Lay Leader Report
Lay Leader Report 2026
We Celebrate Our Mission Statement in Action:
• “Wesley United Methodist Church is a caring, intergenerational, inclusive faith community committed to helping people develop and deepen a relationship with God through Jesus Christ for loving service in the world.”
We Celebrate our Vision Statement:
• “A church rooted in love, formed in faith, and committed to justice”
We Celebrate and Value Our Pastors and Church Staff:
• Celebrating and valuing Rev. John Oda’s pastoral leadership.
• Celebrating and valuing Mark Teagle who was appointed to Wesley for his final ordination process on becoming a Deacon. Mark’s new title is Associate Pastor.
• Celebrating and valuing our dedicated church staff and laity.
We Celebrate “Embracing the Narrative and Strategic Plan:
• Prior to the all church retreat on Feb. 28th, there were two sessions with a group of Wesley members to discuss a 5-Year Strategic Implementation Roadmap for Wesley (2026-2030.) The sessions were led by Strategic Planning Consultant Rev. Samuel Yun. Everyone started the morning by walking a chalked labyrinth: inhaling the clean air, enjoying the beautiful surroundings, clearing out your minds and being present for the day’s activities.
• 5 strategic initiatives will be carried out through 2030:
We Celebrate Our Ministries:
• Compassion Ministry
Wesley Neighborhood Food Distribution: A team of dedicated volunteers at the Compassion Workshop distribute much needed food and supplies to individuals and families in our community with warm hospitality and kindness.
St. James Park Ministry: A team of passionate volunteers provide a sense of belonging and purpose to our unhoused friends, who look forward to conversations and appreciate a bag of food and warm snacks each week.
• Reconciling Ministry
Wesley has been a fully Reconciling church for many years and the Reconciling Committee has led the way in Wesley’s ongoing commitment to make our church a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ Christians of all ages. Our Reconciling Committee sponsors an annual Reconciling Service along with a Bake Sale to raise money for the Reconciling Ministries Network.
• Umbrella Ministry
The Umbrella Ministry continues to address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being of all ages. Continued classes of wellness and exercise and computer learning as well as visitations and intergenerational activities and workshops are held throughout the year. Workshops of Ikebana and Tea Ceremony were very popular. Continued visitations to members who haven’t been able to come to church recently. This is the 3rd year a bento lunch was made and provided to over 100 Seniors of Wesley church to thank them for their continued support to our church. This was the theme was Hawaiian with every participant receiving a lei and a picture souvenir of a colorful backdrop that looked like they were in the Islands.
• United Women in Faith, Mission Committee, Fellowship Ministries
Fostering engagement and support to care for our church family, community, and world.
• Children and Youth Ministries
Emma To was hired as the Youth Ministry Lead for CAF/MYF and Caroline Waddington as the Youth Ministry Assistant.
• Camping Ministries and Retreats
The various camps and retreats allowed people to make new friends, share experiences, and learn from each other while focusing and connecting with God. There were camping opportunities for people of all ages- Kids Camp, Jr. High Camp, Asian Camp, Lake Tahoe Zephyr Point Retreat, All-Church Camp, and our All-Church Retreat.
As disciples of Christ, we love God, we love one another and serve others
Respectfully submitted,
Shelley Nakashima and Kellie Nunokawa, Co-Lay Leaders
• “Wesley United Methodist Church is a caring, intergenerational, inclusive faith community committed to helping people develop and deepen a relationship with God through Jesus Christ for loving service in the world.”
We Celebrate our Vision Statement:
• “A church rooted in love, formed in faith, and committed to justice”
We Celebrate and Value Our Pastors and Church Staff:
• Celebrating and valuing Rev. John Oda’s pastoral leadership.
• Celebrating and valuing Mark Teagle who was appointed to Wesley for his final ordination process on becoming a Deacon. Mark’s new title is Associate Pastor.
• Celebrating and valuing our dedicated church staff and laity.
We Celebrate “Embracing the Narrative and Strategic Plan:
• Prior to the all church retreat on Feb. 28th, there were two sessions with a group of Wesley members to discuss a 5-Year Strategic Implementation Roadmap for Wesley (2026-2030.) The sessions were led by Strategic Planning Consultant Rev. Samuel Yun. Everyone started the morning by walking a chalked labyrinth: inhaling the clean air, enjoying the beautiful surroundings, clearing out your minds and being present for the day’s activities.
• 5 strategic initiatives will be carried out through 2030:
- From Welcome to Belonging-Build intentional pathways for individuals to be integrated into the life and mission of the church.
- Faith for Real Life-We strive to foster a Christ-centered spiritual formation.
- Compassions that Builds Trust-Strengthening outreach, justice work and community partnerships.
- Clear & Invitational Communication-Clarifying Wesley’s identity through digital platforms, signage and visibility.
- Intergenerational Strength & Shared Leadership-Develop the next generation of leaders to carry Wesley’s legacy forward.
- Have 75% of active participants relationally connected
- Engage 50% + annually in formation opportunities, outreach and service
- Demonstrate intergenerational leadership diversity
- Be recognized in Japantown as a trusted and visible partner
- Sustain financial and organizational health aligned with mission
We Celebrate Our Ministries:
• Compassion Ministry
Wesley Neighborhood Food Distribution: A team of dedicated volunteers at the Compassion Workshop distribute much needed food and supplies to individuals and families in our community with warm hospitality and kindness.
St. James Park Ministry: A team of passionate volunteers provide a sense of belonging and purpose to our unhoused friends, who look forward to conversations and appreciate a bag of food and warm snacks each week.
• Reconciling Ministry
Wesley has been a fully Reconciling church for many years and the Reconciling Committee has led the way in Wesley’s ongoing commitment to make our church a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQIA+ Christians of all ages. Our Reconciling Committee sponsors an annual Reconciling Service along with a Bake Sale to raise money for the Reconciling Ministries Network.
• Umbrella Ministry
The Umbrella Ministry continues to address the physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being of all ages. Continued classes of wellness and exercise and computer learning as well as visitations and intergenerational activities and workshops are held throughout the year. Workshops of Ikebana and Tea Ceremony were very popular. Continued visitations to members who haven’t been able to come to church recently. This is the 3rd year a bento lunch was made and provided to over 100 Seniors of Wesley church to thank them for their continued support to our church. This was the theme was Hawaiian with every participant receiving a lei and a picture souvenir of a colorful backdrop that looked like they were in the Islands.
• United Women in Faith, Mission Committee, Fellowship Ministries
Fostering engagement and support to care for our church family, community, and world.
• Children and Youth Ministries
Emma To was hired as the Youth Ministry Lead for CAF/MYF and Caroline Waddington as the Youth Ministry Assistant.
• Camping Ministries and Retreats
The various camps and retreats allowed people to make new friends, share experiences, and learn from each other while focusing and connecting with God. There were camping opportunities for people of all ages- Kids Camp, Jr. High Camp, Asian Camp, Lake Tahoe Zephyr Point Retreat, All-Church Camp, and our All-Church Retreat.
As disciples of Christ, we love God, we love one another and serve others
Respectfully submitted,
Shelley Nakashima and Kellie Nunokawa, Co-Lay Leaders
Posted in Charge Conference 2026