June 2015 Volume 21, Issue 6

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Pastor Jim’s Message……………………..3

Welcome Michelle to Aiea UMC……...4

Mahalo Nui & Aloha……….………………5

Bidding Aloha to Sarah…..….………..…6

Community Outreach Through Food Ministry.………………………………...…….7

SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST

White Family Aloha Information (page 2)

June Sermon Schedule (page 3)

Birthdays! (page 5)

June Committee Meeting Schedule (page 6)

Passion Group Schedule (page 6)

Church Staff List (page 7)

Vacation Bible School info (page 7)

SUNDAY SCHEDULE

8:00am WORSHIP 9:30am WORSHIP 11:00am YOUTH GROUP 2:00pm SAMOAN WORSHIP 4:00pm SAMOAN YOUTH

99-101 Laulima Street ● 808-488-5354 ● email: aumc@hawaiiantel.net ●www.aieaumc.com

BRAVO ZULU PASTORS JIM AND PETER!

Back in the days of sailing ships, communication was often done by

signal flags, hoisted on the yardarms. The flags and pennants were many

different colors and styles, and each had a specific purpose. Some could send

an entire message in only one flag; others combined to send detailed

messages and sailing orders. But the one signal every ship’s captain and

crew wanted to see consisted of only two flags, a “B” and a “Z.” “Bravo Zulu”

from your fellow sailors and your boss meant “Well Done.” Whatever task

you had been given, you carried it out with professionalism and enthusiasm,

exemplifying the highest standards. Often it was followed by a signal to

“Proceed on duties assigned.” You were then free to depart, fully confident

you had completed your mission successfully.

As Pastor Jim and Pastor Peter prepare to “proceed on duties

assigned,” all of us who have served in a myriad of roles with these two

servants of God want to send along our deepest thanks for their outstanding

leadership at AUMC.

Pastor Jim, Jody, Ezra and Emily arrived at Aiea UMC in July 2000.

No one knew what to expect from this youthful minister, but it soon became

clear he had talents uncommon in a pastor. Pastor Jim implemented audio-

visual technology in our services that proved highly effective in conveying his

sermon messages. His theatrics held the attention of adults, youth, and

children alike. He used humor to help us relax and understand that while

God is serious about remaining faithful to Him, we shouldn’t take ourselves

too seriously - God wants us to laugh and be happy. (By the way, how many

ways can Jim work a movie clip from “The Princess Bride” into a sermon?)

In recent years, Aiea UMC has adopted a motto of “Seeking God,

Serving Others.” Pastor Jim has led Aiea UMC on our quest to draw closer to

God through numerous sermon series with topics that were spiritually

challenging, timely, and always thought-provoking. A technology buff, he

also upgraded the church’s webpage, posted podcasts of sermons there, and

made excellent use of Facebook to connect us to Aiea UMC.

CONTINUES PAGE 2

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Let’s play “How Well Do You Know Pastor Jim?” Question #1: Who is his favorite football team?

Answer: The guys w ho w ear blue and w hite from Dallas.

Question #2: What’s his favorite dessert?

Answer: COOKIES!

Since the Dallas Cowboys won’t be able to join us to bid aloha to the White family, you are invited to join the Celebration. Please help us make it special by bringing your tastiest dishes and favorite COOKIES for dessert! The Celebration will be on June 14, 2015 at 5:00pm. Please come and enjoy fellowship with Pastor Jim, Jody, Ezra and Emily. Volunteers are needed to set-up and clean-up. Look for the sign-up sheet outside the sanctuary or email Grace: grace.les@gmail.com

Understanding God often works best in small groups, Pastor Jim initiated the Natural Church

Development (NCD) process, which in turn led to the formation of Passion Groups. Today Aiea UMC

members gather to discuss gardening, movies, quilting, and one of Pastor Jim’s favorite passions, basket-

ball. One church member related how Pastor Jim reached out to her husband through their shared love of

football, golf and even poker; in turn, the spouse became more involved with church activities, enriching

their family’s spiritual lives. Another member told of Pastor Jim’s involvement with the youth of Aiea

UMC, from the Whites leading the Youth Group each week, to yearly trips to Camp Mekokiko, to overnights

at the annual H.I.M. conference, to the creation of Messy Church. The result, she said, is that AUMC “is a

place my kids love to go to, a second home for all of us!” Watching Ezra and Emily grow up, Jim and Jody’s

family felt like our family, too.

About six years ago, Pastor Jim felt God was calling us to reach out to unchurched members of our

community, and proposed implementation of a new program. If Pastor Jim embodied “Seeking God,”

Pastor Peter epitomized “Serving Others.” Reaching outside the sanctuary walls into Aiea and beyond is a

challenge for any church, even more so for someone who isn’t from our community to begin with. With

faith in the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18, Peter, Judy and JuChan came to Hawaii with a mission of

taking the Good News to those who might otherwise not have a church home. We have marveled at the

results, seeing the joy of shared meals and music on park benches, amid lawnmowers and weed whackers,

and baptisms in the surf as a young man transitioned from living on the streets to standing tall and taking

the oath to join our nation’s military. The Life Communities are a testament to the success of Pastor Peter’s

efforts, a mission that will only grow as the Lee family moves down the road a few miles to Pearl City.

These anecdotes only scratch the surface of the contributions Pastors Jim and Peter have made to

Aiea UMC. Hospital visits, Celebrations of Life, weddings, baptisms – too many to count, but each a

memory for those who were there. It is said that people don’t remember what you said, but they remember

how you made them feel. Pastor Jim and Pastor Peter have made us feel loved and cared for and confident

that we are saved by God’s grace.

As Pastor Jim “proceeds on duties assigned” as the new Senior Pastor at Palmdale UMC, and Pastor

Peter “proceeds” to take the helm at Trinity UMC, all who have served in leadership roles alongside these

two men of faith hoist a signal on the yardarm: “Bravo Zulu,” gentlemen: Well Done. All of us wish you

and your families, in the tradition of our nearby sailors at Pearl Harbor, “Fair Winds and Following Seas.”

BRAVO ZULU (CONT.)

Submitted with admiration and respect by: Aiea UMC Administrative Council

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“When (Paul) had finished speaking, he knelt down with them all and prayed. There was much weeping among them all; they embraced Paul and kissed him,

grieving especially because of what he had said, that they would not see him again. Then they brought him to the ship.”

(Acts 20:36-38)

A few weeks ago I was at the 2015 Hawaii District Conference held at Kailua UMC. I had been asked to participate in the communion portion of the service, so was seated at the front of the sanctuary for the end of the service. The theme of the Conference is the same theme for this summer’s Annual Conference: Judgment, Justice, Joy. We held a service of repentance and reconciliation for ways our denomination has interacted with our Hawaiian brothers and sisters here in the islands.

At the end of the service, the congregation sang “Hawaii Aloha.” I wasn’t prepared for that. Oh, I knew it was coming. I knew it was in the order of service. I just didn’t know that my body would react so strongly to singing it (or at least attempting to sing it). I never actually made it through the song in its entirety.

The first memory I had took me back almost 30 years. I remembered having to learn (and then sing) it for my graduation at Waiakea High School on the Big Island. The index in my brain then brought up a number of occasions when I’d also sung it (saying “aloha” to graduates at Wesley Foundation, events during college, other district UMC aloha events in Hawaii, various church-related gatherings, etc.). Then it hit me: this may very well be the last time I ever sing Hawaii Aloha in Hawaii. Wow.

As you might imagine, a ton of emotions began to well up inside me… eventually spilling out through my tear ducts. I just stood there in the front row with my back to the entire congregation, weeping. Even after the service had ended, I just sat down with my head in my hands. It was a powerful realization that this major life and ministry transformation is really happening.

I’m reminded of the apostle Paul’s Mediterranean journeys. He helped launch numerous faith communities. He wrote to them, and even went back to visit with them from time to time. Then he felt led to take up a collection from the “newer churches” to help support the “mother church” back in Jerusalem. It was while he was on his way back to Jerusalem that he stopped in Miletus. He sent word to the leaders at Ephesus to come and meet with him (he must have known how hard it would have been to have actually stopped in Ephesus and seen the entire church community!).

What follows in chapter 20 is a wonderful “farewell address” to the Ephesian leaders. He shared his love for them, and spoke about both their past & their future. And then when it was all over, he knelt with them and prayed. That followed with tons of hugs, kisses & tears. They knew it would be their last time seeing him.

Now I’m not saying that this is the last time we’ll ever see each other. Jody and I still have a house on the Big Island and we plan on coming back from time to time to visit Grandma & Grandpa in Hilo. Undoubtedly we’ll make our way back to Aiea UMC (as we continue to find our way back to Hilo UMC &

Christ UMC, my other two previous appointments). But this is a big transition for us. Knowing that 45% of our congregation is military, there’s a good chance that some of you we may not ever see again.

But the truth is this: we are bound together by more than mere proximity. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We are THE CHURCH together. No matter where we each will be worshipping come the first Sunday in July, we are bound together by the ministry of Christ Jesus.

JUNE SERMON SCHEDULE

June 7– Pastor Joe Siofele

June 14– Pastor Jim White

June 21– Mikki Kang, Ministry Candidate

June 28th– Pastor Charlene Zuill CONTINUES PAGE 4

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We welcome Michelle Eugenio as our newest staff member! Michelle started performing the duties of Financial Clerk on May 12th. The Financial Clerk is responsible for assisting the Treasurer by receiving and reviewing invoices and approved requests for reimbursement, creating checks, preparing payroll checks, and ensuring that the proper budget and non-budget church accounts are charged for all transactions.

Michelle is highly qualified to perform these tasks with over 15 years’ experience in bookkeeping and financial duties and use of the bookkeeping software, QuickBooks, which Aiea UMC uses. Michelle works part time for us a few day per week. We’re very happy to have such a highly qualified person to perform these essential duties. If you see her, do introduce yourself.

PASTOR JIM’S MESSAGE (CONT.)

Submitted by: Doug Rinehart, Treasurer

I have zero concerns, apprehensions, or qualms about the future of Aiea UMC. I know that God has prepared the way for Pastor Tom Choi to come in and lead this amazing congregation into the next phase of life and ministry. I also know that God has called me to journey to Palmdale, CA to help shepherd that community of faith for their next phase. Though it all, we will remain brothers & sisters in faith!

Pastor Tom will be your new spiritual leader. Invite him into your hearts the way you’ve invited me and my family these past 15 years. Share your joys, your fears, and your hopes with him. Allow him to lead and guide you the way God is calling him to! You will be blessed, I know! In the meantime, for the next year, United Methodist polity requires that I refrain from pastoral contact with you. I will continue to love & pray for you. I’ll just need to do it from a distance. I’ll also have a new community that needs my love & attention. That’s where my focus will be. But rest assured, you will always remain in my heart!

Thank you for the honor to have served as one of your pastors these past 15 years. And for your willingness to be involved in ministry with me, as members together of Aiea United Methodist Church. I love you deeply.

WELCOME MICHELLE TO AIEA UMC!

SUNDAY

July 5th

9:00am

WELCOME PASTOR TOM!

CELEBRATION SOCIAL TO

FOLLOW WORSHIP

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JUNE

1– Kaleb Nunley

Betty Hashimoto

2– Apelu Tigilau

Olivia Lawrence

5– Dana Kuntz

Nats Chagami

6– Moira Iofi

7– Dixson Lauofo

8– Daniel Kikumoto

Ella Kikuta

10– Stephanie Mueller

13– Greg NacNac

14– Abdon Nabua

15– Kalena Yoshida

19– Patsy Sekigawa

20– Nathan Ogata

Malcom Kikuta

Miles Kikuta

Samanu Gaopoa

Lyric Gaopoa

21– Judy Lee

22– Denise Absalom

(Ringling)

Brister Thomas

Elijah Leaupepe

Vivian Rinehart

Saialala Gaopoa

23- Louise Clark

Shigeru Sakuma

Alberta Juan

Sumiko Manriki

25– Ricky Goodwin

Daniel NacNac

Lorrain Shimabukuro

- Scanlan

Willie Tiamalu

Kerry Yoshida

26– Brooklyn Minshall

27– Juchan Lee

Malae Gaopoa

28– Michael Okamoto

Gabriel Leaupepe

29– Will Barnes

Bob Durrett

John Sagapolutele

30– Abe Tigilau

Amy Chagami

Submitted by: Peter Lee MAHALO NUI AND ALOHA!

God has given me countless blessings during my 5-years of ministry at Aiea church. I still remember when I first arrived here. Pastor Jim and Jody were waiting outside the airport with beautiful leis to welcome my family. Jim brought us to Aiea church double classroom to meet some of the church members who were waiting for us. It was such a warm Aloha spirit welcome moment!

When I first came here, everything was very new to me like Hawaii and American culture, English ministry, House church ministry for non-Christians, etc.. The Aiea UMC church ohana patiently waited and supported me to grow in love and care of Aiea church. The church members and Life Communities ministry gave me wonderful memories. When I preached one Sunday, I shared that I had a very sad birthday party when I was 11 years old because none of my friends came to celebrate my birthday. Later, the congregation prepared a very big surprise 11th birthday party for me! There was even eleven candles on a birthday cake, all the kids games, and kids toys as gifts! My sad birthday memory was completely healed that day. Through my visits

with church members, I have learned a lot. They shared their love with me and showed how to love God and how to live as Christian. I have received much more love from Aiea church members than I gave them. With out the support from Aiea church members, it would be impossible to do the Life Communities ministry. Through this ministry, God has shown me how much He loves us and waits for us to come back to Him. God has allowed me to witness life changes in Christ.

My wife, Judy, and Juchan told me one day that they were having the happiest time now at Aiea church. I was so happy to hear that! God’s healing, grace, and blessings have been with us through our 5-years at Aiea church. Mahalo nui!

In God’s new plan and purpose, my family is moving to Trinity UMC to start a new journey. I will carry over what I learned from here and continue to serve His church, people, and community there as a humble servant. Aloha!

JUNE SCHEDULE

COMMITTEE MEETING DATES

6.2.15 FINANCE

6:30 PM

CHAIR: ARVIN TRIPPENSEE

6.7.15 MISSIONS

11:00 AM

CHAIR: STEFANY VEIGA

6.9.15 TRUSTEES

6:45 PM

CHAIR: RICK GOODWIN

6.16.15 SPRC

6:45 PM

CHAIR: BLAKE VANCE

LITURGISTS

8:00 GRACE OMURA

9:30 ROSIELLE DI FACUN

(6/7, 6/14)

FELY QUEMADO

(6/21, 6/28)

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BASKETBALL: The Basketball Passion Group will be meeting every Wednesday night in June. Contact Pastor Jim (whitehome@hawaiiantel.net) for more information.

GAMES FELLOWSHIP: Meets every Wednesday from 12:30-2:30 to

play cards and board games in the double classroom.

HOLO HOLO: Thursday, June 25th, this group will take a “Tour of

Windward UMC Churches” with stops at Kahaluu UMC, Parker

UMC, Kailua UMC, Keolumana UMC, and 1st Tongan UMC in

Waimanalo. Cost is $5/person to assist with gas expenses. Contact

Lois Takata (hilois@netzero.net) for more information.

HULA: Meets weekly on Monday mornings @ 9AM in the double

classroom to practice and learn the art of hula.

QUILTING: The Quilting Passion Group will be meeting Sat., 6/13 and 6/27 from 9am-noon in the Children’s Room. All are welcome to join!

AUMC

PASSION

GROUPS

It began with just a single job: Pastoral Assistant to Pastor Jim. Now, some four yeas later, Sarah Beebe has added the hats of Director of Christian Education and Church Secretary (note: the last position was simply filling in after Debra Bradshaw stepped down this past January).

I have been so grateful for the spirit in which Sarah has undertaken her job(s)! She’s always had a gracious, even-tempered, ministry-focused, hopeful temperament. She’s helped me handle some of the “little things” that pastors have to be aware of on a week-to-week basis, as well as given me opportunity to think more long-term and global in my ministry planning.

Sarah has been a key component of not only our Sunday School program, but also our Passion Groups and Messy Church, to name just a few areas her fingerprints are still evident. She’s always been willing to go the extra mile for the church, if at all possible. In short, she has been the epitome of what I could have wanted in a pastoral assistant (and any staff member, for that matter!).

Sarah, Joe, Adriana, Cora, and Harold Beebe will be transitioning back to the East Coast this June. Joe will be assuming an assignment in the greater Washington DC area. They’re building their new home over the summer. Sarah is continuing to work on her Master’s degree. In short, it’s another crazy season in the life of the Beebe family. But if anyone can handle the juggling demands that this kind of lifestyle requires, it’s Sarah.

Though you may see her and her family at worship in June, Sarah’s last official day of “work” at our church was May 31st. Please allow her to simply worship with her family like the rest of us, and any church-related issues or concerns that you used to bring to her attention can simply be shared with me or Pastor Peter (or leave a message on the office answering machine). I know you’ll join with me in sharing your love & aloha with Sarah for jobs well done!

BIDDING ALOHA TO SARAH

Submitted by: Pastor Jim White

Our Purpose: Knowing, Loving and Serving God

Our Journey: Building a life-changing community that follows Jesus through worship,

relationships, spiritual growth and service. 7

COMMUNITY OUTREACH THROUGH FOOD MINISTRY

Aiea UMC’s food ministry includes Missions Committee members and other

volunteers from among the congregation who provide an evening meal once a month

(2nd Thursday) to IHS (Institute for Human Services). This outreach to a local helping

agency has been ongoing for nearly 30 years from its onset year in 1987. A hamburger

patty (the main protein), greens and starch make up the main course with a dessert

donated by members of the congregation to round out the meal.

In April, due to a growing need, IHS requested two more boxes of hamburger

patties (a $50 additional cost) which means a total expenditure of $513 for the one

meal. The homeless agency serves three meals every day to people to help with their

nutritional needs.

Another food ministry is the packaging and distribution of canned foods and

other non-perishables in cooperation with volunteers from St. Elizabeth’s Parish and

Aiea UMC. The church has been a part of the Aiea community since 1926. Packing of

goods is on the 2nd Tuesday and distribution is on Friday of the same week. Sister

Ruth, coordinator, stated that 40-50 packages are picked up each week by people

coming by bus, riding on bikes or walking to the church site. It is a well-organized

operation with check-in procedures by Parish volunteers and bags organized to be given

according to the number of members in the household. Cold drinks and cookies

donated by Aiea UMC members are served to those waiting to pick up packages.

Food bag preparation of fruits, rice, boxed dry cereals and other snack items is

prepared and given to students at Aiea Elementary School, twice each month. This

outreach effort helps assure that children have access to food. A startling number

of Aiea Elementary students are in need as evident by over 85% of the students

qualifying for free/reduced meals program. The school has been an Aiea landmark since 1925.

JUNE 22nd-26th, 9am-noon

Ages: 3-11

Our VBS is FREE and OPEN to EVERYONE!

To register: www.cokesburyvbs.com/aiea

CHURCH STAFF

Bishop: Rev. Minerva Carcaño

District Superintendent:

Rev. Dr. Tom Choi

Senior Pastor: Rev. James A. White

Associate Pastor: Rev. Joseph Siofele

Associate Pastor: Rev. Peter Lee

Financial Clerk: Michelle Eugenio

Handbell Choir Director:

Karen Carlisle

Organist: Malia Poyer

Accompanist: Laura Shimabukuro

Submitted by: Kiyoko Oshiro

Join Us!