by Gushiken Atsushi, pastor
Yomitan Church, Okinawa District
The sixth meeting of the Commission on Mission during the 2013-14 General Assembly period took place in Taipei, Taiwan, Oct. 6-8. On the first day we visited two churches, the first being Suang-Lien Church, which celebrated its 100th anniversary just last year. The head pastor, Rev. Chen Wen Chin, and several church elders told us about the history of the church and its ministry. After that, we went to Tai-An Church in Taipei, which began its ministry in a section of older apartment buildings 55 years ago.
In May, Tai-An Church had just dedicated its fourth sanctuary building, which is part of a large building with four floors underground and eight floors above ground. Rev. Lo Lien Sheng, the head pastor, described to us the church’s mission outreach, especially focusing on its mission work in Malawi, Africa. We were overwhelmed by the scale of the work this one church was able to do.
On the second day, we visited the Mackay Memorial Hospital in the northern part of Taiwan, which had been founded by Dr. George Mackay of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. This hospital has been a pioneer in the medical infrastructure of Taiwan and continues to lead the way. We followed that with a visit to the headquarters of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan, where General Secretary Lin Fang Chung gave us an overview of the PCT. The PCT will be celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2015 and for the past few years has been implementing a training program for the laity entitled “Each One Reach One, Doubling Our Numbers.” We concluded the second day with a visit to Tamsui, where Dr. Mackay first began his work. There we visited Tam-Kang High School (part of a mission school from kindergarten through high school), Aletheia University, and Tamsui Church.
On the final day, we went to Taiwan Theological Seminary and first met with professors of missiology. We then held our own meeting in a room there, where we heard reports and discussed the agenda items that are being carried over into the next general assembly period. Concerning this, Chairperson Harita Makoto made the following comment: “One of the issues that this committee deals with is the mission strategy of the Kyodan. In an age of globalization, we need to pay attention to the changes in society and continue our research into how best to build a structure to deal with that.” The following seven areas are ones we have dealt with in this commission that will be handed over to the new Commission on Mission of the upcoming general assembly period: the strengthening of ties with both the Japan Christian Social Work League and the Japan Association of Christian Nursery Schools; the continuation of the subcommittee considering issues surrounding disabilities; the establishment of a counseling center for pastors and their families; the issues surrounding church-related kindergartens and nurseries in the context of evangelism; research into mission preparedness in an age of globalization; the holding of a mission strategy conference; and beginning to deal with mission strategies. At the end of our meeting, we expressed our gratitude to our translator, Tsai In Tsu. (Tr. TB)
第38回総会期第６回宣教委員会は10月6日㈪～8日㈬ 台北（台湾）にて開催された。初日は二つの教会を訪問。先ず、
二日目は、台湾北部で伝道を開始されたカナダ長老教会のマカイ宣
最終日は、台湾神学院を訪 問。宣教学担当教師と懇談の時を持った。それから、
との連携強化。②「障がい」を考える小委員会の継続。③「
最後に通訳奉仕をされた蔡恩慈氏に感謝の意を表し、
by Sahara Koji, Kyodan missionary
Sycamore Congregational Church
El Cerrito, California
I am serving in the Sycamore Congregational Church in America in El Cerrito, California. This church is a part of the United Church of Christ. The UCC, especially, has a posture of struggling with social justice issues, valuing the various aspects of race, culture and sexuality, with the characteristic of evaluating them proactively.
At present, there are three missionaries sent by the Kyodan who are serving in northern California, and within the churches, there exists not only a supportive relationship with the various churches but also support of meetings for Japanese-speaking Christians. Looking ahead, there are many issues, but within this Japanese-language ministry in the USA, which includes all the Japanese-American churches, there is an important meaning of existence that is not evident from size alone.
When racism is mentioned, we think of the discrimination and violence against African-Americans of an earlier era, maybe with the viewpoint that this is a thing of the past. However, American theologians of Asian descent say that racism is at work presently and think that it will also continue to exist in some form. More than violence or hostility that can be seen, racism is functioning as a system. Specific nationalities, races, and the groups with ethnic, racial and economic power (namely Caucasians of European decent), who operate the system according to their own value standards, actualize racism through education, government, religion, and culture, which works to put pressure on various minorities.
Living among these value standards, immigrants from other countries suffer the pain of assimilation into that controlling culture, and many of the second and third generations of Japanese born in the USA question whether they are really accepted in the USA, saying that they experience alienation. However, theologians of Asian descent see that in the midst of the pain of that alienation there is an invitation being spoken by God, which they are reflecting on theologically regarding that special role. In Japanese-American churches, there are those who have gone through the racial and historical pain of internment camps during World War II and have gone on to form churches that walk together with various other minorities. Within these churches, I see people who experienced such camps opening their hands within the pain they have been given to connect with other persons in the work that God has entrusted to them.
Among the members in the Japanese-language division where I serve presently, while it varies in degree from person to person, there are those who feel lonely because they are not completely able to make the USA their homeland. They cannot completely become Americans and with the passing of time are losing their identity as Japanese, so they are living in a cultural crevice. I often become aware that even among persons who have lived in the USA for a long time, become immersed in society, and work in English, there is still this loneliness of living an in-between existence and having a sense of alienation. However, in the midst of this pain, I think there is meaning and a role that God has given us into which the gospel has spoken. At least, this church must celebrate the lives of those experiencing this in-between existence and take the role of affirming that culture positively.
Racial identity is very fluid. With the increase of marriage between races and between nationalities, the identity of people of Asian or Japanese descent will continue to change. However, I think that in every generation, God has work that God has given this church, which is walking as an ethnic minority. The UCC’s motto is “God is still speaking.” Now as always, God is facing us and speaking through our existence. (Tr. RT)
「私たちに与えられた存在の意義と福音を求めて」佐原光児
米国カリフォルニアのEl Cerrito市のシカモア組合教会に仕えています。
現在、北カリフォルニアには３名の教団宣教師が派遣されており、
レイシズム（人種差別）というと、
私が仕える日語部のメンバーの間にも、程度は様々ですが、
と気づかされることは少なくありません。けれども、
民族的なアイデンティティはとても流動的です。人種間、
On Sept. 16, the Kyodan and the Korean Christian Church in Japan celebrated the 30th anniversary of their Mutual Mission Agreement, which was established on Feb. 8, 1984 at the Tokyo Korean YMCA in Chiyoda, Tokyo. There were 25 members of the Kyodan and 34 members of the KCCJ present.
Kyodan (former) Vice-moderator Ito Mizuo presided at the opening worship, with KCCJ President Cho Joong Rae, pastor of Funabashi Church, giving a sermon entitled “Stand on the Mountain.” He spoke on Elijah being called by God out of the cave where he was hiding to stand on the open plain with the remaining people who had not bowed down to Baal, as recorded in I Kings, and used that incident to challenge both churches not simply to maintain their mutual agreement but rather to begin walking down a new road together.
After introducing the members at the lunch reception, Kyodan General Secretary Nagasaki Tetsuo facilitated a discussion of four panelists about the present and future of their agreement. Each panelist’s presentation was instrumental in facilitating lively discussions.
1) KCCJ General Secretary Lee Keun Soo, pastor of Ogaki Church, spoke on the past and present history of the agreement and said he felt that discussion of the agreement had not properly penetrated the local churches. He also mentioned that during the discussion of the ratification of the Mission Agreement with the Kyodan at the KCCJ General Assembly in October 1983, which included a contribution from the Kyodan of 100 million yen for cooperative mission, someone questioned whether those funds should be considered as reparations. He then stated that now, after 30 years, “We must clearly state what the fruit of the last 30 years has been, and what has changed.”
2) Heo Bae Kki, chair of the Lay Committee and pastor of Tsukuba Tokyo Church, had made a careful study about the future of the agreement. He introduced a variety of issues for consideration, including clergy exchange and potential cooperation in missionary training and utilization, providing places of worship for new churches, and working together for Korean nationals and the rights of Korean residents in Japan. Also, preparations have begun for the KCCJ-sponsored “International Conference for Minorities and Mission Strategies,” to be held in the fall of 2015. The Kyodan is being asked to cooperate.
3) Harita Makoto, member of the Mutual History Study Committee, declared it a joy to have partnered for 30 years and suggested that “in order to have a deeper fellowship and better cooperative mission, it is necessary to revise the wording of our agreement and establish a new policy.” The ambiguous language of the original agreement needs to be changed in accordance with a new understanding of mission. He feels that more churches will be able to support the cause and work together if there is clear understanding.
4) Kobashi Koichi, also a member of the Mutual History Study Committee, said that it is necessary to deepen mutual understanding of cooperative mission in order to minister to youth, women, board members, children, clergy, et cetera. Also, it is necessary to take up such issues as laws governing foreign residents, with both churches cooperating with NCCJ affiliates and other organizations for mutual understanding.
KCCJ Vice-president Kim Sung Jae, pastor of Nagoya Church, presided at the closing worship. In his sermon, entitled “Restoration of the Life and Power we have Shared,” Ishibashi Hideo commented that Peter’s first sermon caught the souls of the people, leading them to a truly renewed life of worship, communion, and mission. (Tr. WJ)
—From Shinpo (The Kyodan Times), No. 4807
教団新報４８０７号（２０１４年１０月１１日）
日本基督教団・在日大韓基督教会協約締結３０周年記念集会
１９８４年２月８日、教団、在日大韓基督教会The Korean Christian Church in Japan（KCCJ）にて結ばれた協約の30周年記念集会が、
開会にて献げ られた記念礼拝は、伊藤瑞男教団副議長司式、趙重来CHO JOONG RAE KCCJ総会長・船橋教会牧師が「山に立ちなさい」
昼食を兼ねたレセプションにて出席者の紹介後、午後には発題者４ 名が立てられ長崎哲夫総幹事司会により、協約のこれまで、現在、
李根秀LEE KEUN SOO（イ・ グンス）総会書記・大垣教会牧師は、協約の過去と現在について、
許伯基HEO BAE KKI（ホ・ ペッキ）信徒委員長・つくば東京教会牧師は、
張田眞歴史共同研究委員は、協約締結30年を喜びとするとして「
小橋孝一歴史共同研究委員は、協約のこれからとして、青年、婦 人、役員、子ども、教職等、さまざま分野の交流、
各発題を巡って活発にパネルディスカッションが行われた。
閉会礼拝では、金性済KIM SUNG JAE（キム・ソンジェ）副総会会長・名古屋教会牧師が司式、「
教団25名、ＫＣＣＪ34名 の参加だった。（教団新報）
The 39th Kyodan General Assembly was held Oct. 28-30 at the Ikebukuro Metropolitan Hotel, with 374 of the 400 delegates attending. There were also 13 overseas guests in attendance. The theme was “Building a Kyodan that Evangelizes: Promoting Evangelism Rooted in a Unified Faith.” The first part of the program was opening worship, with Nishi-Chiba Church Pastor Kishita Nobuyo giving a message entitled “Putting Our Hope Only in the Lord.” The business meeting began with the approval of the agenda, followed by the moderator’s report. Kyodan Moderator Ishibashi Hideo reported on the various issues of main importance to the Kyodan as “an evangelizing Kyodan, the number one mission of the church”: funds for evangelism, the nurture of pastors, the church’s statement on the nuclear incident, and the statement issued by the International Conference on the East Japan Disaster, the Kyodan’s relationship with Okinawa District, and the Japan Christian Center building.
The election process for the three main officers, which started on the evening of the first day, began with the election of the moderator, and Moderator Ishibashi Hideo, pastor of Koshigaya Church, Kanto District was elected for a third term. In his greetings he said, “I take my reelection seriously, and I will seek to promote a Kyodan ablaze with evangelism—evangelism based on a unified faith.” In the election of vice-moderator that followed, delegate Sasaki Michio, pastor of Shizuoka Church, Tokai District was elected. This is the second time that Sasaki has been elected consecutively as vice-moderator since the 36th General Assembly. As is the custom for the election of secretary, the moderator and vice-moderator nominated the present secretary, Kumoshikari Toshimi, pastor of Akita Sakura Church, Ou District and those in the assembly hall approved his election. In his greetings, Secretary Kumoshikari said, “During my two terms of four years, I have been shown that the Kyodan is supported by the prayers of various churches and by the prayers of overseas churches. Furthermore, I want to relay the thoughts of those serving in rural areas and those in small-membership churches to the entire Kyodan. I want to share with the entire Kyodan that the rural churches are cheerfully evangelizing as rural churches.”
Among the agenda items this time, the focus was on “the Bill for Abolishing the Kyodan Subsidies for District Activities.” The various views in favor of the abolishment included the opinions that “there is no official place for reporting the finances and the concrete usage of the subsidies” and “district activities as such have become unclear, and we want to switch over to a new system in order to realize actual district activities.” Opposition to the bill included the view that “if Kyodan subsidies for district activities are abolished, this will be linked to the abolishment of many churches.” Other such views were expressed, but as finally voted, it was decided to abolish the Kyodan subsidies for district activities. This was accepted, and the “Bill on the Institution of Rules for Evangelism Funds” was introduced. During the consultation, revised bills were put forth by two members, resulting in the vote to approve the revised bill proposed by delegate Omura Sakae.
Since the 35th General Assembly, a fellowship event for the laity has been held after the completion of business on the second day, but at this general assembly, a meeting was held under the title “Reorganization of the National Laity Organization.” The National Laity Organization had lost its true nature due to the Kyodan’s internal dispute in 1969. This time, the National Laity Organization was reorganized after 45 years, through being “One in the Lord” and a “mutual fellowship of believers,” and has as its goal contributing to the promotion of the Kyodan’s Gospel evangelism. Its general assembly will be held the year between each biennial Kyodan General Assembly. (Tr. RT)
—Kato Makoto, executive secretary
第39回教団総会開催
加藤 誠
10月28日（火）から30日（木）にかけて、
一日目夜から始まった三役選挙はまず、議長選挙が行われ、
今回の議案の中での焦点は「教区活動連帯金Kyodan Subsidies for District Activitiesを廃止する件」であった。
第35総会以来、2日目の議事終了後に信徒交流の集いが開催され
by Nishinosono Michiko, pastor Takinogawa Church, Tokyo District
In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. (John 1:4-5, NKJV)
When I served at Wesley United Methodist Church (UMC) in San Jose, California, we held a Blue Christmas worship service. I had never heard the term before, and I was interested in the concept it expressed.
Blue Christmas, or Longest Night, is a service of worship designed for people suffering with pain, loss, isolation, and grief in the Advent season. The service is often held on or around Dec. 21, the longest night of the year, although Wesley UMC held this worship service in November or at the beginning of December because of its very busy schedule of other events and gatherings. Later, we changed the name of the service to the “I Remember You” Worship Service.
For some of us, Christmas can be a time of stress and fear. Joy and cheer sometimes are overwhelmed by sadness. People in that situation feel alienated and set apart from family celebrations; they are experiencing depression and sadness and yet are often compelled to “put on a happy face” for others, denying their true feelings.
A Blue Christmas worship service is the place for such people, and they can be there as they are, with their sadness and pain. The service may include candles, meditative music, Psalms of lament, prayers for healing, blessings, and a message for people feeling a sense of loss. At Wesley UMC, just after the Blue Christmas service, we introduced our Stephen Ministers, who had received special training to be with people experiencing sorrow, pain, or trouble and needed someone with them. The service testifies to the struggles of Mary, Joseph, and Jesus that are often overlooked and provides a safe place of rest, comfort, and healing where we can acknowledge the struggles that we all face.
Some of us have lost our loved ones due to accidents, diseases, or great natural disasters, such as an earthquake, typhoon, or volcanic eruption. Others have lost their parents, siblings, children, or close friends. A number of us may mourn for the loss of our pets. Others have become unemployed or have lost their homes and the normal lives that they used to have. Great pain and sorrow over such losses surround us. We may still find empty and dark places in our own hearts. The joyful Christmas melodies may not sound in our hearts.
Our Savior Jesus Christ, however, came as a light in the darkness to embrace our pain, sorrow, and loneliness. He also struggled, suffered, and grieved, and He brings us comfort and God’s forgiveness for our sin. He accepts and holds us, knowing our faults, weaknesses, and regrets, but He is always with us in the midst of our pain, sadness, and loneliness. Blue Christmas reminds me about Jesus as light in the darkness.
「ブルー・クリスマ ス」
滝野川教会牧師 西之園路子
ヨハネによる福音書1:4-5（新 共同訳）
言の内に命があった。命は人間を照らす光であった。
光は暗闇の中で輝いている。暗闇は光を理解しなかった。
カリフォルニア州サンノゼ市にあるウェスレー合同メソジスト教会
ウェスレー合同メソジスト教会では、
とも呼ばれる「ブルー・クリスマス
は、本来、12月21日頃の一年で一番夜が長い日に守られます。
ある人々にとって、
ブルー・クリスマスはそのような人々のための礼拝です。
ブルー・クリスマス礼拝は、
私たちの内にも、事故や病気のために、あるいは地震や台風、
しかし、私たちの救い主、 主イエス・キリストは、闇の中に輝く光です。
それゆえに、たとえ闇の中に私たちがいたとしても、
ブルー・クリスマスは、
〒169-0051 東京都新宿区西早稲田2-3-18-31
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