Annual Report for Mark Teagle 2025
2025 Annual Report
Mark Teagle
Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement, and Music
Mark Teagle
Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement, and Music
Starting with Advent 2024, and going through November of 2025, this has been a year of challenges and growth. I continue to be grateful for the ways God is using the people of Wesley UMC to do great things in our church community.
Spiritual Formation
Our Neighbor Groups continue to be an important part of the life of the church. There are currently about 5 groups meeting monthly in homes across the Santa Clara Valley. The groups share a basic Bible Study, get to know one another, do fun activities, and share refreshments. Many thanks to our wonderful Neighbor Group leaders.
The Wesley Movie Group meets 1-2 times a month to discuss spiritual aspects of popular movies. Titles have included “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, “Oppenheimer”, “Will & Harper”, and many more.
Our Advent 2024 Study was “Embodying the Magnificat with Coke Tani”, a four week hybrid experience using movement and reflections to enter the poem from Mary the mother of Jesus.
In December 2024 I was asked to speak on American Christmas Traditions for Saffron Kai. I was also part of the entertainment for the Primetimers Christmas Party.
In the Season of Lent we held Writing Workshops featuring Mark Teagle, Jan Yamaguchi, Rev. Bobbie Corson, and Barbara Hiura, each focusing on a different type of writing.
I continue to give Monthly sermons, usually on the fourth Sunday of the month.
Spiritual Formation
Our Neighbor Groups continue to be an important part of the life of the church. There are currently about 5 groups meeting monthly in homes across the Santa Clara Valley. The groups share a basic Bible Study, get to know one another, do fun activities, and share refreshments. Many thanks to our wonderful Neighbor Group leaders.
The Wesley Movie Group meets 1-2 times a month to discuss spiritual aspects of popular movies. Titles have included “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid”, “Oppenheimer”, “Will & Harper”, and many more.
Our Advent 2024 Study was “Embodying the Magnificat with Coke Tani”, a four week hybrid experience using movement and reflections to enter the poem from Mary the mother of Jesus.
In December 2024 I was asked to speak on American Christmas Traditions for Saffron Kai. I was also part of the entertainment for the Primetimers Christmas Party.
In the Season of Lent we held Writing Workshops featuring Mark Teagle, Jan Yamaguchi, Rev. Bobbie Corson, and Barbara Hiura, each focusing on a different type of writing.
I continue to give Monthly sermons, usually on the fourth Sunday of the month.
Rev. Rev. John and I were the Storytellers for Kids Camp June 16-20. I was also the puppeteer for the skits.
During All Church Camp Labor Day Weekend I served as the Music leader for campfire, and also led a hike and kayaking outing.
During All Church Camp Labor Day Weekend I served as the Music leader for campfire, and also led a hike and kayaking outing.
Community Engagement
Our weekly Food Distribution continues to be an important part of our Compassion Ministry. This year brought several challenges that impacted our food supplies. Volunteers have had to go to Second Harvest to pick up food to supplement what was delivered. We have also purchased food to meet increased need.
Unhoused Outreach delivers food to St. James Park thanks to the work of Roger Miller, Kelli Martines, Hector Acuña, and our friend Ted.
Our weekly Food Distribution continues to be an important part of our Compassion Ministry. This year brought several challenges that impacted our food supplies. Volunteers have had to go to Second Harvest to pick up food to supplement what was delivered. We have also purchased food to meet increased need.
Unhoused Outreach delivers food to St. James Park thanks to the work of Roger Miller, Kelli Martines, Hector Acuña, and our friend Ted.
As part of my ongoing service to PACT (People Acting in Community Together), we had a successful Executive Director Search, hiring of Fr. Jon Pedigo. We held a welcome event March 6 at Temple Emanu El in San Jose. I also serve on the PICO State Leadership Council, meeting regularly to set the state-wide agenda for the 9 federations across the state affiliated with PACT.
Our Compassion Team meets monthly under the leadership of Clarissa Johnston-Abril to plan our activities and work on our strategy.
My play “Japantown Returnings” was an impactful event in Japantown. The production was developed in partnership with Contemporary Asian Theater Scene, Japanese American Museum of San Jose, plus The Wesley Jazz Ensemble. There were two performances Saturday, May 31 at Wesley featuring a professional cast and director, images curated by Jim Nagareda, and music from WJE. Both performances were sold out and the show received two standing ovations. A recording of the performance by
Our Compassion Team meets monthly under the leadership of Clarissa Johnston-Abril to plan our activities and work on our strategy.
My play “Japantown Returnings” was an impactful event in Japantown. The production was developed in partnership with Contemporary Asian Theater Scene, Japanese American Museum of San Jose, plus The Wesley Jazz Ensemble. There were two performances Saturday, May 31 at Wesley featuring a professional cast and director, images curated by Jim Nagareda, and music from WJE. Both performances were sold out and the show received two standing ovations. A recording of the performance by
Japantown TV is available on YouTube.
Wesley partnered with several Japantown organizations to host aRapid Response Network Training January 11. Wesley also became a sponsoring organization for the Neighbors Not Enemies Coalition.
PACT led an Interfaith Prayer Vigil January 21 at the County Government Plaza with Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, and other faith leaders taking part. This was featured on several local television stations.
Wesley partnered with several Japantown organizations to host aRapid Response Network Training January 11. Wesley also became a sponsoring organization for the Neighbors Not Enemies Coalition.
PACT led an Interfaith Prayer Vigil January 21 at the County Government Plaza with Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Unitarian, and other faith leaders taking part. This was featured on several local television stations.
Wesley once again hosted the Fred T. Koretmatsu Day of Civil Liberties and the Constitution January 25 with the Asian Law Alliance.
At the Nihonmachi Outreach Committee Day of Remembrance February 16, I hosted an information table for both WUMC and PACT.
PACT sent a group April 2 to Sacramento to support a housing bill by Ash Kalra. I was part of the rally on the steps of the capital and lobbying with our representatives.
Compassion Sunday June 18 had several projects at church and in the community.
At the Nihonmachi Outreach Committee Day of Remembrance February 16, I hosted an information table for both WUMC and PACT.
PACT sent a group April 2 to Sacramento to support a housing bill by Ash Kalra. I was part of the rally on the steps of the capital and lobbying with our representatives.
Compassion Sunday June 18 had several projects at church and in the community.
We hosted a new activity called Compassion Cleanup Crew September 21. We had more than 20 people doing projects with the Food Distribution.
I proudly represented WUMC at the Obon Opening Ceremony July 12 at the Buddhist Church.
I proudly represented WUMC at the Obon Opening Ceremony July 12 at the Buddhist Church.
Wesley partnered with PFLAG to host author Nico Lang for an event promoting their book American Teenager: How Trans kids are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era on September 8.
At PACT’s fundraising Luncheon October 14, I served as co-Emcee. Wesley sponsored two tables for the event.
Wesley hosted an event by County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga on October 30 to welcome the Consul General of Japan to Santa Clara County. Many elected officials were in attendance.
At PACT’s fundraising Luncheon October 14, I served as co-Emcee. Wesley sponsored two tables for the event.
Wesley hosted an event by County Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga on October 30 to welcome the Consul General of Japan to Santa Clara County. Many elected officials were in attendance.
Music and Worship
Our Praise Band is leading in worship every week with contributions from Ichiro Bakoshi, Ryan Miyahara, Joanne Miyahara, Marilyn Hasegawa, Ted Hasegawa, Todd Soo-Hoo, Dave Land, Ivan Vielma, and me. Ivan Vielma’s work lead singer is making a great difference, and we appreciate his solo work as well. One highlight was a duet featuring Ivan and Jahzara Jones.
Our Praise Band is leading in worship every week with contributions from Ichiro Bakoshi, Ryan Miyahara, Joanne Miyahara, Marilyn Hasegawa, Ted Hasegawa, Todd Soo-Hoo, Dave Land, Ivan Vielma, and me. Ivan Vielma’s work lead singer is making a great difference, and we appreciate his solo work as well. One highlight was a duet featuring Ivan and Jahzara Jones.
Last Advent we held Hanging of the Greens featuring the Wesley Ukulele Band and I played a certain character in a red suit.
Partnering with the City Circuit churches, we held La Posada 12/19 with a journey from Wesley to Primera Iglesia Metodista. Many thanks to Pastor Gerardo Vasquez-Padilla for the wonderful posole meal.
Our Christmas Eve Service was once again Hawaiian style featuring Wesley Ukulele Band and several hula dancers.
Partnering with the City Circuit churches, we held La Posada 12/19 with a journey from Wesley to Primera Iglesia Metodista. Many thanks to Pastor Gerardo Vasquez-Padilla for the wonderful posole meal.
Our Christmas Eve Service was once again Hawaiian style featuring Wesley Ukulele Band and several hula dancers.
We installed a new iPad Kiosk for the narthex.
Several children are part of our monthly Keiki Ukulele Class thanks to Tina Urata and “Uncle Smiley” Kai.
Some worship highlights this year:
Reconciling Service interview with Ivan Vielma, Feb. 23
Choir and Band: special music for Holy Week
Transgender Affirmation Sunday with Chiaki Ueyama
Mother’s Day with Bich Nguyen-Hamilton
For Nikkei Matsuri I performed with both the Wesley Jazz Ensemble and the Wesley Ukulele Band Sunday, April 27. Wesley also hosted a WUMC Info Booth.
Open Mic Nite started in March and continues on the second Saturday of the month.
Wesley Ukulele Band has had several gigs at senior facilities.
Several children are part of our monthly Keiki Ukulele Class thanks to Tina Urata and “Uncle Smiley” Kai.
Some worship highlights this year:
Reconciling Service interview with Ivan Vielma, Feb. 23
Choir and Band: special music for Holy Week
Transgender Affirmation Sunday with Chiaki Ueyama
Mother’s Day with Bich Nguyen-Hamilton
For Nikkei Matsuri I performed with both the Wesley Jazz Ensemble and the Wesley Ukulele Band Sunday, April 27. Wesley also hosted a WUMC Info Booth.
Open Mic Nite started in March and continues on the second Saturday of the month.
Wesley Ukulele Band has had several gigs at senior facilities.
Staff:
I continue as a Certified Deacon Candidate. I had an interview with District Board of Ordained Ministry April 29. I am currently taking the class “Global Christianity in an interfaith world” at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
I continue as a Certified Deacon Candidate. I had an interview with District Board of Ordained Ministry April 29. I am currently taking the class “Global Christianity in an interfaith world” at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary
I was part of the leading of the Wesley Winter Retreat February 1.
Personal:
I was honored to be on the Umpiring crew for the Western Region Senior Softball Tournament in Missoula, Montana July 17-22.
My wife Phyllis and I had a trip to Glacier National Park in July as well.
I was honored to be on the Umpiring crew for the Western Region Senior Softball Tournament in Missoula, Montana July 17-22.
My wife Phyllis and I had a trip to Glacier National Park in July as well.
My wife Phyllis and I had a trip to Glacier National Park in July as well.
We welcomed a new granddaughter to the family Charlotte Anne Teagle July 1 to parents Aaron and Jasmin.
My older granddaughters Lilly and Rayna are doing well in St. Paul, MN.
We welcomed a new granddaughter to the family Charlotte Anne Teagle July 1 to parents Aaron and Jasmin.
My older granddaughters Lilly and Rayna are doing well in St. Paul, MN.
Posted in Charge Conference 2025