Since the fall of 2007, the Kyodan's Commission on Ecumenical Ministries has
been planning a "Thank-you Tour" to visit retired U.S. missionaries who had
served in Japan, as a prelude to the 2009 celebration of the 150th
anniversary of the beginning of (Protestant) evangelism in Japan. It was
thought that this milestone should not be approached without expressing
gratitude to the missionaries who l……
The Executive Council of the 35th Kyodan General Assembly period met for the
5th time, July 14-15, in the Kyodan conference room. The main issues
addressed at the previous meeting, namely the "recommendation for a minister
to resign" and his "admonition," were carried forward to this meeting, and
the debate was vigorous indeed. Before the vote was taken, four council
members walked out in protest,……
Under the above headline, the Korean Christian News published the following
report on the visit of Kyodan representatives to the Korean Methodist Church
in Seoul, Korea.?
'Bishop Shin Kyoung Ha, president of the Bishop's Council of the Korean
Methodist Church, held an interview with representatives of the Kyodan in
Japan on June 8 at the Korean Hotel, thus promoting exchange between
Japanese and ……
The 2007 Missional Planning Conference was held on March 10-11 at Fujimicho Church. The main topic was "Kyodan's Evangelism and Cooperative Efforts in that Endeavor" and the subtitle was "150 Years Since the Beginning of Protestant Evangelism in Japan." The 72 participants were able to delve deeply into the topic at hand and significant insight and learning were achieved as they fellowshipped toge……
by Nonomura Noboru, chancellor
Kwassui Gakuin, Nagasaki City
The road that leads up the Higashi (east) Yamate hill in the city of Nagasaki has become known as "Dutch Slope." This is because at the beginning of the Meiji Era a foreign settlement was established in this area, so it was usual to come into contact with foreigners here. Part way up the slope is the main gate of Kwassui Women's College;……
Reconstruction of two churches damaged by the Chuetsu earthquake in October 2004has been completed. Two related services were held on Jan. 14, 2008: at 11:00 a.m. a service of celebration and thanksgiving for the reconstruction of the Tokamachi Church parsonage and at 3:00 p.m. a dedication service for the parsonage and sanctuary of Mitsuke Church. With the prayers and support of churches througho……
The first Christian Education Seminar sponsored by the Kyodan Committee on Education was held March 3 at Nankoku Church in Kochi Prefecture. The purpose for which the committee planned this seminar was to learn and pray together with pastors and church school teachers who are engaged in Christian education. These days, the number of children attending church schools is decreasing. Therefore, the c……
Every third Sunday, our pastor introduces persons who have birthdays that month.He presents birthday cards he has made, then offers prayers of blessings. Afterwards, a birthday party is held under the theme "Let us celebrate together!" "When we were very young, we used to have very happy birthdays, but people close to us do not celebrate our birthdays anymore, and we have forgotten the joy of thes……
by Hanajima Mitsuo, general secretaryEducation Association of Christian Schools in JapanThe Education Association of Christian Schools in Japan, an organization consisting of about 100 Protestant schools, has in recent years strengthened its cooperative ties with the Japan Federation of Catholic Schools. In 2002, the president of the Japan Federation of Catholic Schools' Board of Trustees made a p……
Today in many churches, aging of the membership has become a matter of concern. Especially noticeable is the absence of church members who cannot attend worship services due to age or sickness. Various ways are being attempted to provide care for members who earnestly desire to attend but cannot.Until recently, the simplest means of providing access to sermons and church information has been the u……
