Sacramento Japanese United Methodist Church, The Garden Church
Loving God – Serving Others – Transforming Lives
Health and Wellness News, 8/27/21
The “new normal” has arrived! As we return to in-person facilities usage of SJUMC, the Health and Wellness Committee met and developed the following protocols and guidelines, to be in effect until further notice, Watch for updates. It is imperative that we continue to ensure the health and wellness of all members and facility users to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and avoid a resurgence of the virus. As such, we will only return to rental and usage of facilities by church members and previous known users and renters.
The State of California and the County of Sacramento requirements are considered in our decisions.
For the full article with guidelines, click here.
Flu Shots Available at SJUMC || Sunday, October 24, 11:30am-12:30pm
Flu season is upon us. This year, we will be offering flu shots at church on Sunday, October 24, 2021 from 11:30am to 12:30pm. Please bring your insurance card. Unfortunately, we can’t take those who have Kaiser insurance. So, don’t let the flu get you down. Stay healthy and get your vaccination. This is for 6 years old and above. The flu shots are provided by our church member, and pharmacist, Gene Lem. If you have any questions, please call the office. No registration is required.
Stewardship 2022: Gratitude Campaign
Online Pledge Card: Click Here
Grateful Heart Video recording instructions: Click Here
Stewardship Children’s Video recording instructions: Click Here
What does this GRATITUDE CAMPAIGN mean? The Stewardship Committee decided to shift the perspective of our annual stewardship campaign to better reflect what the campaign is truly about – gratitude. While remaining faithful stewards of God’s gifts to us, in gratitude, we fully acknowledge that everything we are and everything we have is a gift from the hands of a kind and generous God. Therefore, in gratitude, we give back to God what is God’s, to do God’s work on earth.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” -Ephesians 2:10
We serve a miraculous God! God already knows what we are each created to do, even if we don’t yet know. The recent celebration of life for our beloved member, Belle Ito, was a beautiful example of what one faithful and devoted servant of Christ could accomplish. Belle’s was a quiet and consistent path, yet she touched so many people as she, in the words of Rev. Debra Brady, “continued to transform her heart all her life”. Belle shared her love through encouragement, patience and prayers. As expressed by Rev. Motoe, Belle’s prayers continue to live in all of us. What a blessing! Belle shared her many gifts with her church family by teaching, volunteering, pledging and recruiting volunteers for service. She said “yes” to God! (and no one could say no to Belle!) There are many lessons to learn from Belle’s life. Most importantly, she reminds us to give gratefully and freely of the gifts God has bestowed upon us no matter how small they may seem. Many of us have been the recipient of a wonderful card or call from Belle over the years. Did it not inspire you to express appreciation or encourage someone in return? That was the Belle “bump” (first bump)! Belle knew that gratitude leads to generosity. A grateful heart is a generous heart. We praise God for the life of dear Belle!
Inspire us, Dear Lord, with the examples of your son, Jesus Christ, and the saints who came before us to freely give of the gifts bestowed upon us with a thankful heart and generous spirit. AMEN.
Please fill out the Gratitude card (Online form (preferred) here or paper copy HERE) and return to the office by Friday, October 22, 2021 for its blessing during the Sunday, October 24, 2021 worship service. Thank you for your 2022 pledge!
–Blessings from the Stewardship Committee
Oct. 16, Sat, 11am, A Trip to the Pumpkin Patch (Family Ministry)
Hello SJUMC Families! Please join us for a trip to Dave’s Pumpkin Patch (located at 3010 Burrows Ave, West Sacramento) on Saturday, October 16 at 11 am. To come and enjoy food, donuts, or pick pumpkins from the patch, no admittance ticket is required. If you want to jump on the pillow, ride the hay maze or get lost in the corn maze and all other activities in the Cornival, you will have to purchase a wristband/ticket. Please RSVP to Momoko at momoko@sacjumc.com
For more info and for ticket prices, head over to their website (HERE!).
Fall 2021 Worship Series: “I’ve been meaning to ask…”
Over the next few weeks in worship at SJUMC, we will be exploring the series “I’ve been meaning to ask…”. Through this series, we hope to provide a trajectory for going deeper. As you can see, each sub-theme’s questions aren’t surface level; they invite us to share our pain and seek ways to care for one another. We pray that through vulnerability and authenticity these conversations lead us to glimpse hope, joy, and beauty. Please join us in worship for this series.
Sept. 19th – Where are you from?
Sept. 26th – Where does it hurt?
Oct. 3rd – What do you need?
Oct. 10th – Where do we go from here?
Want to join a small group this Fall?
Have you ever wondered what it means to be a “follower” of Jesus?
Our vision is “Loving God, Serving Others, Transforming Lives” but have you wondered what more you could do to love God? The early followers of Jesus spent time gathering together to draw close to God and learn more about God’s plan for their lives. This fall at SJUMC, we invite you to take another step of faith beyond attending worship and try out a small group. Please review the list below and contact the coordinator if you wish to sign up or have questions. Make a commitment to God to grow in faith and encourage a friend to join you. All of our groups are confidential and each group member is asked to abide by a small group covenant in order to create a safe place for everyone to share.
Small Group study for the Older Adult Ministry
Date and Time: To be determined
In person or Zoom: To be determined
Name of book: Finishing Well
$8.00 can be purchased from Arlene Hagiya
Contact persons:
Arlene Hagiya: hagiya@sbcglobal.net or 916-942-9683
Gloria Imagire: imaglo@att.net or 916-955-6563
Description: This Bible Study Series will help you to chart the course of aging well. You will interact with a thoughtful process of how you can maximize the years you have left. These studies will allow you to explore new ways God may want you to live your life. You have much to offer others, especially younger people. So now is the time to start the adventure of aging well!
Caring for One Another Group
2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, 6:00 -7:00 p.m.
In person or Zoom: Meets on Zoom
Material: Mindy will email a weekly devotional each Wednesday.
Contact persons:
Mindy Takechi: hpyhrts4@gmail.com
Mary Nakamura: marynakamura@frontiernet.net
Description: An intentional gathering, meeting regularly, for the purpose of drawing near to God, as we care for and support one another in our daily walk with Christ. This group is focused on prayer, encouragement, and growing in faith.
Spirit Within Small Group
1st Thursday of the month, 7:00-8:00 p.m.
In person or Zoom: Meets on Zoom
Material: Mindy will email a weekly devotional each Wednesday.
Contact person: Mindy Takechi (hpyhrts4@gmail.com)
Description: For women and men (approximate age 50-70 year old) with the purpose of checking in with each other, drawing near to God, and supporting one another in a community of faith.
Christians and Racial Justice –Sojourner Small Group
Every other Sunday from 1 – 2 pm (10/3, 10/17, 10/31, 11/14)
In person or Zoom: Meets on Zoom
Material available for free download here: https://www.cnumc.org/files/tables/content/14286778/fields/files/54722e11c2c84ae8926c2882f2d8632c/dg_racialjustice+copy.pdf
Contact person: Mary Nakamura (marynakamura@frontiernet.net)
Description: This series is designed to spark discussion and thought about how to live out God’s call for justice in our world. This guide includes four sessions, each with Sojourners articles, questions for discussion, and ideas for further study. Please read the materials prior to each session and come with an open heart and mind to listen to the Holy Spirit and to one another. No prior knowledge of racial justice is required.
