In Community:
September 2016 Newsletter
The Key Ingredient
By Pastor Craig
This summer we have enjoyed a bumper crop of tomatoes on the four plants in our back yard. And lots of tomatoes mean BLTs for dinner from time to time. As I was enjoying one recently, I began to wonder why we call them BLTs and not TBLs or LTBs? I suppose the obvious answer is alphabetical order. Except PBJ didn’t follow those guidelines. But the more I thought about it, I’m convinced that it’s based on important ingredient order (no offense, tomatoes). The best thing about a BLT is the bacon. Even without the lettuce or tomato you could have a pretty good sandwich.
Back to the fruit of the Spirit discussion that we started last month, I think many people would say that favorable experiences are the key ingredient to a joy-filled life. In other words, if things aren’t going well, we can’t expect to experience joy. If that’s the case, then the command in the Bible to “rejoice always” is unrealistic; the second fruit of the Spirit is only seasonally available. But if we look at God’s word closely, we will see that joy, like the rest of the fruit listed in Galatians 5, is available in season and out.
In Luke 10, we read of Jesus sending out 72 of His followers on a mission of preparation into the towns and villages Jesus was planning to visit – to teach, heal and cast out evil spirits. Things went well for the advance teams and they returned to Jesus rejoicing in the success they experienced. Jesus responds to them, though, by saying that they shouldn’t rejoice at their success, but instead, they should “rejoice that their names are written in the Book of Life.”
That means that if we’ve been born again, regardless of what our circumstances are like, our eternal destiny is secure and we can rejoice. This is one thing that sets a believer in Christ apart from the rest of the world – we have the capacity for joy in any and every situation. As we head toward harvest season, may our lives be brimming with the fruit of joy. And may that joy remain ripe and delicious all year long.
Rally Sunday (Sunday School Introduction) Video by Jim Lee & Daniel Mayeda
Children’s Sunday School
By Mike and Carrie Ishimitsu
As I prepared to write this article, I decided to get my own kids’ thoughts about Sunday School. This is what my 9-year old son Ryan had to say about the 1st – 3rd grade class:
“Sunday School is a fun way to learn scripture, and the more I know the better. We get to play games to help us learn the lesson, and we play games to learn the memory verse. It’s a lot of fun. The teachers are good at telling stories, good at explaining things, and good at answering my questions. The skits are good too. We learn about people that God changed, and it gives me hope that He will do the same in my life. It encourages me to pray for others who don’t believe.”
I’m sure that he is not alone and that many others also share the same opinion. The kids have the opportunity to dig into God’s Word through the D6 curriculum (d6family.com/d6curriculum) which alternates between a month in the Old Testament, a month in the New Testament, and a month in Special Topics. They have fun doing it, and their lives are changed.
Naomi is stepping down after teaching the 1st – 3rd graders for the last couple of years. Thanks, Naomi, for the enthusiasm and fun teaching you brought to our Sunday School! Thanks also to our summer teachers Jim and Yae Lee, Iris Sandbeck, and Todd Brouwer.
This year, we are blessed to have on our teaching staff:
Paul Mayeda and Lynne Otsu (4th – 5th grade/CE 1st floor)
Ken Kumasaka (1st – 3rd grade/CE basement)
Alisa Williamson and Rieko Kato (Pre-K – K/CE 2nd floor)
Mo Fain and Brenda Uechi (Toddlers/CE 1st floor)
Patty Mayeda, Antoinette Nicholas, and Linda Yutuc (Nursery/2nd floor main building)
Wake up early and come join us at 9:30 for Sunday School!
Middle School Sunday School
By JerJou and Stephanie Cheng
On Sunday mornings during the 2015 – 2016 school year, Pastor Mike has been leading us through What’s Up?: Discovering the Gospel, Jesus, and Who You REALLY Are. Our class has discussed various topics like what it means to be a child of God, what true repentance looks like, and the challenges of forgiving others. Over the summer, Matt Fukuda, Sho Kato, and Hanna Kumasaka came to help teach on topics/questions that the middle schoolers chose at the beginning of the summer. Our middle schoolers asked some great questions including, “Why do bad things happen to good people?”, “How do we know the Bible is true?”, and “How do we hear from God?”This year, we also had three super fun WASABI events – a Star Wars Movie Night at Chez Kurtz, Smash Bros Game Night at Casa de Chengs and a glorious WASABI cooking competition in our very own FBC kitchen! We’re looking forward to another year of learning, praying, and playing together.
High School Sunday School
By Kenji Kumai
We are excited to start our 2016-17 High School Sunday School class. First of all, we want to thank our teachers: Chris Jo, Vernon and Melissa Yutuc and Kenji and Jeanne Kumai for being part of the teaching team again this year. We will miss our seniors: Kaleo Chan, Meghan Tsuji, Rachel Kumai, Josh Nguyen and Kyle Sasaki. But we are happy to have Maddie Louie who has moved up to High School as well as Andrew and Nathan Sasaki who will join our class this year.
We see the ROCK High School Youth group and the Sunday School class as one ministry with the same group of students. Our goal and vision is to meet monthly for our ROCK events so our students have an opportunity to get together, fellowship and develop relationships with each other through activities. And to get together weekly to study the word of God, share and pray for each other in our Sunday School class. So the ROCK leaders also attend Sunday School for consistency, to build relationships with the students and to stay involved in their lives. God blessed our 2015-16 year and we are excited about this coming new year.
College Sunday School
By John Tsuji
The college/young career Sunday School class is entering its 5th year, so we have been blessed to see some of the OG (original group) graduate from college. It is a diverse group from several local colleges and several different home states. Last year we faced the good problem of out-growing our classroom. Thank you to the adult class for being willing to switch with us, and thank you to the church for the portable dividers which allow us to create a more intimate space within the fellowship hall. This year, the teachers will continue to be Mike Hansen, Brian Watanabe, and John Tsuji. Lisa Tsuji will continue in the role of community development within the group. A big part of the ministry continues to be transportation. Each Sunday, we offer rides from SU, SPU, and various locations around the UW. We are very thankful for the faithful servants who help out in this way. We’ve needed as many as 10 drivers, so please let us know if you’d like to join this important ministry. The typical class involves introductions (if there are new people), a time of prayer, sometimes a game, a lesson, and usually small group discussion. Occasionally we even enjoy breakfast together. Lisa heads up the food ministry, which also includes dinner at the monthly fellowship meetings/activities. For many, that is one of their favorite parts of the ministry. Last year, we learned about Experiencing God, various discipleship topics, and 2 Peter. For this year, we are still deciding on the curriculum, but one thing we do know is that we look forward to what the Lord has in store for this group. If you know of any college/young careers that might want to join us, please let us know (jltsuji@frontier.com). Thanks!
John, for Mike, Brian, & Lisa
Sunday School Adult Class
By Dave Bauson
Firstly, we’d like to thank Peter Lorenz for conducting his class on the book of Jeremiah. Studying the Bible with him and the rest of the class has been a real faith-builder. Please be in prayer for the Lorenzes as they spend the next two years in Germany, where Peter will be working on his doctoral degree in New Testament Studies.
I have been taking a break from teaching over the summer, and am ready to get started again! Come September 9 our adult Sunday School class will resume the Gospel of John. We’ll start off with a quick review of the first few chapters of the book, and then we’ll pick up where we left off, at the start of Chapter Six. We’ll study the great miracle of the feeding of the 5,000, followed by Jesus’ own explanation of the meaning of His being the Bread of Life. Sandwiched between His demonstration of His power of creation is a demonstration of His power over creation. Why did John write about these events this way? How does Jesus’ discussion with His followers lead to some of them leaving — and Peter’s statement “To whom shall we go? … You are the Holy One of God”?
Each Sunday we work together to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and what that means for our daily lives. John’s Gospel begins with how the Son of God created the universe and then entered into it to save us. And it ends with how we can be assured of Life in His name. We strive to make each lesson a stand-alone study, with discussion of how the passage applies to our lives. How else can we find abundant life, than to know Him and follow after His purposes for us? Please come!
The Passing of a Torch (Children’s Worship)
By Megan Hamasaki
Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6)
As someone who practically grew up at FBC, I have to say that some of my best memories have come from my time in Children’s Worship. I still remember the giddy excitement of preparing for one of the Christmas musicals, the joy of walking into the basement and finding out it was Movie Sunday, the savory crunch of cheeseballs at snack time, the marker stains along my fingers from my furious “speed coloring,” and (especially, importantly) the poignant sting of a Bible lesson hitting home. There is not a doubt in my mind that my years in Children’s Worship have continued to impact my life even nearly a decade later, shaping my walk with God in both big and small ways. In fact, it’s these experiences and memories that now help make my time as a helper all the more meaningful to me. To be given the opportunity to train and encourage a new generation of kids to love God, understand how much He loves them, and then express that love in a world that is increasingly fueled by hate really does feel like a torch has been passed to me. I only pray God will give me the ability to show all the patience and love I was shown.
All that being said, however, I can’t let any article on Children’s Worship be finished without sending out a huge THANK YOU! to all of the incredible teachers and helpers that have so generously devoted their time and energy to instructing these wonderful groups of kids this past year. I’ve probably helped out at least once in every one of these classes and the care in the room is absolutely palpable. Jim and Yae Lee, Josh and Linda Takano, Raj and Annika Velji, and Carol and Mike Hansen have been serving as leads with the Toddlers. Alane and Watson Louie, Melissa Nakamura, Susan Omoto, Yasuko Aoyagi, Jennifer Tsuji, and Kathy and Aron Nishimura have been serving as leads with the Pre-K and Kindergarteners. Chris Jo and, of course, my own parents, Dawn and Bill Hamasaki have been leading Primary church. And, lastly, Tiana Cheung and Sue and Steve Machida have been leading Junior church. This really isn’t an adequate display of the gratitude you all deserve, but do know, from a Children’s Worship graduate, that you are making a huge difference in these kids’ lives and are so, so appreciated. From the bottom of my heart and on behalf of the entirety of FBC, thank you “torch bearers” for all that you do and all that you sacrifice.
Sacred Road Summer Mission Trip 2016
By Alisa Williamson
All it took was a couple hours on the road. Roughly 170 miles and we were in White Swan. For many of us it was like picking up where we left off. Maybe it somehow hadn’t been that long despite the year or number of years which had passed. The sun was still hot and the air was still dry. Yet as we drove up to the church the passage of time was evident with the addition of new teepees, buses, and a house in the works. Perhaps, an indication or promise of other changes.
Church on Sunday was our first chance to see familiar and new faces. There were the awkward moments of introducing yourself to someone who seemed familiar only to quickly find out why! Smiles and hugs were abundant with excitement high in anticipation of the week ahead to meet and reconnect.
For worksite, our group worked on the onsite house for the Children’s ministry coordinator, Joshua, and the home of Vaughn and Eagle, two boys from the youth group. At the boys’ home, as we scrapped endlessly chipping old paint in preparation of painting alongside the youth while avoiding the less pleased wasp residents, news quickly spread that the house would not only be painted blue and green, but SEAHAWKS blue and green! Throughout the week, the painting and work on the roof continued with singing, laughter, and much prayer.
The highlight of every trip continues to be Kids Club. It’s always a special moment when you find a little buddy or rather your little buddy finds you. Then it’s off to make the rounds with piggy back rides, games of jump rope, piggyback rides, side walk chalk, piggy back rides, turns on the swing, piggyback rides, sprinklers, and more piggyback rides! Story and snack time is only made sweeter when a little buddy either plops himself or herself decidedly beside you or on your lap!
The hours exponentially sped by and all too soon the conclusion was upon us. The week that once seemed so long on Sunday was over. An indication and reflection of the fun had and the relationships built. The last days were filled with bittersweet exchanges of “See you later” between volunteers, children, youth, interns and staff. An intentional and hopeful promise to return next year and once again pick up where we left off.
Beacon Hill Summer Program
By Javier Roman
From July 12 to August 19, Beacon Hill International School in conjunction with the YMCA Power Academy Schools sponsored the Summer Program for 50 students between 2nd grade and 4th grade. As the Summer School Principal, I coordinated both academic and summer enrichment activities with a dedicated staff of three teachers, six instructional assistants and countless parent volunteers to make this summer for the students at BHIS memorable! In addition through the coordination of community partnership with Faith Bible Church and other volunteer organizations, students were able to excel both academically and have an exciting summer. On behalf of all the parents, students and volunteers working this summer from July 12 to August 19, we are so grateful for the partnership, dedication and “heart of mission” of Faith Bible Church in reaching out to the families of Beacon Hill International School!
The YMCA Power Academy School at BHIS provides both academic and enrichment activities for children that are in the most challenging socio-economic areas of an urban area to improve both academic and social enrichment. Students receive free breakfast and lunch, receive academic instruction from 9:00 to 12:00 am, Monday through Thursday, and participate in engaging field trips every Friday, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. YMCA Power Academy School ‘s mission is to improve reading, literacy and math scores at least 1 grade level, and improve social and learning capacity for students for the upcoming school year. Through the exceptional instruction of teachers, students in our program increased on the average one grade level in all areas! It was so exciting to see students encouraged and develop confidence in their academic studies and experience a summer filled with enrichment field trips that reinforced their learning.
Through the community partnership of Faith Bible Church during our summer program, over 50 students, teachers and volunteers were able to take part in a field trip to the Pacific Science Center! In addition, we were able to provide an end of school luncheon for all the students, parents, teachers and all staff during the summer program at Beacon Hill International School. Through your “spirit of mission” and compassion to the families of BHIS, Faith Bible Church was able to plant the seeds of encouragement in the hearts of these young students and the loving Grace of God! Thank you so much! All honor and praise belongs to Christ Almighty!
Mission Report
By Kara Peck
Hello! My name is Kara and I’m a student at the University of Washington. This past summer, I participated in the Tacoma Urban Program (TUP) through Intervarsity, where we partnered with local nonprofits and experienced what it looks like to love those on the margins of society.
During my time at TUP, I lived and worked at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, an Emergency Shelter for women and families. I learned the importance of kinship, and of being WITH people as well as being FOR them. With this mindset, friendships bloomed, and many of the assumptions I had had about the homeless and addicts were struck down. As I got to know many of the clients at the shelter and they became comfortable enough to share their stories with me, I began to realize that many had become homeless not because of bad decisions, but because of barriers that disregarded their character or any amount of work they would put in! Precious and Brian, a couple with two kids, had lost their home because of a new landlord who refused to allow them to pay rent month to month like they were used to. Monica, a black single mother with two young kids, had lost her home after misunderstandings with her landlord and assumptions made about her, partly due to her race. My time here taught me what humility looks like, and what it means to love God and love others as family.
My view of the Gospel was expanded throughout these 6 weeks, as I saw the ways that God was transforming people on the margins and how He asks us to be there too. As part of His Kingdom, part of our mission is to feed the hungry, give the thirsty something to drink, welcome the stranger, clothe the naked, look after the sick, and visit the prisoner, as the King says to us, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Matt 25) As I learned more about the Gospel and the hope that it is for the brokenness of the world, Jesus was also teaching me about myself. I realized that I can’t believe that Jesus is hope for the brokenness of this world unless I believe that Jesus is hope for my own brokenness. If I’m trying to pursue justice without Jesus, I’m probably feeding my own ego and placing my identity in the work that I do rather than the Creator Himself.
At the end of TUP, I made several commitments:
- participate in fighting systems of injustice with the marginalized
- tithing and eliminating unnecessary luxuries
- taking a weekly Sabbath
- giving 2 years of my life within 5 years of graduation to directly live or work with marginalized people
As a recently declared Public Health major, I hope to partner with local nonprofits after graduation in order to advocate for justice across all populations, especially with those who are unheard and on the margins of society. “To whom much is given, much will be required.” (Luke 12:48) My goal as I go forth is to steward the voice and resources (i.e. time, money, etc) that God has gifted me to serve His Kingdom and affirm the image of God in those in which it has been scorned. Thank you for partnering with me and joining me as we serve God and as He answers our prayer “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
FBC Fall Conference
SAVE THE DATE: The Fall Conference is coming… Saturday, October 8 – Sunday, October 9. This year, the FBC family will gather at Black Diamond Camp (formerly Camp Berachah) in Auburn, Washington. There will be separate sessions in English, Japanese and for the youth all focused on this year’s theme of becoming a Missional Church. (English: Pastor Lane Sanford, Japanese: Pastor Roger Olson, Youth: Craig Inouye)
The Fall Conference is about bringing the church closer to God and each other, so we’re excited to have a new venue (Black Diamond Camps) and format (Saturday-Sunday only) that makes it easier for more people to come and stay for the duration of the conference. We’re also excited by all that our new venue has to offer including private bathrooms in every room (except for youth lodging) and tons of activities, including an indoor pool, indoor volleyball, horse shoes, bonfires, a zipline and more.
Early bird registration will run from Sunday, September 4th through Sunday, September 25th. Early birds will save up to 10%.
Special Request: We are still looking for lots of volunteers to help with registration, set up, clean up, coffee/snack duty and more. Whether you want to dive in and be part of the core team putting on the conference or just lend a hand during the conference, we need you. Please reach out to Raj Velji for more detail (raj.velji@gmail.com).
See you there!
