2025-12-18 Good News

“See, I am doing a new thing… now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” — Isaiah 43:19 Happy New Year, Wesley friends! There’s something about turning the page on your calendar to the month of January (remember when we did that?).  This always feels like I was experiencing a fresh start, like walking on a beach where there were no footsteps previously.  Even if the previous year was challenging,...

Dear Wesley Church Family,For 2025 Advent, we will journey together through our new Advent Sermon Series entitled “An Advent of Renewal – Slow down, breathe deep, make space for Christ.”At its core, Advent is about preparing, preparing room in our hearts, our homes, and our schedules for the One who comes to us in love. So much of our attention goes to preparing everything around us: cleaning, dec...

When most of the 120,000 Japanese Americans who were incarcerated during WWII, returned to the West Coast, many found their homes, farms, and businesses vandalized, rented out, or seized by opportunists posing as friends. When my own mother’s family, the Seike’s, returned to their property in Seattle, they discovered their property had been horribly damaged, and all of their household possessions ...

Lighting the Candle of Hope The Warren Shimonishi Family, Conan and Lori Low and family, read the Scripture and lit the first Advent candle of Hope on Nov. 30. "We will hear about God inviting us into a new path toward a more spiritual life, one that is reordered and restored." This Advent season our church will focus on "self care: caring for body, mind, and spirit so we can be ready to celebrate...

The Share Our Sustenance Thanksgiving Potluck is one not to be missed held on Nov. 23. and our Fellowship Hall was full in every aspect. New attendees to Wesley, Kara & Dr. Nate Tanoue and family enjoyed the lovely meal. Compassion Ministry is now combined with Missions and both chairs spoke a little of the merger but about the work of the various programs. Above is the chair of Compassion Ministr...

12月13日（土）は恒例の「クリスマス賛美の集い」でした。遠くはフレスノのUJCC、エルセリトのシカモア組合教会、アラメダのブエナ・ビスタ UMC、そして近くはPeninsula Bible Church、更にウェスレーも含めて5つの教会から合計41名が参加し、皆で主の降誕をお祝いしました。プログラムはオダ先生の開会祈祷で始め、午前中がクリスマス讃美歌。夫々の曲について有志が解説し、次いで足立静子さんが歌い方の指導、そしてブキャナン明子さんのオルガンに合わせて全部で8曲を歌いました。昼食は昨年に引き続き、「くしなり」の焼き鳥弁当。朝早くから岡野健さん、薫さん、そしてコリンズ道子さんが炭火をおこして焼き上げた逸品です。少し余分があったのですが、それも瞬く間に引き取られてしまうほどでした。午後はゴードン明子さんのご主人のジェフさんが率いるバグパイプのトリオのライブ演奏。大きなバグパイプに大太鼓...

Our new supply room next to the kitchen got a makeover the week of Nov. 17. We have Byran Longmire and his crew to thank for this fresh updated storage area. You can actually find what you're looking for. Yay!......

Hanging of the Greens: A Blast!!! On Saturday, December 6, Wesley hosted our annual Hanging of the Greens with the  theme,  “Capture the Wonder of Christmas!”  The evening included delicious food and  festive music played by the talented Wesley Ukulele Band. Ornaments were made by  children and adults alike. There were painted acrylic ball ornaments, a photo frame  showcasing the bright faces of t...

What is not to like about the Primetimer Christmas Party.  Not only is it a staple during our holiday season, it is a sought after event.  The food is perhaps the best offerings from the church.  These folks really know how to cook.  And the desserts...Wow!  I mean even guava cupcakes. Along with the tasty food to inspire one's palate, there was entertainment from the Wesley Ukulele Band to bring ...

With weeks and months of physical therapy and just a lot of hard work, Rev. Bobbie Corson, who suffered a stroke several months ago, was back in church on Dec. 14 shown here with, her daughter and husband Dick. Her warm presence uplifted the entire church congregation this third week of Advent. Offering Rev. Bobbie a warm welcome back was Joanne Miyahara.......

A record number of Compassion Ministry volunteers and donors were honored at the 2025 Compassion Appreciation Dinner, held on Nov. 22. The 83 guests included those who were instrumental in founding Compassion Ministries, like Aton Abril and Clarissa Johnston-Abril along with high school students from Lick High School who help with Food Distribution when they are on vacation.  Everyone enjoyed a de...

The annual Church Charge Conference which is an annual report on the past year's life of the church was held on Nov. 30 with Rev. Dick Corson presiding and some 60 church members attending.  From left, Brian Hamilton, was elected as the meeting's Recording Secretary, with Rev. John Oda, and Corson. The important business along with the pastor's compensation package is the election of the Board Of ...

Mineta House Open House and Dedication Article By Rev. John Oda On November 23, 2025, Wesley Church hosted a joyful Open House and Dedication to celebrate the renovations completed at the Mineta House. After the SOS Thanksgiving luncheon, some of the congregation gathered in the Wesley Garden to welcome members of the Mineta family, many Japantown community partners, and our special guest, City Co...

On December 3rd there was lots of friendly chatter and Christmas cheer throughout the Wesley Fellowship Hall.  It was a joyous celebration of the Wesley United Women in Faith Sarah Circle group completing another year of spiritual reading.   Twenty-five attended, including 6 Wesley church staff and additional guests.  There was plenty of food to fill each plate, including Figgy Pudding and cake!  ...