Some congregants record joys or concerns in their lives in our “Book of Life” at church. On Sunday mornings, we read these in our service. Now, congregants can click a link in the newsletter or here on our website to share joys and concerns. Please indicate if you want yours read in church, posted here, or both.
Or if you wish, you may email Rev. Deborah at minister@unitariansofhi.org to share personally.
| Date | Submitted by | Sharing | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9/26 | Rchard Pittaway | JOY | Having grown up in Kansas, having and spent most of my adult life in Virginia and Ohio, I am beginning to feel a bit more at home now on this island thanks to my family and this congregation. I retired from a great job doing aircraft safety analysis at the FAA in December of 2024. I spent 2025 dealing with health issues, and figuring out how to part with the things that filled a 4-bedroom house (with a full basement that was full) in the suburbs of Columbus, Ohio. I parted ways with December of 2025 by selling that house and leaving Ohio behind. I arrived on O'ahu along with January 2026 and a cat named Larry. After a thorough search of his credentials and vaccination history, Larry was found to be eligible for his citizenship in Hawai'i. I, on the other hand, was not. The true indication of citizenship in America is a driver's license. I failed to keep track of my certified state certificate of live birth in my transition, and thus I am ineligible for a driver's license until said certified certificate of birth can be obtained by mail. I am fortunate to have a daughter, son in law, and two grandchildren already living in Kailua these past 4 years. They have taken me into their home, which has eased my transition. I will find my own place to live eventually, but I am cherishing my role as a living library of cultural traditions and ancient knowledge of 20th century life on the North American continent (A Kansas kupuna as it were.) I am learning the very important Hawaiian words for things. And I am coming to terms with use of the 'okina. Those of you who live here may forget that Hawai'i life is full of references to Mauka, Makai, 'aina, Wai, pau, and ali'i. And there are the three terms one must know in order to negotiate the typical restaurant menu: The pupu menu, the keiki menu, and the kupuna menu. Thank you for my warm welcome. Someday soon I will have Hawai'i citizenship, a vehicle, and a home of my own. |
| 3/6/26 | Carolyn Martin | JOY, CONCERN | Well, after visiting the church and watching services from my home in Austin, I’m beginning to feel I’m headed to my new home physically and spiritually and can’t wait. Being screenwriter in my spare time and avid movie and tv watcher, I was full of joy to see what a fun services this coming Sunday will be. My concern- I can’t be there for it. 😢 Mahalo to all of you for making me feel so welcome and included when I was there to visit. |
| 3/6/26 | Carla Allison | CONCERN | Long time member and dear friend, Jytte Hendrick, died Tuesday, March 3rd. While her illness prevented her from attending church events over the past few years, Jytte remained a long-time participant in the Hawaii Kai Chalice Circle. She was a founding member of the Chalice Circle and maintained close friendships with past and current members. Prior to retiring, Jytte was an avid world traveler and shared wonderful stories about her adventures. We will miss her feisty spirit and loving friendship. |
| 2/19/26 | Paul Davis | CONCERN | USA continues to send lethal arms to Israel. There is NO ceasefire in Gaza. Palestinians are dying. |
| 2/7/26 | Abby DeLaine | JOY, CONCERN | Joy for me is personified in lifelong spirituality, my marriage to Thomas and my mother-son bond with Benji. Our wee family of three is the quintessential gift. Recently we have not been present in this church community, we miss you, and we have been concerned about it. To our surprise since mid January our lives have taken a worrisome turn related to severe health issues which then affect almost everything else. Choir Director Thomas has had challenges with debilitating neurological disorders from supply chain and delivery problems of critical medications causing withdrawal and readjustment periods. He’s had to step away from his love of music and working with the choir for now. He has been in touch with them and Reverend Deborah. He’s on a new course with his neurological team and we are hopeful. Benji’s health issues stem from a rare brain tumor in the right ear canal 5 years ago which took 22 hours of very specialized surgery which has regrown and requires another surgery soon. This impacts everything including finishing his PhD this semester as planned, ability to work, finances, and an arduous recovery since it’s located in the same bundle of nerves controlling balance. I had a little return of breast cancer scare but am fine now. We are so grateful for you and this progressive compassionate team. Please continue your support and if appropriate for you, your prayers. |
| 2/4/26 | Deborah Bond-Upson | JOY, CONCERN | My beloved older sister, who guided me and my siblings, a much-revered surgeon, has suffered from Alzheimer’s for over 20 years. It has been heartbreaking that she has suffered for so long. She has just entered hospice care at home. We are grateful that she has lived in comfort and love all these years and that she may soon find relief. |
| 12/5/25 | Carolyn Martin | JOY | Aloha It is with great joy that will become a member of the church in 2026 when I move to Oahu. Over the last few months I’ve been keeping up with your activities and am so happy to see all the wonderful things your church is doing. Presently I live in Texas and am a member of Live Oak UU in Austin and am a former member of Northwoods UU in Houston. I will be on Oahu in February for a week to make plans for my move. So I will be visiting the church for the first time during my visit. Somewhere between May and September I will make my move to Oahu. I am a widow and I have been a psychotherapist for over 30 years. My whole life I have wanted to live in Hawaii, so my dream is finally coming true. I look forward to meeting everyone at the church and being part of this loving community. Carolyn |
| 12/3/25 | Catherine Graham | JOY | I've just returned from my first Red Cross deployment helping evacuees from Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska. What a tragic situation for the Alaskan Natives whose villages were devastated but an extraordinary opportunity for me to visit Alaska, meet these wonderful native people and hopefully be helpful. |
| 11/21/25 | Rev. Deborah Bond-Upson | JOY | In the past 22 days as your minister, congregants and board members have been so warm, flexible, and supportive that I find myself happy. Perhaps that boulder smashing my windshield was telling me that exciting times start now, It is a joy to be here with you. |
