Dear Faith Action Family,
I hope that this message finds you and your loved ones safe and well. As I write, those of us who are Christian are observing the season of Advent. It is a time of anticipation as we await the coming of Christ. Amidst the brokenness of the world, we yearn for healing, reconciliation, and new beginnings.
This year, the COVID-19 pandemic has continued to impact our lives with unprecedented uncertainty, conflict, pain, and loss. My heart is with those recovering from recent storms and those who are suffering from the Red Hill water crisis. In moments like these, it can feel like progress is just too slow and justice an impossibility.
This year, many of us long for a deeper peace, hope, joy, and love. Our community organizing work is not easy. It requires patience and flexibility. It demands courage and perseverance. It challenges us to reflect on our own privileges and growing edges. And most of all, our efforts require faith and love that are greater than ourselves. This is true regardless of our particular faith denominations.
In closing, please join me in expressing our thanks to Ashleigh and our staff who have worked tirelessly this year to keep us engaged and connected. Thank you too for your faithfulness. May we all find rest and renewal this holiday season.
Many blessings,
Rev. Jessica Kawamura
Faith Action Vice-President for Clergy
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Let the Voice of Faith Be Heard: Join Us
Join us on Friday, December 17, 2021, 4:00 – 5:00 pm at the Hawai’i State Capitol lawn, where we will share readings, songs, posters and hold (electric) candles to show decision-makers our steadfast commitment to identifying equitable solutions to address climate change.
We are inviting all Faith Action for Community Equity churches and organizations to be present with us. If you can bring a poster, hold an electric candle (provided or bring your own), sing a song with us, etc. that will be great—or just stand and wave with us.
Carpooling will be available. You can park your car at Central Union Church and we will carpool. We will leave CUC at 3:30 PM.
If you need to carpool, please reply to Evie Hao, evyhao@gmail.com or Kristen Young at kristenlyoung@gmail.com.
Also, please register at http://grco.de/bcZmQE. If you decide at the last minute, feel free to just show up at the Capitol.