SYCAMThe Monthly Newsletter of Sycamore Congregational Church, U.C.C.

July 2019 Volume 115 Number 7

RE TREENovember 2019 Volume 121 Number 11

Interim Ministry at Sycamore

What is God doing at Sycamore?

Finally, there is an easy answer to the question, “What is God doing?” Quite simply, you are preparing for your next settled Eigo pastor and in a way for your next Nichigo pastor.

Initially, I was tasked with working with the English speaking members on mission. We quickly discovered that Sycamore is a small family church that is very busy throughout the year. And, Sycamore has a mission and purpose, as stated in your constitution and bylaws...

“We are Sycamore United Church of Christ...Rooted in a legacy of Japanese ministries.” “...with an avowed purpose...to maintain a special mission to those of Japanese descent and especially to the new arrivals from Japan.”

At Sunday’s joint worship on October 27th, a family attended church for the first time. They had just arrived from Japan. I was so excited to welcome them to America and to Sycamore that I probably scared them! Hopefully, they will return because of our warm welcome. Working on the five leadership areas of interim ministry, together Nichigo and Eigo will discover and rediscover ways to serve our community, which is near and far.

At the leadership retreat on Saturday, November 9th, this will be our agenda...

• Heritage, History and Identity• Renewing linkages • PAAM • NCNCUCC • Others? • Direction, Mission and Outreach • Leadership/Operations• Review and possible revision of Bylaws• Committees • Nominating Committee • Search Committee• Financial • Review 2020 budget • Capital expense projects

From our Interim Pastor

From the Moderator

November 2019 Sycamore Tree

By Karen Nishikawa

Sycamore Congregational Church is very unique because the church is governed by the Congregation – YOU…US! As we are in a period of Interim Pastor, we can be introspective and determine where we are and what our future holds for us. We have two important events in our near future – the roundtable listening session on November 3rd, and the Leadership Retreat on November 9th. During these events, we will be looking for input from our congregation. We have an Annual Meeting on January 26, 2020 – a critical turning point as we look to our future. We will be electing officers for the 2020-2022 terms, during which time we will be identifying what we are looking for in our next Settled Pastor, interviewing and proposing candidates to the Congregation for approval.

Our reality: The Japanese congregation will be experiencing transition in early 2020 … The English congregation has only until October 2020 to maximum deadline April 2021 (Interim pastor terms is typically 12-18 months, maximum 24 months) for transition from Interim Pastor to our next Settled Pastor.

Help us make these transitions seamless- your input is so important to our future. Come, participate, let your voices be heard! See you at Church!!

We may not get through all these items at this retreat, but we do have a framework for our work together. All of these areas will be covered through the lens of our mission and purpose. How exciting is this!

Sycamore friends and family, you have a wonderful opportunity in your interim time. You have the chance to create and re-create Sycamore in a way that honors God, that brings stability, and continuity for years to come, no matter who is your Nichigo and Eigo pastor. May God continue to supply you with everything you need according to the riches and glory that are in Christ Jesus. Amen!

God bless you! Pastor Celeste

November 2019 Sycamore Tree

Women’s Fellowshipby Roslyn KartychakHappy Holidays from the Women’s Fellowship!

Leading up to the holidays, preparing to give fearlessly & generously from the heart are ways in which we can participate in special service to God. How might we thank our Lord for the daily love, hope, joy & comfort He provides to each of us? By being givers of the same!

The Women’s Fellowship has arranged with the Bay Area Rescue Mission (BARM) for Sycamore church to again, participate in its annual Thanksgiving food & toy drive; from November 10th through December 15th. Assuring that this holiday is filled with helping the hungry & the needy, donated food items should all be non-perishable (canned foods, dried goods, powdered milk, etc.), and all the donated toys should be new and unwrapped (no gift wrapping). Toy donations are non-gender specific & are for all ages. The donation barrels will be stationed at the upstairs & downstairs church entrances.

Thank you, in advance, to all for your participation! And special thanks & appreciation to Chieko O’ Dea for her assistance in coordinating the delivery & pickup of the food & toy barrels with BARM. And to Karen Inouye … who so faithfully assures that this donation drive takes place every holiday season at Sycamore. God bless you!

The Women’s Fellowship will be having its 25th annual Christmas luncheon on Sunday, December 8th, from 12:30 through 3PM at the Berkeley Country Club (Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito). All women of the Sycamore church family are invited to this holiday event. This commemorative event will be offer an entrée (a menu of 3 entrees are offered: NY steak, salmon & veggie lasagna), dessert, entertainment, Christmas carol singing, raffle & in general ~ a fun-filled social time amongst the members of the Women Fellowship, their families & friends! The cost is $20 per person (tax & tip included) & the deadline for sign-up is Sunday, November 24th. Please contact Karen Nishikawa (510/526-1431 or 760/519-1964, or Karen Inouye (510/237-5676). Another venue for sign-up is by emailing the church: sycamoreoffice22@gmail.com. Payment for your luncheon reservation can be made by cash or by check, payable to the Sycamore Women’s Fellowship. Members of the Women’s Fellowship promise a delightful festivity of holiday cheer, happy gaiety, spirit & joy so please join us!

November 2019 Sycamore Tree

Recently, I tried to discuss and negotiate with my sons about the candy they will collect on Halloween night. I do not want them to eat all the candy secretly in a few days after Halloween. I suggested these ideas to them.

1. They can take the candy to a local dentist and they will exchange it for money, $1.00 per pound of candy. They can put the money in their piggy bank to spend on something fun or save up for a dream they have. 2. They can exchange their candy for another “goodie” like ORGANIC candy or sticker.

It is not easy to persuade the children that eating too much sugar may cause tooth decay or cause them to become hyper. Also, throwing away food contradicts what is usually taught to them, that food should be eaten and not thrown away or wasted. How should we talk to our children about this? Do you think children should be allowed to eat as much candy as they want even though it may result in a cavity or two? If you have any good ideas for your home, please share them with me!

From Sycamore Christian Preschool by Yoshimi Kinoshita

The El Cerrito fire fighters came to the preschool to talk to the children about fire safety.

The preschool held an undokai, sports day, under sunny skies in early October. The children and parents enjoyed participating in running races, exercises and dances. The event ended with a picnic lunch.

November 2019 Sycamore Tree

Halloween Party!!On Sunday, October 27, many children AND adults dressed in costume for the Hal-loween party at Sycamore. There were princesses, a dinosaur, Buzz Lightyear, Elmo, black cats, ninjas, cat lady, firefighter, super girl and even a tamago sushi. It was won-derful to see so many creative costumes. They played games and ate delicious re-freshments. A fun time was had by all who attended. Thank you to the Christian Educa-tion Board for planning and hosting the party.

Bilingual Bible Study

Please join us for our monthly bilingual Bible study on Saturday, Nov. 2 in Adamson Hall.Dinner and fellowship at 6:00, Bible study at 7:00.

ZumbaEvery Wednesday at 9:00am. Great music and high energy. Akiko is an excellent dancer. Smiles were on the participants faces while they worked out. Listening to Cardi B and Ariana Grande in the sanctuary...Awesome!

We look forward to seeing you next Wednesday!

ZUMBA CLASS

Sycamore Congregational Church UCC 1111 Navellier St, El Cerrito, CA 94530Tel:510-525-0727 / Email: Sycamoreoffice22@gmail.com

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 9:00am

Akiko Kobayashi, Instructor Suggested

Donation $5

Everyone is welcome!どなたでもお越しください！

Every Wednesday at 9:00amin the Sanctuary

毎週水曜日午前 9 時於・礼拝堂

Please join us as we celebrate our

25th Annual Women’s Fellowship Christmas Luncheon

Sunday, December 8, 2019, 12:30-3:00pm Berkeley Country Club

7901 Cutting Blvd., El Cerrito

Entertainment, Christmas Carol Singing, Raffle

Entrees are served with House Green Salad and Rolls with Butter Please select one entrée from the list below:

*Soy Citrus Glazed Pacific Salmon, served with Rice Stick Noodle

and Cucumber Salad

*Grilled Beef New York Steak with Blue Cheese Compound Butter, Whipped Buttermilk Potatoes and Roasted Asparagus

*Vegetable Lasagna with Pesto and Marinara Sauce

Dessert

Cost: $20.00 per person

(tax and tip included)

Sign-up by: Calling Karen Nishikawa at (510) 526-1431 or (760) 519-1964 or Karen Inouye at (510) 237-5676 or E-mailing the church at sycamoreoffice22@gmail.com Deadline to Sign-up: Sunday, Nov. 24 Cash or checks payable to Sycamore Women’s Fellowship For more information, please call Karen Inouye

Artist Talk“Survival Pending Revolution”

1970s Vintage Art by Asali(plus more recent artwork)

Friday Nov 8, 2019, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Joyce Gordon Gallery

406 - 14th

Street, Oakland, CA

510- 465-8928

Exhibit extended to November 30, 2019

The only female artist for the Black Panther Party Newspaper 1972-1974

M. Gayle “Asali” Dickson

November 2019 Sycamore Tree

Let Us Remember in Our Prayers...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Acknowledgments for September 29 – Oct. 27, 2019Sycamore is proud to be a self-supporting church - all operating and ministry expenses are funded by

donations from members and friends of Sycamore and from special fundraising efforts. Thank you!

NAMES:Silvia AkinagaMichelle ArakakiHoon/Ming BaeDarold/Kaori DavisPat DeaJan FabiniSatoko FogartyMark/Georgia Fujikawa George/Midori Goto including for Joan Matsuoka Memorial Scholarship FundAiko Kobayashi GrayMari HayamaHarlan/Marilyn HeadStefanie Head including in memory of Joan MatsuokaDebbie Izumizaki for Joan Matsuoka Memorial Scholarship FundDavid/Ellen InadaTom InadaKaren Inouye

Shingo/Reiko Kamada including in memory of Joan MatsuokaStacey KamadaJohn/Roslyn KartychackNori/Akiko KobayashiKana LopezJimmy/Kathleen Louie for Joan Matsuoka Memorial Scholarship FundEiko MatsuokaJanna Matsuoka in memory of Joan MatsuokaGloria MoritaFumi Nihei in memory of Den NiheiKaren NishikawaMuts NishinoToom NobleStan/Bea NomuraSara Pillow

Hiro Taniguchi including in memory of Jim TaniguchiAkiko TaylorKaren Wilairat in memory of Joan MatsuokaSherry WatsonSumi WuRev. Rodney/Delma YeeTasha Yorozu/Sam SuttleChris YoshiiRev. Yasutaka/Hitomi Yoshioka

FUNDS:General FundNichigobu FundJoan Matsuoka Memorial Scholarship Fund

We pray for those in our Sycamore family who deal with long-term challenges, including Pat Dea, Toie Egashira, Mabel Kazato, Isaac Kazato, Yo Nagata, Pamela and Chai Milin, Rich Takei, Hiroshi Uyeda, Sherry Watson, Osamu Kumao and Kay Matsutani, as well as several people in our extended community with dementia and mental health challenges. Lift up the hearts of all caregivers and bless them for the challenging work they do every day. Be with everyone in our extended community…Amen

Donations were made to the following Funds:

SYCAMORE TREE⽉報 1 1⽉号 2019年 10⽉31⽇発⾏

SYCAMORE TREE PAGE 01

「暗闇の中でできたこと」吉岡恵⽣「ヨナは三日三晩魚の腹の中にいた。ヨナは魚の腹の中から自分の神、主に祈りをささげた」。（ヨナ書2章1-2節）

⽇本における台⾵、カリフォルニアにおける⼭⽕事、⾃然災害がもたらす被害に⼼を痛めています。被災された⽅々の上に、主の慰めがありますように。 カリフォルニアにおける⼭⽕事は、PG&Eの電線に強⾵に乗って舞い上がった枯れ草が当たり、⽕花を散らして乾燥地帯に落ちることによって発⽣していると⾔われています。そのような中でPG&Eは、こうした現象を極⼒抑えるために、計画停電を実施しています。シカモア教会も、また私が住む牧師館も、10⽉末の⼟曜⽇から⽉曜⽇まで3⽇間、計画停電実施区域となりました。 3⽇間も全く電気が使えない中、携帯電話の電池は切れ、パソコンの電池も切れ、もちろんインターネットもテレビも使えず、夜は真っ暗な中ロウソクの光を⾒つめて過ごすことになりました。電気がない⽣活というのはいかに不便なものかと思い知らされると共に、いかに私の⽣活が電気に依存しているのかを、改めて思い知らされることになりました。昔の牧師は、説教原稿はすべて⼿書き、また教会員との連絡は⼀軒⼀軒家を訪問していたわけです。それなのに私は、パソコンが使えなければ説教が書けないと思い、携帯が通じなかったら教会員と連絡も取れないと思って悩んでいました。電気に依存する便利な⽣活というのは、ある意味ではその便利さゆえに、なんと⼈の⾏動⼒を失わせているものかと思いました。 真っ暗な夜に息⼦が⾔いました。「ねぇ、何する？何もすることないじゃん」。私はそこで、旧約聖書のヨナ書の物語を思い出しました。⼤きな⿂に呑み込まれたヨナは、真っ暗な⿂の腹の中で三⽇三晩神に祈ったのです。私は息⼦に⾔いました。「確かに、電気がないと何も⾒えないし、何もできないように感じるね。テレビも、ゲームも、インターネットもできない。本も読めない。でも、何もできないと思うこの真っ暗な中でも、できることがあるんだよ。それは、ヨナさんのようにお祈りすること」。私はそう⾔ってから、⼦供たちと⼀緒に祈りました。「神様、⼭⽕事の被害が⼤きくなりませんように。⽇本の台⾵の被害に遭われた⼈、また世界中の悲しんでいる⼈を助けてください」と。真っ暗闇の中でできたこと。それは、神様に祈ることでした。

SYCAMORE TREE PAGE 02

病気になって気づいたこと、思い出したこと⻑い証をさせていただいたのに、割愛した部分を載せていただくという図々しさ。気づいたことの⼀つです。体が弱っているときには⾃分が傷ついたことがわーっと思い出されてズタズタになりました。もう終わったこと、⾃分の中では解決したと思ってたのに。よく考えてみると謝られてないのよねと。それにこだわっているみみっちい⾃分なんだと気づいた。でもそのあと冷静になったときにいや待てよ、私が傷つけた⼈はどのくらいいるんだろうかと。私が赦したと思っているだけで本当はまだ⼼から赦してないように、私のことも赦されてないのかも。私が謝らなくちゃならない⼈はどの位いるんだろうか指では数えられないかもしれないと、呆然となったのです。 後の⼀つは、私の好きな聖句です。ずばり、＜神は愛なり。＞ クリスチャンホームに育った私は、⽇曜は礼拝に出た後、家族⼀緒に昼⾷です。その時に普段いない⽗は⼒を⼊れて⽇々の糧を読み上げ、おまけに⼀⼈⼀⼈好きな聖句を⾔いなさいと来るんです。私はお腹がぺこぺこで早くしてよねと⼼の中で叫んでいるのですが、叫べば叫ぶほど⽗の祈りは⻑いんです。 それでいつも私が⾔う聖句は、これです。＜神は愛なり。＞短くって⼤好き。

愛子グレイ

待ちに待ったハロウィーンの夜、⼦ども達は駆け⾜で家々を回り、すれ違う⼦どものハロウィーンの⾐装を⾒ながら、もうすでに来年の⾐装を考えたりするでしょうか。ここ最近は、ハロウィーンの翌⽇は、次のような⼿段で⼦ども達が集めたキャンディーをこっそりと隠したり、⾷べないように試⾏錯誤しています。①集めたキャンディーを地元の⻭科に持って⾏き、４パウンドのキャンディーで１ドルのお⾦に交換してもらい、そのお⾦を貯⾦箱に⼊れたら？と提案する。②集めたキャンディーを「⾷べても良いもの」と、「⾷べないでとお願いするもの」に仕分けして、オーガニックキャンディーを追加する。③集めたキャンディーを別の”良いもの”と交換しないかという、交渉をする。⼦ども達にとっては、１年に⼀度の楽しいイベントで、集めたチョコレートやキャンディーを⾍⻭になるから、砂糖を取りすぎてハイパーになってしまうからという理由で説得するのは容易ではありません。また、普段⾷べ物の⼤切さを話している中で、頂いたものを捨てるというのもこの時ばかりは、⼤きく⽭盾してしまいます。どういう⾵に話をしたら良いでしょうか。お互いに⼀⽅的な考えを押し付けないということ、⾍⻭１、２本くらいで学べるなら、好きなだけ⾷べても良いという考えもあるでしょうか（笑）ぜひとも、ご家庭の秘訣があったら、教えてください！

幼稚園より

SYCAMORE TREE PAGE 03

〜シカモア組合教会集会案内〜

♢⽇語部礼拝：毎週⽇曜⽇午前9時45分♢英語部礼拝：毎週⽇曜⽇午前11時♢聖書研究会：毎週⽇曜⽇午前11時半♢Worship Night：毎⽉第3⼟曜⽇午後6時♢友の会：毎⽉第2⽔曜⽇ 正午

どの集会もお気軽にお越しください。

お問合せは吉岡牧師まで。

tel：510-829-2453email: revyoshioka@gmail.com

♢映画上映会：毎⽉第4⽊曜⽇午前11時♢お散歩会：随時

♢絵本を読む会：随時

♢Sycamore FC：随時♢Praise Hula 随時

11 月 2 日（土）バイリンガルバイブルスタディ 6:00 pm11 月 3 日（日）合同礼拝 聖餐式 誕生者祝福式

Congregational Round Table 12:00 pm11 月 9 日（土）Leadership Retreat 9:00 am

一麦会 5:30 pm（アラメダ）11 月 10 日（日）日語部礼拝 9:４５ am

日語部役員会11 月 １6 日（土）Worship Night 6:00 pm11 月 10 日（日）日語部礼拝 9:４５ am11月 21日（木） ブエナビスタ聖書研究会 ５：００pm （ブエナビスタUMC)11月 2４日（日） パンケーキ朝食8:00 – 10:30am

合同礼拝 １１：００am11月 2８ 日（木） サンクスギビングディナー（牧師館） 5:00 – 8:00pm

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Thanksgiving 2019

To all the members and friends of Sycamore United Church of Christ,

Thank you for always praying for the church and for your support. In 2019, Sycamore Church invited me as their Interim Pastor in April. I am limited to a term of 18 to24 months. I will specifically focus on the five developmental tasks of interim ministry with the Sycamore congregation. The board will come to terms with the church’s history, explore identity and direction, making any leadership/operational changes, renewing associations with organizations such as PAAM and the UCC, and making a commitment to their new pastor and a new direction to go into the future. It’s a very exciting time for Sycamore!

Earlier this year Sycamore began having joint worship services on the first and last Sunday’s of the month. The first Sunday is Family Worship and Communion. The children participate in leading worship; reading scripture, serving as ushers and Christ light bearers.

Opportunities for the Japanese and English membership to worship together have increased dramatically, and the children have found their place in the service, and the space of worship has become a space of good fellowship that transcends language and generation. Along with these changes, the Worship Night and the Bible Study Group, which have centered on Japanese language, have been changed as bilingual gatherings so that the Japanese and English membership can spend more time together.

In August, the sanctuary was renovated with the aim of expanding the future missionary possibilities of the church, removing the existing pews and changing them to single chairs. With this renovation, the sanctuary can be used as a multi-purpose hall, and for weekday gatherings. For Sunday worship services we can change the arrangement of chairs according to the theme and scale of worship. We are confident that Sycamore has taken a step forward into the future.

On Easter in April, my eldest son, Shisei Yoshioka, confessed his faith in the service and was baptized. Kana Lopez, who has been worshiping together for several years, and is now one of the leaders of student evangelism, also confessed their faith and transferred to our church from another church.Adding two new people to our church family brought great joy to the whole church.

On September 10th, our dear Joan Matsuoka sister entered eternal rest in the Lord. She cherished worship and dedicated herself to supporting the church as a musician, as a bazaar organizer, and as a member of Women ’s Fellowship. I pray that the Lord's comfort is abundant with the family and her faithful friends in their grief.

Upon my visa expiration, I will return to Japan after five years of work. My final Sunday service will be Sunday, March 1, 2020. It is my hope to pass on a good baton to the next pastor while appreciating the encounters, and experiences given at Sycamore Church. The next Japanese Language pastor has already been decided.The immigration procedures are proceeding smoothly. The next Japanese pastor is scheduled to arrive in late April 2020. Please remember in your prayers that the Lord be with you to guide you in this time of a change in pastoral leadership.

This year, we have received a rich bounty that no words could explain. Thank you for the rich blessings of the Lord. We will be grateful for the harvest again this year. On Sunday, November 24th, we will have a harvest worship service with the English and Japanese Language members. During the service, the preschool gospel choir, Sycamore Harmony will sing. An annual pancake breakfast will be held starting at 8:00am. Please remember to join the Thanksgiving potluck dinner on the 28th at 5:00pm at the parish house. We are excited to prepare a Thanksgiving roasted turkey for all.

We pray that your health is protected and that your life journey is full of God’s Blessings!

Rev. Yasutaka Yshioka and Rev. Celestine FieldsPastors Sycamore United Church of Christ

収穫感謝祭 2019

シカモア組合教会に連なる皆様

いつも教会のために祈り、様々なお支えをいただいていますことを感謝いたします。シカモア教会は、今年4月にCelestine Fields 牧師を

Interim Pastorとして招聘いたしました。Interim Pastorは、18ヶ月から24ヶ月の任期に限定されており、特に以下の5つの課題に取り組

みます。すなわち、役員会が教会の歴史に立つように導き、教会のアイデンティティと将来の方向性を検討していくこと。教会のリーダーシ

ップのあり方や運営上必要な変更を行うこと。PAAMやUCCなど、関係の深い団体との交流を新たにすること。そして新たな牧師を招聘す

るために将来への方向性を定めることです。シカモア教会にとって、とても大切な時が与えられています。

今年から、毎月最初と最後の日曜日を日語部英語部の合同礼拝といたしました。特に最初の日曜日は家族聖餐礼拝となり、子供たちにも礼

拝の中で色々な奉仕をしてもらっています。日語部英語部が共に礼拝をする機会が格段に増え、また子供たちも礼拝の中に居場所を見出し、

礼拝の空間が、言葉も世代も超えた良い交わりの空間となってきています。これらの変化に伴い、これまで日本語を中心としてきたWorship Nightや聖書研究会も、バイリンガルの集会として改められ、日語部と英語部がより多くの時間を共に過ごせるようになってきました。

8月には教会の将来的な宣教の可能性を広げていくことを目的として、礼拝堂の改装を行い、これまであった長椅子を撤去し、すべてシン

グルチェアーに改めました。この改装により、礼拝堂は多目的ホールとしても活用できるようになり、平日の集会にも大いに用いられていま

す。また、日曜日の礼拝も、椅子を自由自在に動かせるようになったことで礼拝のテーマや規模に合わせて椅子の配置を変えるなど、より意

味深い空間で礼拝をささげられるようになっています。新たな時代に向かって、良い変化の一歩を歩み出せたと確信しています。

4月のイースターには、私の長男である吉岡志生兄が礼拝の中で信仰告白をし、洗礼を受けました。また、数年前から共に礼拝をささげ、

今や学生伝道のリーダーの一人として活躍してくださっているロペズ果菜姉も信仰告白をされ、他教会から私たちの教会に転入会をされまし

た。2名の新たな兄弟姉妹が私たちの群れに与えられたことは、教会全体に大きな喜びをもたらしました。

9月10日には、愛するJoan Matsuoka姉を天にお送りしました。彼女は礼拝を大切にし、奏楽者として、またバザー委員、Women’s Fellowshipメンバーとして賜物を生かされ、献身的に教会をお支えくださいました。悲しみの中にあるご家族、信仰の友の上に、主の慰めが

豊かにありますよう祈ります。

私自身はビザ満了に伴い、2020 年3月1日（日）の礼拝を最後に、5年間の働きを終えて日本へと帰国いたします。シカモア教会で与えら

れた数 の々出会いと交わり、また経験を感謝しつつ、次の時代に良いバトンを渡せるようにと願っています。次期日語牧師は既に決まり、ビ

ザ取得手続きも順調に進んでいます。私が帰国した後ひと月ほど待つことになりますが、2020年4月下旬には次期日語牧師が着任する予定で

す。日語牧師交替という変化の時に、主が共にいてすべてを整え導いてくださるように、皆さんのお祈りにお覚えください。

今年一年も、語りつくせぬ豊かな恵みをいただきました。主の豊かな恵みに感謝し、私たちは今年も収穫感謝の時を過ごします。11月24日

（日）には、日語部英語部合同で収穫感謝礼拝をささげます。礼拝の中では、幼稚園保護者のゴスペルクワイアの賛美も予定されています。ま

た、毎年恒例となっておりますパンケーキ朝食会も、午前8時から行われます。ぜひお覚えくださり、足をお運びください。また、28日（木）

には、午後5時より牧師館で収穫感謝のポットラック夕食会を開催します。ターキーの丸焼きをご用意してお待ちしています。どうぞどなたで

もお越しください。

皆さんのご健康が守られ、日々の歩みが祝福に満ちたものでありますようにとお祈りしています。

シカモア組合教会牧師 吉岡恵生、セレスティーン　フィールズ

Interim Minister/Eigo Language PastorRev. Celestine Fields - 717-406-4991; e-mail: pastorcelestinefields@gmail.comNichigo Language PastorRev. Yasutaka Yoshioka - 510-829-2453; e-mail: revyoshioka@gmail.comPreschool DirectorYoshimi Kinoshita - 510-527-9522Church ModeratorKaren Nishikawa - 760-519-1964 e-mail: karennishikawa@sbcglobal.netNichigo ModeratorSatoko Fogarty - 650-722-3133 e-mail: satfog@yahoo.com

Newsletter EditorChieko O'Dea and Reiko Kamada

The Sycamore Tree is published on the last Thursdayof each month. Articles are welcomed. The deadline forarticles is seven days before publication and are includedas space allows.

For address changes, call 510-525-0727 e-mail: sycamoreoffice22@gmail.com

website: www.sycamoreucc.org"Like" us on Facebook: Sycamore Congregational Church

Sycamore Congregational Church, U.C.C.

Sunday Morning Schedule 9:45 a.m. Nichigobu Worship Service10:10 a.m. Tomodachi Time11:00 a.m. English Worship Service12:00 noon Fellowship Hour

First and last Sundays of the month are jointbilingual services and will start at 11:00am.

Sycamore Christian PreschoolMonday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.Extended Day Care, 1 to 3 p.m.Phone 510-527-9522

We are Sycamore United Church of Christ...Rooted in a legacy of Japanese ministries;

Rejoicing in the gospel and worship;Reaching out to all people

Restoring God's peace in our communities and the world.

Schedule of Events of NovemberOngoing:Tuesday-Friday:10:00am Daily Prayer Time with Pastor Celeste and Pastor YoshiokaWednesday: Zumba class by Akiko KobayashiThursdays: Interfaith Meditation, 6pmMonday-Thursday: AIUEO classSaturday: NIN Japanese class and Abacas classLooking ahead:Sat, Nov 2 Bilingual Bible StudySun, Nov 3 Daylight Saving Time ends Congregational Round TableMon, Nov 4 Guatemala Slide Show by Aiko GreySat, Nov 9 Leadership RetreatSat, Nov 16 Worship NightSun, Nov 17 Church Council meetingSat, Nov 23 Thanksgiving breakfast set upSun, Nov 24 Pancake Breakfast Joint Worship ServiceThu, Nov 28 Thanksgiving Dinner at Parsonage