Type your new text here.

As I write this Pastor’s Reflection, Luz, her mom Stella, and I have just returned from Europe where we visited Luz's younger brother Anthony and his wife Sarah in the Netherlands. We spent about 1/2 of our time in the Netherlands and the rest of our time in Belgium and Germany. I should confess right now that I speak zero Dutch. In Belgium, I managed a few words in French. And in Germany… well, thank goodness most people spoke English.
There is a particular kind of humility that comes from traveling in a foreign country where you don’t speak that language. I remember standing on the platform at the train station in Antwerp, watching the announcements scroll by in Dutch trying to catch the English part. (Parts of Belgium speak Dutch, other parts speak French, and a small portion speaks German.) On that trip, we manage to get to the correct platform at the correct time but we quickly discovered that the platforms got switched. So I had to ask a few strangers for help. While traveling, Luz and I leaned on each other a lot. We also used Google Translate to read menus, and our GPS apps to make sure we were going in the right direction. We also trusted Luz’s brother and some patient strangers to get us where we needed to go. We were, in the truest sense, foreigners. Grateful ones, but foreigners all the same.
On one of our long train rides, I found myself staring out of the window thinking about traveling to unfamiliar places. I recalled Abraham in the Old Testament. In Genesis 12, God says to Abraham, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” Those were God’s instructions, minimal as they were. God did not create an itinerary. Abraham did not have Google Translate, or Apple Maps. God’s instructions were simply “go,” along with a promise that God would be with him. Hebrews 11 later reflects on this: Abraham “set out, not knowing where he was going”, and still he went. Would you embark on such a journey to an unfamiliar place with an unfamiliar language without a map?
In reality, I think most of us know something about that kind of journey. Grief is an unfamiliar journey to places we have never been, with a language that only those who have traveled that same road can understand. Some of us have had to visit other unfamiliar places, like a new diagnosis, a divorce, an empty nest, a troubled child, the first months of sobriety, or the failing health of a loved one. We find ourselves standing in the middle of a different and unfamiliar life, unable to read the signs, unsure which platform is ours and often unable to even find the right language to describe what we’re going through.
What struck me during our time in Europe was that we did not have to travel alone. We did not need to speak the language fluently. We only needed to trust the people around us, trust our apps, and trust that the God who called Abraham is the same God who would travel with us. This same God will go with you into every foreign and unfamiliar place that you have had to or will have to navigate in your life. That is a promise.
So, if you find yourself somewhere unfamiliar this season, geographically, spiritually, physically or emotionally; I hope you will remember that you don’t need to fear because God will be with you on your journey to an unfamiliar land. You don’t need to know where you are going or how to get there. Abraham didn’t. Neither, most days, do I. Happy journeying my friends.

Grace and peace,
Pastor John

Thank you to the Wesley community for the generous donations to the Memorial Fund in honor of loved ones. As the Memorial Fund has been growing over the years, the Finance Committee wanted to establish a formal process to thoughtfully disburse the money, and the Administrative Board established the Memorial Fund Committee. The Memorial Fund Committee seeks to honor those being remembered by supporting programs that promote wellness, fellowship, and the nurturing of healthy lives in body, mind, and spirit. In January, the Memorial Fund Committee will begin reviewing proposals that focus on serving the congregation and the wider community, outreach and acts of care for those in need, worship and spiritual growth, and improvements that enhance the church’s space for gathering and ministry activities.
While the process of donating in honor of someone’s memory remains unchanged (donating to the Memorial Fund or other designated fund via Subsplash or check), as of January 2027, undesignated “in memory of” and Memorial Fund donations will be directed to the general fund. Any questions or proposals should be directed to Joanne Miyahara, Memorial Fund Committee member.

今日は日語の働きの一つ、ケアミニストリーを紹介します。このミニストリーは、教会員の中でサポートを必要としている方々を、互いに支え合いケアしていくグループとして、約25年前に活動を始めました。その前にも日語部の婦人会の活動の一環として、同じような相互ケアが行われていたと記憶しています。
「ケアミニストリー」という名前のグループができて以来、その時々の状況に応じて、ケアの方法も少しずつ変わってきました。ご高齢の方とペアを組み、電話をしたり訪問したり、、毎月ゴールデンへリテッジを訪問していたりした時期もありました。
そして、最も大きく活動の形が変わったのは、コロナ禍だったのではないでしょうか。実際にお見舞いに伺うことが難しくなったため、手紙やメール、電話などを通して近況をうかがい、お祈りに覚えるという形へと変化していきました。
現在は6名のメンバーで活動しています。中には引っ越して現在はサンノゼを離れている方もいますが、メールや電話でのケアは可能だからと、引き続きこのミニストリーに加わってくださっているのも嬉しいことです。
今は2か月に一度部会を持って、教会員の皆さんの近況を確認し、必要に応じて訪問したり、手紙やカードをお送りしたり、お祈りに覚えたりしながら活動しています。
また、月に2回、日語のニュースレターがオンラインで配信されていますが、コンピューターを開くことが難しくなられた方には、印刷したニュースレターを郵送しています。ご希望の方がいらっしゃいましたら、どうぞお気軽にお知らせください。
ケアミニストリーのメンバーも、細々とではありますが、このような活動を通して、お互いに支え合うことの大切さを感じるとともに、私たち自身も大きな恵みをいただいていることを感じています。これからも、教会の皆さんが孤立することなく、互いに心を配り、祈り合いながら歩んでいけるよう、小さな働きを続けていきたいと思います。　　（塚本三枝子）

Today, I’d like to introduce one of the Japanese-language ministry’s initiatives: the Care Ministry. This ministry began about 25 years ago as a group where church members support and care for one another, focusing on those who need assistance. I recall that even before that, similar care activities were taking place as part of the Nichigo Women’s Association.
Since the group was officially named “Care Ministry,” the methods of care have gradually evolved in response to changing circumstances. There was a time when we paired up with elderly members to call or visit them, and we also made monthly visits to Golden Heritage.
I believe the biggest change in the nature of our activities occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since it became difficult to visit people in person, we shifted to checking in on their well-being through letters, emails, and phone calls, and keeping them in our prayers.
We currently have six members. While some have moved away from San Jose, we are delighted that they continue to participate in this ministry as they can still provide care via email and phone.
We now hold a committee meeting every other month to check in on church members. Depending on their needs, we visit them, send letters or cards, or keep them in our prayers.
In addition, a Japanese-language newsletter is sent out online twice a month. For those who find it difficult to use a computer, we mail printed copies of the newsletter. If you would like to receive one, please feel free to let us know.
We members of the Care Ministry feel the importance of supporting one another through these activities even though our work is still small in scale, and we also feel that we ourselves are receiving great blessings. We hope to continue this modest but meaningful work so that everyone in our church can walk together without feeling isolated, caring for one another and praying for one another.

Special Announcement:
At 9/27/26 Nichigo worship service, Rev. Dick Corson will give a sermon in chapel. The service starts at 10am, and everyone is truly welcome.

We are happy to welcome the youth back for a new year of Youth Group! Thank you for all of the love and support from the congregation. I am excited to be the new Youth Lead! As a former participant of Wesley’s Youth ministries program, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program in this new capacity.
In the year after I graduated college, the Wesley community was warm and generous in welcoming me back, and they gave me the time to integrate back into the congregation. I was welcomed onto the awesome AV team, given the opportunity to help with the new church strategic planning, and even allowed to just sit in service every Sunday. During my exploration, however, I knew that helping with the Youth program was calling me back. It was a formative experience that taught me how to public speak, be a role model, think introspectively, and put others before myself. It has guided my values and actions in ways that I had not realized until years after I graduated. As the youth lead, I hope to be able to give these same opportunities to the youth. I want to build a welcoming place for all students and give them chances to build collaborative skills that will help them as they approach new chapters in their lives.
For this school year, we are using Wesley’s new strategic plan to guide us. We are currently in our unit about Love that Welcomes, discussing what that means to the youth and how we can love different communities in our lives. We will move towards a “Faith that Forms” unit in the winter and end with “Justice that Acts” in the spring. I also look forward to having the youth integrated into the congregation by serving as liturgists, helping with God’s Garden, and our continued involvement with Nikkei Matsuri and other cultural events. I also want to have the youth build relationships with the people of Wesley, so if you have any questions, ideas, or opportunities, please feel free to share them with me at youth@wesleysj.net.
I look forward to continuing the important work of all the previous youth directors before me, and a rewarding 2026-2027 school year!

Things really get done at Wesley!  But how?  I mean, the congregation enjoys treats, tea and coffee during Fellowship Time. How does that happen? The Church gets cleaned up on Church Clean-up Day. We have salad lunches and presentations that we can attend. Things get fixed around church and it is maintained throughout year.  There are so many activities from spiritual growth, church maintenance to community outreach at Wesley. How does one get involved in the work of the church beyond Sunday service?  Who organizes and runs all the happenings at Wesley? Well, the opportunity to find out came with the church’s Ministry Fair held on Aug. 23, where many of Wesley's Committees displayed what their ministry was all about and noted how YOU can get involved.

Mark Teagle is in charge of Spiritual Formation and if you’re Interested in say a Bible Study where Dave Land and Roger Miller seen here, are engrossed in the topic. If interested, Mark is the one to talk to.

Missions and Compassion is a focus on our Church’s outreach to the world and is lead by Clarissa Johnston-Abril.  Wesley does and the avenues of involvement for doers are many.

Cynthia is serious about the work of the Board of Trustees in talking to Bob To and Tomoko Tanaka.  Check out the new parsonage and now, the new project involving the Kitchen re-do.  This all falls under the work of the Board of Trustees.

Umbrella Ministries has a variety of activities that our congregation has enjoyed from a Japanese Tea Ceremony, Tai chi, Ikebana, to making Ribbon Leis.  What will Jan Yamaguchi do next or maybe she’ll even lead a poetry writing session.

Wesley tries to be more ecologically conscientious and helping us stay on that path is Mary Chafey.  Be a part of the Green Team!!!

Staff Parish Relations Committee used doughnuts to entice potential members. "Are you interested?" SPRC chair Kristin To asks Flo Oishi.

I know you’ve seen the Wesley United Women of Faith in action.  They hostess…a lot.  You’ve seen their Bless the Dress project as their missionary focus is on women and children around the world.  They did the salad lunch held on Sept. 20 with a guest speaker who talked about caregiving.  And while you see these women of faith everywhere, they are part of a mission and you can be a part of this as well.  Mary Horio is the President along with the rest of the board members, Terri Koike, Kazuko Tengan, Joanne Kumano, Bev Acuna, DeeDee Azuma and Mary Chafey.

The photo frame was popular.  Here are a few others.

On Aug. 23 we welcomed back our God’s Garden Teachers, God’s Garden children, CAF/MYF youth and our new Youth Coordinator Lead. We welcomed Emma To as our new Youth Coordinator Lead for our CAF and MYF youth. We welcomed back Kiyomi Yanai, Lisa Bantilan, Jayne Williams, Mary Asano, Karen Chou, Leighton Horio, Christine Ozawa, Mika Visitation, Mari Fujii, Rob Hikido, Clarissa Johnston-Abril and Jim Mar for another year as God’s Garden teachers. Their dedication to Wesley church and our children over the many years is immeasurable. We presented Bibles to our new 3rd graders. Rev. John blessed backpacks for another school year. We’re off to a wonderful start of Sunday School!

3rd graders received their Bibles from Rev. John Oda.

Kelli Martines, Director of Administration, welcomed aboard two new staff hires filling out the children’s ministry with Emma To coming on board as Youth Ministry Lead which is a new ministry with an expanded vision for youth and community building. Hatty Lin is the new Director of Children and Youth Ministries. While Hatty has been the Director of God’s Garden for the past four years, in her expanded roll, she will continue overseeing Gods Garden and now Youth Ministry which includes our Middle School through High School aged students.

On this very special day, our congregation was treated to the musical genius of Jeffrey Bao who is not new to performing before us, but now he’s off to college. And he was accompanied on the piano by Ning Bao, Jeffrey’s father, as they played “Schön Rosmarin for us. That was a treat with a ton of flavor.

While Blessing the backpacks is focused on the children, the adults have come forward as well to receive God’s Blessings and all involved had loads now much lighter with God’s Holy presence.

Wesley's monthly Open Mic Nite hit the chapel stage on Saturday, September 12. Among the highlights were Hawaiian songs from Greg, a tribute to friendship from Warren, poetry from E.W., ukulele solos from Jonathan, and an amazing ukulele-trumpet duet from Jonathan and Jiawei. Mark your calendars for the next Open Mic event coming on Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 pm in the Chapel.

‘“Bless the Lord, Oh my soul, and don’t forget his benefits” [Psalm 103:2]. {From Rev. Jon Visitation’s Message}
Whoa…What? A one- pounder? A trout at Pinecrest Lake? Who caught it? Jace, a youngster. Geez, he caught the biggest fish at Family Camp this year and not only did he make the parents proud, but the news of his catch was broadcast in the camp grapevine by his even prouder grandmother, Judy Yasutake. Jace beat out all the adults too and was declared the fishing champ of Wesley All Church Camp 2026. And fishing…isn’t that one of the blessings of family camp?
Wesley’s All Church Camp over Labor Day is the place to be. This is God’s country, meaning, here among the Sugar Pines and Doug Firs, the rarified fresh air, the mountains, lakes and trails at over 5,000 ft. you can clear your mind, relax, and allow yourself to feel the presence of God. This is the blessing, the benefit. And we are thankful for this time and place where our church family not only experiences a unique time together, tbut builds lasting memories. We hike, fish (that’s the big deal, here), swim, kayak, go boating, sing around the campfire, eat S’mores and do craft projects. This year Wesley had 114 campers. And what a time we had.
Hat’s off and thank you to Camp Director, John Ng for putting our camp experience together. It is, after all, his Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter holidays all rolled into Family Camp and does he ever make it a time to remember. Christine is an equal partner in our experience as this is their family experience. They both share in making Family Camp the highlight of the year. Jon’s hardest task isn’t all that organizing which he has down to a science, but it’s putting together the Scavenger Hunt list and trying to outwit team Carmen, but alas, this year was no different. Team Carmen was once again top dog so it’s back to the drawing board for Jon.
A huge shout-out to our fishing gurus—John Ng, Ham Tran, Bob Yasukawa, and Cindy Fukuda. Thanks to them, novices like me and the children had a wonderful time catching fish at Wesley Rock and out on the lake. The fish may not have been prize-winners, but the thrill of feeling that first tug on the line and reeling one in creates unforgettable memories. I can see how camp plants the seeds for future anglers and gives us yet another reminder of God’s blessings.
Mark Teagle not only provided all the music leadership, for the campfire sing-along and the worship, he also led a group on a Kayak outing. That was an experience I’ll never forget. This year, a fierce wind kicked up and all the kayakers, even a little for Mark, had us all struggling to get back to the dock.
Camp skits and musical numbers created many memorable moments! But, Camp G stole the show with their skit and performance of our camp song, “Golden.” While most groups tried to sing it, Camp G had no singers—so they rapped it instead—and won the competition hands down with their creative interpretation. Imagine Judy Yasutake rapping the verses and chorus in a New York Jewish accent, and you’ll get the idea. DeeDee Azuma added her spoken-word style, backed by Carmen Cook and the Sakakihara family. Hilarious!
The multi-talented Urata family turns Family Camp into their annual family reunion. They share great fishing stories and, this year, gave us a new rendition of our “Family Camp” song. We also heard Natalie and Arissa from the Wesley Keiki Band perform “Surfin’ USA,” and Natalie danced a beautiful hula while her parents played “Mele o Lanai.” It was simply awesome.
Once again, David and Becky Wong, from Clovis, brought their portable sno-cone machine and provided that Hawaiian sweet and delightful shave-ice experience at camp. We had many of us walking around with blue tongues. There were after campfire food and snacks. Camp D had movies nights, with hot dogs and rice, and nachos for snacks. Camp E and F, had chili and sushi rice along with cookies, lemon and lime bars. Nobody goes hungry.
This year, with the gorgeous lodge finally open, it was game night every evening. The battle that never ceased was the Scrabble tournament and with DeeDee returning after many years away (thanks to the four-season cabins) provided much needed competition for Paul Ueunten.
The Four Seasons cabins and the beautiful brand-spank’n new Lodge were God Sends, as now our older less mobile folk can attend and that’s made a huge difference. And with the lodge being located on level ground, we’re hoping more of our seniors will want to join the family camp experience.
Our Sunday worship service was graced by Rev. Jon Visitacion. What a delight it was to have him and his family at All Church Camp for the first time. His meaningful message focused on the challenges he sees in his health care workplace, where cutbacks, layoffs, and heavier workloads have created difficult times for many. Yet even in-the-midst of these trials, he reminded us, God’s blessings remain. It is hard to see friends and colleagues struggle, but God’s light of hope shines through our gifts of giving, consoling, understanding, and sharing. Rev. Jon encouraged us all to keep remembering God’s blessings and benefits. While the message was brief, we were uplifted. Thank you, Jon.
Lastly, we were honored our last evening, with the presence of Warren Shimonishi. He was our Family Camp Director for some 40 years along with his late wife, Rosie, before John took over. Accolades and high-fives all around for Warren because through his dedication and perseverance, and with John taking over, we’re continuing his legacy. Also, the man likes to fish…and by golly, he won the second-place fishing award. Way to go, Warren!
We were Blessed by God and certainly got high from God’s gifts. Next year comes around quickly and if you've never been, think about coming and if you attended this year, y’all come back, hear and feel God’s presence at a higher altitude.

It’s all about fishing. Here Dave Wong from Clovis along with Jon Ng and the children have their first trek out to Wesley Rock.

Cynthia Fukuda second from left, helps the other novices fish. She does the set-up so all look like pros. Check out the stringer held up by Terri Koiki, third from left. Bev Acuna is at the stern and Misao Fukuda is stem side.

Wow! Nice haul for the Urata kids, both Tina Urata’s grandchildren. This was caught off a rented boat on the lake.

The yucky job…cleaning the catch. Cynthia Fukuda shows how it’s done.

Jeffrey Oldham learned Radio Taiso and was prepared to lead this early morning exercise. This too is part of our camp tradition.

Back at the craft area, Bev Acuna on the right is making a colorful T-shirt.

And there was making a lanyard with Tina Urata showing her granddaughter how.

Ashley Cook and her friend, are designing their cloths.

Kayaking with Mark, the seasoned veteran with Carmen Cook working on her stroke.

Finally, Kelli Martines get’s a chance to slow down and relax shown here with Richard Poczulp.

The Murillo’s, Carlos and Melissa do the same as they watch their boys, Sato and Hideo in the pool.

Camp gatherings are about singing around the campfire led by Mark Teagle and Roberta Gee on guitar.

I believe 11 new families participated in the telephone skit which is a traditional highlight.

April Kawahara cannot believe what her friend Cynthia is pantomiming. Like, Really?

Natalie and Arissa performed “Surfin’ USA” to an appreciative audience. And below, a hula accompanied by her parents, Richard and Junko playing “Mele O Lanai."

The youth girls do the “Cups” song made famous by Anna Kendrick in the movie “Pitch Perfect.” Very cool.

The youth boys also performed a song they did at Junior High Camp.

Camp G’s winning performance of “Golden” with the Sakaikhara family, Carmen Cook, Judy Yasutake, and DeeDee Axuma and their Bad Lemon Table skit below.

The youth Fishing Derby awards went to Jace,  Kaia, and Arissa.

Among the adults…third was a tie between Barbara Hiua, Bev Acuna and Cynthia with our hugs 8 oz catch.

Second place went to Misao Kusuda for her 9 oz fish.

Warren received his fishing award and was recognized for his Camp Leadership.

Carmen Cook’s team wins the coveted Scavenger Hunt event.

Roasting marshmallows for S’mores is a Family Camp tradition.

Game night in the Lodge is gong to be a much attended highlight of the camp experience in years to come with the Paul Ueunten, DeeDee Azuma, Scrabble tournament accompanied by Becky and Dave, friend and Ashley and Carmen Cook.

It’s quiet enough to read or

Play the raucous Spoons card game or

Chess or

Jenga.

Our final meal before heading home!  Sadly we bid goodbye to our home over the Labor Day Weekend.  See you next year.

Did you notice? God’s house got cleaned this past Aug. 30?  Didn’t you suddenly feel refreshed and somehow renewed when you came for worship the very next day? Just the smell of wax and oil or being able to really see the world through squeaky clean windows just gives you a sense of God’s almighty presence surrounding you.
It takes a lot of hands to clean our church, finding the dirt and grime in every nook and cranny, to help the work crews, there are lots of "how to" signage, thanks to DeeDee Azuma.
We had crews of Wesley people and friends (I mean really good friends) vacuuming and taking wax and oil to all the furniture and pews in the Sanctuary, so it was thoroughly clean and smelled really good. Nichigo members did the same to the chapel and library.
One crew mopped and buffed our grimy Fellowship Hall floors, while another cleaned the kitchen—organizing cupboards and removing baked-on grease from the stoves and ovens. And, of course, they cleaned out the refrigerator. Yuck! Another team tackled all the church bathrooms, scrubbing the areas that need more attention than the usual weekly wipe-down.
We need to really do a shout out to our Scout Troop 201 which included some 20 Scouts and parents, who tasked themselves with cleaning all the classrooms. They removed all the chairs, scrubbed the floors, sanitized the toys on both floors. It’s a huge job. And when it was all done, and after the church was clean, they set up the tables and chairs for the very well-attended Ron Ogi Memorial service happening the next day.
The carrot on the stick for everyone who worked in the morning was a tasty lunch and yes we had a crew taking care of setting up the grill and prepping the hamburgers and cheeseburgers with all the fixings. Hats off to all our food prep team.
Wesley is a busy church. Wesley is an active church. Wesley is a church with energy. So when it comes to both small and large tasks, our Wesley members rise to the task needed. And because we’re a J-town neighborhood church, community folk lend a helping hand. We are also not shy about informing the schools around us about large jobs and we get High School students coming to help and receive community service credit. We had Community Youth Service parents come out and lend a hand. Our village is large especially combined with our community outreach. And we are grateful.
A final shout-out goes to our Board of Trustees, a dedicated group of leaders who care for the maintenance and rebuilding needs of our church. They are experienced and knowledgeable about our buildings and grounds. On this day, they provided leadership by forming teams to clean the entire church. A huge thank-you goes to DeeDee, who has led this annual effort for decades. If you need anything—from the leads on down—she is the person to ask. She is there days beforehand to set up and stays until the cleanup is complete, down to the last rag being picked up. It’s perfect and God nods in approval.

The sanctuary crew gets it done with vacuuming, Dale Sasaki, and cleaning the pew seats, Teresa above and Derek Miyahara adding fine oil to the cross and Lynn Haberstock Spot removing the seats, below.

Joanne Miyahara makes sure that even the tops of our doors get a wipe-down

Ning Bao looks on as a Wesley friend does high ladder work. Note the signage of jobs already done.

Mark Teagle wants to be able to see through our glass doors and windows.

Jill Aragaki and Michiko Collins tackle the narthex greeter box.

Scout Troop 201 pulled out all the chairs and tables, cleaned the classrooms with DeeDee Azuma offering direction.

It’s major work cleaning the kitchen. Sorting pans are Terri Koike and Doris Tabuchi and checking our spice larder is Karen Maeda.

Wayne Kuwada is a familiar sight cleaning the Fellowship Hall floors.

The bathrooms get a good scrubbing.

Hector Acuna makes sure not a corner is missed.

Armed with her weapon of choice, Terri Koike assisted by Cynthia Fukuda get ready to blow out some debris, somewhere.

Moving benches takes three…Tom Maeda and Keith Nakashima doing the lifting and Dale Sasaki giving directions.

Barbara Mulford takes on the staff kitchen/office space all by herself.

Luz Gonzales, Shelley Nakashima, and Bev Acuna discuss what’s next on their list to do.

The entire sanctuary crew…showing off.

Zena Fong takes charge of the prep work for lunch along with Jim Mar and below Jim and Mark Iwagaki flip burgers over a hot grill.

After a hard-working morning, from left: Bev and Hector Acuna, Brenda Gee and her brother Bradley enjoy the meal above, as did Keith Nakashima and Mary Horio, below. And doesn’t Tom Maeda (far left) make the burger look yummy as does Jim Mar with his mouth full by the bulletin board. Yummy!

Saturday, September 19 saw the Wesley Jazz Ensemble entertaining at "Good CARma" at the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple. The show featured more than 70 classic cars, great food, a silent auction, a bonsai display and two sets of toe-tapping music from our own WJE. With songs like "Route 66", "Low Rider", and "Mustang Sally", the car theme came through. Thanks to Wayne Adachi and the members of WJE, the car enthusiasts there got a great show and $500 was donated to the Wesley Kitchen Fund. Look forward to the WJE playing at Wesley in December!

There's a particular feeling in my bones that shows up sometime in early September. It's not quite fall, we don't really get fall here, at least not the way people back east experience it. But the mornings are a little cooler, the shadows start slanting differently by 4pm, and if you're the kind of person who pays attention to grocery store endcaps, you've probably noticed the Halloween candy has been out for weeks, and the Christmas decorations are lined up backstage, ready for their big entrance. I say this every September, half-joking, half not: "Have you finished your Christmas shopping yet?" Because every year Christmas seems to show up earlier, so that joke lands a little differently than it did the year before.
In this passage from Genesis, God makes a promise to Noah; right after the great flood, right after everything that mattered had been wiped out and everyone and everything had to start over. God didn't promise Noah an easy life. God promised rhythm. Seedtime and harvest. Cold and heat. Summer and winter. Day and night. On and on, without ceasing, for as long as the earth remains.
That's a profound promise. It means that even when everything in my life feels like it's falling apart, the rhythm of the seasons will keep coming and going. The world will keep turning toward planting again, toward harvest again, toward light again. Feelings of grief or loss will change along with the seasons, too.
I think about my Issei grandparents and how many seasons they had to move through. There were many seasons that they would never have chosen: a new country, a new language, incarceration, the return to the West Coast, and the slow rebuilding of their lives from nothing. They lived Genesis 8:22 in a way, quite frankly, that I hope I never have to. And they kept planting anyway. My mother's family owned a nursery in Seattle, so after the war they had to literally plant again from scratch. My uncle once told me that they would sneak clippings from the side of the road; small cuttings taken so they could be rooted and grown into new plants. That’s how they restarted the Des Moines Way nursery in Seattle - one sprout at a time.
So as the days get shorter and the sunlight leaves us a little earlier each evening, I'm trying to be less resistant to the season changing and more trusting of the rhythm underneath it. God promised the seasons would not cease. I am asking God to help me believe that all will be okay when the seasons of my own life are changing.
Perhaps the real gift of September is not simply that it pushes us closer to the hecticness of Christmas, but that it reminds us we are gently and lovingly held inside God’s rhythm which is wiser and steadier than our own plans.
See you Sunday, and don't forget to bundle up a little, the mornings are turning colder.

With love and warmth,
Pastor John

日語ミニストリー　
The Prophets of the Old Testament
by Mimune Tsukamoto

旧約聖書にはイザヤ書など5 つの「大預言書」と、ホセア書などの12 の「小預言書」が収められていますが、彼ら「預言者」とは一体どのような人たちだったのでしょう。生い立ちを見ると、イザヤやエゼキエルのように王侯貴族や祭司といった上流階級出身の人も居れば、アモスのような羊飼いやミカのような農村の庶民など、実に様々です。それにそもそも預言者になるための学校や公的資格があったわけではなく、「預言者」という「肩書」は、世の人々によってそのように呼ばれた、という事になります。

では本人には、どのような自覚があったのでしょう。それは一口に言えば「神の召命 (Calling)」でした。神様から「このように告げなさい」と命じられ、それを実行せざるを得なかった。でも、皆さん喜んですぐに仰せに従ったわけではありません。モーセはユダヤの民を引き連れてエジプトを脱出するように命じられ、嫌だ嫌だと抵抗しましたね。「涙の預言者」と呼ばれたエレミヤも、「敵国の町に1 人で乗り込め」と言われたヨナもそうでした。でも彼らに共通していたのは、人々の称賛を受けることではなく、様々な苦難に会いながらも、神に命を捧げる道を選んだこと。それが「召命」の本来の意味なのでしょう。

でも本人が納得しても、人々はどうしてその人を「預言者」と呼んだのでしょう。そこには大きく二つの要素があったようです。まず預言が神の教えと一致しているか、そして権力ではなく神に忠実な人であったか。そうでなければ「偽預言者」と言われました。事実、エレミヤは召命によってエルサレムの滅亡を説き、世の人々からは「偽預言者」と言われましたが、やがてその預言の通りエルサレムはバビロンによって滅ぼされます。
この「召命」ですが、実は今の教会にも大切に受け継がれています。牧師となるには、まず神学校を卒業してMaster of Divinity (MDiv) の学位を得ますが、それは単に出発点に過ぎません。正式に「牧師」と任命されるには按手（Ordination）を受けねばならず、学位取得後のその道程を「Ordination Process」と呼び、通常3 年から5 年かかります。以前ウェスレーの日語牧師であった荒谷出先生は、丁度そのプロセスの最中だったのですが、「いやもう大変、自分の召命をメソジスト教会にも信じてもらわねばならなくて」と仰っていました。

この6月のメソジスト教会の年会で、ウェスレーのマーク・ティーグル兄がProvisional Commissioning のConfirmationを受けられ、いよいよそのOrdination Processを始められます。ご本人はもとより、ウェスレーにとっても、メソジスト教会にとっても、とても大切で嬉しい事ですね。

The Old Testament contains five “Major Prophets,” such as the Book of Isaiah, and twelve “Minor Prophets,” such as the Book of Hosea. But what kind of people were these “prophets” exactly? Looking at their backgrounds, they were a truly diverse group: some, like Isaiah and Ezekiel, came from the upper classes—royalty, nobility, or the priesthood—while others, like Amos, were shepherds, and Micah, a commoner from a rural village. Furthermore, there were no schools or official qualifications required to become a prophet. Therefore, the “title” of “prophet” was simply what people of that time called them.

So, how did they themselves perceive their role? In a nutshell, it was “God’s calling.” They were commanded by God to “proclaim this,” and they had no choice but to carry it out. However, they did not all gladly obey the command immediately. Moses, for instance, was ordered to lead the Jewish people out of Egypt, but he resisted, saying, “No, I won’t do it.” The same was true of Jeremiah, known as the “Prophet of Tears,” and Jonah, who was told to “go alone into the city of the enemy.” What they had in common, however, was not seeking the praise of others, but choosing to devote their lives to God even while facing countless hardships. That is likely the true meaning of “calling.”

But even if the person himself was convinced, why did people call him a “prophet”? It seems there were two main factors involved. First, whether the prophecy aligned with God’s teachings, and second, whether he was faithful to God rather than to those in power. If not, he was called a “false prophet.” In fact, Jeremiah, called by God to prophesy the destruction of Jerusalem, was labeled a “false prophet” by the people of his time; yet, as his prophecy foretold, Jerusalem was eventually destroyed by Babylon.

This concept of “calling” is, in fact, still cherished and passed down in the church today. To become a pastor, one must first graduate from seminary and earn a Master of Divinity (MDiv) degree, but that is merely the starting point. To be officially appointed as a “pastor,” one must undergo ordination, and its journey is called the “Ordination Process,” which typically takes three to five years. Pastor Izuru Aratani, who previously served as the Nichigo pastor at Wesley, was right in the middle of that process at the time, and he remarked, “It’s really tough—I have to convince the Methodist Church to believe in my calling as well.”

At the Methodist Church’s annual conference this past June, our Mark Teagle received confirmation of his Provisional Commissioning and will finally begin the Ordination Process. This is a very important and joyful occasion, not only for him personally, but also for Wesley and the Methodist Church.

We want to share an update regarding our Youth Ministry. Last month, after much thought and prayer, Vanessa Perry-Mar decided to resign from her position as Youth Director. Thankfully, she will continue to serve on our Kids Camp directing team and, hopefully, other volunteer roles at Wesley. We are very grateful for the time and energy that Vanessa contributed to our youth ministry and look forward to all of the ways that she will continue to serve our church and community.
Since Vanessa’s resignation last month we have been reimagining and rethinking the position, and are excited to announce that we have created two new positions, Youth Ministry Lead and Youth Ministry Assistant. Both are part-time positions and will work directly with our youth, middle-high school. We have started a search to fill these positions. If you or anyone you know may be interested in helping to grow our youth in their journey of faith, please contact Kelli Martines at kelli@wesleysj.net to learn more.

Maybe you are new to the church. Maybe you want to get more involved and get to know more people. A Wesley Neighbor Group could just be the thing. Based in neighborhoods across Santa Clara Valley, these small groups meet in homes. After an icebreaker and a short, entry-level Bible Study, the group participates in a fun activity, great discussion, and some food! Lots of smiles, community building, and faith formation thanks to the hospitality of a Wesley member. Ask around and find a group near you. Or ask Mark Teagle markteagle@wesleysj.net to recommend a group to you.
And as our Neighbor Group ministry continues to grow, we are recruiting new leaders and hosts. Watch for more information coming soon.

On July 29, 2026, more than 100 people gathered at the Issei Memorial Building, across from Wesley Church, to oppose a possible ICE detention facility in Gilroy.
San Jose Nikkei Resisters and the Neighbors Not Enemies Coalition organized this press conference. The speakers, including our own Rev. John Oda, drew a direct line between the current proposal and the Japanese American community's own history of wartime incarceration, warning that expanding detention infrastructure risks repeating one of the darkest chapters of American history. “When you see our government begin to sort human beings into categories of who deserves rights and who doesn't; who gets due process and who doesn't - you cannot stay quiet,” said Rev. John at the press conference.
Opposition has been building since the project first surfaced in May, with local residents, elected officials, religious leaders and community organizations mobilizing against it. Critics argue the facility would sow fear and disruption in communities that have long welcomed immigrant families.

On a very sunny morning of August 3rd, the 37th annual golf tournament started at the Sunnyvale golf course. This year’s tournament was in special memory of longtime Golf Committee member, Ron Ogi. Ron has made the sponsor signs for the tournament every year for longer than anyone can remember, and never failed to fill the golf course and lunch time with laughter and fellowship. The 45 golfers drove off to their first shot with their goodie bags prepared by Kelli Martines including lots of snacks such as the  Krispie Kringle cookies from Maui Sugar Mamas and the much needed ice cold water.
As the weather was warming up to an almost unbearable degree, a catered buffet lunch from Kazoo was served in the fellowship hall. The delicious meal included steamed veggies, gyoza, tempura, fish katsu and more!
During lunch, Ron’s daughter, Suzanne Tabora told heartfelt memories about her father, as he loved this tournament and was something he looked forward to every summer. She emphasized that for Ron, even if he didn’t do well in golf, he still had fun and enjoyed the fellowship, so she encouraged everyone there to enjoy the fellowship and the time we have together.
Emcee Rev. John Oda “entertained” the guests with his golf dad-jokes as the mic got passed to Denis Imazeki announcing the winners. Tournament results below. This year’s scorekeepers were Denis Imazeki, Ron Tanizawa, and Denny Kinoshita. At the end of lunch, Paul Ueunten announced the winners of the silent auction. We had many wonderful prizes including flower lego sets, Japanese artwork, gift cards and more! Thank you for all the donations.
The golf tournament will enable our church to continue supporting our global mission work, the Yu-Ai Kai Senior Center, Reconciling Ministries, and Compassion Ministry helping the homeless, immigrants, and Grant Elementary School. The Silent Auction will benefit the Wesley Youth summer camps and Kids Camp.
Thank you the Golf Committee comprised of Wayne Kuwada (Chair), Ed Gibo, Barbara Hiura, Jim Higuchi, Gene Kinoshita, Denis Imazeki, Mark Iwagaki, Ron Tanizawa, John Tanaka, Its Yokota, and Paul Ueunten. An extra thank you to the lunch volunteers who came in early to set up the tables with decorations, served the food and stayed to clean up after the lunch. Volunteers were John Tanaka, Ed Gibo, DeeDee Azuma, Cindy Fukuda, Judie Kanemoto, Doris Tabuchi, Judy Yasutake, Joanne Kumano, and Shelley Nakashima. Thank you to Kelli Martines for handling the registration and sponsor signage.

Closest to Pin Winners
“A” flight  
Paul Ueunten 19’½’’
Eric Ozaki 5’ 8’’

“B” flight
Ed Gibo 25’ 7’’
Wayne Kuwada 22’ 11’’

"A" Flight
1. Eric Ozaki
2. Mark Iwagaki
3. Jerry Egusa

"B" Flight
1. Michael Yoshihara
2. Larry Handa
3. Walter Nishimoto

Women's Flight
1. Emi Takahashi
2. Christine Sung
3. Jean Masunaga Hively

Calloway Flight
1. Gordon Iwagaki
2. Daniel Egusa
3. Jen Masuda

Paul Ueunten, Leighton Horio, Dale Sasaki, and Ron Tanizawa.

Marcia Yasukawa and Jim Higuchi ready in the golf cart.

The Ogi family joined us for lunch! Clockwise: Rev. John Oda, Shelley Nakashima, Misako Ogi, Suzanne Tabora, Liz Yokota, Shirley Masunaga and her grandkids, Eric Masunaga, DeeDee Azuma, Mary Sasaki.

Calloway Flight winners Gordon Iwagaki and Jen Masunaga

"B" Flight winners Larry Honda and Walter Nishimoto

Women's Flight from Emi Takahashi, Christine Sung, Jean Masunaga Hively

"A" Flight winners Eric Ozaki and Mark Iwagaki

On July 26, some Wesley Asian Camp campers and counselors reunited at church for our Asian Camp Reflection Service. They came together and led us in a wonderful service. Campers led us in prayer, counselors shared their camp reflections, campers shared their camp experiences and they all shared camp songs that inspire them. All those smiling faces showing us how meaningful Asian Camp is to them was truly inspiring. Again, thank you to our Wesley family for your generous support and prayers for our Wesley campers and counselors.

It was a banner and God praiseworthy day when Wesley celebrated the reappointment of Rev. John Oda as our pastor for another year by the Bishop of our conference and we celebrated on July 26. However, the God sent  highlight moment this day was directed at Mark Teagle.  While he’s been on staff for the past 13 years as first our music ministry director and then a full-time staff member as the Director of Spiritual Formation, Community Engagement and Music (wow…super long title), he has now been appointed to our church by our Bishop Dottie Escobedo-Frank.  We congratulate Mark for taking that giant step for now being in the ordination process toward becoming a Deacon.  This is a move  for Mark and we celebrate him as this is the final stage of a process that began several years ago. Because of his appointment, he is no longer “hired" by Wesley.

Mark and Rev. John with the cake and the mini gluten free  cake provided by the SPRC.

Serving the tea & coffee were Kellie Nunokawa and her kids.

Emma To helped serve cake to every table.

A Reflection on My Reappointment to Wesley
Rev. John Oda

At the start of every year, the Cal-Nevada Annual Conference Bishop and her Cabinet meet to decide where each pastor in the conference will be appointed. This year, their decision means I get to continue serving at Wesley. July 1, 2026 marked the official start of my fifth year with you; though, as I'll explain, my actual anniversary here goes back a bit further, to April 1.
My appointment was officially set to begin July 1, 2022. But thanks to a generous severance package from my previous appointment at the General Board of Global Ministries, I was able to start, unofficially, on April 1, 2022 instead. That overlap gave me precious time with Rev. Keith and Viki, who generously shared their knowledge, their experience, and their dreams for Wesley. I remain forever grateful for those conversations.
I remember arriving at Wesley and not knowing where the light switches were in the fellowship hall, let alone who was related to whom, who had been quietly carrying a family through a difficult season, or who made the best desserts at the potlucks. Four years later, I still don't always know where everything is, but I've come to know so many of you well. That's the real gift of being appointed to Wesley Church, not the role I was appointed to, but the people at Wesley who I have come to love.
There's a passage in the book of Hebrews that keeps returning to me as I think about this milestone. The writer has just spent several verses warning the community about the danger of growing spiritually stagnant, of drifting, of settling. It's a tough passage, almost scolding. And then, right in the middle of that warning, his tone shifts: "Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are confident of better things in your case, things that have to do with salvation" (Hebrews 6:9). The writer doesn't take back the warning. Growth can still be hard; drifting can still be a real danger. But there's a deliberate turn toward hope.  He speaks with a confidence that isn't naive but gained by having watched this same community before. In other words, the author of Hebrews is saying: I know the past struggles, and I firmly believe better things are coming.
That's how I feel about Wesley heading into year five. Not because we've arrived at some sort of finish line, but because I've watched the church and the people here continue to choose to grow, to change, to work hard and to deepen our welcome to all new people.
I think often about the Issei and Nisei who built this church, who worked so hard to make a living for the sake of their families, and who were later stripped of their homes, their businesses, and their dignity. They were incarcerated by their own country, and still, they came back to Japantown and reopened this church. They didn't do that because the future was certain, far from it. They did it because they trusted, the way the writer of Hebrews describes, that better things were possible, even after everything. That kind of trust, I believe, is stitched into these walls.
So, as I begin my fifth year here, my prayer isn't that I get everything right. It's that we keep being a people who expect better things, not despite our history, but because of it; carrying forward what was entrusted to us, trusting that change itself is a good thing and trusting that great things are yet to come.
That kind of trust is what I want to carry with me into this fifth year.  I'm grateful to keep walking with you toward the great things that will unfold this year!

With overwhelming gratitude,
Rev. John

Congratulations to Jeffrey who placed second in Informative Speaking at the 2026 National Speech and Debate Association National Tournament.  This tournament took place in June in Richmond, Virginia and is one of the largest academic competitions in the world. 1,500 schools and 7,000 students from every state gathered to debate ideas, tell stories, and practice the essential skills of democracy—critical thinking, respectful disagreement, and confident communication.
Jeffrey's winning speech, "The Great American Bento Box," wove together food, culture, and community identity, with much of the piece centered on San Jose's own Japantown.  Please join us in celebrating Jeffrey's hard work, talent, and this incredible honor.
Congratulations, Jeffrey!  We're so proud of you!

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone at Wesley and the UWIF Rummage Sale volunteers who offered recommendations before and during the rummage sale on school workbooks, supplies, and other items for Golden Hills School in Windhoek, Namibia.
I was able to ship a 20-pound box of supplies right after the rummage sale which arrived on July 14th and was delivered to the school by my contact, Valeria, in Windhoek.
The head schoolmaster was delighted beyond words with everything included! Especially the large-format alphabet sets, flash cards, school workbooks, pencils and more.
For this marginalized school, this box is more than just “school supplies”, it represents hope, opportunity and encouragement for all the students.  

On June 23 a group of 29 of us set off on the 2026 Wesley Japan Trip. For 13 days, we mostly crisscrossed Hokkaido.  It was an amazing trip.
We began in Sapporo, where a day trip to Otaru had us blowing our own glass and wandering the famous canal.  Later we did a walking tour of the Historical Village of Hokkaido. Lastly we were able to spend time at the sleek new ES CON Field where the Nipponham Fighters baseball team plays. The next day we saw the impossibly blue waters of Shirogane Blue Pond, the lavender rows of Farm Tomita, the roaring Ginga and Ryusei waterfalls, and a hike through the Shiretoko Five Lakes that left more than a few of us pleasantly out of breath. We ate delicious and tender wagyu in a farmhouse/restaurant,and had seafood bowls at the Washo Market in Kushiro. We learned about the Ainu culture at Akan Kotan.  At Okhotsk museum, we learned about the drift ice history in the Sea of Okhotsk and experienced minus 30 degrees in a room made cold enough to simulate the winter in that area. At virtually every place we went, many of us sampled the amazingly delicious soft serve ice cream. Hokkaido is famous for their rich ice cream because of the abundant cows in that region.
For me, one of the highlights of Japan was the last Sunday of our trip when our group traveled to Yokohama Union Church.  I had the honor of preaching there. It is one thing to lead worship at home in San Jose; it is another thing entirely to stand in a pulpit built by generations of missionaries and immigrants who carried the gospel across the Pacific in both directions. It was so wonderful to have 27 Wesley members fill half of the pews of that church
Afterward, we made our way to Yokohama's Chinatown for lunch with Rev. Claudia, the pastor of Yokohama Union Church (who has lived in Japan for 33 years). She brought us to a local restaurant where we had full Chinese banquet.
We wrapped up our trip with a delightful farewell dinner in Tokyo (steak and lobster) and one last morning in the temple town of Asakusa before flying home. The Wesley Japan Trip was about far more than sightseeing. It was about walking together, sharing meals together, and being able to spend time with one another, creating deeper and lifelong connections with each other.

Around 20 members of the Wesley Ukulele Band attended their annual fun-filled and relaxing summer potluck and practice at the scenic Frank Bramhall Park in Willow Glen on 12 July.  The weather was perfect, a bit overcast but the group was shaded between two very large old oak trees. All were plied with good food provided by talented band members who can also cook.  They jammed and sang some favorite tunes and ate till they were well sated.  We thank Smiley and Janet Kai for always arriving very early in the morning to reserve our spot. It was a much looked forward to event and well attended.  Back Row (from left); Carol Ferro, Junko and Richard Urata, Tina Urata (band leader),  Cynthia Lorence, Toki Pagoulatos, Jonathan, Mariana Winoto,  Mark Teagle, Smiley Kai; middle row (from left); Earl Takenaka, Jane Wong, Becky Soffioto, Barbara Hiura, Greg Tanaka and front row (from left); Yuzuru and Natalie.

The afternoon highlight was hula dancing. Providing  grace to our serene time together, was Tina (above), and her granddaughter, Natalie (below), performing to a grateful group of strummers and singers.