by Sasaki Michio, Kyodan vice-moderator, pastor of Shizuoka Church
At the 39th biennial Kyodan General Assembly in 2014, I was elected vice-moderator. Upon taking this responsibility, I have been asked to express my hopes and aspirations in this article. As I said at the assembly after I was elected: “For someone like me to be elected to this position brings a sense of apprehension, but I accept this responsibility as God’s will and will exercise my duties faithfully. I am well aware of my responsibility to support the moderator, and I will make every effort to do so.”
Having served as vice-moderator for the 36th Kyodan General Assembly period (2008-10), this will be my second term. Four years have passed since my first term, and the situation within the Kyodan has changed. The reality is that I am starting my work as vice-moderator with some sense of perplexity, but I hope to fulfill my responsibilities with the help of Moderator Ishibashi Hideo and other Kyodan officials and staff.
When I was elected to this position four years ago, I was asked to share my hopes and aspirations at that time, too. However, rather than sharing my hopes and aspirations, I wrote the following: “The immediate need of the Kyodan is to determine where it can find unity amidst the deepening confusion and problems within the Kyodan. Unity in our faith, confirming our ordination system, and fruitful service and witness are paths that will lead to the solution of these problems. During this term, finding unity in our faith is the key task facing the Kyodan.”
The theme for our 2014 General Assembly was “Building an Evangelistic Kyodan–Promoting Evangelism Based in a Unified Faith.” Moderator Ishibashi has continued his efforts to promote a “Kyodan that is on fire for evangelism,” and we must now move to the next stage, accompanied by an even deeper commitment and united faith. Of course, this entails unity in our understanding of the sacraments and ordination system as well.
At the opening worship of our Kyodan Assembly, Rev. Kishita Nobuyo, referring to words from Isaiah 40, reminded us that in “Building an Evangelistic Kyodan,” we need a faith that puts its “hope in the Lord.” On that first Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit gave birth to the Church, the news of salvation through God’s great gift of Jesus Christ was preached. Indeed, the power to preach the Gospel and continue the “birthing” of the Church starts with putting our hope in God’s Holy Spirit.
Four years ago I wrote the following. “On one side, the Kyodan is facing the difficult reality of an aging membership and a decline in the number of younger people in our congregations. Every church is facing difficulties as it engages in evangelism and the development of the local church. If this current trend continues, statistics make it clear what the situation will be like in ten years. As we move into the future, there is no solution other than to continue in prayer and evangelistic outreach.”
“At that time, the content of our faith as the Church will no doubt have great meaning and prove to be the power we need. During this term, I hope to gain an awareness of where the members of our churches are in their faith journeys.”
When the Kyodan as a denomination and each individual church affirm a united faith, find joy in their faith, and join together in prayer, we will find unity and growth in our mission. The powerful work of the Holy Spirit will be with us. My belief in this is as strong now as it was four years ago.
Beginning this biennium, we will administer our “Evangelism Fund.” We are also continuing the various relief efforts related to the East Japan Disaster. As our churches recognize the mission the Lord has given the Kyodan, we will join related schools and social agencies and continue to respond to what the Lord is entrusting us to do. Although I lack power as an individual, I will “hope in the Lord.” (Tr. JS)
—From Shinpo (The Kyodan Times), No. 4813
第39回教団総会に於 いて副議長に選任され、その抱負をこの紙面に求められています。
実は四年前にも 教団副議長に選任されての抱負をこの紙面に求められました。
第３９回教団総会に 掲げられた主題は「伝道する教団の建設」－信仰の一致に基づく伝 道の推進－です。石橋議長が進めて来られた「伝道に燃える教団」
教団総会の開会礼 拝で木下宣世牧師はイザヤ書40章の御言葉を挙げながら「
四年前の紙面にこの ように記していました。“教団は一方で高齢化や いわゆる若年層の減少という厳しい現実の波に洗われています。
その時、教会の信仰内 容が最も大きな意味を持ち、また力であることも事実でしょう。
今総会期には「伝道 資金」の運用も始まります。
by Iijima Makoto, executive secretary Kyodan East Japan Disaster Relief Projects
Introduction
【Church & Parsonage Reconstruction】(through domestic contributions)
There were 81 congregations that received funding to repair damage caused by the March 11, 2011 disaster: 43 in Tohoku District, 10 in Ou District, 27 in Kanto District, and one in Tokyo District.
As of Feb. 28, 2015 there are 29 congregations that have received support and an additional four that are scheduled to receive support, for a combined total of 34 churches. Already 446,148,429 yen has been dispersed with another 150 million yen expected to be dispersed. Along with aid, 20 congregations have received loans; loans have also been made to two preschools and one institution. A total of 255,505,500 yen in loans has been made available through the Church Mutual Aid fund, and it is anticipated that four more churches will be receiving loans of 100 million yen each.
1. Emmaus Sendai & Ishinomaki (support from United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR), Evangelical Mission in Solidarity (EMS), Reformed Church in America (RCA), & Kyodan)
【History】In the immediate aftermath of the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Tohoku District created the Emmaus Relief Center. Youth from all over Japan came to the center to volunteer, distributing food and supplies as well as assisting with repairs, rebuilding, and the removal of rubble. In 2013, Emmaus Sendai began work on the restoration of agriculture through planting and harvesting. At the same time, in Ishinomaki, restoration of the fishing industry began through helping with the seeding of oyster beds and the harvest of kelp. So far, there have been a total of 6,669 volunteers.
【2015 Activity Plan】Work will be focused on the needs of the residents in temporary housing. “Ochakko Salon,” a tea-time fellowship ministry, is being used to provide an atmosphere in which these residents can find relaxation and hope through conversation and fellowship.
2.Heartful Kamaishi (support from EMS, UMCOR, mission 21, & Kyodan)
【History】This work began in February 2012, when four Ochakko Salons were opened at four temporary housing complexes in the city of Kamaishi. Currently work is continuing at 14 locations, including 12 temporary housing complexes and one reconstruction housing area. As of Feb. 28, 2015, a total of 9,105 people have participated in these gatherings.
【2015 Activity Plan】Four years have passed since the disaster. The Ochakko Salon now features arts and crafts. Other activities include weeding and picking up fallen leaves around the temporary housing units and visiting individual residences.
3.Little Lambs Camp (support from UMCOR, EMS, RCA, and Kyodan)
【History】The first“Little Lambs Camp” was held at the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA) Yamanaka Lodge in January 2012. The intent was to take children and families who lived within close proximity to the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant away from the radioactivity in their environment. In January 2013, through an invitation from the Presbyterian Church of Taiwan (PCT), we also began having camps in Taiwan. In cooperation with the YMCA, we have had 13 camps in Japan as well as 3 camps in Taiwan.
【2015 Activity Plan】Six camps are planned for 2015. Each camp will have 25 participants, with priority being given to those who have yet to participate.
4.Disaster Relief Concert (support from the Federation of Swiss Churches, RCA, Kyodan, and several individuals.)
【History】In January 2013, the first Disaster Relief Concert was held in Ishinomaki. Since then there have been six more concerts in Sendai, Natori, Iwaki, Tono, Kamaishi, and Ishinomaki. The performances have been held at churches, supermarkets, preschools, temporary housing complexes, and private homes. The performers are primarily from the New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra.
【2015 Activity Plan】Plans are being made for spring, summer, fall and winter concerts.
Conclusion
Each project is both initiated and brought to its conclusion through prayer. It is through being led by prayer that we receive the power to accomplish the work with which we have been entrusted.
In addition to prayer, we have received much support for our work through our fellowship with partners from overseas. UMCOR, EMS, PCT, along with RCA and Mission 21 have given us much support throughout this journey of recovery. Without the funding from these organizations, we would not have been able to accomplish the work we have done. Truly I am not fully able to express my gratitude for this invaluable support. (Tr. AKO)
震災４年目を迎えて
日本基督教団 東日本大震災救援対策本部
担当幹事 飯島 信
はじめに
【会堂・牧師館復興・再建支援】（資金は国内募金）
３・１１によって被災し、負担金減免措置を受けた教会数は81、
2015/2/28現在、教団からの支援を受けた教会は29教会
8,429円が執行され、さらに約1億5千万円の支出が見込まれ
5,500円である。資金は会堂共済組合から借り 入れ、今後4教会でさらに約1億円の貸付が予定されている。
１．エマオ仙台と 石巻（活動資金は国内募金と海外のUMCOR・EMS・RCA）
【歴史】2011年3月11日から時を置かず、
（1/31）に達した。
【2015年度の働き】活動の中心は、
２．ハートフル釜 石（活動資金は国内募金と海外のEMS・UMCOR・Missi
【歴史】2012年2月、釜石市内4ヶ所の仮設住宅で「
（2/28）である。
【2015年度の働き】震災から4年、手芸を中心とした「
３．「こひつじ キャンプ」（活動資金は、国内募金と海外のUMCOR・EMS・
【歴史】2012年1月、第1回の「こひつじキャンプ」
【2015年度の働き】国内外で計6回のキャンプが予定されてい
４．被災地支援演 奏会（活動資金は、国内募金とスイスの教会・個人、RCA）
【歴史】2013年1月、第１回演奏 会を石巻で行ったのを皮切りに、これまで6回にわたって行 われた。訪れた被災地は、石巻、仙台、名取、いわき、釜石、
【2015年度の働き】春夏秋冬4回にわたる演奏旅行を企画して
終わりに
各プロジェクトは、祈りによって始まり、祈りによって終わる。
又、教団が展開している被災地支援活動は、UMCOR（
The Kyodan sent General Secretary Nagasaki Tetsuo and Executive Secretary for Ecumenical Ministries Kato Makoto on official visits to churches in North America that previously had related to the Kyodan through the former Japan-North American Commission on Cooperative Mission (JNAC). This opportunity was precipitated by the invitation of Xiaoling Zhu, area executive for East Asia/Pacific of the Common Global Ministries Board of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and the United Church of Christ, to attend the Asia Pacific Forum, Jan. 29-30, in New York. Even though the Kyodan has concluded cooperative mission agreements with the Reformed Church in America and the Presbyterian Church (USA), communications with churches in North America following the 2004 dissolution of JNAC had weakened considerably, so this was a good opportunity to improve that situation. Likewise, it was also an opportunity both to express our thankfulness for their contributions to the relief effort following the East Japan Disaster as well as to request the various boards to send educational missionaries to Christian schools in Japan.
The Kyodan executives first called on the headquarters of the United Church of Canada in Toronto. General Secretary Kim Byung Ho of the Presbyterian Church of Canada and Heo Bae Kki, secretary of the Korean Christian Church in Japan, joined us for our visit, and we shared with each other the issues facing the respective churches.
As our arrival in New York, our next destination, was delayed one day because of heavy snow, we regretfully had to cancel our planned visits to the Anglican Church and some other appointments on the day before the Forum, but we were able to participate in the Forum as scheduled. The conclusion we reached was that it would be very helpful for the Kyodan to participate actively in the Asia Pacific Forum as it is a structure that can help replace the defunct JNAC. The common and urgent issue felt by all was how to nurture the next generation of leadership. As a step towards that goal, a large-scale youth conference (for 14 to 18 year-olds) is scheduled to be held, beginning July 26, 2016 in the United States, and we were requested to send ten youth from the Kyodan.
On Sunday Feb. 1, we attended the Union Japanese Church of Westchester’s worship service and had a time of fellowship with missionary Nishikawa Akimitsu, who started his new assignment at the end of last year, and with members of the church.
On Monday we visited the headquarters of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Indianapolis, Indiana, where we were hosted by Area Secretary Zhu. Surprisingly, the staff in the room next to the pension bureau specializes in investment, and it seems they are able to enjoy a profit equivalent to ten percent annual interest. We next visited the UCC headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio on Wednesday and then PC(USA) headquarters in Louisville, Kentucky on Thursday. The UCC headquarters is in a building directly connected to a hotel, which the church operates. However, the church intends to sell the building, including the hotel, within two years and move to a building that can be operated at less expense. The strategy is to use the money gained from the sale to promote mission work actively. (Tr. KY)
—Kato Makoto, executive secretary
北米諸教会訪問記
2015年1月25日（日）～2月7日（土）まで教団は長崎哲 夫総幹事と加藤誠世界宣教幹事を旧JNAC（日北米宣教協力 会）に関係していた北米諸教会の公 式訪問のため派遣した。きっ かけは共同世界宣教局東アジア担当幹事シャオリン・ズー牧師から
最初の訪問先はトロントにあるUCC（米国合同教会）の本部で あった。カナダ長老教会と在日大韓基督教会(Korean Christian Church in Japan)から金柄鎬（Kim Byung Ho）総幹事と許伯基（Heo Bae Kki）書記が加わり、お互いの 教会の紹介と課題を共有した。
ニューヨークは大雪のため予定より一日遅れて到着した為、
2月1日の聖日はニューヨーク北 部にあるユニオン日本語教会(Union Japanese Church of Westchester)の礼拝に参加し、昨年末に 赴任された西川晃充(Nishikawa Akimitsu)宣教師と教会員の方々との 交わりの時を持った。
翌月曜日はインディアナポリスIndianapolisにあるデ
1:38 祭司ツァドク、預言者ナタン、ヨヤダの子ベナヤはクレタ人とペレティ人と共に下って行った。彼らはソロモンをダビデ王のらばに乗せ、ギホンに連れて行った。
1:39 祭司ツァドクは天幕から油の入った角を持って出て、ソロモンに油を注いだ。彼らが角笛を吹くと、民は皆、「ソロモン王、万歳」と叫んだ。
1:40 民は皆、彼の後に従って上り、笛を吹き、大いに喜び祝い、その声で地は裂けた。
1:41 アドニヤと、彼と共にいたすべての客は、その声を聞いた。彼らは食事を終えたばかりであった。ヨアブは角笛の音を聞いて、「どうして町に騒がしい声がするのだろうか」と言った。
1:42 こう話しているうちに、祭司アビアタルの子ヨナタンが来た。アドニヤは、「近くに来るがよい。お前は勇敢な男だ。良い知らせがあるにちがいない」と言ったが、
1:43 ヨナタンはアドニヤに答えた。「いいえ、我らの主君、ダビデ王はソロモンを王とされました。
1:44 王は、ソロモンと共に祭司ツァドク、預言者ナタン、ヨヤダの子ベナヤ、クレタ人とペレティ人を遣わし、彼らはソロモンを王のらばに乗せました。
1:45 祭司ツァドクと預言者ナタンはギホンでソロモンに油を注いで王とし、彼らがそこから喜び祝いながら上って来たので、町は騒いでいるのです。あなたがたに聞こえたのはその声で、
1:46 ソロモンは既に国王の座についておられます。
1:47 王の家臣も次々と来て、我らの主君、ダビデ王に祝いの言葉を述べています。『あなたの神がソロモンの名をあなたの名よりも優れたものに、ソロモンの王座をあなたの王座よりも大いなるものにしてくださいますように』と。王は寝床の上でひれ伏し、
1:48 こう言われました。『イスラエルの神、主はたたえられますように。主は今日わたしの王座につく者を与えてくださり、わたしはそれをこの目で見ている。』」
1:49 アドニヤに招かれた客は皆、震えながら立ち上がり、それぞれ帰途についた。
1:50 アドニヤもソロモンを恐れ、立って行き、祭壇の角をつかんだ。
1:51 この知らせがソロモンに伝えられた。「アドニヤはソロモン王を恐れ、祭壇の角をつかんで言っています。『この僕を剣にかけて殺すことはないと今日ソロモン王に誓っていただきたい』と。」
1:52 ソロモンは言った。「彼が潔くふるまえば髪の毛一筋さえ地に落ちることはない。しかし、彼に悪が見つかれば死なねばならない。」
1:53 ソロモン王は人を遣わしてアドニヤを祭壇から下ろさせた。アドニヤがソロモン王の前に出てひれ伏すと、ソロモン王は、「家に帰るがよい」と言った。
1:5 ハギトの子アドニヤは思い上がって、「わたしが王になる」と言い、戦車と馬と五十人の護衛兵をそろえた。
1:6 彼は父から、「なぜこのようなことをしたのか」ととがめられたことが、一度もなかった。彼の体格もまた堂々としており、アブサロムの次に生まれた子であった。
1:7 アドニヤはツェルヤの子ヨアブと祭司アビアタルに話をもちかけ、この二人の支持を得た。
1:8 しかし、祭司ツァドク、ヨヤダの子ベナヤ、預言者ナタン、シムイ、レイ、およびダビデの勇士たちはアドニヤにくみしなかった。
1:9 アドニヤは、エン・ロゲルの近くにあるゾヘレトの石のそばで、羊、牛、肥えた家畜を屠ってささげ、王子である自分の兄弟たち、王の家臣であるユダの人々を、ことごとくそこに招いた。
1:10 しかし、預言者ナタン、ベナヤ、ダビデの勇士たち、自分の兄弟ソロモンは招かなかった。
1:11 ナタンはソロモンの母バト・シェバに言った。「お聞きになってはいませんか。我らの主君、ダビデの知らないうちに、ハギトの子アドニヤが王となったということを。
1:12 あなたの命とあなたの子ソロモンの命が助かるように、わたしの言うことをすぐさま実行しなさい。
1:13 直ちにダビデ王のもとに行って、こう言いなさい。『わが主君、王よ、はしためにお誓いになったではありませんか。あなたの子ソロモンがわたしの跡を継いで王となり、わたしの王座につくと。なぜ、アドニヤが王となったのでしょうか。』
1:14 あなたが王と話し合っている間に、わたしも続いて入り、あなたの言葉を確認します。」
1:15 バト・シェバが王をその部屋に訪ねると、非常に年老いた王は、シュネム生まれのアビシャグの世話を受けていた。
1:16 バト・シェバは王の前にひざまずいて礼をした。王が「どうしたのか」と尋ねたので、
1:17 彼女は言った。「わが主君、王よ、あなたの神、主にかけてあなたはこのはしためにお誓いになりました。『あなたの子ソロモンがわたしの跡を継いで王となり、わたしの王座につく』と。
1:18 ところが今、アドニヤが王となりました。わが主君、王よ、あなたはそのことをご存じではありません。
1:19 アドニヤは雄牛や肥えた家畜や羊を数多く屠ってささげ、すべての王子、祭司アビアタル、軍の司令官ヨアブを招きました。しかし、あなたの僕ソロモンは招きませんでした。
1:20 わが主君、王よ、わが主君、王の跡を継いでだれが王座につくのか、お示しになることを、すべてのイスラエルは注目しています。
1:21 このままで、わが主君、王が先祖と共に眠りにおつきになれば、わたしとわが子ソロモンは反逆者になってしまいます。」
1:22 彼女が王と話し合っている間に、預言者ナタンが来たので、
1:23 「預言者ナタンが参りました」と王に告げられた。ナタンは王の前に進み出て、地にひれ伏し、
1:24 言った。「わが主君、王よ、あなたは、『アドニヤがわたしの跡を継いで王となり、王座につく』と言われたのでしょうか。
1:25 アドニヤは今日下って行って雄牛や肥えた家畜や羊を数多く屠り、すべての王子、将軍たち、祭司アビアタルを招きました。彼らはアドニヤの前で飲み食いしながら、『アドニヤ王、万歳』と叫びました。
1:26 しかし、あなたの僕であるこのわたしと、祭司ツァドク、ヨヤダの子ベナヤ、あなたの僕ソロモンは招かれませんでした。
1:27 このようなことになったのは、わが主君、王の御意向なのでしょうか。わが主君、王は、だれが御自分の跡を継いで王座につくのか、僕たちにお知らせになっていません。」
1:28 ダビデ王は答えて、「バト・シェバをここに呼びなさい」と命じた。彼女が進み出て、王の前に立つと、
1:29 王は誓った。「わたしの命をあらゆる苦しみから救ってくださった主は生きておられる。
1:30 あなたの子ソロモンがわたしの跡を継いで王となり、わたしに代わって王座につく、とイスラエルの神、主にかけてあなたに立てた誓いをわたしは今日実行する。」
1:31 バト・シェバは顔を地に伏せ、王に礼をして、「わが主君、ダビデ王、あなたの命がとこしえに永らえますように」と言った。
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