November N E W S L E T T E R. Pages 13-16

Transcription

1 November The Mission of the United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Vision of Kona United Methodist Church is growing disciples through worship, outreach, and living the gospel. KONA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH N E W S L E T T E R Pastor s Note (FROG) Charge Conference Give Aloha Tongan Ministry Welcoming Ministry (Outreach) Nurturing Ministry (Living the Gospel) Celebration Ministry (Worship) Ministry in District Ministry Table Happy Thanksgiving Laity Schedule Calendar Pages 1-4 Pages 5-12 Pages Pages Have something you d like to include in next month s newsletter? If so, please your article to konaumcnewsletter@gmail.com by the 15th of each month for the upcoming month s newsletter. reaching the platform, she grasps the bar attached to another rope secured to the top of the tent. Poised on the edge of the platform, she pushes off into the air, swinging forward and back, gaining speed. Pastor s Note by Rev. Dr. Sunny Ahn Imagine a trapeze artist walking across the sawdust floor of a circus tent. She walks purposefully and gracefully toward the rope ladder leading to a tiny platform high above. Slowly she begins to climb, the ladder swaying as she ascends. Upon At the same time, across from her, another artist holds his bar, steps off his platform, and begins to swing, soon matching the rhythm of his partner. With fluid movements, he twists his body up and over the bar to hang by his knees. With his arms free, you realize he has become the catcher, ready and waiting for her to let go. Back and forth they swing as the tension mounts. Suddenly she releases her bar and is flying through the air. In that brief moment she experiences the profound freedom of letting go. (cont. on page 2)

2 November (cont. from page 1, FROG) In the Buddhist tradition, the slogan nothing to hold on to is understood to be at the heart of spiritual practice. When we try to hold on to anything, we are denying the reality of impermanence. Even though we know intellectually that everything is changing, we search for ways to avoid this truth. We expend enormous amounts of energy seeking permanence and security, looking for ways to keep things as they are. We hold on. Imagine what would happen to the trapeze artist if she didn t let go. She would swing indefinitely, stuck in the one back and forth movement, just one way of being alive. She must let go to free herself for new life. And so it is for us. Letting go is a spiritual practice that offers freedom and space to grow and change, cooperating with our impermanent reality rather than fighting against it. As we are approaching the season of thanksgiving or gratitude I am thinking about how often we are pulled from experiencing the holiness of the present moment by thoughts of our past. We might remember a particularly wonderful thanksgiving in our life, wish it were like that again this year, and despair at all the difficulties now surrounding us. Maybe we had a hurtful encounter with a friend or family member and are rehashing what was said, what we wished we d said, and wondering how it might have turned out differently. We could be carrying a deeply disturbing memory we can t seem to let go of, and when it comes to mind, we go back over the incident again and again, retelling the story and rekindling old hurt and anger. Wishing things were as they used to be, reworking old conversations, and telling our painful stories of abuse and injustice is natural. But if we do so to place blame or dwell on another s guilt, our pain turns to resentment, and our lives fill with bitterness. Bitter people hold tightly to their past, remember every detail of the story, and sink into self pity. Captured by past events, they are unable to move forward into new life. The possibility of forgiveness as a means of letting go of their hurt and bitterness may never have occurred to them. Forgiveness keeps us from being stuck in the past and helps us find a way beyond the prison of bitterness. When we forgive, we let go of our emotional attachment to what has happened, but we do not forget or excuse the wrong that was done or the pain that was caused. Sometimes we are able to go to the person who has hurt us and offer them our forgiveness. Many more times forgiveness is something we do in our own hearts without engaging the other person face to face. Either way, forgiving another has no predictable outcome; it does not always lead to reconciliation, nor does it necessarily make a difference in the other person s life. What it can do is to transform the person who has found the courage to forgive. I pray that we all become the transformed persons of God who let go of the past with the courage to forgive in this season of thanksgiving to maximize the joy of salvation in our life and the life with others. Have a joyful thanksgiving~ Ribbit! ~ Pastor Sunny

3 November Annual Charge Conference Saturday, 13 January 10am SPRC meeting with Hawaii District Superintendent Rev. Dr. SeHee 11am the Conference starts with the Congregation! The Charge Conference reports are due in the office by Sunday, November 19! Please return your 2018 ESTIMATE OF GIVING CARD to the church office or Bill Jaeger if you have not done so! T-shirt Sale Fundraiser T shirts have been made with the new church logo to raise funds for the church. The cost: $15/ Tshirt (S, M, L) and $20/Tshirt (XL+). We encourage all church members to purchase at least one to support the church. Please speak to Larry Triplett for purchase or for more information. Change for Cause is a coin a thon fundraiser. It is about raising extra kokua funds for helping the needy within the church and the surrounding community. A coin container to save your loose change is located at the greeting table each Sunday. Bring your container to church each week, and empty into the bowl at the Name Tag Table located between the kitchen and restroom. Please speak to Darlene Wetzel or Judy Ross for more information. Foodland, Sack N Save and Foodland Farms Kona UMC participatedagain this year in Give Aloha, Foodland s Annual Community Matching Gifts Program during September.This year, Kona UMC received donations of $2,683 from individuals with matching funds of $ from Foodland & Western Union for a total of $3, Many thanks to all of you who participated in Bill Jaeger, Finance Committee Chairman

4 November The Tongan word for Stewardship of Pledge is Misinale. Misinale means giving our life to God. It is a big money donating festival. Members of the church sing while each family is called up to the front to make their donations. This is one of the very crucial parts in the life of the Tongan Ministry. The Misinale for the ministry year 2018 was held on Saturday, October 28. It was successfully organized and conducted well. We have exceeded the goal we had for this misinale. Not only that, it was the most high giving year in our KUMC Tongan Language Ministry history. Praise God for those who have given sacrificially but so willingly. Malo!

5 November OUTREACH WELCOMING MINISTRY WEST HAWAII FAITH-BASED SUMMIT TO END FAMILY HOMELESSNESS After attending West Hawaii Faith-Based Summit to End Family Homelessness By Dennis Bensen Wednesday, September 27 saw the culmination of several months of planning for the Second Annual West Hawaii Faith Based Summit to End Family Homelessness. Over 150 per sons including Mayor Harry Kim were in attendance. This was the first year that Kona United Methodist Church participated. Pastor Sunny Ahn, Kim Davison, and Dennis Bensen attended most of the planning meetings that began in May of this year. Under the leadership of Beth Murph of Catholic Charities, we three, and members of many other faith based groups planned for the event. Working with a budget of $5,000, the event location was determined to be the Old Airport pavilion. Attendees preregistered online and were given a welcoming continental breakfast upon arrival. The room (set up the day prior to the event by our own Kim Davison) featured attendees seating in front of the stage at Old A. Surrounding that seating area were numerous booths of organizations both civic and faith based that currently provide aid to homeless families. The morning progressed with awards and presentations by government representatives. After this Beth Murph designed a morning activity that was intended to show the participants how it felt to be homeless and in need of such basic services as, food, shelter, medical services and such. At the conclusion of the morning activity lunch was served. During lunch and for that matter throughout the day attendees could visit the sponsor booths and obtain both written and verbal information on services available to homeless families. After lunch a second activity called Housing First took place. Housing First is a program designed to aid homeless families and to make the path to getting services so much easier. All participants recognized this after participating in the afternoon activity. The Seminar ended with participants being able to attend two of eight activity breakout groups which were: to homeless family hygiene kits, welcome home baskets, first aid kits, mom and tots, safe parking, rubber slippers, the Family Promise program, and finally the Community Alliance Partnership. All in all it was a very informative and eye opening Seminar.

6 November OUTREACH WELCOMING MINISTRY Kona United Methodist Church (KUMC) donated 58 chairs to Honoka'a United Methodist Church (HUMC). In appreciation, the people of HUMC baked cookies and goodies for the people of KUMC. Pastor John at HUMC brought all homemade goodies to KUMC for the fellowship after church on Sunday (10/22). Thank you, the people of KUMC who have generous giving hearts! "How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1, NIV) The Outreach Ministry of our Tongan & Samoan Language Ministries feeds the homeless at the homeless shelter on the third Tuesday of the month at 12noon. Please speak to Pastor Malakai or Navy Mareko. We are making lap quilts and have dresses for Haiti. We would love for you to come and sew with us. Please bring the supplies you need. We meet the first and third Friday of the month from 12noon to 3pm at my house (Address: Kalaniuka St. Holualoa). Please call if you need help finding the house. My phone # is ~ Charlot Bryant

7 November OUTREACH WELCOMING MINISTRY First Sunday Of the Month doesn t take a winter break! Our donations for September were 50 pounds of food and $159. October dropped to 28 pounds and $125. Please consider helping to increase our contributions in the next two months. The holiday season is coming quickly and hunger Please speak to Jim & Sharon Skibby if you have any questions. MONTH POUNDS DOLLARS January 28 $110 February 23 $169 March 106 $159 April 43 $180 May 45 $186 June 48 $145 July 8 $110 August 80 $125 September 50 $159 October 28 $125 TOTAL 459 $1468 FROM Thank you For your gift received on 09/25/17 of $1, to the General Board of Global Ministries Through The Advance, the designated mission giving channel of The United Methodist Church. We are pleased to share that 100 percent of your Contribution will support the missionary Community in honor of Andrew Lee Advance #

8 November OUTREACH WELCOMING MINISTRY Mark your calendars for our upcoming annual KUMC yard sale Saturday, November 4 th beginning at 8 a.m. until noon. Items for donation can be brought to the church Monday through Thursday from 11:30am 3:30pm. If those times don t work for you, give Shery in the office your name, number, day and time for drop off and we will coordinate for some one to be at the church to open the container for the donations. We can use help setting up the sale on Friday, November 3 rd from 1:00 5:00pm as well as the day of the sale. All assistance is greatly appreciated as we strive to raise funds for the church while reaching out to the community also. In addition, we have two other fundraisers during our Annual Yard Sale: BOXED LUNCH FUNDRAISER The tickets ($10 each) are on sale now. Please purchase your tickets in advance if possible. Speak to Sulu Falefa if you have any questions. BAKE SALE FUNDRAISER Please speak to Sharon Skibby if you are able to help.

9 November LIVING THE GOSPEL NURTURING MINISTRY KEIKI SUNDAY SCHOOL Keiki up to 12 years old meet on Sunday mornings to learn about Bible stories, do puzzles, games and crafts. In November they will be learning about the adventures of David: David and Goliath, David and Jonathan, David and Abigail, and David dancing. YOUTH SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY Young people between the ages of 12 through 18 meet for Bible study, fellowship and discussion on Sunday mornings. Kathleen Jaeger and Pat Aldred continue their study with our young people with the Covenant theme this time An Everlasting Covenant. Specific topics are: Faithful God, Unfaithful People; Promise of a New Covenant; Mediator of the New Covenant; and Remembering the Covenant. Join Pastor Sunny PASTOR S OFFICE Thursdays, Daylight Mind Coffee Company (on the first floor lanai) for breezes, laughter, and fellowship!

10 November LIVING THE GOSPEL NURTURING MINISTRY DECEMBER 3, 8:30AM CHRISTMAS PAGEANT COMING DECEMBER 3rd With the Christmas Pageant coming soon, preparations are in a flurry. Children will be practicing their songs, trying on their costumes and practicing their lines. While many of the stage settings will be pulled out of storage and spruced up, there are some that will need to be created. The following is a list of items in need. If you can contribute any of the items, please let Shery Talasinga, Cris Seevers or Teri King know. Your contributions will make this a great event for everyone. Altar with incense tablet with writing his name is John. Needs to be made Scroll with writing But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel. Needs to be made. Stable needs to be made Manger needs to be made straw/hay. Should be purchased around Halloween time baby John baby Jesus lighted star 3 gifts gold, frankincense and myrrh

11 November LIVING THE GOSPEL NURTURING MINISTRY GETTING TO KNOW THE MINISTRY LAY LEADERS Dennis Bensen, Welcoming Ministry (Mission/Outreach) Leader Dennis Bensen is truly a multi faceted and multi talented person. From working with UMCOR (United Methodist Committee On Relief) to scuba diving, Dennis does everything with passion. Serving for twenty two years as a State Insurance Dept. Association Examiner from New York, Dennis has adapted completely to retirement in Hawaii. Having traveled to all fifty states he is an avid adventurer. Being the Welcoming Ministry (Mission/Outreach) Lay Leader gives him an opportunity to be involved in many things: Habitat for Humanity, Easter activities, 4 th of July Parade, Habitat Blitz building events and so much more. Besides scuba diving with friends, Dennis also hikes with the KUMC hiking group. He has many pictures of his adventures on his Facebook page. Dennis is a friendly guy, who on most Sundays, you can find working in the kitchen serving Sunday coffee and snacks. Right now he is hoping for the Education Team to put together a class on All The Women of the Bible next year. As well, Dennis loves orchids. Lots of orchids. Teri King, Nurturing Ministry Leader Swim & Snorkel Ministry! All are welcome to join to swim & snorkel together on the last Friday from 8:30am 9:30am at various beaches on the Big Island. We are exploring the beauty of the Island under the sea. Come and join the fellowship in the water. Please contact Sandra Gray or Jeffrey Hill for location.

12 November LIVING THE GOSPEL NURTURING MINISTRY WHY DID JESUS SPEAK IN PARABLES By Teri King Nurturing Ministry Leader Why did Jesus speak in parables? When the disciples asked Jesus this question, he gave them a somewhat complicated answer (Matt. 13:11 15). Jesus indicated that the truth was for the disciples to hear and understand. But those who were not desirous of the truth, Jesus would not give it to them. Jesus also indicated this when he told the disciples to ask, seek, knock and they would receive (Matt. 7:7 8). Paul suggested something similar in the epistle of 1 Corinthians when he said that they speak the wisdom of God in a mystery (2:7 14). Paul said that the natural person is not able to understand the things of the Spirit of God because they are foolish to the natural or carnal earthly person. We must draw close to God desiring the things of God and the Spirit, seeking, knocking and asking. Parables are earthly stories designed to indirectly illustrate some moral, spiritual or religious lesson. It is up to us to seek the Lord, knocking on heaven s door with our questions until the Lord answers in some way. It may be that the Lord wants our passion. The November Ladies Luncheon will be held on Thursday, the 9th, at 11:30a.m. at Kona Inn Restaurant ( Alii Dr, Kailua Kona, HI 96740, ). Bring an inspirational quote to share or a short story. You can contact Pastor Sunny if you have any questions. PRAYERFUL PUTTERS! Calling All men for golfing Contact Tim Brady

13 November WORSHIP CELEBRATION MINISTRY Anointing with Oil Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. (James 5:13 14 NRSV) We are continually being blessed and feel privileged to anoint & pray healing for the sick. After Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month, the congregation is invited to stop by the prayer stations & receive prayer. In Christ's love, Patricia Matsen A Minute for Ministry Serve the Lord with gladness. (Psalm 100:2 ESV) On each Sunday of every month (except Communion Sundays), we ve begun A Minute for Ministry. A Minute for Ministry is an act of witness included in the worship service. Each ministry will take one minute to highlight a specific aspect of the ministry. This will be a tangible way to feature the ministry and its purpose, demonstrating how we offer ourselves to God and inspire others for Christ. We offer gratitude to our church ohana for sharing their gifts and the part they play in making disciples of Jesus Christ, thereby transforming Kona United Methodist Church and the world. Mahalo to the Welcoming Ministry Team for highlighting aspects of their ministry in September. The Nurturing Ministry will be featured in November. Prayer Team meets on Sunday, November 5, at 10am.

14 November WORSHIP CELEBRATION MINISTRY Praise Team Ministry Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! (Psalm 96:1 ESV) We are happy to announce, on the 2 nd and 4 th Sunday of each month, the Praise Team will lead the Opening Hymn and may lead other hymns throughout the worship service. The Praise Team welcomes youth in high school and adults who enjoy singing Praise and Worship hymns to join the Praise Team. The Praise Team rehearsals are usually Fridays at 6pm. Please contact Gloria Juan at glovake@hawaiiantel.net for more information. Would you like to experience God through the ministry of Usher/ Greeting on Sundays? If yes, please contact Sue Pyun! In the worship service we will lift up those who passed away between 11/1/2016 and 10/31/2017. Please bring a memento (photo, jewelry, special souvenir) that reminds you of your loved ones. November 5, 8:30am The Fellowship After Church Ministry would like to encourage you to sign up to bring in refreshments before bringing those goodies. The sign up sheet is on the refrigerator in the kitchen. Donations needed: Powered creamers for coffee (coffee mate or cremora), dessert plates, bagged coffee Donations are appreciated. For any questions, please speak to Dennis Bensen.

15 November WORSHIP CELEBRATION MINISTRY November 9am We need volunteers for decorating the church for the advent season. Please speak to sue pyun if you are able to help 16th ANNUAL INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING EVE WORSHIP CONCERT KAILUA-KONA, HI November 22, 6:30pm at St. Michael s Catholic Church Many Big Island faith communities will join together for this concert. Free to the public, but canned food and monetary donations for Hawai i Food Basket are encouraged. Call for more information On the last Saturday of each month at 8am, the church has a work party with brunch at the parsonage. All are welcome! Speak to Navy Mareko if you have any questions.

16 November MINISTRY IN DISTRICT/CAL-PAC Hawai i Pastor s January 20, 2017 (Saturday), Aiea UMC This event is highly encouraged for all Hawai i district pastors and church leaders to learn about United Methodist worship and liturgy. Reverend Daniel Benedict will be leading a class on the teaching and exploration of the Basic Pattern. There will also be workshops, group discussions, reflections, and a Q&A panel at the end of the session. Other tools and resources will be available at the event Clergy Advent Dinner Date: Monday, December 4, 2017 Place: Christ UMC Time: 6:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. All clergy members and their families are invited to the 2017 Clergy Advent Dinner. Cost: $20 per person 13 years of age and older; Free for 12 years old and under Gift Exchange: Bring a $10 value gift to exchange per family. Please reply by November 20, 2017 to the District Office through E mail: info@hawaiidistrictumc.org. Make checks payable to: HUMU with the notation, Advent Dinner name of pastor, # of dinners. DECEMBER BISHOP S CONFIMRATION RETREAT 5PM-7:30PM All Youth students from Bishop s Confirmation Retreat and those who missed their chance on attending the retreat are invited to the Reunion. Every UM church is invited to bring their youth group to Kilohana UMC (5829 Mahimahi Street, Honolulu 96821) on Saturday, December 9, 2017, 5pm 7:30pm. There will be eating, worship & praise, games, and other exciting activities! Please join for a night of fun and fellowship! *This is a potluck meal so we request that each church brings a food dish to share.

17 November Ministry Kona UMC Be sure to visit the Ministry Table and Ministry Bulletin Boards on Sundays, before and/or after the worship service. You will find information and sign ups for various Kona UMC Ministry opportunities. We welcome your participation in any or all of these current Kona UMC Ministries: Adult Education Opportunities Bible Study Care Ministry Fellowship After Church Membership Class Music Ministry Outreach Ministry Prayer Ministry Prayerful Putters Sew & Sow Ministry Worship Ministry Youth Group We strive to fulfill the Mission of the United Methodist Church by making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world and the Vision of Kona UMC by growing disciples through worship, outreach, and living the gospel. 11/05 1 Kings 19:9 13 Be Still: Dealing with the Noise 11/12 Exodus 14:10 22 Be Still: Stand Still and See 11/19 Joshua 10:12 15 Be Still: When the Sun Stands Still 11/26 Jim Monk, Preaching LAITY WORSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES - November 2017 Date Greeters Altar (color) Lay Leader and Liturgist Sunday School Keiki Sunday School Youth Acolyte Sermon/ Keiki 5th Joyce & Tim Brady (green/white) Alice Avea i Tavite Talasinga Rev. Tatafu Shery Talasinga Peta Mareko Remain in Service Raka Barrett Rev. Dr. Ahn Rev. Tatafu 12th Sue Pyun & Larry Triplett (green) Sue Pyun Donny Avea i Rev. Dr. Jones Laura Ankrum Sulu Falefa Kathleen Jaeger Navy Mareko Rev. Dr. Ahn Rev. Tatafu 19th Pat Aldred & Lisa Uemura (green) Val Senituri & Donna Kathleen Jaeger Sue Pyun Judy Hollingshead Tupu Paogofie Remain in Service Nina Mareko Rev. Dr. Ahn 26th Karen & Arnold von Kaenel (white) Joyce Brady Jim Monk Jim Monk Janet McHugh Malaea Apaisa Kathleen Jaeger Elizabeth Warren Jim Monk

18 November November ACTIVITIES in the LIFE of Kona UMC... SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY BIRTHDAY 3 Bill Dougherty; 9 Walter Chung; 11 Marilyn Koshella 11 Linda Takai; 25 Betty Eavis WEDDING ANNIVERSARY 18 Arnold & Karen von Kaenel; 28 Tim & Joyce Brady 1 7am Yard Sale Prep 3:30pm Adult Study 7pm Tongan Svc 2 7am Yard Sale Prep 8 9am Splashers Men s Breakfast & Church Cleaning 3:30pm Group Bible Reading 6pm Samoan Svc 3 12pm Sew & Charlot s home 1pm Yard Sale Prep 4pm English Choir 4 8am 12noon Yard Sale / Bake Sale / Boxed Lunch Sale 7pm Tongan Choir 5 All Saints Sunday 8:30am Worship Svc with Communion & Anointing Oil, Food Basket, Keiki Sunday School 10am Trustees 10am Music Mtg 10am Prayer Mtg 3pm Tongan Svc 6 7 4pm Finance Committee Meeting 7pm Tongan Choir 8 7pm Tongan Svc 9 8 9am Splashers Men s Breakfast & Church Cleaning 9 11am Pastor s Daylight 11:30am Ladies Luncheon 3:30pm Group Bible Reading 6pm Samoan Svc 6:30pm Lay Leadership (Nomination) Mtg 10 4pm English Choir 11 7pm Tongan Choir 12 8:30am Worship Svc, Keiki & Youth Sunday School 10am Leadership Team (Church Council) Meeting 3pm Tongan Svc NEWSLETTER ARTICLE DUE am Splashers Men s Breakfast & Church Cleaning 9 11am Pastor s Daylight 3:30pm Group Bible Reading 17 8:30am Swim/ Snorkeling 12pm Sew & Charlot s home 4pm English Choir 18 8am Work Party 7pm Tongan Choir 7pm Tongan Svc 6pm Samoan Svc 6:30pm Worship Mtg 7pm Tongan Choir 19 Thanksgiving Sunday/Charge Conference Report Due in the Office 8:30am Worship Svc, Keiki Sunday School; Receiving New Members 3pm Tongan Svc pm Homeless Feeding by Tongan Shelter 7pm Tongan Choir 22 6:30pm Interfaith Thanksgiving St. Michael s Catholic Church 23 THANKSGIVING DAY OFFICE CLOSED 8 9am Splashers Men s Breakfast & Church Cleaning 24 OFFICE CLOSED 25 7pm Tongan Choir 26 Christ the King Sunday 8:30am Worship Svc, Keiki & Youth Sunday School am Hanging of the Greens am Splashers Men s Breakfast & Church Cleaning 9 11am Pastor s Daylight 3pm Tongan Svc 3:30pm Group Bible Reading 7pm Tongan Choir 7pm Tongan Svc 6pm Samoan Svc