2019 News of the Hawai‘i Conference
2019 Coconut Wireless
December 23, 2019 (Special Edition)
June 12, 2019 (Special Edition)
Hawai'i Youth Support Plastics Ban
December 18, 2019
Youth at this past Fall's Hawai'i Conference E.C.O. camps learned about the harmful effects of single-use plastics on our environment. Maui campers sent a creative message to Congress about the problem and O'ahu campers added their names to a scroll of signatures in support of Bill 40, a new bill that will ban single-use plastics. Campers brought their own reusable dishes and utensils to eat with throughout the camp—a small action we could all take to reduce our use of single-use plastics. This follows a resolution of witness at the 32nd General Synod regarding the use of plastic foam. As people of faith, we are called to do what we can to care for our planet.
December 18, 2019
Samoan Church of Hawai'i, LMS, hosted a Christmas Mele Festival last weekend. Participating churches included Amataga Fou; Epenesa Fou Congregational Christian Samoan Church; Samoan Church of Hawai'i, LMS; and Tuvalu Fou Church of Hawai'i. They also collected $8,200 for the Samoan Relief efforts to combat the measles epidemic.
Hokuloa UCC Becomes ONA
December 18, 2019
After a two-year discernment process, Hokuloa United Church of Christ (69-1600 Puako Beach Drive, Puako) voted to become an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation and adopted an ONA Covenant on November 24, 2019. David Popham, Conference Minister, was with the congregation on December 15 for a celebration. According to the church, they are the sixth UCC congregation in Hawai'i and the first on Hawai'i Island to become an ONA congregation.
December 11, 2019
Samoa is in the midst of a severe measles epidemic, with over 3800 cases as of last week and more than 60 related deaths, mostly children. Continue to pray for the children, their families and all who have been affected by this outbreak, as well as for our sisters and brothers here in Hawai'i whose lives have been touched by this crisis. Also pray for the humanitarian aid workers and health care workers who are providing direct medical care and support to those affected. Read a pastoral letter from Conference Minister David Popham and consider taking a free-will offering in your churches on the next two Sundays. You can also make a donation online to "Samoa Relief."
December 4, 2019
Members from ten United Church of Christ (UCC) churches on O'ahu came together at Mānoa Valley Church on Friday, November 22, to welcome The Nicavangelists, a troupe of young people from Nicaragua who desire to share their hope, talent, and culture with the world while shedding light on what is happening in their country that is causing many to seek asylum.
December 4, 2019
Conference Minister David Popham attended the Executive Board meeting of the Micronesian Council United Church of Christ (MCUCC) November 11 – 15 in Pohnpei, FSM.
Central Union Is a Blue Zones Church
November 20, 2019
It is official—Central Union Church (CUC) in Honolulu has been recognized as a Blue Zones Church! Their efforts have been sponsored by the CUC Mind-Body-Spirit Movement team. Congratulations!
O‘ahu Hosts E.C.O. 4 Youth Camp
November 13, 2019
Youth from O'ahu and Kaua'i came together at Waialua UCC on O'ahu November 9 – 11 for the second E.C.O. 4 Youth Camp, led by the O'ahu Association, Conference staff, and community members. See what the youth learned and get ideas about what you can do to be more eco-friendly.
HIA Installs Christopher Czarnecki
November 6, 2019
On Saturday, November 2, Christopher Czarnecki was installed as the new Pastor at First United Protestant Church of Hilo. Pictured are Christopher and his wife and children. Those in attendance included Pastor Becky Turner of Christ Church UCC in St. Louis, Associate Conference Minister Richard Kamanu, Eric Anderson of Church of the Holy Cross UCC, and Diane Hultman of Pu'ula UCC. It was a beautiful worship service with great preaching, music, and food. Let the next chapter in the life of First United Protestant Church begin!!
View more photos on the church Facebook page.
HCF Welcomes New Executive Director
November 6, 2019
The Hawai'i Conference Foundation is happy to welcome their new Executive Director, Andrew R. Bunn, who began serving on November 1. Andy was a partner at Chun Kerr LLP, a Honolulu-based law firm, and was the Hawai'i Conference attorney since 1996. His concentration at Chun Kerr was in real estate and general business law, including commercial leasing, condominium and rental housing development, and business and real estate acquisitions and sales. Andy brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the job and is a welcome addition to the Foundation. He can be reached at abunn@hcucc.org or 808-791-5638. It is wonderful to have you with us, Andy!
Wahiawa UCC Celebrates 100th Anniversary
October 30, 2019
"Blessed With God's Aloha for 100 Years—Striving to Live by God's Aloha" was the theme as Wahiawa United Church of Christ celebrated their 100th Anniversary on October 27. In 1919, Wahiawa Korean Christian Church was established on Palm Street in Wahiawa. A new church building was constructed and dedicated in 1973. Wahiawa Korean Christian Church became a member of the United Church of Christ in 1993 and was registered as Wahiawa United Church of Christ.
Kalaupapa Service Retreat
October 30, 2019
Eight clergy and lay people participated in a spiritual service retreat at Kalaupapa October 23 - 27, led by Phyllis Meighen, Roxanne WhiteLight, and Richard Miller.
Discover Kalaupapa for yourself through one of the upcoming service retreats. Lean more HERE.
Tri-Isle Hosts First E.C.O. 4 Youth Camp
October 23, 2019
Youth from Maui, Lāna‘i, and Kaua‘i gathered on at Waiola Church on October 10-12 to be informed and inspired through Earth Care Opportunities while strengthening relationships across churches and islands. The camp, led by the Tri-Isle Association and community members, was the first in a series of youth camps hosted by the Conference that focus on stewarding the earth.
UCC Transition House Annual Benefit Dinner
October 23, 2019
UCC Transition House's Annual Benefit Dinner "Beside Still Waters" was held at Central Union Church on October 17. It featured ono Hawaiian food, a silent auction, country store, song and dance, and sharing by a former resident... all to support the important ministry of providing a safe house for women and their children who are survivors of domestic violence.
AHEC Gathers for Fall ‘Aha Halawai
October 23, 2019
The Fall 'Aha Halawai of the Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches (AHEC) convened on October 18 – 19 at Haili Congregational Church in Hilo.
O‘ahu Association Gathers for Fall ‘Aha Mokupuni
October 23, 2019
O'ahu Association churches came together for their Fall Mokupuni at First Chinese Church of Christ on October 19. Visit the church's Facebook page for more photos. Mokupuni attendees participated in a workshop on covenant and created a "Prayer of Covenant" that you may read HERE. Boundary training, led by Al Miles, followed the Mokupuni.