Six-year-old Becky was asked to take the trash outside after dark. Dutifully, she started on the mission but quickly returned without completing the task because she heard frightening noises. Becky asked her dad, San Diego pastor Jim Standiford, to accompany her on her job.
    Jim put aside his reading material, and off they went. As they made their way on the sidewalk, their feet crunched dried leaves, making loud noises. Becky then said something her father has never forgotten. Feeling confident and brave with her father as her companion, she said, "Daddy, it's not scary to hear noises in the darkness when someone is with you."
    When you're afraid, remember that the Comforter, God's Holy Spirit, is as near as a prayer. That's what the psalmist affirmed when he wrote, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me"(Psalm 23:4, KJV).
    Pray for our children that they may grow strong in the faith. Bless the Kids' Day event, dear Lord, that both children and leaders may be refreshed in you!

Dear Friends,

    Greetings to you from my home in Tochigi prefecture where harvest time is in full-swing. The Lord's blessings surround us! Last month, I wrote about focusing our congregation's ministry on building and strengthening. For two years the church council and dedicated members and friends of St. Pauls have struggled (successfully!) together to maintain enriching Worship experiences, Christian Education for our children, and vital, encouraging Fellowship for us all. The road was rocky at times, but the Lord blessed us with His care and guidance every step of the way.

    But now, having reached a level of financial stability and been blessed with a pastor who is supportive and enthusiastic, it is time to break that "maintain" mind-set and move our congregation forward toward growth and exploration, not only as a congregation but as individual worshipers. With more study opportunities, more service projects, more worship and fellowship activities ours can once again be an exciting and challenging ministry.

    To do this effectively however, it will become the responsibility of each one of us to become familiar with the "tasks and jobs" (joyful though they may be) involved in making our congregation's ministry hum! Each of us must be willing to step forward and help wherever we can. What's that saying, sharing the burden makes it half? That's for sure. And certainly more enjoyable.

    So, please look over this first list of ministry priorities and see if there is some area or interest you would be willing to help with or learn more about. You can talk to pastor or those members mentioned to find out more. And, thank you!! Thank you first to those members who are ALREADY working hard in many of these areas. We would not be where we are without you! You are each a gift from God to our congregation. And thank YOU for being willing to join them in these tasks. Together we can grow stronger in service to Him!

    Fellowship: Nancy T. and Martha H., have put out a sign-up sheet for providing treats for coffee hour. And they said members willing to help organize new (and old!) Fellowship events are ALWAYS welcome on the Fellowship committee.
    Christian Education: I'm teaching the children's Sunday School class along with Amy, Midori and Hisae of the Center congregation. We take turns weekly running worship type classes that follow a monthly theme. If you can use glue and scissors, sing and jump, and like to be with young children, please see me (Marcia) about helping with this class!
    Worship: Perhaps the top priority of our ministry could be listed as our Sunday morning worship experience. Each week, we need someone to set and prepare the altar, one of the children to light the candles, ushers to hand out hymnals and bulletins, readers for the lessons, and communion assistants to help pastor during the service. There have been many requests to have someone organize a choir. Are you willing?!
    Administration: Pastor would like help each week with bulletin preparations and other administrative tasks that need to be taken care of. Can you type and work with a computer? Also, the library has been moved to the 2nd floor and we need help getting it organized again.

    These are just a few of the areas that could always use one more person. Please prayerfully consider how you can help so that we can all keep St. Pauls moving forward. Together. In Christ. With joy!

                                 Marcia K, council president