July 2nd Minister’s Message

Aloha mai kākou, 

What a beautiful day in Hawai‘i. I am writing with over-the-top gratitude today. Mahalo nui loa to you all, to my beloveds beyond, and to our precious place. It is my birthday today (yesterday, as you read this). And on our birthdays, we likely all reflect on life. For me, it was unforeseen that I would have the opportunity to serve this church. I feel privileged, honored, and grateful.

When the church is full of people, I feel an energy and an eagerness to join together for good. When it is empty, I feel opportunity. It has been wonderful to see other groups come together here for shared objectives. 

We are fortunate to have this congregation, this church foundation from which to derive strength, support, and the mana to help others. In these challenging, concerning times, that is a real blessing. I am grateful to inhabit it with you.

And today is the first day of our new church year. We are entering it with a new board: president Jim Wood, vice-president Mary Mackay, treasurer Sue Yamane Carpenter, secretary Karen Fothergill, and directors Leanne MacIntire, Juliet Begley, and Peg Neva..

Mahalo nui loa to this past year’s president Sue Yamane Carpenter, VP Catherine Graham, Treasurer Dave Hafner, and Secretary Karen Fothergill! Thank goodness Sue is staying on, now as treasurer, and Karen continues to support us as secretary. Our volunteers carry this church on their backs with whole hearts, and we are so thankful for them.

We are going to begin an “Oh My God” discussion group this week, exploring the divine we each see and sharing thoughts and beliefs. There will be a bit of optional reading. But mostly it will be deep sharing.  I sent a Doodle poll to each of you to see when and if you might want to join. We have about 8 signed up so far; some will miss weeks due to travel. The preferred day and time is Tuesday from 4 – 5:30 pm. Please email me if you wish to join. We will meet July 7, 14, 21, and 8/18, 25, 9/1, and will see if there is interest in continuing beyond then. I hope you join!

> Sunday, we will consider COURAGE. I hope to see you then.
> At 9:30 am, Keif Arriola will host a meditation in the study.
> Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm, consider the impact of “Anti-DEI,” our member, executive director of HCAN, John-Paul Chaisson-Cardenas, will lead the first of our Social Justice Team-initiated Social Justice@Heart on Zoom. Read about it in the SJ Column by Francine Less in this newsletter.

In my photo today, you see my birthday roses sent by beloved kids and long-distance husband. It is a wonderful birthday so far, and you are part of what makes it so!

Mahalo,

Rev. Deborah