Takaaki Hirano
MCT Co-Pastor
As mentioned in our previous newsletter, we have received extensive feedback from various individuals regarding the worship style at Marunouchi Church Tokyo (MCT). Thank you for sharing your insights. From these, we have learned valuable lessons. Thierry and I continue striving to improve our sermons to ensure God’s Word is delivered in a clear and accessible manner, both for those who are new to Christian things, as well as for those who have been following Jesus for many years. Additionally, we continue to work on the music and the overall structure of the Sunday services.
We are blessed with around ten small group leaders who facilitate discussions after the service, where attendees share their reflections on the day’s message. Moreover, our post-service picnics in the Outer Garden of the Imperial Palace have become a delightful occasion, especially during cherry blossom season. These gatherings provide an opportunity not only for our members but also for tourists from around the world, young couples, families, and even birds in the park to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation under the open sky.
In the Kids’ program, Bible stories and handmade crafts have been a great success. Under the guidance of our volunteer teachers, children create crafts that, while similar to their friends’, are unique expressions of their individuality. It brings joy to see children of all ages forming close friendships. We are deeply grateful for all these blessings from the Lord.
On another note, there are promising developments regarding the idea of holding a monthly weekday evening service on Wednesdays at the TMP office. Wednesdays are designated as “no overtime days” at many companies. This will hopefully make it easier for Christian businesspeople to stop by after work and invite their colleagues who are not yet Christians to join. This initiative could significantly advance our mission to share the gospel with the business community in Marunouchi and its surrounding areas.
Thus, our current vision for 2025 includes monthly Sunday services, monthly Wednesday evening services, and a monthly gathering for English speakers at Thierry’s apartment as well. We are earnestly praying for the Lord’s guidance in these endeavors.
To build connections with those who are not yet Christians, we are also beginning various activities, such as classical concerts with short Bible messages, sketching sessions with Bible messages, and handicrafts or performing arts workshops accompanied by brief messages from Scripture. We continue to pray for the Lord’s leading in these efforts.
Prayer Requests
- That sermons may resonate deeply with each individual.
- That our leaders may be equipped and united in their service.
- For the Lord’s guidance in our Wednesday evening services and monthly
- Sunday gatherings for English speakers.
- For wisdom in building community with new individuals.
MCT Sunday Service Schedule
June 15th, July 27th, August 24th, September 28th, October 26th, November 23rd, December 21st
Time: 9:45
MCT Wednesday Evening Service Schedule
June 11th, July 9th, August 20th
Time: 18:30
Venue: TMP Office
Prayer Request —— Thank you for your prayers!
- Pray that we will be wise in our approach to those who do not yet know Jesus, and be able to invite them to join us.
- Pray that we would grow closer to one another as we worship God together.