2024 Umbrella Ministry
Umbrella Ministry: 2024 Report
Team Members: Kasper Kimura, Lisa Kinoshita, Hatty Lin, Carl Miya, Shelley Nakashima, Ron Ogi, Mary Sasaki, Lynn Tabuchi
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.
In 2024, the Umbrella Ministry hosted 52 activities. Volunteers share their passion for service and outreach; teaching and learning; creative activities and demos; fun and fellowship.
In-person workshops and year-round workshops on Zoom include:
Outreach and fellowship build connections and relationships:
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.
In 2024, the Umbrella Ministry hosted 52 activities. Volunteers share their passion for service and outreach; teaching and learning; creative activities and demos; fun and fellowship.
In-person workshops and year-round workshops on Zoom include:
- Computers & Me: Customized tech workshops (computers, tablets phones) led by Jim Mar.
- Meridian Exercises & Chair Exercises: Exercise, stretching, and movements to improve energy flow led by Diana Marks.
- 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:
- Senior Fellowship Lunch: Volunteers prepared over 100 bento lunches for seniors. Menu included Wesley volunteers’ specialties such as tasty gyoza, freshly made manju, and BBQ’d chicken teriyaki. A Care-A-Van visitation team of 11 also delivered bentos to seniors.
- Umbrella Ministry End-of-Summer Fellowship Time—an intergenerational gathering for fellowship & lunch: Carl Miya and Kiyomi Yanai created fun name and sports team designs with “Cricut” cutting machines. Everyone enjoyed personalizing water bottles, totes, zippered cases, and even canes.
- “Farewell to Falls,” a fall prevention workshop presented by Stanford Health Center: An occupational therapist explained specific ways to reduce fall risks. Attendees received L.I.F.E. emergency contact & medical information forms with magnetic file pockets to attach to refrigerators.
Bless the Pets: A community outreach event and pet blessing hosted by the Umbrella Ministry. We love our pets!
We are grateful for the many Umbrella Ministry hosts who have volunteered to lead online activities and in-person visitations and programs. The Umbrella Ministry continues to evolve through connectional gatherings of learning, serving, and growing.
Posted in Charge Conference 2024