STAY FAITHFUL, STAY CONNECTED,
STAY COMMUNITY!
MODERATOR’S MESSAGE
by Paul Murakami
I continue to pray and hope
that All continue to be Safe and Well.
The General Council Meeting
on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at 9:00 a.m. was well attended on Zoom and covered a lot of
issues. I would like to thank all of you
who took the time to attend, and for your investment in and contributions to the
administrative life of CCH. I would also
thank Pastor Holly who was able to participate all the way from
Massachusetts.
One of the topics of extreme
interest was reopening of the campus, but given the current national and state
situation, it was noted that CCH is not yet ready to reopen. Pastor Holly’s virtual presence is going very
well, and while we would all like to be together in the Sanctuary, it is wiser to
wait and use caution for a while longer.
The next Council meeting will
be in August, and if you would like to attend remotely as well, please contact Gwen Murakami at CCHEnvisioning3@gmail.com so that she can send you the Zoom invitation. The Invitation is open, and it is hoped that
you can make time to attend. And of
course, Wednesday and Sunday Bible Study and Facebook and Zoom are still
happening, so please join in.
We also had two very exciting
drive-by Celebrations at CCH this past weekend which gave some of our members a
brief, but heartfelt moment to see at least a few of our fellow Congregation
members.
First, there was a Farewell
Drive-by on Saturday for the Hayashi Family who are about to relocate to
Virginia in anticipation of Phoebe’s and Jared’s continuing education. The second Drive-by was a Celebration of my
official retirement from the Judiciary, although I will be continuing on a
part-time basis. I would like to thank
all of you who took time out on a Sunday morning to come by, I was humbled by
your responses, generosity, best wishes and love. But most of all, it was fun to see everyone
again, albeit for just a few precious moments.
I continue to hope for, and work for the time that we can all be back in
the Sanctuary again.
I continue to believe that
2020 will be a year of Profound Positive Change for CCH. I once again thank you all for your Faith and
Patience, secure in the knowledge that we will together continue to do God’s Work, with His Help and His Guidance as the
Community Church of Honolulu.
Blessings and Aloha,
Paul
CCH IPT WEDNESDAY
(INTENTIONAL PRAYER TIME)
by
Kathy Young
Two
wonderful "drive-by" opportunities--where CCH's 'ohana shared God's
love--happened this weekend.
On
Saturday, our young families & youth honked horns, displayed signs, and bid
a fond "Aloha and Godspeed" to Ty, Dawn, Phoebe, and Jared
Hayashi. They leave for Virginia in two weeks.
On Sunday, members honked horns, displayed signs, and waved congratulations to our esteemed Moderator and newly-retired Family Court Judge, the Honorable Paul Murakami. Each car received the Murakami family's generous Mahalo lunches of smoked pork & vegetables, rice, baked beans, and cookies.
On both occasions, every participant said it was sooooo good to see some of our beloved members! Even when masked and socially distanced, each person was blessed and felt that God was there!!
On Sunday, members honked horns, displayed signs, and waved congratulations to our esteemed Moderator and newly-retired Family Court Judge, the Honorable Paul Murakami. Each car received the Murakami family's generous Mahalo lunches of smoked pork & vegetables, rice, baked beans, and cookies.
On both occasions, every participant said it was sooooo good to see some of our beloved members! Even when masked and socially distanced, each person was blessed and felt that God was there!!
Oh
Lord, we pray:
- for our community,
nation, and the world as we struggle to cope with new surges and clusters
of Coronavirus infections. Help us and our loved ones be cautious,
careful, and safe, oh God.
- that you grant
special care and protection for our CCH kupuna. Surround them with our
prayers and your love.
- prayers of support
for Pastor Holly as she leaves Swansea.
- to support and thank
Pastor Holly, Pastor Frances, Ardis, Glenn, Nate, Hari, our leaders &
Council, and those who labor for the good of Community Church. Their
selfless devotion and hard work have kept CCH close, loving, and
connected; some have improved our beloved campus!
- about Community
Church, during this seemingly endless pandemic, and as we
begin working with Reverend Norwick on CCH's future, its Envisioning
III process, and for our community.
- that you protect,
guide, and bless the Hayashis as they leave our islands. Our
prayers go with them.
- for our president and
semi-retired Honorable Paul Murakami, as he continues to serve during the
current hiring freeze. Grant him good health, much happiness, new
inspirations, and increased respite in the weeks to come.
- prayers of support
and love for those who are sick, have lost loved ones, are recovering from
surgery, facing difficult transitions, feel alone or anxious, or in need
of our prayers.
GODSPEED AND ALOHA OE TO
THE HAYASHI FAMILY
TY, DAWN, PHOEBE, JARED
by Pastor Frances
The Hayashis will be leaving
in mid-July for Virginia to begin a new chapter in their family life—new
schools, new jobs, new house, and new ways to share the Gospel but continuing
their faithful journey on Jesus’ path.
CCH will sorely miss this
family, their friendship, and their service to the church. As Christian Education Director, I will miss
Phoebe and Jared so much. I had the
honor of taking Phoebe and Amy Taba through their confirmation class. That experience was so joyful and I learned
so much from these two poised young women. Phoebe's quiet nature belies her keen sense of observation and critique, certainly traits that will stand her in good stead in her post-high school education. Jared’s wit and wisdom startled me at times, popping up often and unexpectedly. Both Phoebe and Jared were very helpful in
the myriad tasks that I had as Christian Education Director. I came to rely on them from Sunday to Sunday;
their cheerful, kind, and competent support always brightened my day (and helped me get things done). And, last but not least, their artistic interests will add beauty to the world.
On Saturday, June 27th,
the Church School families had an aloha drive by celebration at the CCH parking
turnaround. Shouts of blessings, gifts
hung on long poles, lei given to them to give to each other, virtual hugs
abounded—we had a wonderful time. Not
only did we give the Hayashis a great Aloha Oe, but we also had the chance to
see each other. It was such a TREAT for
everyone who took part. We couldn’t open
up this event to the whole church even though I knew more people would have
wanted to come by. However, the Hayashis are
winding up their sorting and packing so they could only give us a short window
of time to celebrate. Also, with the virus still very
much a threat, we had to do everything we could do to keep them safe.
Enjoy these photos!
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| Auntie Liz, Phoebe's confirmation mentor, and her lovely Aloha signs. Uncle Mike (read his shirt!) and Auntie Kathy ready to do what needs to be done. |
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| The Hayashis' Farewell Signs to CCH |
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| Lauren, Kevin, Maria, Jiakai |
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| Lori |
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| Paul |
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| Kadin, Kami, Kelton |
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| Bobbi and Justin |
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| Sean, Megan, Kristin |
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| Eve and Donnell |
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| Kathy and Rosita fishing |
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| Adam, Aidan, Amy |
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| Marti and David |
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| Art |
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| Erin and Michelle |
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| Annie and Martha |
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| Nana Kathy admirably controlling herself from hugging Cassera |
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| Sabrina, Christi, Jamie |
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| Sabrina, aka Beanie, and Cassera, aka quack quack |
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| Mia and Preston |
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| Kathy and Vernon |
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| Worker Bees: Mike, Liz, Kathy, Gwen |
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| already missing this wonderful family! |
Editor’s note: you can hard copy these pages by highlighting
what you want (including photos), click "copy", and then paste in
something like a Word document. You can then save and/or print it. You can also download the photos.
JUDGE PAUL MURAKAMI
RETIREMENT CELEBRATION
GOD BLESS YOUR “NEXT
CHAPTER” AND
YOUR CONTINUING MINISTRY
by Pastor Frances
My judicial colleague has
retired from his full-time family court gig!
Although he will still assist the family court with their cases and has
been chosen by the Chief Justice to head a Judiciary committee working on the
next IT iteration of the Judiciary’s database systems, his retirement is still
a “red letter” event that had to be celebrated.
As Moderator and the shave ice wizard (including creating his own
flavors), Paul’s dedicated and hard-working service to CCH is greatly appreciated
and should also be celebrated.
On Sunday, June 28th,
CCH had a retirement aloha celebration at the CCH parking turnaround. Once again, shouts of blessings and virtual
hugs abounded and we had a wonderful time.
The celebration was gilded by a lunch provided by Paul and Gwen for
everyone who drove through. Lunch
included shredded pork smoked by Ryan and a scrumptious medley of grilled
veggies. Francis (#1) and Joe Lee had to
come in early after a long night to prepare the rice. Kathy Young dazzled (again) with her large
cookies. Paul also gave everyone an
adorable homemade goodie bag as a “thank you.”
For a second day in a row, we
had the chance to see each other. And,
for a second day in a row, it was such a TREAT for everyone who took part, even
with everyone staying in their cars! I
know that we are ALL counting the days until we can safely worship
together. Meanwhile, let’s keep
celebrating all the blessings afforded to us by our loving God.
Enjoy these photos! (Sorry, these photos are not complete; I missed some cars while I was away from the turnaround doing other things.)
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| Courtesy of Grill Master Ryan |
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| Courtesy of Pit Master Ryan |
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| Emily, Rosita, Kathy Y. |
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| A man's place is in the kitchen cleaning up! Arnold, Mike, Ryan |
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| The calm before the storm. Mike, Kathy, Gwen, Paul, Joe |
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| The always calm no matter what the storm. Ryan and Francis (#1) |
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| Mona and Patrick |
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| Ku'ulei and Ani |
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| Covid Etiquette: Lei without a kiss from Rosita |
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| Micah, Bobbi, Justin and their "Honeydew list" gift for, mostly, Gwen |
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| Besides the kitchen, a man's place is on his knees reading his Honey-do list. |
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| Bobbi's clever honeydew gift and Paul's thank you favors. |
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| Eve and Donnell |
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| Margaret |
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| Sharon |
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| Sharlene and Ron |
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| Arlene |
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| Kami and Kelton |
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| Kian and Kadin |
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| Annie and Martha |
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| Peter and Liz |
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| Marti and David |
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| Raelene and Woody |
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| Sheena and Wayson |
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| Brent and Kristin |
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| Mia and Preston |
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| Ghon, Ian, Rosita |
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| We ❤️Art, too! |
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| Francis (#1) and Lori |
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| Oops! Francis didn't cross the road fast enough for his wife! (note: this is a joke--no worries) |
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| Men will be . . . umm, boys, and ignoring physical distancing rules. |
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| Kellie and Arnold |
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| Bear, Rachel, Paul, Gwen, Emily |
ALL LIVES MATTER WHEN
BLACK LIVES MATTER
. . . and Red lives, Yellow lives, Brown lives
matter. We are so spoiled here in Hawaii
that we can become complacent about our own privilege. We cannot forget our own ethnic histories in
this country. The Chinese is the only
ethnic group that has ever been singled out and prohibited from in migration by the
US (after we built more than half of the transcontinental railroad, of
course). And don't forget how easily we were blamed for this pandemic and the violence that resulted. The Japanese was the only group
forced into American concentration camps despite the US also being at war with
Germany and Italy. Our neighbors to the
south are hunted and “detained” and systematically separated from their
children while Melania’s parents are granted US citizenship through
their daughter’s marriage and "chain migration" a couple of years ago. The First
Peoples continue to be the hardest hit by poverty and, now, by this
pandemic. As Christians, let’s be clear
that Black Lives Matter is not a political slogan. These related justice issues are not left,
right, liberal, conservative. These are
issues of justice for all followers of Christ.
~~Pastor Frances
YOUR NAME
Henry Particelli, a veteran
sergeant with MNPD [Nashville], wrote and performed the ballad Your Name, which he believes represents the
feelings of his law enforcement colleagues as well as families throughout
America.
“I’m sure you never wanted
this kind of fame / I’m so sorry that’s how we know your name.”
Editor’s note on watching
videos: Click once on the arrow in the middle of the screen. If another arrow pops up, click that
arrow. Click on the broken square on the
bottom right side of the screen for a larger picture. Get rid of pop up ads by carefully clicking
on the “x” on the upper right side of the ad.
JUNE IS PRIDE MONTH
What Does Pride Mean to You?
OK. Although this video does not include vulgar language or harrowing pictures, this may make you uncomfortable. "Over the top" personal appearance may make you uncomfortable. The word "queer" may make you uncomfortable but it has been re-appropriated and embraced by the queer community and, in fact, has become a legitimate academic genre in philosophy as well as religious studies. Expose yourself to these our queer brothers and sisters and celebrate with them.
~~Pastor Frances
~~Pastor Frances
JUNE IS ALSO BLACK MUSIC MONTH
Excerpts and descriptions of
videos from “As Americans Rise Up in Defense of Black Lives, Black Protest
Anthems Resonate More Than Ever” by Carolyn Copeland, updated June 26, 2020.
https://www.ourprism.org/1955675 (accessed June 28, 2020).
“In
addition to lifting up protest anthems, Black Music Month is a time to
appreciate the full spectrum of Black music in America. It began when President
Jimmy Carter decreed the celebration in 1979 for an event, but Black musicians
and institutions celebrated it every June from then on. . . . The African American Music Bill . . . was
then signed by President Bill Clinton in 2000 to celebrate and acknowledge the
impact of Black music on American culture.
For
centuries, including during these current times of heightened racial justice
awareness, Black music has been both a catalyst for social change and a
representation of Black joy and resiliency.
The
history of Black music can be traced all the way back to the transatlantic
slave trade, when song was used to bring solace to those in bondage and help
pass the time. The end of the Civil War brought the blues, a genre that was
used by Black musicians to express heartache and adversity. The blues are considered
the ‘building block’ that brought in rock ‘n’ roll, rhythm and blues, jazz, and
country music.”
Knowing a people’s music
allows us to know the people better.
I’ve included a sample of old and new music for you to become acquainted
with. Since Mr. Floyd’s murder, there
have been many powerful music videos that I have wanted to include but have not included solely based on
some language that many of you may consider vulgar or offensive and images
(lynchings and other violence against Black people) that are disturbing. The reality is that, at times, the language
is necessary to the expression of a deep emotion and, tragically, the images
may be jarring to us but they are all too commonplace for our Black brothers
and sisters. In this issue, however, I
am including two iconic songs by Billie Holiday and Nina Simone. I’ll put a “parental advisory” note on them. Thank you for your understanding that we should not and dare not sanitize this country's history.
~~Pastor Frances
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DGY9HvChXk
BILLIE HOLIDAY’S 1939 STRANGE
FRUIT, performed live in 1959.
Parental Guidance Alert
(the lyrics create disturbing images).
This is a song about
lynchings.
“Southern trees bear strange
fruit
Blood on the leaves and blood
at the root”
NINA SIMONE 1964
STRONG Parental
Guidance Alert (vulgar language and disturbing images of lynchings and immolations--you could just close your eyes and listen to the song and the singer and the deep pain--just don't deny the history and the current reality).
“Me
and my people just about due
I've
been there so I know
They
keep on saying 'Go slow!'
But
that's just the trouble
'Do
it slow'
Washing
the windows
'Do
it slow'
Picking
the cotton
'Do
it slow'
You're
just plain rotten
'Do
it slow'
You're
too damn lazy
'Do
it slow'
The
thinking's crazy
'Do
it slow'
Where
am I going
What
am I doing
I
don't know
I
don't know
Just
try to do your very best
Stand
up be counted with all the rest”
Editor's note: Several of the comments to
this video were heartbreaking. Here are
two examples.
(1) “Listening today May 2020
as a black American woman. I'm tired.”
(2) “And it's very hard to
explain to those who've never experienced it, too. It's a soul-deep, bone-deep,
multi-generational burden of exhaustion and stress. It's been passed down to
us, and having to ‘go slow’ has only made it grow over time.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOXmaSCt4ZE
CURTIS MAYFIELD & THE
IMPRESSIONS - PEOPLE GET READY (1965)
“So
people get ready, there's a train a comin'
You
don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All
you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't
need no ticket, you just thank the Lord”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ZPusIeehQo
WAKE UP EVERYBODY - BRANDY, MARY J. BLIGE, MISSY ELLIOTT, WYCLEF JEAN,
ASHANTI (OFFICIAL VIDEO) (2004).
Editor’s note: This is a
2004 song and, just like the earlier songs (above) from the 60’s, the lyrics remain
relevant and just as urgent in 2020. If you didn't know the age of the song, you would think it was written for this moment in 2020. So, how far have we come, really?
And now, 3 songs from 2020
that shows the breadth of Black music—country, R&B, gospel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jHmORw9QaQ
MICKEY GUYTON - BLACK LIKE ME
(LYRICS)
“It’s a hard life on easy
street
Just white painted picket
fences far as you can see
If you think we live in the
land of the free
You should try to be black
like me”
- Mickey
(country)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=neWTNaklleU
TREY SONGZ - 2020 RIOTS: HOW
MANY TIMES (LIVE)
“Take a look around, can you
see it now?
Don't be colorblind, 'cause
when they're killin' mine
They'll try to justify it
Oh, each and every time
Playin' in a park, takin'
your jog
Sittin' on the couch, in your
own house
Never seem to matter what we
do
You think we don't matter,
but we do”
(R&B)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSXzkYq5Qnk
DEITRICK HADDON - I CAN'T
BREATHE
(Gospel)
A FINAL QUESTION TO US
FROM FR. RICHARD
"The civil rights marches of
the 1960s were contemplative—sometimes silent, sometimes drenched with song,
but always contemplative. This may mean within the context of a desperate quest
for justice that while weary feet traversed well-worn streets, hearts leaped
into the lap of God. While children were escorted into schools by national
guardsmen, the song “Jesus Loves Me” became an anthem of faith in the face of
contradictory evidence. You cannot face German shepherds and fire hoses with
your own resources; there must be God and stillness at the very center of your
being."
Dr. Barbara Holmes
"The killing of George Floyd
reminds us that cries for justice and equity continue today; awakened hearts
and active bodies are needed to join the cause. [Dr. Barbara] Holmes affirms new, creative
approaches today in the Movement for Black Lives and other groups led by young
people, women, and people of color. I, Richard—like Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr.—believe that 'the arc of the universe bends toward justice,' but it depends
upon our participation. What is your work to do today to bend the universe a
little more towards justice?"
Franciscan Father Richard
Rohr, founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation
Daily Meditation
From the Center for Action
and Contemplation
Friday, June 12, 2020
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