02
Sep
Fall 2009
One way that I have seen used to comprehend just how crowded Japan’s big cities can be (which includes Nagoya!) is to unfold a couple sheets of newspaper and lay them on the floor. Adjust them so they occupy about a square meter (10.7 square feet). Then stand in the middle of the newspaper and invite four friends to join you on the newspaper. During rush hour, the Tokyo subway system has about five people per square meter. Believe me, there are times I have experienced worse on the Higashiyama line!
For some newcomers to Japan, the density is a difficult challenge (and the opposite is the case, Japanese going to a relatively empty parts of the world — can find it disconcerting with no people). I remember the first time I experienced the press of people in a train during the late 1980′s in Tokyo. As I am claustrophobic, initially I had to close my eyes and imagine myself out in a field. Another added benefit was that I was a head taller (at that time!) than many of the people around me. Eventually, I became accustomed to, but never satisfied with, the press of people around me.
In Chapter 2 of the gospel of Mark we hear of a house being so crowded with people to hear Jesus that when a group came bearing their friend, in order to reach Jesus, this group dug a hole through the roof and lowered their friend down. I have thought about that image here in Japan where the Christian faith is a small minority in midst of a large population on a heavily populated, small group of islands. The times that I have been at a Japanese Church and someone new has come through the doors to hear the good news of Jesus Christ, reminds me of that episode in the life of Jesus. What possibly did this newcomer have push aside or barriers to overcome to enter through those doors of that Christian house of worship? Of course, that issue is not unique to Japan!
On Sunday, September 6th we begin our Fall schedule. Our worship time remains at 5:00 pm with fellowship at 6:00 pm. We will begin Sunday school for children on September 6th at 4:00 pm. We will have one class for children up to grade 5. If you have a child younger than 4 we encourage an adult to be with the child during SS to help the child with SS projects. We will continue with our adult Bible study at 4:00 pm. in the Fall. For our adult Bible study we have been using one of the Bible lessons assigned for that day.
Please note:
September 27th Michael Ricart from ICAN (International Christian Academy of Nagoya) will be preaching. (I will be in the US for a wedding.) (No adult Bible Study)
November 29th Our Annual Thanksgiving Potluck from 6:03 pm after worship. Turkey as always will be served! (No Sunday School or adult Bible Study) We we be receiving gifts of rice for Fukushimura.
December 24th Christmas Eve Worship at 7:00 pm. This year, we will not have a potluck after Christmas worship but treats will be available.
December 27th No Sunday School or adult Bible study.
