St. Paul International Lutheran Church, Tokyo   *   Easter/Pentecost   May, 2008

Pastor's World: "Reality in Japan is that..."

    ...by graciousness of the culture, people from abroad can function here even though illiterate of Japanese custom and language. We are caught between trying to keep up with news and literature in our native language while not really taking time to learn Japanese. Many who have lived here for years still are unable to read the latest magazines and journals in Japanese to be abreast of current topics and intellectual thought in Japan. But this kind of grace will end as the government implements the requirement that long term foreign residents will in the future have to pass a language test. Will our worship and fellowship in Christian faith in English continue to be viable?
    ...those of us from abroad now live in a Japanese society that is risk-adverse. We have taken risks to move to, to live and work in the culture of Japan. Our Christian faith calls for us to take risks for the sake of witnessing to the gospel of Christ. But Japanese society seeks to avoid risk. You have heard that Japanese saying, "The nail that sticks up (or sticks its

Sunday, May 4 Hymn Sing

    "Sing, sing; sing a song..." - all together. Join us for a hymn sing during worship on May 4. Choose your favorite hymn(s) from the Lutheran Book of Worship. At the beginning, during, and at the close of worship we will sing a couple of verses of the hymns that you select. Come early, look through the hymn index of first lines for the hymn(s) you would like to sing. Ms. Harada will accompany us on the piano.
    To accompany our prayers, readings from scripture, Gospel time with children, a sermon, and Holy Communion, let us lift our voices together in song of praise and thanks to God. Come and learn some new songs. Psalm 149: "Praise the Lord! Sing to the LORD a new song, his praise in the assembly of the faithful."
neck out) is pounded down." People avoid the risk of even speaking to strangers - perhaps because the 35 million people of greater Tokyo is just too many. Society backs away from a response of risking to even listen to the Good News of Christ. For St. Paul International Lutheran Church, Tokyo, what do we need to do to proclaim Christ's love?
    ...we as people of Christian faith live in a culture that "may not appear to need the Christian faith" - at least on the surface of social ethical behavior. Visitors from abroad comment positively on the fact of the safety, honesty and ethics of Japanese society. But Japanese society lives the remnants of Confucian hierarchical reciprocal ethical relationships in a Shinto framework that, while appreciating the beauty of nature, allows good and evil as Kami - gods. This results in social behavior built around yuzuriai - literally making space for the other, physical space - no one bumps into someone else even on the most crowded sidewalk or in a public place - or "mutual concession" or "compromise" in terms of ethical relationships. How do we live as the Christian faith is absorbed as one among others but not as "the way, truth, and life" of Christ?
    ...coming from abroad we may find "the quality of our family life" compromised. The demands of Japan's public school system require children - and their mothers especially - to join the competitive system of constant one-upsmanship for educational status that leads to success. Japanese companies may require more time and energy from the employee - usually the father - reducing family time. And, in Tokyo, which is a far larger city than people imagine, travel time even with the
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St. Paul International
Lutheran Church

Tokyo Lutheran Center Building
1-2-32 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo, JAPAN 102-0071

Phone :    03-3261-3740
E-mail :
Homepage :

http://www2.gol.com/users/alleluia
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Contact the Editor.

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Sunday Worship
9:30 am  Holy Communion
10:40 am  Fellowship Time
11:10 am  Sunday School and Adult Forum
Wednesday Bible Study
7:00pm  Pastor H's office
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excellent transportation system, may mean less for family or play, personal growth or even church. And Japan is less an individual than a corporate culture - the Christian Church is the only "religion" in Japan that counts members by individual persons. How can St. Paul help people of faith enhance family quality?
    ...it is hard to flourish as persons of Christian faith and life. We come together at St. Paul's as people with three things in common: persons who communicate in English, who live in Tokyo, Japan, and who love Jesus the Christ. Christ is our hope and strength, the one who brings us the grace of God's love, the one who resurrects us daily in forgiveness, the one who brings healing and peace in the midst of our struggles. We welcome you to St. Paul's as together we grow in life and faith.
    Reality in Japan...is that it may be a struggle for us to flourish in faith and life across the borders of our own cultures and those of Japan. But the promise is that in and through our struggles, the Kingdom of God will be seen because God has placed us to bloom in this place. May the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.
                     Together in Christ,
                         Pastor Phil

Stewardship Needs
    Thank you for your stewardship care of St. Paul's. If you prayerfully made a pledge, we trust that you are maintaining that pledge as we enter the travel and vacation season. Please remember your church before you leave for vacation. Our Treasurer, Yuichiro, indicated to the Church Council that the congregation traditionally faces difficult finances in the post-Easter and vacation seasons. Therefore, we prayerfully
ask that you maintain your pledge even when you are unable to be in worship. If you have not made a pledge, forms are available each week on the Usher's Table as you enter the sanctuary. If circumstances mean that you need to alter your pledge, please let our Treasurer know. May the Lord bless you for the sake of the Gospel of Christ as you live and serve in Tokyo.

Mother's Day Bake-Off, May 11
    On Sunday, May 11, St. Paul's will again hold its annual Mother's Day Bake-Off, where the mom's (and all the ladies!) are the guests of honor and the men (if you are someone's son, you qualify!) provide the treats.
    In years past, this event turned into a bit of a baking competition complete with prizes. Awards for Rookie of the Year and Most Mysterious Dish were handed out along with prizes for Most Delightful and Most ...um...Creative. However, this year it seems again many of the guys are without an oven.
    Not a problem!
    It doesn't matter whether the treat brought to share is something baked, boughten or created in some unique way... it will still be a chance for the fellows to treat the ladies. So whether you are a father or a husband, a brother or a son, (or even just the boy next door!), please help to make the ladies feel special and bring some treats to share. And in return you will be fawned over and teased, patted on the back and appreciated! Join us for a happy Mother's Day.
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SPECIAL COMBINED LUTHERAN/ANGLICAN WORSHIP (In Japanese) AND SPECIAL PEACE SERVICE (In English)

    1) The Japan Evangelical Lutheran Church (JELC) http://www.jelc.or.jp/ has announced a combined worship with the Anglican Church in Japan to celebrate the publication of Called to a Common Mission (in Japanese). A special program and worship will be held at St. Andrew Anglican Church on Sunday, May 11. All are invited to this celebration of united mission for the sake of the Gospel in Japan.

The schedule for Sunday, May 11 (Pentecost):

3:00 - 4:30 PM Program (In Japanese)
  • Introductions of both the JELC and the Anglican Churches in Japan
  • Dialogue on the meaning and results of the common mission
    5:00 - 7:00 PM Combined Worship (In Japanese)
  • Theme "Gathered Around the Table Together"
  • Sermon, "One in Christ" by Rev. Tokuzen (JELC)

    St. Andrew Anglican Church is just down the street from Tokyo Tower.

    • Gathering to Worship, Scattering to Serve

        During the month of May, the Youth group of our congregation will be organizing and beginning their efforts to "Gather to Worship and Scatter to Serve". If you would like to find out more, help with organizing or just show your support, please speak to Nozomi N. or Pastor Phil. Watch for details in the Sunday bulletin.

        2) In addition, St. Alban's Anglican Church http://www.saintalbans.gol.com/ (right next door to St. Andrew's) will hold a special "Peace Service" (in English) at 4:00 PM also on May 11. Joseph O'Leary SJ, Professor of English Literature at Sophia University will speak about the implications of Pentecost for those who seek peace and justice in our time. This service is sponsored by St. Alban's Peace & Justice Committee.

        Pastor Phil is planning to attend parts of both these ecumenical events and welcomes anyone interested to accompany him. If there is enough interest an outing will be planned. Watch for information on Sunday, May 4 and 11.


    From the Church Council -- CONSIDERING ST. PAUL'S FUTURE

        What will St. Paul's be like in ten years? What will be its focus? Where might it be? What will be important for evangelism and service for the sake of the Gospel of Christ and the future of St. Paul's?
        These are a few of many questions that the leadership of the congregation is considering. In order to help us look to the future, we have scheduled a special presentation for the afternoon of May 18 and invite all who are interested to attend.
    What? Some Options for the Future of St. Paul International Lutheran Church, Tokyo
    When? Sunday, May 18, 2008, from 1:30 - 3:30 PM
    Where? At the church, Tokyo Lutheran Center, 2nd Floor Classroom
    Who? Sato Takeshi, Christian, expert at assisting churches become shuukyoo hoojin (legal religious entities in Japan), real estate broker, member of advocacy group to the Japanese government for the continued freedom of religion. He will, through a translator, address issues that pertain to our situation at St. Paul as we continue to rent facilities, hold a single worship service, struggle with finances, etc.
        We welcome you to join us as we look to enhance the ministry of St. Paul's into the future. As the hymn has us sing in prayer, "Spirit, spirit of gentlenesscYou call from tomorrow, your break ancient schemes....our women see visions, our mean clear their eyesc.with bold new decisions your people arise." Keep St. Paul's in your prayers that we may hear the calling of the Holy Spirit.
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    April Picnic

        The outing on Sunday, April 27, turned into a "parsonage picnic/park playtime" event! Following the Education Hour at church, some 20 of us headed down the hill to Kudanshita subway station for the short train ride to the parsonage. Along the way, many of us bought a sandwich or obento; at the parsonage Pastor Phil provided the drinks and a few shared salad, fruit and desserts. We then"sang" our prayer, ate our lunches, and then headed out to Chidori ga fuchi Park for some fresh air and sunshine. The park had recently been refurbished and there were plenty of places to sit and chat around the late blooming, double-blossom cherry trees. There was space for playing badminton, some Frisbee tossing and even some "trust" group games organized by Pastor Phil. The park is next to the moat around the Imperial Palace so a few of the picnic goers chose to walk down the hill to the front of the palace on their way home. All in all, it was an afternoon of spiritual fellowship and fun. By popular demand, we are tentatively organizing a "4th Sunday of the Month" outing for May 25th. If you have a suggestion for an activity or would like to help organize this informal gathering, please talk to one of the Church Council members or Pastor Phil. And plan to join us when you can the fourth Sunday of each month for some fun and fellowship!
    * * Mission Statement * *
    St. Paul International Lutheran Church brings together people of diverse backgrounds who are deepening and sharing their Christian faith through English language worship, fellowship, education, and community outreach.
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    St. Paul International Lutheran Church     May ,  2008
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