NUU VINEYARD NEWS. Harris United Methodist Church 20 South Vineyard Blvd. Hon., HI WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION

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1 NUU VINEYARD NEWS Harris United Methodist Church 20 South Vineyard Blvd. Hon., HI WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION Website: Facebook: HarrisUMC September 2017 PASTOR S CORNER GIVE GENEROUSLY, REAP GENEROUSLY This is why I thought it was necessary to encourage the brothers to go to you ahead of time and arrange in advance the generous gift you have already promised. I want it to be a real gift from you. I don t want you to feel like you are being forced to give anything. What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop. Rev. Rona Mangayayam Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver. God has the power to provide you with more than enough of every kind of grace. That way, you will have everything you need always and in everything to provide more than enough for every kind of good work. - 2 Corinthians 9:5-8 Common English Bible (CEB) You must have heard people saying, the more you give, the more you receive for yourself. You must also have heard preachers saying, if you give more, you will receive abundant blessings clothes, car and other expensive stuff that we can live without. A televangelist once showed his Rolex watch and said that people will also be able to acquire those if they give more to his church and they are using the scripture quoted above to justify their preaching. This is a theology of prosperity and this is wrong. This is not what this scripture is all about. (continued on page 2)

2 (PASTOR S CORNER CONTINUED) When the Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Corinthian community, he is asking a Gentile community to give generously for the need of the church in Jerusalem. Thus, to ask this from the Corinthian is more than just about giving money, it is about a relationship between two churches/communities who care and support each other. Then, Paul challenges the Corinthians to give generously because, in doing so, they will also reap generously. What Paul means is that when we give generously, in return we reap greater opportunities to make real God s vision for all creation. I believe this is what it means when our Stewardship ministry team chose Pledge to Commit Your Support of God s Mission as our theme for this Stewardship Campaign. One, our call to pledge is about our relationship to Harris church whose faithful ministry and witness brought transformation in the lives of many people~ many of whom we do not even know. Second, it is about our commitment to make real our hope and dreams, not just for our church, but, for the wider world. I do not have to list all that we are doing. But, your witness to be a welcoming church, a sanctuary church, a church that intentionally integrates people from all walks of life into the family of the Harris Ohana has created a transformation. People s lives are transformed when they experience who we are, and who witness and hear what we are doing. The beauty and wonder of it all is that, because of our ministry and witness, there are more who want to join with us in this journey of transforming lives. And it is possible, in part, because of your financial generosity for God s missions through Harris church. On September 24, we will have another opportunity to respond to the call of giving generously by making our pledge. I ask that you take the time to discern prayerfully as you make a commitment to this call. I have every hope that as we respond generously, we will also reap generously with greater and bigger opportunities to be the church God calls us to be! Deep Blessings, Rona 2

3 SEPTEMBER WORSHIP SERVICES THE SEASON of PENTECOST PLEDGE TO COMMIT YOUR SUPPORT OF GOD S MISSION 9:00 am Nichigo Worship (Japanese Language Ministry) Sensei Eiko Soranaka 5:00 pm Evening Worship (Contemporary Music) Davy Lee ************************* 10:45am Worship (English Language Service) September 3: 13th Sunday After Pentecost Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:24-28 Lost to Save; Save to Lose Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak, preaching Communion & Mission Moment September 10: 14th Sunday After Pentecost Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-31 Dare to Take The Road Rev. Rona Mangayayam, preaching Stewardship Moment by Ken Matsuura September 17: 15th Sunday After Pentecost Scripture Reading: Matthew 19:16-22 Surrender All? Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak, preaching Stewardship Moment by Education & Church and Society Ministries September 24: 16th Sunday After Pentecost STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY Joint Service with English & Nichigo Congregations Stewardship Moment by Lynn Miyahira Krupa and Jacce Mikulanec WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION ~ ALL ARE WELCOME! 3

4 FLASH ALERT UMCOR Emergency Offering to be taken September 3, Category 4 Hurricane Harvey slammed into southern Texas with pounding winds and unprecedented rain. It forced 30,000 from their homes and so far resulted in ten deaths. The full extent of the damage is not known but heart-wrenching scenes of rescue from flooded communities continue. First responders are nearly overwhelmed and massive shelters have been opened in San Antonio and as far away as Dallas. UMCOR has asked us to pray and contribute to relief efforts, which will include massive long-term recovery programs. Gifts received will be sent to UMCOR Domestic Disaster earmarked for Hurricane Harvey at Advance If you can give, make out your check to Harris UMC and write UMCOR Emergency on the bottom. 4

5 PLEDGE TO COMMIT YOUR SUPPORT OF GOD S MISSION! 2018 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN! The 2018 Stewardship Campaign kicks off with the Stewardship Packet that will be mailed out September 1. The packet includes the Stewardship Campaign letter, pledge card, and Missional Budget brochure. Please be sure to look for yours. Extra packets will be available in the Sanctuary. On Sunday, September 10, Ken Matsuura will present an overview of the Stewardship Campaign and the goals for Discover how our pledges fit into the big picture of church finances. The following Sunday, September 17, we will learn how our pledges support the vital work of the Christian Education and Church & Society Ministries. In addition, the children and youth will present their pledge cards during the Young and Young-at-Heart segment. At the combined service on Pledge Sunday, September 24, Global Ministries and Worship Ministries will highlight their ministry work, made possible by our pledges. The morning s message will be shared by Lynn Miyahira Krupa and Jacce Mikulanec. During the Offering of Tithes and Gifts, the congregation will be invited to present their pledge cards. After the service, everyone is invited to join the celebratory Pledge Sunday Potluck in Miyama Hall. Potluck sign up begins on September 3 and continues through September 17. If you are unable to come to church on Pledge Sunday, please drop off your pledge card at the church office or mail it in. 5

6 IN MINISTRY TOGETHER DREAMING BIG WITH GOD The results of the Five Big Dreams Survey taken in worship July 30 will be shared in the worship bulletin Aug. 27 and Sept. 3 along with an invitation to attend the 4C s Retreat on Saturday, Sept. 9 at Ho omaluhia Botanical Gardens in Kaneohe from 9:15 11:45 a.m. Sign up after worship on those Sundays. Carpools are offered from church and childcare at the garden. The results indicate we are compassionate in wanting to serve the houseless, immigrants, seniors, those needing affordable housing, youth, community activists. We also want to partner and relate with the Nu uanu Y, Islam faith and First UMC immigration legal clinic. God must be smiling with encouragement! At the retreat we will work on defining our dreams more clearly, brainstorming and sharing possibilities and directions we can take. This is holy work as we pray for the Spirit to guide us for the sake of God s kingdom. Come, let us dream God s dream again. Come, one and all, let us ascend the mountain top where those of old saw God s new day on earth unfold. W&S 3157 Submitted by Diane Matsuura, Lay Leader LET S CONNECT, COLLABORATE, COMMUNICATE AND CELEBRATE!! What: 4 C S RETREAT When: Saturday, September 9 Where: Ho omaluhia Botanical Gardens Time: 9:15-11:45am Carpool and Childcare will be available; sign up in courtyard ALL ARE WELCOME!! 6

7 FALL MUSIC STARTING SOON! Praise the Lord! Sing to the Lord a new song; sing God s praise in the assembly of the faithful! Let them praise God s name with dance, let them sing God s praise with the drum and lyre! (Psalm 149: 1,3) Harris UMC s music groups are looking forward to another blessed season to praise God through music. YOU are invited to participate! Everyone has musical talent of some kind, yes, even YOU! So check out one of the following. CHANCEL CHOIR Chancel Choir s regular rehearsals are held after worship from noon to 1:30 p.m. with a snack to tide you over. Teens to seniors are welcome and we especially welcome men! Contact Diane Matsuura, Director or Jordan Goto, choral intern at CHILDREN S CHOIR Our Children s Choir for preschool through Grade 5 will continue to meet every Sunday! Starting on September 3, they will meet at 9:00am in Miyama Hall with Uncle Jordan Goto. 7

8 YOUTH PRAISE BAND Our Youth Praise Band will continue to meet in Room 16 from 9:00am-10:30am. All youth including those entering 6th grade through 12th grade are invited to Praise God through music! Learn to play and sing contemporary praise music, play new instruments, rhythm, and/or singing. Text or call Skylar Yamamoto at or HANDBELLS Back to Bells Workshop~ Monday, September 11th, 6:00pm-7:30pm in Miyama Hall: For all new ringers, and current ringers of Heavenly Handbells and Halle Halle Ringers, to brush up and remove those summer cobwebs!! ALL ARE INVITED to come & learn the basics of handbell ringing with no commitment to play...just a time to learn and have fun! Childcare will be available. UKULELE FELLOWSHIP Learn to play the ukulele, sing and enjoy the music with Davy Lee et.al. on Sunday mornings, 9:00am in Room 5! Bring your ukulele but no worries if no more.davy will provide an instrument for you! Contact Davy Lee at for more information. PRAISE TEAM Join with others on the Evening Worship Team to play and sing music for the 5pm Sunday Evening worship service. Contact Davy Lee at for more information. 8

9 HOW is HOPE ON WHEELS An Invitation from Pastor Cheol Kwak Somewhere in between our busy lifestyles and the privacy at our homes, I would like to find a time to visit with you, within the various neighborhoods where you live to learn more about our Harris Ohana.to share with you in devotion and prayer through informal dialogue on faith, church vision and dreams, and HOPE. I will plan to schedule my second and last Saturdays of each month for these visits. Available times would be either in the morning or afternoons (non-meal times) when it is convenient to those attending and host(s) of this HOW gathering. If a family wants to volunteer hosting a gathering for their neighbors for about an hour and a half, please call the church office to schedule at Inspired by the recent articulations on Conference papers and our focus on HOPE, I would like to name this gathering HOW (Hope on Wheels). I pray HOW will spark hope and prayers. 9

10 Please Welcome Certified Lay Minister, Patrick Zukemura Patrick Zukemura has volunteered to serve Harris United Methodist Church as a Certified Lay Minister (CLM) of the United Methodist Church effective September 1. Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak will introduce him to the congregation at the September 3rd English service. He will be formerly assigned by the District Superintendent at the Charge Conference later this year. Patrick has covenanted with Harris to work in the area of Evangelism. His work will include men s ministry, promotion of the Walk to Emmaus and the Britt Lectures. He will work about 15 hours per week and have office hours on Tuesdays (4-6 p.m.) and Fridays (10 a.m. to noon) in the Nichigo Sensei s/finance Office. He may be contacting you as we work to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. Patrick can be contacted at cellphone/text: (808) or pzuke2@gmail.com. Patrick was recognized as a Certified Lay Minister earlier this year after passing his interview with the District Committee on Ministry. He started this process after being recommended by former Pastor, Rev. Dr. Nobuko Miyake Stoner at the Harris 2015 Charge Conference. He is a long time member of the church and started as a kindergartener in the Harris Sunday school. As part of the process to become a CLM, he attended the Lay Ministry Academy (LMA) which consisted of six sessions at the Claremont School of Theology in Patrick retired from Faith Action for Community Equity (F.A.C.E.) in March 2012 after serving as a Community Organizer for 9 years. He has had a variety of work experiences after graduating from the University of Hawaii. He has worked for the City & County of Honolulu, Palama Settlement, United Methodist Camp Kailani, Mutual of Omaha and Manufactures Life. He served in the Marine Corp Reserve from 1966 to He has also served as a Lay Servant (formerly the Lay Speaking program) in the United Methodist Church. He is married to wife, Leilani, and has two adult daughters, Marie and Janet. 10

11 Kūpuna Caregivers Legislation Passes and Signed into Law House Bill 607 to create the Kūpuna Caregivers Program passed in the Hawaii State Legislature and was signed into Law as Act 102 by Governor David Ige on July 6. This program will help family caregivers by providing up to a $70/day benefit that could be make home caregiving for aging family members more affordable. It could help pay for home health care workers, extra help preparing meals, adult day care costs and transportation when a family caregiver is not available. You can get more information about the program from materials in the back of the sanctuary or in the church office. You can also visit or info@care3kupuna.org. Faith Action for Community Equity (F.A.C.E.) which Harris UMC is a member unit has been working for 21 years to get some type of long term care legislation enacted. In 2017, FACE teamed up with Care Across Generations, a national movement to care for our elderly and other local organizations to get this legislation enacted. The current push is to get the State Executive Office on Aging to get the program implemented as soon as possible before the next Legislative session. You can help by providing your contact information to stay informed. You may also contact Patrick Zukemura here at Harris for information and questions. He can be reached at ph or pzuke2@gmail.com. 11

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14 56th HARRIS BAZAAR Dedicated to Marilyn Van Gieson November 4, 2017 Marilyn and her husband, Frank Van Gieson chaired the Harris Bazaar for 17 years. Their son, Michael, from the time he was born worked with them and remembers spending Bazaar eve night on the stage. Marilyn continued volunteering each year and she was an avid supporter and promoter of the Bazaar. She will be missed as she is remembered. November 4, 2017 is the date of the 56 th Harris Bazaar. We join together to raise funds for mission. The organizing committee will meet on Sunday, September 10, 2017 in Komuro Lounge from 12 noon to 1 PM. ALL ARE WELCOME. SPAM SUNDAY, September 10, 2017 The kickoff event is SPAM SUNDAY, September 10, Bring cans of SPAM for Spam musubi at the bazaar and for the Soup Ministry. We will build a tower of Spam. Original or original lite are most preferred for these two ministries. In June this year the Church Council authorized the release of $ in mission grants for projects in Hawaii, Nepal, Africa, Japan and the Philippines. Fifteen thousand dollars was raised in the 2016 bazaar and additional gifts made it possible to release $17,500. It s time to fill up the Bazaar Mission Account. 14

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16 TWEENS BASKETBALL CLINIC FRIDAY, SEPT. 15th 4:30pm-6:00pm (dinner at 6:30pm) NU UANU Y.M.C.A Pali Hwy #3, Honolulu, HI BOYS AGES: 9-11 GIRLS AGES: 9-13 (ENTERING GRADES 4th-6th) (ENTERING GRADES 4th-8th) CAMP FEATURES *Skill instruction games & competition *Meet & Greet with Rainbow Wahine Staff & Players *Dinner & speech from Head Coach Laura Beeman WHAT TO BRING: *Basketball attire *Basketball shoes *Water Bottle TO REGISTER, PLEASE CONTACT: **Dinner donations & helpers wanted!! See bulletin announcements in the coming weeks!** 16

17 Our Mission Together we work toward healing, reconciliation and the alleviation of suffering in Kalihi Valley, by serving communities, families and individuals through strong relationships that honor culture and foster health and harmony. Performance by the Pacific Voices Children and Youth during PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY to thank us for the school supply donations and team athletic T-shirts to start off their new school year! View video on our Facebook Monetary donations were used to provide uniform T-shirts for the children and youth of Pacific Island Voices and Kokua Kalihi Valley. MAHALO TO THE HARRIS OHANA FOR YOUR GENEROSITY! 17

18 HARRIS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRIES SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS SEPTEMBER 3rd! Adults Discipleship with Kitty Robertson (leader) in Komuro Lounge at 9:00am Ukulele Fellowship with Davy Lee (leader) in Room 5 at 9:00am What s Your Story: Seeing Your Life Through God s Eyes with Rev. John Miyahara (leader) in Room 4 at 9:00am Love Wins with April Goya and Pastor Rona Mangayayam (co-leaders) in upstairs apartment at 9:00am on the first Sunday of each month. Children & Youth Children s Choir with Uncle Jordan Goto (leader/choir Intern) in Miyama Hall at 9:00am 3 years 5 year olds with Auntie(s) Rene & Elanor (leaders) in Rm. 10 at 9:30am after Children s Choir Grades K-2 with Auntie Andrea (leader) in Rm. 3 at 9:30am after Children s Choir Grades 3-5 with Auntie Phuong (leader) in Rm. 6 at 9:30am after Children s Choir Youth Praise Band for Grade 6-12 with Skylar Yamamoto (leader) at 9:00am in Rm. 16 Nursery and Childcare with Ms. Emmy and Ms. Emmine available in Room 8 from 9:00am till noon (or end of Worship) Let s Journey Together to DREAM BIG WITH GOD! We all are called TO BE A SANCTUARY~ ALL ARE WELCOME!! 18

19 HARRIS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRIES and there s more!!! Weekday Small Group Studies and Prayer Groups (please call the church office at for more information) Prayer Gathering with Randy Stone (leader) in Sanctuary, Tuesdays & Saturdays at 6:00am Spiritual Journaling ~ Daily Bible with Akiko Lau (leader) in Komuro Lounge on Tuesdays at 12:00pm Bible Studies with Randy Stone (leader) in Komuro Lounge on Thursdays at 5:00pm TGIF (Thank God It s Friday) with Janet Shigemura & Co. in Komuro Lounge, every other Friday at 10:00am Nichigo Bible Study with Sensei Eiko Soranaka in the Nichigo Office on Tuesdays at 9:30am New and Upcoming Groups! What s Your Story: Seeing Your Life Through God s Eyes by Sarah Heath For: Adults & Young Adults 9:00am in Room 4 Leader: Rev. John Miyahara Envision your life as an adventure co-created by God. This study explores Joseph's story. Sarah Heath helps you explore your own life story in the same way. By doing so, you'll discover how to co-create with God the kind of life that will be a page-turner. The cost of the book is $8.50. Please check with Pastor John about acquiring your book!! "Living the Questions" Seeks not to provide easy answers, but to be a resource for people who are in the midst of a life long conversation about the mysteries of life and faith. This class may even be helpful for those who have left the church because of its refusal to take their questions or life's situation seriously... it hopes to provide a resource for the future of progressive Christianity. Led by Pastor Rona: Dates and time: Session 1 and 2: Thursdays at 6pm : September 21 and 28 Session 3 to 6: Wednesdays at 6pm : October 4,11,18 and 25 Session 7 to be determined 19

20 HARRIS CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Above: Class displays! Below: Ohta Family time! Good eats at our potluck breakfast! Time to enjoy and talk story. RALLY SUNDAY BREAKFAST FOLLOWED BY... 20

21 Graced by our Gift of Music from the Children s Choir and Ukulele Fellowship! Go to our Facebook page to see CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WORSHIP! Message by Keven Matsuura and the Ohta girls: Let Us Go Deeper with the God of Love Our liturgists: Jenny Silbiger and her daughter. Bibles were given to those entering 3rd grade, and to those who had not previously received their own Bible. 21

22 HARRIS AND CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL CONTINUE COLLABORATION Our relationship with the students of Central Middle School AfterSchool All Stars continues into the school year! The handbell and ukulele groups flourish and are nourished under the guidance of Karen Carlisle and Davy Lee respectively. Mahalo to other dedicated volunteers who help Davy and Karen on Wednesday afternoons at Central Middle. As you can see by the photos: all look like they are having fun!! If you are interested in volunteering your time and feel the nudge, don t hesitate to contact Pastor Rona or Diane Matsuura...God could be calling you!!! Harris Community Outreach Ministries Handbell and Ukulele Classes at Central Middle School are offered every Wednesday afternoon with Karen Carlisle and Davy Lee! 22

23 Above: Becky Kanetani on solo handbells: Pachabel s Canon. Left: Rev. Claudia Genung Yamamoto with our Benediction: Kirisuto No Heiwa. Below: Rev. Claudia Genung Yamamoto was our guest Preacher for Peace With Justice. View video on our Facebook PEACE WITH JUSTICE SUNDAY 23

24 Youth Praise Band with You Are Rebecca Smith & Diane Matsuura with His Eye Is On the Sparrow Katherine Aratani with Precious Lord, Take My Hand MAHALO FOR OUR GIFT OF MUSIC DO YOU HEAR? View some video on our Facebook Honolulu Bronze handbell ensemble with We Have Met to Worship and Now The Green Blade Riseth. 24

25 October 1 is WORLD COMMUNION SUNDAY LOVE IN ANY LANGUAGE You are invited to donate breads from your ethnic group and dress in appropriate native costumes! October 22 is ALL SAINTS DAY JOINT ENGLISH & JAPANESE WORSHIP SERVICE at 10:45am Watch the website or church bulletin for more information about honoring the Saints in your life that have passed on since October

26 Just Wanna Share... Former Nichigo Pastor Rev. Toshi Yamamoto with our Benediction Electronic Giving: If you are not yet signed up for e-giving and are interested, please contact Sachi Taketa for more information at You will no longer need to worry about carrying a check or cash to put in the offering plate or send through the mail. YOU are invited to become a member of Harris United Methodist Church! Please contact Pastor Cheol Kwak ( ) or Pastor Rona (rona@harrisumc.org or ) if you are interested in joining our Harris Ohana! NEWSLETTER deadline is 15th of each month Submit to Cheryl Yamamoto: news4harris@gmail.com Sustainability Covenant "God calls us to be careful, humble stewards of this earth, and to protect and restore for its own sake and for the future use and enjoyment of the human family" If you are receiving a hard copy version in the mail, please reconsider the sustainable alternative by reading it online from the church website. This will save our blessed & fragile environment and decrease postage & paper costs in the long term. Online versions are in color and will include all submitted photos/graphics; and hard copy versions will be in black & white and text only. To receive your newsletter via rather than by postage mail, CONTACT: news4harris@gmail.com We thank you for practicing good stewardship!! Facebook: HarrisUMC Website: 26