Nū Oli (GoodNews) CrossWinds Volume 48 Issue 4 November, 2016

Transcription

1 Saipan Hawaii District United Methodist Women Quarterly Newsletter Nū Oli (GoodNews) CrossWinds Volume 48 Issue 4 November, 2016 Guam Sending good news about God s work in action across the seas from Hawaii, Guam and Saipan Pg. 2-3 Pg. 3 Pg. 4-6 Pg. 7 Pg.8 Pg. 9 Pg. 10 Pg. 11 Pg. 11 Pg. 12 Pg. 13 Pg. 14 Pg. 15 Pg. 15 Pg. 16 Pg. 17 Pg.18 Pg.19 Pg Pg. 22 Pg. 23 Table of Contents President For Your Information Vice President Treasurer Social Action/ Limitless Mentor Membership Spiritual Growth Program Resources Nominations Committee Young Women s Coordinators Western Jurisdiction Communications Mission Education News From Saipan Bishop Hagiya s Election Message Celebration of Diversity Evaluation Form Legacy Campaign Fund Mission Festival/Annual Celebration Celebration of Diversity Intent to Participate Local Leadership Training Registration Form Dates To Remember Dec. 1, 2016 Mission Today Forms due to Gwen Maka Dec. 15, 2016 Reading Report due to Yean Ju Lee Dec. 17, 2016 Celebration of Diversity, Harris UMC Jan.. 28, 2017 Local Leadership Training, Kilohana UMC Feb. 4, 2017 District Leadership Mtg., SWCC Feb. 18, 2017 Conf. MidWinter Event, Wilshire UMC (in LA) (SWCC in Honolulu) Apr. 8, 2017 Spiritual Life Retreat, Location TBA May 6, 2017 District Leadership Mtg., SWCC July 6-9, 2017 Mission u, Cal. Lutheran, Thousand Oaks, Ca. July 6-8, 2017 Korean Language Session Cal Lutheran, Thousand Oaks, Ca. Aug., 5, 2017 District Leadership Mtg., SWCC Sept. 23, 2017 District Annual Celebration, Location TBA Nov. 4, 2017 Location TBA District Leadership Team Mtg./ Retreat, 1

2 Kara s Korner Aloha! The new year for United Methodist Women begins with our Annual Celebration when our new team of District Officers is elected and installed. Our celebration this year was held at Wahiawa UMC on September 24. We thank the church and UMW organization for their generous hospitality and meticulous preparation for our gathering. Kara Mark holding Hawaii District Banner created by Ellen Owens at Cal-Pac Conference Annual Celebration Several team members attended the Conference training for District Officers and the Annual Celebration that followed on October 22 at Toberman Neighborhood Center in San Pedro, near Long Beach. This is a National Mission Institution in California, as Susannah Wesley Community Center is here in Hawaii. The agency provides programs for children, youth and adults, case management for families, and gang intervention services, and it holds a respected place in the heart of its community. The huge gym was transformed into a wonderful setting for networking, celebrating in song and spirit, and recognizing the work of our women in mission. Conference leadership was elected and installed, and the Candle of Commitment, honoring women who have empowered others was celebrated. Each donation to the Candle of Commitment of $26.49 for the women recognized represents one minute of mission work by the UMW. We give thanks for women who were honored by women in Hawaii this year: Collette Andersen, Hejo Eom, Ilaisaane Feleunga, Yeiko Jackie Goya, Jane Larson, June Lee, Maveti Mateaki, Jean McIntosh, Leanne Nakanishi, Mildred Nicolls-Randall, Anne Nonies, Suzanne Person, Maxine Wheeler, and the local UMW organizations of Honolulu First and Ewa Beach UMC. Twenty young women gathered on November to participate in the first Young Women s Retreat, rekindling the spirit and outreach of the Limitless initiative, which sought to introduce young women to the organization called United Methodist Women and nurture their understanding and commitment to UMW as they grow from teenagers to young adults and eventually to older adulthood and changing life circumstances. Keeping the focus on Climate Justice and the environment, the young women learned about the Department of Land and Natural Resources study about ants in Hawaii, particularly about the fire ant infestation, and put together ant stick kits for the research and data gathering. They went to the Waipahu Plantation Village on Saturday morning to tour the village and participate in a service project of weeding and planting. They learned about United Methodist Women and how young women definitely have a voice and role in mission. The Rev. Amy Wake shared a personal and relevant message about knowing yourself and believing in yourself, especially when others question you and your capabilities. This led to partaking in Holy Communion and perceptive sharing about the weekend experience. The hope is that this core group will help in planning future events and will encourage others from their churches and friends out- 2

3 (continued from page 2) S side their churches to participate. What a great inaugural event by the Young Women s Coordinators, Nicole Nonies and Rosie Falemaka! As I begin my second year as District President, I continue to be humbled by the work of women in our local churches and by the very special women who comprise our District Leadership Team! We ve accomplished a lot together in this very full year, and we look forward to great plans for 2017! As I juggle a number of volunteer responsibilities, my greatest joy continues to be time spent with our grandchildren. Our fourth in Hawaii was born on August 15 and lives right next door with mom and dad and 3 siblings! We have a California connection with one in LA, who is expecting a sister in February. I am thankful for UMW meetings in LA that provide precious opportunities to share time with them, as well. Special thanks to all of you for your commitment to UMW! Kara Mark Hawaii District UMW President **************************************************************************************************** For Your Information The Hawaii District UMW gathered on September 24 at Wahiawa UMC using a format that combined the Mission Festival with its annual Celebration. The 90 women there met in three groups that included a Tongan language session, a Bridging session that combined young women with a few older UMW mentors, and a general session for all others The sessions focused on overviews of two compelling studies from the Conference UMW Mission that was held in La Mirada, CA in July: The Bible and Human Sexuality and Climate Justice. The women were encouraged to expand the studies and to use the in-depth curriculum in sessions with their local organizations. Ask them about it! A Mexican salad rice bowl was the centerpiece of a full spread prepared by the Wahiawa UMW that transitioned the group to the Annual Celebration that afternoon. Highlighted were the recognition of retiring officers who have faithfully completed their terms on the District Leadership Team, followed by the election and installation of the team and the presentation of the budget and Pledge to Missions. Connections to wider Conference initiatives, such as support for the Methodist Hospital of Southern California in its renovation of the Rehab Unit and the National emphasis on the Legacy Fund, which leads to the celebration of 150 Years of Women in Mission in What a legacy we re building! In this issue, look for the Young Women s Coordinator s detailed recap of their Retreat and for more information about the Celebration of Diversity on December 17. The year 2017 begins with the training of our local unit officers on January 28. Registration forms for upcoming events are included in this issue. Let s grow together as community! Please join us! 3

4 From Deanna Espinas Hawaii District Vice President Vice President s Report (808) Mahalo to Wahiawa United Methodist Church for hosting our UMW Annual Celebration/Mission Festival event on September 24, A special thanks to Maxine Wheeler and Carolyn Steuer and members of WUMC who prepared the morning and lunch receptions with such care and hospitality. Thank you for just opening up your church facilities/classrooms to us. Thank you to Reverend Dr. David Choi, his wife, Mary Choi, for hosting our Mission Festival/Annual Celebration. They both did an amazing job of being part of our program and making sure the sound system and power point equipment were available during the entire celebration. Mahalo to the Ewa Beach UMC Youth Choir for lending their voices in music and praise. After lunch, Pastor In Kwon Jun (Aiea Korean UMC) opened our Annual Celebration in joyful praise by leading us in song. We also bid aloha to all retiring officers for their service and commitment in doing the work for United Methodist Women. My apologies to our UMW sisters for not including an evaluation survey at the conclusion of our Annual Celebration. Attached is the survey which we would appreciate your comments on. Could we ask Local Units to collect completed surveys and call me so that I can arrange to pick them up? Contact me if you have questions. The Leadership Team values your comments and suggestions. We again ask for your patience and cooperation as we plan further. We are always looking for volunteers to help us with future events. Call me if you re interested. Vera Tom presenting the minutes for approval at the Annual Celebration Lucy Low presenting nominees Tupou Seini Kelemeni presented the study on The Bible and Human Sexuality. 4

5 Please stay tuned for more information about our UMW Celebration of Diversity scheduled for Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Harris United Methodist Church. We pray that all of your churches will support us by preparing food or craft items for missions. This will be a daytime fair which will feature a variety of ethnic foods and other crafts that will support our local organizations in meeting their pledges to missions. We hope that our UMW sister churches will rally together, wearing ethnic attire, offer donations of food and crafts to boost our pledges and enjoy the festivities. Tables (which you can decorate) will be made available for each church to offer their food/craft items. Pastor John Sione Finau and his committee are also planning an exciting performance during the fair by members from the District Young Peoples Ministries. Please contact me for more information and to confirm your church s participation. Finally, at the end of this column are the dates for 2017 UMW meetings and celebrations. Saturday, January 28, 2017 is our District Leadership/Local Leadership Training event to be held at Kilohana United Methodist Church. We want to begin registration at 8:30 am. We are honored to have our Cal- Pac Conference President Mele Faiva in attendance. After lunch, Mele Faiva, will address our women and Communion will be served. We re still working on refining our program and schedule for the day. Training will be led not only by those who attended the Toberman House Celebration in San Pedro, California, but also by local leaders who attended mainland training sessions in prior years. We all are committed to helping our local units develop and fulfill their various local officer responsibilities. We look forward to seeing you all there. Again, please contact me if you d like to help with planning. God continues to make his love known in the many friendships I ve developed with my UMW sisters here in Hawaii and in California this past year. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to attend the mainland meetings and conferences. Thank you all for continuing to be part of our fellowship and for continuing to celebrate God s love through worship, praise and music and your support for all our UMW activities and programs. 5

6 Hawaii District United Methodist Women Calendar for 2017 (tentative, pending final review and approval) December 17, 2016 Celebration of Diversity Event Harris UMC (featuring multicultural diversity, in collaboration with District Young People s Ministries) January 28, 2017 Local Leadership Training Kilohana UMC February 4, 2017 District Leadership Team Meeting SWCC February 18, 2017 MidWinter Event Meeting SWCC April 8, 2017 Spiritual Life Retreat *Location TBD May 6, 2017 District Leadership Team Meeting SWCC July 7-9, 2017 Mission u (selected team members, others0 Cal. Lutheran UMC July 6-8, 2017 Mission u, Korean Language Study Cal. Lutheran UMC August 5, 2017 District Leadership Team Meeting SWCC September 23, 2017 District Annual Celebration *Location TBD November 4, 2017 District Leadership Team Mtg./Retreat *Location TBD We would welcome an invitation for us to use Your Church for one of our district events! Please consider that and let one of the officers know! 6

7 Treasurer s Report Aloha United Methodist Women, We are nearing the end of another year and looking back to the beginning of this year at our Leadership Training Event at Bethany UMC..Oh My!!! How the year has sped by so quickly! It was at our Annual Celebration at Wahiawa UMC this past September that I shared the sad news that our 2015 pledge was not met. I am not sure if everyone is aware, but only our Mission Giving remittances are credited towards our pledge or what is referred to as 5 Star Mission Giving. These are: Pledge to Mission; Gift In Memory; Gift to Mission; Special Mission Recognition; and World Thank Offering. All others, including our Legacy Fund, Susannah Wesley and the Methodist Fund are designated gifts and therefore are not included in the pledge. For this year, the local organization has given $8, toward our 2016 pledge. We are still short $11, I am asking each and every one of our local organizations to take that leap of faith and give as much as possible towards our Mission Giving for our pledge. We can make this happen!!! Also, on December 17, 2016, our Celebration of Diversity at Harris UMC will be a venue for local organizations to showcase their units and share in an opportunity to add to their pledges to mission. All donations will be credited towards your local organization for this year s pledge. I leave you with this scripture in hopes that it will encourage us all. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9 Love and peace, Seneti Falemaka Treasurer 7

8 Social Action and Limitless Team Mentor Report I completed my first year as your social Action Chair and have accepted the challenge to continue in this position for the next two years. I will also be the Mentor for our young women on the Hawaii District Limitless Team during the same time period. It was an exciting year getting to put our faith, hope and love into action on the difficult issue of Human Trafficking in Hawaii. We will continue to dedicate our work to this struggle as well as take on the issue of the growing number of homeless in our islands. There is so much work to be done but I know that the United Methodist ' women are ready and willing to answer the call. I have attended Wahiawa United Methodist Church since moving to Hawaii in 1990, where I have had great women that have served as my mentors and that I continue to learn from them everyday. Like many of you, I serve on a variety of church committees and am open to the tasks I m needed to perform each Sunday. Working as faculty at the University of Hawaii at Manoa has made it easy for me to be involved with and serve on the Wesley Foundation Board. I have served the Wesley Foundation for the past 25 years. Working with young people is vitally important to me. They are the now generation and are being called to put their faith, hope and love into action and I want to encourage and support all the good things they want to accomplish. Atina Pascua Social Action Chair and Limitless Team Mentor ' 8

9 Membership Report Aloha! My name is Laurie Fifita and I am your Membership Coordinator. I am here if you need any help. I attend the Honolua UMC on the island of Maui. My contact information is fiftalaurie@yahoo.com. My goal is to have every United Methodist Church in Hawaii with an active UMW program and unit. The following are the Sister Church assignments for the District leadership Team for 2017/2018; Kara Mark Saipan UMC, Guam UMC Deanna Espinas Kaneohe Parker UMC, Kahalu u UMC Vera Tom Kilohana UMC, Kailua UMC Beverly Aiwohi First UMC, Harris UMC Seneti Sandy Falemaka Wesley UMC, Waimanalo UMC Atina Pascua Wesley Foundation, Olive UMC Yean Ju Lee Calvary UMM, Kam-Nam UMC Rene Egami Keolumana UMC Gay Porzio Aldersgate UMC, Aiea UMC Kuenilingi Gwen Maka Trinity, Pearl City Emalata Maka First UMC, Harris UMC Mihae Kim Bethany UMC, Aiea Korean Collette Andersen Waianae UMC Salaovea Vaipuna Kona UMC, Honokaa UMC, Hilo UMC, Naalehu UMC Minja Choe Christ UMC, Beautiful UMM Rosie Falemaka Ewa Beach UMC Nicole Nonies Wahiawa UMC Josephine Tuiolemotu Pacific Islanders UMC, Olive Samoan Mapuana Mailei Kahuku UMC Laurie Fifita Honolua, Lahaina, Ala Lani, Kihei, Hauai Laurie Fifita Membership Coordinator 9

10 Spiritual Growth Report Happy Thanksgiving to all. I am Beverly Aiwohi, a member of First United Methodist Church of Honolulu and your district UMW Spiritual Growth Coordinator. I d like to share a few things with you. With Thanksgiving and the advent of Christmas approaching, we have a specific opportunity to give our thanks and praise to our Heavenly Father. There are special books available to help celebrate as well as prepare for Jesus s birth. Beth Richardson is one author to consider. Will you have an advent wreath and/or an advent calendar to help prepare for the coming of our Savior? Perhaps you will want to bake a birthday cake for Jesus. As you write and address your Christmas cards, be sure to pray for the families who will be receiving them. Likewise, as you ponder which gifts to give, think about giving gifts in honor of family and friends to UMCR, Heifer Project, Susannah Wesley Community Center instead. With the new year approaching we have an opportunity to consider how we will make 2017 different. Will we have a specific daily quiet time, participate in the UMW Reading Program, get a prayer partner, take prayer walks around your neighborhood just to suggest a few ideas. There are several events coming up which you will read more about in this newsletter: Celebration of Diversity in December at Harris UMC and Local Leadership Training in January. I look forward to seeing you at these events. May the love, peace and joy of the holiday be yours. Merry Christmas. Beverly Aiwohi Spiritual Growth Coordinator, Hawaii District UMW 10

11 Program Resources Report It s me again for you to report your readings for the UMW Reading Program. You s ll have a li le me. If you won t make it for this year s Program I with five books from each of the five categories and regular reading of the UMW magazine Response, start reading now for The deadline for repor ng this year is December 10, 2016 via at yjlee2009@gmail.com or by regular mail at Lumiauau Street #BB104, Waipahu, Hi If you need any further informa on on the Reading Program plans or forms, refer to the website h p:// program/plans. Many thanks and keep reading! Yean Ju Lee Program Resources Coordinator, Hawaii District UMW Nominations Committee Report My name is Mihae Kim and I am a member of Bethany Korean UMC located in Pearl City, Oahu, Hawaii. I serve the Lord by singing in my church choir and playing the piano. I m married with two grown sons, Andrew (age 26) and Matthew (age 21). I m currently employed by Kamehameha Schools. As a member of the Committee on Nominations, I hope I have the potential to choose the right members to serve as officers of the UMW ohana. Thank you! Mihae Kim, Hawaii District UMW Nominating Class of

12 Nicole Nonies (le ) was appointed to be one of the Young Women s Co-Coordinator for Hawaii United Methodist District. She is in her fi h if college and gradua on with a BA in Healthcare Administra on next month from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Nicole has a BA in Psychology and works mul ple jobs caring for children, elders and animals. She has a ended Wahiawa United Methodist Church most of her life and was the former Young Adult Limitless representa ve from the California-Pacific Conference. She a ended the UMW Na onal Young Woman s Limitless Conference in 2012 and the Na- onal Young Woman s Limitless Retreat in She was also a representa ve for the Hawaii District Youth Leadership Team and ac ve with her church Methodist Youth Fellowship. Nicole has been planning a young women s event for a few months and just successfully completed the first Young Women Reviving Limitless Retreat at the Ewa Beach house. She looks forward to con nuing working with the next Limitless team in breaking through the barriers that we face, encouraging more young women to get ac ve in the UMW and have more events planning for the next genera on of Hawaii District UMW. Rosie Falemaka (right) was appointed to be one of the Young Women s Co-Coordinators for the Hawaii UMW District. She is in her first year of college at UH West Oahu studying Psychology. She has a ended Ewa Beach United Methodist Church and has been an ac ve par cipant throughout her youth. She also served on the Commi ee of Nomina ons for Hawaii District and has a ended Mission u and other events in California. She also helped in planning the young women s retreat and con nues to serve God.. 12

13 Western Jurisdiction UMW Report I m thankful for this new opportunity to serve you on the Western Jurisdiction for the quadrennial My training was in St. Louis, Missouri, on November 10-13, 2016, where we met with UMW Jurisdiction leaders from Jurisdiction teams across the USA: North Central, Northeastern, South Central and Southeastern. Our primary responsibility is to plan and present the Western Jurisdiction Meeting in Western Jurisdiction UMW Team President: Judi Nibbelink, Desert Southwest Conference Vice president: Jo Ann Lawson, California-Nevada Conference Treasurer: Paula Sadler, Oregon-Idaho conference Chair of Nominations: Anita Turner, Yellowstone conference Committee on Nominations Member: Dixie Jacky, Oregon-Idaho Conference Committee on Nominations Member: Barbara Mitchell, Alaska Missionary Conference Committee on Nominations Member: Maxine Wheeler, California Pacific Conference We represent the eight westernmost regional conferences of the United States, including churches in Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington Wyoming and the Pacific Islands of Guam and Saipan. I was also privileged to attend the Cal-Pac Conference UMW Annual Celebration at Toberman Neighborhood Center in San Pedro, CA. on October 22, Our guest speaker was Dr. Linda Matlock, Executive Director, CEO of the Center. Toberman is one of the five UMW National Mission Institutions in our conference and is celebrating 113 years of community service. We celebrated the retirement of some conference officers and welcomed a new mission team with election, installation and Holy Communion. It is always a time of joy to re-connect with old acquaintances and new United Methodist Women of our conference. One highlight of the meeting was the rejuvenation of Limitless into our Conference. It was an energy booster to see many younger women participating in the celebration. Each of our 5 districts are working on filling positions for a young adult leader, youth leader and mentor. Under the leadership of Rosie Falemaka, Nicole Nonies, Young Women coordinators and Atina Pascua, mentor, Hawaii District is looking forward to continuing the legacy of UMW alongside Limitless vision and new ideas. See you at Local Leadership Training in January! Blessings on your journey, Maxine Wheeler, Western Jurisdiction Committee on Nominations 13

14 Communications Report On a recent Sunday, my Pastor John Sione Finau of Keolumana UMC in Kailua, Oahu, Hawaii, based his children s and adult s sermon on Isaiah which he paraphrased as See, I am creating new things in you. This verse resonated in me as my position as Communications Coordinator has been a most challenging effort. I was totally new to the district UMW leadership and was quite computer illiterate. After a year on the job with my trusted partner, Ellen Owens, whom I ll sorely miss as she has retired, I feel more confident in my position and wider vistas have opened for me. I learned much when I attended the training session at Toberman in July and our Cal-Pac Conference Communications Coordinator, Janet Townsend, was so knowledgeable and more than helpful. God surely created a new thing in me when he gave me this job. I hope that I m up to the task. I certainly will do my best to serve the Hawaii District UMW. Please bear with me as God is still creating new things in me. As I told you in a previous newsletter, I m a charter member of Keolumana UMC. I have been a UMW member for over 50 years (Keolumana is now 51 years old) and I still feel like a novice in mission to women, children and youth. Our welcome luncheon for Bishop and Mrs. Hagiya was a great success enjoyed by all who attended. District UMW coordinated a sumptuous ethnic buffet. There was fabulous entertainment also. Bishop Hagiya impressed all of us with his humbleness when he performed a deep bow of gratitude and humility. All in attendance could not wait to speak with and greet him and Mrs. Hagiya up close and personally. I have three adult sons: Troy married to Keiko; Darren married to Peige; and Corey married to Jennifer. Each son/daughter-in law has two children. In total I have two granddaughters and 4 grandsons.. I feel so fortunate to have them all and wish that my husband of 37 years, who passed away in 1998, could have enjoyed them too. Corey helps me with the newsletter. I am so grateful for his help. In closing, I wish you all a very blessed Thanksgiving, a joyous Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. Rene Egami, Hawaii District UMW Communications Coordinator Kerry Nicholls in back. Left to right in front, Rene Egami, Bishop Hagiya, Jane Larson, Lilly Watanabe. 14

15 Malo lelei/ Aloha to each and everyone, Mission Education Report I want to thank the District Team for helping out at the Mission Festival. I have one more favor to ask. Please fill out the Mission Today Organization Form and mail it to this address: 3097 Numana Road, Honolulu, Hi The form is due by December 1, Enjoy the Spirit of Christmas and have a joyful New Year. Happy Thanksgiving! For the love of God, Kuenilingi Maka Mission Education Coordinator, Hawaii District ************************************************************************************************************************* News From Saipan Haf Adai from UMW at Immanuel UMC in Saipan After Typhoon Soudelor in August 2015, one of our UMW members, Topie Paongo, began helping at Empty Vessel Ministries to hand out food and clothing to people who had lost everything. She is the pregnant lady at the far right of the picture. She continued to work with them for months and was hired to help full time. She continues her mission work this year, going door-to-door bringing the love of Christ to help people who can't come to pick up necessities. This week she went to the nearby island of Tinian to help distribute food and clothing to the poor. Our UMW unit helps to support Topie in her work. We also did some fund raising this year to earn funds to contribute to the Legacy Fund celebrating 150 years of UMW. Soon we will have a meeting to decide what to purchase for the local hospital for our annual Christmas gift. Our UMW unit keeps company with Gideon, small but mighty, as we fight back against poverty and ignorance with prayer and hope and faith. We have much to be thankful for as the holidays approach. We thank you for your continued prayers, and lift you up in our prayers. Deborah WisePastor, Immanuel UMC, Saipan 15

16 The United Methodist Church Los Angeles Episcopal Area Grant J. Hagiya Resident Bishop Statement on the 2016 Election For several months now, we have been pondering the question of, how will I vote? Today, so many of us, no matter how we voted, are now in the midst of answering the next question of, how will I live? This election in particular has clearly been an emotionally turbulent period of our history. And, the results of the election have revealed to us how truly divided we are as a nation. The reality is that we are a diverse people, something of which we have been keenly aware here in the California-Pacific Conference. Diversity is not only manifest in the realm of political or social issues, but also in the state of being of many near us. While some might celebrate yesterday's outcome, there are others who are now feeling fearful of its consequences because of their personal identity, because of their immigration status, or as they painfully hear questions from their children about whether or not their future is whole and secure. In such a time as this, I believe that we as United Methodists must embrace the deeper question of, how will I lead? We are a people of Christian faith who carry a unique message of healing, restoration and prophetic witness. We need to be the caring voice of calm and healing to a divided nation. We also must be willing to take bold prophetic stands if the least and most vulnerable of our community are harmed and mistreated. I believe that it is our call to carry this message to whomever our neighbors might be and however our communities might be composed. My prayer for you is that you might join me in fulfilling our call in this important moment as clergy, laity, members, or otherwise of the California-Pacific Conference of The United Methodist Church. Be the Hope, Bishop Grant Los Angeles Area Resident Bishop The United Methodist Church 16

17 Celebrating of Diversity, December 17, 2016 Neighbor Island Sisters: This is to keep you in the loop about what we re doing here on Oahu. Unfortunately, we do not have funds to fly any one over, but if you happen to be on Oahu, please join us on December 17 at Harris UMC!...And do keep us in prayer! You will see from Seneti s newsletter article that Hawaii has not met our pledge to missions. We want to show that we are earnest in finding innovative and meaningful ways to raise funds to do just that! Here s our first attempt to bring fun, food, and fellowship to the fundraising effort! On December 17, we re planning a Celebration of Diversity at Harris UMC, which will provide an opportunity to showcase each of our units and provide a way to reach our local pledges. Whether you have an organized unit or not we want to encourage you to COME to the event that day. We do want local organizations to add to the celebration by preparing a food item (or two or three) for others there to sample for a donation, or by putting out craft items for donations. Or anything, really, that would add to your pledge to missions. Our wish for Christmas is that you will surprise us with your presence, creative ideas, and your gifts to mission! You ll have your own table to show off your local organization and women s handiwork. Put out a box/bin/whatever to collect the donations that will all go to our mission pledge. What each church collects will be credited to their local organization, but it will all go to the Conference as the Hawaii District pledge We thought if would be fun to provide the venue for us to get together for missions! What will be most fun is if everyone attends in ethnic attire and shares songs, dances, or maybe some cultural stories. We want to generate the spirit of fun and fellowship with this. Our Tongan brothers and sisters are ready to dance...our young women are ready to dance! We need to showcase our Filipino, Samoan, Korean, Japanese and other ethnic groups as well! There will be prizes for the most innovative tables and numbers of women attending! No Bah, Humbugs! Join in the spirit of the event! Our District Young People will join us that day and will add their brand of spirit to the celebration. All of this will happen from 11:00-2:00 and will be followed by a spirit-led celebration until 4:00, which will be full of happy surprises with ice-breakers and music of the season. Folks can be there for part of the time, but we know that you ll want to stay for the entire time! Yes, it s a busy season, but let s make time to join in fun together for a great cause: being in mission for women, youth and children here in our communities and in the world. Team members: Think together with your sister churches about how they might do this. Tap what they re good at and showcase that. It s too easy to just give it a half-hearted try. It has to be OUR enthusiasm that will get them there. Let s use this as a way to celebrate a year for the UMW that has certainly been full of wonderful gatherings, lots of learning and growing in meaningful ways! GO OUT AND BRING IN GOOD CHEER! Kara Mark, President, Hawaii District UMW 17

18 Cal-Pac Conference UMW Mission Festival/Annual Celebration Wahiawa United Methodist Church Transforming Ourselves and Our World September 24, 2016 (8:30 am 3:30 pm) Evaluation Form So.how did we do? Please rate the following with 4 being the highest: Registration Music Worship Lunch Climate Justice Breakout Session 1: please circle which session you attended Kara Mark or Seneti Felemaka Human Sexuality Breakout Session 2: please circle which session you attended Mapuana Mailei or Tupou Senini Kelemeni Bridging Group Breakout Session 1 & 2 (led by Nicole Nonies/Deanna Espinas) Annual Celebration Site Hospitality Overall Program Today I especially liked: Suggestions: Thanks for your thoughts and views they are important to us! 18

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22 Hawaii District UMW Celebration of Diversity Harris UMC 20 So. Vineyard St., Honolulu, Hi Saturday, December 17, :00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. followed by celebration and holiday fun until 4:00 p.m. Table Reservation for Your Food and Crafts Church Name Phone# Address Number of tables requested Person responsible Phone # Address Mail to:deanna Espinas Phone # espihawaii@juno.com Address: 2103 Palolo Avenue, Honolulu, Hi

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