Ewa Community Church Summer 2020

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THE CHURCH NEWSLETTER OF EWA COMMUNITY CHURCH - MEMBER HAWAII CONFERENCE UCC Ewa Community Church is a certified Blue Zones Project in the Community

July 10, 2020

The Lord will guide you always ….. You will be like a well-watered garden. Isaiah 58:11

EWA COMMUNITY CHURCH’S MISSION STATEMENT as members of Christ's Body...we are united in striving to know the will of God as taught in the Holy Scriptures; We are committed to be a loving and caring community of faith, to proclaim the good news of God's love and grace, and to demonstrate God's love by being God's servants in the service of others, that people everywhere may glorify God and live in obedience to Him. Our purpose: Him (Christ) we proclaim, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man mature in Christ. Colossians 1:28

Location: 91-1258 Renton Road, Historic Ewa Villages Mailing: P. O. Box 60339 Ewa Beach, HI 96706 Minister: Kahu Rennie Mau Cell: (808) 280-9591 email: kahumau@gmail.com Moderator: Olive Echano Douglass Vice Moderator: Treasurer: Alan Bise Secretary: Laurie Goto Church Office Manager / Editor: Myrna-Lyn D. Abang PH: (808) 681-3471 WEBSITE: EwaCommunityChurch.org Email: ewacommchurch@gmail.org Facebook

A Word from the Pastor July 10, 2020 BACK TO OUR ROOTS “It was majestic in beauty, with its spreading boughs, for its roots went down to abundant waters.” Ezekiel 31:7 For the past months during this COVID time I have watched how lovingly one of our members, Mapuana Lee prepare and plant Native Hawaiian plants near our Hale Pule.

During that time she had to literally dig down deep and weed and take out things which have been there a long time. Her green thumb is showing beautiful results. The garden is growing healthy! She has brought old tires to prop up soil and create new beds for growth. Mahalo to her and for those who have assisted her by watering and also contributing plants.

For me personally it has been a metaphor of where I see Ewa Community Church is growing towards the future. Last year ECC was designated as a BlueZone church. And I humbly confess we are the only one with the designation (from Halawa to Kapolei).

Our Ewa Community Church was birthed by the Ewa Mission as an “apana” church based in Honouliuli. It was a mission church to children and youth. Over the years due to the bubonic plague (like the pandemic) the church had its ups and downs in attendance and it was during the plantation times that it was rebirthed and moved physically several times.

Today our church hosts on our campus a unique pre-school and Keiki O Ke Aina plus numerous other children youth programs.

We are currently in discussion with the Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches to rejoin them. Discussion happened back in 2005 and there is renewed interest to reconnect back to our roots.

As part of the journey I have been in dialogue with several of our sister churches and hope to have a historical tour (safe distancing by car) to visit various sites starting with our original Ewa Mission location (Leeward Community College) and visit some of the unique places related to us and hearing some of the stories.

I have also been in dialogue with people to start up a virtual olelo (Native Hawaiian language) worship service once a month. We’ve been delayed due to Covid19 and other community conflicts. We were hoping to begin on the third Sunday of July, but it is close to La Hoihoi Ea celebration. We may start quietly and not with big fanfare.

With the Covid19 Pandemic safe distancing protocol, the reopening of church for worship continues to present risk factors and some of our members and friends have chosen not to physically come back. This is not so much a fear issue but one of being careful to those whom they live with. Because of this we will try to have reprints/audio recordings of our worship. But also other online resources.

BACK TO OUR ROOTS is BACK TO OUR FUTURE . . . . Native Hawaiians have a metaphor for it: the past = Ka wā mamua ("the time in front or before") the future = Ka wā mahope ("the time which comes after or behind) ==> back to the future with eyes fixed on the past We look forward to our journey in the next few months as we trust in our Lord for the path. Also in the month of November I will be celebrating 50 years of ministry and 40 years of ordained ministry. But it’s always about WE and not about ME. It’s a “social biography” that we write together of our journey and the exciting directions the Lord has for Ewa Community Church.

Aloha ke Akua, /s/ Kahu Rennie Maui

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: ECC Ohana and Friends: The world continues to grapple with the issue of enormous scale and human impact, and Ewa Community Church’s heart and prayer go out to all who have been affected by the outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19).

The ECC leadership takes this opportunity to communicate with you to let you know that during this Coronavirus Pandemic, many of you are faithful givers and participate through online giving. Ewa Community Church has not forgotten about you members and guests that do not give online. We are sensitive to you who have difficulty with online giving methods. As our members and friends you may prefer to give by check / envelope. Please know that ECC is praying for and thinking about you our loyal members and friends.

AS regards any offering or giving campaign: they may be mailed to P. O. Box 60339, Ewa, HI 96706.

Know, too that ECC has set up the mechanism to receive offering and monetary donations online – select the Green box that says GIVE --- OR Please go to Tithe.ly and connect with Ewa Community Church.

We pray gratefully for you.

As we navigate this dynamic situation, please do not hesitate. Go online at ECC’s website: ewacommunity.org or glean information on facebook at Ewa Community Church Ohana for upcoming worship services and announcements.

Ewa Community Church remains hopeful and its resilience is owed to your unwavering and faithful support to ECC and to this community, and holds dearly your love and support and feel privileged to serve you and this community. Looking forward to physically seeing you in our “friendship circle” soon.

In HIS mighty embrace and healing arms . . .

Your servants in Christ, Kahu Rennie Mau, Pastor Olive Echano Douglass, Moderator Kerry Bise, Diaconate Board

UCC OFFERING CAMPAIGN – Upcoming campaign in August Neighbors in Need

FOODLAND GIVE ALOHA BEGINS IN SEPTEMBER Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ – Aloha!

Ewa Community Church is confirmed and enrolled in the Give Aloha 2020, Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program!

Organization Name: Ewa Community Church Organization ID Code: 78748

We are pleased to confirm the enrollment of your organization in Give Aloha 2020, Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program!

ECC’S organization ID code is the number (you the donor) will convey to the cashier who will enter with each customer donation. It is important that you (members and supporters) provide your Maika’i number to the cashier when making a donation. You can do this by showing your Maika’i card to the cashier (physical or digital card) or by entering your 10-digit number into the pin pad at checkout. Only donations made with a Maika‘i account will receive a partial matching gift.

This year, Foodland and the Western Union Foundation will match each donation up to a total of $300,000 for all organizations combined!

Ewa Community Church members and friends have generous yearly to the Give Aloha 2020! Mahalo for participating and joining us in helping to build a better Hawaii.

HAPPENIING ON ECC CAMPUS FEW TENANTS HAVE BEEN SLOWLY RETURNING TO THE EWA COMMUNITY CHURCH CAMPUS. All those tenants who have resumed classes on campus (if you haven’t already) must turn in writing your plans to follow COVID19 safety protocol and how it will be implemented. Please be proactive and take attendance and/or photos of class attendees. Thank you for doing your part to helping return to some sense of normalcy within the prescribed guideline for safety.

JULY BIRTHDAYS 1 Pam Cabebe 2 Frances Wason 13 Kuuipolani Braceros Siverly 14 Brent Nitta 17 Stephen Peter Abang 21 Faye Waidley 23 Thelma Murakami 27 Amy Abang 28 Geri Utsugi 31 Kimberly Todd JULY ANNIVERSARIES 3 David & Dawn Ige 5 Peter & Myrna-Lyn Abang AUGUST BIRTHDAYS 2 Jonathan Cabebe 4 Darlin Elizabeth Calimpong 12 Alan Bise 12 Nora Todd 15 Robert Rembert 15 Nina Huffman 17 Kathleen Murata 17 James Wason 20 Don A. Nelson, Sr. 24 Laurulie Maeda 31 Fumiko Nakamura AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES 10 Dan/Louise Funasaki 15 Stephen/Kori Knapp

Current and Ongoing: KEEP MOVING FORWARD 2.0 The history of Ewa Community Church is reflected in many ways…in service and spiritual guidance for generations of the Ewa community…in countless memories of weddings, baptisms, graduations, funerals…and in historical significance, in the elegance and beauty of the sanctuary and stained glass windows. Some of you may remember many other events experienced in and around the church campus, while others recall appreciating visits of a more passing nature. Its significance is a point of pride and persistence in maintaining the structures and congregation of Ewa Community Church. As a member, previous member, friend or visitor to ECC, we share with you today a concern regarding the church and its legacy.

From the original frame building in the old plantation town, a new church was built in 1937 on its present site. For 100 years, worship has continued through wars, statehood, the plantation closing and the encroachment of urban development. Now the sanctuary building itself is of concern … with the ground settling and shifting, the building itself is reflecting the movement in its cement perimeter foundation; due to vandalism to the stained glass windows, some replacements have been made to repair and secure the panels.

Upgrades to the grounds and facilities have been mandated by safety and cultural departments as Ewa Community Church is within the Historical District of Ewa Villages. As with any aging structure, things don't get better by themselves, but they surely do get worse.

KEEP MOVING FORWARD 2.0 The Church Council presents KEEP MOVING FORWARD 2.0 - Phase Two of the Capital Campaign is modified to include not only another $25,000 in funds to proceed with the completion of the repairs and restoration of the church’s Stain Glass Windows Project, but also (and as yet determined) another large amount will be needed as regards to the sanctuary’s foundation. We await reports of engineers to reveal the cost of repairing the foundation. The Campaign runs continuously through the year 2020. We are again asking you today to step out in faith, commitment and financial support to help Ewa Community Church. Please prayerfully consider how much you can contribute accordingly marking “Keep Moving Forward 2.0” in the memo.

Much Mahalo … your servants in Christ, Kahu Rennie Mau, Minister Olive Echano Douglass, Moderator Kerry Bise, Dioconate Board

DEAR GRADUATE: CONGRATULATIONS! You have come very far and you have been very successful along the way and now you are a full-fledge contributor to the world-at-large. You Go! You have always been daring and very insightful, caring and responsible. Your achievement and 2020 spring graduation from University West Oahu in Finance is par excellence. As God has been your lighthouse, may you continue to be a shining light and reflection, a blessing to others.

Kudos to your parents, Joe and Annie Bautista. It is with honor that ECC can call you a son of ECC. (Literally).

CONGRATULATIONS JEREMIAH JOSEPH BAUTISTA. CONTINUED SUCCESS AT BANK OF HI

Art Art Art

Aloha art enthusiasts - the original, signed paintings came from a period between 1982-1989 (based on the newspapers in which they were wrapped). ECC came to possess these paintings when a church member was cleaning out her recently deceased aunt’s closet in Honouliuli, Oahu, Hawaii, and because Ewa Community Church was scheduled for its Y2020 First Quarter Yard Sale, the family donated them to the church for its fundraiser.

Artist, YATAKU ARAI stayed with the family and painted while he was in Hawaii visiting from Japan. The paintings are bold with vibrant color, or black and white ranging in size from 16” x 20” to 2’ x 3-1/2’. The medium (I believe) is acrylic and/or watercolor. The influence is decidedly Japanese with an added flair. The subject matter are singles of animals and fauna, and landscape influenced by the artist’s stay in Hawaii. All of the small pieces are matted and framed. One of the pieces had a tag on the back stating was framed at Martin Pictures in Honolulu. The three large pieces are on stretch canvas and framed. See the attached photos.

The artist had prices on a few pieces between $200 and $500 The collection is available to view or purchase with all proceeds benefiting the Ewa Community Church’s ongoing ministries.

Since the above information was disseminated, a good friend of ECC (Willard Akio Hashimoto, grandson of the late ECC members, Sabas and Maria Oasay) did some digging and came across a Japanese marketer who sells Japanese antiquities on the internet. Akio and church secretary, Myrna Abang, were able to match the very similar style and signature of the artist online to ECC’s collection. Akio was able to glean that “Yutaka Arai was born in 1914, originally a Japanese flower arrangement designed. He knew a famous Shiko Munakata a wood block printmaker and other then stepped into a printmaking road in his 40s. He was also known as a Japanese painting artist in his late years.” On the internet, Mr. Arai’s paintings and Japanese scrolls (kakejuku) range in prices between $190.00 and $250.00 It is highly probable that Mr. Yutaka Arai, in fact, spent his 60s right here in Honouliuli, leaving behind 31 paintings. Interested buyers at ECC’s recent March 7, 2020, Cultural Fair purchased these works of art, leaving behind 25 pieces. ECC will continue selling these remaining pieces to raise funds toward ECC’s Capital Funds Campaign and ministries. Mahalo for your consideration. See you on Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 a.m.; volunteers set up at 7:30 a.m.

PLANT SALE ART SALE PLANT SALE ART SALE PLANT SALE ART SALE PLANT SALE ART Saturday, July 18, 2020 COVID19 SAFETY PROTOCAL WILL BE IN PLACE: FACE MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

You may drive by and point and purchase.