Reflection: Wisdom and Hawaiian views

First, I want to say thank you, to the Association of the Hawaiian Evangelical Churches and to the Hawaii Conference United Church of Christ, as a participating delegate to the United Church of Christ General Synod 2019 in Milwaukee Wisconsin.

I flew from Kona to Denver and met up with the majority of the other delegates and together we flew from Denver to Wisconsin. At our final destination in Milwaukee, we were bused to the Hilton Milwaukee Hotel. This grand hotel was opened in 1928 still boasting its distinct architecture, classic Art Deco interior, and rich furnishings. I was fortunate to have a view that looked out over the rooftop of the city and Lake Michigan. The hotel also was connected by a skywalk to the Convention Center which made it convenient to get to our meetings without stepping into the streets on the days that the weather was rainy and cold.

The highlight of the GS is being able to actively to participate in my committee’s Educational Intensives and the deliberations of the proposed resolution by adding my wisdom and Hawaiian views on this matter. Standing up and speaking out during a Plenary Session regarding a resolution in regards to Styrofoam and plastic use. And I got to represent the Hawaiian cultural greeting practices by being able to walk up on stage and present lei to the leaders of the United Church of Christ.

What I experienced is seeing the diversity of cultures, the protesting spirit of the UCC, degrees of tolerance and lack thereof within the body, the business of side of this religious denomination, and a clearer picture of the polity of the church.

What I walk away with is a new ‘ohana of friends from the Hawaii Conference, Oahu Association, Kauai Association, Hawaii Island Association, Tri-Isle Association.

Kerisa Carmelo

Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches; Lanakila Congregational Church

Kerisa is the AHEC Pu‘uku (Treasurer) and a representative on the AHEC Committee on Ministry.