Wednesday, March 9, 2005

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Moses departed just this morning to serve two years at the North America Section of the Overseas Department of Church Headquarters under Rev. Takaharu Ichise. He?ll visit his maternal grandparents and his uncle Elmer first in Tokyo and then report to his duty on March 16. We wish him well and see him in Jiba for Oyasama?s 120th Anniversary.

This Sunday we will be giving thanks and sharing our faith. Take advantage of this opportunity for spiritual growth and fellowship.

Monday, February 7, 2005

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On December 26, 2004 an earthquake registering magnitude 9.0 on the Richter scale triggered a massive tsunami killing over 170,000 people with still another 100,000 still missing. The large scale devastation, grief and suffering can only be imagined by most of us who have never witnessed this type of disaster. Yet it is real and overwhelming for those who live in the affected areas of Indonesia, Malaysia, India and Sri Lanka. Our prayers and our hearts go out to the tsunami victims and survivors.

The scale of devastation and the vast number people who lost their lives have led many to question or doubt God’s intent or even God’s existence: “Where have you been God? Dear God, how can you explain this?” Or, “Where is God’s mercy?”

I will be discussing these questions and the meaning of this tsunami for Tenrikyo in the February sermon.

In the meantime, Dendocho has donated $25,000 from its disaster relief fund and has called on all members to contribute to this fund. Tenrikyo Pearl Church, as well as other Tenrikyo churches and mission stations will be collecting donations in support of this fund drive. Please write checks out to Tenrikyo Hawaii Dendocho and write Tsunami Relief in the memo section and/or on the envelope.

January 3, 2005; 6:49 PM

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Thank you all for your support this past year. Due to God’s blessing and everyone’s sincere efforts and offerings, 2004 saw the final resolution to our zoning problem. Thank you very much from the bottom of our hearts.

We can now engage in church activities at Pearl Church with peace of mind. However, now that we’ve overcome a major hurdle for the church, we can’t put our guards down. We are now in the last year of the three years, one thousand days before Oyasama’s 120th Anniversary and we have experience a devastating earthquake in Southeast Asia. I believe it is God’s call for our service: the Prayer Service and doing nioigake and salvation work which will lead us to spiritual maturity, peace in the world, healing, good health, and the Joyous Life for all. All of you, please join us this Spring Grand Service on Sunday, January 9, 2005 at 10am.

Rev. Owen Nakao

Tuesday, November 30, 2004

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As most of you know, Tamayo Saito returned Japan on 11/17 about 3 days after our 70th Anniversary staying her maximum visa allowable of 90 days and Jack Wong will be returning to Chicago tonight 11/30. He stayed from 9/20, a little more than 2 months. Both were very helpful in getting the painting and flooring done during our critical time. Thank you to them both!

Since Tamayo left, Takehiro Nakao (who attended the 70th Anniversary Service) has been staying to run in the Honolulu Marathon and help out at the church. And today, Lucas’ friend Sam Koki will be staying until he can find a place or a roommate to share rent. His former roommate had to leave.

Seems like Hotel Pearl. But I believe this is part of our mission and we encourage people who stay here to attend the morning & evening service and learn and practice the teachings. I am amazed at the perfect timing of how when one person leaves another one is here to take his/her place and I cannot help but feel God’s providence and encouragement. It seems like God is saying, “You built a nice place, now use it to convey God’s Teachings!

Yesterday the building inspector came to deliver the Certificate of Occupancy. I need to check with our architect, but I believe we have achieved a major breakthrough. Aside from installing the fixed seating and applying for a sign permit (to hang our church sign outside) we are in compliance and have met the conditions of the zoning variance. Taeko and I performed a thanksgiving service that afternoon and of course, we’d like everyone to give their thanks to God the Parent and Oyasama and attend the December Service also as a special thanksgiving service. What a blessing! We are truly thankful!

Pastor Owen

Sunday, September 05, 2004; 1:42 PM

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This Sunday is monthly service day.

The renovations are taking longer than we thought however the construction portion should be finished sometime this week. We will start painting preparation and actual painting sometime this week so we would like to again ask for everyone’s kokua.

Dates to remember:
Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004 - Dendocho’s 50th Anniversary Service 10am.
Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004 - Dendocho September Monthly Service 9am
Women’s Association, Young Men’s Association and Young Women’s Club General Meetings 11am.

Sunday, Nov. 14, 2004 - Pearl Church 70th Anniversay and Renovation Dedication Service 10am.

From Owen Nakao