Ministry Musings from the District Superintendent

Transcription

1 Ka Leo Mekokiko Jul - Aug 2015 Ka Leo Mekokiko THE VOICE OF METHODISM Hawaii District July - August 2015 VOLUME 33 NUMBER st Annual Conference at Redlands University, CA Reflection Thank you to all those that attended this year s Annual Conference themed Justice, Judgment and Joy from the Hawaii District. Cal-Pac registration exceeded it s expected attendance goal. DVD orders are accepted via online order at the website. Click on the Archives tab. The next Annual Conference is scheduled for June 16-18, New Hawaii District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Se Hee (Sarah) Han: Please welcome our new DS, effective July 1st, Rev. Dr. Se Hee Han! She is getting herself acquainted with Hawaii s pastors, church members, committee chairs, locations, etc.. Let us show our warm aloha spirit in culture and hospitality. Rev. Han s official Welcoming Gathering to the District is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26th. Specific details of place, time, etc. are forthcoming. Welcoming of Newly Appointed Pastors to the Hawaii District Farewell to Our Departing Pastors Se Hee Han, District Superintendent to the Hawaii District James Choi, Associate Pastor to Christ Wesley Elmore, Senior Pastor of Lihue UM Chang Min Lee, Pastor of Christ Tom Choi, Senior Pastor to Aiea Sangmin Shin, Pastor of Olive John Finau, Appointed to Keolumana Bae Sun Kim, Pastor to Olive Peter Lee, Senior Pastor to Trinity James White, Senior Pastor of Aiea Retiring Pastors Min-Kyu Park, Associate Pastor to Christ Woodley White, Appointed Clergy to Naalehu Deborah Wise, Pastor to Immanuel, Saipan Won-Seok Yuh, Appointed to Kahalu u Robert Miyake-Stoner, Senior Pastor of Trinity Roby Correa, Pastor of Keolumana & Ewa Beach United Methodist Church () Dodger Night 2015 Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA Friday, August 14, 2015 at 7:10 PM Order Deadline: July 20, 2015 Reserve Level Tickets: $26.00 For every ticket, $2.00 will support Imagine No Malaria. Dodger night is the specific date that the Los Angeles Dodgers hold a bund of tickets for the members! We all sit in a special section and root for the LA Dodgers - the game is played at Dodger Statdium. The LA Dodgers play against the Cincinnati Reds. Purchase your tickets online today by going to the Cal-Pac website. For more information, contact the West District Office at (562) You will receive a confirmation by . You will receive an automated confirmation from our reservation system. For more information about this event, contact Sandee Furuta at or wdunion@calpacumc.org.

2 Ka Leo Mekokiko Jul - Aug Ministry Musings from the District Superintendent ANNUAL CONFERENCE MISSION STATEMENT: Inspiring the World as Passionate Followers of Jesus Christ So All May Experience God s Life-Giving Love ME KE ALOHA PUMEHANA It has been a great blessing to be your district superintendent for the past five years. You have been so supportive, so faithful and so dedicated. I am perhaps proudest of the fact that as a district, we had the highest percentage of apportionment giving in the annual conference by far. So much so, that in my first year, when we had 97.69% giving, I considered it an abject failure, because our district had always given 100%. The next year, it was 99.7% - again a slight disappointment. But ever since then, we have been over 100%, culminating with 2014, when every single church gave at least 100% and two of the missions voluntarily gave toward apportionments. This is a proud tradition that our district has enjoyed, and I pray will continue into the future. We were able to provide world class training by bringing consultants and trainers to the islands, including several visits to the neighbor islands, most notably Guam and Saipan. We have great lay leadership and I have appreciated the partnership the laity has with the clergy. I am looking forward to our DPAS moving forward with younger leadership to enhance the future of our district. I am also very proud of how some of our churches faced some very difficult challenges, and were on the verge of being considered for closure. But in each case, the churches rallied and each has a good future. I was so proud at annual conference to see Andrew Lee and Sam Nam ordained as elders in full connection; and Joe Yun commissioned as a provisional elder. Finally, I personally feel gratified that the appointments made in our district have worked out overall. We have brought in some outstanding pastors that match with the outstanding congregations and ministries we have in our district. Of particular joy is that when I first began, there were only four pastors under the age of 40, and seven between ages 40 and 50. Beginning July 1, we will almost double the number of pastors under 40 to seven, and nearly tripled the number of pastors between the ages 40 and 50 to 20. This goes along with our veteran, experienced pastors who have done outstanding ministry over the years. I have such optimism about the future of the Hawaii District. As I return joyfully to the local church, I praise God that my family and I will remain in Hawaii. I look forward to being a colleague in ministry with you as I focus on becoming the pastor of Aiea. I look forward to giving my full support to our new District Superintendent. Please join me in doing the same. My family and I want to thank you so much for the wonderful aloha that you gave us and we are so grateful to the many expressions of aloha and generosity you extended to us. May God in Christ continue to bless you. Mahalo nui loa. Grace and aloha,

3 Ka Leo Mekokiko Jul - Aug MESSAGE FROM SIONE LILO VAKAUTA, Hawaii District Lay Leader HAWAII DISTRICT SUCCESS OR FAILURE STARTS IN YOUR MIND CHANGE YOUR THOUGHT PROCESS TODAY START THINKING LIKE A WINNER. HAWAII DISTRICT, I have discovered there are certain times in our lives when GOD ALLOWS US TO GO THROUGH SEASONS OF STRUGGLE, PAIN AND ADVERSITY For 2 reasons; NUMBER ONE: To teach us how to use our Shield of Faith (Eph. 6:16) and how to deal with these things. NUMBER TWO: To test and strengthen our SPIRITUAL DEFENSE MECHANISM. The storms God allows are always for a reason But, ONLY FOR A SEASON! Glory! So, whatever you are facing today STAND STILL IT WILL PASS! Be patient! (Luke 21:19) HAWAII DISTRICT my Brother, hear me when I say NOTHING, I MEAN NOTHING, IS ONLY OBLI- GATED TO THE OBEDIENT! Exodus 23:22 says; BUT IF YOU WILL INDEED OBEY MY VOICE, AND DO WHAT I TELL YOU TO DO I WILL BE AN ENEMY TO YOUR ENEMIES AND A FRIEND TO YOU In fact, this God Inspired letter you are holding in your hands right now is being documented by God TO TEST YOU RE OBEDIENCE! Your obedience will be rewarded. (Deut. 28:2 Ps. 84:11) Hear this, every step of obedience you take to God s instructions A TURNING POINT IN YOUR life! I sense there must be a special reason God is giving me this revelation to share with you In John Chapter 2, Jesus did not turn the water into wine UNTIL SOMEONE OBEYED HIM! Verse 7, He said, Fill the water pots with water They didn t understand why, but, they OBEYED! I have learned that those who question Gods instructions and methods VERY SELDOM RECEIVE HIS MIRACLES YOU SEE GOD WAYS ARE ABOVE OUR WAYS. ISAIAH. 55:9. HAWAII DISTRICT, I m asking you this question because I know that personal satisfaction hinges on very little; forces of circumstances, lack of courage, not having a choice and being willing to settle and be content with a dull, uneventful life in which compromise is a daily reality! On the other hand, being transformed overnight into a man who people love, with comfortable surprised to learn that you are a little apprehensive at the prospect of your life changing so suddenly! So, before resigning yourself to the fabulous things God has laid out for you and which I want to see you enjoy, more than anybody else on Earth, to take advantage of, ask yourself one last time: are you absolutely sure that wealth, love and God s favor are the 3 things you really want? Is this the place of your ultimate happiness? In short, are you ready to take your divine place and assume your new status of a prosperous, divinely blessed and well-loved person? YOU RE LONG HELD DESIRE FOR POWER AND CONTROL OVER YOUR LIFE BEGINS... YOUR LIFE AND DESTINY ARE GOING TO BE COMPLETELY SHAKEN UP! DIVINE FAVOR AND BLESSING are to dominate your destiny forever more! In place of struggle and misfortune (and I can see that lately money has run through your fingers like water) you will see your life filled with love and friendship. Tremendous prosperity miracles lie just ahead that will fill your life with everything you have ever desired, thus once and for all ending your financial worries. Yes, you ll have peace of mind. You are about to receive the Revelation Knowledge that is required to experience miracles of good fortune so incredibly large that you dare not even fantasize about them! THIS IS GODS PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE! HAWAII DISTRICT, what I have just revealed to you means that there is now light at the end of your tunnel. Open your eyes! Yes, it is indeed light that you can see there! And it s the supernatural fire of the Holy Spirit illuminating the path you must follow towards this true happiness, blessings and prosperity. In Jesus name. Praise God for his love and Mercy for the ALOHA STATE INCLUDE HAWAII DISTRICT. WE LOVE YOU ALL HAWAII DISTRICT SIONE LILO VAKAUTA SERVENT OF GOD

4 Ka Leo Mekokiko Jul - Aug Building an Inclusive Community A Workshop on the Basics of the Reconciling Process July 25, 2015 Saturday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Harris 20 South Vineyard Bouldvard Honolulu, HI Free Registration Lunch/Snacks Provided Donations are welcome A Reconciling Ministries Workshop will be held on July 25, 2015, 9AM to 4 PM at Harris United Methodist Church. There is no registration fee although donations are accepted. (Please see the flyer). For more information you can Rev. Israel Alvaran at izzy@rmnetwork.org or call Harris at The Reconciling Ministries Workshop in Hawaii is primarily United Methodist focused; however, others are encouraged to attend. We welcome everyone as we continue to share the message that in God s sight all are loved. Please register on line by July 1, 2015 at Rev. Israel Alvaran is the Reconciling Ministries Coordinator for the Western Jurisdiction of the. He will be this workshop leader on July 25, Rev. Alvaran is a graduate of Union Theological Seminary, Philippines and received a Doctor of Ministries Degree in Interfaith Community Organizing from the Pacific School of Religions, Berkeley in He lives in San Francisco. Please register online: In the spirit of radical hospitality and biblical obedience, we invite you to participate in this half-day workshop to learn the basics of building an inclusive community and meet the leaders of the Reconciling movement in your district. We will also show the short film In God s House which features the testimony of Asian Christian LGBTQ, and their parents and allies. Here are topics we will cover: o LGBTQ 101 (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) o Steps in Building an Inclusive Church/Community o Graceful Engagement (Engaging Conflict Well) o The Ministry of a Reconciling Process Coach / Next Steps Planning Our workshop facilitator is the Rev. Dr. Israel I. Alvaran, clergy from the Philippines Annual Conference and Western Regional Organizer of Reconciling Ministries Network an organization committed to the full inclusion of all people in the life and ministry of the United Methodist Church. Check their website at This event is sponsored by Harris, Hawaii Reconciling Ministries Team, and the Cal-Pac Reconciling Ministries Network Team. Please register online: HawaiiBIC For more info, please contact: Rev izzy@rmnetwork.org Harris

5 Ka Leo Mekokiko Jul - Aug Hawaii District Prayer Calendar for Local Churches 01/04/15 Kahuku Pastor Manako Kemoeatu 07/05/15 Wesley 01/11/15 Kahaluu Joseph Yun 07/12/15 Waianae Pastors Piula Ala'ilima & Ralph Honjo Pastors Debra Murray & Sione Taukolo, Misipati Karapani 01/18/15 Immanuel (To be Supplied) 07/19/15 Wahiawa Pastor David Choi 01/25/15 Honolua Pastor Tevita Maile 07/26/15 Trinity Pastors Peter Lee & Solomone Uluave 02/01/15 Honokaa Pastor Olivia Latu 08/02/15 Parker Pastor Andrew Lee 02/08/15 Hilo Pastor Malyong Yi 08/09/15 Pacific Islanders Pastor Faaagi Taufetee 02/15/15 Harris Pastors N. Miyake-Stoner & R. Pastors Bae Sun Kim & Suega 08/16/15 Olive Managayayam, Eiko Soranaka Leui 02/22/15 Guam Pastor Johann Osias 08/23/15 Naalehu Pastor Debbie Wise 03/01/15 First Tongan Pastor Vaituuloa Fonua 08/30/15 Guam Korean UMM Pastor In Ki Lee 03/08/15 First Pastors Amy Wake & Linita Moa 09/06/15 Lihue UC Senior Pastor to be Supplied & Pastor Tevita Namoa 03/15/15 Ewa Beach Pastor Roby Correa & Vaokotone Teaupa 09/13/15 Lahaina Pastor Paul Tangonan 03/22/15 Christ Pastors Nak In Kim, B.S. Kim, C.M. Lee, S. Nam & H.C. Om 09/20/15 West Kauai Pastor Monalisa Siofele Lolohea 03/29/15 Calvary UMM Pastor Kyu Woo Nam 09/27/15 Kilohana Pastors Sam Domingo & Tevita F. Moa 04/05/15 Bethany Korean Pastor Myung Duk Han 10/04/15 Keolumana John Finau 04/12/15 Aldersgate Pastor Emmanuel Cruz 10/11/15 Kapolei Korean UMM Pastor Chi Young Jeong 04/19/15 Camp Mekokiko Rev. Ted Lesnett 10/18/15 Kapolei UMM (To be Supplied) 04/26/15 Camp Kokee Lyndon Yamane & Becky Komaki 10/25/15 Kam-Nam Pastor Jay Ahn 05/03/15 Susannah Wesley Ronald Higashi 11/01/15 Kailua 05/10/15 Aiea 05/17/15 District Office 05/24/15 Kihei Tongan Pastors Jim White, Joe Siofele & Peter Lee Rev. Tom Choi, Michele & Rosie Pastors Tim Ellington & Sam Cox 11/08/15 Kahuku Pastor Manako Kemoeatu 11/15/15 Kahaluu Won-Seok Yuh Pastor Panepasa Fifita 11/22/15 Immanuel Pastor Debbie Wise 05/31/15 Beautiful UMM Pastor Taehyun O 11/29/15 Honolua Pastor Tevita Maile 06/07/15 Ala Lani 06/14/15 Aiea Korean Pastors Jaeman Lim & Panepasa Fifita Pastors Hoyong Kim, I.K. Jun, K.S. Lee 12/06/15 Honokaa Pastor Olivia Latu 12/13/15 Hilo Pastor Malyong Yi 06/21/15 Wesley Foundation Rev. Charlene Zuill 12/20/15 Harris Pastors N. Miyake-Stoner & R. Managayayam, Eiko Soranaka 06/28/15 Kona Pastors Krista Givens & Malakai Tatafu 12/27/15 Guam Pastor Johann Osias

6 Ka Leo Mekokiko Jul - Aug DISTRICT CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR 2015 JULY 2015 SEPTEMBER 2015 Fri, July 3: Independence Day District Office is Closed Mon., Sept. 7: Labor Day District Office Is Closed Mon, July 20: Deadline For Aug-Sep Mekokiko Mon., Sept. 21: Deadline For Oct-Nov Mekokiko AUGUST 2015 Sat., Sept. 26: DS Se Hee Han s Welcoming Party Details TBA Sat., Aug 15 HUMU Bd. Mtg Harris, Kumuro Lounge OCTOBER 2015 Fri., Aug. 21: Statehood Day District Office Is Closed Mon., Oct. 12: Discover s Day District Office is Closed Mon., Aug. 24: Deadline For Sep-Oct Mekokiko Mon., Oct 19: Deadline For Oct-Nov Mekokiko HAWAII UNITED METHODIST UNION 20 South Vineyard Boulevard Honolulu, HI Phone: (808) hawaiidistrict@calpacumc.org KA LEO MEKOKIKO July - August 2015 Annual Conference Review P.1 New Pastors to the Hawaii District.P.1 Reconciling Ministries Workshop...P Prayer Calendar P.4