Wesley Hosts the Festival of Joy: Worship, Music, and Community Together
Wesley Hosts the Festival of Joy: Worship, Music, and Community Together
by Rev. John Oda
by Rev. John Oda
On February 21, Wesley had the pleasure of hosting the Asian American Caucus’s Festival of Joy, a special Lunar New Year celebration. The event brought together all of the different Asian American groups and churches from across the California Nevada Annual Conference for a day filled with worship, conversation, fellowship, entertainment, a wonderful lunch, and a meaningful and joyful time for all who attended.
Wesley was honored not only as the host, but we also shared our musical gifts throughout the gathering. The Wesley Praise Band led the worship. Their music brought an upbeat energy and spirit to the service. During lunch, the Wesley Ukulele Band added to the festive atmosphere with music and hula dancers that was warm, lively, and full of joy.
Rev. Sam Yun, Wesley’s recent strategic planning consultant and pastor of San Ramon Valley UMC, was the preacher for the Festival. His message was “Unspeakable Joy”.
The Festival of Joy was a beautiful celebration of Lunar New Year and a wonderful expression of the richness of Asian American ministries in our conference. We are grateful to the many faithful Wesley people who helped make the day so special.
Wesley was honored not only as the host, but we also shared our musical gifts throughout the gathering. The Wesley Praise Band led the worship. Their music brought an upbeat energy and spirit to the service. During lunch, the Wesley Ukulele Band added to the festive atmosphere with music and hula dancers that was warm, lively, and full of joy.
Rev. Sam Yun, Wesley’s recent strategic planning consultant and pastor of San Ramon Valley UMC, was the preacher for the Festival. His message was “Unspeakable Joy”.
The Festival of Joy was a beautiful celebration of Lunar New Year and a wonderful expression of the richness of Asian American ministries in our conference. We are grateful to the many faithful Wesley people who helped make the day so special.
photos & captions by Barbara Hiura
From left: Hatty Lin, Director of Children’s Ministry; Rev. Sam Yun from San Ramon Valley UMC, Rev. John Oda, and Mark Teagle were integral to the Festival of Joy celebration of the Cal-Nevada Annual Conference Asian Caucus and the Chinese Lunar New Year.
Part of the welcoming committee and Registrars were Hikaru Bakoshi and Kelli Martines.
The Festival of Joy brought together some 125 conference participants.
Special music, “Found/Tonight” was performed by Isabella Christman and Ivan Vielma with Joanne Miyahara accompanying them (below). She also played prelude and postlude music.
During lunch the Wesley Ukulele performed and was highlighted by two solo performances done especially for this program. Jane Wong sang in Chinese, “Moon Represents My Heart” and May Serrano sang the popular Filipino song, “Dahil Sa Iyo” in honor of this “Festival of Joy.
The Band’s Keiki, children’s class, performed "Wipe Out" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Shown here with Natalie, Arissa, and Yuzuru with from left: Uncle Smiley, Ms. Tina and Mr. Mark.
Posted in Newsletter 2026-03-19