Umbrella Ministry
Umbrella Ministry: 2026 Report
Co-Chairs: Shelley Nakashima & Kiyomi Yanai
Team Members : Shizuko Adachi, Mari Fujii, Mary Sasaki, Lynn Tabuchi,
Mika Visitacion, Kiyomi Yanai
Co-Chairs: Shelley Nakashima & Kiyomi Yanai
Team Members : Shizuko Adachi, Mari Fujii, Mary Sasaki, Lynn Tabuchi,
Mika Visitacion, Kiyomi Yanai
The Umbrella Ministry began in October 2020 to connect and care for one another in inclement times. Created during the stay-at-home times of the pandemic, the Umbrella Ministry continues to provide opportunities to learn about self-care, discover new recipes/hobbies/activities, engage in service projects, catch up with friends and make new connections, and find joy in the simple things in life.
Purpose of Umbrella Ministry:
Recognizing that human connection and relationships are important to one's physical and
mental health and spiritual well-being, how can we create connection and meaning- ful activities that provide fellowship, meaning, purpose and joy.
The "Umbrella Ministry" is created to reach out to one another through opportunities for connection, sharing of gifts and passions through one-time activities, providing self-care tools to care for our souls, service projects to do at home and more!
In 2026, the Umbrella Ministry hosted 54 ac tivities with about 389 participants. Volunteers share their passion for service and outreach; teaching and learning; creative activities and demos; fun and fellowship.
Purpose of Umbrella Ministry:
Recognizing that human connection and relationships are important to one's physical and
mental health and spiritual well-being, how can we create connection and meaning- ful activities that provide fellowship, meaning, purpose and joy.
The "Umbrella Ministry" is created to reach out to one another through opportunities for connection, sharing of gifts and passions through one-time activities, providing self-care tools to care for our souls, service projects to do at home and more!
In 2026, the Umbrella Ministry hosted 54 ac tivities with about 389 participants. Volunteers share their passion for service and outreach; teaching and learning; creative activities and demos; fun and fellowship.
In-Person Workshops:
- Computers & Me : Customized tech workshops (computers, tablets phones) led by Jim Mar
- Tai-Chi: Led by Dr. Chen, a Tai Chi and Yoga trainer, whose mission is to empower her client’s well-being. Dr. Chen has 40 years of experience as a holistic acupuncturist and is an MD neurologist from China.
- Ikebana: Misao Kusuda leads the class on "Beginning Ikebana Taught by a Beginner." Ikebana, Japanese flower arranging, is a simple way to display branches and flowers. A special Christmas arrangement will be created in December.
- Tea Ceremony l ed by Mieko Tsukamoto: Experience the Japanese tea ceremony, a tradition of rich significance and heritage. A demonstration of the tea ceremony, which originated in China and has become deeply intertwined with Japanese culture. A delicious sweet and a cup of matcha were enjoyed by the participants.
Year-Round Workshops on Zoom Include:
Outreach and fellowship build connections and relationships:
- Meridian Exercises & Chair Exercises : Exercise, stretching, and movements to improve energy flow led by Diana Marks.
- Qigong Exercises led by Diana Marks: Improve balance, concentration, and. lower body strength. Connect to energy for a moving meditation.
- Feldenkrais Classes : Slow, gentle, non-invasive movements for body balance, center alignment, and well-being led by Bobbie Ueunten.
Outreach and fellowship build connections and relationships:
- A Care-A-Van visitation team of 8 visited with and brought small gifts to seniors.
- Senior Fellowship Lunch: Volunteers prepared over 100 bento lunches for seniors. Menu items included Wesley volunteers’ specialties of kalua pork sliders, mac salad, tasty gyoza, sushi, and almond jello with mandarin oranges for dessert. Six bentos were delivered for those who were unable to attend.
Respectfully submitted by Shelley Nakashima and Kiyomi Yanai
Posted in Charge Conference 2026