Past Events . . .

On June 27th, there was a celebration of the ministry since 1976 and a farewell reception for Rev. Brian Kido.

Thanksgiving Worship Service & Dinner
Thanksgiving Sunday, November 23rd will be a day of celebration for our congregation. The highlight of the day will be the 11am Worship Service, preceded by hymn singing from 10:30am. During this time we will give God our praise and thanksgiving for all that He does for us as individuals and as a faith community. Worship will be followed by our Thanksgiving Dinner in Social Hall. Please invite your family and friends to join us in this day of worship and fellowship. Reservations deadline is Sunday, Nov. 16th, 12 noon. There will be a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board or call the church office. There is no set fee for the meal but we ask for your generous contribution to help offset the costs. See you at 10:30am on Nov. 23rd! ?We need lots of help in the preparations for the dinner – from decorating, shopping and cooking to washing the last pans and sweeping the floors. Please show your willingness to help by signing the Volunteer sheets on the bulletin board.

Our Thanksgiving and Christmas Offering will be received and used in a different way this year. Throughout 2008, JAUC has challenged itself to be more aware of the needs of people and events outside our building. As we look around today, we see people who are homeless, hungry and overwhelmed by recent disasters. Therefore, the Board of Managers has decided that 25% of the Thanksgiving and Christmas Offerings will go to benefit recovery programs supported by the RCA in Texas and mid-west after devastating storms there last summer and to hunger programs in New York City. The remaining 75% will be used to support the programs of JAUC. We urge each of you to give generously to these.

Christmas Worship Service & Pot Luck Lunch Party
Sun, December 21st 11 AM (10:30AM-Caroling)
Children’s Program from 1:30PM-3:00PM Songs, stories & games
Please RSVP by Sunday, Dec. 14th
Other Church Activities during Advent:
Isabella Christmas Caroling: Sun, Dec. 7th
Christmas Caroling with JAUC: Sat, Dec. 13th
Baking Cookies at JAUC: Sat, Dec. 20th

LENTEN SEASON  
        Lent is a period of 40 days, not including Sundays, before Easter. The number 40 is used numerous times in the Bible - the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years and Jesus prayed and fasted in teh desert for 40 days. During this time, Christians take time to reflect on the suffering and death of Jesus Christ and on our own sinfulness. JAUC will have a series of studies and special services leading up to Easter. PLEASE JOIN US!!
        ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE - February 25, 7:00PM
        LENTEN STUDY-led by Dr. Suzuki, Wed. evenings from 7:30PM from Mar. 4, Mar. 11, Mar. 18, Mar. 25, Apr. 1, Apr. 8. Understand the meaning of the passion and suffering of our Lord.
        MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE - Apr. 9, 6PM
        GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE - Apr. 10, 7PM
        EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE & POT LUCK LUNCH - Apr. 12, 11AM

Aishukai Church Retreat 2009 at Stony Point Center 10/10 Sat - 10/11 Sun
More Details to come. Please contact the JAUC office for more details at: 212-242-9444. All are welcome!

2006

FREE Music Concert-Year of 2006, Give Thanks Praise Concert:
December 31, 2:00PM
December 31, 2006 - 2PM Sanctuary
"Sweet Little Jesus Boy", "Before the Throne","Power of Your Love" Happy Hour (Vocal & Piano) Aya Shimada/Hisaharu Tanabe
Ave Maria Schubert (Vocal) Miwako Yamada
Sonata in A Major Schubert (Piano) Naoko Aita
Gavott Ramea (Violin) Faith (Vocal) Erika Aita
Sonata No. 27Adieu Beethoven(Piano) Yukiko Tanaka
All Glory be to God on High from 18 Chorales Bach(Organ) Noriko Kumada

FREE CONCERT given by HAPPY HOUR(Aya Shimada & Hisaru Tanabe) & Shinji Hamada- Sunday, April 30, 2:00PM
Praise Concert with 3 guests. One is "Happy Hour", Ms. Aya Shimada who graduated Tokyo National University of Fine Arts & Music with a vocal major, and Mannes College of Music; and Mr. Hisaharu Tanabe as a Pianist from New York Japanese Church, Tackahoe, NY. Another guest is Mr. Shinji Hamada, guitarist, from Japanese Christian Church of New Jersey. Don't miss this powerful praise with musicians from the area Japanese church's. Everybody is welcome. Free!

2005

SOUTH ASIA DISASTER RELIEF
Please make your check payable to JAUC and write “disaster relief” on the memo section of the check. These funds will be sent to the region via RCWS The Reformed Church World Service and UMCOR The United Methodist Committee on Relief.

Family Christmas Celebration
Sunday School invites you to the Family Christmas Celebration on December 18th 2:00p.m. There will be: a Christmas Pageant by children, carol singing, games and much more fun. Please invite your family and friends.

CHOIR & MUSIC NEWS
Dec. 17th, 2005 the Choir (15 members) went Christmas Caroling to: Seika Ryu, Mitsue White, Isabella Geriatric Center: Yoshiko Watanabe, Ei Suzuki, Kimi Yuzawa and Fujio Saito’s residences. Concerned for Kinko Poulsen we took the handbells which she had donated years ago to serenade her. As we arrived we learned she had just passed away so our praise changed from “Silent Night” to “God be with you till we meet again”. We said farewell with tears as we surrounded her bed. We pray to meet again in His Kingdom.

Thanksgiving Dinner at JAUC, Nov 10th, Sunday at 1:30PM
On Sunday, November 20 we held the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, with nearly 100 persons in attendance. After the morning worship service we presented a slideshow of recent church events and some historical photos. We were welcomed to the fellowship Hall by Michael Weir and Kaori Ichikawa who helped lead the kitchen. Several Fujinkai and SAF members also helped with preparations of the meal. The holiday meats were prepared and delivered this year by Sawa BBQ (Mr. Sawasaki’s new restaurant). The tables were beautifully set and decorated by Osamu Sagae, Noriko Tonegawa, Harry Kuwada and Masahiro Yoshida. Nozomi Brownell helped with various aspects while Pastor Brownell went to Isabella Home to escort our senior members: Ei Suzuki, George and Kimi Yuzawa and Fujio Saito. Also among our special guests were Rev. Masahiko & Susan Sagara and their son Justin of Aomori Japan.

Aishukai Fall Retreat
Aishukai focused on our longterm church vision. Our guest speakers were: Kevin Phillips of New York School of The Bible, who is also a consultant for Natural Church Development, and Pauline Nishida of Campus Crusade for Christ who helped guide us. Professor Phillips shared two messages: 1) Making Disciples and 2) Leading with Vision. We learned about our need to refocus JAUC’s ministry for new comers -- those who are seeking faith and we learned the necessity of our 100% participation in this change of focus. The PowerPoint presentations and bilingual material were excellent thanks to Noriko Tonegawa, Ken Kurihara and Nozomi Brownell. Pauline Nishida of Campus Crusade for Christ helped guide us in prayer and inspirational devotions with Kazuko Robinson assisting in translation. Thank you to everyone who made the retreat a success.

"Beyond the Gates of Splendor"Documentary

ALPHA
ALPHA has started at JAUC with 22 people attending the kick off party on October 5th.

Classical Japanese Guitarist Yoshinobu Iwanaga 9/30, 7:30PM

Bazaar
In response to the request from Bishop Jeremiah Park of the United Methodist Church, JAUC has sent your offerings and the proceeds of the Bazaar through the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) $1,752.09; and through the Reformed Church World Service (RCWS) $1752.09. Leftover goods are donated to: The Japanese American UMC of Park Ridge, JAA, Salvation Army and the Japanese Weekend School. We appreciate the service of the Bazaar Committee, Fujinkai, SAF and M&W fellowships and all those who helped make this possible. Praising the Lord!

VOLUNTEER TEAMS REPORT
The 14member high-school volunteer team from the Christian Reformed Church in Grand Rapids Michigan helped repair water leaks from the roof to the basement: 1. most essential was re-pointing the bricks and sealing the elevator motor room to prevent further leaks and damage to the elevator; 2. sealing the roofs and back courtyard; 3. Repainting the choir room, back stairway, and front metal grate. 4. Removing debri from the air vent to the street level. We thank the team and Rev. Paul Nulton Volunteer Coordinator of the Reformed Church.
*The second volunteer high-school team of 8 persons will be with us from on Monday July 11th – 18th.

We thank the Lord for sending the two volunteer work teams from the Reformed Churches. Many repairs were accomplished and the church beautified.

Free Hip Hop (ELIJAH)/Yukari Gospel Concert, July 3, 2:00PM, Sunday PDF
ELIJAH
Rapper,Track maker,Producer.Raised in Kamakura bay area next to Tokyo.He has an original Japanese hip hop style that aims to reach your spirit.You can feel the flavor of real life & truth from his sounds & words bursting out of him.
Check for his first mini album released in April 2005 "Style by the Book" from independent label PROPHET RECORDS he launched in 2003.
Homepage: http://www.prophetrecords.net/elijah.htm

Yukari Gospel performs at live houses, restaurants, weddings and churches. They perform with a guitar accompaniment and in music bands. At 18 years old, Yukari became a Christian. Her passion for music and her lyrics reflect her life following Jesus. Over 200 people attended her CD release celebration for her CD: “Everywhere” in March of 2005. It was released on FM radio. In April-July 2005, she is traveling and on a tour throughout the US. yukarigospel@hotmail.com http://www.h3.dion.ne.jp/~yukari-m/

Rap:Yoshi Blessed
Yoshi Blessed is producing, track making, rapping, mixing, in Japan & NY Hiphop scene.
He is widely regarded as a Hiphop, Gospel and R&B producer in Japan & NY. His musical style is jazzy, funky and chilled. He became a Christian in 2000. We can feel good spirit from his sounds. In April 2005, He released his own CD “STAY TRUE” You can get fresh & new sounds from it. www.blessedbeat.com

Piano: Keishi Matsumoto

Billy Graham Prayer Crusade, June 24-26
We are glad to announce the Greater New York Billy Graham Crusade this coming June 24-26th. Please mark your calendars and reserve time to help this citywide event under the theme: Prayer “Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty (Zechariah 4:6).

Father's Day Picnic, June 19, Sunday, Staten Island
On June 19 the service was held outdoors at Wolfe’s Pond Park on Staten Island with more than 70persons in attendance. The Sunday School children sang Jesus Loves Me and we enjoyed a puppet show of the Prodigal Son. The service concluded with the confirmation of Hatsumi Yoshida with words from her father Peter and a time of prayer for the Yoshida and Kern families. The weather was cool in morning but the sun broke through to warm up the afternoon. Praise the Lord! A special gratitude to Harry Kuwada for providing for this special service.

MOTHER’S DAY EVENTS MAY 8th

26TH Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival MAY 8th
Outreach to the *26TH Annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Festival at Union Square Park.

EX-YAKUZA HIROYUKI SUZUKI REVIVAL MEETING (poster)
April 18 - 7:00PM
King's College
Empire State Bldg, Lower Lobby Floor
350 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10118
646-418-4852 Yohan Kanemo
201-594-0740

April 19, Tuesday-10:00AM
Japanese Christian Church of NJ
Zion Evagelical Lutheran Church
120 E. Pleasant Avenue
Maywood, NJ 07607
201-712-9833
201-251-7977

April 19, Tuesday-7:30PM
Salvation Army
2221 E. 52nd Street
New York, NY 10022
(bet. 2nd & 3rd Ave, near 3rd)
201-712-9833
201-251-7977

April 20, Wednesday-10:00AM
NY Japanese Church
26 Cameron Place
Tuckahoe, NY 10707
914-961-8407

April 21, Thursday-1:00PM
Bethesda Lutheran Church
305 St. Roman Street
New Haven, CT 06511
203-531-6450
203-531-1609

UN-CUT PASSION MOVIE BY MEL GIBSON
March 20, Sunday from 2:00PM in the Sanctuary
followed by Discussion/Dinner
FREE!

GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
March 25th from 7:00PM - Let us gather at the foot of the Cross, where we can lay our burdens down. Let us ask the Lord to make meaning even out of our suffering and pain.

EASTER SUNDAY SERVICE- March 27th from 11:00AM
        POT LUCK LUNCH - 12:00 NOON, PRAISE/STORY TIME - 1:30 PM - we were blessed over 100 in attendance. We celebrated our risen Lord with special music and singing the Hallelujah Chorus. After the morning service, we enjoyed a potluck lunch. We returned to the sanctuary for a time of praise and worship, which included a drama called “Hands” and a time of prayer where we asked God to touch our hearts.

"Passion of The Christ" Movie viewing
On March 20th JAUC held an outreach viewing of the movie "Passion of The Christ" (on the big screen in the sanctuary) with more than 40 in attendance many say it for the first time.

Spring Cleaning day on March 19th
We are grateful for some 25 participants who made the Spring Cleaning day on March 19th a great success!.

LENTEN STUDIES
The Lenten Studies (7 Weeks) on the theme of Biblical leadership was completed just before Easter. Each session included: teaching from Biblical history, an interview with a leader at JAUC, and various learning activities and interaction.

ANNUAL MEETING (Jan. 30, 2005)
We praise the Lord for the efforts of so many in preparing the annual meeting. We were truly able to celebrate the ministry in 2004 and begin opening the vision for 2005. Our vision is, “Revival trough repentance, reconciliation and reaching out.” This year we will be reaching out in three ways: 1. to the Lord in repentance (in prayer, worship and Bible Study). 2. to each other (in reconciliation through forgiveness, encouragement and visitations). 3. reaching out beyond JAUC through newcomer friendly programs like Alpha and between the churches with JCFN.

Rev. Noel Chin, Rev. Taka Ishii, and Rev. Clara Woodson, were in attendance as our denominational representatives from the United Methodist and Reformed Churches. Gerri Yoshida, Chairperson of our Board of Directors and Noriko Kumada, Organist & Music Director presented words of Gratitude for the new Japanese Bibles and Hymnals, which were made possible by a grant from the United Methodist Church. Praise the Lord!

The Annual meeting opened with prayer by for a spirit of humble repentance and reconciliation that we might truly celebrate the Lord’s work. Quorum was established with at least 55 members. We voted for the new officers of the Board of Trustees, Directors and affirmed those appointed to serve the Board of Managers and PSPRC. We delighted to see the year in review slide show with music by Jin Takahashi; and hear encouraging greetings from the Methodist and Reformed representatives. Pastor Brownell gave gratitude for 2004 and encouragement toward realizing our vision. Gerri Yoshida, Chairperson and Kumiko Baumann, treasurer gave inspirational reports on how the Lord is blessing JAUC and we approved the budget for 2005. We committed to pursue more long range planning for the future and expand and enhance the ministry and Rev. Kido formerly of SMJ also gave an encouraging devotional word. The results of the election of our officers were announced as follows. The 3 persons elected to the Board of Trustees are: Michiko Gorman, Keijiro Motoi and Mary Yamada. The 4 persons elected to the Board of Directors to serve 2005-2007 are: Rika Marubashi, Kazunori Tabe, Kazuo Yamaguchi and Kyoko Nansai (as alternate). The Board of Managers and PSPRC members were affirmed. The nomination committee will announce soon the 3 vacant positions” Building & Maintenance, Stewardship and finance and one additional member of the PSPRC. Pastor Brownell closed the meeting with prayer.

CHOIR & MUSIC NEWS
On Jan. 29th The JAUC Choir participated in “The Midnight Cry” music outreach at White Rock Baptist Church (at the Oberia Dempsey Multi Cultural Center). It was a fantastic experience and we look forward to more times to minister together.

[Year 2004]

Christmas 2004

Christmas Worship Service was held on Sunday, December 19th. Rev. Brownell gave a sermon from Matthew 1:18-25 about how Joseph chose to stay with Mary and raise Jesus. During the service, the congregation joyously welcomed Mr. Michael Wier as a new member (transfer) and also the baptism of Luke Brownell. The Choir sang excerpts from Handel’s “Messiah”. The sanctuary was beautifully decorated with poinsettias. Ninety persons attended the service and many remained for the potluck lunch and festivities.

Christmas Eve Service:
On December 24th from 7:00pm we held the Candlelight service. The service began with the choir - candles in hand - singing cheerfully outside of the church. There are always many onlookers and some even stop to listen or take pictures and some attend the service due to our reaching out in song. Rev. Brownell shared a message about deliverance and many participated in the service with various readings and special music. Some seventy persons attended the service many having received our fliers. Thank all who made these services possible.

Thanksgiving Dinner

JAUC volunteers prepared the annual Thanksgiving dinner again this year. We want to express our gratitude to Michael Weir and Kaori Ichikawa for leading the kitchen. they write: "Hello Brothes & Sisters we encourage you and your friends to come for Thanksgiving dinner at JAUC for celebrating GOD's grace and sharing this experience with others. We would also like to invite you to help in the kitchen for cleaning after the dinner. We express gratitude ahead of time for Seongki Kim and Kaori Kusakabe who will help clean the serving plates. For cooking and helping on 11/24 Wed. we thank: Miyako Tokita, Junko Noguchi, Fujiko Tonegawa, George Miyake, Songki Kim. For hlep on 11/25 thru starting around 4am - we thank Michael who will come before his work and from 7:00am Noriko Tonegawa and Seongki and from later we are blessed by Eika Kitakaze, Hideko Iyoda, Maiko Sato and Naoko Aita, Kitchen so far looks neat. Thank you for your help and support! Let's celebrate! In God's Grace. Michael & Kaori."

Those who are offering the time and talent decorating this year are: Osamu Sagae, Noriko "Tonegawa, Rika Marubashi and Kazue Masuda. The fliers were designed by masahiro Yoshida and arranged by Masayo Sonoda as well as those who helped distribute the fliers. Gratitude fo rmaking this minstry to the glory of God!