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eVol. XLVI, No. 1

JANUARY2016

LOVING GODGod offers us a unique relationship. When religious concepts are examined

throughout the world and over time there are many bases of a relationship with a god. Some are based on appeasement. And a follower must please their god with some kind of gift or behavior. Some please their god by physical pain or self-punishment. Others find favor with their god by denying worldly attachments.

In the Christian faith the basis of a relationship with God is unique because it is based on love. God’s motivation for everything He has done for mankind, even creation itself, is done out of love. “…You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gra-cious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.” (Psalm 86:15) And He offers everyone a love relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

Because of this truth He wants us to love Him. The heart of the Christian faith is not that we are dutiful, obligatory, detached from society, punish ourselves, etc. but that we love God. “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:5)

Our 2016 theme is “Loving God”. We are going to examine this truth and its implications and ramifications. We invite you to have a love-based relationship with God.

Pastor Jim Miyabe

Sincerely,

Volume XLVI, No. 1Venice - Santa Monica Free Methodist Church

Christmas Worship Service

December 20th

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NEWS BRIEFS

Senior Adult Ministry’s (SAM) Christmas Luncheon on December 5 was an enjoyable blessing. Thanks to the SAM Committee for a wonderful event.

Our thanks and appreciation to those who shared Advent thoughts in our worship services in December: Nicole Muller, Mekarsari Honda, Sydney Hongo and Randy Yumori.

LIFE 201, which helps develop habits to grow and mature spiritually, was taught by Pastor Nathan on December 6 & 13. LIFE 301 (Dis-covering My Minister) and LIFE 401 (Discover-ing My Mission) are scheduled for 2016. Look forward to them!

Commendations to our youth who participated in “Baked Blessings”. Baked goods were made and donated, then wrapped and shared with our neighbors on December 12 to share the Christmas spirit.

We are rejoicing for the Culver City Council’s vote to approve the go ahead of the Habitat for Humanity home build project. We are part of a coalition of Christian churches on the Westside who are participating together to build a home in 2016.

We held our Christmas Sunday Worship Serv-ice on December 20 at the VJCC. Many con-tributed to the program and preparation. Thanks to Children’s Ministry for their song, Youth Ministry for the Body Worship, everyone who brought refreshments to share and to our Worship Ministry for coordinating all the ar-rangements. Special thanks also to all who helped set up and clean up and to the VJCC for letting us use their gymnasium.

Congratulations to Ms. Miki Matsumoto and Ms. Gray Makani Nanako who received Chris-tian baptism in our Japanese language service on December 20. God bless you in your new life of faith!

Movie night on December 20 featured the movie “Elf”. Everyone had a great time and many elves showed up….at least they looked like elves. Thanks to all the elves that made all the arrangements.

Youth Ministries went Christmas caroling on December 19 minister to people who are shut-ins. Thanks for being a blessing!

Our congratulations to Caitlyn Yumori and Peter Young who have become engaged. God’s best to you both as you prepare for mar-riage!

Thanks to everyone who donat-ed a box of cereal for the West-side Food Bank. We collected 150 boxes! May those who are in need be blessed.

Congratulations and great job to Ryo Shiratori (L.A. County High School Band) and Maggie Evans (PCC) who performed with their respec-tive bands at the Rose Parade on January 1.

Our youth served at PATH (People Assisting the Homeless) on January 2. Thanks also to all who donated SOCKS for the people at the shelter, and to the adults who drove.

AWANA: January 8, 15 & 22The mission of AWANA (Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed) is to help churches and parents raise children and youth to know, love and serve God. Fridays at 7:00 p.m. If you would like help children learn more about Je-sus please contact the church office.

MOPS: January 11 & 15Mothers of PreSchoolers meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month at 9:30 a.m. If you would like to attend this opportunity for connec-t i o n a n d r e f r e s h m e n t e m a i l [email protected].

SAM POTLUCK LUNCHEON: January 16The Senior Adult Ministry will preview the events for 2016 and have great time together. Plan to attend. Call the church office to sign up. Time: 11:30 a.m.

ParenTEEN & JAM (Jesus and Me): January 16Are you the parent of a teen and looking for insight on raising your child? This month Nancy Nojima will be sharing the principles of “How We Love – Our Teens”. Time: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Contact Dianne at [email protected] to RSVP or information.

YOUTH FELLOWSHIP EVENTS: January 16, 23 & 30Fellowship nights and other events are fun & inspirational. Make sure your youth is a part of this faith building experience. For more details o f a l l y o u t h e v e n t s e m a i l [email protected].

CONVALESCENT HOSPITAL MINISTRY: January 17Once a month we minister to the residents at Santa Monica Convalescent Hospital at 2 p.m. Want to participate? Contact Wayne Ginoza at 310-963-4681 or [email protected].

PRAYER SEMINAR: January 23Are you interested in partnership with God to help bring healing to the sick? We’ll look at biblical verses on prayer, how to avoid some common pitfalls when praying, and how to approach and pray for healing. Light refresh-ments will be served. Please call the church office to sign up. (This event is being spon-sored with our sister church Mission Valley FMC who will join us. On 2/27 there will be a prayer event at MVFMC.)

SOCIETY MEETINGS SCHEDULED: January 24 & February 7The vision for 2016, Ministry Reports, Elections and voting on a new name for our church will be held at Society Meeting "A" on 1/24 at 11:45 a.m. Financial Reports and the 2016 Budget will be presented at Society Meeting “B” on 2/7 at 12:15 p.m. All are encouraged to attend so all can contribute to the life of our church.

PARENT INFORMATION SESSION – January 30 Do you know how to protect your child from online predators? Can your child/teen recog-nize predatory online behavior? Help your kids socialize safely and stay on top of the con-stantly changing internet. All parents are urged to attend “DIGITAL DANGERS: Kids, Cell Phones & Social Media” on Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Contact Linda Akuta-g a w a a t ( 3 1 0 ) 9 6 2 - 3 5 2 9 o r a t [email protected].

ADVANCE NOTICE

YOUTH MIDWINTER CONVEN-TION: February 12-15Our Conference youth will attend this mountain retreat at Tahquitz Pines. “First Love, Love First” is the theme for a great time. Email [email protected] for info and registration.

MARRIAGE FELLOWSHIP: February 13The vision of “The God Spot” is to support couples committed to marriage. And our heart is for husbands and wives to be united as one. We are using the six session series, “The Art of Marriage” in our monthly meetings. Childcare provided. Please RSVP to Jimmy & Van Doan at [email protected].

DISCOVERING YOUR MINISTRY: February 21 & 28LIFE 301 will help you find a ministry that fits your interests, gifting and passion. Make a date to be an effective servant of our Lord Je-sus Christ.

TOUR THE RHINE: April 10-17Pastor Nancy Wong (Anaheim FMC) will be leading this cruise of the Rhine River valley. You will see Amsterdam, Cologne Strasbourg the Black Forest and more. Contact the church office for a brochure.

DISCOVERING YOUR LIFE MISSION: April 10 & 17Do you have a purpose for your life? Would you like to know what God has to say about your life? LIFE 401 will lead you to discover what God has in mind for you in the context of our church life.

News Briefs

SHORT-TERM MISSION: Pray for those who are serving on short-term missions: Sara Kwon (U. of Tenn. with InterVarsity); Rob,

Denise & Cori Anne Tang (Thailand with ZOE Ministries) Hector Cedillo (Mexico, Decem-

ber).

MILITARY PERSONNEL: Please pray for those serving our country--Keaton Frey & Andrew Sumida (Navy), Julie Akiyama &

Robert Sugai (Army).

ADVANCED NOTICE

THIS MONTH

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NATIONAL PARKS TOUR: June 26 – July 5, 2016Rev. & Mrs. Carl Omaye will lead this tour of the beautiful National Parks. Stops include Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Mount Rushmore, parts of the old west and more! Contact the church office for a trip brochure.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL: July 5-9Our VBS program ministers to children in effec-tive and unique ways. Plan to bring your chil-dren or be part of the ministry to kids and their families. You’ll be blessed!

FAMILY CAMP: July 17-22Next summer’s PCJC Family Camp dates have been announced. Make sure to put that on your calendar and plan to attend!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY CULVER CITY PROJECTThe Habitat for Humanity project to build homes for deserving families in Culver City has been approved by the Culver City Council. Look forward to more specific information to come.

CULVER PALMS MEALS-ON-WHEELSVolunteer drivers are needed to deliver meals to home of people who are incapacitated due to age or disability on the Westside. Call 310/559-0666 if you would like to help.

WESTCHESTER PLAYA VILLAGE

WPV assists seniors with activities like grocery shopping, a ride to and from appointments home visits etc. Volunteers are sought to make a difference in their lives. Call the church office for info.

FELLOWSHIP LUNCHEON SUNDAYEvery 1st Sunday of the month is Fellowship Luncheon Sunday. Please join us after the 2nd worship service for a wonderful time of fellow-ship and for a delicious meal prepared by members of the Hospitality Ministry.

GOD TIME: Scripture meditation & prayer from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. every Tuesday at the church.

SUNDAY MORNING SCHEDULE Our two English Worship Services start at 8:45 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. The Japanese language Worship Service starts at 11:45 a.m. English language Sunday school is held at 8:45 a.m. & 10:15 a.m. Japanese language Sunday school is at 10:15 a.m. Call the church office for more specific information on the youth and children’s schedule.

MISS A WORSHIP SERVICE?Did you miss a worship service because you were ill or out of town? You can hear the mes-sages from our website venicechurch.org or order a CD. You can also access this newslet-ter (the “Seabreeze”) at our website and much, much more! (Please let Michelle Stultz in the church office know if you access the Se-abreeze on the web and don’t need one mailed to your home.)

MEMORIAL OFFERINGS

In Memory of Mitsuo Inouye, M.D., Mr. Brad-ley & Mrs. Kiyoko Inouye, Calvin Harada, D.D.S. & Mrs. Toshiko Otsuji – Mrs. Lily Ann Inouye

For Tadao Miyake Memorial Fund – Mr. Jimmy Fukuhara

For Ray’s successful surgery – Mr. & Mrs. Ray Nakagama

In Memory of Mr. Fujio Terakami – Ms. Jane Nishimoto

MEMORIAL OFFEROur condolences to the family of Rev. George Takaya who passed away on December 4. Pastor Takaya served as our pastor in the mid-1950s and again as part time staff 1982 – 1987. He was a faithful and dedicated servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord be a comfort to the entire Takaya family.

Our sympathies to the family of Mrs. Eiko Miya who passed away on December 14. May the family receive the Lord’s comfort.

Our condolences to Tersa (Jeffrey) Craig on the passing of her mother, Mrs. Joy Rice, in Tacoma, WA, on December 15. May God’s comfort be with the entire family.

MEMORIAL OFFERINGS

Announcements

JanuaryYOUTH Events • AWANA is on the following days: January 8, 15 and 22 (Fri) 7:00 PM to

8:30 PM. • January 2, 2016 (Sat), 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM PATH Homeless Shelter:

We will be helping prepare lunch for the residents of the shelter. Limited space available…Please RSVP!!! PLEASE BRING NEW SOCKS TO BLESS THE RESIDENTS!

• January 9, 2016 (Sat) 7:00 – 9:30 PM – “CLUE NIGHT” by Ryan. Come ready to solve a mystery!

• January 16, 2016 (Sat), 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM - Youth Group - Amy Koshimizu will be speaking.

• January 23, 2016 (Sat), 8 AM to 5 PM - Turn Your Campus at BIOLA University. $15 includes lunch. RSVP is required. It is a great opportunity for our students to hear some great teaching and participate in seminars geared toward their interests.

• January 30, 2016 (Sat), 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM – PARENT SEMINAR: DIGITAL DANGERS. Open to parents of all ages. Please invite friends!

Follow us on Instagram: veniceyouth

Facebook: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/veniceyouth/ Shutterfly - https://venicechurchyouthgroup.shutterfly.com/

Email: [email protected]

(Linda will be on vacation from January 5 to 12. Please contact Ryan with all youth ministry related questions during that week: [email protected])

Digital Dangers:

Kids, Cell Phones & Social Media Information for Parents with Practical Guidance on

Protecting Our Youth from Online Predators

Sat. January 30, 2016 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM

Venice Santa Monica Free Methodist Church

4871 Centinela Ave., LA, CA 90066

Myth: Teaching kids not to talk to strangers is the best way to keep them safe online.

Truth: Teaching kids to recognize predatory behavior will help them avoid unwelcome advances.

Parents, you must stay in- the-know. Since your kids have grown up in an

online world, they may be more online savvy than you, but giving up isn’t an option. –McAfee, Inc.

Learn about what social sites and phone apps are out there today,

how you can stay on top of the constantly changing internet and help your kids to socialize safely.

RSVP to Linda Akutagawa [email protected]/(310)/96283529

Children under 18 not recommended.

Upcoming ParenTEEN Meeting:

“How We Love” (Our Teens)

with Nancy Nojima !

Saturday, January 16, 2016

7:00 PM to 9:30 PM in the Cottage

ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME!

PLEASE INVITE YOUR FRIENDS! Youth get to go to youth group while the parents meet!

Please contact Linda Akutagawa for more information:

[email protected] (310)962-3529

!

Saturday, January 16, 20167:00 PM to 9:30 PM in the Cottage

ALL PARENTS ARE WELCOME! INVITE FRIENDS!

Youth get to go to youth group while the parents meet!

IN SYMPATHY

SeabreezeVENICE - SANTA MONICA FREE METHODIST CHURCH 4871 CENTINELA AVENUELOS ANGELES, CA 90066

TEMP - RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

STAFF E-MAIL ADDRESSES & PHONE NUMBERS:

Pastor Jim Miyabe [email protected] (310/822-8094)

Pastor Nathan Cherney (Assistant Pastor)[email protected] (909/230-3777)

Pastor Youngsu Park (Japanese Language) [email protected] (310/822-8094)

Linda Akutagawa (Youth Co-Director):[email protected] (310/962-3529)

Patty Chung (Interim Music Director)[email protected] (310/994-5573)

Ryan Granucci (Youth Worker)[email protected] (310/415-3642)

Audrey Hodges (CM Director)[email protected] (310/654-3951)

Ken Koshimizu (CM Assistant Director) [email protected] (310/367-0388)

Emiko Kuwata (Infant/Toddler Director)[email protected] (310/418-7791)

Michelle Stultz (Office Administrator)[email protected] (310/822-8094)

Jodi Yokota (Church Administrator)[email protected] (310/822-8094)

Venice-Santa Monica Free Methodist Church

Main Office: 310-822-8094 email: [email protected]: 310-821-5474 http://www.venicechurch.org

NONPROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDSANTA MONICA,

CAPERMIT NO. 214

CHECK OUT OUR CHURCH WEBSITE:

We’ve got a new online location at:

http://www.venicechurch.org It has our news and events!  This newsletter, “Seabreeze,” is also here.  Let us know if you receive the Seabreeze off the web and

don’t need one mailed to your home.  Also, Pastor Jim’s sermons are available there via Podcast or through its media player. Venice Youth (6th-12th grade ministry) has a new e-mail address! [email protected]