lauren, doting baachan to Nadine, Kimiko and

Akira. Dear sister of Victor Tamura.

September 1, 2013 - SASAKI-DIGGINS, Nana,

left to cherish her memories are her husband

Gerry Diggins, father Fred Sasaki, brother Paul

(Karen) and sister Joan (Rick)

October 21, 2013 - MATSUBA, Taki "Nancy",

beloved wife of Hideo, loving mother of Paul

(Gail), Brenda Murai (Kevin), Karen Hinatsu

(Wallace), Glen (Patricia Gatto), proud grand-

mother of eight.

November 4, 2013 - MOTOTSUNE, Sumiko,

beloved wife of Minoru, loving mother of John and

Arthur (Kim), grandsons Ryan and Adam.

Survived by her brother, Fred and sisters, Kay

(Hiroshi), Dotty (George) and Noby (Ken).

Lunch with the Bible

The Church gratefully acknowledges special donations

received from September 8th 2013 to December 8, 2013:

September:

Kay OIYE In memory of my parents Jiro & Sadako Oiye

Hiroko TERASHITA In memory of Kenji Terashita

Frances NAKAGAWA In memory of Tosh Omoto

Hirokazu & Molly MORITA In loving memory of parents Tokusaburo & Yoshio Taira, & sister Toyo

Barb WILKEN In memory of Kay & Hiyoshi Sumiya

Margaret SORA ---

October:

J.K. UYEDA ---

Eiko WATANABE In memory of Sam Watanabe’s 17th year

Tosh USAMI Birthday Offering

June ORIDA In memory of Kay Uyeda & in memory of Tosh Omoto

Miyo ITO In memory of Tosh Omoto

Kikuno IKENO In memory of Kay Ikeno

November:

Bonnie & Larry JONES In memory of Kay & Hiyoshi Sumiya & Maeko Norrine Burns

Minoru & Lydia YATABE In memory of Mimi Kai, Koto Adachi & Mitsuko Matsugu

Mas & Amy YATABE In memory of Koto Adachi

Bobby KAWAHARA In memory of Mimi Kai

Anthony & Mary KATSUNO In appreciation

Nonie KEEN In memory of Kay & Hiyoshi Sumiya & Norrine Maeko Burns

Beth & Harry MATSUGU In memory of Mrs Mitsuko Matsugu

George & Barb MATSUGU In memory of Mrs Mitsuko Matsugu

Kay & Linda FUJITA In memory of Koto ADACHI

Mamoru & Louise HIROWATARI In memory of loved ones

The Estate of Kay Sumiya In memory

Ben & Amy KUNIHIRO In memory of Pat Kunihiro

Jane TSUJIMOTO In memory of Eizo Tsujimoto

Mossy & Mich FUKUMOTO ---

Geoffrey IKENO In memory of Lily Koga & in memory of Tosh Omoto

May OHORI In memory

Sab & Eiko YOSHIOKA In loving memory of daughter Lillian

Sanae FUKUSHIMA Birthday Offering

Hisako KONDO Birthday Offering

Amy NAGAHARA DVRR

Molly MORITA In appreciation of Rev. Cindy & Karen Quinton coming to Momiji

Hedy ARAI In memory of Miyoko Shimizu

Jim & Madeline SAKAMOTO In memory of mother Mrs Shizue Akase

December

Jennifer HASHIMOTO ---

Toshie OIKAWA In memory of our parents Naka & Kimiye Oikawa & brother Tetsuo

Haruo OIKAWA In memory of our parents Naka & Kimiye Oikawa & brother Tetsuo

George TAKAHASHI In memory of Lily Yuriko Akerman

Diane CARTER Philippine Relief

Tad & Jenny OYAGI ---

Harumi FURUYA - --

Charles ODA In memory of Lily Oda – Dec. 13, 2000.

Tom & Sheila MATSUI ---

Amy KUNIHIRO In memory of Kana Enomoto- 10th year

Eiko WATANABE In memory of Kana Enomoto- 10th year

Howie, Irene & Brian KAGAWA In memory of parents Yuji & Sakayo Sasaki & brother Stanley

Jean NAGATA Thank you for beautiful azalea for husband Min

Tad & Eileen OGURA In appreciation

IN MEMORY OF MRS HELEN SUE COOPER – REV. CINDY’S MOTHER

Kay OIYE, Kim & Tats SAKAUYE, Mickey KANEKO, Sach & Betty TOMIHIRO.

IN MEMORY OF NANA SASAKI-DIGGINS:

Hedy ARAI, Sue KAI, Ben & Amy KUNIHIRO, Ritz & Koko KINOSHITA, Ken & Noby

MATSUGU, Katie & Bob NISHINO, Kay Oiye, Jim & Madeline SAKAMOTO, George & Dotty

TAKATA, Jane TSUJIMOTO, Tosh USAMI, Eiko WATANABE.

IN MEMORY OF MRS NANCY TAKIE MATSUBA:

Henry KANDA, Umeko KUBA, Harry & Beth MATSUGU, Brenda & Kevin MURAI, John &

Amy NAGAHARA, Hideo MATSUBA & Family, Hideo MATSUBA, Rev.& Mrs AIHARA, George

& Esther NISHIMURA, Harumi TAMEMOTO, Richard USHIRODE, Yoshiyuki & Midori

USHIRODE, George & Toshiko UYEYAMA, June ORIDA.

IN MEMORY OF MRS SUMI MOTOTSUNE:

Kay & Linda FUJITA, Sue KAI, Jean NAGATA, Katie & Bob NISHINIO,

Paul & Theressa TAKASAKI, George & Barb MATSUGU, Grace

OMOTO, June ORIDA, Yoko KOBAYASHI, Brian KAGAWA.

The first general meeting of the season was held

on Sunday, October 6, 2013, co-ordinated by

Tina Ichiyen & Joan Bennett with twenty ladies in

attendance, joined by fourteen men from the

Men’s Club, to hear our guest speaker, Barbara

Jackson of OYM. Barbara recently retired as an

Occupational Therapist, spending more than

40 years, most of them at Sunnybrook Hospital.

She spoke about “Reflections – Life Lessons” -

shared her experiences as an O.T. by assessing

the individual’s physical and mental ability.

Lessons she learned were to never

underestimate the potential and power of the

human spirit, but more importantly how you say

it and to hear what someone is saying. She

reiterated that hope is to see in the eyes of

another that you understood. Eyes are like

windows. We all have hopes and dreams.

Our annual Food & Craft Bazaar 2013 was held

on Saturday, October 19th. Many many thanks

to all who worked so hard to make this event a

success. A special thank you to Theressa and

Naomi Takasaki, who led and organized the

bazaar.

Much appreciation to the many ladies, led by

Louise Nagano, who helped with making extra

sandwiches for the church services, i.e. the

Memorial Service on November 3rd and the

Remembrance Day Service on November 10th.

Our thanks to Barbara Marshall for the lovely

table setting and to Tina Ichiyen for the beautiful

flowers, for the special guests, Stuart Seki and

veterans who were in attendance.

As a result of Barbara Jackson mentioning ways

to make it easier for a person to remain

independent in their own home by using such

devices as Lifeline, the co-ordinators, Noby

Matsugu, Amy Kunihiro & Judy Maikawa

followed up at the next meeting on Sunday,

December 1st with a presentation from Lifeline,

with Arelys Walcot and Cindy Maikawa Gibson

(daughter of Judy & Tom Maikawa). Arelys,

who is the Community Representative for

Lifeline, spoke about the realities of our ageing

population and the danger of falling and the

advantages of using the waterproof medical alert

pendant or bracelet. Having such a device helps

one to live independently in the comfort of their

own home and increases their peace of mind as

well as that of their family.

Treasurer Louise Hirowatari reported the

following donations for 2013, which were

approved at the meeting.

Mission & Service $2,000.00

Emmanuel College $100.00

Japanese Social Services $200.00

Massey Centre $100.00

Fred Victor Centre $200.00

Momiji Health Care Society $325.00

JCCC $200.00

Total: $3,125.00

By Eiko Watanabe

UCW Report

Upcoming Events

Sun. January 12, 2014—UCW general

meeting, co-ordinated by Tosh Usami, Kathy

Saito & Kate Nagata, with our guest speaker,

Elda Scott of the OYM choir. Her

presentation is entitled “Singing Vacations in

Europe”.

Sat. February 8, 2014 – UCW Daybreak

at Momiji Seniors Centre, co-ordinators

Ruby Shikaze, Janice Cermak & Rev. Cindy

Cooper. More details will follow.

CJUC Upcoming Events List

December 15—Advent 3, White Gift Sunday

22—Advent 4

24—Christmas Eve Service, 7pm

29—Carol Service, no Sunday School

January 5—Epiphany Sunday, Japanese Laguage Service

12—UCW Meeting

19—Outreach Sunday, CJUC Council Meeting

26—Communion Sunday

February 2—Japanese Language Service

9—UCW Service

16—Family Day Service

23—Black History Service, CJUC Annual Meeting

March 2—Ash Wednesday Service, Japanese Language Service, Pancake Sunday

9—Lent 1, UCW General Meeting

16—Lent 2, CJUC Council Meeting

23—Lent 3

30—Lent 4, Newsletter Submissions Due

April 6—Lent 5, Japanese Language Service

13—Palm Sunday

Final Notes...

Special thanks to Kaz Shikaze,

for the photos used in this edition

of our newsletter, as well as to

all of the contributors who work

diligently to keep us informed.

2609 Bayview Avenue

Toronto, ON CANADA

M2L 1B5

Phone: 416-536-7004

Website: www.cjuc.org

E-mail: [email protected]

Newsletter Editor:

Theressa Takasaki

Centennial-Japanese United Church

Sedai Legacy

Project

We would like to extend a special thank you to

Elizabeth Fujita, Project Coordinator of the Sedai

Legacy Project, for coming in on December 8 to talk

to us briefly about the importance of sharing your

stories. Should you wish to find out more about the

Sedai Legacy Project, please contact Elizabeth

through the Sedai website http://www.sedai.ca/ or at

416.441.2345. Sedai postcards will also be available

on the bulletin board in the stairwell.

http://www.sedai.ca/

Centennial-Japanese United Church Christmas...

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