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The HERALD Newsletter

Japanese Church of Christ

268 West 100 South (Japantown Street)

Salt Lake City, UT 84101

(801) 363-3251 www.jccslc.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Pastor Brad Kramer info@jccslc.org

Fall/Winter Schedule:

10:30 a.m. Worship Service Adult and Nichigo Bible Study

9:30 a.m. Sunday School

9:30 a.m.

Pastor’s Message March 2015

I recently returned from a conference which focused on the issue of Apologetics. Fancy term:

Apologetics has nothing to do with apologizing for our faith but instead deals with the “art and science

of Christian persuasion.” The concept is taken from I Peter 3:15 where the apostle encourages

followers of Jesus to always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them. This particular

conference called AMP (as in “amplify”), was directed toward equipping believers to more effectively share our faith in an increasingly godless world.

We were blessed to hear a number of prominent authors and scientists speak on a variety of issues;

ranging from the compatibility of Faith and Science, to compelling reasons for the resurrection, and

finally one man’s journey our of Islam: Abdu Murray was raised a devout Muslim but found himself

gradually accepting the credibility of the Bible, and its teachings. However, even after his intellectual

break with Islam, he still could not bring himself to leave the faith of his family. He asked, “how do you

rip the heart out of your own father?” It was after reading Romans 5:8 – But God demonstrates His

own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Abdu came face to face with the greatest expression of love and self-sacrifice; because God sent His

Son Jesus to the cross for His enemies. As Murray remarked, “whatever I had to lose, was nothing for Who I had to gain.”

Pastor Brad Kramer

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March 2015 THE HERALD

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The JCC Mission Statement To proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and seek spiritual growth for the entire congregation through:

Worship, prayer, and Bible study

Outreach and evangelism Loving service to the Church

and community Fellowship

Cultural activities unique to our ethnic congregation

THE HERALD A monthly publication of the Japanese Church of Christ, Salt Lake City, UT.

Pastor Brad Kramer Clerk of Session: Greg Paige Session Julee Mori, Finance Lorraine Crouse, Worship Hiro Iwasaki, Stewardship Greg Paige, Personnel, Education Lynne Aramaki, Building and Grounds Karen Okawa, Membership Alan Shino, Evangelism/Missions

Deacons Jan Aramaki, Moderator

Misako Bowker, Miki Harada, Keiko Ikeda, Wilma Kimura, Lillian Nakamura, Karla Paige, Danni Uyeda

Newsletter articles are due on the last Sunday of each month at noon. Send your articles to klokawa@msn.com

Website: www.jccslc.org

Food Handlers’ Class

A food handlers’ class will be held at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple on

Sunday, March 8, 2015 at noon. Cost for the class is $30.00 and the

card is good for 3 years.

Daylight Savings Reminder

Daylight Savings time for 2015 begins on Sunday, March 8. Set your

clocks one hour forward (spring forward). (Or you will be late for worship service!)

March Culture Class

The March Culture Class will be on Sunday, March 29, 2015 after worship service. The class will feature paper crafting. Karla Paige will show us how to make 3 quick and easy projects for the upcoming Easter holiday.

A signup sheet will be posted on the bulletin board near the kitchen in the Fellowship Hall.

Mixed Plate Fundraiser (Proceeds from this event will send youth to Mount Hermon.)

Saturday, March 28, 2015

Japanese Church of Christ, 268 West 100 South

Noon to 4:00 p.m., Dine-in or take out

Cost: $15.00

Includes: Keiko’s Luau Ribs (from former Out of the Box Café), teriyaki chicken, cabbage salad, rice

A limited number of tickets are available, so reserve your

tickets as soon as possible.

For tickets, contact: Elise Mori (801) 631-9804, elisemori17@gmail.com Julee Mori (801) 718-2727, juleemori1@gmail.com Karen Okawa (801) 864-2386, klokawa@msn.com

Remember in Your Prayers

Please remember the following friends and family in your prayers:

Saeko Nakashima

Susan Rosvall

Miki Harada

Yaeko Tomomatsu

Yoshiko Nakagama

Jana Hansen

Frank Imai

Wat Misaka

Kiyo Nakamura

Susan Fukushima

Barbara Woody

Shawna Johnson

Joy Hashimoto

Betty Murakami

Grace Matsumura

Kristen Kobayashi

Toshiko Marse

Naraoka Family

Utako Aramaki

Garin Harada

Frank Yoshimura

Mr. “C”

Chris Miya

Bernice Kida

Marie Matsukawa

Grace Oshita

Cristal Aoki

Lillian Nakamura

Jessie Lamb

Wayne Pendergrass

Bo Cloe

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Yaki Manju Lessons

The Nichigo group is hosting Manju Cooking Classes on Sunday, March 22 and Sunday, April 12.

The intention is to pass on the knowledge of making manju to the younger generations so that we can share the load of making manju starting next year. These classes will focus on making manju for the church (vs. making it at home), but anyone who wants to learn how to make yaki manju is welcomed to attend.

On March 22, we will show you how to make the “an” and “skin” (dough). On April 12, we will show you how to shape and bake the manju. These classes will start after the coffee fellowship. There will be sign-up sheet posted on the bulletin board for those interested. If you have any

questions, contact Hiromi Page at jlhtpage@hotmail.com.

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Congregational Meeting Report

The congregational meeting to review the annual report and approve the budget was held on Sunday, February 15,

2015. Pastor Brad chaired the ecclesiastical portion of the meeting, where the 2015 budget was approved. Al Kubota presented the report for Cascade Corporation. There were concerns regarding the plans for updating the chapel. It was stressed in the meeting that the Building

Committee welcomes input from the congregation. The committee will communicate the plans to everyone, but it is up to each person to come forward and voice his/her concerns. If you have a question or idea, attend the

building meetings or approach a building committee member. It is the only way the committee will know of your concerns!

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JCC Sports

The JCC basketball season is coming up soon! The entire schedule was not available at press time, but the first game

of the season will be on Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Southeast Christian Church, 1881 East Vine Street. Also, softball season will be here soon too! The approximate cost will be $30-35 per player. For more information on either the softball or basketball

teams, contact: Doug Murakami at (801) 580-8404

dmurakami@utah.gov or Dani Murakami at (801) 860-2557 or dani@lovecomm.net. _______________________________________________

Japantown Photographs Reminder

The Nihon Matsuri display on April 25 will feature photos of the businesses and buildings, as well as people of Japantown, Salt Lake City. If you have photos or other related items, please contact Lorraine Crouse at lmcrouse@comcast.net or 801-943-3863.

Human Rights Celebration 2015

Church Women United will be holding its Human Rights Celebration on Friday, March 13, 2015 at

our church. The theme is “Journey Toward Peace” and the guest speaker is Rev. France Davis of Calvary Baptist Church. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. Cost is $1 for the meeting and $4 for lunch. All attending must call in reservations to Phyllis Allen at (801) 298-7197 no later than Tuesday, March 12.

Also, the CWU Biennial State Assembly will be held March 21, 2015, from 9am - 3:30 pm at St. Ambrose Catholic Church. Cost $20.00. Contact Sally Hoffelmeyer-Katz (801) 272-5356.

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Upcoming Events Calendar

With other groups such as the Vine Institute, Kachin and Tongan congregations using our facilities, a JCC Event Calendar will be compiled each month listing activities in the Fellowship Hall

and chapel. If you have an activity to add to the calendar, please fill it on the posted calendar or send the information to Karen Okawa at klokawa@msn.com. Note that the calendar will only display known events as of the Herald deadline for that month. This calendar will also be posted

on the bulletin board near the kitchen, along with the Parking and Taiko calendars.

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March 2015 - Worship Service Participants

March 1

March 8

March 15

Music Worship March 22

Palm Sunday March 29

Liturgist Hiro Iwasaki Ron Nishijima Jan Aramaki Rick Aoki Laura Olson

Scripture Readers

E) Karen Okawa J) Shigeko Ota

E) Nichole Kramer J) Hiromi Page

E) Alex Okawa J) Misako Bowker

E) Tyler Uyeda J) Yeiko Homma

E) Zach Paige J) Keiko Ikeda

Greeter Keiko Mori Mary Tabata Nob Iwamoto Sadie Yoshimura Karla Paige

Ushers Misako Bowker

Motoko Lochner

Lorraine Crouse

Joe Ota

Lorraine Crouse

Frank Yoshimura

Doug Murakami

Al Kubota Barry Nakamura

Al Kubota

Barry Nakamura

Songs of Praise Brian Itliong Brad Kramer

Brian Itliong Brad Kramer

Brian Itliong Brad Kramer

JCC Worship Band

Brian Itliong Brad Kramer

Organist/Pianist Greg Paige Allyn Nakashima

Allyn Nakashima Misako Bowker Greg Paige

Offeratory Music Greg Paige Allyn Nakashima

Allyn Nakashima Laura Olson

Nichigo Greg Paige

Acolyte Alex Okawa Nichole Kramer Alex Okawa Tyler Uyeda Nichole Kramer

Communion Servers

Al Kubota Ron Nishijima Laura Olson

--- --- --- ---

Ed Bldg Monitor Tosh Nakaya Barry Nakamura Dylan Johnson --- Tosh Nakaya

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March Birthdays 7 Thomas Mori

11 Al Kubota

16 Carson Kawabata

23 Connie Kawai

25 Steve Fukumitsu

Nihon Matsuri Help

The annual Nihon Matsuri will be held on Saturday, April 25. The JCC will have a booth at the festival selling sushi and manju and the youth will be selling

food as well. More details next

month. As always, your help is needed! If you can lend a hand, contact Jan Aramaki or Laura Olson.

Upcoming Community Events

JANBA (Japanese American National Bowling Association) Tournament, March 1 through 7, All Star Lanes, Sandy, UT. Japanese Kite exhibit at Chapman Library by Scott Skinner from the Drachen Kite organization. Show runs from March 2 to April 30, 2015. Chapman Library is located at 577 South 900 West.

Food Handlers’ Class – Salt Lake Buddhist Temple, March 8, 2015, noon. Cost is $30.00. Nikkei Senior Center Luncheon – Saturday, March 21, 2015, noon, sponsored by the Salt Lake JACL at the Salt Lake Buddhist Temple.

February Culture Class Recap

The February Culture Class was held on Sunday, February 15, 2015. In commemoration of the Day of Remembrance, Ted Nagata shared his

recollections as a 9 year old boy incarcerated at Topaz. The presentation was standing room only as a history class from Rowland Hall also attended. It was a great opportunity for the youth to hear firsthand; Ted is the last generation living to have experienced life in the relocation center. Many thanks to Ted for taking the time to speak to the group and for sharing your slides. Thanks also to Theresa Mori-Sueoka for bringing treats!

Ted Nagata and grandson A full house attended the presentation. Koji Brown

Among the Missing

Two wood table legs are missing from the Fellowship Hall basement,

north classroom. If you know the whereabouts of these table legs, please return them to the north classroom. Also, a book from the Salt Lake Library System is missing. The

book was displayed at the Nikkei Senior Center luncheon and may have been mistaken for a free item, since it was on a table that had some library giveaways and informational items. However,

this book was for display only and needs to be returned to the library. If you may have

accidentally picked up the book during the luncheon and taken it home, please contact Luanne Nakamura at (801) 594-8621 or

lnakamura@slcpl.org.

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Nikkei Senior Center Luncheon Recap The Nikkei Senior Center luncheon was hosted by the Nichigo and Agape groups on Saturday, February 7, 2015. A delicious lunch was served to 120 guests; a full house! The event was a great outreach to the senior community. Luanne Nakamura from the Chapman Library presented information on a Japanese arts and crafts exhibit that will be shown in May 2015. Pastor Brad performed three musical numbers to highlight the program.

A big thanks and appreciation to everyone who assisted in food prep, serving and clean up on Friday and Saturday. The February luncheon is always one of the most popular and well attended Nikkei Senior Center events, thanks to all of you!

Clockwise from left: Betty Murakami, Eleanore Nakamura, Yuri Uyeda and Betty Morishita. Photos courtesy – Lorraine Crouse.

Clockwise from left: Nats Nishijima, Betty Kubota, Sadie Yoshimura and Yas Iwamoto

A full house dines at the Nikkei Senior Center luncheon. Pastor Brad provided musical entertainment.