The English department leadership in Camarillo has affirmed the need to create a church identity that is inviting to the community-at-large and which reflects the changing demographic patterns of the Japanese American community.
We recognize the growing reality of blended families and the need for the church to be inclusive of cultures and groups beyond the JA community. Beyond our immediate community is an understanding that our society is increasingly multi-cultural and multi-ethnic. The name “Japanese American” was not seen as welcoming or inclusive of those outside of that community. The English Department leadership determined that in order to grow, the name and strategy of the church would have to become more inclusive.
In January 2008 at the annual congregational meeting of the church, the membership voted to permit the English department to rename the English-speaking ministry to reflect a more inclusive outreach strategy. The English department also voted to name the ministry, “Celebration.” The ensuing months have seen the development of this transition in the branding of the ministry.
The design and plan of Celebration revolves around the following statement:
Celebration is a family of believers in Jesus Christ. At the same time, we also recognize that there are unique cultural characteristics that we bring to our faith and spiritual journey.
Celebration is grounded in biblical values and priorities while acknowledging how our background and experiences can influence our growth in Jesus Christ.
Those Americans who come from Asian backgrounds know the challenge of growing up in shame– and performance-based cultures. Often, these values and attitudes can impact our understanding of God’s grace and provision for us. Those of us who come from blended, inter-cultural families have received mixed messages of love, affirmation and acceptance.
The message of the gospel is one that must be understood through the lens of our familial and cultural upbringing. The message of God’s Word is one that speaks to authentic living in the grace of Jesus Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Celebration welcomes everyone who wants to experience God’s provision, presence and grace. While the church has its roots historically in ministry to the Japanese American and Japanese national community in
With a renewed vision for the future of the ministry, 2008 becomes a year of planning, prayer and anticipation. The English Board of Elders intentionally increased the number of elders by two, thus under-girding the re-branding and evangelistic direction of the church. New ministry start-ups have included the Home Fellowship and the Celebration Senior Adult Ministry. Both are designed to broaden our contacts with friends, neighbors and others in the community.
Our Stewardship Ministry has also launched a Building Committee which will begin looking at expansion needs for the congregation. We discussed the important role of the pastor and leadership in casting vision for the rest of the congregation. That vision and faith come from the leadership. There is a need for the leadership of the church to dream big. To believe that we have a God who can provide for our needs. That God can provide land or a building and financial resources beyond what we can imagine.
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