Finance Ministry Team
By Alan Sorba (Treasurer), Francois Keet (Elder), Joe Dunkle, Russell Gesling, Catherine Sasanuma (President), Kats Mikami, Larry Mojumdar, Joan Sawe, Julie Voskuil
Finance Team
The activities described in the annual report have been made possible by the existence and effective operation of two separate legal entities, the Shukyo Hojin of TUC and the Tokyo Union Church Foundation, Inc. (“TUCF”). Each is a fully self-funded and self-managed charitable institution. Consistent with prior years, the financial results in this report have been prepared by combining the financial information of these entities (collectively “TUC”).
The congregation determines operating priorities through the constitutionally prescribed directives, procedures, organizational structure and leadership selections. The congregation funds its operating priorities through regular tithing, loose donations, and designated gifts.
TUC is grateful to receive donations designated for specific purposes such as for Outreach including the Mission with Our Homeless Neighbors (“MOHN”) and for the rebuilding of TUC’s church building, however unrestricted giving is encouraged in particular as it helps fund important operating costs such as the salaries of pastors and staff and expenditures necessary to maintain the church building and the pastor’s manse.
The Finance Team monitors the short and long-term financial situation and offers recommendations as appropriate to help ensure that steps can be executed effectively in consideration of congregational priorities in a transparent manner.
Shukyo Hojin of TUC
Shukyo Hojin of TUC (“SKH”) supports TUC’s vision and integration in the community by assuring a legal entity status in Japan. SKH also takes charge of organizational financial transactions as a legal entity.
SKH arranges the reports so that the Japanese authorities can understand the mission, vision, and activities of TUC. On April 20, 2022, the SKH approved the 2021 activity reports and 2021 financial report for submission to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Shibuya Tax Office.
Tokyo Union Church Foundation, Inc.
The Tokyo Union Church Foundation, Inc. is a Delaware 501c (3) non-profit corporation (Tax number 51-6024083) and files a 990-PF tax return with the Internal Revenue Service yearly. It allows United States taxpayers to make tax-deductible donations.
The 2022 officers were, John Mullins (Chairman), Russell Gesling (Vice Chairman), Brock McMunn (Secretary) and Joseph Dunkle (Treasurer). The term of office is three years and the Board receives no compensation.
The members of the Investment Committee are John Mullins, Russell Gesling, Joseph Dunkle, Karl Koschnitzke, Finance Ministry Team Elder of Shukyo Hojin of TUC, and Treasurer of Shukyo Hojin of TUC.
Property and Use
Deacons: Ikuko Omori & Maki Yamamoto
The Property & Use committee manages and oversees the maintenance, upkeep, and use of all real estate and physical property of TUC, including all maintenance contracts and insurance policies as well as the day-to-day management and operation of all church facilities and the manse.
We are a dedicated group of TUC members who care about our church building, the pastor’s homes, and church property. We joyfully serve together each working with the gifts and talents God has given them. We are open to all members and welcome volunteers who want to serve and enjoy fellowship.
Finance elder Francois Keet leads our committee and provides helpful insight with decisions that require careful use of church finances. We want to give special thanks to our Daiki Sasaki for his loyal service at TUC in the role of sexton until Q3 2022. Daiki was well-loved by everyone in TUC and will be greatly missed. With the departure of Daiki, we also welcome our new Property Manager Mr. M Catalá.
We had many reasons to be thankful and to celebrate the fellowship of our team (Ikuko, Maki, Matt Ushida, Larry Mojumdar, Keola Lacar, Chie Matsuda, Takako Schmidt, and Jody Fuller) and share accomplishments that resulted from many hours of work given in service by Property & Use members.
In 2023, we are very blessed and thankful for the following new volunteers joining the P&U team: Edward Lafayette, Monique Bloomfield, Ron Reid, Yannick Plomteux, Venkatesh Prateeka Jeruis, Mary Aso, Samuel Donkor, Jackie Militello, Manae Murakami, Suresh Kukde, Vanessa Sihite, Bianca Allen, Brad Schmidt, and Noriko Sakoh
Members of Property & Use meet to discuss ideas, suggestions, improvements and pray for our work and for each other.
Please list the activities of your ministry this past year.
Finance
Property and Use
The major accomplishments this year are as follows:
4th-floor bathroom renovation
Electrical box replacements/breakers / High Voltage Receiving Equipment – to ensure safety
Replacement Air-condition switches
Elevator maintenance and inspection
Gas heater water replacement 4th floor
Manse Repair & Maintenance – Doors, Skirting boards, Mosquito screens, plumbing (Inspection)
Transition the Cleaning of the Church to an outsourcing company
Cleanup of Church (basement and garage) and 4th floor for our children and youth ministry
Annual Maintenance and Shaken of the Church Van.
Safety Inspection & Pest Control
Repaired internal wall cracks and doors and repainted.
Building Maintenance (DIY Work, Maintenance of B1 washer and dryer, Replacements lighting bulbs, Changing the batteries in the faucets, Managing Dehumidifiers, and Other minor work that cannot be outsourced)
Safety evacuation drill on 18th Sep
Each member of the team shares their time and talent in many ways such as on-site volunteering, praying for each member and attendance at meetings to share work and fellowship.