A Reflection on My Reappointment to Wesley
Rev. John Oda

At the start of every year, the Cal-Nevada Annual Conference Bishop and her Cabinet meet to decide where each pastor in the conference will be appointed. This year, their decision means I get to continue serving at Wesley. July 1, 2026 marked the official start of my fifth year with you; though, as I'll explain, my actual anniversary here goes back a bit further, to April 1.
My appointment was officially set to begin July 1, 2022. But thanks to a generous severance package from my previous appointment at the General Board of Global Ministries, I was able to start, unofficially, on April 1, 2022 instead. That overlap gave me precious time with Rev. Keith and Viki, who generously shared their knowledge, their experience, and their dreams for Wesley. I remain forever grateful for those conversations.
I remember arriving at Wesley and not knowing where the light switches were in the fellowship hall, let alone who was related to whom, who had been quietly carrying a family through a difficult season, or who made the best desserts at the potlucks. Four years later, I still don't always know where everything is, but I've come to know so many of you well. That's the real gift of being appointed to Wesley Church, not the role I was appointed to, but the people at Wesley who I have come to love.
There's a passage in the book of Hebrews that keeps returning to me as I think about this milestone. The writer has just spent several verses warning the community about the danger of growing spiritually stagnant, of drifting, of settling. It's a tough passage, almost scolding. And then, right in the middle of that warning, his tone shifts: "Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case, things that have to do with salvation" (Hebrews 6:9). The writer doesn't take back the warning. Growth can still be hard; drifting can still be a real danger. But there's a deliberate turn toward hope.  He speaks with a confidence that isn't naive but gained by having watched this same community before. In other words, the author of Hebrews is saying: I know the past struggles, and I firmly believe better things are coming.
That's how I feel about Wesley heading into year five. Not because we've arrived at some sort of finish line, but because I've watched the church and the people here continue to choose to grow, to change, to work hard and to deepen our welcome to all new people.
I think often about the Issei and Nisei who built this church, who worked so hard to make a living for the sake of their families, and who were later stripped of their homes, their businesses, and their dignity. They were incarcerated by their own country, and still, they came back to Japantown and reopened this church. They didn't do that because the future was certain, far from it. They did it because they trusted, the way the writer of Hebrews describes, that better things were possible, even after everything. That kind of trust, I believe, is stitched into these walls.
So, as I begin my fifth year here, my prayer isn't that I get everything right. It's that we keep being a people who expect better things, not despite our history, but because of it; carrying forward what was entrusted to us, trusting that change itself is a good thing and trusting that great things are yet to come.
That kind of trust is what I want to carry with me into this fifth year.  I'm grateful to keep walking with you toward the great things that will unfold this year!

With overwhelming gratitude,
Rev. John

Congratulations to Jeffrey who placed second in Informative Speaking at the 2026 National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament.  This tournament took place in June in Richmond, Virginia and is one of the largest academic competitions in the world. 1,500 schools and 7,000 students from every state gathered to debate ideas, tell stories, and practice the essential skills of democracy—critical thinking, respectful disagreement, and confident communication.
Jeffrey's winning speech, "The Great American Bento Box," wove together food, culture, and community identity, with much of the piece centered on San Jose's own Japantown.  Please join us in celebrating Jeffrey's hard work, talent, and this incredible honor.
Congratulations, Jeffrey!  We're so proud of you!

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Wesley and the UWIF Rummage Sale volunteers who offered recommendations before and during the rummage sale on school workbooks, supplies, and other items for Golden Hills School in Windhoek, Namibia.
I was able to ship a 20-pound box of supplies right after the rummage sale which arrived on July 14th and was delivered to the school by my contact, Valeria, in Windhoek.
The head schoolmaster was delighted beyond words with everything included! Especially the large-format alphabet sets, flash cards, school workbooks, pencils and more.
For this marginalized school, this box is more than just “school supplies”, it represents hope, opportunity and encouragement for all the students.  

On June 23 a group of 29 of us set off on the 2026 Wesley Japan Trip. For 13 days, we mostly crisscrossed Hokkaido.  It was an amazing trip.
We began in Sapporo, where a day trip to Otaru had us blowing our own glass and wandering the famous canal.  Later we did a walking tour of the Historical Village of Hokkaido. Lastly we were able to spend time at the sleek new ES CON Field where the Nipponham Fighters baseball team plays. The next day we saw the impossibly blue waters of Shirogane Blue Pond, the lavender rows of Farm Tomita, the roaring Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls, and a hike through the Shiretoko Five Lakes that left more than a few of us pleasantly out of breath. We ate delicious and tender wagyu in a farmhouse/restaurant,and had seafood bowls at the Washo Market in Kushiro. We learned about the Ainu culture at Akan Kotan.  At Okhotsk museum, we learned about the drift ice history in the Sea of Okhotsk and experienced minus 30 degrees in a room made cold enough to simulate the winter in that area. At virtually every place we went, many of us sampled the amazingly delicious soft serve ice cream. Hokkaido is famous for their rich ice cream because of the abundant cows in that region.
For me, one of the highlights of Japan was the last Sunday of our trip when our group traveled to Yokohama Union Church.  I had the honor of preaching there. It is one thing to lead worship at home in San Jose; it is another thing entirely to stand in a pulpit built by generations of missionaries and immigrants who carried the gospel across the Pacific in both directions. It was so wonderful to have 27 Wesley members fill half of the pews of that church
Afterward, we made our way to Yokohama's Chinatown for lunch with Rev. Claudia, the pastor of Yokohama Union Church (who has lived in Japan for 33 years). She brought us to a local restaurant where we had full Chinese banquet.
We wrapped up our trip with a delightful farewell dinner in Tokyo (steak and lobster) and one last morning in the temple town of Asakusa before flying home. The Wesley Japan Trip was about far more than sightseeing. It was about walking together, sharing meals together, and being able to spend time with one another, creating deeper and lifelong connections with each other.

Around 20 members of the Wesley Ukulele Band attended their annual fun-filled and relaxing summer potluck and practice at the scenic Frank Bramhall Park in Willow Glen on 12 July.  The weather was perfect, a bit overcast but the group was shaded between two very large old oak trees. All were plied with good food provided by talented band members who can also cook.  They jammed and sang some favorite tunes and ate till they were well sated.  We thank Smiley and Janet Kai for always arriving very early in the morning to reserve our spot. It was a much looked forward to event and well attended.  Back Row (from left); Carol Ferro, Junko and Richard Urata, Tina Urata (band leader),  Cynthia Lorence, Toki Pagoulatos, Jonathan, Mariana Winoto,  Mark Teagle, Smiley Kai; middle row (from left); Earl Takenaka, Jane Wong, Becky Soffioto, Barbara Hiura, Greg Tanaka and front row (from left); Yuzuru and Natalie.

The afternoon highlight was hula dancing. Providing  grace to our serene time together, was Tina (above), and her granddaughter, Natalie (below), performing to a grateful group of strummers and singers.

1か月前、マーク牧師、エィトン・エィブリル、そして私は、サクラメントで開催された合同メソジスト教会カリフォルニア・ネバダ年次総会（年会）に出席しました。私が初めてウェスレー教会の2名の代表者の1人になってから数年が経ちますが、今年になるまで、年会の意味や重要性について真剣に考えたことは一度もありませんでした。その経験を振り返り、私と同じように年会についてあまり詳しくない方々のために、私が抱いていた疑問に対する答えを書き留めることにしました。

年会とは何か？
年会は、合同メソジスト教会（UMC）の基本的な統治機関です。ある意味では、企業の取締役会に似ています。メソジスト教会の創始者であるジョン・ウェスレーは、クリスチャンは互いに責任を問い、励まし合い、意思決定を共有するために定期的に集まるべきだと信じていました。UMCはこの年会を通して、その伝統を受け継いでいます。

年会の構成員は？
年会は、各地の教会から選出された聖職者（牧師）と信徒代表で構成されています。各地域ごとに独自の年会があります。私たちが属するのは、カリフォルニア・ネバダ年会です。

年会がなかったらどうなるか？
年会がなければ、教団としての合同メソジスト教会のいくつかの重要な役割が果たされなくなります。
私を含め、一部の人々は、数日間にわたる会議や報告、法案審議などが頻繁に行われる現在の形式が、これらの目的を達成するための最も効果的な方法であるのか疑問を抱いています。実際、私たちの年会では、コスト削減と参加促進を図るため、会期の短縮、オンライン会議の拡大、および異なる運営体制の導入が検討されています。

これほど多くの教会をひとつの組織として結束させ続けることは容易ではありません。しかし、年会という形態は、教団の「つながり」という本質を体現し、共に決断を下す場を提供するものであるため、やはり不可欠であると私は理解するようになりました。

合同メソジスト教会にとって、年会は単なる業務会議以上のものです。それは、礼拝、学び、交わり、相互の責任、そして教会に対する神の導きを共に分かち合うための集まりであることを目指しているのです。
（コリンズ道子）

What Is the Annual Conference—and Why Does It Matter?
By Michiko Collins

A month ago, Pastor Mark, Aton Abril, and I attended the Annual Conference in Sacramento. It has been several years since I first became one of the two delegates from our church, but until this year, I had never really thought about the meaning or significance of the Annual Conference. As I reflected on my experience, I decided to write down the answers to some of the questions I had—for those who, like me, may not be familiar with it.

What Is the Annual Conference?  
The Annual Conference is the basic governing body of the United Methodist Church (UMC). In some ways, it is similar to the board of directors of a corporation. The founder of Methodism, John Wesley, believed that Christians should meet regularly for accountability, encouragement, and shared decision-making. The UMC continues that tradition through the Annual Conference.

Who Is Part of the Annual Conference?
The Annual Conference is made up of clergy (pastors) and elected lay members from each local church. Every geographic region has its own Annual Conference. Our conference is the California-Nevada Annual Conference.

What Would Happen If There Were No Annual Conference?
Without an Annual Conference, several important functions of the United Methodist Church would not take place:
Some people—including me—question whether the current format, which often involves several days of meetings, reports, and legislation, is the most effective way to accomplish these purposes. In fact, our conference has been considering shorter sessions, more online meetings, and different structures to reduce costs and encourage greater participation.

Keeping so many churches united as one body is not easy. However, I came to understand that some form of Annual Conference is essential because it expresses the denomination's connectional nature and provides a place for shared discernment.
For the United Methodist Church, the Annual Conference is much more than a business meeting. It is intended to be a gathering for worship, learning, fellowship, mutual accountability, and discerning God's direction for the church together.

Asian Camp 2026—Connected by Love
by Hatty Lin

Bright and early on Sunday June 28th, Wesley youth and families met at San Jose airport to began the trip down to Camp Wrightwood in Southern California for Asian Camp. This year Wesley had fifteen campers, four counselors and one adult chaperone going to Asian Camp. We arrived at camp around 2 pm, by bus with Blaine UMC. All were tired and some were nervous but all were excited to see old friends and make new ones. We had a couple of new campers this year, but the returning campers were quick to guide them and make them feel comfortable.  
This year’s theme was “Connected by Love”. The centering scripture for the week was 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Each day a new scripture around love was presented and a pastor from participating churches shared a message around the theme and scripture. The week focused on the true meaning of love and it’s importance to connection, and how we are connected by God’s love.
It was a week filled with amazing connections. Old friends reunited like no time had passed, new friendships grew everyday—and throughout the week, everyone’s connection with God’s love and their faith grew stronger everyday. It was a week filled with love, joy, laughter and tears.
The last day, we all said our goodbyes and loaded the bus to the airport. As we flew back home, some of us feel asleep, tired from the late, last night at camp but all of us full of warm fuzzies. Connections made to last a lifetime. Until next summer…..

A warm thank you to our Wesley church family for supporting our youth in going to Asian Camp! Your generous support of our Nikkei Dogs and Teppan Tacos at Nikkei Matsuri helped fund our youth camp transportation needs. We couldn’t have done this without all of your support! Thank you!

Photo at airport, ready to leave

Photo at camp check-in

The Wesley Senior Fellowship Lunch
by Kiyomi Yanai

The Wesley Fellowship Hall was the scene for some Hawaiian Aloha spirit on June 24 as approximately 110 “seniors” were welcomed with leis and gathered for a Hawaiian-inspired lunch dedicated to them by our Umbrella Ministry team. The meal of kalua pork sliders, mac salad, sushi, gyoza, and edamame was served in a Japanese bento box, followed with a refreshing dessert of almond jelly mixed with mandarin oranges. And we can’t forget the 60’s-inspired beverage of 7-up with orange sherbet creating a nostalgic, creamsicle-flavored foam! A Hawaiian backdrop photo area, complete with props, helped create lasting memories as photos were printed and given to all. The Umbrella Ministry co-chairs, Shelley Nakashima and Kiyomi Yanai, are so grateful for all the hard-working committee members (Shizuko Adachi, Mari Fujii, Mary Sasaki, Lynn Tabuchi, and Mika Visitacion) and additional volunteers (Wayne Adachi, Jim Fukuyama, Jim Mar, Keith Nakashima, and Dale Sasaki) who helped make the senior lunch possible!
We are still smiling after seeing such a fantastic turnout at our recent luncheon. Some of our wonderful guests shared the following about their experience:

Betty Fujishin - ”Enjoyed the delicious lunch and it was so nice to visit with everyone.”
Amy Shiozaki -”It was so nice to be waited on, and to be able to relax and visit with many seniors we haven't seen in a long while. The food was delicious and we have the colorful photos of the enjoyable event!”
Alice Hikido - “It was great!”  (First time attending)
Pam & Keith Urauchi- “We enjoyed catching up with so many of our Wesley friends. Such a fun and thriving community!” (First time attending)
Tom and Karen Maeda-”As first time attendees, we're so glad we attended the very wonderful Senior Fellowship Lunch. Gosh, the entry to the Fellowship Hall was so nicely decorated with a check-in to get our name tag and lei! Then we looked at the beautifully decorated Fellowship Hall and tables with a Hawaiian theme! We saw a lot of our good friends in attendance. We were directed to have our picture taken with the beautiful Hawaiian Tropical background. It was great to have the picture developed in a few minutes and placed inside a nice celebrating Ohana card with the date. We have that card on our mantle at home as a good memory for us!
We had such a fantastic time seeing and visiting with many Wesley Church members. Then we sat down to enjoy a very delicious lunch along with fellow Wesley Church members. It was truly an outstanding and impressive Senior Fellowship Lunch event celebrating the Wesley Seniors. We're very grateful to Shelley, Kiyomi, and their team for planning, organizing and managing such a wonderful event for the Seniors! Thanks also to the Umbrella Ministry!”

Umbrella Ministry Co-Chairs, Shelley Nakashima and Kiyomi Yanai, along with the Umbrella Ministry Committee: Mari Fujii, Mika Visitacion, Lynn Tabuchi, Shizuko Adachi and Mary Sasaki

Kenji and Leanne Maru, and Betty Fujishin

Jim Mar

Mas Kameya

Wesley Staff: Alan Ngai, Hikaru Bakoshi, Terri Thornton, Mark Teagle

Mimune, Reiko, and Mieko Tsukamoto

God’s People in Hokkaido: A Personal Reflection
By Barbara Hiura

Space…the final frontier, these are the voyages….oh uh…wrong story line!!!  But indeed space…trees, rivers, lakes, marshlands, mountains, deer, bears and foxes!!!…I mean real space where animals and humans can roam in quiet and aaahhh, peace.   Where are we?  Pinecrest Lake? The fjords of Norway?  Nooo…I’m describing Japan…not the Tokyo area or the major cities teaming with people, skyscrapers, high tech, and shopping, but Hokkaido, the island in the north.
Hokkaido
A  group of 29 ventured to Hokkaido, this past June with Rev. John and Carmen Cook leading.   Hokkaido…where the air is fresh, the water, very blue, and the weather a mixture of sun and rain, is open and quite spacious with a very country feel. We were called the Wesley Hokkaido Japan Tour of 2026. This is the third Japan trip in around six years. The first was to Kyushu and Okinawa in 2022, the second to Honshu, Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, and finally this one to Northern Japan. And unlike the island of Honshu, we visited NOT one temple or shrine, formally, and basked in the glory of onsen, or hot public baths (sorry, my guilty pleasure.)  
What an adventure where we tramped through mud and rocky trails to visit wonderful sights….like the Blue Lake in Shirogane, the milky blue color of the water is due to the aluminum particles spewed from the volcano mixing with sunlight in creating this gorgeous hue. Or the yellow rocks made up of sulphur vents we witnessed at the base of the volcano, Mt. Io or the wildlife, vicious brown bears and tame deer prancing among the trees in this mountainous area where there are lakes, refreshing water falls at the Shiretoko Five Lakes National Park also created by volcanic action of Mt. Io. Along with these refreshing vistas were diary and produce farms, rice and wheat fields, flowers of lavender, and Japanese gardens.
This is somewhat of an illusion, this beauty we witnessed, because in winter, it all freezes over with very severe weather.  We had a visit to the Drift Ice Museum atop Mt. Tento in Abashiri to get a small sampling of the severity of this weather and the very little time needed to actually freeze to death in this unforgiving climate.  So, indeed less than idyllic and no, I don’t wish to move to Hokkaido.  
While there, we ate and we ate well. Amidst the array of wonderful food, along with Japan’s mouth-watering rice of course, I had sashimi at the fish market (best I’ve ever had), a kaiseki dinner, miso ramen, the famous Hokkaido curry soup and oh my, their ice cream, so rich and creamy…a must have as part of one’s daily diet. Their cantaloupe melons are to die for…they are by far the sweetest, tasty, and the best in the world.  It’s amazing as ice cream too.
We didn’t get a lot of history of the Ainu people and their culture and that’s too bad just knowing that they, like all original people all over the world, have been eradicated from their lands, forced to assimilate, or killed as invaders from outside took their lands. And it is to their credit that they resisted and were able to recover and preserve some of their ancient ways in-spite of colonization and have embraced capitalism so they can make a living selling their rituals, their crafts, and a variety of icons of who they are…as change for preservation are necessary for balance in changing times.
Creating a Family
What was most significant about our trip was the coming together of our group, as we were both diverse and complementary with a wide and varied character types. We differed widely in age, marital status, physical ability, faith, and travel acumen … but under God’s watchful eye, we meshed, we blended, and by the time we were ready to come home, we were family. That is what we really accomplished and what God would want of any gathering of the people.  
The major highlight of this trip was our visit to the Yokohama Union Church where our missionary, Rev. Claudia Genyung-Yamamoto, is the pastor. She preaches the good news to a church full of ex-pats from the international community. The spoken word is English and it is non-denominational…in fact open to anyone of any faith or non-faith tradition who can and wishes to attend.  On this day, Rev. John brought the message, “A Journey Toward Servanthood,” on his “calling” to serve Jesus’ people and being a servant of God.  We were welcomed and embraced. We broke bread together in Communion, we “passed the peace,” and we felt community.  This is an historic church having come into existence in1863 and survived an earthquake and a thorough bombing by the US during World War II. It was never a Japanese-speaking church but there to serve the European community living and working in Japan.   Rev Claudia showed us around Yokohama, talked some history, and led a beautiful service.  God’s presence was felt and cascaded over us.
Another highlight and quite memorable for us, was  Ellen Takeuchi, Roy’s daughter-in-law’s story.  We came to learn that Ellen spent several childhood years in Yokohama when her father took a job there.  It was, in fact, quite emotional for her as we walked past Saint Mair International School and she recalled what it was like back then. Three of us walked around the neighborhood that had changed very little since her time spent here.  What a blessed moment she shared.
After fellowship time, we walked to the largest Chinatown in Asia which is somewhat of a surprise and the area was wall-to-wall people purchasing Chinese food and wares.  We dined at Rev. Claudia’s favorite Chinese restaurant.  What a treat.  The banquet meal was quite different from what we’d find here with its, a stir-fried shrimp dish, a stylized sizzling rice soup, Peking duck (complements of Rev. John) which is now a rare find around our environs, garlic stir fried greens a fried crab ball on a stick, and a few others that I don’t recall.  This was all made special with the presence of Rev. Claudia who talked story with all of us.  This shared meal was yet another special moment.
Our vacation was full.  We over-ate, we saw and experienced quite an adventure that also included not just vistas, but we did glass blowing and experienced Japanese style tie-dying as well.    We were so blessed to be able to do all that we did, take a mountain of photos to share with one another, and just be thankful for how fortunate we are to be able to travel like this. It’s truly a blessing.  
My thanks and hats off to Carmen, who spent over a year planning this trip with Kintetsu, gathering the adventurers, working on all the arrangements, the itinerary and during our time in Hokkaido and Tokyo, ensuring that everyone was well attended to and that all their travel needs were met.  And, she even had a good time too. We thank Rev. John too for sharing this time with all of us, and intentionally helping us become a caring tight-knit group which was well accomplished.

A group photo of Wesley Hokkaido Tour 2026 was taken at the sulphur geysers and geothermal spot at Akan Mashu National Park. With front row, from left: DeeDee Azuma, Joyce Yoshiro, Bev Acuna, Kathy Iyama, April Kawahara, Jan Yamaguchi, Ellen Takeuchi, Roy Takeuchi; middle row, from left: Carmen Cook Ann Cowels, Hiroko Itaya, Barbara Mulford, Marilyn Murata, Ernie Murata, Barbara Hiura, Paul Higuchi, Jim Yamaguchi; back row, from left; Doug Takeuchi, Gaylene Kaneko, Gloria Won, Joyce Yamasaki, John Won, George Yamaoka, Rev. John, Carl Miya, Greg Overton, Jim Higuchi, and Hector Acuna.

The Blue Lake of Shirogane

Good thing this Brown bear is running from us.  It was safely taken from the bus.

Sulphur vents at Mt. Io.

Carl Miya’s Tie-dying masterpiece.

DeeDee Azuma’s glass blowing experience.

Jim and Jan Yamaguchi freezing with their frozen towels. It took about a minute or two in a minus 15.4 C room.

Ha! Ha!  Me eating lavender ice cream.

Ryusei Falls in Sounkyo Gorge

One of the Shietoko Five Lakes beneath the volcano, Mount Io.

An 80-year-old Ainu women playing the traditional bamboo mouth harp musical instrument.

Rev. Claudia (far left) takes members of the group on a walking tour of the environs around her church shown here with our local tour guide, Paul Higuchi, Ann Cowels, Jeanne Katsuro, April Kawahara, Joyce Yamasaki, DeeDee Azuma, Greg Overton, Kathy Iyama, Hector and Bev Acuna, and Joyce Oshiro.

Rev. John giving the message above and Rev. Claudia doing Communion, below.

Ernie Murata and the congregation, passing the Peace of God.

Rev. John presenting Rev. Claudia and her church with a donation from our group.

Bev Acuna trying to make her way through Yokohama’s Chinatown.

6月7日のオダ先生の礼拝メッセージは、マタイが主イエスの弟子になる前は取税人であった事から始まりました。主イエスの弟子たちは、決して学問を収めた人たちばかりではありません。ペトロ、アンデレ、ヤコブ、そしてヨハネはガリラヤ湖の漁師でしたし、シモンは熱心党とよばれる政治結社の一員、また主イエスご自身、宣教を始めるまでは、父ヨセフの大工の仕事を受け継いでいたと言われています。

そう思って改めて見てみると、新約聖書によく登場する職業は、学者、祭司、医師、取税人、商人、職人、漁師、船頭、地主、貸金、占い師、羊飼い、そして農業労働者などです。また召使や奴隷と呼ばれた人々、その多くは借金を返せなくなったり戦争に負けた国から連れてこられたりした人々でした。また当時、政治や軍事はローマの支配下にありましたが、神殿を中心とする宗教的な催事は、全て祭司や学者たちで仕切られていました。
また市民サービスも、治安活動は主にローマ軍とユダヤの神殿警備隊、消火活動はローマ軍と一般市民や奴隷たちが自発的に担っていたそうです。また子供の教育は、ユダヤ教の会堂で開かれ、祭司や学者による律法の学習が中心でした。またそれ以外にも、楽器奏者や歌手、踊り子、技師、猟師、また工事労働者や船員が居ました。それに人類の歴史で一番古い職業と言われる娼婦、また娼夫も存在したと思われます。

こうしてみると、職業の種類としては今とそんなに変わりないように見えます。でも一つ、当時にはあっても今はない職業があります。それが預言者。未来を占う予言者ではなく、神の言葉を預かる預言者です。

旧約の時代には歴代の王に仕えて政治・軍事の重要な決定事項について神の意向を取り次ぐのが「お抱え預言者」の仕事でした。でも旧約聖書に名を残しているイザヤやエレミヤなどの預言者は、神からの召命と託宣を受けて、逆境と戦いながら神の言葉を語り続けた人々です。一方、一般市民にとっては、今でいう「くじ」が神の意志を知る手段でした。これは今でもタロット占いなどに引き継がれていますね。

現代も預言者を自称する人は存在しますが、やはり私には、旧約聖書に名を残したような預言者は居ないように思えます。何方か、ご存知の方が居られれば、是非教えてください。一度お話しを伺って、その方が取り次ぐ神のみ言葉を、是非聞いてみたいものです。

by Mimune Tsukamoto

Pastor Oda’s sermon on June 7 began with a story of Matthew who was a tax collector before becoming a disciple of the Lord Jesus. The Lord Jesus’ disciples were by no means all highly educated people. Peter, Andrew, James, and John were fishermen on the Sea of Galilee; Simon was a member of a political group known as the Zealots; and it is said that the Lord Jesus Himself took over His father Joseph’s carpentry business until He began His ministry.

Taking another look with this in mind, the occupations that frequently appear in the New Testament include scholars, priests, doctors, tax collectors, merchants, artisans, fishermen, boatmen, landowners, moneylenders, fortune-tellers, shepherds, and farm laborers. There were also those referred to as servants or slaves, many of whom were people who could no longer repay their debts or had been brought from countries that had lost wars. Furthermore, while politics and military affairs were under Roman control at the time, religious rituals and ceremonies centered on the Temple were entirely managed by priests and scholars.

As for public services, law enforcement was primarily handled by the Roman army and the Jewish Temple Guard, while firefighting was reportedly carried out by the Roman army, ordinary citizen volunteers and slaves. Children’s education took place in Jewish synagogues and centered on the study of the Law under the guidance of priests and scholars. Although not specifically mentioned, there were musicians, singers, dancers, artisans, hunters, construction workers, and sailors. It is also believed that prostitutes existed, male and female, a profession often considered the oldest in human history.

Looking at it this way, the variety of occupations doesn’t seem all that different from today. However, there is one occupation that no longer seems to exist today; prophet. Not a fortune-teller but the ones who convey the word of God.

In Old Testament times, the job of a “court prophet” was to serve successive kings and convey God’s will regarding political and military decisions. However, the prophets whose names are recorded in the Old Testament—such as Isaiah and Jeremiah—were people who, having received a calling and oracles from God, continued to speak God’s word while battling adversity. On the other hand, for ordinary citizens, what we would now call “divination by lot” was the means of discerning God’s will. This practice has been carried on even today in forms such as tarot readings.

While there are people who claim to be prophets even in modern times, it still seems that there are no prophets like those whose names are recorded in the Old Testament. If anyone knows of such a person, please do let me know. I would very much like to hear the word of God that they convey.

The annual Wesley Golf Tournament is Monday, Aug. 3, and everything is falling into place.  We are currently soliciting Wesley committees and individuals to help us out by making a donation to our “shhhhhh” Silent Auction.  Your donation - something simple, a basket of goodies, gift certificates, free play at golf courses, wine, your own personal artwork, or time at your vacation home - goes to support our Wesley ministries, including Kids Camp and our Youth Camp Fund, which helps to send our youth to Asian Camp every summer.  Please give this some thought and while you’re out and about, think of perhaps getting a gift card from one of your favorite places to shop or eat. Donations may be dropped off at the church office July 26-30. Please contact Paul Ueunten at (pueunten@earthlink.net). THANK YOU!

Ron Ogi, an avid golfer, beloved and an integral and dedicated member of Wesley’s Golf Committee, recently passed away. We are dedicating this year’s golf tournament to his memory and the golf committee will be sponsoring a hole acknowledging the specialized work Ron did for this tournament by making all the hole sponsor signs for this event for all the years that we can remember.
That being said, with the temperature rising and the weather is heating up. it signals your time to register for Wesley’s Fundraising Golf Tournament which will be held Monday, Aug. 3, at Sunnyvale Golf Course with a shot-gun start at 7:30 a.m.  Yes, it’s a bit early in the morning (yawn), but the good news?  You finish in time for lunch and be home before it gets dark where you can relax and relive this wonderful day.
This is a not to be missed fun and most exciting event of your golfing season. You will have a fine time playing with your family or dear friends as we are accepting foursome requests, and of course sharing a fabulous Japanese buffet for lunch. What’s not to like? Golf, food, and yes…prizes.
For the competitive golfers, there are cash prizes for first, second, and third place winners in Men’s A and B Flights, Women’s Flight, and Calloway (non-handicap) Flight.  Closest to the Hole winners will receive a prize.  
Registration fee is $160, which includes green fees, shared cart, three mulligans, a snack/goodie bag, lunch, and prize fund. Please make out your check to Wesley UMC with golf tournament on the memo line. An authentic Japanese cuisine buffet lunch awaits from a Japanese restaurant in SJ’s Japantown and held at Wesley. The lunch, will begin around 2:00 p.m., and is included for registered golfers and the cost for lunch only will be $40.
If possible, please avail yourselves to doing online registration (go to WesleySJ.net website or app. Go to events and find golf tournament) or send hard copy of registration forms and checks made out to Wesley UMC to Kelli Martines at 566 N. 5th St., San Jose, 95112 or drop them off at the church office by July 22.  You can also use the QR code for the link to the registration form or simply fill out the one enclosed in this newsletter.
Contact Kelli Martines: (Kelli@Wesleysj.net) if you have questions.

Spoiler alert – if you haven’t seen the movie Project Hail Mary - do not read this.

I am pretty obsessed with a recent sci-fi film called Project Hail Mary. So much so that I have some of the key songs from the movie on my Spotify playlist. My iPhone screen saver right now is a scene from the movie. And, of course, I’ve seen the movie numerous times.
In the movie, the sun is dimming because a microscopic organism called Astrophage has started to consume its energy. The Earth has perhaps a generation before the cold sets in and life on earth collapses. In a last-ditch desperate act humanity sends three people across the galaxy to find a solution. Over the course of the trip only one person survives, a scientist named Ryland Grace. He wakes up from an induced coma with no memory, heading for a distant star called Tau Ceti. His two crewmates have died. He becomes the last hope for earth. He is utterly alone, until, he wasn’t.
There, in the vast darkness of space, Ryland Grace encounters another spacecraft. Inside is an alien, a creature from a spider-like species that evolved around a different sun, sent on the very same mission by his own civilization. His star is dying too. His “people” face extinction too. He has traveled just as far and his crew also died on the way to Tau Ceti. He alone and carrying the same weight on his shoulders. Ryland names this alien Rocky because he looks like a rock.
What follows is a beautiful display of friendship and collaboration. Rocky and Ryland share no common language. They share no common biology. Rocky breathes ammonia. Ryland breathes oxygen. They cannot even exist in the same room without protective barriers between them. And yet they build a shared language from scratch. They share their hopes, their fears, their challenges, their grief. They discover that they are more alike than different; two curious minds sent on a common mission.
To me this sounds like the best version of Wesley Church. We gather each week, people of different languages, different backgrounds, different fears, different challenges, different pasts. At Wesley we are called to build a shared language. We are called to work across every difference toward a mission larger than any one of us. Rocky and Ryland did not choose each other and yet they formed a relationship. And through their bond, they were both transformed.
Ryland Grace was sent on Project Hail Mary to save Earth. He actually did not volunteer for the job, nor did he sign up to save Rocky’s world too. He didn’t even know Rocky’s world existed. But by the end, Ryland and Rocky worked not just for their own species but for each other. The mission expanded out of an act of genuine friendship.
This is what happens when we show up for one another. Some of us arrive at Wesley thinking we are here for our own healing, our own questions, our own grief. And then someone sits down next to us, and we find out that they are walking through a challenge that we had previously gone through; and our mission suddenly expands.
This is what the writer of Ecclesiastes means when he writes that we are members of one another not just metaphorically, but practically. When one part suffers, all suffer. When one part flourishes, we all flourish. Ryland and Rocky were each sent on what seemed like solo missions. The moment they found each other, the mission became something neither of them could have accomplished alone.
As we continue our summer season, I want to invite you into two practices drawn from this movie. #1. Look for your Rocky. Who has God placed in your orbit who is unlikely, unfamiliar, perhaps even hard to communicate with? Don’t ignore them. Build the common language. You might be transformed in the process.
#2. Let your mission be expanded. Perhaps you came to Wesley Church with your own needs, your own prayers, your own questions. That is good, even great! But let’s also stay open to the moment when our story intersects with someone else’s, and the mission becomes something larger than you ever intended.
Ryland Grace went on a mission to save Earth and in the process he also saved himself. He made an unlikely friend in Rocky who spoke another language. He expanded his mission. Grace, (I love his name), found what he was looking for. And I believe, will you too.

With love and hope for the journey,
Pastor John

You are invited! The Wesley Summer Singers will provide the anthem in worship on June 28 and July 5, 12, 19, and 26. And you can be a part of it.
Simply come to the Sanctuary each Sunday at 9:00 am to learn the music. Then sing with the group during the service. No experience necessary. But if you've sung a part like alto, tenor, soprano, or bass before, it really helps. Questions? Reach out to Mark Teagle (markteagle@wesleysj.net) or talk to any Choir member. We are also looking for Special Music offerings, especially during August but throughout the year as well.

Virginia Bailey is a long-time member at Wesley Church. She has led the Disciple Bible Study course, ‘Remember Who You Are’ many times. This Disciple Bible Study course covers the prophets and Paul’s letters. The prophets have much to remind us about ‘who we are.’

After listening to Rev. John mention the prophet Hosea several Sundays ago, I reminisced about how I view the prophet Jonah. I have not worried about how he survived being in the belly of a big fish. What grabbed my attention then and now, were the words Jonah spoke to God after God did not destroy Nineveh and its people. Jonah says “O Lord! Is not this why I fled to Tarshish at the beginning; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and ready to relent from punishing. (Chapter 4, verse 2) This description of God differs from the stern, aloof God that we encounter in much of the Old Testament.  
I don’t know what kind of God you want in your life, but I want a merciful God who abounds in steadfast love and forgiveness because I know I need that kind of God in my life. I believe we, as God’s people, all need this kind of God, as well. I want to have mercy from God first and justice second.
In the current, seemingly lawless (and godless?) time in our nation, I wonder who and where our prophets are that should be calling us back to God, back to caring for the widows, the orphans and the alien among us? I do believe they are out there but they are harder to hear and find. Are you one who is called by God to call others back to caring for one another, to call us back to the example that Jesus gave us for how to live together as God’s people? Are you called to be a Jonah in this world?

The Wesley Ukulele Band performed at the very well-attended San Francisco Soy and Tofu Festival, a fundraising event for Nichi Bei Foundation on June 13 at St. Mary’s Cathedral with, from left: Barbara Hiura, Jane Wong, Ryan Miyahara, Tofutti, Smiley Kai, Cheryl Koshiro (Hula dancer), and Tina Urata.

To all our teachers…
Brent Shimada, Karen Mikami, Brian Hamilton, Rob Hikido, Mieko Moody, Vanessa Perry-Mar
To All our Activity Leads…
Sarah Holt, Michelle Sakakihara, Leslie Mune, Michiko Collins, Bev Acuna, Melody Ito, Madison Ng, Young Chan, Alan Ngai, Carol Mar, Erwin Polar
To all our youth assistants…
Becca, sophia, Madison, Anna, Kazumi, Rinji, Malia, Aedyn, Lacie, Nolo, Keana, Kyan, Madison, Kailyn, Kenzie, Joanne, Chad, Leila
To all the support staff…
Kelli Martines, Rev. John, Mr. Mark, Hikaru Bakoshi, Terri Thornton, Jayne Williams, Byran Longmire, Joyce Pon, Yumi Hariguchi, John Moody, Brennan Wong, Hailey Oshita, Kayla Shimada
To all those who donated to the wish Tree…
Carl Morimoto, Mary Horio, Roberto Mata, Flo Oishi, Jim Mar, Beverly Lovaas, Amy Shiozaki, Joanne kumano, Barbara Mulford, Judy Kanemoto, Judy Yasutake, Joy Bayler, Shirley Kuramoto, Barbara Hiura, Bobbi Ueunten, Its Yokota, Kazuko Tengan, Joanne Miyahara, Mary Sasaki, Jim Higuchi
To all those who donated from the Amazon wishlist…
Due to technical difficulties, we are unable to identify all who donated, but please know that we are very appreciative of everyone who did.
Kids camp would not be possible without the help of the wesley community. Please accept our deep gratitude and appreciation for all that you do!

And a big thank you to our Kids Camp Directors (from left), Christine Ozawa,  Vanessa Perry-Mar, Karen Mikami, and Hatty Lin!

“Someone’s junk is another person's treasure,” was a comment I heard often. No truer words are spoken when it comes to the UWF’s annual rummage sale held this past, June 6, at Wesley. The entry line stretched for over a block down the front of our street with bargain hunters, treasure seekers, and many in need of essentials like clothing and shoes, were waiting in anticipation.
We were ready! And it is a sight to behold as all came through into our 5th street parking lot were met with tables heavily ladened with clothes, dishes, appliances, holiday stuff, toys and games, baskets, crafts, electronics, and the much sought after fully working multi-speed bikes. Those bikes were gone in like a minute to a good home I presume. Everyone found something to their liking.
Along with the rummage sale coordinated and run by Terri Koike and Bev Acuna with a ton of help, the money-maker every year is the Treasure’s rooms run efficiently by Jeanne Katsuro and her crew. They expanded to three rooms this year and were filled with jewelry, from costume to precious, fine Japanese dishes, dolls, and kimonos, brand-name handbags, collector items like pins, match-box cars and trucks as well as designer labeled blue jeans. Truly all treasures and sold at a bargain.
I reiterate…there is something for everyone and for every pocketbook. From clothing items at just .50 a pop and most rummage sale items at 1 buck to three, it’s pretty reasonable. But even the treasures are inexpensive, most goods $10 to $20 and perhaps a little more.
For days prior, church and community people came to drop off their unwanted items, cluttering their homes. A crew of some 20 to 30 people from Wesley, students, friends, and community folk spent days sorting, pricing and boxing all the items received and making them ready for the sale. After four days, the church was ready for the big day. Our outreach effort is felt every year. “I look forward to your rummage sale,” one patron commented, and “It is all so well organized and well-run. Thank you.” How about that!!!
This labor-intensive effort especially for our UWF leaders has a dual purpose. It is intentional outreach to those in need which is why everything is sold so inexpensively, and making enough money to support the missions work of the United Women in Faith which is a dedicated focus on the health and well-being of women and families around the world. That is the reason for this massive church-wide effort. “Our intent is not to make money,” Koike notes,” it’s providing a much-needed service to the community.”
The rummage sale, without all the exact figures in, netted approximately $15,000, according the Koike.  I say, hear! Hear! And kudos and high-fives to all especially the year-long work of the leaders, Terri, Bev and Jeanne.  We also need to acknowledge the Wesley Village as many hands are needed for this sale to even happen; to Scout troop 201, our Japantown community, and our friends. We needed you and you all came through with flying colors. Thank you.

What an amazing showing of all those working and leading the Rummage Sale effort!

A very cute highlight this year was our stuffed toy display presented by Cynthia Fukuda.

Rob Hikido was one of our many security folk ensuring the sale goes smoothly.

Nice to see Dale and Mary Sasaki as itemizers.  Tomoko Tanaka in the middle prepared for the onslaught of buyers..

Cashiers were Shelley Nakashima and Lori Tabuchi.

One of the Treasure’s rooms nice displays for pottery, dolls, and prints.

Shop till you drop!!! Our 5th St. Parking lot filled with patrons.

Jeanne Katsuro, coordinator of the Treasure’s room, gave instructions to her crew.

Terri Koike, Rummage Sale Coordinator, was everywhere taking care of all aspects leading up to, during and after the sale.

Shizuko Adachi, Karen Maeda and Cynthia Fukuda sort and price.

Bev Lovaas and Flo Oishi sort the massive amount of clothing items that came in.

Rev. John Oda was searching for that one great find.

June 2 - 8, 2026: These are extraordinary days!  
WUMC congregation and Japantown community organizations answered the call to service as they jumped in with hearts and minds of one accord: Service & Fellowship! Thank you to each and everyone that was able to participate in our 2026 annual Rummage Sale!!!  
[Yes, all three exclamation points are intentional!]  
Throughout these many busy, busy days, there were friendly smiles and cheerful conversations as items were received, sorted, cleaned, priced, packaged and sold. Followed by the post-event chores of trash removal, furniture replacement, repacking of supplies and reports.How, oh how did all of this huge volume, with so many volunteers, so many different parts, that all touch so many lives ever come together with service and fellowship in such a meaningful way?
Praising our loving God and raising a Hallelujah for the Holy Spirit working with and through each volunteer. Indeed, great is our God!

Rev. Shijung Shim, Assistant to the Bishop of the California-Nevada Conference,  gifted us with wisdom in her message “The Mystery of the Trinity” on May 31.

Her scripture spoke of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac based only on the strength of his faith alone that God would raise is son from the dead.  The trinity, three in one, is our human expression of God.  But God is far more than what we can express or understand.   “Perhaps the meaning of the trinity is we may never comprehend the depth of God’s love for us. But we are to continue to grow and journey with God maybe that be the expression of the Trinity.” See the full impact of her message our Youtube video, Tinity Sunday.

Wesley was a big part of the Memorial Day service at Oak Hill Memorial Park's Japanese section. Alice Hikido represented Wesley as many community groups laid a flower on the altar. Ted Hasegawa played "Taps" on the bugle. And our Scout Troop #201 was part of the color guard that presented the American flag. Rev. John Oda was a scheduled speaker but had to bow out due to illness. Wesley also provided the programs and the flowers for the ceremony.

Keith Nakashima, chair of the Wesley Endowment Fund, presented the Kimie Yanagawa Sanematsu Scholarship to three deserving high school graduates, Jeffrey Bao seen here along with Zoe Tang, and Katlyn Yee, who were not present.

Jeffrey Bao received his award above and was recognized by Vanessa Perry-Mar, Youth Director,as one of our graduating seniors from Bellermine College Preparatory who will be attending Northwestern University.  Also recognized but were not present were Zoe Tang, Branham High School, who will be attending Chapman University and Kaitlyn Yee, Leigh High School, who will be going to  Cal State Fullerton College.

Special thanks to Byran Longmire, with help from Tom Maeda, who designed and installed an extension to the rear of the Chancel Stage in the Sanctuary. This new extension gives us three feet of additional space across the back of the stage. This has already been very helpful for communion services and for Kids Camp. Thank you, Byran, for making this happen.

Here are some ways that Wesley is opening its doors (and parking lots) to our Japantown neighbors.
On the first and third Thursdays of the month, Yu-Ai Kai's Brown Bag  food program uses our Food Distribution Tables and parking area to distribute food to seniors in our neighborhood. This program was relocated here due to the construction at the Buddhist Church.
San Jose Nikkei Resisters and the Neighbors Not Enemies Coalition hold their regular meetings at Wesley.
On June 19 and 20, the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) and Contemporary Asian Theater Scene (CATS) held a staged reading of Philip Kan Gotanda's play "The Sisters Morimoto" at the Museum. Wesley provided the parking for this event.
Wesley regularly provides meeting space for other Japantown community groups. We are also helping with storage space for the upcoming Obon Festival for the Buddhist Church. More examples of Wesley living up to its motto: "Love God, Love One Another."