NU U VINEYARD NEWS. Harris United Methodist Church 20 South Vineyard Blvd. Hon., HI WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION BE THE VOICE

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1 PASTOR S CORNER BE THE VOICE As many of you know by now, United Methodist Church is in a process of revising Social Principles in response to a request by the 2012 General Conference. The General Board of Church and Society leads the process, scheduled to submit a final draft to the General Conference The current Social Principle is almost half a century old, and revision and updating is necessary. So many changes have taken place in the world, and our interpretation of faith must be relevant and contextual in faithful reflection on what it means to be followers of Jesus in our time. The key organizations of the denomination take a lead in this effort, including the Way Forward Commission, the Council of Bishops, and the General Conference. The major thrusts for revision are for more succinct, more theologically grounded, and more globally relevant. Making our Social Principles more communicable with the current changes of the world is an important task by which living out our faith may be more truthful, applicable, and contextual. The draft finished as recent as April 11, 2018 is now available to everyone interested (see below for website address). Our living by faith in God through Christ Jesus is now articulated and interpreted in the context of the changes of our value, new enlightenment, and hope in action. The draft speaks on many issues in our time where we prayerfully need to discern, to articulate, and to take actions. Some examples of topics include human dignity, rights, and responsibilities, poverty, Globalization, human sexuality, migration and immigration, civil disobedience, and so on. I am glad Harris, with the leadership of Church and Society team, actively talks about the revision of Social Principle, seeking a contribution to the effort through the voices of the church. All are invited to be the VOICE. Your participation in voicing your stand on these issues is scheduled to be accepted and to be part of further deliberation through the end of August this year. NU U VINEYARD NEWS Harris United Methodist Church 20 South Vineyard Blvd. Hon., HI WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION June 2018 Instagram: aloha2harrisumc Please visit the website of the General Board of Church and Society and make sure your VOICE is heard. You are invited to share your comments on the revised Social Principles at: Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak Cheol

2 3rd SUNDAY LUNCH SOCIAL PRINCIPLES 2020 The GENERAL BOARD OF CHURCH AND SOCIETY has been tasked with this global project and the goals of the Social Principles 2020 revision include: 1. to be more succinct 2. to be more theologically grounded 3. to be more globally relevant General input from Methodists around the world are being solicited via the following link, where you can read and also download the revised document for review: Rev. Neal Christie and his team have convened worldwide gatherings for input and will provide a Final Draft to the 2020 General Conference. The timeline for Methodists to provide our input is from now until September, To help with this process, Harris UMC Church & Society Ministry hosted a discussion at our 3rd Sunday Lunch. Please feel free to visit the link and download a copy of the document for your reference. 2

3 JUNE WORSHIP SERVICES THE SEASON of PENTECOST ~ DREAMING BIG WITH GOD 9:00 am Nichigo Worship (Japanese Language Ministry) To Be Announced 5:00 pm Evening Worship (Contemporary Music) Davy Lee 10:45am Worship (English Language Service) June 3: 2nd Sunday after Pentecost Scripture Reading: 2Corinthians 4: 5-12 Treasure in Clay Jars Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak, preaching COMMUNION June 10: 3rd Sunday after Pentecost GRADUATE RECOGNITION SUNDAY Scripture Reading: Matthew 6: 34; 1Timothy 4:12 Guest Speaker: Mason Yoshida June 17: 4th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture Reading: 2Corinthians 5: 6-10; and Mark 4:26-34 Faith, Footsteps, and Family Guest Preacher: Rev. John Miyahara June 24: 5th Sunday after Pentecost Scripture Reading: 2Corinthians 6: 1-13 You Are The One! Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak, preaching WE ARE AN OPEN AND RECONCILING CONGREGATION ~ ALL ARE WELCOME! 3

4 THIRST NO MORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2018 The 34th Annual Session of the California-Pacific Conference June 13-16, 2018 University of Redlands CALPACUMC.ORG/AC2018 Annual Conference Attendees from Harris Rev. Dr. Cheol Kwak will be away from June Rev. Rona Mangayayam will be away from June (Rev. Richard Matsushita will assume pastoral duties until Pastor Rona returns on June 18). Lorraine Kadooka, Harris Lay Delegate Karen Ginoza, Harris Lay Delegate Darlene Rodrigues, Harris Lay Delegate Debbie Kwak, District Lay Delegate Skylar Yamamoto, District Young Adult Delegate 4

5 IN MINISTRY TOGETHER DREAMING BIG WITH GOD MOVING FROM DREAMING TO DOING What is that sound of strong wind gale force spreading like wildfire? It s the Holy Spirit being poured out to women, men, children, everyone! The celebration of Pentecost is more than seeing red colors representing the flames of the Spirit, more than celebrating the birth of the church, more than a one Sunday observance. Peter explained it as God s pouring out of God s spirit which will move sons, daughters, elders, servants, everyone, to prophesy, see visions, dream dreams! At Harris UMC the strong wind of the Spirit has been blowing for almost two years as we have been Dreaming Big With God and we have identified four areas / visions for our continuing and possible future ministries. 1. Homeless / Affordable Housing Issues 2. Aggressive Partnership with Nu uanu YMCA 3. Youth Development and Leadership 4. Sanctuary / Immigration Support Issues When the Spirit blows gale force winds, we feel, hear and see the real needs of the community around us. We realize these four areas are huge and, as a congregation, we will need to balance outreach without neglecting care and spiritual nurture within our ohana. And we will also consider resources of leadership, finances and expertise with the goal of partnering with community organizations. At our May 9 4Cs potluck dinner gathering, we began to move from Dreaming to Doing. Folks responded to their interest in working on these areas along with commitment of time, talent and finances. It is just a sampling and the wider congregation will be given the opportunity to respond in the near future. The strong winds of the Spirit continue to spread like wildfire pouring God s Spirit on all of us! Thanks be to God! Submitted by Diane Matsuura, Co-Lay Leader 5

6 DAY OF PENTECOST Rory Onishi Guest horn soloist 6

7 BISHOP HAGIYA: STATEMENT ON COUNCIL OF BISHOP S MAY 2018 MEETING P O ST E D M AY 7, By now you have probably seen or heard of our Council of Bishop s press release on our discernment and decisions concerning the recommendations coming from the Commission on the Way Forward. Our Council of Bishops has done hard, deep and visionary work together. It was very similar to our Commission on the Way Forward work done in the past 15 months. Produced by our Commission on the Way Forward, I wanted to share our Vision statement: The Commission will design a way for being church that maximizes the presence of a United Methodist witness in as many places in the world as possible, that allows for as much contextual differentiation as possible, and that balances an approach to different theological understandings of human sexuality with a desire for as much unity as possible. This unity will not be grounded in our conceptions of human sexuality, but in our affirmation of the Triune God who calls us to be a grace-filled and holy people in the Wesleyan tradition. I think this vision statement captures exactly what must be the main priorities: Our UMC mission, contextual space, and unity. Equally important is the fact that our unity must not be contingent on the one issue of human sexuality, but only on our Triune God whom we give our deepest loyalty. These are the same priorities that I hold for our California-Pacific Annual Conference. It must be about our mission in Jesus Christ, and our unity as an annual conference is to be faithful to our mission, and our mission alone. We cannot allow any one social issue to derail us from our mission to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World. 7

8 BISH OP H AG IYA: ST AT EM ENT ON CO UNC IL OF B ISHO P S M AY 2018 M E ET ING (CO NT.) We will dialogue deeply on our specific options once the final document is translated and distributed in public. We will hold sessions at our upcoming annual conference in Redlands, and also have planned regional events throughout the Area after annual conference. Please plan to take part in at least one of these sessions to listen deeply and voice any of your concerns. Let me close with a word of hope. I believe God is in our midst through all of our trials and challenges at this time. I believe that the Holy Spirit is blowing a new wind of life and love to our United Methodist Church, and we will endure whatever changes that our church votes to affirm. I believe that our United Methodist Church center will hold together, and even though some will leave, the vast majority of our church will stay unified, and we will fulfill the mission that God has placed before us. May it be so in the very name of our Savior, Jesus Christ! Be the Hope, Bishop Grant J. Hagiya Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop The United Methodist Church 8

9 PLAQUE DEDICATION OF HARRIS UMC View video on YouTube: 9

10 Resolution/Harris UMC Historical Designation (2017 Cal-Pac Preliminary Report) In 1885, large waves of Japanese contract laborers were hired by the various plantations in Hawaii. The conditions on the plantations were very lonely and hard for the young laborers. In 1887, a fellowship of Japanese Christians in San Francisco became aware of the plight of the Japanese Workers in Hawaii. In 1877, The Rev. Kanichi Miyama was ordained a Deacon of the Methodist Church and started the Gospel Society of Japanese Christians in San Francisco. In 1887, The Gospel Society raised enough money for The Rev. Mr. Miyama to travel to Hawaii. His preaching was very popular and attracted many workers, encouraging them to give up their vices. The workers were so impressed with the work of the Rev. Mr. Miyama that they sent a request to the California Methodist Bishop asking that the Rev. Mr. Miyama be appointed as a teaching and preaching missionary. The Bishop agreed, as long as Rev. Mr. Miyama s work became an outreach of the Pacific Japanese Mission of the California Methodist Church. On July, 1888, Rev. Mr. Miyama organized 34 new converts to form the nucleus of the Japanese Methodist Church, now known as Harris United Methodist Church. That the California Pacific Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church declares to the General Commission on Archives and History that Harris United Methodist Church be designated as a Historical Site, as the first Japanese Methodist Church in Southern California and Hawaii. 10

11 CHRISTIAN EDUCATION MINISTRIES Summer Sunday School WE ARE PEACEMAKERS June 3rd-August 19th Nursery: 9:00am-end of Worship **PRESCHOOL-ENTERING 5TH GRADE** 9:30am-9:50am (NOTE START TIME.9:30 am!!) MUSIC in Miyama Hall with Jordan Goto & Friends 9:50 am-10:30am ALL-IN-ONE-SUNDAY SCHOOL in Room 3 with Auntie Cheryl & Friends WE ARE PEACEMAKERS When there are unhappy or bad things happening to others, what can we do to be peacemakers & show love, empathy, and most of all: to create peace? Learn symbols of peace and love through stories and crafts. **ENTERING 6th GRADE-12th GRADE** 9:00am-10:30am YOUTH PRAISE BAND with Skylar Yamamoto in Room 16 Learn to PRAISE GOD thru instruments, rhythms, and sharing of the story 11

12 CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL ALL-STARS HO IKE! View all 12

13 CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL AFTER SCHOOL ALL-STARS HO IKE! View all 13

14 Our annual CHRISTMAS IN SUMMER event is fast approaching! Plan to come and meet the people and children face to face from the Institute For Human Services (IHS)... eat and talk with them.christ stands at the door to lead us - let us open our doors with hospitality! Volunteers are needed to assist in putting together this annual meal for those from IHS. Sign-up sheets will soon be available in the courtyard before and after Sunday morning service. As usual, refreshments will be served in the courtyard before dinner, along with music and games to entertain everyone! SANTA WILL JOIN US DURING THE MEAL!!!!!! PLEASE VOLUNTEER AND JOIN US IN THE CELEBRATION!!! For further information, contact Dennis Pacht:

15 HARRIS SANCTUARY MINISTRY IMMIGRANT ACCOMPANIMENT TRAINING WORKSHOP When: Sunday, June 3, 2018 Where: Miyama Hall Time: 12 noon 3pm Harris UMC s Sanctuary Ministry team will hold a workshop on Immigrant Accompaniment after morning worship on June 3 rd. This three-hour training will teach the skills needed to accompany immigrants during their interactions with the immigration system. ACLU Hawai i has received reports that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrests are happening in Hawai i during ordinary court appearances. Volunteer accompaniers are needed to witness immigrants ICE appointments, court appearances, and other encounters with the immigration system, as well as to support immigrants and their families in the event of a detention. Accompaniment is not to be taken lightly and entails a serious commitment of time, as ICE appointments and court appearances can last an entire day. At the end of the training, time will be given for attendees to discern if they can commit to becoming a volunteer accompanier and to join the Accompaniment Team if they wish to do so. If you would like to attend the workshop, sign-up sheets will be available after worship on May 27. The workshop will be open to other interested congregations, organizations, and individuals in our community, too. The training will also include a brief update on other aspects of the formation of the Hawai i Sanctuary Network. For more information, contact Nicole Woo at hisanctuarynetwork@gmail.com. 15

16 Dear Hawaii District, Scott Tibbetts of UMCOR (called and said he) had been contacted by the Red Cross asking for volunteers to help in the Hawaii Island shelters. They are specifically requesting for those on the Big Island to help out. The Red Cross is requesting volunteers who are available and willing to help in the Hawaii Island Red Cross shelters now open to support the people displaced by ongoing lava flows, to volunteer, please contact; Phone: The current need is for Shelter support volunteers. The shelters operate two 12 hour shifts, they are requesting volunteers with one or more days available each week. The Red Cross does not know how long the shelters will be needed. Currently, there are three shelters operating. The shelter volunteer training takes an estimated 2 to 3 hours. Here are the steps to become a Red Cross Volunteer: 1. Get started now by filling out the Adult Volunteer Application OR Youth Volunteer Application 2. This required training highlights the history, values and fundamental principles of the Red Cross. You can enroll in this course through the online volunteer profile you create in step one. 3. Depending on which volunteer path you choose with the American Red Cross, you may need to complete additional training. We will work with you to refer you to the activity and location of your choice and will inform you of any additional training you may need to get started. For questions, please contact volunteerpacific@redcross.org 16

17 The Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange (KVIBE) opened in 2005 as a youth program of Kokua Kalihi Valley Comprehensive Family Services. This hub serves about 400 youth per year by providing a community center focused on bicycle mechanics. Part of making sure the community is healthy involves hosting events like its 2nd Annual Kalihi Ahupua a Ride. WHAT: Kalihi Ahupua a Ride WHEN: Saturday, July 14, 2018 CONTACT: Jeff Acido: jeffrey.acido@gmail.com or ekfaller@kkv.net To learn more about the Kokua Kalihi Valley, visit: kkv.net. To see what the Kalihi Ahupua a Bike Ride and the Kalihi Valley Instructional Bike Exchange (KVIBE) is about : View the inaugural Kalihi Ahupa a Bike Ride on YouTube: 17

18 REV. BOB NAKATA s FIGHT FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING Rev. Bob Nakata and Rev. Richard Matsushita 18

19 HARRIS CAFÉ Our first Harris Café was held on April 29 after our English worship service. About a dozen people came in to hear Pastors Cheol and Rona share their faith journey stories. Natalie Nimmer, co-lay Leader, commented that it was a good mix and people had thought-provoking questions. It was interesting to get to know the pastors more, on a personal basis. Paola Rodelas, a new worshipper at Harris, thought it was great. She really appreciated hearing the pastors faith stories. Paola said she would never have guessed that they were both rebellious youth who went to protests and stuff. Harris Café, we hope, will let our congregation especially our newer members and worshippers to get to know our pastors better. The next Harris Café is scheduled for Sunday, July 29 after our English worship service in Komuro Lounge. Stay tuned for another great time to share coffee and/or tea with our pastors and also some great refreshments. For more information contact Patrick Zukemura, Certified Lay Minister, at Ph or pzuke2@gmail.com 19

20 LEND-A-HAND Church Workday MAHALO!!! The Trustees would like to thank everyone who came to help with our Harris Spring Cleaning Church Workday! The Sanctuary, Miyama Hall, the church classrooms, the kitchen, yard, & sidewalks were all taken care of with meticulous care. Special SHOUT OUT to Rev. John Miyahara s shipmates for their time and energy to help clean God s House!!! MAHALO TO ALL 20

21 MEN MAKING BREAKFAST (MMB) for MOTHER S DAY!! 21

22 ALOHA PHYLLIS!! Long time member, Phyllis Butler has moved back to Pennsylvania after several years of being a snowbird post retirement. She was a librarian at Stevenson Middle School and an active member of Harris, as well as the community. Phyllis used her skills in maintaining our Tanabe Library before it was converted to the Church Office. At one time, Phyllis also chaired the Worship Ministry. We were so blessed that she was able to complete her time with Harris as a member of the Chancel Choir. Phyllis will be missed, however, we understand her decision to live closer to her family. Thanks to we are still connected. Much aloha and blessings to Phyllis! WELCOME ERIN!! We welcome Erin Takahashi, our new Church Secretary! Erin is originally from Santa Cruz, California and moved to Hawaii in 2010 for a fellowship to taiko drum with the Kenny Endo Taiko Ensemble. She has a husband and 2.5 year old daughter. Erin s background is in web/graphic design and she enjoys photography, baking, and the beach. I m excited to be here and meet everyone! Erin replaces Kristine Ramun, who will be moving back to the Mainland. Mahalo for your time with us and many blessings to you and your family in this time of transition...we will miss you!! 22

23 Mother s Day message from Dad Ken Inouye & daughter! Just Wanna Share... 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!! Website: Instagram: aloha2harrisumc 23