By Maurice Malanes, October 21, 2011
[Ecumenical News International, Baguio City, Philippines] Indigenous spirituality is enhancing Christian tradition in some Philippine churches as they retrace the local context of their faith.
"There are several initiatives to bring indigenous spirituality into our churches such as incorporating the chanting of indigenous peoples into our liturgy," the Rev. Ferdinand Anno, coordinator of the graduate program of the Union Theological Seminary (UTS) in the Philippines, told ENInews on Oct. 21.
He cited the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, which has been promoting indigenization of worship. Supporting the initiative are seminaries like UTS, the Baguio City-based Ecumenical Theological Seminary, and the Central Philippine-based Silliman Divinity School.
He said through research and workshops, liturgy and arts students have tapped indigenous materials such as gongs, traditional drums and bamboos, instead of organ or piano, to enhance worship in some local churches.
"At our seminary, indigenous theology and spirituality are perspectives through which we are trying to review our historic doctrinal affirmations and traditional theological themes," said Anno.
He said indigenous theologies are part of a course in contemporary theologies and is being offered as an elective in the Master of Divinity and Bachelor of Theology programs. Those interested can also pursue graduate studies in indigenous theologies.
Since it became autonomous from the U.S. based Episcopal Church in 1990, the Episcopal Church of the Philippines was also given "an opportunity to integrate our indigenous faith expressions in our liturgy and music," the Rev. David Tabo-oy, Episcopal Church of the Philippines evangelism and Christian education coordinator, told ENInews on Oct. 21
He cited locally composed hymns, a Book of Common Prayer, and a liturgical guide, which integrate indigenous practices into church services.
In two separate forums earlier this month, Anno and Tabo-oy both stressed that divinity or spirituality is not the monopoly of Christianity, or any established religion, but is present in every culture. Hosted by Ecumenical Theological Seminary, the forums were part of a series of churches and civic groups' activities in celebration of October as "Indigenous Peoples Month."
"In solidarity with our indigenous peoples, let us draw our divinity or spirituality from the rich wells of our native wisdom," Anno said.
Noting the indigenous peoples' close affinity with the land and nature, Tabo-oy also said, "Their spirituality and values are incorporated with their way of life and are actually more spiritual than many Christians."
Indigenous peoples, roughly 17 million or 16 percent of the Philippines' population of 100 million, are those who have maintained their traditional way of life, including their way of worship, as they have been less colonized by Spain and later by the United States.
.
10/21/11
Reflection on "Transfiguration" and "Disfiguration"
October 20, 2011
To: Winfred Vergara
Subject: Your blog post - The Transfiguration
Dear Father Fred,
Thank you for using the Internet to encourage us to think and reflect! Your closing blog post contribution about the Transfiguration reminded me of some reflections that I have had.
The Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6th, reminds me that August 6th was the day the atomic bomb was dropped for the very first time on human beings, towards the end of the Second World War, on the City of Hiroshima.
Three days later, on August 9th, the second nuclear bomb was dropped on the City of Nagasaki.
How ironic that Nagasaki was the location in Japan where the Christian Gospel was communicated by Channing Moore Williams, a priest of the Episcopal Church.
On the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, in the Episcopal Church's present calendar of scripture readings, we are exposed to the passage that speaks of the Transfiguration.
Three days following the Last Sunday after the Epiphany is the solemn observance of Ash Wednesday.
I could not help but be reminded of the three day interval between Hiroshima and Nagasaki - both cities were turned into ashes.
The word used for "transfiguration" in Japanese can also mean "disfiguration."
What God wrought and what humans can cause to happen - can change transfiguration to disfiguration ... So I have found myself reflecting on the meanings of Transfiguration and disfiguration on the Feast of the Transfiguration, and on the Transfiguration narrative that we read on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, and then observe Ash Wednesday 3 days later.
The 3-day interval is a solemn reminder to me of the massive "disfiguration(s)" by nuclear fission of Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945, and the meaning of ashes on Ash Wednesday.
Tim+
Email: frtim@yahoo.com
The Rev'd Canon Timothy M. Nakayama, Retired
Seattle, WA / Diocese of Olympia
- 1998-2000 NSKK (Japan) -St. Andrew's, Aomori - Tohoku Diocese
- 1991-1997 NSKK (Japan) -All Souls', Chatan - Okinawa Diocese
- 1966-1991 The Episcopal Church (USA) - St. Peter's, Seattle WA - Olympia Diocese
- 1962-1966 Anglican Church of Canada (Canada) - LamertonParish-Mirror - Calgary Diocese
- 1958-1962 AC (Canada)- SoAltaMssn, Foremost - Calgary Diocese
- 1956-1958 AC (Canada)- St. Barnabas, Calgary - Calgary Diocese
- 1950-1956 AC (Canada)- Calgary and New Westminster Dioceses
.
To: Winfred Vergara
Subject: Your blog post - The Transfiguration
Dear Father Fred,
Thank you for using the Internet to encourage us to think and reflect! Your closing blog post contribution about the Transfiguration reminded me of some reflections that I have had.
The Feast of the Transfiguration, August 6th, reminds me that August 6th was the day the atomic bomb was dropped for the very first time on human beings, towards the end of the Second World War, on the City of Hiroshima.
Three days later, on August 9th, the second nuclear bomb was dropped on the City of Nagasaki.
How ironic that Nagasaki was the location in Japan where the Christian Gospel was communicated by Channing Moore Williams, a priest of the Episcopal Church.
On the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, in the Episcopal Church's present calendar of scripture readings, we are exposed to the passage that speaks of the Transfiguration.
Three days following the Last Sunday after the Epiphany is the solemn observance of Ash Wednesday.
I could not help but be reminded of the three day interval between Hiroshima and Nagasaki - both cities were turned into ashes.
The word used for "transfiguration" in Japanese can also mean "disfiguration."
What God wrought and what humans can cause to happen - can change transfiguration to disfiguration ... So I have found myself reflecting on the meanings of Transfiguration and disfiguration on the Feast of the Transfiguration, and on the Transfiguration narrative that we read on the Last Sunday after the Epiphany, and then observe Ash Wednesday 3 days later.
The 3-day interval is a solemn reminder to me of the massive "disfiguration(s)" by nuclear fission of Nagasaki on Aug. 9, 1945, and the meaning of ashes on Ash Wednesday.
Tim+
Email: frtim@yahoo.com
The Rev'd Canon Timothy M. Nakayama, Retired
Seattle, WA / Diocese of Olympia
- 1998-2000 NSKK (Japan) -St. Andrew's, Aomori - Tohoku Diocese
- 1991-1997 NSKK (Japan) -All Souls', Chatan - Okinawa Diocese
- 1966-1991 The Episcopal Church (USA) - St. Peter's, Seattle WA - Olympia Diocese
- 1962-1966 Anglican Church of Canada (Canada) - LamertonParish-Mirror - Calgary Diocese
- 1958-1962 AC (Canada)- SoAltaMssn, Foremost - Calgary Diocese
- 1956-1958 AC (Canada)- St. Barnabas, Calgary - Calgary Diocese
- 1950-1956 AC (Canada)- Calgary and New Westminster Dioceses
.
10/18/11
New Developments from the National EAM Council
I want to share new developments from the recent EAM Council strategic meeting and the Everyone Everywhere conference in Colorado, attended by all the 9 provinces and some friends abroad.
You may read about the developments and the conference in my blog:
http://travelinasian.blogspot.com/
FYI ... The EAM Council has elected new officers to the EAM Council Executive Committee, namely:
President - The Rev. Bayani D. Rico
Vice-President - Mrs. Mimi Wu
Secretary - The Rev. Irene Tanabe
Treasurer - Mrs. Inez Saley
The new EAM Council also worked on a Mission Statement, set some goals which will be announced later.
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara
.
You may read about the developments and the conference in my blog:
http://travelinasian.blogspot.com/
FYI ... The EAM Council has elected new officers to the EAM Council Executive Committee, namely:
President - The Rev. Bayani D. Rico
Vice-President - Mrs. Mimi Wu
Secretary - The Rev. Irene Tanabe
Treasurer - Mrs. Inez Saley
The new EAM Council also worked on a Mission Statement, set some goals which will be announced later.
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara
.
9/27/11
8/25/11
Japanese American churches in the Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry
This is an interesting read about the Japanese American churches in the Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry and I recommend it to you as an in-depth analysis. Thanks to Pat McCaughan for the article.
Double click the link below or copy and paste into your browser.
Fred
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/80263_129548_ENG_HTM.htm
If clicking on the link does not work: open a new browser window, cut and
paste the link into the address bar, and press Enter.
.
7/28/11
Bishop Mark Koike Has Died
The Reverend Canon Timothy M. Nakayama has announced that the Right Reverend Mark Toshio Koike died on Thursday, July 27, in Japan. Bishop Koike, a retired bishop of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai Osaka Diocese, was 102.
The Nippon Sei Ko Kai is the Anglican Church in Japan; a province of The Anglican Communion of churches.
Further details will be posted as they become known.
Canon Nakayama's contact information:
Seattle, WA
(206) 524-5965
frtim@yahoo.com
.
The Nippon Sei Ko Kai is the Anglican Church in Japan; a province of The Anglican Communion of churches.
Further details will be posted as they become known.
Canon Nakayama's contact information:
Seattle, WA
(206) 524-5965
frtim@yahoo.com
.
7/9/11
Prayer Request: Pray for Jennifer Heddy Godden, 27
Date: Sat, 9 Jul 2011
From: David Allen <davida@ssje.org>
Subject: [EAM] FW: A Story and a Request
I received this prayer request last night before I had begun getting ready for bed. I forwarded it to several members of the SSJE Community here at Emery House.
It was only after I was in bed trying to get to sleep that I realized that one of the best places to send a prayer request is the EAM Network, especially as Peter Lawson, the grandfather of Jennifer Godden, was part of EAM some years ago when he was Interim at the Church of Our Savior in Oakland, California.
So I now forward it to all of you my friends and spiritual colleagues in the EAM, in hope that your prayers can be a powerful source of healing to get Jennifer through her surgery on Monday, July 11.
David Allen, SSJE
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: Peter Lawson <peterrlawson@mac.com>
Subject: A Story and a Request
Date: Fri, 08 Jul 2011
A story and a request from Peter & Danielle Lawson
Jennifer Heddy Godden is our 27-year-old granddaughter in law, wife of our grandson Peter Godden, mother of our two great grandsons Mason and Parker. When Jenny was six months old she had open-heart surgery to correct a congenital defect. Jenny was not aware that she would have to have more corrective cardiac surgery later in life until she was pregnant with Parker when she was told by her physicians that after his birth she should immediately prepare for open-heart surgery.
On Thursday, July 7, Jenny had her final physical exam before her surgery which is scheduled for Monday, July 11. She was cleared for surgery and will be arriving at the University of California Medical Center at 5:00 AM (Pacific Time) on July 11th for a procedure that will give her a heart valve from a pig, dilate her pulmonary aorta and do another minor cardiac repair.
We have great confidence in her cardiac surgeon with whom we are familiar because he operated on our late great-granddaughter Sophia. We have confidence in the staff at UCSF and we have confidence in Jenny, who after thinking for most of her life that she was a wuss and a slacker because she didn’t have as much energy as other people her age, is really tough as nails and as sweet and loving a woman as you might ever meet.
Our request is that you join a wide circle of folks sending Jenny your healing energy; which is to say sending her your loving care and your intentions for her wholeness.
If it please you, light a candle on Sunday evening July 10th and every time you look at that candle simply focus on sending your loving, healing energy to Jenny. Before you go to bed extinguish the candle. No fires please. At 7:30 AM in the next morning, in whatever time zone you live, please relight the candle and send Jenny your healing love through Monday evening.
If you would like a report on Monday evening on Jenny’s progress, please respond to this e-mail, and I will put you on a list for report.
(Email to: Peter Lawson <peterrlawson@mac.com>)
With all things working together for good, we expect that by Wednesday Jenny will feel better than she has felt in years in spite of some residual pain from her surgery.
May you be enlightened each day by a circle of healing love,
Peter & Danielle
.
From: David Allen <davida@ssje.org>
Subject: [EAM] FW: A Story and a Request
I received this prayer request last night before I had begun getting ready for bed. I forwarded it to several members of the SSJE Community here at Emery House.
It was only after I was in bed trying to get to sleep that I realized that one of the best places to send a prayer request is the EAM Network, especially as Peter Lawson, the grandfather of Jennifer Godden, was part of EAM some years ago when he was Interim at the Church of Our Savior in Oakland, California.
So I now forward it to all of you my friends and spiritual colleagues in the EAM, in hope that your prayers can be a powerful source of healing to get Jennifer through her surgery on Monday, July 11.
David Allen, SSJE
---------- Forwarded Message ----------
From: Peter Lawson <peterrlawson@mac.com>
Subject: A Story and a Request
Date: Fri, 08 Jul 2011
A story and a request from Peter & Danielle Lawson
Jennifer Heddy Godden is our 27-year-old granddaughter in law, wife of our grandson Peter Godden, mother of our two great grandsons Mason and Parker. When Jenny was six months old she had open-heart surgery to correct a congenital defect. Jenny was not aware that she would have to have more corrective cardiac surgery later in life until she was pregnant with Parker when she was told by her physicians that after his birth she should immediately prepare for open-heart surgery.
On Thursday, July 7, Jenny had her final physical exam before her surgery which is scheduled for Monday, July 11. She was cleared for surgery and will be arriving at the University of California Medical Center at 5:00 AM (Pacific Time) on July 11th for a procedure that will give her a heart valve from a pig, dilate her pulmonary aorta and do another minor cardiac repair.
We have great confidence in her cardiac surgeon with whom we are familiar because he operated on our late great-granddaughter Sophia. We have confidence in the staff at UCSF and we have confidence in Jenny, who after thinking for most of her life that she was a wuss and a slacker because she didn’t have as much energy as other people her age, is really tough as nails and as sweet and loving a woman as you might ever meet.
Our request is that you join a wide circle of folks sending Jenny your healing energy; which is to say sending her your loving care and your intentions for her wholeness.
If it please you, light a candle on Sunday evening July 10th and every time you look at that candle simply focus on sending your loving, healing energy to Jenny. Before you go to bed extinguish the candle. No fires please. At 7:30 AM in the next morning, in whatever time zone you live, please relight the candle and send Jenny your healing love through Monday evening.
If you would like a report on Monday evening on Jenny’s progress, please respond to this e-mail, and I will put you on a list for report.
(Email to: Peter Lawson <peterrlawson@mac.com>)
With all things working together for good, we expect that by Wednesday Jenny will feel better than she has felt in years in spite of some residual pain from her surgery.
May you be enlightened each day by a circle of healing love,
Peter & Danielle
.
6/28/11
Workshop on "Christian Tai Chi" by Dr. Vergara
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. VergaraMissioner, Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries (EAM)
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 922-5344
.
6/24/11
JUN 28 - Memorial Service in San Francisco for Mei Kwan
Dear EAM Family and Friends,
You are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate the life of the late Mrs. Mei Kwan, the wife of the Rev. Dr. Franco Kwan, on June 28th, 2011 at 3 p.m. at True Sunshine Episcopal Church, 1430 Mason Street, San Francisco, C.A. 94133.
The Celebrant will be the Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, Bishop of the Diocese of California and the preacher will be the Rev. Dr. Winston Ching, former national Excutive Officer of Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry.
For more information, please contact True Sunshine Church at (415) 956-2160.
Love in Christ,
The Kwan Family
.
You are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate the life of the late Mrs. Mei Kwan, the wife of the Rev. Dr. Franco Kwan, on June 28th, 2011 at 3 p.m. at True Sunshine Episcopal Church, 1430 Mason Street, San Francisco, C.A. 94133.
The Celebrant will be the Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, Bishop of the Diocese of California and the preacher will be the Rev. Dr. Winston Ching, former national Excutive Officer of Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry.
For more information, please contact True Sunshine Church at (415) 956-2160.
Love in Christ,
The Kwan Family
.
6/10/11
The Rev. Paul Lai Ordained Priest, June 4
At the June Ordination to the Sacred Order of Priests service,
center, the Rev. Paul C.Y. Lai.
center, the Rev. Paul C.Y. Lai.
The photo of family members and other attendees was provided
by Paul Lai's father, the Rt. Rev. David J.H. Lai (Bishop of Taiwan),
pictured in the back row in a purple shirt.
The ordination service was at St. Luke's Episcopal Church,
Forest Hills, NY.
The ordination service was at St. Luke's Episcopal Church,
Forest Hills, NY.
> click here to see the invitation to the June 4th service
.
5/29/11
5/22/11
Mei Bak Kwo Kwan Tribute
Mei Bak Kwo Kwan
June 27, 1949 - May 18, 2011
June 27, 1949 - May 18, 2011
Tribute by Grace Kwan-Mangal
"Grace Kwan-Mangal" <gcyk@yahoo.com>
Mei was one of eight children born to the late Jun Choi Kwo and Bic Yuan Lee and the beloved wife of the Rev. Dr. Franco Kwan for over 34 Years. She will forever be remembered by her loving children, Grace, William, and Calvin, son-in-law, Alejandro, daughter-in-law, Vanessa and treasured by grandchildren, Zachariah, Gabriella, and Zoe. And along with countless relatives and friends who were blessed to know her.
Mei was born and raised in Taiwan. She was the pearl of her parents. Mei graduated from Domestic College of Tainan. Then she became the director of the advertising department of a general construction company in Taipei.
Mei met Franco when he went to Taiwan to attend college. Their romance was almost like the 1970's television show, Three's Company. They married on July 4th, 1976 in Taiwan, when Franco graduated from college. Franco was called to serve The Church of Our Saviour, New York, in December of 1983. She and the three children joined him in May of 1984.
She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and was a talented dress maker but she never made clothes for other people except when she worked in the garment industry for a short time. Besides sewing and making most of her own clothes, she enjoyed flower arranging and knitting. She frequently travelled with Franco between San Francisco, New York, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Mainland China.
Mei devoted her whole life to bringing up her children and volunteering at churches. Most recently, the joys of her life were her grandchildren. Mei lived a fulfilling life.
At the tender age of 62, Mei was still a very active individual even though she had a stroke, a fall that broke her kneecap and endometrial cancer.
She walked constantly up and down the hills of San Francisco and grocery shopping in the streets of Flushing. A week before her demise, she and Grace walked from Times Square to Lincoln Center for a charity concert because the subway service was temporarily suspended. Mei passed away suddenly but peacefully at her home in Flushing, New York.
Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to celebrate her fruitful life on Saturday, May 28th, 2011, at 10 a.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church, 135-32 38th Ave. (at Main Street), Flushing, NY 11354. Refreshments will be served in the parish hall following the service.
Cremation will take place at 1 p.m. at St. Michael's Cemetery, All Soul's Chapel and Crematory, 7202 Astoria Blvd., East Elmhurst, NY 11370.
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Mei will take place in late June at True Sunshine Episcopal Church, 1430 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.
Many thanks to friends who sent cards, emails and called to show their love and support for the Kwan Family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Mei Kwan to support the ministries of True Sunshine Church, San Francisco or St. George's Church, Flushing.
Email address for The Rev. Dr. Franco Kwan
FrancoKwan@aol.com
True Sunshine Church, San Francisco, CA
http://www.truesunshine.org/
St. George's Church, Flushing, NY
http://www.sg1702.org/english/direction.htm
.
5/19/11
Mei Kwan has died.
May 19, 2022
We just received the shocking news that Mei Kwan, wife of the Rev. Dr. Franco Kwan (former convener of our EAM Chinese Convocation) passed away in their home in New York.
I spoke with Franco earlier. The funeral (cremation) service for Mei will be in New York at a still undecided date.
Mei and Franco were here in New York a week ago. While on vacation, they visited the Episcopal church Center and we had lunch together.
Franco returned to San Francisco for church as Mei wanted to stay a little longer in their New York home. A few days later, she suffered a heart attack.
Franco said the cremains will be brought back to San Francisco for a memorial service at True Sunshine Church, most likely sometime in early June.
I will keep you informed of the dates.
Meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with Franco and their children: Grace, Calvin and William.
"The soul of the righteous is in the hand of God."
Rest in peace, Sister Mei.
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara
Missioner, Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries (EAM)
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
1-212-922-5344
1-800-334-7626 Ext. 5344
.
We just received the shocking news that Mei Kwan, wife of the Rev. Dr. Franco Kwan (former convener of our EAM Chinese Convocation) passed away in their home in New York.
I spoke with Franco earlier. The funeral (cremation) service for Mei will be in New York at a still undecided date.
Mei and Franco were here in New York a week ago. While on vacation, they visited the Episcopal church Center and we had lunch together.
Franco returned to San Francisco for church as Mei wanted to stay a little longer in their New York home. A few days later, she suffered a heart attack.
Franco said the cremains will be brought back to San Francisco for a memorial service at True Sunshine Church, most likely sometime in early June.
I will keep you informed of the dates.
Meantime, our thoughts and prayers are with Franco and their children: Grace, Calvin and William.
"The soul of the righteous is in the hand of God."
Rest in peace, Sister Mei.
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara
Missioner, Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries (EAM)
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
1-212-922-5344
1-800-334-7626 Ext. 5344
.
2011 EAM Filipino Convocation! Las Vegas, Nevada, July 8, 9 and 10
To the EAM Filipino Convocation Community
Greetings to you all in the Name of the Risen Lord!
On behalf of the EAM Filipino Convocation Officers and in collaboration with Fr. Fred Vergara, Asian Missioner of TEC and Fr. Jim Kodeira of the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry Executive Council, I am pleased to announce our gathering for the year, the 2011 EAM Filipino Convocation!
This will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 8, 9 and 10 and the venue will be All Saints' Episcopal Church and the Circus Circus Hotel.
The gathering begins on Friday afternoon with Registration, Opening and Dinner at All Saints' Episcopal Church, with Bishop Dan Edwards personally welcoming us.
The Saturday events and meals will be at the Circus Circus Convention Center and the Sunday Inter-cultural Worship will be at All Saints', where we will be joined by St. Luke's Fil-Con members and All Saints' Latino congregation.
The theme for our gathering is "Ugnayan: Advancing Communication, Building Connections, Creating Community -- the Fil-Am Way."
We chose this theme as we give emphasis to the struggle we find in fostering connectivity among the various congregations and churches and with the younger sector (Youth and Young Adult). We hope to create an opportunity where this and other partnering concerns will be revisited. We are privileged to have a couple of presentations whereby we can learn some tools to equip us in addressing those issues.
An online registration has been made possible, courtesy of Meghan Ritchie, Events and Project Groups Associate at the Episcopal Church Center. Rooms are reserved at Circus Circus Hotel. Registration to this event will be processed by Meghan's office at the Episcopal Church Center. Please click on the link below to register.
http://events.SignUp4.com/filipinoconvocation2011
Congregations of the EAM FilCon Community are entitled to send up to three(3) delegates; hopefully one from the Youth and Young Adult sector will be included.
More details will follow; in the meantime, please begin making your travel plans. Thank you and God bless.
In His Service,
Fr. Bayani
The Rev. Bayani D. Rico
Church of the Ascension
2420 Tuolumne St.
Vallejo, CA 94589
W (707) 644-5505
Email: rector_ascension@sbcglobal.net
Web: www.ascensionvallejo.org
.
Greetings to you all in the Name of the Risen Lord!
On behalf of the EAM Filipino Convocation Officers and in collaboration with Fr. Fred Vergara, Asian Missioner of TEC and Fr. Jim Kodeira of the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry Executive Council, I am pleased to announce our gathering for the year, the 2011 EAM Filipino Convocation!
This will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 8, 9 and 10 and the venue will be All Saints' Episcopal Church and the Circus Circus Hotel.
The gathering begins on Friday afternoon with Registration, Opening and Dinner at All Saints' Episcopal Church, with Bishop Dan Edwards personally welcoming us.
The Saturday events and meals will be at the Circus Circus Convention Center and the Sunday Inter-cultural Worship will be at All Saints', where we will be joined by St. Luke's Fil-Con members and All Saints' Latino congregation.
The theme for our gathering is "Ugnayan: Advancing Communication, Building Connections, Creating Community -- the Fil-Am Way."
We chose this theme as we give emphasis to the struggle we find in fostering connectivity among the various congregations and churches and with the younger sector (Youth and Young Adult). We hope to create an opportunity where this and other partnering concerns will be revisited. We are privileged to have a couple of presentations whereby we can learn some tools to equip us in addressing those issues.
An online registration has been made possible, courtesy of Meghan Ritchie, Events and Project Groups Associate at the Episcopal Church Center. Rooms are reserved at Circus Circus Hotel. Registration to this event will be processed by Meghan's office at the Episcopal Church Center. Please click on the link below to register.
http://events.SignUp4.com/filipinoconvocation2011
Congregations of the EAM FilCon Community are entitled to send up to three(3) delegates; hopefully one from the Youth and Young Adult sector will be included.
More details will follow; in the meantime, please begin making your travel plans. Thank you and God bless.
In His Service,
Fr. Bayani
The Rev. Bayani D. Rico
Church of the Ascension
2420 Tuolumne St.
Vallejo, CA 94589
W (707) 644-5505
Email: rector_ascension@sbcglobal.net
Web: www.ascensionvallejo.org
.
5/13/11
12th Triennial Assembly of Philippine Independent Church (IFI) Selects New Supreme Head
Manila, May 11, 2011
With 230 official delegates voting, the 12th Triennial General Assembly gave 54% of the total votes cast (123) in favor of the Rt. Rev. Ephraim S. Fajutagana (center of photo) to become the new Obispo Maximo of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente in yesterday's session at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.
The former General Secretary won over two bishop-candidates from Mindanao, namely, Bishop Felix L. Calang (50 votes) from the Diocese of MOBUCA and Bishop Rhee M. Timbang (56 votes) from the Diocese of Surigao.
Bishop Fajutagana, hailing from the Diocese of Romblon and Mindoros, succeeds the outgoing Supreme Bishop, the Most Rev. Godofredo J. David who served the six-year term as the 11th Obispo Maximo.
The Obispo Maximo-elect was also the former diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Cavite before coming to the Central Office.
The Rt. Rev. Joselito P. Cruz, diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Rizal-Pampanga, will fill in the shoes of the General Secretary by June 2011 when Bishop Fajutagana ends his six-year term as Chief Operating Officer, and assumes his new position as the IFIs 12th Obispo Maximo (Chief Pastor, Spiritual Head, and Chief Executive Officer). Bishop Cruz won over the Rt. Rev. Bartolome Espartero (OIC Iloilo) in the second balloting.
The enthronement of Bishop Fajutagana as the 12th Obispo Maximo will be held on June 11 at the IFI National Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Holy Child, 1500 Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila.
On behalf of the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry, we congratulate the OM Elect Bishop Ephraim Fajutagana.
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara, Missioner
Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries (EAM)
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
1-212-922-5344 (O) 1-800-334-7626 Ext. 5344
Website: www.episcopalchurch.org/asian.htm
.
With 230 official delegates voting, the 12th Triennial General Assembly gave 54% of the total votes cast (123) in favor of the Rt. Rev. Ephraim S. Fajutagana (center of photo) to become the new Obispo Maximo of the Iglesia Filipina Independiente in yesterday's session at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila.
The former General Secretary won over two bishop-candidates from Mindanao, namely, Bishop Felix L. Calang (50 votes) from the Diocese of MOBUCA and Bishop Rhee M. Timbang (56 votes) from the Diocese of Surigao.
Bishop Fajutagana, hailing from the Diocese of Romblon and Mindoros, succeeds the outgoing Supreme Bishop, the Most Rev. Godofredo J. David who served the six-year term as the 11th Obispo Maximo.
The Obispo Maximo-elect was also the former diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Cavite before coming to the Central Office.
The Rt. Rev. Joselito P. Cruz, diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Rizal-Pampanga, will fill in the shoes of the General Secretary by June 2011 when Bishop Fajutagana ends his six-year term as Chief Operating Officer, and assumes his new position as the IFIs 12th Obispo Maximo (Chief Pastor, Spiritual Head, and Chief Executive Officer). Bishop Cruz won over the Rt. Rev. Bartolome Espartero (OIC Iloilo) in the second balloting.
The enthronement of Bishop Fajutagana as the 12th Obispo Maximo will be held on June 11 at the IFI National Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Holy Child, 1500 Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila.
On behalf of the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry, we congratulate the OM Elect Bishop Ephraim Fajutagana.
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara, Missioner
Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries (EAM)
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
1-212-922-5344 (O) 1-800-334-7626 Ext. 5344
Website: www.episcopalchurch.org/asian.htm
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4/22/11
Prayer Vigil for Japan
A prayer service vigil for Japan was held at St. John’s in Flushing sponsored by Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry of Long Island last Friday, April 15, one month after the recent earthquake, the tsunami and the ongoing threat of nuclear meltdown, with possible further loss of lives.
We ask continuing prayers for the people of Japan, for the safety of those in the middle of the crisis, those working to get the Fukushima accident under control, those clearing out rubble and getting on with their lives, those still searching and still mourning, those newly mourning, those who have had to evacuate.
May Easter hope fill their hearts and lives.
_____________________________
From April 26 report by ABS-CBN News online:
A total of 14,340 people were killed in the 9.0-magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami, while some 11,889 are still missing, amid fears that many of them were swept into the Pacific Ocean and will never be found.
Animal health officials entered the sealed-off zone around the Fukushima plant, planning to assess how many animals need to be put down.
"This is the first time we are going inside the 20-kilometre zone," a veterinarian told public broadcaster NHK. "We will survey livestock on farms and check their status," he said.
"If we see dead cattle, we might take stop-gap measures, like pouring lime powder over them," he said near the evacuation zone, where 370 farms operated before the crisis, with some 4,000 cows, 30,000 pigs and 630,000 chickens.
Local officials will also check on the condition of horses in Minamisoma city north of the plant, where many have been bred in preparation for the community's traditional folk festival, the veterinarian said on NHK.
In parliament, embattled Prime Minister Kan faced new pressure over the nuclear disaster triggered when the tsunami knocked out cooling systems -- the world's worst atomic crisis since Chernobyl, which hit 25 years ago on Tuesday.
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 |
| St. John's Episcopal Church, Flushing, NY, USA |
We ask continuing prayers for the people of Japan, for the safety of those in the middle of the crisis, those working to get the Fukushima accident under control, those clearing out rubble and getting on with their lives, those still searching and still mourning, those newly mourning, those who have had to evacuate.
May Easter hope fill their hearts and lives.
_____________________________
From April 26 report by ABS-CBN News online:
A total of 14,340 people were killed in the 9.0-magnitude quake and subsequent tsunami, while some 11,889 are still missing, amid fears that many of them were swept into the Pacific Ocean and will never be found.
Animal health officials entered the sealed-off zone around the Fukushima plant, planning to assess how many animals need to be put down.
"This is the first time we are going inside the 20-kilometre zone," a veterinarian told public broadcaster NHK. "We will survey livestock on farms and check their status," he said.
"If we see dead cattle, we might take stop-gap measures, like pouring lime powder over them," he said near the evacuation zone, where 370 farms operated before the crisis, with some 4,000 cows, 30,000 pigs and 630,000 chickens.
Local officials will also check on the condition of horses in Minamisoma city north of the plant, where many have been bred in preparation for the community's traditional folk festival, the veterinarian said on NHK.
In parliament, embattled Prime Minister Kan faced new pressure over the nuclear disaster triggered when the tsunami knocked out cooling systems -- the world's worst atomic crisis since Chernobyl, which hit 25 years ago on Tuesday.
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4/13/11
Seminar on Dalith Issues In India Wednesday May 18, 2011 at St. Paul's Church Woodside, N.Y.
South Asian Convocation of Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry cordially invites you to participate in a Special Seminar on Dalith Issues In India with The Rev. Dr. James Massey, (Priest from Church of North India & Activist) 10:00am on Wednesday May 18th, 2011.
39-04 61th Street
St. Paul's Church
Woodside, NY 11377
For more information please call (718) 672-8565.
4/5/11
Asian Population Statistics
About Asian people and Asian cultures in the United States
and in New York City.
and in New York City.
Asian Americans = 12 million or 4% of U.S. population; and 11% of New York City population.
Asian Cultures in NYC:
Asian Indian
Bangladeshi
Cambodian
Chinese
Filipino
Hmong
Indonesian
Japanese
Korean
Lao
Malaysian
Pakistanhi
Sri Lankan
Taiwanese
Thai
Vietnamese
Others
Five largest Asian American groups in NYC:
Chinese 374,321
Asian Indian 206,228
Korean 90,208
Filipino 62,058
Pakistani 34,310
Those who are Asian and immigrants in NYC:
35% = percentage of NYC’s population that is immigrant
78% = percentage of NYC’s Asian population that is immigrant
Poverty in NYC:
Poverty rate: 21% Asian poverty rate: 20%
Child poverty rate: 30% Asian child poverty rate: 24%
Elderly poverty rate: 18% Asian elderly poverty rate: 24%
The NYC data is from the Asian American Federation Census Information Center, www.aafny.org/cic.
The U.S. Census Bureau has designated the federation as one of the 57 census information centers in the United States and the only center in New York to focus on Asian American communities.
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3/30/11
April 6th Commemorates Daniel G. C. Wu, Priest and Missionary Among Chinese Americans
At the 2009 General Convention, the first Chinese Episcopal priest in the United States, the Rev. Daniel G.C. Wu, priest and missionary among Chinese Americans (1956), was added to the Episcopal Church commemoration calendar. His commemoration day is April 6. Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints, a Church Publishing publication, on pages 310 and 311, provides an overview of Fr. Wu's ministry and includes collects and scripture readings for the day.
Father Wu, originally from Hawaii, became priest-in-charge and vicar of True Sunshine Church in San Francisco and Our Savior Church in Oakland, when they were mission congregations. True Sunshine and Our Savior achieved parish status in the 1970's.
"For thirty-six years, Daniel Wu and his people opened their hearts and their churches to generations of Chinese Americans and played a singularly important role in establishing the ministry of the Episcpoal Church among those of Asian descent."
COLLECT
We give you thanks, loving God, for the ministry of Daniel Wu, priest and pioneer church planter among Asian-Americans, and for the stable worshnipping communities he established, easing many immigrants' passage into a confusing new world. By the power of your Holy Spirit, raise up other inspired leaders, that today's newcomers may find leaders from their diverse communities faithful to our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the same Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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Father Wu, originally from Hawaii, became priest-in-charge and vicar of True Sunshine Church in San Francisco and Our Savior Church in Oakland, when they were mission congregations. True Sunshine and Our Savior achieved parish status in the 1970's.
"For thirty-six years, Daniel Wu and his people opened their hearts and their churches to generations of Chinese Americans and played a singularly important role in establishing the ministry of the Episcpoal Church among those of Asian descent."
COLLECT
We give you thanks, loving God, for the ministry of Daniel Wu, priest and pioneer church planter among Asian-Americans, and for the stable worshnipping communities he established, easing many immigrants' passage into a confusing new world. By the power of your Holy Spirit, raise up other inspired leaders, that today's newcomers may find leaders from their diverse communities faithful to our Savior Jesus Christ; who with you and the same Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
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3/29/11
Vocational Discernment Conference for Young Adults of Color
What’s the next big step in life and ministry for you?
Join young adults of color from across the church in a weekend
of exploration, fellowship, and discernment as we pursue God’s will together.
Registration is now open at $50 if you register before May 1st.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make new friends and explore what God has in store for you.
For more information, contact Angie Cabanban at (212) 716-6186 or
acabanban@episcopalchurch.org
This event is sponsored by The School of Theology at the University of the South and the Episcopal Church Center offices for Asian Ministries, Black Ministries, Intercultural Ministries, Latino/Hispanic Ministries, Native American & Indigenous Ministries, and Young Adult and Campus Ministries.
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of exploration, fellowship, and discernment as we pursue God’s will together.
"Why Serve, 2011 Conference"
June 2-5, 2011
School of Theology at the University of the South
Sewanee, TN
June 2-5, 2011
School of Theology at the University of the South
Sewanee, TN
Registration is now open at $50 if you register before May 1st.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make new friends and explore what God has in store for you.
Register today!
For more information, contact Angie Cabanban at (212) 716-6186 or
acabanban@episcopalchurch.org
This event is sponsored by The School of Theology at the University of the South and the Episcopal Church Center offices for Asian Ministries, Black Ministries, Intercultural Ministries, Latino/Hispanic Ministries, Native American & Indigenous Ministries, and Young Adult and Campus Ministries.
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3/28/11
Soka Gakkai Buddhists operate earthquake emergency task force.
Contacts:
Joan Anderson
SGI Office of Public Information, Tokyo, Japan
+81 3 5360 9830 or +81 80 5957 4711
Or Bill Aiken
SGI -USA Washington DC Culture Center
(202) 338-5491 or (301) 346-0167
JAPANESE BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION
REPORTS ON RELIEF EFFORTS
TOKYO: Starting on March 11, the day the earthquake and tsunamis devastated the Tohoku Region of Japan, the Soka Gakkai Buddhist association, which has a large grassroots network of members and local community centers throughout the country, created emergency task forces at its headquarters in Tokyo and throughout the affected region.
Joan Anderson
+81 3 5360 9830 or +81 80 5957 4711
Or Bill Aiken
(202) 338-5491 or (301) 346-0167
JAPANESE BUDDHIST ASSOCIATION
REPORTS ON RELIEF EFFORTS
TOKYO: Starting on March 11, the day the earthquake and tsunamis devastated the Tohoku Region of Japan, the Soka Gakkai Buddhist association, which has a large grassroots network of members and local community centers throughout the country, created emergency task forces at its headquarters in Tokyo and throughout the affected region.
A total of 4,500 people were provided with shelter immediately following the quake at the group's Tohoku Culture Center Sendai City Ibaraki Chiba
Soka Gakkai community centers in some of the worst-hit towns along the coast provided safe havens from the tsunami for many people, despite partial flooding. Local Soka Gakkai volunteers were among the first to help reestablish initial contact with some isolated communities and bring in relief supplies by car.
Hundreds of volunteers have been continuing to help locate missing people and provide assistance to survivors. One local youth leader, Masatoshi Suzuki, was knocked unconscious when his house inIwaki City
Members from nearby Yamagata, Niigata, Aomori and Akita prefectures and Hokkaido have been regularly delivering truckloads of supplies including generators, fuel, foods and medicines, with the first vehicle arriving in Sendai City at 2am on March 12.
Soka Gakkai's emergency task forces have been closely coordinating their ongoing efforts with local authorities and community groups. The parking lot of theTohoku Culture Center Sendai City
By March 27, the amount of relief assistance provided by Soka Gakkai through its networks in support of local relief efforts totaled around 100 million yen (US$1.2 million). This comprised:
22,000 items of clothing such as winter jackets, sweaters and shirts; 4,700 blankets and futons; 242,000 toiletry and related products including diapers, powdered milk, 77,000 "kairo" disposable heating pads and 60,000 portable toilets; 38,000 medical items including masks, cold medicine and bandages; 280,000 items of food and drink such as rice balls, preserved food and snacks; and 25,000 electrical-related items including radios, phone chargers, kettles, portable stoves, flashlights, batteries, and generators, as well as nearly 8,250 liters of fuel.
The day after the earthquake, many of the Buddhist group's youth leaders and doctors and nurses from its medical professionals' groups immediately traveled to the area to assist with local relief efforts. Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada visitedSendai
Soka Gakkai International Office of Public Information Executive Director Hirotsugu Terasaki comments, "Our relief activities will be ongoing for as long as people are in need. We are here, like many others, for the long run. We firmly believe in the Buddhist principle of 'turning poison into medicine'that it is possible to create something of value out of even the worst circumstances. Hope is one of the most precious commodities needed now."
Soka Gakkai International (SGI ) groups around the world have also made donations in support of relief efforts in Japan SGI -USA donated US$50,000 to disaster relief organization AmeriCares, and SGI organizations in Canada Malaysia Singapore Philippines Hong Kong , Macau , Thailand Taiwan India Brazil
The Soka Gakkai inJapan
Soka Gakkai community centers in some of the worst-hit towns along the coast provided safe havens from the tsunami for many people, despite partial flooding. Local Soka Gakkai volunteers were among the first to help reestablish initial contact with some isolated communities and bring in relief supplies by car.
Hundreds of volunteers have been continuing to help locate missing people and provide assistance to survivors. One local youth leader, Masatoshi Suzuki, was knocked unconscious when his house in
Members from nearby Yamagata, Niigata, Aomori and Akita prefectures and Hokkaido have been regularly delivering truckloads of supplies including generators, fuel, foods and medicines, with the first vehicle arriving in Sendai City at 2am on March 12.
Soka Gakkai's emergency task forces have been closely coordinating their ongoing efforts with local authorities and community groups. The parking lot of the
By March 27, the amount of relief assistance provided by Soka Gakkai through its networks in support of local relief efforts totaled around 100 million yen (US$1.2 million). This comprised:
22,000 items of clothing such as winter jackets, sweaters and shirts; 4,700 blankets and futons; 242,000 toiletry and related products including diapers, powdered milk, 77,000 "kairo" disposable heating pads and 60,000 portable toilets; 38,000 medical items including masks, cold medicine and bandages; 280,000 items of food and drink such as rice balls, preserved food and snacks; and 25,000 electrical-related items including radios, phone chargers, kettles, portable stoves, flashlights, batteries, and generators, as well as nearly 8,250 liters of fuel.
The day after the earthquake, many of the Buddhist group's youth leaders and doctors and nurses from its medical professionals' groups immediately traveled to the area to assist with local relief efforts. Soka Gakkai President Minoru Harada visited
Soka Gakkai International Office of Public Information Executive Director Hirotsugu Terasaki comments, "Our relief activities will be ongoing for as long as people are in need. We are here, like many others, for the long run. We firmly believe in the Buddhist principle of 'turning poison into medicine'that it is possible to create something of value out of even the worst circumstances. Hope is one of the most precious commodities needed now."
Soka Gakkai International (
The Soka Gakkai in
Further information and regular updates on Soka Gakkai's relief activities can be found at: http://www.sgi.org/news/h-relief.html
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FRIDAY, APRIL 15 - Prayer Service for Japan, St. John's, Flushing
The Diocese of Long Island Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry Commission (EAM) announces a Prayer Vigil for the People of Japan.
at St. John's Episcopal Church
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Friday, April 15th at 7:00 pm
at St. John's Episcopal Church
149-49 Sanford Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355.
All are welcome to join in prayer for the people of Japan.
Light refreshments will follow the service.
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3/23/11
Upcoming Vacancy in Seoul for English Speaking Congregation
My name is Paul Mooney and I am currently the Vicar for the English Mission at Seoul Anglican Cathedral, Seoul, Korea. I have recently been appointed Dean of St. Edan's Cathedral in the Diocese of Ferns in Ireland and I will be returning to Ireland to take up that position in early July this year.
Consequently, the English speaking congregation at Seoul Anglican Cathedral is beginning the process of searching for a new vicar to serve a multinational English speaking congregation of about one hundred people.
Basically the need is for a mission minded pastorally oriented priest who would be happy to serve in a vibrant urban setting with a supportive and very friendly congregation. The position is funded from the resources of the English mission and pays slightly over US $3,000 per month (42 million South Korean Won annually) with free housing in a three-bedroom apartment located 25 minutes walk from the Cathedral, and Korean national medical insurance.
The English Mission is attached to the Cathedral but is a separate congregation directly under the Bishop of Seoul and is celebrating 120 years of its work here in Korea this year. If there is any way you can assist with advertising or recommending the position to possible candidates, please let us know and we will be happy to supply you with any extra information or documentation.
Yours sincerely,
Paul G. Mooney
pgmoon@hotmail.com
Or inquire from
The Rev. David Copley
dcopley@episcopalchurch.org
Mission Personnel Officer
Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New York NY 10017
Tel: (800) 334-7626 / (212) 922-5461
OR PETER NGpng@episcopalchurch.org
.
Consequently, the English speaking congregation at Seoul Anglican Cathedral is beginning the process of searching for a new vicar to serve a multinational English speaking congregation of about one hundred people.
Basically the need is for a mission minded pastorally oriented priest who would be happy to serve in a vibrant urban setting with a supportive and very friendly congregation. The position is funded from the resources of the English mission and pays slightly over US $3,000 per month (42 million South Korean Won annually) with free housing in a three-bedroom apartment located 25 minutes walk from the Cathedral, and Korean national medical insurance.
The English Mission is attached to the Cathedral but is a separate congregation directly under the Bishop of Seoul and is celebrating 120 years of its work here in Korea this year. If there is any way you can assist with advertising or recommending the position to possible candidates, please let us know and we will be happy to supply you with any extra information or documentation.
Yours sincerely,
Paul G. Mooney
pgmoon@hotmail.com
Or inquire from
The Rev. David Copley
dcopley@episcopalchurch.org
Mission Personnel Officer
Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue
New York NY 10017
Tel: (800) 334-7626 / (212) 922-5461
OR PETER NGpng@episcopalchurch.org
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3/21/11
Asia Week New York 2011 - from March 18 to 26
Asia Week New York 2011 is an unprecedented collaboration among Asian art specialists, 5 auction houses, and 18 museums and Asian cultural institutions in the metropolitan New York area from March 18-26, 2011.
Simultaneous exhibitions presented by 34 prominent Asian art dealers from the U.S. and abroad, auctions at Bonhams, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Doyle New York and iGavel, as well as dozens of special events are planned for this period.
Asia Week New York will co-host with the Asia Society the opening reception and a mid-week reception with the Japan Society.
All exhibitions, auctions, and events are listed in a comprehensive 88-page guide with maps, available at the participating galleries, auction houses, and cultural institutions as well as on the Asia Week New York web site.
“As a result of our combined efforts, we are confident that this dynamic week will be stronger and more unified than it ever has been for the collectors, curators and scholars who converge here annually for a whirlwind round of gallery and museum exhibitions, lectures, auction sales, and private receptions,” said Asia Week New York 2011 Chairman Carlton Rochell.
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Simultaneous exhibitions presented by 34 prominent Asian art dealers from the U.S. and abroad, auctions at Bonhams, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, Doyle New York and iGavel, as well as dozens of special events are planned for this period.
Asia Week New York will co-host with the Asia Society the opening reception and a mid-week reception with the Japan Society.
All exhibitions, auctions, and events are listed in a comprehensive 88-page guide with maps, available at the participating galleries, auction houses, and cultural institutions as well as on the Asia Week New York web site.
“As a result of our combined efforts, we are confident that this dynamic week will be stronger and more unified than it ever has been for the collectors, curators and scholars who converge here annually for a whirlwind round of gallery and museum exhibitions, lectures, auction sales, and private receptions,” said Asia Week New York 2011 Chairman Carlton Rochell.
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Open letter to Canon Charles Robertson about the recent Japan Prayer service in New York.
For your information. This is the letter sent to the Rev. Dr. Charles Robertson, Canon to the Presiding Bishop, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori.
The Prayer Service for Japan held last Friday, March 18, at the Chapel of Christ the Lord at the Episcopal Church Centr in New York City, went very well. It was a well attended service, led by the Episcopal Asiamerican Ministries (EAM) office, the Partnership Office for Asia and the Pacific, with the participation of the Metropolitan Japanese Ministry (MJM). Ms. Anne Rudig from the Communications Office as well as many others from the Episcopal Church Center were present.
It was very solemn and moving as some described it -- and very participatory. I led the service with Kyoko Toyama praying the Invocation in Japanese; David Copley, John Colon and Peter Ng read messages from the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams; the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schor; and the Archbishop of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (Anglican Church of Japan), respectively. Kumiko Buller and Christina Hing read from the Scriptures. Chief Operating Officer Linda Watt read the Litany of Healing (she was born in the former Tokyo Military Hospital, now St. Lukes Hospital).
Kyoko Kageyama, former MJM Missioner and instructor at the NSKK Seminary in Tokyo shared her experience of the earthquake, even though she was still suffering from some sort of post-traumatic syndrome. Our gratitude to her for giving us a close and personal, though emotionally painful, account. Abagail Nelson, Senior VP for Programs of Episcopal Relief and Development (See www. er-d.org) also shared a reflection. We encouraged people to donate to the Japan Response Fund through the ER-D, in our announcements.
Shoji Mizumoto played lamentation music with his Japanese flute and Samuel Cheung played the piano. The Rev. John Lloyd, retired missionary to/from Japan and priest in charge of MJM, gave the blessing in Japanese and English. Angeline Cabanban and Aki Gu helped us do the bulletin while Su Hadden and Sherri Siegel-Quinonez helped us with chapel arrangements and the welcome lounge in the former bookstore site. A number of guests stayed for coffee and conversation. MJM taught some guests how to make origami items; a beautiful origami flower vase is in my office.
Some attendees, including one from a Roman Catholic parish, asked for copies of the bulletin saying they would like to adapt the liturgy. We've circulated the liturgy to our EAM Network and some wrote they will adapt and hold similar prayer meetings. Dr. Jim Kodera, professor at Wellesley College and chair of the EAM Council and Advisory Board, also shared reflections about a similar service, earlier, at the college, noting the Japanese culture had shown sobriety and order even in the midst of this disaster (i.e. no looting, etc.).
The Iglesia Filipina Independientes St. Pauls Seminary will adapt the liturgy in their Prayer Service this Wednesday and the EAM Diocese of Long Island will do the same on April 15, hopefully at the diocese's Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City.
Meanwhile the Asian Commission of the Diocese of California, through Christ Church Sei Ko Kai and Holy Child - St. Martin's is holding a Benefit Concert for Japan on April 2 in Daly City, South San Francisco. We encourage those in the San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose area to please support them by your presence and participation. (Check out www.hcsmdalycity.org for details.)
Mr. Peter Ng of the Partnership Office for Asia-Pacific and I wish to thank you for your support and encouragemen.
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara
Missioner, Episcopal Asiamerican Ministries (EAM)
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 922-5344 (O) (800) 334-7626 Ext. 5344
.
The Prayer Service for Japan held last Friday, March 18, at the Chapel of Christ the Lord at the Episcopal Church Centr in New York City, went very well. It was a well attended service, led by the Episcopal Asiamerican Ministries (EAM) office, the Partnership Office for Asia and the Pacific, with the participation of the Metropolitan Japanese Ministry (MJM). Ms. Anne Rudig from the Communications Office as well as many others from the Episcopal Church Center were present.
It was very solemn and moving as some described it -- and very participatory. I led the service with Kyoko Toyama praying the Invocation in Japanese; David Copley, John Colon and Peter Ng read messages from the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Rowan Williams; the Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, the Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schor; and the Archbishop of the Nippon Sei Ko Kai (Anglican Church of Japan), respectively. Kumiko Buller and Christina Hing read from the Scriptures. Chief Operating Officer Linda Watt read the Litany of Healing (she was born in the former Tokyo Military Hospital, now St. Lukes Hospital).
Kyoko Kageyama, former MJM Missioner and instructor at the NSKK Seminary in Tokyo shared her experience of the earthquake, even though she was still suffering from some sort of post-traumatic syndrome. Our gratitude to her for giving us a close and personal, though emotionally painful, account. Abagail Nelson, Senior VP for Programs of Episcopal Relief and Development (See www. er-d.org) also shared a reflection. We encouraged people to donate to the Japan Response Fund through the ER-D, in our announcements.
Shoji Mizumoto played lamentation music with his Japanese flute and Samuel Cheung played the piano. The Rev. John Lloyd, retired missionary to/from Japan and priest in charge of MJM, gave the blessing in Japanese and English. Angeline Cabanban and Aki Gu helped us do the bulletin while Su Hadden and Sherri Siegel-Quinonez helped us with chapel arrangements and the welcome lounge in the former bookstore site. A number of guests stayed for coffee and conversation. MJM taught some guests how to make origami items; a beautiful origami flower vase is in my office.
Some attendees, including one from a Roman Catholic parish, asked for copies of the bulletin saying they would like to adapt the liturgy. We've circulated the liturgy to our EAM Network and some wrote they will adapt and hold similar prayer meetings. Dr. Jim Kodera, professor at Wellesley College and chair of the EAM Council and Advisory Board, also shared reflections about a similar service, earlier, at the college, noting the Japanese culture had shown sobriety and order even in the midst of this disaster (i.e. no looting, etc.).
The Iglesia Filipina Independientes St. Pauls Seminary will adapt the liturgy in their Prayer Service this Wednesday and the EAM Diocese of Long Island will do the same on April 15, hopefully at the diocese's Cathedral of the Incarnation in Garden City.
Meanwhile the Asian Commission of the Diocese of California, through Christ Church Sei Ko Kai and Holy Child - St. Martin's is holding a Benefit Concert for Japan on April 2 in Daly City, South San Francisco. We encourage those in the San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose area to please support them by your presence and participation. (Check out www.hcsmdalycity.org for details.)
Mr. Peter Ng of the Partnership Office for Asia-Pacific and I wish to thank you for your support and encouragemen.
Fred+
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara
Missioner, Episcopal Asiamerican Ministries (EAM)
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
(212) 922-5344 (O) (800) 334-7626 Ext. 5344
.
3/19/11
Japan Prayer Service liturgy offered for use by congregations.
Here is a copy of the liturgy for the Prayer Service yesterday, March 18, at the Episcopal Church Center in New York. It was a very well attended service and many said it was a very moving, solemn and powerful service. You may freely use or adapt this service as our gift. We encourage you to organize Prayer Services like this for Japan and for other countries which suffer calamity.
The Rev. Dr. Winfred B. Vergara
Missioner for Asiamerican Minsitries
of The Episcopal Church
Missioner for Asiamerican Minsitries
of The Episcopal Church
PRAYER SERVICE FOR
In the aftermath of the recent
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
Japan Earthquake and Tsunami
and the danger of nuclear meltdown
The Chapel of Christ the Lord at
The Episcopal Church Center
815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10017
Prelude - Samuel Cheung
Opening Hymn # 390: “Praise to the Lord...”
Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near;
praise him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
O my soul, praise him, for he is thy health and salvation!
All ye who hear, now to his temple draw near;
praise him in glad adoration.
Praise to the Lord, who over all things so wondrously reigneth,
shelters thee under his wings, yea, so gently sustaineth!
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
granted in what he ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee; surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
if with his love he befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging,
Hast thou not seen how thy desires ever have been
granted in what he ordaineth?
Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper thy work and defend thee; surely his goodness and mercy here daily attend thee. Ponder anew what the Almighty can do,
if with his love he befriend thee.
Praise to the Lord, who, when tempests their warfare are waging,
who, when the elements madly around thee are raging,
biddeth them cease, turneth their fury to peace,
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.
Praise to the Lord, who, when darkness of sin is abounding,
who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding,
sheddeth his light, chaseth the horrors of night,
saints with his mercy surrounding.
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him; Let the amen sound from his people again,
gladly for all we adore him.
biddeth them cease, turneth their fury to peace,
Whirlwinds and waters assuaging.
Praise to the Lord, who, when darkness of sin is abounding,
who, when the godless do triumph, all virtue confounding,
sheddeth his light, chaseth the horrors of night,
saints with his mercy surrounding.
Praise to the Lord, O let all that is in me adore him!
All that hath life and breath, come now with praises before him; Let the amen sound from his people again,
gladly for all we adore him.
Words: Joachim Neander (1650-1680), 1680
trans. Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878), 1863; .Music: Lobe den Herren (also known as Praxis pietatis) (Stralsung Gesangbuch, 1665)
trans. Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878), 1863; .Music: Lobe den Herren (also known as Praxis pietatis) (Stralsung Gesangbuch, 1665)
Welcome & Call to Prayer – Fred Vergara
On March11, 2011 the great earthquake rocked Japan
In the midst of death and destruction that we see in the world, let us be reminded that there are values that endure: family, friendship and faith. We gather today as family, as friends and as faith-community, who believe in divine intervention. God says in II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, who are called by My name, shall humble themselves and pray; and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I shall hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land.”
Today, let us pray for the healing of the land and people of Japan
Prayer in Japanese – Kyoko Toyama
First Reading
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. A time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and time to build, a time to weep and time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.
What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time, He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (The Word of the Lord)
People: Thanks be to God.
Psalm 23: “The Lord is My Shepherd” - ALL
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want
He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. He leads me in right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff---they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies, you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord, my whole life long.
2nd Reading
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope, we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is not seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
Likewise, the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words.
(The word of the Lord)
People: Thanks be to God.
Sharing: Brief Personal Stories, News clips, Word from ERD
Kyokomary Kageyama, Kirsten Laursen Muth
Written Messages from:
The Archbishop of Canterbury – to be read by David Copley
The Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church – by John Colon
The Archbishop of Nippon Sei Ko Kai – by Peter Ng
Hymn: “Servant Song”
Brother, sister let me serve you; let me be as Christ to you; Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
We are pilgrims on a journey, and companions on the road We are here to help each other, walk the mile and bear the load.
I will hold the Christ-light for you, in the nighttime of your fear; I will hold my hand out to you, speak the peace you long to hear.
I will weep when you are weeping; when you laugh I’ll laugh with you; I will share your joy and sorrow till we’ve seen this journey through.
When we sing to God in heaven, we shall find such harmony, Born of all we’ve known together in Christ’s love and agony.
Brother, sister, let me serve you, let me be as Christ to you Pray that I may have the grace to let you be my servant too.
(Maranatha Music; Scripture in Song, c. 1986)
A LITANY OF HEALING - Linda Watt
LEADER: Let us name before God those for whom we offer our prayers (Prayer needs or names of people, places and events will be announced)
LEADER: God of our Faith, you made the world and everything in it; you formed us in your own image and given us the breath of life;
PEOPLE: We praise and thank you, Lord.
L: God of our Hope, you come that we may have life and have it more abundantly; your will for us is health, healing and salvation;
P: We praise and thank you, Lord.
L: God of Love, you make our bodies the temple of your Holy Spirit; in you we live and move and have our being;
PEOPLE: We praise and thank you, Lord.
L: Merciful God, pour out your compassion upon the people of Japan
P: Hear us, O Lord of life.
L: Grant to all who died the hope of eternal rest and enable those who mourn the comfort of your loving embrace;
P: Hear us, O Lord of life.
L: Enable those who are anxious, fearful or in trouble, the knowledge of your will, awareness of your presence and the comfort of your word;
P: Hear us, O Lord of life.
L: Mend broken relationships and restore those in emotional distress to soundness of mind and calmness of spirit;
P: Hear us, O Lord of life.
L: Bless the rescuers, physicians, nurses, and all others who minister to the suffering, granting them wisdom and skill, energy and strength; sympathy and patience;
P: Hear us, O Lord of life.
L: Bless the efforts of the Japanese government and the global community to find ways and means to contain and eliminate any further damage or danger to people, land, air and sea and supply them with specials skills and know-how in safety and security.
P: Hear us, O Lord of life.
L: Restore to wholeness whatever is broken in our humanity, in our lives, in our nations, and in the world and give us peace that surpasses human understanding;
P: Hear us O Lord of life.
L: Lord, You are the God who does wonders.
P: You have declared your power among the peoples.
L: With you, O Lord, is the wellness of life and in your light, we see light.
P: Hear us, O Lord of life; heal us and make us whole.
L: Everlasting God, you have given us grace to pray with one heart and one voice, and you have promised that where two or three are gathered in prayer, you are in their midst; fulfill now, we pray, the longings of your people. Heal the land and people of Japan
Japanese Flute Music – Shoji Mizumoto
Silence
Blessing
May the City of God
and the blessing of God Almighty be with us all, ever more. Amen.
Closing Hymn #680 “O God Our Help in Ages Past”
O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come;
Be thou our guide while life shall last, and our eternal home.
Under the shadow of thy throne, still may we dwell secure;
sufficient is thine arm alone, and our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood, or earth received her frame;
from everlasting, thou art God, to endless years the same.
A thousand ages in thy sight, are like an evening gone
Short as the watch that ends the night, before the rising sun.
Time like an ever rolling stream, bears all who breathe away;
they fly forgotten as a dream, dies at the opening day.
O God our help in ages past our hope for years to come
Be thou our guide till life shall last and our eternal home.
Clergy and Lay Ministers Assisting in the Service
The Rev. Dr. Fred Vergara Ms. Linda Watt
The Rev. David Copley Ms. Kyokomary Kageyama
Mr. Peter Ng Ms. Kyoko Toyama
Mr. John Colon Ms. Kirsten Laursen Muth
Mr. Samuel Cheung Mr. Shoji Mizumoto
Ms. Kumiko Bueller Ms. Christina Hing
Announcement
The Episcopal Asiamerican Ministry and Partnership for Asia and the Pacific of the Episcopal Church Center and the Metropolitan Japanese Ministry of the Diocese of New York, wish to thank you all for your presence.
Thank you Angeline Cabanban and Aki Gu for the bulletin and Su Hadden and Cheryl Quinonez for the chapel arrangements.
To donate to Japan relief and to support the work of Nippon Sei Ko Kai, please send checks to Episcopal Relief and Development (ER-D) for the “Japan
815 Second AvenueNew York , NY 10017
815 Second Avenue
Candles are provided for those who wish to light one for your loved ones.
We invite you to the Welcome Lounge after the service for coffee and cookies, conversation and prayer ministry.
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