Although the peace was included in many services, the main was two afternoons of public invited non-political peace games. Then ending with the public invited to IUMC’s and Saipan’s first celebration of International Peace Day and Candlelight Peace Vigil. As promised kept non-religious and non-political to welcome all. IUMC celebrated several other firsts this past year.
Now, IUMC is taking the huge step of not having a pastor in charge. It has for several years listed on its bulletin the pastor’s name but also the whole congregation as ministers. That meant each member had a responsibility to minister to each other, to family, to neighbors, to the wider world. Lay Leader Losana Rogoyawa said, “So really we are just taking the responsibility we already have had another step forward. And Methodism began with lay people having the major responsibility.”
Millie Carroll recently completed her pastoral term at IUMC saying: “Church Council Chair, Jaime Martinez is an excellent leader — in church function and in worship. He first, and then others recently began doing the worship services and I only helped if asked. Although I am going to miss Saipan terribly, I know IUMC members are very, very capable. And as in the very early Methodist Church, are discovering abilities they didn’t even know they had. Isn’t that what God would want — for us to discover not only who we are now but what we can become”?
“Our last service together was such an example of that. A joyous emphasis on God’s faithfulness, and our needing to be faithful to God in this new step. And we celebrated that through dance. The children, some who’d earlier said they didn’t want to dance, did so to “Jesus Loves Me.” Teens Serafina Rogoyawa and Grace Dowez, and I praised God through dancing “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” Annie Tumamao danced the Communion Hymn “Fill My Cup Lord.” Annie sang the Invitation to Communion while I danced it. Serafina danced beautifully and both Grace and Annie found new talents — not dancing as taught, but dancing what the words meant to them.”
Sunday School Superintendent Pam Carhill said, “In this big step in not having a pastor in charge, the children still know they will continue to have meaningful Sunday mornings. Although she’s already busy keeping perfect church financial records, Sol Corpuz and I share the major responsibility for Sunday School and Bible lessons through songs, crafts, and games to support the Bible lessons. The “Time With the Kids” part of the worship services seems to be the adults’ as well as the childrens’ favorite part.”
Church Council Chair, Jaime Martinez summed: “IUMC may be a small congregation but we make up for it with a big heart and love of God. So as we move forward with the departure of Pastor Millie who will be deeply missed, we thank God for what we currently have and trust that God will send a pastor. Our District Superintendent, Rev.Tom Choi, will be advising from Hawaii. Members of Guam’s United Methodist Church and Pastor Lee Myung-Taek from Immanuel Methodist Church (Korean speaking) will assist as needed. And we want to grow even closer in our relationship with St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.”
Immanuel United Methodist Church in Chalan Kanoa tries to follow The United Methodist motto: “Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors.” ALL are welcome at IUMC’s worship services and children’s Sunday School 9 a.m. IUMC is on Chalan Kanoa Drive (east of Town Center and Beach Road, near Mt. Carmel Cathedral.) For further information please call 322-6158.
