2024 Annual Report for Mark Teagle
Annual Report for Mark Teagle
Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement, and Music
November 25, 2024
Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement, and Music
November 25, 2024
I have now been at Wesley for over 10 years! The first four were as Choir Director, and I started 6+ years ago working full time in my current role. I continue to be excited by our ministry and building for the future. I am grateful to be able to serve God in such a vibrant and supportive church.
Spiritual Formation
Wesley Neighbor Groups continue to be an important part of church life for nearly 100 people meeting monthly in homes across Santa Clara Valley. Thank you to our many dedicated leaders who make our Neighbor Group curriculum come to life.
Other groups include the Saturday morning and Sunday morning Bible Studies, the Monday morning Bible Study, Agape for young adults, and the Wesley Movie Group.
Wesley Neighbor Groups continue to be an important part of church life for nearly 100 people meeting monthly in homes across Santa Clara Valley. Thank you to our many dedicated leaders who make our Neighbor Group curriculum come to life.
Other groups include the Saturday morning and Sunday morning Bible Studies, the Monday morning Bible Study, Agape for young adults, and the Wesley Movie Group.
Community Engagement
Our Tuesday Food Distribution continues to have a significant impact on our neighborhood feeding individuals and families including many from Grant Elementary. Our key leaders include Bev Acuña, Hector Acuña, Barbara Hiura, and Roger Miller. Staff member Terri Thornton has stepped into the role of registration and ordering. We also continue to provide staple foods and a hot meal to our unhoused friends in a downtown park.
Our Tuesday Food Distribution continues to have a significant impact on our neighborhood feeding individuals and families including many from Grant Elementary. Our key leaders include Bev Acuña, Hector Acuña, Barbara Hiura, and Roger Miller. Staff member Terri Thornton has stepped into the role of registration and ordering. We also continue to provide staple foods and a hot meal to our unhoused friends in a downtown park.
In November of 2023 I served as the Curry Cook-Off Entertainment Coordinator with several groups including the Wesley Jazz Ensemble taking the stage.
In my role as Co-Chair of the Board at PACT (People Acting in Community Together), I participated in monthly board meetings, and helped lead monthly Faith Leader Gatherings. In January, I attended the PICO Statewide Assembly in Oakland. I was named to the PICO California State Leadership Council representing nine community organizing federations across California. This included working on actions across the state both virtually and in person with meetings in Oakland and Burbank.
At Japantown’s Day Of Remembrance February 18, I represented PACT with an Information Table about our work in community organizing. I also participated with San Jose Nikkei Resisters at several gatherings.
In the area of supporting Immigrant Asylum seekers, I worked with a group led by Father Jon Pedigo and Matt Hammer on a potential network of faith communities to help meet this growing need. This group is working alongside the organization Amigos de Guadalupe.
At Japantown’s Day Of Remembrance February 18, I represented PACT with an Information Table about our work in community organizing. I also participated with San Jose Nikkei Resisters at several gatherings.
In the area of supporting Immigrant Asylum seekers, I worked with a group led by Father Jon Pedigo and Matt Hammer on a potential network of faith communities to help meet this growing need. This group is working alongside the organization Amigos de Guadalupe.
On March 16 I was part of a Wesley contingent attending the Yu Ai Kai 50th Anniversary Gala where Wesley was honored for its work for this vital Japantown organization
Compassion Sunday was April 7 with projects at Casa de Clara, Taylor Street Farm, and several at Wesley.
Nikkei Matsuri was Sunday April 21 where Wesley hosted an Information Booth. The festival also featured performances by the Wesley Jazz Ensemble and the Wesley Ukulele Band. The Ukulele Band also performed at the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival April 28.
Nikkei Matsuri was Sunday April 21 where Wesley hosted an Information Booth. The festival also featured performances by the Wesley Jazz Ensemble and the Wesley Ukulele Band. The Ukulele Band also performed at the Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival April 28.
Music
Working with our Stephen Ministers, we held our annual “I Remember You” service on 10/28/23. People were invited to bring a picture of a departed loved one and bring flowers forward as well. I spoke about my experience of losing my mom which had happened just before.
Working with our Stephen Ministers, we held our annual “I Remember You” service on 10/28/23. People were invited to bring a picture of a departed loved one and bring flowers forward as well. I spoke about my experience of losing my mom which had happened just before.
We held our second Transgender Awareness Service on November 12.
In December, together with Primera Iglesia Metodista, we once again celebrated La Posada, reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Pastor Gerardo Vasquez-Padilla prepared a wonderful service and a steaming pot of posole (pork soup). We had a our second Hawaiian-themed Christmas Eve Service with our Choir and Ukulele Band.
In December, together with Primera Iglesia Metodista, we once again celebrated La Posada, reenacting the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Pastor Gerardo Vasquez-Padilla prepared a wonderful service and a steaming pot of posole (pork soup). We had a our second Hawaiian-themed Christmas Eve Service with our Choir and Ukulele Band.
Another worship highlight was our Good Friday with music from our Praise Band and Choir. This year we held our Easter Sunrise Service in the Wesley Patio and then adjourned to the wonderful pancake breakfast from the Wesley Men’s Group.
The Asian Art Club from Valley Christian High School did a service project for Wesley that included making and hanging Origami Doves to decorate our Sanctuary.
The Asian Art Club from Valley Christian High School did a service project for Wesley that included making and hanging Origami Doves to decorate our Sanctuary.
Missions held a fundraising event on May 4 which featured the Wesley Jazz Ensemble. Among the many wonderful act was the first appearance of the Wesley Blues Brothers featuring Dave Land and me.
Working with Tina Urata and Smiley Kai, Wesley has put together a class called Ukuleles for Kids which meets monthly. The kids have already performed at Aki Matsuri and All Church Camp.
Working with Tina Urata and Smiley Kai, Wesley has put together a class called Ukuleles for Kids which meets monthly. The kids have already performed at Aki Matsuri and All Church Camp.
June 16 a small ensemble premiered my new song “Aloha Shalom” in worship.
Many of the original cast of my musical “Doors Open” participated in a Podcast Recording June 23. The podcast has been released and is available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other sources.
Many of the original cast of my musical “Doors Open” participated in a Podcast Recording June 23. The podcast has been released and is available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and other sources.
The Wesley Ukulele Band played twice for the Senior facility The Forum near Cupertino in July and August.
Wesley held its first Latin-themed Service 8/11/24 with great musical leadership from Shane Cantanho and Ivan Vielma. People were literally dancing in the aisles!
Wesley held its first Latin-themed Service 8/11/24 with great musical leadership from Shane Cantanho and Ivan Vielma. People were literally dancing in the aisles!
We also enjoyed music from the Wesley Jazz Ensemble in worship on Rally Sunday 8/18/24. Thank you to Wayne Adachi for his leadership.
Staff
Trunk N Treat was a popular event on Halloween. I once again came as Charlie Brown with my car theater playing “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.
Trunk N Treat was a popular event on Halloween. I once again came as Charlie Brown with my car theater playing “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.
For Kids Camp in June, Rev. John and I led the Storytelling where I portrayed Lumen the puppet, who was a big hit with the kids.
Our staff gathered several times in the year for team building and staff development. Thanks to Rev. John for so effectively leading our amazing staff!
Our staff gathered several times in the year for team building and staff development. Thanks to Rev. John for so effectively leading our amazing staff!
Deacon Ordination
In fulfillment of the educational requirements for Deacon Ordination, I am currently taking “John Wesley and 18th Century Methodism” from Garrett-Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. After this I will have one more class to take.
In fulfillment of the educational requirements for Deacon Ordination, I am currently taking “John Wesley and 18th Century Methodism” from Garrett-Evangelical Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. After this I will have one more class to take.
Personal
On October 20, 2023 mom passed away while fulfilling her lifelong wish of traveling to Japan. She was there with my brother who brought her home. We held her memorial service December 7 at her church in Salem. Mom always enjoyed visiting Wesley and singing in the choir. She also faithfully watched our livestreams.
On October 20, 2023 mom passed away while fulfilling her lifelong wish of traveling to Japan. She was there with my brother who brought her home. We held her memorial service December 7 at her church in Salem. Mom always enjoyed visiting Wesley and singing in the choir. She also faithfully watched our livestreams.
As a Little League volunteer, I attended the Western Region Roundtable in Anaheim in January. I was also part of the Little League Softball Western Region Tournament from July 20-26 where I served as an umpire and Crew Chief. I had the privilege of being on third base when the Northwest Final game was on ESPN.
Phyllis and I took a family trip to my hometown of Port Townsend, Washington August 1-3. While there we scattered some of my mom’s ashes on the beach where she enjoyed walking.
We took another family trip to Oahu and Maui September 13-22 with Phyllis two kids and her daughter’s boyfriend.
We also enjoyed a family gathering with my son and my daughter and her family along with Phyllis’ kids at Thanksgiving.
We took another family trip to Oahu and Maui September 13-22 with Phyllis two kids and her daughter’s boyfriend.
We also enjoyed a family gathering with my son and my daughter and her family along with Phyllis’ kids at Thanksgiving.
Posted in Charge Conference 2024