2016 Annual Oahu Clergy Advent Dinner

Transcription

1 Ka Leo Mekokiko Oct - Nov 2016 THE VOICE OF UNITED METHODIST Ka Leo Mekokiko Hawaii District October - Nov 2016 VOLUME 33 NUMBER Annual Oahu Clergy Advent Dinner All Oahu clergy members and their families are invited to the annual Clergy Advent Dinner. It is a time for fellowship and getting to know each other. Please mark your calendars before it gets too filled in December. Date: Monday, December 5, 2016 Place: Aiea Korean UMC Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Cost: $20 per person 13 years of age and older; Free for 12 years old and under Gift Exchange: Bring a $10 value gift to exchange per family Please reply by November 21, 2016 to the District Office through <hawaiidistrict@calpacumc.org>. Make checks payable to: HUMU with the notation, Advent Dinner name of pastor, # of dinners. Pictures from the Welcome Event for Bishop Grant Hagiya

2 Ka Leo Mekokiko Oct - Nov 2016 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 I saw the Broadway musical Les Miserables in New York City a while ago, and I can still remember the excitement I felt after seeing it. As many of you know, Les Miserables is based on a classical novel of the same title written by Victor Hugo. The hero of the story is Jean Valjean, a man imprisoned for 18 years because he had stolen bread to feed his sister s hungry child. Upon being released, Valjean gets into trouble with the law again, but a kind bishop intervenes and gives him another chance to redeem himself. This time Valjean succeeds and he vows to spend the rest of his life helping others, and so he does. Near the end of the musical, just before he dies, Valjean sings some of the most memorable and moving lines from the whole musical: Take my hand and lead me to salvation. Take my love for love is everlasting. And remember the truth that once was spoken: to love another person is to see the face of God. This beautiful musical idiom clearly describes how we should express our love for God in our daily lives. This coming Sunday, we celebrate World Communion Sunday. The significance of this day is the unity of Christians as we come to the Lord s Table together throughout the world. This day has become more relevant and means more in a world today, where globalization often has undermined peace and justice -- and in a time when fear divides the peoples God s earth. I believe that fear is the biggest stumbling block in human relationships and sadly, most of us spend a lot of our lives being afraid. Fear is the most predominant and most damaging negative emotion in our lives, and unless we lear to get rid of it, we are not living our lives the way God wants us to live. We must not underestimate the damage fear does in our lives. It keeps us from being able to love fully, for it is the direct opposite of love. Self-centeredness is a synonym for fear. Fear locks us up. It keeps us defensive and protective. It forces us to build walls around our uncertain selves in anticipation of attacks or assaults from life that seldom actually comes. Fear kills dreams and goals; it paralyzes Christian motivation and thus imprisons our faith. Fear is the single greatest enemy of living a Christian life. Even in the midst of uncertainty, I sometimes catch a glimpse of God; when I hold a newborn baby, listen to Bach, walk along the beach, when I take a child s hand, watch a sunset or gaze at the stars, or when I talk with a friend. With confidence, we can walk the journey of faith down any road. We should give freely of ourselves to others and become peacemakers as He has called us to serve. Remember what Jean Valjean sang in the play, To love another person is to see the face of God. Peace & Aloha! Rev. Dr. Se Hee Han District Superintendent Thanks for all who contributed to the Bishop s Welcome Event on September 3, 2016! Your efforts made this event possible, meaningful and memorable! Especially those persons and churches who participated in this program s historical event to welcome Bishop and Mrs. Hagiya as our Episcopal leaders. It was our privilege to have his first California-Pacific Annual Conference visit as the Hawaii District. 2

3 Ka Leo Mekokiko Oct - Nov Greetings Brothers and Sisters in Christ! What an honor and privilege it is for me to serve God through lay leadership of our Hawaii District United Methodist Church. Please pray with and for me to be an effective leader, who will strive to be a loving, compassionate, humble, energetic disciple of Jesus Christ, our Savior. And I will pray for all of you, Hawaii District lambs of God, to be faithful and fruitful in the work that you do in the name of Christ through your local churches and affiliated organizations. On October 1st, the first Sunday of the month, various ecumenical churches will be celebrating World Communion Sunday. Even if your local church doesn t celebrate this day, remember to lift special prayers for our broken world. We all fall short of the glory of God and need healing and restoration -- emotionally, physically and spiritually. As Christ taught us, we pray, thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matt 6:10) and we unite as one people under God. The third Sunday of October in the United Methodist tradition is Laity Sunday. Pastors, I hope you re allowing your lay leaders to plan and lead the worship service(s) at your churches on October 16th. Consider giving quiet disciples a role in the service. Our churches are built, supported and sustained by our Laity, who love Jesus and are eager to serve Him. Especially on this Laity Sunday, may all of our churches be strengthened by the Holy Spirit that guides our worship of God so that, strengthened and renewed, we can take His Love and Peace out into our communities and the world. I end this article with God s Word to hold in our hearts until next time. But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. The saying is true. (Titus 3:4-8, NRSV) With warmest Aloha, may God bless you abundantly! Lynn Owan District Lay Leader STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY - Sept , 2016 About fifteen years ago at the California-Pacific Annual Conference in Redlands, I was greatly impressed by a video about a new program that was starting: a ministry for and with persons with HIV-AIDS called Strength for the Journey. Held for one week at a camp, this special ministry allowed persons struggling with the difficulties of a life-threatening illness to have solitude and build friendships in a safe place. It also allowed them to draw closer to God, for strength and hope. I was glad to learn that this ministry would be provided in Hawaii as well as in the mainland. On a recent Monday, September 19, my husband, Rev. Samuel Cox, and I had the privilege of participating in the Strength for the Journey camp at Camp Mokuleia on the island of Oahu. The Rev. Fran Wiebenga had invited us to join with Revs. Steve and Linda Poteete-Marshall, Rev. Roby Correa, and others in providing hospitality, compassionate listening and a welcoming, friendly spirit to those who came to participate in the activities and the peacefulness of the SFTJ experience. Barbara Ripple

4 Ka Leo Mekokiko Oct - Nov SPRC and Charge Conference Time Again! We are moving forward into Charge Conference Season which starts from September through January. Charge Conference forms will be available on the California-Pacific website around mid-september for you to download. But we will keep all pastors and church leaders informed soonest we know. The DS would like to go over the accomplishments for the year, review his/her appointment request, and the goals for the next year. An assessment form for the clergy will be ed and each clergyperson AND the SPRC needs to complete it before meeting with the Superintendent. Here is the schedule of the Charge Conference or Annual meeting with the Superintendent. (UPDATED) CHARGE CONFERENCE MEETINGS SCHEDULED CHURCH SPRC DATE CC DATE & TIME CHURCH SPRC DATE & TIME CC DATE & TIME Aldersgate 9/27/16, 6:00 pm 9/27/16, 7:00 pm Honokaa 11/19/16, 10:30 am 11/19/16, 11:00 am Aiea Korean * 9/29/16, 5:00 pm 9/29/16, 7:00 pm First 11/21/16, 6:00 pm 11/21/16, 7:00 pm Aiea 9/29/16, 6:00 pm 9/29/16, 7:00 pm Wesley UMC 11/22/16, 6:00 pm 11/22/16, 7:00 pm Olive * 10/4/16, 5:00 pm 10/4/16, 7:00 pm Kilohana* 11/28/16, 6:00 pm 11/28/16, 7:00 pm Wahiawa 10/4/16, 6:00 pm 10/4/16, 7:00 pm Pacific Islanders 11/28/16, 5:00 pm 11/28/16, 7:00 pm Bethany 10/6/16, 6:00 pm 10/6/16, 7:00 pm Christ * 11/29/16, 5:00 pm 11/29/16, 7:00 pm Trinity * 10/6/16, 5:00 pm 10/6/16, 7:00 pm Beautiful UMM 11/29/16, 6:00 pm 11/29/16, 7:00 pm Kahuku 11/6/16, 2:00 pm 11/6/16, 4:00 pm Harris 11/30/16, 6:00 pm 11/30/16, 7:00 pm Calvary 11/8/16, 6:00 pm 11/8/16, 7:00 pm Honolua * 12/3/16, 9:30 am 12/3/16, 11:00 am Kam-Nam * 11/8/16, 5:00 pm 11/8/16, 7:00 pm Lahaina 12/3/16, 10:30 am 12/3/16, 11:00 am First Tongan 11/9/16, 5:00 pm 11/9/16, 6:00 pm Ala Lani * 12/3/16, After Svc 12/4/16, After Svc Ewa Beach * 11/12/16, 2:00 pm 11/12/16, 4:00 pm Kihei Tongan 12/3/16, After Svc 12/4/16, After Svc Kapolei Korean 11/12/16, 3:00 pm 11/12/16, 4:00 pm Kona 12/10/16, 10:00 am 12/10/16, 11:00 am Waianae 11/12/16, 3:30 pm 11/12/16, 4:00 pm Naalehu 12/11/16, After Svc 12/11/16, 11:00 am Kailua * 11/15/16, 5:00 pm 11/15/16, 7:00 pm West Kauai 1/7/17, 1:00 pm 1/7/17, 2:00 pm Keolumana 11/15/16, 6:00 pm 11/15/16, 7:00 pm Lihue UC TBA Parker * 11/17/16, 5:00 pm 11/17/16, 7:00 pm Guam TBA Kahaluu 11/17/16, 6:00 pm 11/17/16, 7:00 pm Guam Korean TBA Hilo * 11/19/16, 9:30 am 11/19/16, 11:00 am Immanuel TBA * = Indicates Hosting Church [ ] = Combined Churches Charge Conference

5 Ka Leo Mekokiko Oct - Nov 2016 Please hold these churches, ministries and their pastors in your prayers. Hawaii District Prayer Calendar for Local Churches 10/2 10/9 Honokaa UMC Hilo UMC Pastor Olivia Latu Pastors Malyong Yi & Petueli Taufo ou 10/16 Harris UMC Pastors Cheol Kwak, Rona Mangayayam, Eiko Soranaka 10/23 10/30 11/6 11/13 Guam UMC First Tongan UMC First UMC Ewa Beach UMC 11/20 Christ UMC 11/27 Calvary UMM Pastor Johann Osias Pastor Vaituuloa Fonua Pastors Amy Wake & Linita Moa Pastors Chi Young Jeong & Vaokotone Teaupa Pastors Eugene Han, Min-kyu Park, James Choi, Samuel Nam & Hee Cho Om Pastor Kyu Woo Nam PLEASE PRAY FOR.. Tevita Maile, who had pneumonia and then had a bypass surgery and had to have a pace maker put in. Please pray for continued recovery, rest and resume his preaching soon! Alan Mark, who is at home, resting and recovering slowly. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Janet Harada, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, fell in Virginia while visiting her great, great, grandchildren, is recovering now in California with her daughter s family. Jackie Goya passed away recently. Please pray for her family. She was a very beloved member of UMW and the Hawaii District. Her grand-daughter Marisa Castuera-Hayase served on the SWCC Board. ONE BIG CANOE Worship Service (Windward Oahu Churches) Our pastors on the Windward side of Oahu, which consists of: Keolumana UMC, Kailua UMC, Kahalu u UMC and Parker UMC have gotten together to host a monthly worship for the community. PLACE: Keolumana UMC, 1425 Keolu Drive, Kailua, HI DATE: October 1, 2016 (Every first Saturday) TIME: 5:00 p.m. All are welcome to come and join us as we praise and worship God in oneness! Invite your friends, family members and your neighbors! Harris UMC s Annual Bazaar November 5th It is Mission Bazaar time at Harris UMC where once again the church members and friends work together to raise funds for mission. All the proceeds from the Bazaar on Saturday, November 5, 2016 will be dedicated to mission projects outside Harris UMC. This year the church council authorized the distribution of $17,500 in grants to UMC programs internationally and to community and UMC related programs in Hawaii. There will be homemade pies, (apply, pumpkin, pecan), baked goods, fried noodles, spam musubis, shave ice, arts and crafts, fresh produce, plants, white elephant, toys, books, etc. 5

6 Ka Leo Mekokiko Oct - Nov Oct. 22 Cal-Pac UMW Annual Celebration & Leadership Training DISTRICT CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR California Dec. 5 Clergy Advent Dinner, 6pm-8:30pm Aiea Korean UMC Nov. 5 Hawaii District UMW Leadership Mtg SWCC Dec. 23 Christ mas Eve Holiday Observed District Ofc is Closed Nov. 5 Harris UMC s Bazaar Harris UMC Dec. 26 Christmas Day Holiday Observed District Ofc is Closed Nov Women s Walk to Emmaus St. Anthony s Retreat Ctr. Jan. 2 New Year s Day Observed District Ofc is Closed Nov. 12 HUMU Board Meeting Komuro Lounge, Harris UMC Jan. 15 Ho oku ikahi Day of Reconciliation & Remembrance Place TBA Nov Hawaii UMW Young Women s Reunion Ewa Beach UMW Jan. 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Observed District Ofc is Closed Nov. 24 & 25 Thanksgiving Day District Ofc is Closed Jan. 21 Leadership Team Mtg, 10am-12pm District Office HAWAII UNITED METHODIST UNION 20 South Vineyard Boulevard Honolulu, HI Phone: (808) hawaiidistrict@calpacumc.org KA LEO MEKOKIKO Oct. - Nov Annual Oahu Clergy Advent Dinner...p. 1 Pictures of Welcoming Event for Bishop... p. 1 Charge Conference Schedule (Updated).. p. 4 Strength for the Journey..p. 5 One Big Canoe Worship Service...p. 5 Harris UMC s Annual Bazaar....p. 5