by Kawakami Yoshiko, pastor Okubo Church, Tokyo District Editor, KNL Editorial Committee
Anne of Green Gables* was translated into Japanese by Muraoka Hanako and published shortly after World War II under the title Akage no An (Red-haired Anne). It has been a very popular novel, and since the life of its translator was made into a drama in 2014, its popularity has risen once again.
Originally written by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery (1874-1942), this novel and its sequels include numerous episodes relating to the choosing of a pastor for the town church, ranging from hilarious scenes to ones filled with irony. In the first of the series, shortly after Anne comes to live with Marilla and Matthew Cuthbert as an 11-year-old orphan, there are a series of scenes in which Anne shares her frank thoughts about the pastoral candidates. Following the retirement of the former pastor, there were several candidates who came to be evaluated for the position. Shortly before the new pastor and his wife, Rev. and Mrs. Allan, are invited to a welcoming tea, 12-year-old Anne shares her thoughts with Uncle Matthew, who was the first to really take a liking to Anne after her arrival. His younger sister, Marilla, was quite an austere woman, and even though she had her own opinions, she did not express them—a point that shows the author’s superior sense of balance.
Concerning the former pastor, Rev. Bentley, who was retiring due to old age, Anne said that he has no imagination. However, he was described as one for whom most “had the affection born of long interaction with their good old minister, in spite of his shortcomings as an orator.” Following his retirement, Anne shared her feelings with Matthew, as she felt safe in being frank with him. “Since then the Avonlea church had enjoyed a variety of religious dissipation in listening to the many and various candidates and ‘supplies’ who came Sunday after Sunday to preach on trial. These stood or fell by the judgment of the fathers and mothers in Israel; but a certain small, red-haired girl who sat meekly in the corner of the old Cuthbert pew also had her opinions about them and discussed the same in full with Matthew.” (I recall being particularly interested in this as a child growing up in a pastor’s family and how there were various ways of choosing a pastor.)
So, 12-year-old Anne gives her evaluation of six candidates. “I don’t think Mr. Smith would have done, Matthew,” was Anne’s final summing up. “Mrs. Lynde says his delivery was so poor, but I think his worst fault was just like Mr. Bentley’s he had no imagination. And Mr. Terry had too much; …Besides Mrs. Lynde says his theology wasn’t sound. Mr. Gresham was a very good man and a very religious man, but he told too many funny stories and made the people laugh in church; he was undignified, and you must have some dignity about a minister, mustn’t you, Matthew? I thought Mr. Marshall was decidedly attractive; but Mrs. Lynde says he isn’t married, or even engaged, . . .she says it would never do to have a young unmarried minister in Avonlea, because he might marry in the congregation and that would make trouble. . . . I’m very glad they’ve called Mr. Allan. I liked him because his sermon was interesting and he prayed as if he meant it and not just as if he did it because he was in the habit of it. Mrs. Lynde says he isn’t perfect, but she says she supposes we couldn’t expect a perfect minister for seven hundred and fifty dollars a year, and anyhow his theology is sound.”
There are, of course, other people’s thoughts and opinions expressed in the novel, but I will omit those. Five years later, when the well-liked Rev. Allan and his wife leave for another church, there is another scene in which Anne laments about the next group of candidates to her close friend Diana. Also, later in the series, there is another episode in which a widowed pastor with many children, but who seems to care only about his sermons, gets remarried.
The author, Lucy Montgomery, herself married a minister of the Presbyterian Church of Canada by the name of Ewan Macdonald. Even though she had her own struggles with faith, in all of her works the main characters are all associated with the Presbyterian Church. Whenever she is just referring to “church,” it is always Presbyterian, and so whenever other denominations such as Methodist, Baptist, and Anglican are mentioned, the full name of the church is given, such as Whitesands Baptist Church. Likewise, whether the preacher at the various churches is a regular pastor or an itinerating evangelist is made plain, and the descriptions she gives paint a picture of the differences in church life and social standing of the congregants during that age in Canada. The time of World War I (1914-1918) is the setting of the last in the series, and thus the entire series is set in the context of the Presbyterian Church of Canada in the latter part of the 19th century into the early 20th century. Being fiction, of course, there may be some dramatization of the actual situation, but Montgomery depicts the kinds of ministers and spouses, along with the expectations of parishioners, during a time of more than 100 years ago. I wonder how differently it would be presented in today’s world. (Tr. TB)
___________________
*Anne of Green Gables published by YEARING, an imprint of Random House Children’s Books a division of Random House, Inc., New York
『赤 毛のアン』Anne of Green gablesに見る、牧師招聘
赤毛のアンは、 日本では第二次世界大戦後に村岡花子氏による翻訳が出版され、
川上善子 ／ 東京・大久保教会（KNL編集委員長）
『赤毛のアン』
カ ナダの作家L・M・モ ンゴメリLucy Maud Montgomery （1874～1942）のアンシリーズには牧師招聘の エピソードが幾度も登場し、
アンシリーズ初期、
そして彼の隠退後は、「人々は日曜日のたびに、
さて、12歳のアンはマシュウを相手に、
「リンドの小母さ んは、あの人（ス ミスさん）の 説教はとても貧弱だって言いなさるけど、
他の人達の感想も物語の中に差し挟まれますが、
作者のモンゴメリは、カナダの長老派教会のE.マクドナルド牧師
Naito Tomeyuki, previous general secretary of the Kyodan and retired minister of the Kyodan, as interviewed by Omura Naoko, chair of The Believers’ Friend editoriarl committe and a member of Mita Church in Tokyo, seeking his advice on the subject of conducting pastoral interviews
Naito: Originally, the Kyodan was formed out of over 30 denominations with various traditions. Even in regard to ministerial staffing, policies varied in the original denominations: the Methodists and others had an appointment system; the Presbyterian and the Congregational denominations had an invitation system. For example, in the Methodists’ appointment system, personnel matters were handled in accordance with the appointments of the bishop. Pastors and laity could not make decisions by themselves. Through unification, the churches with such a background switched over to the invitation system. Today, even after a span of 70 years since the establishment of the Kyodan, it cannot be said that the invitation system issue has been fully instituted. In Japanese, the characters for the word “invitation” in this sense are those used especially when an envoy sent by a king is received with the greatest courtesy. As I understand the use of these characters, Jesus Christ, who is the Lord of the church, sends the pastor as the envoy of the Gospel, who is received by the church with the greatest courtesy. This is different from the general employment concerns of companies. I would like to see both parties confirm well what the invitation system is and afterwards, with humility and prayer and discretion, do the right thing. If there is a firm understanding, many of the problems will be solved.
Interviewer: The pastor may have a sense of mission and go to the next post, but the church members may not share that understanding. At times, they may also feel as though they have been abandoned.
Naito: The pastor is always subject to being transferred. Thus, while the pastor is in a specific church, he or she must communicate that “your Lord is Christ, so when the time comes, the pastor must leave.” The church’s journey cannot be completed in the lifetime of the pastor. There are persons who run long distances and persons who run short distances, which is good. There is no possibility that one pastor has been given all the gifts. I think I would like lay people to keep this in mind. They need to avoid faultfinding through comparison to a previous minister.
Interviewer: Searching for a new pastor places a heavy burden on the members of a church. It would seem to be a good thing for them to have help from the district and subdistrict.
Naito: The Kyodan Bylaws, Article 113, states: “Speak to the district personnel affairs division.” Someone in the district is to be the contact person for personnel, who can give advice, but there are districts where this office is not functioning or is not even set up. There is also the Commission on the Ministry at the Kyodan level that includes a service provision for “matters related to personnel exchange.” It would be good if these provisions were functioning, but in reality that is not the case. In districts where there is strong cooperation, these needs will be addressed. But where that does not exist, consulting with a seminary, depending on relationships within churches tied to the original denomination, or just seeking the advice of a minister with a large number of connections may be the only source of real help. In addition to problems related to the system, there is something else that is very important. This is that the constituency issuing the invitation is the local church. The Kyodan Bylaws, Article 106, stipulates: “The local church will be the one to give the invitation to the minister responsible for that church,” so the one issuing the invitation is the local church. I will offer three points to help clarify this matter. 1) What has the church treasured in its formation heritage, and on what kind of traditions is it based? 2) What kind of situation is it in today? 3) What kind of church is envisioned for the future? I am hoping that the church members will discuss these three points and come to a common understanding.
Interviewer: So, while the pastoral candidate will present his or her own resume, the church, from its side, must also indicate its basic aims in concrete terms as well.
Naito: It is important to decide carefully the details of the invitation. 1) When will the pastor arrive? 2) What are the duties? In a situation where there is a kindergarten or an institution, are there duties there? 3) Where will the pastor live? 4) What is the salary? For example, are utilities included, etc.; these details must be reviewed and decided. 5) How long is the term of service? In the case of an invitation, stipulating the term of service is not that common, and so determining if it will or will not be stipulated is important. In addition, there are the issues of the sacraments and church government, etc. No matter how careful the church is, a mismatch may arise. I think that if the church is thrown into confusion, the pastor must take responsibility and resign, saying: “My work as pastor and my evangelism was not sufficient.” However, if it is a matter central to the Gospel, that’s a different matter. Nevertheless, in many of the actual cases that have arisen, various misunderstandings on even small matters, together with a lack of consideration, is the root of the problem. The cause is often related to the pastor’s adaptability. What I am seriously thinking is that the pastor’s prayer life is insufficient. That may seem very harsh, but the number of pastors who make others aware of their humility, prudence, and spirituality is decreasing. To begin with, I think that both pastors and laity must be nourished by the Holy Spirit, as it all starts from there!
Interviewer: At the pastor’s installation ceremony, the pastor and the church members make a promise before God. Focusing on prayer and returning to that starting point is important. Lastly, please give us some advice for churches without pastors and churches with part-time pastors.
Naito: Do not give up hope. That, and give one another support. I hope the care of the small churches in central towns in rural areas will be kept in mind. I hope that the large churches might always be mindful of the small churches to which they have given birth. (Tr. RT)
—From Shinto no Tomo (Believer’s Friend), February 2015 issue
Summarized by KNL Editor Kawakami Yoshiko
失敗しない招聘のために まず教会の自己像を明確に
内藤留幸 牧 師へのインタビュー記事
日本基督教団前総幹事、日本基督教団隠退教師
聞き手 大 村直子 信徒の友誌 編集委員長、東京・三田教会員
内藤＊日本キリスト教団はもともと異なる伝統を持つ30余の教派
インタビュアー 牧師は使命を感じて次の任地に行くのでしょうが、 信徒にとっては寂しいことです。時に、
＊牧師には原則転任があります。「
インタビュアー 新しい牧師を探すのは、信徒だけでは荷が重いこ とです。教区、地区のサポートがあればいいと思うのですが。
＊教規113条に、「教区人事部に申しいで」とあります。
インタビュアー 牧師からは履歴書が提出されますが、教会側からも 見える形で教会の基本方針が示されなければならないのですね。
＊招聘の、より細かい条件をきちんと決めておくことも大事です。
インタビュアー 牧師就任式で神さまの前に牧師も信徒も誓約しまし た。折りに触れてその原点に立ち返ることが大切ですね。最後に、
＊希望を失わないこと。それと支えあうこと。
The second Executive Council meeting of the 39th biennial Kyodan General Assembly period was a special session held on Feb. 10, 2015 at the Japan Evangelical Lutheran’s Tokyo Church, with 29 members in attendance.*
As this was an extraordinary meeting, there were only four agenda items: determining subsidies for evangelism, work on remodeling the Japan Christian Center building to bring it up to earthquake standards, the selection of an Executive Committee member, and continued relief efforts related to the East Japan earthquake.
At the beginning of the meeting, Moderator Ishibashi Hideo reported that a prayer meeting had taken place on January 29 on behalf of the Japanese hostages being held by ISIS in Syria. With respect to the subsidies for evangelism, applications were received from 14 districts. At the subcommittee meeting on Feb. 6, each application was reviewed and all were accepted, with the total subsidies for all of the programs amounting to 51,253,000 yen.
Of the total planned budget for the earthquake retrofitting of the Japan Christian Center building, which is expected to be 280 million yen, it was decided that the Kyodan’s upper limit for its portion of the cost would be 60 million yen but that it would also loan the building maintenance union an additional amount of up to 40 million yen.
Regarding the selection of a new Executive Committee member, Sugimori Yoko was chosen to replace a member who had resigned after being elected to the ten-member committee at the first Executive Council meeting. It was also decided to provide funds for the rebuilding of churches and parsonages that were damaged due to the East Japan Disaster in the form of loans totaling 200 million yen from the denomination’s church building fund, with repayment over a 15-year period. Executive Secretary Iijima Makoto reported that for fiscal years 2015 and 2016, a total of 350 million yen was budgeted for ongoing relief efforts, and loans would be necessary for that purpose. (Tr. TB)
—Kato Makoto, executive secretary
*Due to the limited space in the temporary headquarters building, this nearby church is sometimes rented.
第39総会期第2回（臨時）常議員会報告
第39総会期第2回（臨時）常議員会が、2月10日、
本常議員会は臨時であるため、伝道交付金決定、
会議の冒頭、石橋秀雄議長は、
伝道交付金については、交付申請を14教区から受付け、2月6日
日本キリスト教会館耐震改修工事費用概算目論見書では、
常任常議員選出に関しては、第1回常議員会で選出した常任常議員
東日本大震災救援対策に関しては、被災教会会堂・
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（
〒169-0051 東京都新宿区西早稲田2-3-18-31
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