■ February2002

Setsubun Festival
On 3 February, Setsubun Festival was held at Konko Church of Izuo. Bean throwing is held on the first day of spring according to the lunar calendar in belief that it brings good luck and drive away evils. Therefore lucky bean was given to all the attendees after the service.

Chief Minister's 74th Birthday
On 8 February, Konko Church of Izuo celebrated 74th birthday of the Most Rev. Tatsuo Miyake, Senior Chief Minister.

Rev. and Mrs. Tatsuo Miyake received a gift

Following the service, Mr. Akira Hirose, President of Men's Believers Association, delivered a congratulatory speech and Ms. Chizuru Takeda, President of Women's Believers Association, presented a bouquet. Representatives of believer offered gifts to the reverend and gave three cheers. All the attendees toasted to celebrate his birthday that overlaps with Izuo Church's history.

all the attendees toasted

Then, on 11 February, the Miyakes Household Service was held as in the former Senior Chief Minister's lifetime. Some leaders of believer paid a visit to the service and reception was held at RHIGA Royal Hotel in the evening.

Men's Believers Association's General Assembly

Mr. Hirose delivered an address

On 24 February, Konko Church of Izuo held the General Assembly of Men's Believers Association with approx. 350 attendees.

After the service, the meeting was opened with an address delivered by Mr. Akira Hirose, President of the association. Then Mr. Jun'o Kimura and Mr. Keiichi Kishigami made a speech on behalf of the generation who made efforts under a severe economic situation.

Dr. Yoshinaga

Dr. Kazumasa Yoshinaga who is a specialist of emergency life aid was invited as a lecturer for the assembly. He has contributed to first aid in many disastrous areas including Hanshin-Awaji Great Earthquake and Great Earthquakes in Turkey and Colombia.

the Most Rev. Miyake offered a prayer

In the end of the meeting, the Most Rev. Tatsuo Miyake offered a prayer, this year's motto was adopted, and commemorative picture was taken. They had a social gathering after the meeting.