Annual Report for Kelli

In January, I was able to participate in our final Discovery & Discernment Session with Rev. Samuel Yun. He guided us through a journey of exploring, as a community, our roots, where we are now, and how we want to grow. Through the sharing of stories and thought-provoking exercises, Rev. Samuel recognized three core values that represent Wesley:

I am excited about all of the ways that we will continue to live out these values in the ways that we connect with one another, in our Japantown community, and out in the world.
I continue to feel very blessed to work at Wesley. Every day, I work with people who are smart and kind, who want to make the world a better place by giving food to the hungry, making sure that our children feel seen and heard, and loving our neighbors. I get to do many things that actually bring me joy in my work, and I am very grateful for that.

Children & Youth Ministry
This year, we restructured the ministries that serve our children and young families. We created three positions - Children & Youth Ministry Director, Youth Ministry Lead, and Youth Ministry Assistant, and we believe this will provide greater alignment and support across all of our classrooms, from our nursery to our high school ministry. Among other events, our ministries annually support Nikkei Matsuri, Kids Camp, Asian Camp, and Camp Mochi.

Staff & Finance
I feel that we all work as a team at Wesley. Between our talented staff and our dedicated volunteers, we get so much done - together! On paper, I provide supervision to the following employees, while humbly acknowledging that they generously share their gifts and time to make everything work:

• Terri Thornton, Office Manager
• Alan Ngai, Administrative Assistant
• Hatty Lin, Children & Youth Ministry Director
• Emma To, Youth Ministry Lead
• Caroline Waddington, Youth Ministry Assistant
• Kelvin Kamachi, Facilities Manager

Ministry & Event Support
Our church is so busy! Throughout the year, I enjoy supporting some of our vital ministries and events. Some of these include weekly food distribution to the unhoused at St. James Park, our annual Benefit Golf Tournament, and Trunk n Treat.

Finance & Administration
Some of the office projects that keep my inbox full include:

• HR/Payroll (i.e., new employee setup, onboarding, salary/benefits updates)
• Approval of Gusto timesheets & payroll reports
• Manage Safe Gatherings trainings and approvals
• Manage fingerprinting through Verify Group
• Accounts Receivable/Payable
• Subsplash Online Giving
• Manage Divvy credit card assignments and budgets
• Support Parable staff
• Reimbursement/Check Requests
• Meet with Finance Chair, Lori Tabuchi and SPRC member, Kathy Haneta, as needed
• Stewardship & Capital Campaigns

While some of these tasks may sound like they could be boring, what keeps even the work fun and interesting is the people with whom I get to collaborate! This year, in particular, I am very grateful for the opportunity to work closely with Lori Tabuchi (Finance Chair) and Kathy Haneta (SPRC).

Japantown Community Liaison
I am so thankful for the opportunity to partner with so many amazing people and organizations in Japantown. I am grateful to represent Wesley in the following ways:

• Nikkei Matsuri Foundation - Board President, 2025-current
• Nikkei Matsuri Festival Committee - 2023-current
• San Jose Sustainable Japantown Task Force
• Oak Hill Japanese Cemetery Trust Committee - 2020-current
• Community Keiro Kai - Chair, 2024-present
• Curry Cook-Off - Co-Chair, 2024-present

With hope, I am looking forward to a new year at Wesley, eager to continue building and growing together - in Love, Faith, and Justice.