June is a month of transition as my spring semester at the college ends and hands on involvement in our UCC and DOC Global Ministries team begins. President- elect Cuca Perez, Susan Richardson and I are head- ing down to our GM partner Las Memorias in Tijuana, along with folks from the Irvine and Tehachapi churches. Thanks to all who helped provide supplies for their clinic. We will bring back pictures and reports.

June will end with me and Tricia joining oth- ers from the Irvine and Claremont churches to go to Japan. Our Southern California Global Ministries delegation will meet with our missionary in Japan Jeffrey Mensend- iek, who is a member of the theology de- partment of Kwansei Gakuin University in Kyoto. We will also serve as volunteers at the Asian Rural Institute north of Tokyo, near to the Fukushima area affected by the Tsu- nami and nuclear disaster.

Japanese pastors and churches with whom we are partnered have been ministering to people affected by the tragic events of 2011. Jeffrey has reported that the Japanese gov- ernment has downplayed effects, covered up truth, and under-supported those affect- ed. We stand in solidarity with our Japa- nese brothers and sisters for justice.
Between Tijuana and Japan, not in terms of geography but schedule, are many im- portant events taking place at our church this month also.

Sunday June 5th is the 14th anniversary of our becoming an official Open and Affirming Church (ONA). Nancy Brink will preach and there will be a catered meal after worship. The UCC General Synod of 1985 asked all churches to consider becoming ONA; in 1991 the first three churches in Southern Cal to declare were Irvine, Carlsbad and Altadena. Irvine UCC is celebrating their 25th anniversary this month. Congrats!

Sunday June 12th is graduation Sunday. As a “thinking church” that doesn’t require one to leave their brains at the door of the church, help us honor those who have achieved success in education. Also let us know who is graduating.

Sunday June 19th we install members of the Spiritual Life Ministry. Elders are the lay ministers of the church and worthy of our blessings. Father’s Day also will be made special with a family baptism of a child.
Don’t forget to support the church by sup- porting the Rummage Sale June 18 and at- tending the Cabaret June 25.

I hope both are a great success.

On the way,

~Pastor Mike