Happy 130th Anniversary to Wesley UMC
Happy 130th Anniversary to Wesley UMC
by Barbara Hiura
by Barbara Hiura
Hooray! Our church celebrated their 130th anniversary on Sept. 28 with fanfare and hoopla required of such a monumental event. There was pomp and circumstance with the processional and the entrance of our Bishop Sandra Olewine which was quite a unique happening here and full of flourish as the banner of her status preceded her and she placed her beautifully carved wooden staff of leadership at the pulpit.
We were so honored with her presence to help us celebrate the legacy and history of our church and the bringing of God’s word in her message “How Can We Keep From Singing.” How can we not. She applauded our 130-year history, our growth and development and lauded our inward faith and outward missions. But, she queried, “What new song will you create in the decades to come.” She spoke of Pentecost and the spirit of God through Jesus within us as a driving force to bring hope, justice, peace and uplift in this world. That we as a church are such faithful Disciples of Christ. We, however, cannot stop and rest on our accomplishments. Using scripture, traditions, reason and experiences how will you continue to move outward, to ask for Jesus’ help and guidance so that we might help others sing God’s praise, help others join and have a voice as we move forward in our world and continue fighting for the helpless, the lost and the forlorn as we bring the Good News of Jesus to others. And after all the works and accomplishments are noted, we do what? We give God the glory. We sing.
And speaking of singing, that is exactly what we did this day with praise songs and a timely anthem, “More Love” by Mark Miller presented by the choir and a beautifully rendered composition of “Amazing Grace” from Ivan Vielma and riffs and accompaniment by Shane Cantanho during the Offertory. We give God the glory.
The video of a televised special shown a couple of years ago, put the history of our church into perspective with an interview of our then newly appointed pastor, Rev. John Oda, who spoke of the importance of Wesley UMC in the Japantown community, not just the faith of our forebears, but their mission and legacy “I’m standing on the shoulders of many, many people who sacrificed a lot to build up this church,” he noted. And its growth is indicative of the small beginnings, from a chapel (converted house), to what we are today. It is a testament to their legacy.
Kelli Martines, poignantly recalled why she came to Wesley and her personal walk with God by following in her grandmother’s footsteps. This is “part of my history, part of my roots, and a chance to reconnect with my culture,” she remarked.
Upon that foundation, our church has grown to some 650 members with outreach programs that impact the community we live in. We herald our legacy in the Japantown community and continue to be open and welcoming to all. Nice to know that we reach so many more people through our live-stream services, Oda explained. “Because We are in the Japanese American community, we really are accepting the legacy of what the internment camp taught and that experience left a mark on what it feels like to be on the fringe of society and not being welcomed. We embrace diversity and the differences and that’s what helps us keep connected to community,” he noted. He also mentioned that the early Issei were not concerned about longevity, history or legacy. They didn’t worry about that because it is God for whom this church was built.
But of course, what must there be at any Wesley celebration? Yes, indeedy, FOOD. We had a huge spread of tasty Japanese Hawaiian cuisine prepared by the restaurant Hukilau in a beautifully decked out fellowship Hall. All the people entering the social hall for lunch were greeted by what else? Music brought by the Wesley Ukulele Band and the graceful sight of Hula dancers beckoning welcome to all. We had a special performance of “Wipe Out” by two WUB rising stars, our Keiki, Natalie and Arissa. And the energy that began in service carried on throughout with a host of folks from the audience rising up and feeling the spirit to move their hands and feet to dance to the popular song, “Hukilau” and goodness, they needed little guidance…they knew the steps. This was quite the crowd pleaser. Coming forward cutting a rug were Rev. John and Bishop Sandra, along with a host of others. You could feel the buzz and energy.
And to our guest of honor, gifts from our church, an apron, a cookbook and of course flowers presented by Luz Gonzales. And on hand to offer prayer and represent the UMC District was our DS Samuel Hong and thus making our church celebration just that more special.
A celebration such as this could not have happened without the church coming together and we are thankful. Overall organizer for this affair was Lori Longmire, and huge accolades to her for such a fine job. High-fives go to Tina Urata and the Ukuele Band and to sound technician, Dave Brown. Weren’t you impressed with all the table decorations? Thanks go out for the beautiful ikebana gracing each table created by none other than Misao Kusuda and Terri Koike; the large cranes from the hands of Judie Kanemoto and all the origami tsuru and flowers from members of the United Women in Faith. Oh, and let’s not forget that huge array of sweet yummy manju? These delightful treats were all-hand-made by a committee headed by Kristin To and Kathy Haneta. Taking care of set up were Byran Longmire and Ed Gibo, and many thanks to our faithful and ever in the background, dishwasher, Wayne Kuwada. Another in the background was Hikakru Bakoshi, snapping and videotaping this event for review and our historical annals. It was a church-wide event and many hands were involved in its success. We give God the glory!
We were so honored with her presence to help us celebrate the legacy and history of our church and the bringing of God’s word in her message “How Can We Keep From Singing.” How can we not. She applauded our 130-year history, our growth and development and lauded our inward faith and outward missions. But, she queried, “What new song will you create in the decades to come.” She spoke of Pentecost and the spirit of God through Jesus within us as a driving force to bring hope, justice, peace and uplift in this world. That we as a church are such faithful Disciples of Christ. We, however, cannot stop and rest on our accomplishments. Using scripture, traditions, reason and experiences how will you continue to move outward, to ask for Jesus’ help and guidance so that we might help others sing God’s praise, help others join and have a voice as we move forward in our world and continue fighting for the helpless, the lost and the forlorn as we bring the Good News of Jesus to others. And after all the works and accomplishments are noted, we do what? We give God the glory. We sing.
And speaking of singing, that is exactly what we did this day with praise songs and a timely anthem, “More Love” by Mark Miller presented by the choir and a beautifully rendered composition of “Amazing Grace” from Ivan Vielma and riffs and accompaniment by Shane Cantanho during the Offertory. We give God the glory.
The video of a televised special shown a couple of years ago, put the history of our church into perspective with an interview of our then newly appointed pastor, Rev. John Oda, who spoke of the importance of Wesley UMC in the Japantown community, not just the faith of our forebears, but their mission and legacy “I’m standing on the shoulders of many, many people who sacrificed a lot to build up this church,” he noted. And its growth is indicative of the small beginnings, from a chapel (converted house), to what we are today. It is a testament to their legacy.
Kelli Martines, poignantly recalled why she came to Wesley and her personal walk with God by following in her grandmother’s footsteps. This is “part of my history, part of my roots, and a chance to reconnect with my culture,” she remarked.
Upon that foundation, our church has grown to some 650 members with outreach programs that impact the community we live in. We herald our legacy in the Japantown community and continue to be open and welcoming to all. Nice to know that we reach so many more people through our live-stream services, Oda explained. “Because We are in the Japanese American community, we really are accepting the legacy of what the internment camp taught and that experience left a mark on what it feels like to be on the fringe of society and not being welcomed. We embrace diversity and the differences and that’s what helps us keep connected to community,” he noted. He also mentioned that the early Issei were not concerned about longevity, history or legacy. They didn’t worry about that because it is God for whom this church was built.
But of course, what must there be at any Wesley celebration? Yes, indeedy, FOOD. We had a huge spread of tasty Japanese Hawaiian cuisine prepared by the restaurant Hukilau in a beautifully decked out fellowship Hall. All the people entering the social hall for lunch were greeted by what else? Music brought by the Wesley Ukulele Band and the graceful sight of Hula dancers beckoning welcome to all. We had a special performance of “Wipe Out” by two WUB rising stars, our Keiki, Natalie and Arissa. And the energy that began in service carried on throughout with a host of folks from the audience rising up and feeling the spirit to move their hands and feet to dance to the popular song, “Hukilau” and goodness, they needed little guidance…they knew the steps. This was quite the crowd pleaser. Coming forward cutting a rug were Rev. John and Bishop Sandra, along with a host of others. You could feel the buzz and energy.
And to our guest of honor, gifts from our church, an apron, a cookbook and of course flowers presented by Luz Gonzales. And on hand to offer prayer and represent the UMC District was our DS Samuel Hong and thus making our church celebration just that more special.
A celebration such as this could not have happened without the church coming together and we are thankful. Overall organizer for this affair was Lori Longmire, and huge accolades to her for such a fine job. High-fives go to Tina Urata and the Ukuele Band and to sound technician, Dave Brown. Weren’t you impressed with all the table decorations? Thanks go out for the beautiful ikebana gracing each table created by none other than Misao Kusuda and Terri Koike; the large cranes from the hands of Judie Kanemoto and all the origami tsuru and flowers from members of the United Women in Faith. Oh, and let’s not forget that huge array of sweet yummy manju? These delightful treats were all-hand-made by a committee headed by Kristin To and Kathy Haneta. Taking care of set up were Byran Longmire and Ed Gibo, and many thanks to our faithful and ever in the background, dishwasher, Wayne Kuwada. Another in the background was Hikakru Bakoshi, snapping and videotaping this event for review and our historical annals. It was a church-wide event and many hands were involved in its success. We give God the glory!
Bishop Sandra Olewine, Rev. John Oda and Jace just before processing into the Sanctuary.
Bishop Olewine gives the message "How Can We Keep From Singing."
Ivan Vielma, worship leader, sings "Amazing Grace" with Shane Cantanho, accompanist.
Rev. John Oda and Bishop Olewine come together after the service
A full house raises the roof in celebration.
Luz Gonzales presented flowers and gifts to our special guests Bishop Olewine and our DS Samual Hong.
District Superintendent Samuel Hong led us in prayer.
A special performance of "Wipe Out" came from Natalie (left) and Arissa with Tina Urata (left) and Ted Hasegawa, providing sound.
The Wesley Ukulele band performed and the crowd pleaser was "Hukilau" with from left: Art Black, Misao Kusuda, Dave Land, Catherine Bao, Bishop Sandra, Yumi Haraguchi, Teresa Truex, and John Oda joined our Hawaiian Hula dancers.
Huge THANK YOU to, from left: Kathy Haneta, Lori Longmire, Wayne Kuwada and Kristin To.
What a beautiful array of hand-made manju. Now that was quite a chore and everyone loved them.
Dale Sasaki helped bake those tasty treats.
Many hands make the work go faster and we're thankful. Kristin To (left) was one of the committee leads.
Posted in Newsletter 2025-10-23