A Just Peace and Open & Affirming Congregation
1212 University Avenue, Honolulu, HI 96826
IN THIS ISSUE:
The UCC Ordination Process, p.1
Moderator’s Report, p.3
From the Pastor’s Desk, p. 4
Mission Team of Nurture:
Lee’s Snippets: Camp, Christian Ed,
Easter, HI2NYE, p. 5
Music Notes, p. 6
Joys and Concerns, p. 7
Mission Team of Service:
Family Promise Hosting, p. 2
Beacon of Hope, p. 8
Ministry of Serving Grid, p. 10
Mission of Peace, Justice & Stewardship
of Creation, p. 9
Book Reading: Richard Tillotson’s “What
You Will on Capital Hill”, p.8
2015 All Church Camp Pictures, p. 11
Church of the Crossroads
University Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96826
Phone: (808) 949-2220 Fax: (808) 943-6719
Email: [email protected]
website: churchofthecrossroadshawaii.org
CHURCH STAFF
Rev. Sharon Lee MacArthur,
Interim Minister
Angie Delight, Music Director
Lee Takagi, Church School Coordinator
Gloria Joyce Ganibi, Lay Associate for Administration
John Keys, Bookkeeper
Paul and Isaac Horiuchi, Custodians/Groundskeepers
Bill Petty, Light & Sound Ministry Coordinator
Elizabeth Wong Grossmann & Trina Pham
Childcare Providers
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
8:00 AM Early Meditation Service
9:00 AM Adult Education Hour
10:30 AM Worship Service &
Children’s Church School
Church Office Hours: M-F, 8:30AM – 4:30PM
Closed Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays
CHIMES
Church of the
Crossroads
United Church of Christ
__________________
March, 2015
THE UCC ORDINATION PROCESS
By Frances Wong
“Are you ordained yet? You have to . . .
what? But, I thought you graduated!” Many
people have asked me many variations of
these questions. This article will explain the
process to become ordained in our
denomination, the United Church of Christ.
The head of our denomination is Jesus Christ.
The basic “building blocks” of our
denomination are individual autonomous
churches. We are a non-hierarchical
denomination; we are not governed “top
down.” We are a covenantal denomination;
that is, we covenant with one another to be the
wider church together.
All of the churches in a particular geographic area form an
Association. In Hawaii, our major islands make up our different
Associations. The Associations in a certain geographic region form
Conferences. There are also national bodies and the General
Synod.
The Associations are responsible for the ordination process. The
UCC has a Manual on Ministry which governs the basic outline of the
process but there are many variations among the Conferences. The
Associations’ Church in Ministry Committees bear the brunt of the
work.
__________________
A Just Peace,
Integrity of Creation,
and Open & Affirming
Congregation
where
In the Hawaii Conference, the local church and the Association work
together to nurture the “Member in Discernment” through seminary
and through the ordination process. The Oahu Association and its
Church in Ministry Committee (chaired by the Rev. Anne FindlayChamberlain of Manoa Valley Church and staffed by the Rev. Diane
Weible) work very hard to help the applicant through the process.
They have been and remain extremely supportive of me since
declaring me a Member in Discernment (“MID”). They give that
support to all MIDs with so much heart and aloha. They appointed
Dr. Doric Little (member of Waialua Church) as my Association
advisor. Doric fulfilled her duties with spirit, panache, and really
good breakfasts at Café Kaila. At my request, both Clara Burrows
and Mary Reese have acted as my Crossroads’ MID committee.
Besides keeping me connected to Crossroads and being superb
mentors, they each took on special duties that facilitated my being in
(continued on page 2)
Page 1
CHIMES
March, 2015
Ordination Process (continued from page 1)
Berkeley. Clara took on the kupuna responsibility of keeping Elizabeth connected to
Crossroads and Mary regularly wrote me real letters on real paper and sent them using real
stamps.
So far—all of this is background information that you need to understand this outline:
1. I graduated from Pacific School of Religion.
2. The Church in Ministry Committee appointed an intrepid ordination paper committee
(chaired by the Rev. Timothy Weible of Kailua Christian Church with the Rev. David Rivers of
Central Union Church, and the Rev. Mary Paik of Nuuanu Congregational Church) to work
with me as I wrote my paper (just email me if you would like a copy: [email protected]),
which was submitted to the Church in Ministry Committee last December.
3. I met with that Committee earlier in January so they could discuss my paper and the
process. After deliberation, the Committee decided to recommend me (yea!) to the Board of
Directors of the Oahu Association and to request that the Board schedule an Ecclesiastical
Council.
4. An Ecclesiastical Council is formed by the Oahu churches. If approved by the Board,
this Council may take place this March or April at a church other than Crossroads. My paper
will be sent to each church along with notice of the Council. Members of the Council will
question me about my paper, my theology, and my fitness for ordained ministry. The Council
acts on behalf of the United Church of Christ. The delegates vote to decide whether or not to
authorize my ordination pending call (in secular laypersons’ language, a “call” is an offer of a
job). If I am authorized, the Oahu Association then continues to work with me on the call
process and, eventually, on the ordination itself.
You now understand why I decided to write this article. Now, in answer to the question
“when will you be ordained?’, I am simply handing out a copy of this article. If you have any
further questions, ask Pastor Sharon!
The Oʻahu Association of the United Church of Christ (Hawaii Conference) has called an
Ecclesiastical Council to examine Frances Wong’s fitness for Ordination. The Council meets on
Sunday, March 22, at 4:00 PM at the Waiokeola Congregational Church in Kahala (on Kilauea
Ave., opposite Macy’s).
FAMILY PROMISE:
Church of the Crossroads’ next hosting rotation is the week of March 29 – April 5, 2015.
That schedule falls on the Holy Week, and our guests will be with us from Palm Sunday
through Easter!
Look for the Family Promise Volunteer Sign-up board on Sundays in the lanai, and in Weaver
Hall during weekdays and choose your day and assignment. Remember – Many hands make
light work.
Page 2
CHIMES
March, 2015
Moderator’s Report
Ted Demura-Devore
As with every month at Crossroads, there was a good deal happening in February, including the
annual church camp, which I heard went well. The death of my father at the beginning of February,
however, took me away, both physically and mentally, so I missed most of it. I would like to thank
everyone who helped cover our kokua team duties and the church council meeting. Mimi, the boys,
and I would also like to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, hugs, and thoughtful words. We greatly
appreciate the support.
Mimi, the boys, and I went to Portland, Oregon to be with my mother and family, and the trip was filled
with stories that brought both tears and laughter. During my father's service, too, when there was a
time where anyone could share their thoughts, Tai was one of the first to speak and he told several
funny anecdotes, including one about what a good tickler grandpa was. My brother-in-law, who is a
minister and who conducted the service, also told a humorous story of my dad's penchant for driving
aggressively. Members of the church added more serious stories about how my dad contributed to
the church through his serving on committees, primarily their equivalent of the finance committee. He
was an accountant turned banker, after all.
Throughout his adult life, my dad loved to garden, and my brother-in-law designed the service around
the story of Mary Magdalene going to the tomb to look for Jesus, and mistaking Jesus for the gardener
(John 20: 11-18). Most of the stories sounded very true to how I experienced my dad, but one of the
stories the church's pastor brought up and was repeated later by a member of the church surprised
me. It regarded my dad's relentless push to encourage the church to give 10% of its budget to mission
giving. Apparently it had been a much smaller percentage, but over time, my dad was able to
convince people and the church increased its giving to 10%. After my dad withdrew from his church
activities, though, it seems the percentage slipped, because the pastor was remembering my dad's
push fondly. In this instance, my dad was being the gardener at church, tilling the soil and nurturing
the growth of generosity.
This story stuck out to me for a couple of reasons. First, the number of 10% pointed to a level of my
dad's quiet faith that I hadn't seen and it suggested that for him, the idea (principle) of tithing should
apply to churches as well as people. I don't know if that is accurate, but it seems pretty coincidental
given that my dad never left things to chance when it came to money. Second, this story was a seed
that fell on "rich" soil, for in the past year questions about the church's giving have arisen here and
there in my conversations. While I am not suggesting that Crossroads give 10% of its budget to
mission giving, I am curious about what that would mean for/require of us. I wonder if there has been
a particular rationale, other than the necessity of the amount pledged, that guides the amount of our
giving at Crossroads. Some of the main questions regarding giving that I have heard raised include,
how do we determine who we give money to and how much? Should we give smaller amounts to a
larger number of organizations, or should we give more substantial amounts to a smaller number of
organizations? There are surely more questions to ask, but because these questions were fresh in my
mind, particularly since we had just accepted our budget for the year, the stories of my dad's pushing
struck me differently.
Each of us, I think, wants to live intentionally, both as individuals and as a church. Creating time and
space to have conversations around our giving would be one way to nurture this goal.
In Peace, Ted
Demura-Devore
Page 3
CHIMES
March, 2015
from the Pastor’s Desk
Dear Ones,
My return to Crossroads February 1 after a month away was greeted by
- the sight (and smell) of a brand, new roof atop the sanctuary and parts of Ross
Davis,
- the chaos of Scudder Hall in the midst of being renovated,
the excitement of a new (full!) slate of officers for Crossroads, and more.
I was unprepared for the deep, rich connections to history, tradition and stories of yesteryear in the celebration
of the new! As I marveled at the goings-on at Crossroads with you, invariably stories and memories surfaced
about “the time when…” Who would have suspected that whatever is new before us not only celebrates the
now and ushers in the future, but honors and remembers the past! It reminded me of something I wrote 4-1/2
year ago with the birth of my first grandson…
I often talk about how glimpses of God's love and presence can be found in surprising and unexpected ways
and places. The most recent occurrence happened with the birth of my third grandchild, my first grandson-Aidan Li-Wingchiang (
) MacArthur, born on July 6th, weighing in at 8 lbs, 5 oz and measuring 21¼
inches. (Dad is son Ryan “Popi” and mom is daughter-in-law Amy).
I have been basking in the joys and blessings of grandparenthood for over 8 years thanks to granddaughters, 8
year-old Ikaika and 15½ month-old Leilee. I thought I had learned all there was to learn from being a
grandparent. But I should have known better--God is full of surprises!
I thought that because Aidan and his parents live on the East coast, I would have to wait to bond with him when
Nowell and I go to visit the family in August. Excited to see photos of the newest member of the family, I went
to a link to a slideshow of photos taken of Aidan and his parents while they were still in the hospital. The
photographer in capturing Aidan in a variety of expressions during sleeping and waking moments also captured
close to a 100 years of Lee Family stories and memories--definite evidence of God’s steadfast love!
In the eyes of the awake and alert Aidan I recognized the intense eyes of my paternal grandfather focused on
studying the world as an immigrant in the 1920's or carefully poring over his prized scholarly writings he pulled
from his trunk under the window in his bedroom. In the gentleness of the loving gaze between Aidan and mom
Amy, I am reminded of the patience of my own father. I remember dumping a bowl of jook (rice porridge) on my
father’s head when I was a toddler; but I don’t remember him yelling at me or scolding me or doing anything to
scare me. I think he just got up to clean his head and hair. The image of Aidan with his outstretched arms only
moments old exudes a strength that reminds me of the incredible strength and determination my mother must
have had to raise a family as a non-English speaking, single parent in Stockton, California--my father passed
away when I was 7.
In the wide-eyed curious Aidan, I see myself also wide-eyed and curious throughout my growing up years,
trying to take in and adapt to the two cultures I was straddling. I was in a constant state of surprise--nothing
was ever what I expected.
I didn't expect to see so many generations of my Lee family in one tiny being! I'm sure there are as many
generations of the MacArthur (my husband’s), Roy and Taylor (Aidan’s maternal grandparents’) families as well!
Amazing bonding with Aidan happened with one tiny trip to a photo gallery in cyberspace! Can you imagine the
depth of bonding that can happen when I can hold him in my arms?!?!
God's steadfast love is before my eyes each day (in amazing and surprising ways) and I walk in faithfulness.
(Psalm 26:3)
May the steadfast love of the God of yesterday, today and tomorrow reveal itself in your life and being wherever
you look, individually or collectively as God’s Church of the Crossroads!
Love & Blessings,
Pastor Sharon
Page 4
CHIMES
March, 2015
Mission Team of Nurture
Snippets from Lee Takagi
CAMP
[Camp pictures on page 11]
Every year I worry that we should reconsider whether to hold our annual church camp in
February at Camp Mokuleia. It’s too expensive, especially for a family of 4 or 5. It’s during
winter, which means a good chance of rain, and boy did it blow and storm Fri. night! Yet when
I drive away on Sunday I am always glowing and happy for the experience of our church
community having fun in relationship and relaxing together. At least 19 children and youth
attended, as well as 60 plus adults, from ages 3 to 97! Were you there? We hope you had
many chances to get to know folks of all ages better.
Six teams were “pre-arranged” this year so that those arriving on Saturday could easily join
their team. Friday night we became Team Onederful, Odd Birds, Sweet Okole, Happy
Campers, Peaceful Ninjas, & Beach Gliders, creating a team cheer (or song) to present. We
played an Adverb game where a guessing team asked another team to do an action showing
this adverb (e.g. swimming DREAMILY) Sat. AM Sharon directed teams to brainstorm ways
we harm the earth (our BIG footprints). We then worked on smaller footprints – how to step
lightly and help the earth. We created a prayer for the earth and its people in a large Valentine,
tying together our camp themes of love and environmental awareness. Teams shared these
in our worship service on Sun. AM. We also took communion dipping breadfruit or coconut in
coconut water (thanks Chuck B!).
Other highlights include our confirmands and their mentors meeting with Pastor Sharon over
Sat. lunch. Team skits on Sat. night incorporated half dozen random items (toy dinosaurs,
scarves, rainbow streamers, etc.). What a great flower store with its menagerie of cats! We
had characters from fairy tales, and old classmates reuniting after many years. Campfire
included MORE songs in the fun songbook developed by Megan, Ben and Lisa, who also
planned much of our time together. THANK YOU!
Sigrid S., Cathy Sox (head honchos on registration and prep of our two meals) and I would
welcome your feedback. We plan to develop a short questionnaire on whether camp is
important to continue or if we should find other ways to get together. Whether you went or not,
your input is important. Camp ended in the red, so if you are inspired to give a contribution to
put us into the black, it would be appreciated.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION – We need YOU to step forward! We are starting the spring
quarter a teacher short and one aide short in March and TWO of each short in April & May.
Help! We’ve lost several teachers who had agreed to teach. Please contact Lee Takagi if you
will aide or teach any of these months. Mahalo nui.
EASTER EGG HUNT – WE would like to fill the DOZENS of plastic eggs with NON-CANDY
items, like stickers. If you have something to donate, please give to Lee Takagi.
(Yes, we will take SOME wrapped candy items.)
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CHIMES
March, 2015
MEN IN APRONS THRILL OUR HEARTS
For many women in our congregation, one of
the most wonderful things about Easter morning
is having our Crossroads’ MEN cook and serve
a delicious breakfast. As Easter is just a month
away (April 5) please sign up, either for the
FRONT (preparing the tables, serving, clearing
away dishes) or in the BACK (shopping for and
preparing the meal). THANK YOU in
ADVANCE for your wonderful hospitality.
A month after Easter, our Second Sunday
Lunch falls again on Mother’s Day. To give our
VERY hard-working Cathy Sox a break on that day, the men have prepared LUNCH for the
past two years. Are any men inspired to lead this undertaking on May 10th?
NATIONAL YOUTH EVENT (Check out HI2NYE.org!)
This exciting event is held every four years. Ten Crossroads youth have been encouraged to
attend this event July 26-29, 2016 in Orlando, FL. So far, one plans to attend. The Oahu
Association’s goal is to raise $50,000 to send 50 youth from Hawaii to this event, subsidizing
each youth with $1,000, about half the cost. During March, they will be selling $10.00 Chicken
or Steak plates which they will help prepare at Pearl City Community Church, then deliver to
Crossroads after worship on Apr.12.
♫ MUSIC NOTES ♫
Mahalo to all who donated towards our Choir Scholarship program, and all those who gave
their time, talent, food, and flowers to our "A Gift of Love" Concert.
We have much to look forward to:
Palm Sunday the keiki and adult choirs
combine,
Easter Sunrise service outside with
beautiful music,
Easter Service with a Brass Quartet.
And more!
In deep appreciation,
Angie Delight
Music Director
From the 2012 A Gift of Love Concert.
Photos from the 2015 AGL Concert will be in the April, 2015 issue of
the CHIMES.
Page 6
CHIMES
March, 2015
Joys and Concerns
Compiled by Mark Wilson
We’re saddened to learn of several recent deaths in Crossroads families. Ted DemuraDevore’s father died unexpectedly in early February, and Ted and Mimi and their boys spent
several weeks in Portland, Oregon, for his service and to help Ted’s mother deal with the loss.
On February 23 Noelle Sutherland’s mother, Audrey Sutherland, well known author of
Paddling My Own Canoe and other books, died at the age of 93. A celebration of her life is
being planned tentatively for sometime this May.
Our prayers are with Dick and Diane Neill and their family as Dick has returned from the
hospital and entered hospice care at home.
We also keep in prayer Tom Maertens and Becca Kesler as Tom deals with the sudden loss
of vision in one eye. His prognosis is uncertain, though the hope is that his vision may be
restored over time.
Yet another Crossroads author has published a recent book. Congratulations to Richard
Tillotson, whose new novel, What You Will on Capitol Hill, came out in early February and
has already received glowing reviews. One reviewer notes that Richard’s “commentary on the
performative aspects of politics, media and even personal relationships is as astute as it is
timely” and concludes that he has written “a witty and energetic novel in which the personal is
the political.” Another observes: “In What You Will on Capitol Hill, what you get is a thoughtful,
witty, and exquisitely entertaining comedy of manners that’s exactly as you like it.” The novel is
available in print and Kindle editions on Amazon.
Congratulations are also in order for Lisa Chuang and Ben Fairfield, Crossroads celebrities
after their big-time win on “Wheel of Fortune.” The win itself is not that recent, since the show
that aired on February 12 was actually taped on the Big Island last fall; but Ben and Lisa,
sworn to secrecy, had for months been sitting on the news that they won a trip to China plus a
jackpot of money as the top contenders in their show. Those who attended church camp were
treated to a performance of the clever song they wrote and sang for the audition tape that got
them chosen to appear on the show.
We also congratulate Sam and Noah, both members of the Punahou swimming and diving
team that on February 21 won the boys team state title in the OC16/HHSAA Hawaii State
Swimming and Diving Championships. Punahou seniors Sam and Noah, along with Malia,
also appeared in the Class of 2015 Variety Show at the recent Punahou Carnival.
On February 22 it was a joy to welcome in worship our former co-interim pastor Ruth
Sandberg and daughter Vicki Ayala on their first visit back to Hawaii since the loss of Ruth’s
husband Dave last September.
Page 7
CHIMES
March, 2015
Mission Team of Service
BEACON OF HOPE HOUSE
By Mark Wilson
In an adult ed session last year many of us were moved by a presentation by Samuel Cox and
Babs Ripple on Beacon of Hope House, a transition house for women rebuilding their lives after
serving time in prison. Beacon of Hope is situated in a house donated by founder Samuel when
he and his bride Babs moved into Pohai Nani. Especially moving was the personal story shared
by Daphne Ho’okano, who told of her own struggles with addiction and incarceration and of the
healing process that has enabled her now to serve as Beacon of Hope Program Director.
Currently there are five gainfully employed women living in the house, each contributing $400$450 per month for their share of the operational cost; and this plus individual donations cover
all but about $10,000 of the annual budget. A recent letter to Church of the Crossroads from
Samuel invites us to become one of 8 to10 Partner Churches who will join in this ministry with
financial support of about $1,000 per year.
Our financial situation called for tight budgeting this year, and the 2015 Crossroads budget
does not include support for Beacon of Hope House. Even so, a number of Crossroaders
might like to share in this worthwhile ministry begun by our own Samuel and Babs. If 10 or 12
of us could each commit to an annual contribution of $50 to $100 or more, given to Church of
the Crossroads and designated for Beacon of Hope, we could pool these contributions to
become one of the Partner Churches. If you would like to join in supporting Beacon of Hope
House in this way, please notify Mark Wilson by phone (955-1882) or email
([email protected]).
What You Will On Capitol Hill
Richard Tillotson, Author
“A witty and energetic novel which the personal is the political” – Kirkus Reviews
_______________________________________________________
Author Reading
Weaver Hall, Church of the Crossroads
March 21, 7:00PM
Book-signing to follow
Richard Tillotson’s first novel, Acts of God While on Vacation, was a
National Semi-Finalist for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award and
was named best Hawaii fiction book of the year by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.
Page 8
CHIMES
March, 2015
Peace, Justice and
Stewardship of Creation
CHIMES – CHURCH OF THE CROSSROADS – January 2015 ARTICLE
Aloha kakou,
At the recommendation of Annette McClendon, to
put in a gravel pathway between the parking lot and
Early School because of flooding from heavy rains
and with the initial pathway plan by Janet Gilmar
and approved by the PUM, I would like to thank the
following volunteers: David Hagino, John
Kawamoto, Steve Montgomery, Steve Okamura
and Danny Pollard, for a job well done on February
20 and 21. . We were able to use some of the old
cement blocks that the Early School children made
years ago and place them among the new
purchased concrete stepping blocks.
Although the Property-Use-Maintenance (PUM) will
The completed walking pathway.
cover the cost of purchasing the materials used in
.
the construction of the pathway, monetary donations would be appreciated from church
members. A recommendation to continue the pathway construction to the Bingham St.
sidewalk is being considered for a late summer or fall project.
Mahalo,
Chuck Burrows
MEMBER, Peace, Justice & Stewardship of Creation (PJSC) mission team
and Crossroads Greening Congregation coordinator.
Volunteers David Hagino and Steve Okamura pour the
gravel.
Danny Pollard and David set the stepping blocks.
.
Page 9
CHIMES
March, 2015
MARCH,
2015
MINISTRY OF SERVING
DATE:
LITURGICAL
DAY
LECTIONARY
READINGS
(UCC)
THEME
March 1
Second Sunday
in Lent
March 15
March 22
March 29
Third Sunday
in Lent
Fourth Sunday
in Lent
Fifth Sunday in
Lent
Palm/Passion
Sunday
Gen 17:1-7, 1516; Ps 22:23-31;
Rom 4:13-25;
Mark 8:31-37 or
Mark 9:2-9
Ex 20:1-17; Ps
19; 1 Cor 1:1825; John 2:13-22
Always Close
Beautiful Law
PREACHER
Rev. Sharon Lee
MacArthur
LITURGIST
Jim Howell
KOKUA
TEAM
March 8
February Team:
Convener –
Ehito Kimura
Num 21:4-9; Ps
107:1-3, 17-22;
Eph 2:1-10; John
3:14-21
No Matter
What
Rev. Sharon
Rev. Sharon Lee
Lee MacArthur MacArthur
Aya Kimura
Mike Salling
Liturgy of the
Palms:
Mark 11:1-11 or
John 12:12-16
Ps 118:1-2, 1929
Liturgy of the
Passion:
Isa 50:4-9a; Ps
31:9-16; Phil
2:5-11; Mark
14:1—15:47 or
Mark 15:1-39
(40-47)
Jer 31:31-34; Ps
51:1-12 or Ps
119:9-16; Heb
5:5-10; John
12:20-33
Deep in Our
Hearts
Into Jerusalem
Rev. Sharon Lee
MacArthur
Rev. Sharon
Lee MacArthur
Libby-Ryan Kern
Joanne Cooper
March Kokua Team:
Sharon Moriwaki/Galen Fox, conveners
Members: Emily Viglielmo, Jeanette Koijane, Chuck McKeon,
Maureen Bates, Garrett Apuzen-Ito
UPCOMING EVENTS
Lenten Series: March 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31; 5:30PM
Book Reading: Richard Tillotson, March 21, 7PM in Weaver Hall
Ecclesiastical Council for Frances Wong: Sunday, March 22, 4:00PM,
at Waiokeola Congregational Church
Page 10
CHIMES
March, 2015
2015 All Church Camp……..
Photos from
Elaine Lemons’ Flicker
Collection.
To view more, visit:
https://flic.kr/s/aHsk7YiFUW
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CHIMES
March, 2015
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