Senior Pastor Report
2026 Wesley Charge Conference - Senior Pastor Report
Rev. John Oda
Rev. John Oda
Greetings in the name of Christ. As I look back on 2026 at Wesley, the words that keep coming to my mind are: "rooted, formed, committed." In 2026 Wesley completed the difficult and holy work of developing a vision of who God is calling us to be in the future, and then we started to live into this vision. And part of that calling was to create a list of values for the church, which were: "rooted, formed, committed”. It was also a year of many goodbyes, as we laid to rest some of the saints who built this church. Through all of it, I have watched this congregation show up for one another with remarkable faithfulness, generosity and love. What follows is a snapshot of our shared ministry from January 1 through October 2026.
Strategic Plan: Rooted, Formed, Sent
For the first time in Wesley's 131-year history, we now have a Strategic Plan. The process that began in 2025 with consultant Rev. Sam Yun and continued this year with our second Discovery Session in January and an All-Church Retreat in February devoted to discovery and discernment. We had a small sub-set and a solid cross section of Wesley people who participated on three Discovery Sessions. They gave their honest opinions and their hopes for the church, and the plan was definitely richer from their input.
Out of that work came our new vision statement: "We want to be a church that is rooted in love, formed in faith, and committed to justice." The plan names five strategic initiatives, including "From Welcome to Belonging," "Faith for Real Life," and "Compassion That Builds Trust." In August, I preached a three-week sermon series, "Rooted, Formed, Sent," to walk the whole congregation through the plan. Our staff has met with Rev. Yun to begin implementation, and our Welcoming Team has already taken up the work of turning first-time visitors into members of the Wesley family.
For the first time in Wesley's 131-year history, we now have a Strategic Plan. The process that began in 2025 with consultant Rev. Sam Yun and continued this year with our second Discovery Session in January and an All-Church Retreat in February devoted to discovery and discernment. We had a small sub-set and a solid cross section of Wesley people who participated on three Discovery Sessions. They gave their honest opinions and their hopes for the church, and the plan was definitely richer from their input.
Out of that work came our new vision statement: "We want to be a church that is rooted in love, formed in faith, and committed to justice." The plan names five strategic initiatives, including "From Welcome to Belonging," "Faith for Real Life," and "Compassion That Builds Trust." In August, I preached a three-week sermon series, "Rooted, Formed, Sent," to walk the whole congregation through the plan. Our staff has met with Rev. Yun to begin implementation, and our Welcoming Team has already taken up the work of turning first-time visitors into members of the Wesley family.
Worship
Worship remains the center of our life together. Holy Week was full and joyful, from our Ash Wednesday service shared with our friends at La Trinidad UMC, to Good Friday, to Easter Sunday and the Easter Breakfast. Our in-person attendance has averaged 150 people each week, with 118 more people joining us online every week.
This year we received a generous donation from an anonymous donor which enabled Wesley to purchase two large screen televisions, which we now use for worship. The words are brighter and clearer, which is especially important for our older adults. The same donation paid for a new Praise Band singer, Jazhara Jones. She has added a wonderful depth to our Praise Band. Lastly, we received a grant from the Beulah Foundation, which paid for a new hearing assist system to enable those with hearing adds to connect directly to the hearing assist system.
Worship remains the center of our life together. Holy Week was full and joyful, from our Ash Wednesday service shared with our friends at La Trinidad UMC, to Good Friday, to Easter Sunday and the Easter Breakfast. Our in-person attendance has averaged 150 people each week, with 118 more people joining us online every week.
This year we received a generous donation from an anonymous donor which enabled Wesley to purchase two large screen televisions, which we now use for worship. The words are brighter and clearer, which is especially important for our older adults. The same donation paid for a new Praise Band singer, Jazhara Jones. She has added a wonderful depth to our Praise Band. Lastly, we received a grant from the Beulah Foundation, which paid for a new hearing assist system to enable those with hearing adds to connect directly to the hearing assist system.
Pastoral Care
This has been another year of loss at Wesley. Between January and October, I officiated or helped families plan nearly a dozen celebrations of life services. Each one was a reminder of how deeply this congregation is woven together across generations, and what a privilege it is to walk with families in their grief. I am grateful for our Umbrella Ministry visitations and for everyone who brought meals, made phone calls and simply sat with people who were hurting. Pastoral care at Wesley is truly a ministry of the whole congregation.
This has been another year of loss at Wesley. Between January and October, I officiated or helped families plan nearly a dozen celebrations of life services. Each one was a reminder of how deeply this congregation is woven together across generations, and what a privilege it is to walk with families in their grief. I am grateful for our Umbrella Ministry visitations and for everyone who brought meals, made phone calls and simply sat with people who were hurting. Pastoral care at Wesley is truly a ministry of the whole congregation.
Wesley Staff
Our full staff gathers monthly for planning, and we celebrate birthday lunches, which have become a meaningful way of caring for the people who care for and guide this church. Mark Teagle continues to grow in his ministry and this year became a provisional deacon. Kelli Martines remains the administrative backbone to the whole operation. She keeps things running smoothly. Hikaru continues to strengthen our online presence through the Wesley app, website and social media. Terri Thorton became the Office Manager and continues to help with the deposits and food ordering for our weekly Food Distribution. I am deeply grateful for the entire Wesley Staff.
Our full staff gathers monthly for planning, and we celebrate birthday lunches, which have become a meaningful way of caring for the people who care for and guide this church. Mark Teagle continues to grow in his ministry and this year became a provisional deacon. Kelli Martines remains the administrative backbone to the whole operation. She keeps things running smoothly. Hikaru continues to strengthen our online presence through the Wesley app, website and social media. Terri Thorton became the Office Manager and continues to help with the deposits and food ordering for our weekly Food Distribution. I am deeply grateful for the entire Wesley Staff.
Discipleship and New Ministries
This year I participated in the following ministries:
This year I participated in the following ministries:
- Membership Class – We held a new member class in March, and new individuals and families continue to visit and ask about joining Wesley.
- 3rd Grade Bible Study – Our third graders gathered to begin exploring the Bible together.
- Scouting – We supported our Scouts. I spoke at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor and provided a presentation on religion to the Buddhist Church Scouts.
- Asian Camp – Wesley hosted the training for Asian camp counselors.
- Reconciling Ministry – Planning is underway for Reconciling Sunday 2027, with author and historian Stan Yogi as our guest speaker.
Fellowship & Community Building
The highlight of the year for many was the Wesley Japan Trip from June 23 to July 6. Our group traveled through Hokkaido, and the trip deepened friendships and our appreciation for the cultural and spiritual ties we share. We gathered afterward for a reunion lunch at the Mineta House, and early planning has begun for a 2028 trip to Turkey.
Speaking of the Mineta House, we moved into our new parsonage in January 2026. It has already become a place of hospitality for the church family, just as we hoped it would.
Wesley also continued to be a gathering place for Japantown. We hosted the Fred Korematsu Day event with the Asian Law Alliance, the Festival of Joy for the Asian Caucus of California Nevada Annual Conference, and the Midori Kai Trailblazers event. I was honored to join in the Nikkei Matsuri opening ceremony. We also held another successful Wesley Golf Tournament. And Luz and I were overjoyed to be able to provide the main catering for this year’s Mother's Day Lunch. Planning is now underway for the Curry Cook Off which will be held on December 12, 2026 at Wesley.
The highlight of the year for many was the Wesley Japan Trip from June 23 to July 6. Our group traveled through Hokkaido, and the trip deepened friendships and our appreciation for the cultural and spiritual ties we share. We gathered afterward for a reunion lunch at the Mineta House, and early planning has begun for a 2028 trip to Turkey.
Speaking of the Mineta House, we moved into our new parsonage in January 2026. It has already become a place of hospitality for the church family, just as we hoped it would.
Wesley also continued to be a gathering place for Japantown. We hosted the Fred Korematsu Day event with the Asian Law Alliance, the Festival of Joy for the Asian Caucus of California Nevada Annual Conference, and the Midori Kai Trailblazers event. I was honored to join in the Nikkei Matsuri opening ceremony. We also held another successful Wesley Golf Tournament. And Luz and I were overjoyed to be able to provide the main catering for this year’s Mother's Day Lunch. Planning is now underway for the Curry Cook Off which will be held on December 12, 2026 at Wesley.
Community and Connectional Ministry
Wesley's witness extends well beyond our walls. This year I offered the Aspirational Message at the Day of Remembrance here in Japantown. I also continue to serve on the board of the Japantown Community Congress of San Jose and the executive committee of the National Japanese American UMC Caucus, and spoke at a Press Conference with the San Jose Nikkei Resisters to protest the propose ICE Detention Center in Gilroy. We have also deepened our friendship with the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, welcoming Rinban Henry Adams and celebrating their groundbreaking of the new Dharma Center.
Within the El Camino Real District, I served as Chair of the Committee on District Superintendency during the transition to our new District Superintendent team, Rev. Theon Johnson III and Rev. Oliver Mangubat. I also met with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, presided at a special charge conference for Alum Rock UMC, chaired the City Circuit, and have lead the planning for upcoming the El Camino Real District Celebration on November 14. I also lead the planning for the National Japanese American UMC clergy retreat in Hawaii; November 10-12.
Wesley's witness extends well beyond our walls. This year I offered the Aspirational Message at the Day of Remembrance here in Japantown. I also continue to serve on the board of the Japantown Community Congress of San Jose and the executive committee of the National Japanese American UMC Caucus, and spoke at a Press Conference with the San Jose Nikkei Resisters to protest the propose ICE Detention Center in Gilroy. We have also deepened our friendship with the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, welcoming Rinban Henry Adams and celebrating their groundbreaking of the new Dharma Center.
Within the El Camino Real District, I served as Chair of the Committee on District Superintendency during the transition to our new District Superintendent team, Rev. Theon Johnson III and Rev. Oliver Mangubat. I also met with the District Committee on Ordained Ministry, presided at a special charge conference for Alum Rock UMC, chaired the City Circuit, and have lead the planning for upcoming the El Camino Real District Celebration on November 14. I also lead the planning for the National Japanese American UMC clergy retreat in Hawaii; November 10-12.
Missions and Compassion Ministries
Our Missions and Compassion Ministries remain one of Wesley's brightest lights. Our Tuesday Food Distribution, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, and our tutors at Grant Elementary School continued this year.
Our Missions and Compassion Ministries remain one of Wesley's brightest lights. Our Tuesday Food Distribution, in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, and our tutors at Grant Elementary School continued this year.
Financial Strength and the Kitchen Remodel
Wesley continues to be financially strong, with ample reserves. This fall we are launching two campaigns together. Our annual Stewardship Campaign runs the first three Sundays in November, and alongside it we are launching a two-year Capital Campaign with an initial goal of $4 million, focused on a long-awaited remodel of the Wesley kitchen. Our Kitchen Remodel Team began meeting in April. I am part of the Team. We visited and learned from our neighbors at the San Jose Buddhist Church about their own kitchen remodel project. The Kitchen Remodel Team has held listening session to gather input from the congregation about the kitchen remodel. Both campaigns are tied directly to our Strategic Plan, because a kitchen is where Wesley has always fed its people and welcomed the stranger.
Wesley continues to be financially strong, with ample reserves. This fall we are launching two campaigns together. Our annual Stewardship Campaign runs the first three Sundays in November, and alongside it we are launching a two-year Capital Campaign with an initial goal of $4 million, focused on a long-awaited remodel of the Wesley kitchen. Our Kitchen Remodel Team began meeting in April. I am part of the Team. We visited and learned from our neighbors at the San Jose Buddhist Church about their own kitchen remodel project. The Kitchen Remodel Team has held listening session to gather input from the congregation about the kitchen remodel. Both campaigns are tied directly to our Strategic Plan, because a kitchen is where Wesley has always fed its people and welcomed the stranger.
Looking Ahead
As we step into 2027, I believe Wesley is standing on solid ground. We have a clear vision, a strong financial foundation, a wonderful and hard-working staff and a congregation that amazing.
As we step into 2027, I believe Wesley is standing on solid ground. We have a clear vision, a strong financial foundation, a wonderful and hard-working staff and a congregation that amazing.
Thank you for the privilege of serving as your Senior Pastor. I am grateful for your generosity, your energy and your openness to God's leading. Now comes the exciting part: living out what we have discerned together. And so we will keep moving forward as God’s Church, rooted in love, formed in faith, and committed to justice.
Posted in Charge Conference 2026