About Us
Japanese Fellowship Church was established in 1976 by Pastor Takashi Matsuda, of the Luthern Church, in a pioneering effort to bring the word of Christ to the Japanese people living in the Twin Cities area.
Initially gathering in a room borrowed from a nearby church, they continued to have worship services while desiring to have their own sanctuary. The church began fundraising and although the first donations were just 25 cent coins, they persisted and eventually were able to purchase a small electric company building in 1993, which is the current church building today.
Mission Statement
As a Lutheran church, we adhere to the principles of “Grace Alone,” “Faith Alone,” and “Scripture Alone.” We conduct worship services in Japanese and English, sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ and welcoming all people regardless of ethnicity or culture.
Pastor Sekino began his pastoral career at Tokyo Lutheran Church located behind Kabukicho, considered the most dangerous place in Tokyo. Over 14 years, he interacted with people from all walks of life, pursuing the mission to bring the words of the Bible to those outside the church.
During the 2020-2021 COVID-19 pandemic, he served as a chaplain at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis, USA, in the COVID and psychiatric wards.
From 2021 to 2024, he served as a pastor at Tsudanuma Lutheran Church and as a chaplain at Nakamura Clinic in Osaka Minato Ward and Hada’s Home Clinic in Kanagawa Prefecture.
Returning to the US in 2024, he continues his path as a pastor and chaplain in Minnesota. He holds a Doctor of Pastoral Care from Japan Lutheran Theological Seminary and Hong Kong Lutheran Theological Seminary. He is also known for his major publications and media appearances. Pastor Kaz loves bringing Christ to those outside the church, playing bass guitar in a band, and training at a martial arts gym.
I lift up my eyes to the mountains – Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121 : 1-2
Worship and Activities
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
(Bilingual in Japanese and English)
Worship
Every Sunday from
10:00 AM to 10:40 PM
(English only)
Bible Study
Held twice a month after worship (Japanese food such as ramen is served once a month).
Lunch Gatherings
Are available upon request. Please contact instructor Kaoru Thomson for details.
Japanese Language Classes
(Nov.3rd)
We will hold the service while remembering those who have passed away.
All Saint’s Day Worship
(Nov.3rd)
We will have church cleaning and housekeeping after the worship service for an hour.
Cleaning & Housekeeping
(Nov.24th)
JFC holds a ramen luncheon. The donations will be used for the church roof repairs.
Ramen Luncheon Fellowship
Our monthly member meeting will take place on November 17th
Monthly Member Meeting
Worship and Activities
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
(Bilingual in Japanese and English)
Worship
Every Sunday from
10:00 AM to 10:40 PM
(English only)
Bible Study
Held twice a month after worship (Japanese food such as ramen is served once a month).
Lunch Gatherings
Are available upon request. Please contact instructor Kaoru Thomson for details.
Japanese Language Classes
Nov 3rd
We will hold the service while remembering those who have passed away.
All Saint’s Day Worship
Nov 3rd
We will have church cleaning and housekeeping after the worship service for an hour.
Cleaning & Housekeeping
Nov 24th
The donations will be used for the church roof repairs.
Ramen Luncheon Fellowship
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Help Us Rebuild:
Your Support Matters
We’re currently facing a significant challenge with extensive roof damage that has led to unexpectedly high repair costs. Your generous donation can make a real difference in helping us overcome this crisis and restore our space to its former condition. Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to stability and ensures that we can continue our mission without interruption. Together, we can turn this setback into a new opportunity. Thank you for your support and commitment during this critical time.
