April 2015 “The Messenger of Love” Vol. 9 Issue 4

Ka Elele Aloha

Christ Church, Uniting Disciples and Presbyterians 1300 Kailua Rd., Kailua, HI 9673

Rev. Liz Leavitt Worship—Sunday at 10 am Church: (808) 262.6911 Email—ccu@hawaii.rr.com Website—www.ccukailua.org Facebook - www.facebook.com/ChristChurchUniting

Celebrate Holy Week!!Celebrate Holy Week!!Celebrate Holy Week!!

Thursday, April 2 is Maundy Thursday "Take, this is my body." Mark 14:22 We'll gather in the sanctuary at 7pm to remember the last evening of Jesus' life and the meal he shared with his disciples. Our Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) neighbors from Honolulu and Wahiawa will join us as well so please consider coming and helping to welcome them.

Friday, April 3 is Good Friday "And they brought Jesus to a place galled Golgotha (which means the place of the skull)...and they crucified him." Mark 15:22-23 We will not have a service at CCU for Good Friday but all are encouraged to consider and reflect in their own way on Jesus' passion during this holy day. Perhaps you might read the story for yourself (Try Mark 14-15). Or you could join in a Good Friday service at one of our neighboring churches. St. John Lutheran Church, for instance, at 1004 Kailua Road, will hold a Good Friday service of Light and Dark at 7pm.

Sunday, April 5 is Easter Sunday! "He has been raised; he is not here." Mark 16:6 Join us for a lively Easter service with special musical offerings, joyful singing, and an opportuni-ty to share in the joy of the resurrection. Worship will begin at 10am followed by a potluck brunch (sign up online or on the bulletin board) and an egg hunt for Keiki. Contributions of plastic eggs and candy are welcome in the week preceding Easter and helping hands to distribute eggs are always needed the day of. This is a great time to consider bringing a friend or family member to join us in worship and fellowship.

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April 22 is Earth Day! As part of CCU's commitment to care for the earth, you are invited to help

observe this special day by joining us for:

Earth Day Day of Service Saturday, April 18 9am-Noon at the Ulupo Heiau & Kawainui Marsh (behind the YMCA)

The heiau, situated alongside the YMCA, is the largest of Kailua's 10 heiau. Our group will work on various projects which may include pulling out invasive plants, building bird habitats, identifying archaeological features, and replanting kalo ponds. We will open with a short worship service inviting us into the work of "malama of the aina" (care of the sacred earth) and then proceed to our tasks. Please come prepared to work and to get muddy. That is to say you will want to bring sturdy shoes, water, sunscreen, a hat, work gloves and a sack lunch. Some of our partners from the Windward Coalition of Churches may join us as well, so let's aim for a good CCU turnout to welcome them.

Earth Sunday Sunday, April 19 Worship at 10am

Whether or not you're able to join us for the day of service, everyone can participate in our Earth Day Worship service. We'll take our whole worship service on this day to celebrate God's gift of creation by sharing prayers for the health of our earth and considering God's invitation to us to steward this precious treasure.

The awesome Palm Sunday arrangement was provided by Paul & Dottie Brennan, and dedicated to Michael, a dear son they lost, who would now be 39 years old.

Thank you to everyone who donated to Fruit Sunday

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April 2015 CCU Event Schedule Key: K = Kitchen L = Lanai O=Ohana Rm PS = Pastor’s Study S = Sanctuary B3=upstairs classroom

4/2, 7 pm Maundy Thursday @ CCU 4/4 8am Men’s Breakfast @ Honey’s Restaurant 4/5, 10 am Easter Worship Service (Special WOC/OGHS offering received) Easter Brunch & egg hunt follows worship service

4/5, 8:30- HI-5 container pick-up 11:30am @ CCU parking lot (no glass bottles, please)

4/5 No Adult Church Study (resumes 4/19)

4/11, 10:30a Women’s Aloha Fellowship Brunch (Venue TBD)

4/21, Stated Meeting of Council 6:30 pm

4/22 May newsletter info submission date

Mark your calendars!

On Sunday, April 26, the McCreanor family will dedicate both Jennings and new baby boy in worship with us. We, as a congregation, will have the opportunity to commit to their family our dedication, love and support and to celebrate with them after worship with an all-church potluck. Watch the bulletin board and your Sunday bulletins for more information and a sign-up.

Hi5 container pick up THIS Sunday Look for the Heidel pickup.

Please, NO glass bottles.

On Mar 22nd this arrangement was provided by Pat Gilbert in memory of her daughter, Nanette ‘Sue’ Gilbert. Today is the first anniversary of her death.

The council hard at work on February 28th at Pohai Nani

People of CCU, What a pleasure to think that in just a few days, we'll be celebrating Easter together as a congregation. It is hard to believe that I've already been with the congregation for three months...a lot has happened in that time! Most recently, we've worked together on new innovations in our worship space, engaged in lively discussion about the life of the church in the adult education class, and welcomed a few new faces into our midst. It seems to me that we've done a lot so far; and that the Spirit is definitely at work. As you read through this newsletter, I think you'll find there is much more to come in terms of new activities and projects unfolding around the church. This is an exciting time to be part of the CCU ohana. One thing I'm particularly excited to share with you this month is related to the particular work of our church council. Though their work is often behind the scenes, your elected elders labor hard and faithfully on your behalf in many different areas of the church's life. I have already had many opportunities to be impressed by their dedication, wisdom and good humor...and their desire to work well together as a group in order to best meet the needs of CCU's unfolding ministry. In late February, the council and I spent some “retreat” time together identifying which areas of church life need attention and leadership from the council. Together, we imagined a new way that the council might work together, a new structure for the group that would allow for—even facilitate—collaboration, innovation and growth. You'll hear more about these developments in the coming months, but I wanted to share with you just a brief introduction so you can be aware that change is afoot! Beginning in April, the council will be gathered into five teams, each facilitated by one or more elder. The Spiritual Development Team (facilitated by Dianne Brookins) will support our ministries of worship, music, education and spiritual practice to connect our congregation to God and to help our members and friends grow in faith.

The Relational Development Team (facilitated by Paul Brennan and Aly Miles) will nurture our congregational connections by building up our ministries of hospitality, fellowship, communication and caretaking. The Leadership Development Team (facilitated by Dick Walenta) will identify, raise up, support, equip, and encourage leaders for our church including our paid leadership and our volunteer lay leaders. The Missional Development Team (facilitated by Marian Heidel) will equip the congregation to bear the light of Christ out into the world: helping us engage in ministries of compassion, justice, and peace; build networks of relationships that demonstrate Christ's love; and develop CCU's reputation as a community institution. The Stewardship Development Team (co-facilitated by John Davidann, Susie Jannuzzi and Bill Muench) will tend to the responsible stewardship of our financial assets and physical plant so that both continue to support our ministry and mission goals. Each of these teams is a new endeavor. Though some may appear similar to committees CCU has gathered together in the past, each of these groups is trying to be and do something new. As with all new undertakings, they will require attention and adaptation as they begin to take shape. But your council believes this is the way God is calling them to work together at this time so that they might provide the best possible leadership for CCU and its people. I hope you will stay tuned for more information on these teams as they begin to operate. I also hope that you will join me in encouraging and celebrating the faithful work our elders are doing to follow God's call and lead God's people in the way of Christ. Again, I feel it is indeed a good time to be part of the CCU ohana. I wish you Easter blessings in this season of hope. With warm regard, Liz

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4/5 Easter Brunch following worship Bring a potluck dish or finger food item to share with others;

leave in kitchen before worship service.

Some of you may have remembered receiving an email (a couple of weeks ago) soliciting stories all about the animals we love and care for. You were asked to submit your story and picture to the Presbyterians Today magazine. Our own Kathy Summers submitted the following story. Look for it published in the July/August 2015 issue.

Dixie is a six year old Havanese dog. She is my service dog and also a therapy dog at two hospitals here in Hawaii that we visit each week. Many patients cry when they hold her soft, snuggly body next to them and feel her unconditional love. She loves to be held and petted and also to give kisses. She goes almost everywhere with me and is so small and so quiet she is always welcome. She is a medical alert dog for me. I have been training therapy dogs and service dogs for twenty two years. Our other therapy dogs all visited the children’s hospital in Honolulu and I dressed as a clown. The unconditional love of a dog can bring miracles to people. Kathy Summers, Christ Church Uniting Presbyterians and Disciples, Kailua, Hawaii. Note: You, too, can submit your story to Presbyterians Today! The deadline is April 6th. No more than 350 words and include a high-resolution photo. Email it to editor@pcusa.org.

The Family Promise of Hawaii Center is looking for volunteers who would be interested in helping in the following ways: Plan a special hobby or craft activity Plan a special activity for guests

families (ball game, bowling, zoo) Computer skills training for guests Parenting skills training for guests Job readiness/resume writing/interview

skill training for guests Personal development for guests Budget/financial training for guests Fundraising event volunteer for Family

Promise Public relations volunteer for Family

Promise If you are interested, please contact Marian Heidel, 261-4585, or call Family Promise at 548-7478. An application form may also be obtained from Dana in the CCU office.

CCU had a great turnout at the Jewish Film Festival! We watched Under the Same Sun and stayed for the discussion of Israeli/Palestinian collaboration. Not pictured: Claire Schrader and her mother, Jean.

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Mission & Outreach Commission By Marian Heidel

The Mission and Outreach Commission (soon to change its name) met on March 7th to discern how best to distribute the monies our congregation gives each Sunday to support the needy, the organizations that work with them and with the social issues of our community, and those that spread the Gospel in our nation and around the world in Word and deed. 10% of the church’s income is the budget we work with: $20,011. In addition, we carried over some funds from 2014, which adds $2,221, making it $22,232. Over and above that, we hold three special offerings per year (The One Great Hour of Sharing and Week of Compassion at Easter (or before) is our first special offering . This is whose work we plan to support in 2015: Disciples of Christ General Mission, $ 3,500 national & global Disciples of Christ travel expenses $ 2,425 Presbyterian Church USA, General $ 3,500 Mission, national & global PC(USA) Per capita fee $ 1,306 Faith Action for Community Action $ 1,300 ($300 to transport “container house” to CCU) Institute for Human Services $ 1,000 Kahumana Community (houseless & $ 1,000 disabled) Honolulu Habitat for Humanity $ 500 Beacon of Hope (transition housing) $ 500 (and another $500, if available) Environmental/Conservation work $ 3,000 (later in undesignated funds) Interfatih Power & Light $ 150 Ahahui Malama I Ka Lokahi $ 250 The Interfatih Alliance Hawaii $ 100 Windward Coalition of Churches $ 200 Samaritan Counseling Center $ 500 Hawaii Coalition Against Legalized $ 500 Gambling Lanakila Pacific Meals on Wheels $ 500 Hawaii Meals on Wheels $ 250 (and another $500, if available later in undesignated funds) Undesignated Funds for other $ 2,151 opportunities which may arise ______ $ 22,232 If you wish to make an additional donation to any of these causes, you may send a check to Christ Church Uniting Disciples and Presbyterians, designating it to that mission. NOW…what would you like to DO??? May God bless our giving and doing.

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Climate Change Impacts in Hawaii By Charlene Hosenfeld

Free for the asking is a 30+ page booklet produced in 2014 by the UH Sea Grant College Program to provide a summary of the current scientific knowledge about climate change and its expected effects on Hawaii’s ocean, coastal, terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and communities. Some of the findings: Effects on Hawaii: Air temperature warming rate has quadrupled in the past 40 years. Northwesterly tradewinds have decreased. Rainfall has declined in the past 30 years -- with widely varying

precipitation patterns on the islands. Sea temperatures have warmed over the past 40 years -- with acceleration of warming expected. The ocean has acidified due to marine uptake of CO2. Sea levels have risen on all islands. Consequences of these changes: Stress to plants and animals Heat-related illnesses Expanded ranges for pathogens and invasive species Both more drought and more heavy rains, flooding, runoff and

sedimentation Reduced aquifers and freshwater supplies Inhibited shell and skeleton growth in corals, shellfish and plankton Coastal inundation, beach loss, infrastructure damage Loss of high elevation forests resulting in habitat loss (e.g., for endemic birds) Decline in tourism, hotel revenues and resultant job losses Increase in vector-borne diseases (e.g., dengue fever) For a PDF or hardcopy: http://seagrant.soest.hawaii.edu Click on “Publications”. The scientists are speaking. Let’s listen…and act. Every action matters…..

Presbyterians Today magazine wants to give you a free one year subscription. If you are interested, email or call the church office.

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Memories by Rosemary Allen Reprinted from Ka Elele Aloha July 1998

Our recent observance of Memorial Day on a May Sunday moved me to think of the many memorials which have become an intrinsic part of our worship experiences and community life at Christ Church Uniting. Since both of our “parent” churches—Windward Christian (Disciples) and Christ Presbyterian—are nearing 40 years of age, many of us do not know or do not remember how all of our sanctuary setting “came together” over the years. The very center of the sanctuary—the communion table—has been with us since our first worship (1966) in the then, new building. The beautiful and unique monkey pod table was created from the cross-section of a huge trunk piece of monkeypod from the Hawaiian forest. One of my memories is the day (1966) that the Christ Presbyterian Church building committee went to a wood working shop in Honolulu to pick out that piece of very rough trunk which would become our communion table. The communion table was part of a memorial gift from a California family (the Ralph Hamans). The gift also included several other sanctuary pieces—as the lectern, cross, candlesticks, offering plates, and “clergy chairs”. Every Sunday we use one of the communion services. Most often it is the koa or monkeypod chalice, bowls, and plates—some brought from Windward Christian Church and others given later by the Grantham family. Occasionally the lovely ceramic chalice and plate, given by Heather McWilliams, is used—and once each quarter we are served using the silver communion service given by first Presbyterian Church of Honolulu in 1964. Our eyes are so often drawn to the stained glass window, a wonderful depiction of Jesus and the children and the memorial to Maile Leilani Gilbert (granddaughter of Bruce and Pat), dedicated in 1987. Jesus is seen in a Hawaiian setting, surrounded by a circular rainbow and holding a group of children of Hawaii’s diverse cultures, who are brining leis in love to him. Just below the memorial window and at

either side of the double-door “front” entry are the Christian and American flags given by June Grantham in memory of her brother, Carl Hess. Nearby is the organ, instrument of so much inspiring music, a memorial to Donald Almy (husband of our late choir director Camille). Most of our hymn books were given in memory of Charles Lozier and Joseph Brighter; part of these memorial funds also contributed to the organ. The hymnals we used for many years and now “retired” were given in memory of Helen Brewbaker. A three-octave set of handbells is another part of our musical heritage. These bells were given in 1983 as a memorial to Gregory Tchou (son of Peter and Cynthia), Carolyn Rex (former member and teacher), and Christine Smith (mother of Pat Gilbert). Three memorial bells inscribed with their names are displayed each time the Chancel Ringers play in worship. Pew Bibles were given in memory of Gladys Stickler (mother of Karen McWilliams) as was the large pulpit Bible, in 1991. The pulpit Bible, New Revised Standard Version, replaced our original pulpit RSV Bible given to us in 1964 by the American Bible Society and now in the church library. A most unusual part of the CCU sanctuary is the giant half-clam shell which is our baptismal font, given to us—as Christ Presbyterian Church, organized as a church in 1963—by the Kaneohe Ministers Association. Of course, the other vital part of the sacrament of baptism in this merged church family is the large immersion pool concealed behind the handsome rail and altar-top under our central cross. The cross used in worship at the Windward Christian church is now hanging in the pastor’s study in this building. The floral arrangements each Sunday are living memorials given by many different people. A special koa base platform (“Kadai”) is used to hold these arrangements and is a memorial to Gregory Tchou. A true living memorial to Gregory is the now-towering Norfolk pine near the cross & sign on the outside wall of the church. It was planted and dedicated just after Christmas of 1975; the Norfolk pine had been placed in the sanctuary that year as part of our Advent/Christmas decorations.

Continued on page 9

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Beautiful banners, changing according to the liturgical seasons, have been created and given by many people over the years. In recent times, Mary Ann Wyman and Jan Stiles have been among those talented artists. Mary Ann also created the colorful woven butterfly which flies above us each Eastertime. Even the pew seating we enjoy now comes partly from memorial giving—as indeed does the church building itself. (Did you know that for many years we had only rows of folding chairs?) There are long lists of people who contributed to these funds — people from near and far, many who now live elsewhere and many who are still right here! Their loving gifts have enriched all of us as we worship together — and we say MAHALO!

Continued from page 8 More Memories by Rosemary Allen Reprinted from Ka Elele Aloha August 1998

Susan Wilson reminded me that our silver communion pitcher was given to us by Mary Ralph when she and Earl (now deceased) moved from Kailua several years ago. Both were active in this church for many years; Mary now lives in Camarillo, CA. June Grantham is another good storer of memories. She sent more details of the 1986 dedication of our American and Christian flags, given as a memorial to her brother, Carl Hess. Carl was 27 years old when he died while a prisoner of the Germans during World War II on Christmas Eve 1944. He had landed in Europe with the D-Day assault on June 6, 1944; six months later he was wounded and taken prisoner. Carl’s birthday was Flag Day, June 14 (1917)!

We have has several memorials other than those in the sanctuary. June also reminded us that memorial funds for the late Wayne Protheroe were used to set up the parking areas for disabled persons and also the wheelchair access ramp and signs. Wayne was involved for many years with programs for disabled/handicapped persons and was a prime mover in starting the Junior Olympics in Hawaii. The library and nursery are areas of the Christ Church Uniting that have had memorial gifts over the years, particularly for books given as memorials to friends and family or as birthday gifts from children. In 1986 nursery renovations were made in memory of Fern Sutton and hers years of work and concern for our children. Although our nursery has since been enlarged, it still contains furnishings and a dedication wall hanging from that time. The library area has a wall plaque in memory of Glenna Albers, who organized the original library and worked for many, many hours in it through the ‘60s and ‘70s. The Bruce Shadbolt memorial (1990) is a bit different in that it is dedicated for funding mission concerns. It has been used to underwriter scholarships to Asilomar Mission Conferences and is available for participants in future mission outreach education events. Bruce was active in mission concerns and also is well remembered for his musical talents shared with so many during his lifetime. A recent letter from Bob Hemphil (now living in

Olympia, WA) responded to the July (1998) article from the perspective of a church historian. Bob was active here during the early times of the merger and reminds us of the unique challenge of “two denominational sources flowing into one unified church.” He suggests doing a church history; that this is a good time for it! Mahalo, Bob, for your continuing active interest! And MAHALO to all who have shared memories! If any more such thoughts come to the surface, please give Rosemary a call.

On March 15th John and Marian Heidel provided this beautiful

flower arrangement

in memory and celebration of the

life of Lillian Venizia, Kevin Heidel’s wife.

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Sanctuary Update Project to Get Underway! Let your voice be heard!

After worship on Sunday, April 12, an initial meeting about the sanctuary renovation project will take place in the sanctuary. Everyone in the congregation is welcome (and encouraged!) to attend and to bring their ideas, questions, suggestions, skills, expertise, visions and dreams about our worship space. We already have a lot of suggestions on what could be done and what needs to be done but this first meeting will be an initial organizational gathering: an opportunity to discuss our vision for this project and to shape a general overview of how to approach the renovation. Whether you have some ideas you want to share or plan be directly involved with the selection process—even if you simply want to sit in the back and listen—please come and be a part of this exciting undertaking: the first major renovation of our worship space in 40 years! See you there!!! Below are some questions and items to think about in preparation: Questions: 1. What do we want and need from our worship and gathering space? 2. How does our space help us to worship now? How could it do better? 3. How do the aesthetics of our sanctuary help point us to God? 4. Which are the elements/fixtures/items in our sanctuary that are essential and must remain? Which can we change? Possible items of business for April 12: 1. Discuss a basic color scheme & formulate plans to wash and paint the sanctuary. 2. Consider new lighting fixtures. (Multi-pendant, flush-mounted, modern, traditional, incandescent, LED,

dimmable?) 3. Discuss flooring material. (Wood, laminate, vinyl, tile, cork, stone, etc? Carpet or no carpet?) 4. Consider replacement for benches. (New benches? Chairs? Other?). 5. Imagine our ideal seating arrangement including placement of chairs/benches, choir, baptistry, etc.

(Maintain U-shape? Circular? “V” shape?) 6. Brainstorm new possibilities for the front of our sanctuary or “altar” area. (Create an accent wall behind

the cross? Replace the lectern and usher’s station? Maintain/eliminate rised platform?) 7. Create a vision for the rest of our sanctuary space, especially the back area. (Discuss adding a raised, lim-

ited access control booth for the AV system in the back of the sanctuary. Consider adding an “out-of-sight” storage area. Figure out whether additional adult meeting space is feasible there.)

8. Think about other sanctuary maintenance/repair projects. (Replace or repair the glass sliding doors. Highway-side window replacement. Reorganize storage at back of sanctuary. Add steel storage racks in the old a/c room.)

NOTE: We are presently budgeted and approved by the congregation to address the first four items.

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If you didn’t have a chance to see the container house here are a few pictures. Here is an excerpt from the FACE brochure... We have a Housing Crisis in Honolulu. Let’s not waste it! FACE members are working tirelessly with city and state government as well as developers and churches to get lots of affordable and low income rental housing built. Frequently Asked Questions Where does one go to the bathroom? FACE’s Shipping Container Model Home is just an example of what it could look like inside. In a real home, you can add a kitchen and bathroom with toilet and shower. How much does it cost? FACE’s Model Home with doors, windows, walls, built in beds, dry

wall, flooring, etc. cost $11,000 for the container and the construction. Are they legal on Oahu? Under certain conditions they are currently legal but the City is working on loosening the permitting and streamlining the process. They are being used extensively on the Big Island .

FACE, Faith Action for Community Equity, is a faith-based community organizing group whose mission is to give a voice to the underserved who don’t know

they have a voice.

FACE’s Shipping Container home was constructed by SMALL HOMES HAWAII

www.smallhomeshawaii.com Craig Chapman

Did you get a chance to see it? Only a couple days left. Last day is Thursday, April 2nd

CCU Jungle. Before & After

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CCU Celebrated and said Farewell

to Loren & Susan Wilson

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Lay & Elder Worship Assignments for April

If you are not able to fill your assignment, please try trading with someone and/or notify the church office. * T Prayer = Prayer of Thanksgiving

Date Name Duty 5-Apr Liz Leavitt Minister Melissa Belanger Claire Schrader Usher / Greeter Lauren Medeiros Liturgist Brian McCreanor Keiki Sermon Bill Muench T Prayer / Serve Comm. / Bldg Lockup

12-Apr Liz Leavitt Minister Clancy & Cathy Lyman Usher / Greeter Dianne Brookins Liturgist Kathy Summers Keiki Sermon Paul Brennan T Prayer / Serve Comm. / Bldg Lockup 19-Apr Liz Leavitt Minister Paul & Dottie Brennan Usher / Greeter Courtney Nichols Liturgist Susie Jannuzzi Keiki Sermon Dick Walenta T Prayer / Serve Comm. / Bldg Lockup 26-Apr Liz Leavitt Minister Dianne Brookins John Heidel Usher / Greeter Marian Heidel Liturgist Beth Davidann Keiki Sermon Jon Davidann T Prayer / Serve Comm. / Bldg Lockup

April

Birthdays Joel Allen ....................................... 1 John Hanlin .................................... 6 Christopher Lyman ....................... 9 Lu Burgoyne ............................... 13 Ron Seiple .................................. 15 Jason Barnhill ............................. 19 Jennings McCreanor ................. 21 Mark Mitchell ............................. 24

April

Anniversaries

Carol & John Hanlin .................... 7

June & Bob Grantham ............. 24

Let us know is we have missed anyone.

April Tellers: Kathy Summers & Jon Davidann

EASTER SPECIAL OFFERING on Easter Sunday Sharing resources, changing lives; doing more than we could do alone. That is what the special offering taken on Easter (or any Sunday this month) is all about. Through the One Great Hour of Sharing and the

Week of Compassion campaigns, we join about nine other denominations in this offering which goes to help people affected by disasters, hunger & poverty, and to aid them in self-help programs. Last year we raised $ 1,357; can we surpass that this year? Special envelopes will be available for your offering. Please give generously! Week of compassion video can be viewed at: https://vimeo.com/36042707

This beautiful arrangement was provided by Rob & Laurie Seaver in honor of the birth-day of their daughters, Noelle & Tara, and their 31st wedding anniversary.

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