My mom has always had a green thumb. Growing up, our backyard in Stockton was always alive with various vegetable plants, fruit trees and flowers; all planted and nurtured by my mother. She inherited her green thumb from her mother. I, however, found out that a green thumb is not a hereditary trait, at least not like the one my mom and grandmother possessed. Back in college, someone gave me a beautiful plant as a housewarming gift. It was full and lush. That poor plant withered and died soon thereafter because, well, because I don’t have a green thumb. It turned into a sad looking thing full of grey sticks and dead leaves. When I drove home to Stockton a few months later, I brought my dead plant along, thinking I would give my mom the pot. My mother looked at my pitiful, dead plant; said nothing and put it outside.

Later that year, I went back for another visit. Lo and behold my “dead” plant had been brought back to life. I didn’t even recognize it. It was even more lush and full; and the leaves were a deeper shade of green. She had given it fresh soil, found the right spot in her menagerie of potted plants, and paid attention to it. Not a miracle, exactly. My mom just knew how to revive my plant, a plant that I had written off for dead. I remember standing there admiring the beautiful new life on the plant. When I think about that plant, I also think about all the things and places in my life where I was quick to declare something dead or hopeless.

As told in the Gospel of John, on that first Easter morning, Mary Magdalene walked toward the tomb at dawn, not in hope, but in devotion. They came to tend to the dead. What they found instead was something completely different. The stone was rolled away. The grave was empty. And the risen Christ, mistaken at first for a gardener, called Mary by her name.
The resurrection of Jesus was a singular, unrepeatable event. And yet the pattern of resurrection, death giving way to life, endings becoming beginnings, hopelessness turns into hopefulness; all of this can be found in our lives today, because the God of Easter is also the God of everyday life.

The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, and it is not just about Jesus coming back after the crucifixion, but that the last word does not belong to the grave. The last word belongs to a God who can make all things new. Our God can bring life back to things that seemed hopeless and gone. This is the resurrection.

Perhaps the most personal experience of a resurrection that has happened to me has been my path to sobriety. Addiction hollowed me out as a person until I could no longer recognize myself. But the Easter story tells us that God is not deterred by tombs of any kind. The same voice that called Lazarus out by name called me out of my alcoholism and addiction. Every time I attend an AA meeting, I meet people who were certain they were spiritually or emotionally dead (and sometimes even physically dead), but now they have found themselves, much to their own astonishment, able to live again – a new resurrected life.

This Easter, I hope and pray that you will take a moment to survey your life and courageously point out the dead plants in your own life, whether they be old negative thoughts that can be revived into positive ones; or destructive habits that can be changed into healthy lifestyles. Bring them before the God of Easter. Not because resurrection is guaranteed to look the way we imagine, but because our God is a God who specializes in life where there was none. The stone is rolled away. The Gardener is still at work! New things are springing up, do you not perceive them? He is risen. He is risen indeed. Wishing you and yours a blessed and joyful Easter!

Blessings,
Rev. John

Congratulations to the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin on the groundbreaking for their new Dharma Center on Thursday, March 12. Rev. John Oda and several members of the Wesley staff were among the many Japantown community organizations there in support as Rinban Henry Adams dedicated the project. Construction will start soon and last about one year.

• Jimi Yamaichi Japanese Cultural Arts Scholarship - $2,000
• Warren Hayashi Japanese Cultural Arts Grant - $2,000
• *NEW* San Jose Japantown Community Grant - $3,000
• *NEW* Nagareda Family Trust Scholarship - $5,000

Online application and more details online
Applications are due April 10, 2026.
Please help us share these opportunities! Contact (scholarships@nikkeimatsuri.org) with any questions.

A new exhibit has just opened at the Military Intelligence Service (MIS) Historic Learning Center in San Francisco.  According to one of the sponsoring organization, “I Am An American: The Nisei Soldier Experience” is a new traveling exhibit that tells the storied history of second-generation Americans of Japanese ancestry, known as “Nisei,” who demonstrated their loyalty during World War II by enlisting to serve in the U.S. Army. In the exhibit, their service is recounted against the backdrop of fear and racial tension that inspired thousands to volunteer from Hawaii and drove the U.S. government to remove Japanese Americans and people of Japanese ancestry on the West Coast to ten Wartime Relocation Authority (WRA) Incarceration Camps during the war. "
The exhibit began its five-year tour of 11 venues around the nation on February 23, 2026 with the first stop in San Francisco.  The exhibit will be on view to the public until August 31, 2026.  Please see the National Japanese American Historical Society (NJAHS) website for more information at njahs.org.  The exhibit is located at the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center, Building 640.  640 Old Mason Street, San Francisco, CA.

• A free 5-week social justice leadership program for students.
• Open to all Santa Clara County high school students (no prior experience needed)
• June 24-July 23, Wednesday and Thursdays 1pm-5:30pm

Apply by April 5th (priority deadline)
more info online: bit.ly/ccsapply2026

The beginning of the Lent season was marked by the Ash Wednesday service which was a combined event with the La Trinidad.  Here Rev. Dale Temper, the pastor of La Trinidad had ashes imposed by Rev. John Oda as we all began the walk with Jesus to the cross. Rev. Temper participated in the service by offering the Prayer of Confession and the Assurance of Pardon. Rev. John gave a “Reflection,” and the choir sang “Dust to Dust, Ashes to Ashes."

Rev. John marked all who wished with the Cross of Jesus and burden of sin he bore for all of us.  It is a time to “turn away from Self and back toward God.”

Kristin To (right) greeted Bill and Shirley Manor.

この2月末から3月初めにかけて、三枝子と二人で日本に行ってきました。色々目的があったのですが、その中の一つが山本先生ご家族にお会いする事。そこで3月1日（日）の夜、伊丹教会をお訪ねしました。

写真にあるように、皆さんお元気そうでした。先生も知恵さんも教区、教会、幼稚園、クリニック、そして家庭と大忙しです。菫ちゃんは新しい学校で元気に勉強し、来年は大学受験です。皓君は高校受験に合格したばかりで、この4月から高校生です。皆さまに宜しくとのことでした。

さて2月のニュースレターでは、新約の時代の食事について調べてみたのですが、そこで「最後の晩餐」は過ぎ越しの祭りの食事であった事を紹介しました。その時、その料理の一つ一つに込められている意味については3月に、と書いてしまったので、ここで簡単に紹介します。

種無しパン：酵母などを使わずに焼いたパンは純粋さを表します。最後の晩餐で主イエスはパンを自らの身体に譬えられました。
ワイン：ユダヤの民のエジプトからの脱出を記念して、契約の成就と喜びを意味します。最後の晩餐では主イエスはワインを「私の契約の血」と呼び、新しい契約、即ち私たちの罪の赦しの象徴とされました。

仔羊：過ぎ越しの祭りは、エジプト脱出の前に仔羊の血を扉に塗ることによって神の怒りから救われた事を記念します。この事から、仔羊は生贄ともなり、犠牲を意味します。
苦い野菜：レタスやチコリー等が使われ、エジプトの奴隷時代の苦しみを思い出すためだそうです。

ナッツ：デーツやナツメなどが使われたようですが、多くの場合、そのままではなく、果物やワインと混ぜ合わせてペースト状にしました。奴隷時代に住んだ家の壁土を象徴します。

他にオリーブや魚なども食卓に提供されたようです。でもここでダ・ビンチの「最後の晩餐」の絵を思い出して下さい。そこには主イエスと十二人の弟子とが描かれていますが、食卓にはパンと葡萄酒しかありません。勿論この二つが主イエスの身体と血であり、今日の聖餐式に引き継がれているのですが、でも食事としての晩餐の主役、仔羊はどこに行ったのでしょうか。予算不足で注文できなかった？　いや、そうではないでしょう。ちゃんとこの絵の中に描かれています。一度探してみてください。その時に、この絵に隠された大きな意味が見つかると思います。

以下、日語からのお報せです。
• 3月22日（日）は日語礼拝です。高槻日吉台教会主任牧師の吉岡恵生先生がメッセージをとりついでくださいます。
• 2月19日から始まった一麦会のレント聖書研究会は、3月26日に最終日を迎えます。、毎週木曜日午後7時半からです。新しく参加を希望される方は、コリンズ道子姉までご連絡ください。
• 3月27日（金）のサフラン会は、「豊かな老後を過ごすために」と題するセミナーです。参加ご希望の方は足立静子姉か塚本三枝子姉にご連絡ください。

From late February to early March, Mieko and I traveled to Japan. We had several objectives for the trip, one of which was to visit Rev. Hajime and his family. On the evening of Sunday, March 1, we stopped by the Itami Church.

As you can see in the photo, everyone looked very well. Rev Haime and Tomoe-san are extremely busy with the parish, the church, the kindergarten, the clinic, and their family life. Sumire-chan is studying hard at her new school and will be taking college entrance exams next year. Koh-kun has just passed his high school entrance exam and will be a high school student starting this April. They asked us to give their best regards to everyone at Wesley.
Now in the February newsletter, we looked into meals during the New Testament era and mentioned that the “Last Supper” was a Passover meal. At that time, I wrote that I would discuss the meaning behind each of the dishes in March, so here It is.

Unleavened bread: Bread baked without yeast or other leavening agents symbolizes purity. At the Last Supper, the Lord Jesus likened the bread to His own body.

Wine: Commemorating the Jewish people’s exodus from Egypt, it signifies the fulfillment of the covenant and joy. At the Last Supper, the Lord Jesus called the wine “the blood of my covenant,” making it a symbol of the new covenant—that is, the forgiveness of our sins.

Lamb: The Passover commemorates how the Israelites were saved from God’s wrath by smearing lamb’s blood on their doorposts before the Exodus. For this reason, the lamb symbolizes self-sacrifice.

Bitter herbs: Lettuce, chicory, and similar vegetables are used to remind people of the suffering endured during the time of slavery in Egypt.

Nuts: Dates and jujubes were apparently used, though in many cases they were not eaten as is but mixed with fruit and wine to form a paste. This symbolizes the mud walls of the houses where they lived during their time as slaves.

Olives and fish were also served at the table. But do recall Da Vinci’s painting, “The Last Supper.” It depicts the Lord Jesus and the twelve disciples, but there is nothing on the table but bread and wine. Of course, these two represent the body and blood of the Lord Jesus and have been carried over into today’s Eucharist, but where did the lamb—the main course of the meal—go? Could they not afford to order it? No, that cannot be the case. In my opinion, it is actually depicted in this painting. Try finding it. When you do, I believe you will discover one of the profound meanings hidden within this painting.

The following is an announcement from the Japanese-language service:

• Sunday, March 22, is the Japanese-language worship service. Rev. Yasutaka Yoshioka, Senior Pastor of Takatsuki Hiyoshidai Church, will deliver the message.
• The Hitomugi-kai Lenten Bible Study, which began on February 19, will conclude on March 26. It meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. If you are interested in joining, please contact Michiko Collins.
• The Saffron Club meeting on Friday, March 27, will feature a seminar titled “Living a Fulfilling Retirement.” If you would like to attend, please contact Shizuko Adachi or Mieko Tsukamoto.

Rev. John prayed for Terri and her husband Jeffrey Thornton who are embarking on a month-long trip to Botswana and Zambia to deliver supplies and much needed goods to small villages in need. The Food Distribution program laid hands on her as the goodwill of God flowed through us for the success of their mission of mercy.

Lori Longmire spearheaded a fundraising effort among the participants of the Tuesday Food Distribution program and presented the funds to her on Feb. 24. We raised over $1,000.

We wished her well and she’s well into her third week for her monthlong mission.

On February 28, Wesley Church gathered for its All Church Winter Retreat. This was the third and final Discovery & Discernment session, led by our Strategic Planning Consultant Rev. Samuel Yun, and it marked a great moment in Wesley's history because we presented a bold, Spirit-led 5-Year Strategic Implementation Roadmap (2026–2030).

After months of congregational listening, prayerful discernment, and extensive research of the surrounding community, Wesley has a clear and compelling vision: "A church rooted in love, formed in faith, and committed to justice" and these are expressed through three powerful core values: Love That Welcomes, Faith That Forms, and Justice That Acts.
The roadmap outlines five strategic initiatives to be carried out over five progressive phases through 2030: (1) From Welcome to Belonging - building intentional pathways to deepen community connection; (2) Faith for Real Life - expanding Christ-centered discipleship and spiritual formation; (3) Compassion That Builds Trust - strengthening outreach, justice work, and Japantown partnerships; (4) Clear & Invitational Communication - clarifying Wesley's identity and expanding its digital presence; and (5) Intergenerational Strength & Shared Leadership -raising up the next generation of leaders to carry the mission forward.

By 2030, the vision is ambitious and concrete: 75% of active participants relationally connected, 50% engaged in both formation and outreach annually, and Wesley recognized as a beloved, trusted anchor in the heart of Japantown. This isn't just a strategic plan, it is a covenant, a calling, and a declaration that the best days for Wesley Church are still ahead!

Rev. John introduced the work that the strategic planning committee had been working on in two previous discovery sessions with outside consultant, Rev. Samuel Yun. This was done  in preparation for the “Big Reveal” and discussion with around 30 in attendance.

A church service welcomed the message by consultant  and charismatic speaker Rev. Samuel Yun, the pastor of San Ramon Valley UMC, who first invited in and embraced the spirit of God into our house, and  shared the transformative process and his particular expertise in guiding our strategic planning team of 23 or so through the discovery sessions to create a vision statement, a strategic plan and the process of implementation.

A small group of church members, of which about half were composed of the Strategic Planning Committee, attended.

Our church’s vision statement from which everything planned and implemented will flow is as follows:  “To Be A Church Rooted in Love, Formed in Faith, and Committed to Justice.  In this transformative process the Strategic Planning team has outlined a five year plan beginning this year, 2026 by addressing our church’s foundation and alignment, our identity and infrastructure.

Ryan Miyahara on percussion and Joanne Miyahara accompanied Rev. Yun on guitar, who led  those attending in singing “Jesus We Love You.”

Our Wesley Church Scout troop thanks everyone for supporting their Avocado Char Siu Taco Lunch Fundraiser last Sunday March 8. We were glad to see smiling faces chomping on their delicious tacos! Scouts and scout parents worked hard under Iron Chef Larry Inouye’s tutelage. They chopped and sliced and measured and stir-fried and oven-warmed and afterward cleaned up the kitchen and Fellowship Hall tables. Thank you to Wesley Church!

And you can see they are buzzing away making this two-taco luncheon a tasty treat for our Wesley parishioners.

Ham Tran oversights the distribution of goods. It takes a lot of worker bees to put this fundraiser together.

Well, somebody had to serve the ice tea!!!

On February 21, Wesley had the pleasure of hosting the Asian American Caucus’s Festival of Joy, a special Lunar New Year celebration.  The event brought together all of the different Asian American groups and churches from across the California Nevada Annual Conference for a day filled with worship, conversation, fellowship, entertainment, a wonderful lunch, and a meaningful and joyful time for all who attended.

Wesley was honored not only as the host, but we also shared our musical gifts throughout the gathering. The Wesley Praise Band led the worship.  Their music brought an upbeat energy and spirit to the service. During lunch, the Wesley Ukulele Band added to the festive atmosphere with music and hula dancers that was warm, lively, and full of joy.

Rev. Sam Yun, Wesley’s recent strategic planning consultant and pastor of San Ramon Valley UMC, was the preacher for the Festival. His message was “Unspeakable Joy”.

The Festival of Joy was a beautiful celebration of Lunar New Year and a wonderful expression of the richness of Asian American ministries in our conference. We are grateful to the many faithful Wesley people who helped make the day so special.

From left: Hatty Lin, Director of  Children’s Ministry; Rev. Sam Yun from San Ramon Valley UMC, Rev. John Oda, and Mark Teagle were integral to the Festival of Joy celebration of the Cal-Nevada Annual Conference Asian Caucus and the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Part of the welcoming committee and Registrars were Hikaru Bakoshi and Kelli Martines.

The Festival of Joy  brought together some 125 conference participants.

Special music, “Found/Tonight” was performed by Isabella Christman and Ivan Vielma with Joanne Miyahara accompanying them (below). She also played prelude and postlude music.

During lunch the Wesley Ukulele performed and was highlighted by two solo performances done especially for this program. Jane Wong sang in Chinese, “Moon Represents My Heart” and May Serrano sang the popular Filipino song, “Dahil Sa Iyo” in honor of this “Festival of Joy.

The Band’s Keiki, children’s class, performed "Wipe Out" and "The Lion Sleeps Tonight". Shown here with  Natalie, Arissa, and Yuzuru with from left: Uncle Smiley, Ms. Tina and Mr. Mark.

“Lent at Wesley: A Season of Freedom”
“For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore…” (Galatians 5:1)

We often think of Lent as a season of “giving something up.” This year at Wesley, we’re paying attention to what happens when we give up old habits, old ideas, and old patterns, let go of control and slow down.

Back in 1983 my brother had just finished his first year at the University of Hawaii.  I went over for a visit.  I suggested that we drive around the entire island and thought it might take us the better part of the morning so we could be back in town for lunch.  We were making good time until we got to Ka’ena Point. The paved road ended and in front of us there was an ominous sign that warned us to turn back. (Ka’ena Point was closed to all cars in 1983.) But we were young and naïve, so we went ahead anyway.  For 2+ hours we were totally alone, no other cars, no help coming, just a narrow red dirt road with no room for mistakes. The only way through many sections was to go super slow. At one point the road go so narrow and the cliff was so steep, I had to get out, walk ahead of our car, and tell my brother which way to turn the wheel so we wouldn’t slip off the edge. When we looked down there were two wrecked cars at the bottom of the cliff. It was slow going - inch by inch, bit by bit. Our timeline to drive around the entire island and be back for lunch was shot.  I had to let go of our schedule, let go of control and simply trust the next small step.

When we finally made it back to civilization, Makaha Beach, I remember feeling a sense of freedom and accomplishment.  We sat on the beach, had dinner and watched the sunset together in quiet. This year for Lent at Wesley we invite you into a freedom that comes from slowing down, letting go of control.

“Lent at Wesley: A Season of Freedom”, is an invitation from Jesus to step back and ask: What am I holding onto that’s holding onto me?  And then, with gentleness, courage and help from God, we can try to loosen our grip on those things that hold us back.  We will try to let go of what grips us so we can find freedom and relearn to trust that God will provide what we truly need.

This Lent isn’t about trying harder. It is about letting go and becoming more freer If you’ve been feeling stuck, tired, or spiritually dry, come join us this month for “Lent at Wesley: A Season of Freedom”.

We are so grateful for the generous giving that Wesley receives. Because of your generosity, we have 13 dedicated professionals on staff, are able to support robust budgets for ministries that serve our congregation and community, and are able to plan for continued growth. If you donated to Wesley in 2025, you should have received your Giving Statement in the mail and you may have noticed that our statements have a new look and some different wording. With a lot of help from Mimune Tsukamoto and many hours of work by Hikaru Bakoshi and Terri Thornton, we have successfully transitioned our giving records to our newer church financial platform with Subsplash. Some updates that you may notice:

If you have any questions, please contact Terri at (territhornton@wesleysj.net).

For a short devotional each day in Lent, please join in using The Sanctuary for Lent 2026 by Amy Sigmon. This booklet, available in digital or printed format, contains brief readings for each day in Lent, from the first Sunday of Lent through Easter Sunday, including a suggested Scripture, a short devotion, and a short prayer or practice—all based on the Revised Common Lectionary. To order, please email: (markteagle@wesleysj.net).

Fellowship Hour after Sunday Worship is a great time to meet up with friends, old and new, while enjoying tasty snacks with coffee or tea.
Wesley’s Hospitality Committee is looking for help for this event.  They are in need of volunteers to help with food setup, serving, and cleanup.  
If you are interested in this opportunity, you may sign up at: (https://www.timetosignup.com/wesleysignups/)  Select>  [Wesley Hosting After Worship…]
-OR- email Jim Mar at [mar.jmail@gmail.com] with any questions or concerns you may have.  
Thank you to the many ministry volunteers who have previously hosted Fellowship Hour.  Your time and service is greatly appreciated.  

There’s a new list of the books for the UWF 2026 Reading Program 2026!!
<https://ecrduwf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2026ReadingProgramBooks.pdf>
Let Mary Chafey know if you’d like me to purchase a certain book for our cart!

Here are five of the fourteen purchased from the 2026 list! These 5 are on the cart now! Check the list at the link above to see all the books on the Reading Program.
1. The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall
2. The Women by Kristin Hannah
3. Finding Me by Viola Davis
4. Queerfully and Wonderfully Made – a guide for LGBTQ+ Christian Teens
5. Heart of Fire: An Immigrant’s Daughter’s Story by Sen. Mazie Hirono

The current lists are in the orange binder. Feel free to borrow any books that you’d like to read; just return them to the cart in a timely manner, so others can enjoy reading too! Our El Camino District Program Resources Chair, Carolyn Bircher, prepared wonderful PDF lists of the books on the 2021-2026 lists, including the number of copies at local libraries, and as e-books! Please click on the following link for the 2021-2026 PDF lists: (https://elcaminorealumw.org/educate/reading-program/#2024-reading-program) The following list from national, has all the books 2021-2026 available for purchase. bookshop.com   (https://bookshop.org/shop/uwfaith) Books for 2026 only with cover photos: (https://bookshop.org/lists/2026-reading-program-books) Contact Mary Chafey if you have questions or need help finding the books. The Reading Program will give you a certificate in Oct. 2026, if you’ve read at least one book out of each of five sections, and Response magazine, also available on the book cart. Children’s and youth books count too! If you’d like to recommend a book you read in the program or would like to see on the cart, please let me know! Books from 2021-2025 will carry over to 2026, so if you didn’t quite finish this year, list it for next year!! Keep track on the form which is on the cart. Send to Mary Chafey, or email. ”

今週の水曜日から受難週を迎えました。そして4月2日が最後の晩餐のMaundy Thursday、5日がイースターです。つまり、この最後の晩餐は主イエスが十字架に懸けられた日の前夜でした。同時にそれは過ぎ越しの祭りのお祝いの席でもありました。この食事がどんなものであったのかは来月のニュースレターに譲るとして、今回は当時のユダヤの食生活について少し考えてみたいと思います。

普段、私たちはKosherという言葉をよく耳にしますが、これはヘブル語で「fit」つまり健康的な食事であることを意味し、旧約聖書のレビ記11章と申命記14章に規定されています。突き詰めて言うと、食物を清いものと汚れたものに分け、ひたすら前者だけを食べなさい、という掟です。でも実際に人々はどんなものを食べていたのでしょう。

主食はパン。一般の人々は大麦の粉から、お金持ちは小麦粉から作ったそうです。多くは平たい種無しパンで、現代のWrapのように中に副食を入れて丸めて食べるのが一般的でした。

副食は、粟や黍などの穀物、豆類、そしてオリーブや玉ねぎ、葡萄、デーツ、イチジクなどの果物でした。中でもオリーブオイルは日常の料理に欠かせないもであったようです。
肉類は高価なので、一般の人々は過ぎ越しの祭りの様な特別な時にしか食べることはできません。Kosherに則って、羊、山羊、そして鶏を始めとする家禽類はご馳走でした。それに比べると魚はもっと日常的な食物だったようです。

香辛料は、塩、酢、蜜、ヒソップ、ミント、辛子など。でも当時の「蜜」はデーツから作ったシロップで、蜂蜜は大変な高級食品でした。

最後に飲み物は水とワイン。聖書には創世記から福音書に至るまで、ワインが140回登場するそうです。

では最後の晩餐、それは過ぎ越しの祭りの食事でもあったのですが、その料理の一つ一つにはユダヤの歴史を背景に様々な意味が込められています。それは次回に考えてみます。

以下、日語からのお報せです。

• 2月22日（日）は日語礼拝です。仙台北教会の主任牧師の近藤誠先生がメッセージを担当してくださいます。
• 2月19日から3月26日まで、毎週木曜日午後7時半から一麦会のレント聖書研究会が開かれます。新しく参加を希望される方は、コリンズ道子姉まで’ご連絡ください。

This Wednesday marks the beginning of Holy Week. Maundy Thursday, April 2nd, commemorates the Last Supper, and Easter falls on the 5th. This Last Supper took place on the eve of the day Jesus was crucified.Here, I'd like to briefly explore Jewish dietary practices of that era.

We often hear the term “Kosher”. This comes from the Hebrew word meaning ‘fit’ or “healthy,” referring to dietary laws prescribed in Leviticus 11 and Deuteronomy 14 of the Old Testament. Essentially, it's a commandment dividing foods into clean and unclean, mandating the consumption of only the former. But what did people actually eat?

The staple food was bread. Commoners made theirs from barley flour, while the wealthy used wheat flour. Most bread was flat, unleavened, and typically eaten rolled up with fillings inside, much like a modern wrap.

Side dishes included grains like millet and sorghum, legumes, and fruits such as olives, onions, grapes, dates, and figs. Olive oil, in particular, seems to have been indispensable in daily cooking.

Meat was expensive, so common people could only eat it on special occasions like Passover. Following Kosher laws, sheep, goats, and poultry like chickens were considered delicacies. In comparison, fish seemed to be more common.

Spices included salt, vinegar, honey, hyssop, mint, and mustard. However, the “honey” of that time was syrup made from dates; real honey was an extremely luxurious food.
Finally, beverages included water and wine. The Bible mentions wine 140 times, from Genesis to the Gospels.

The Last Supper was also a Passover meal, and each dish carried various meanings rooted in Jewish history. We'll explore that next time.

Nihonmachi Outreach Committee held their 46th Annual Program (Neighbors Not Enemies) on Feb. 15, at the Buddhist Church Betsuin.  Rev. Oda was one of the speakers.

Day of Remeambrance Committee asked Wesley United Methodist Church if the church could donate 38 rolls of makizushi to offset the cost of holding the program.  They sell the makizushi along with the age sushi that the Buddhist Church donated on a plate and sell it to the attendees.  

At Wesley many hands go into making  the makizushi: Akiko Buchanan, Michiko Collins, Kazuko Hughes, Clarissa Johnston-Abril, Doris Tabuchi chopped the vegetables on Saturday, and Akiko cooked and flavored the vegetables and Misako Ogi prepared the eggs. On Sunday, Ed Gibo with instructions from Ron Ogi cooked and cooled the rice.  On Sunday, Akiko Buchanan, Kazuko Hughes, Mieko Tsukamoto, Mayumi Miyakawa, Carl Morimoto rolled the sushi, Misako Ogi, Ed Gibo, John Tanaka, and Doris Tabuchi helped with the other necessary things to be done.  Ed and Doris delivered the 38 makizushi to Sharon Hirozawa, one of the members of DOR.  They were thankful and sent a "thank you" letter which the office.

Scout Sunday was celebrated on February 8th kicked off by a successful clothing drive. Scouts and Cubs from 6-17yrs old helped in the service with candle lighting, ushering, readings and riveting slideshows. Our illustrious Scoutmaster Tom Oda and dedicated Cub parent Jonatan Schumacher shared about all the ways Wesley's scouting program grows great leaders with a good moral compass, while having fun and fellowship with their peers.
Thank you to the Wesley family for your continued support.

You know it is Scout Sunday when there is a collection of sightly used clothing.

The Cubbies served as acolytes leading Mark Teagle and Rev. John Oda as they bring the light of God to worship service.

The Scouts were an integral part of Sunday worship service.

Jonatan Schumacher shared through slides on Cub Scouting programs.

Nolan (right) did the Call to worship and Aashiv witnessed what scouting has meant to his personal growth and development.

Kate put together a slide show of Scouting activities.

Scout Master Tom Oda, along with talking about the advancements and growth of the scouting program, thanked Wesley for their support and recognized scouts and leaders past and present.

Marcus read the Scripture passage

Brayden (far left) did the collection of offering as the Scouts were an integral part of worship service.

Thanks to a grant from Second Harvest, we have added a third commercial refrigerator to our Food Distribution facility. This increases our capacity for storing produce and other perishables. Now more of our Friday delivery can stay refrigerated. This is in addition to our two freezers. Come see our Food Distribution in action each Tuesday morning from 8:30 to 11:00 am.

Rev. John Oda, formally dressed in a rainbow colored stoll as a visual for the rights of LGBTQIA+, gave the Aspiration at the 46th Annual Day of Remembrance commemoration event held on Feb. 15. Rather than a prayer, he recalled solemnly the impact Executive Order 9066 had on his then 9-year-old mother who saw her whole life upended and changed forever as a result of this racist act. The theme "Neighbors Not Enemies" and the work for justice by the people and the various local non-profits to see that this injustice never happens again promotes hope and not hopelessness.

Alice Hikido and Its Yokota above were an integral part of the program as they were candlelighters representing the concentration camps where 120,000 Japanese were interned during World War II. Alice represented Minidoka seen here and Its represented Rohwer.

Our very own Jake Shimada created the internment piece he masterfully played at the event.

Our neighborhood safety and security patrol were out in force especially during the candlelight procession when yes, it started to rain. Our thanks go out to all, but especially to our Wesley folks, Brenda Gee and Jeffrey Oldham for looking out for all of us.

Helping to serve the delicious soup were Miyuki Nakazato (left), and Akiko Gordon.

From left Bic and Brian Hamilton and Anneka and Sue Ou, and Shizuko Adachi enjoying the delicious Ozoni.

Thank you to the cooking crew from left: Shizuko Adachi, Bobbie Ueunten, Kazuko Hughes, Maki & Miyuki Nakazato, Mayumi Miyakawa, Ann Cowels, Bev Acuna, Mimune Tsukamoto, Akiko Gordon, Mary Horio, Hikaru Bakoshi, Michiko Collins, Mieko Tsukamoto, Akiko Buchanan, Akio Sekino.

Last October I was on vacation in Honolulu.  While I was there, I had hoped to slow down and come home rested, relaxed and renewed. I also knew I’d be spending time with my brother. So, I did what I often do to show people I care about them, I cooked, I cleaned, I made sure the fridge was full, I hung out with him.

I also had to work a little while I was there.  I am currently planning the National Japanese American Caucus retreat that will be held in Honolulu in November 2026. I had two meetings about the retreat with local folks.  They were good meetings, important meetings but they kept pulling me back into that “at work” headspace. By about the 5th day, I realized something: my body was in Hawaii, but my mind was still acting like I was on the clock.  Even in that beautiful place, I was living in “manage everything” mode. I wasn’t relaxed or renewed. I was tired.

That evening, I took a quiet walk by myself. No agenda, just a walk around the neighborhood, the warm breeze, and the beautiful view. As I paused to watch the sunset, I noticed how hard it can be for me to really slow down, to let go and relax. My mind kept reaching for the next task, the next problem, the next thing to fix. That’s when it became clear to me: the issue wasn’t Hawaii, or even work, it was how tightly I hold onto everything and when I hold on and try to control everything in my life, I can’t relax or be free.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18.  Here at Wesley our theme for Lent 2026 is “A Season of Freedom.”  When people hear “freedom,” we might think of independence, like no limits, no obligations, no one telling us what to do. But for Christians, freedom is something deeper. It’s the freedom that comes when let go of what we are trying to control and trust Christ to provide for us.

This Lent, we are going to name some of the things that quietly bind us. We’ll explore freedom from hurry, freedom from self-criticism, freedom from comparison, freedom from approval-seeking, and the freedom to feel joy. The goal isn’t self-improvement. The goal is spiritual liberation: making room for grace, healing, new life = freedom!
Our scriptural grounding for this Lent will Galatians 5:1: “For freedom Christ has set us free”. This verse isn’t a slogan; it’s a promise.  
I want to warmly invite you to come to Wesley during Lent, whether you’ve been here for years, or you’re brand new, or you’ve been away for a while and you’re thinking about returning. Come worship. Come breathe. Come sing and pray with us. Come let the word of God meet you exactly where you are.  Come and experience FREEDOM!

I have a hunch that if you show up and open your heart, you will grow spiritually. Not because the sermons will be perfect, but because God is faithful. God will use this season to do some deep work in you. God will meet you in truth. God meet you in community.  God will set you free!

I am looking forward to walking on this journey called Lent with you!

Peace of Christ,
Pastor John

Lighting the 4th Candle of Advent, the candle of love, were the Tanoue family, Dr. Nathan and  and Kara and their two children. "Love makes us whole. Love restores what is weary. Love is Christ among us,"

"We light this candle of love, giving thanks that God's love renews us--inside and out."

Our congregation was graced by a beautiful solo presented by Jazhara Jones.

Andrea and Kim Smith-Landucci lit the third Candle of Advent, the candle of Joy.  "Joy rises when we stop striving for worthiness and receive grace as a gift. We light the candle of joy, trusting Christ's gentle way will renew our strength and lighten our load."

Our own Mark Teagle received a recommendation from the District Committee on Ordained Ministry to move on to Commissioning as a Deacon. The Conference Board of Ordained Ministry will vote on that recommendation at their Spring Meeting. Mark will spend two years at the Conference level before being ordained as a Deacon. Congratulations to Mark!

The Wesley Ukulele Band held their Christmas Party at 4th St. Bowl on Dec. 14, and it was a blast. Cheryl Koshiro and Tina Urata danced.

Cheryl along with Smiley Kai, Natalie Urata and Toki Pagolotous won one of the games and will enjoy the Santa table decoration.

All who attended had a wonderful fun-filled and festive time.