Baby Dedications on Sunday, May 19 2 WANTED: Stories & Pictures for our 100th Anniversary 3 Profile of Naoto Funada by Kathy Aiso 4 Family News New Members Our Mission Field 5 FYI: Events Calendar 6 June KidZone Events 6 Round Up Your Kids for SonWest Roundup VBS & Volunteers NEEDED! 7 June Work Day at GVBC 3 Inside this issue: GVBC PURPOSE STATEMENT At GVBC, we seek to glorify God by: ~ reaching the world for Christ ~uniting as His family ~worshiping Him with our lives ~growing in Christ-like character ~and serving others in love. GVBC MISSION STATEMENT Helping people discover Jesus and become His fully devoted followers. June 5, 2013 Issue 11 SPIRIT Gardena Valley Baptist Church Dear Family: “Shout for joy to God, all the earth!” – Psalm 66:1 “Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the God of Jacob.” - Psalm 81:1 “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” – Psalm 95:1 Have we forgotten how to sing? Each week as I sit waiting to open up God’s Word and bring the message, I get a sense of how it will be received based on how we are singing the hymns and praise songs. How we sing reveals the condition of each of our hearts. As I listen, sometimes we are just sitting and not singing to God because we are focused on other things affecting us like relationships, loss of a job, a physical condition – so many things. Or, as we try to sing to God, we have issues with Him. We could be angry with Him, feel far from Him or be afraid of Him because of something we have done, so there is distance in our hearts and distance in our voices. Sometimes we don’t sing because we only have one note to sing. We are afraid of what others think and are self-conscious about our voices. I know sometimes we don’t sing because the song is new to us or the words don’t get projected in time or the words are wrong. But we could still hum the tune! Music and singing have always been a part of human worship of God. When we sing, we move to a place of expressing our love, hope and commitment to God that goes past ourselves into His presence. Sometimes I forget where I am, who I am with, and am so focused on God that I experience Him in such a real way that it’s not just my voice but my heart that is singing. Our worship service is not a place of entertainment but a place of celebration, praise and worship. Our singing opens ourselves to God and lets Him know how much we love Him. Sing it! The next time you come to worship the Lord ask yourself, “Who am I singing to and what am I singing for?” Try singing to the Lord with all your heart and with all your might as an expression of your love to Him. Body, reason, emotion, physical sense and desire come alongside one another when we sing – each enlisted together in praise of God. As we sing, we become a harmony. All the rest will fade away and only your pure worship will be seen Make a joyful noise unto the Lord! His child, Pastor Steve NOTE Did you know our sermons are online where you can listen to them? If you miss one, go to www.gvbc.net then click on “Sundays.” A big graphic will pop up. Just click on the graphic. Then, you can browse the list of sermons for the entire year. There is also an archive list, too. The most recent sermon is usually uploaded by the following week.
Transcript
Baby Dedications on Sunday, May 19
� 2
WANTED: Stories & Pictures for our 100th Anniversary
� 3
Profile of Naoto Funada by Kathy Aiso
� 4
Family News New Members
Our Mission Field
� 5
FYI: Events Calendar
� 6
June KidZone Events
� 6
Round Up Your Kids for SonWest Roundup VBS &
Volunteers NEEDED!
� 7
June Work Day at GVBC
� 3
Inside this issue:
GVBC PURPOSE
STATEMENT
At GVBC, we seek to glorify God by: ~ reaching the world for Christ ~uniting as His family ~worshiping Him with our lives ~growing in Christ-like character ~and serving others in love.
GVBC MISSION
STATEMENT Helping people discover Jesus and become His fully devoted followers.
June 5, 2013
Issue 11
SPIRIT
Gardena Valley Baptist Church
Dear Family:
“Shout for joy to God, all the earth!” – Psalm 66:1 “Sing aloud unto God our strength: make a joyful noise unto the
God of Jacob.” - Psalm 81:1 “O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise
to the rock of our salvation.” – Psalm 95:1
Have we forgotten how to sing? Each week as I sit waiting to open up God’s Word and bring the message, I get a sense of how it will be received based on how we are singing the hymns and praise songs. How we sing reveals the condition of each of our hearts.
As I listen, sometimes we are just sitting and not singing to God because we are focused on other things affecting us like relationships, loss of a job, a physical condition – so many things. Or, as we try to sing to God, we have issues with Him. We could be angry with Him, feel far from Him or be afraid of Him because of something we have done, so there is distance in our hearts and distance in our voices.
Sometimes we don’t sing because we only have one note to sing. We are afraid of what others think and are self-conscious about our voices. I know sometimes we don’t sing because the song is new to us or the words don’t get projected in time or the words are wrong. But we could still hum the tune!
Music and singing have always been a part of human worship of God. When we sing, we move to a place of expressing our love, hope and commitment to God that goes past ourselves into His presence. Sometimes I forget where I am, who I am with, and am so focused on God that I experience Him in such a real way that it’s not just my voice but my heart that is singing.
Our worship service is not a place of entertainment but a place of celebration, praise and worship. Our singing opens ourselves to God and lets Him know how much we love Him. Sing it!
The next time you come to worship the Lord ask yourself, “Who am I singing to and what am I singing for?” Try singing to the Lord with all your heart and with all your might as an expression of your love to Him. Body, reason, emotion, physical sense and desire come alongside one another when we sing – each enlisted together in praise of God. As we sing, we become a harmony. All the rest will fade away and only your pure worship will be seen
Make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
His child, Pastor Steve
NOTE Did you know our sermons are online where you can listen to them? If you miss one, go to www.gvbc.net then click on “Sundays.” A big graphic will pop up. Just click on the graphic. Then, you can browse the list of sermons for the entire year. There is also an archive list, too. The most recent sermon is usually uploaded by the following week.
Issue 4 Page 2
BABY DEDICATIONS
Madeline Joy Rasmussen (pictured sitting on Daddy’s lap) was born August 25, 2011. Four-year-old big sister is Anne Lynae. Madeline & Lynai’s proud parents are Jon & Cristen Rasmussen.
Sebastian Elio Tim Tim was born on January 21, 2012. Sebastian’s proud parents are Andre & Tracy Tim Tim.
Taisei Elijah and Marisa Grace Amano. Taisei was born on January 18, 2009 and Marisa was born on September 19, 2011. Proud parents are Kiyohiko & Yoko Amano.
On Sunday, May 19 the following children were dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ. Congratulations to all of these families.
Page 3 Issue 11
WANTED: GVBC STORIES & PICTURES FOR OUR
100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
I have been asked by our church Board to research and write a history of GVBC for the 100th Anniversary.
I have thus far interviewed and recorded 21 current or former members of GVBC. Several people have declined to be interviewed, but this is not the only way to contribute to the church history.
If you have stories, testimonies, autobiographies, etc., about GVBC and you are willing to share them, please forward them via email to [email protected]. You can also drop them in the 100th Anniversary mailbox in the church office.
Thank you and God bless, Adam Marshall
We are looking for any “old time” photos of GVBC for our 100th Anniversary. Also, if you were married at GVBC, we’d like to have a copy of your wedding photo. You can bring these pictures by the church, we’ll scan them, then return them to you. Or, you can email copies to us at: [email protected] [Subject: 100th Photo].
June Work Day at GVBC
The first Saturdays of the month, we have Work Days to help keep our church in good shape. June 1 accomplishments:
⇒ Fixed the outdoor security cameras ⇒ Sprayed for ants ⇒ Painted the courtyard rail that was re-welded ⇒ Scraped and painted courtyard metal surfaces
⇒ Cleaned the cloth chairs ⇒ Worked on community hall doors ⇒ Re-glued laminate on 2 doors in room 113 ⇒ Hung pictures in the office ⇒ Clean and polished sanctuary pews, piano, and narthex counter ⇒ Weeded
Thanks to everyone who gave up their Saturday morning to help, especially the families, the Tuesday night basketball team, and a crew from Nichigo. The next Work Day is July 6, starting at 8 AM. Everyone is invited, no experience necessary. A delicious snack and lunch is always provided, and it’s a great time of fellowship, too!
Page 4 Issue 11
G od worked everything
in Naoto Funada’s life for his good. “Even though I hated growing up in a Christian home and went astray in high school, God worked everything for my good,” he affirmed.
Expected to attend churchExpected to attend churchExpected to attend churchExpected to attend church
Naoto was born and raised in Japan and lived there until 2004. His dad ministered as a pastor at a local church from the time Naoto was one until he turned 11 years old. The eldest of three, Naoto was expected to attend church with his family. An exception to this rule was established as he grew older. Naoto’s mother made a deal with him — he
could stay home on Sundays if he studied hard to get into a good high school (the Japanese high school system is based on an entrance exam). Naoto was happy to accept this agreement to get out of going to church.
Neon hair, gambling, and signs of rebellionNeon hair, gambling, and signs of rebellionNeon hair, gambling, and signs of rebellionNeon hair, gambling, and signs of rebellion
Naoto stayed home on Sundays, studying. Once he was accepted into one of the better high schools in the area, Konan High School in Hiratsuka, Japan, he began rebelling. “After all,” Naoto reasoned, “I kept my promise to my mother.” He began hanging around with the wrong crowd. He stopped studying and got into mahjong, a popular form of gambling in Japan. Dying his hair different neon shades — blonde, red, green, and blue — and wearing offbeat clothes was an outward sign to the world of his rebellion. “Although I was enjoying life at that moment,” he shared, “I knew deep inside I had to come back to God someday.”
God found His lost sheepGod found His lost sheepGod found His lost sheepGod found His lost sheep
God had a plan to bring Naoto back. Although he planned to study abroad in the U.S. after high school, God had a different idea. Due to an administrative processing error in his college application, Naoto was not admitted to his chosen college in Pennsylvania. He then considered and eventually accepted his dad’s suggestion to volunteer at Yonezawa Kojo Church (YKC) located in Yonezawa City, Yamagata. Being a few hours away from Hiratsuka (his hometown), moving to YKC would allow Naoto to be on his own, away from his family, as well as the bad influence of his friends.
Living and working at YKC, Naoto was totally immersed in a Christian environment. He, with his neon-colored hair and offbeat clothes, noticed how joyful, loving, and accepting the Christians were of him. Their loving and joyful nature was in sharp contrast to the people he had met in the secular world.
A decision totally on his ownA decision totally on his ownA decision totally on his ownA decision totally on his own
From his first day at YKC, Naoto knew he would
eventually accept the Lord. In addition to recording sermons on cassette tapes as a volunteer worker for branch churches,
Naoto became immersed in the Word as he went to church services three or four times a week. Within a month, he decided to finally take the step of faith and accept Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was happy about his decision to accept Christ because it was one made totally on his own, without his family’s influence, and he felt like he had come back to where he needed to be.
Naoto grew in his Christian faithNaoto grew in his Christian faithNaoto grew in his Christian faithNaoto grew in his Christian faith
Naoto continued growing in his Christian faith, living and serving at Sakata Christian Church in Yamagata Prefecture. In addition to making fliers, Naoto contributed his musical talent as a guitarist for worship. Here, too, he felt loved through the many ways the Christians extended themselves to him. From 2001 to 2003, Naoto grew in his faith by leaps and bounds while being nurtured in the Lord at both churches.
Naoto set out for So CalNaoto set out for So CalNaoto set out for So CalNaoto set out for So Cal
In 2004, he set out for Southern California with a hope to learn to speak English fluently and study music. In addition to going to adult school to learn English, he attended and served in the music ministry at different Christian churches in the Southern California area. At the end of the year, Naoto received his calling for ministry. While in prayer at a Japanese Christian retreat in Murrieta, God revealed He wanted Naoto to be a minister.
In April 2011, Naoto started attending the Nichigo service at GVBC, desiring to attend a Japanese-speaking church where he could not only serve, but be taught and nourished by the Word of God in Japanese. At GVBC, he immediately felt welcomed and could see the potential for growth and outreach to the unsaved Japanese-speaking college students and adults in the area. By summer, Naoto chose GVBC as his home church and made an active commitment to serve here. Along with Kenichi Okada, Naoto began serving as a worship leader for the Nichigo Sunday morning services.
Naoto was right about Nichigo’s potential for growth and ministry! “After Pastor Eiji Osato arrived in September 2011,” Naoto confirmed, “the outreach to the unsaved Japanese-speaking community has been great.”
He also shared, among many other things, how Pastor Eiji daily opens his home for morning devotions to the Nichigo young adults. Pastor Eiji also cordially extends himself in friendship to others, including Naoto.
Working toward his goalsWorking toward his goalsWorking toward his goalsWorking toward his goals
Looking toward the future, Naoto plans to work toward
(Continued on page 5)
“He’s Behind Us 100%” PROFILE OF NAOTO FUNADA
BY KATHY AISO
Everything in your life may not seem good, but God uses everything for your good. — Rick Warren, speaking to Christians
Page 5 Issue 11
FAMILY NEWS
Our prayers and condolences to those who have lost loved ones � Our sympathies are with the family of Frances Sekiguchi, who passed away on Saturday, March 9. Although she
was unable to attend GVBC for the past few years, we miss her & her husband, Tad, as they spent many volunteer hours folding bulletins and newsletters for the office.
� To Barbara Sadahiro and family in the passing of her mother, Pauline Itaya, who passed away on Thursday, May 30. The funeral will be held this Saturday, June 8 at the West L.A. Buddhist Temple.
Letters from our church family � The loving, kind thoughts and unexpected blessing was truly a comfort to us in our season of great sorrow as we
grieved the lose of Mrs. Clara Uyema’s son, Earl Uyema. We so appreciated the beautiful floral wreath sent from GVBC on the day of his service. It stood as a reminder of God’s promise, our hope of being united again one day, eternally. Thank you. In Christ’s Love, Mrs. Clara Uyema and family by Gerri Adachi (Clara’s daughter)
� Thank you for your kind words and generosity as we celebrated our Dad’s life [Earl Uyema]. At times like this, the support of loved ones is incredibly comforting. Dad would have appreciated your thoughtfulness. With Love and Gratitude, Jaime Uyema Lock and Ryan Uyema
� Dear Friends: On behalf of the City of Gardena, we would like to extend our sincere thanks for your March and April donations of $1,000 [from our LOVE fund] to our emergency food pantry. Thank you for caring about others in your community. Together we can continue in our mission to try to keep up with the increasing needs of struggling families and individuals in our community during these tough economic times. Sincerely, James Kimmons, Recreation Supervisor, by Susie Santana, Recreation Coordinator
These new members received the Right Hand of Fellowship on Sunday, May 26 during both worship services. Welcome to our GVBC family!
Corey Atkinson Brandon Henderson Ann McClure Tommy Morse Jai Phetsomphou Craig Yorizane
his goal of being a minister. With an AA degree in Music — Concentration and Voice from El Camino College (June 2009), he would like to transfer to a four-year university to get his BA degree. After his BA degree is accomplished, he would like to go to seminary and carry out his goal of becoming a pastor.
God is always on our sideGod is always on our sideGod is always on our sideGod is always on our side
One of Naoto’s favorite Bible verses, Romans 8:28, reminds him that God is always on his side, looking out
(Profile of Naoto Funada Continued from page 4) for his best:
And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
If we love and follow the Lord, God works everything — even our hurt, failures, and shortcomings — together for what He defines as good to us.
“It’s so exciting, joyful, and fun to be a Christian!” Naoto affirms.
OUR MISSION FIELD
Ken & Diane Kudo It was more than 15 years ago when Diane led a capable woman named Mary to the Lord. Since then, Mary has been serving on the mission field in an area which is so dangerous, her true name can't be disclosed. Mary not only reached the lost for Christ on her mission field, but also led a short-term, church-planting ministry in remote areas of Brazil which have few churches. This ministry began over 10 years ago after a 16-day adventure to help plant a church which was 2,000 miles away. God has blessed this ministry which has passed on to
a new generation led by an elder and five helpers. The current ministry has relocated, ministering in a shantytown outside of metropolitan Sao Paulo. "We believe this needy area is receptive to the Gospel and will be coming alongside the local pastor, assisting him in discipling his flock and evangelizing the residents," writes Ken. Ken recently led their first training session with the goal of instilling a missionary vision, focusing their passion for the lost and pouring out the balm of the Holy Spirit. The Kudos rejoice because disciples are being multiplied within this ministry. God is also going full-steam ahead with a new generation of cross-cultural, church-planting missionaries.
Issue 4 Page 6
CONTACT: office (310) 323-5683. EMAIL: [email protected] [put your event in the subject line]. You can also contact event leaders directly. WEBSITE: www.gvbc.net
� GVBC Bilingual Saturday Services
Saturday, June 8, 7:00 — 9:00 p.m. Every second Saturday of the month. Refreshments served in Room 201 after the service. Everyone welcome. Contact Pastor Osato, ext. 676, [email protected].
� Senior High Farewell Friday, June 21 (Seniors move to EPIC College Group)
� Senior High Mission Trip to Long Beach Saturday, June 22 to Friday, June 28. Contact Pastor Daniel Matsuda via the office or [email protected].
� GriefShare Begins Sunday, June 23 to August 25, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room 218. GriefShare is a special weekly seminar and support group for people who are grieving the death of someone close to them. Each session includes a video seminar and group discussion. The videos feature top experts on grief recovery. You will learn valuable information which will help you through this difficult time in your life. It is a place where you can be around people who understand how you feel and the pain of your loss. The purchase of a GriefShare workbook is optional ($15). You are welcome to begin attending at any session; each session is self-contained so you do not have to attend in sequence. You will find encouragement and help whenever you begin. To register, please contact the church office or fill out a GriefShare flyer located in the Narthex and place it in the box on the counter. Facilitators are: Terri Yoshimura and Diane Shinmoto.
� Volunteers Needed for the JCI Carnival Sunday, June 30. Two shifts: 4:00 — 6:30 p.m. or 6:30 — 9:30 p.m. We need volunteers to help staff a food booth at the JCI Carnival. No experience needed. Sign up by filling out the flyer on the Narthex Counter and put it into the black “response box” or turn it into the office. We need 6 people per shift. Please sign up ASAP!
� Ministry Fair at GVBC — COMING SOON The GVBC Ministry Faire will be held after the worship services. Come see all the great ministries offered at GVBC. You will have a chance to talk to the ministry leaders and sign up with a ministry you’re interested in. Our Core Ministries include: Children (Nursery, Preschool, & Elementary), Community, Discipleship, Evangelism, Financial Stewardship, Membership Service, Missions, Neighborhood, Nichigo, Property, Worship (worship teams & choir), and Youth.
UPCOMING EVENTS
• Thursday, July 4th Holiday office closed. • SonWest Roundup VBS Monday, July 15 to Friday, July 19. [See article on page 7].
• VBS Sunday July 21. • Getting to Know Us Luncheon Sunday, July 28
• Youth Summer Camp: middle school & high school, at Alpine Conference Center, August 4 - 9.
• Women’s Breakfast Saturday, August 10, 8:00 a.m., Community Hall.
• Pre-Centennial Golf Tournament (in place of our annual Seminarian Golf Tournament). Amateur golfers ONLY. Monday, August 12, Rio Hondo Golf Club. Check in at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 noon shotgun start. This golf tournament is the kick-off event for our GVBC 100th Anniversary Celebration. All proceeds go to care for the people in the South Bay via GVBC’s food ministry, Gardena Human Services, Center for the Pacific Asian Family, and the City of Gardena’s Senior Day Care Center. Fee includes shared golf cart, putting contest, hole-in-one on Par 3s, Tee gift/range balls, lunch & dinner. Opportunities to play golf, win prizes, be a Tee sponsor. Brochures for registration are on the Narthex information counter.
• Beachcombers Friendship Night Monday, August 19, 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Community Hall (set up Sunday afternoon, August 18).
• Elementary & Middle School Farewells Friday, Aug. 23 (5th graders move up to Middle School and 8th graders move up to Senior High School).
• Promotion Sunday August 25 (everybody except high school seniors).
• M.O.M. (Mexico Outreach Short-term Missions)
♦ October 5, Saturday one-day trip to Tijuana ♦ Dec 20-22 three-day trip to San Telmo We are collecting soap and shampoo samples all year long for the Mexico Missions' trips. Please bring them to the church office and label with “Teresa Matsushima.” Place it behind Jan Magnani’s desk on the table in the office. God bless. [NOTE: a U.S. passport is required. Spanish is helpful, but not required]. Contact Teresa Matsushima:
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Spirit
Issue 12 will be uploaded to the website on Wednesday, June 19. Hard copies will then be available in the Narthex and Community Hall. All articles should be submitted by Sunday, June 16.
Howdy partners. It’s time for Vacation Bible School fun!
What are we doing this year? Our annual VBS will be the western theme of SonWest Roundup where kids discover Jesus as they ride the trail through the Old Testament stories of Moses. Who can go? Children entering Kindergarten in the fall (must be 5 by December 2) through finished 5th grade are eligible to attend. NOTE: The Preschool and Kindergarten classes are CLOSED. Deadline to register: Registration forms along with your money by Sunday, June 30 or until maximum capacity has been reached. SORRY NO REFUNDS. Cost: $15 per child. FREE: VBS SonWest Roundup T-shirts. Where do I register? Register after the worship services in the Courtyard. Look for the VBS table. You can also register online at www.gvbc.net (click on Ministries, then under Children’s VBS click on register online). Or, you can register at the office.
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
There are so many ways you can get involved. Please pick up the signup brochure either in the office or after the worship services at the VBS table in the Courtyard. Place your form in the offering bag or in the VBS box in the Narthex or the registration table in the Courtyard. You can also bring it by the church office.
Here’s where we need help:
� Craft supplies: Mod podge, painter’s (blue) tape, gold glitter, brown yarn, tofu containers, cardboard boxes, Jo Ann’s & Michael’s coupons. Place your items in the collection box in the Narthex. Please provide all donations by June 30. Contact Linda Matsuda at [email protected] or Kathy Sato at [email protected] for more information.
� Decorating supplies: These items will be returned if you are kind enough to let us borrow them. Cowboy boots, cowboy hats or straw cowboy hats, ropes, Western memorabilia, saddles, barrels, one toy cowboy sheriff’s badge, 5 bandannas, 2 squirt guns, 2 toy holsters (youth size or young adult size), one saddlebag. Contact Carol Allen at [email protected].
� Food items for children’s snacks: 10 canisters of instant lemonade, 10 large cartons of strawberries, 10 containers of chocolate frosting, 6 boxes of Rice Krispie treats (60 count), 20 containers of white frosting, 5 watermelons, 10 boxes of chocolate cake mix, 6 boxes of mini Oreos, 4 boxes of frozen waffles (60 count), 10 cans of whipped cream, 2 large containers of cool whip. Contact Marcy Cottrell at [email protected].
� Refreshments for our VBS staff: We like to provide a break area for the staff where they can have a quick refreshment before going back to work with the children. Please provide any kind of finger food you think they might enjoy. To be dropped off in the church kitchen. Contact Marcy Cottrell at [email protected].
� Your time: If you have time to help prepare for or to work at VBS, please pick up a brochure, look over the list on the back, then let us know ASAP. We hope to have 176 children on campus so it is very important that we get our staff in place and organized to insure our ministry to the children will run smooth. Please fill out and return the volunteer form and application ASAP. We will contact you with a confirmation. Please fill out a form even if you have already committed to help. We need a form on file from every volunteer. VOLUNTEER DEADLINE: Sunday, June 30.
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Gardena Valley Baptist Church 1630 W. 158th Street Gardena, CA 90247-3712
