Reflection: A time of witness

Worship remains central to the life of the United Church of Christ and the moments at General Synod were significant for me. I was especially moved by the “Night Prayer at General Synod” on Monday, June 24, 2019 because of the gentle presence of the Spirit. The Sharon Lee MacArthur, Interim Pastor, at Community Church of Honolulu was effective in reminding us about the theme for the gathering – “Shine!”

Aside from worship, the work we did in Committees on the various resolutions that were brought forward in Milwaukee, was another highlight for me. I was a part of the discussion on a resolution “to abolish the growth and existence of private prisons.” Members of the group were diligent in their work and when the resolution was finally presented, it was affirmed by an overwhelming majority of the delegates.

All of this is to say that I am grateful for having had the opportunity to be a part of our Hawaiʻi delegation. General Synod was a time of worship and work. But more importantly a time of witness, a time to let our light shine.

Kealahou Alika