The Spire - Central Union Church

The Spire
Central Union Church
1660 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, Hawaii 96826
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 71
Honolulu, Hawaii
The Spire
Mother’s Day at CUC!
On May 8 we celebrated Mother’s Day!
Thank you to Liam Niles, Lucas Niles, Kari Kaita,
Kade Kaita, Ellis Roberts, Charlotte Roberts and
Armando Grannis, who generously handed each
woman a rose before the morning’s worship
service.
There is something special about receiving a
rose from a child’s heart on Mother’s Day. It makes
the bright love of Christ that much more evident.
Central Union Church, organized in 1887, traces its roots to the Seamen’s Bethel, founded 1833.
The Bethel began the earliest regular church services in English in the Hawaiian kingdom.
(808) 941-0957 • www.centralunionchurch.org • cuc@centralunionchurch.org
Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentralUnionChurchOfHonolulu
Central Union Church
“We Engage and Embrace ALL as we seek to Embody Christ!”
June 2016
Vol. 86 - No. 6
Pastor’s Page
The Archives of Central Union
Suzanne Case, Historian
Rev. David Rivers, Senior Minister
T
What’s In The Archives?
Who Uses The Archives?
How Do They Use The Archives?
his month we have the honor of hosting the 194th Annual
‘Aha Pae‘aina of the Hawaii Conference of the United Church
of Christ. Our church will open her doors to our sister churches
around our islands for four days of spiritual renewal, visioning and
partnership!
I have been invited to preach at one of our worship services
with the theme “Called as Partners.” I immediately thought of the
beautiful hymn Called as Partners in Christ’s Service. As I have
read and reflected on this hymn, I thought the first verse was
poignant for our congregation at this time in our life together.
Called as partners in Christ’s service, Called to ministries of grace,
We respond with deep commitment Fresh new lines of faith to trace.
May we learn the art of sharing, Side by side and friend with friend,
Equal partners in our caring To fulfill God’s chosen end.
One of the foundational beliefs of the Protestant movement is the priesthood of all believers. In
essence, each of us is equipped by God to help transform our world! When the Church sees herself as
a gathering of individuals who partner with one another, great ministry happens—lives are transformed,
God’s presence becomes tangible and we realize that we are stronger together.
Together—this word invites us to look to the good of the whole as well as one another rather than
for my own good. This word implores us to break down the silos that separate us and develop a shared
approach to our ministries. The word, together, implies that there is an interconnected web within our
community and that web ensures that we work toward our shared mission—“To Engage and Embrace
ALL as we seek to Embody Christ!”
Let us continue as equal partners in our caring to fulfill God’s chosen end!
The Archives are located in two rooms on the second floor of the Family Life Center. One room
contains the Archivists [2] and any volunteers, and the work space. Attached to it is the Vault. The Vault
holds treasured documents such as bound copies of all the annual reports dating back to 1887, original
architectural plans for the Sanctuary. wire shelving holding bound copies of minutes from the Church
Council, the (former) Board of Trustees and the Preschool; 700 glass lantern slides given to us by the
family of The Rev. Albert W. Palmer; several scrapbooks of newspaper clippings from the early 20th
century; old ledgers of hand-written names and other information about each person who has joined
Central Union since 1887; a four-drawer filing cabinet of baptism, marriage and memorial records; also
bound copies of the Sunday morning bulletins since 1887 and the periodical mailings since about 1930.
And lots more.
The main room has more shelving holding second copies of some of the bound volumes in
the Vault. Also 4 very large albums of photos,filed in chronological order. There is a wall of 12 fourdrawer filing cabinets labeled Deaconesses, Membership, Women’s League, Music Ministry and Organ
information, Seamen’s Bethel, Photographs, and so on. Two desks for the two archivists, a large work
table and a computer and copier/printer at the room’s entrance with eight chairs make room for research.
The second room, across the hall, is a spillover room, as we have been receiving many many
materials from many sources. This room, called the Archives Annex or the Archives Reading Room, has
more shelving, desks and four 4-drawer file cabinets, for Ministry reports.
Who uses all this information? Let me give you a couple of examples of the requests we receive:
“I am coming to Hawaii for a visit [from Michigan] My father was the organist at Central Union in the
1930s. He and his family lived in a house on the grounds there. Is the house still there?” (No, it’s a parking
lot now.) “Do you have a picture of it?” (Yes.)
“I had heard that the Dillingham family gave us the land for the church. Is that true?” (No, the people of
Central Union raised $100,000 to buy the 8 and 1/3 acres we now occupy, but Mrs Benjamin Dillingham,
by now a widow and still a member, who had been member of the Bethel Union Church as a child,
‘gladly gave her permission for it to be sold to the Church’. The entire cost of the Sanctuary, land and all
associated buildings was a bit over $500,000. Those were 1920 dollars.)
(A request from New York) “My son will be married in London in six weeks, and he has to have his
baptism certificate. I think he was baptized about 15 years ago.” (Record found and express-mailed to
London.)
(A request from a writer in Australia) “In 1918 the people of Central Union raised a good sum of money
for Armenian relief. What did your church have to do with the Armenians?” (This was an interesting
research problem.) It has to do with the Women’s Board of Missions, which was started by women of the
Fort Street Church even before the merger of that church with the Seamen’s Bethel.
How do they use the Archives?
2
We welcome requests. The Archives are open and staffed only on Tuesday mornings, but one
may submit a request at any time. The archivists will do the research at no cost, but we welcome checks
of appreciation for any amount, to be sent to the Accounting Office at the church and marked for the
Archives account. If you want to do the research yourself or with the guidance of the archivists, we make
appointments at your convenience. Just call the church office.
7
Musical Gifts
Council Corner
Margaret Lloyd, Director of Music
Central Union Church has been blessed with the recent acquisition of two extraordinary
instruments for our Sanctuary!
The church received a most generous gift from Mr. Paul Jackson Coleman for the purchase
of a new Schulmerich g5® carillon, a state-of-the-art electronic carillon recognized as the first digital
bell music in the industry. The Americana® carillon purchased has six distinct bell voices – True Cast,
Flemish, English, Harp, Celeste and Organ Chimes – that are played from speakers in the bell tower/
Spire. Programming capabilities can utilize up to 3,000 selections from the song library as well as
the tolling of the hours. An organ interface through MIDI offers playing capability of the carillon from
the Æolian-Skinner’s organ console, through either the four speakers in the Spire or the two internal
speakers on the balcony ledge in the Sanctuary.
The carillon project began with space preparations and running electrical wiring and cable into the
bell tower as well as to connect the carillon with the organ console in anticipation of the installation of
the six speakers. Mahalo for the assistance of team members Gregory Schwartz (Engineering Manager,
Schulmerich Carillons); Bob Alder and Jude Oliver (Church Organs, Hawaiʻi); Jim Gruber, Organ
Technician; Jacob Petrovsky (Digitech Solutions); Sam Failla (Mutual Electric: also Don, Allen, Chris);
Jeanette Redmond, Administrator; Robinson Fredrick, Facility Operations Manager; and Cory Taylor,
Buildings & Grounds Supervisor. An additional Mahalo is due to Rev. Brandon Duran and Glenn Uejio
who, after a tour into the Spire, volunteered to clean the bell tower area!
Following an initial trial period of tolling the hours four times daily, the carillon was reprogrammed
to play “Westminster Chimes” and toll hourly from 9:00am to 6:00pm for the enjoyment of all. Mahalo to
Mr. Coleman for this wonderful gift!
The church received another most generous gift “to the glory of God” for the procurement of a
concert grand piano (pictured on cover). After an on-Island search with the assistance of Constance
Uejio, a beautiful C. Bechstein Concert Grand Piano (9’2”) was purchased. These concert grand pianos
are of such a high quality, they are often chosen by pianists for concert performances and recordings.
Though pre-owned, this instrument was originally sold by Mozart House to its previous owner and has
been regularly maintained for the last seven years.
Plans were made for a temporary hardwood flooring installation on which the piano could be
placed in order to ensure an optimal acoustical environment. It is normative practice for fine instruments
such as this to be on hard flooring, rather than sound-absorbing carpeting or moisture-retaining concrete.
Mahalo to Cory Taylor, our Buildings and Grounds Supervisor, for the fabrication of this custom flooring!
The C. Bechstein Concert Grand Piano will be enjoyed in worship, memorial services, concerts
and community events for generations to come.
Mahalo nui loa to the donors of these extraordinary musical instruments and for their contribution
to the vision of ministry of music at Central Union Church!
Preview the Sermon
Karl Hedberg, Media Team
Suzie Schulberg, Chair
Aloha, Central Union Church!
The Church Council is excited for the year ahead. May 24th will
be our first official meeting, followed by a Council Retreat on June
25th.
A few key areas of focus for the Council this year are to (1)
address and correct issues with the church database to ensure an
accurate account of our membership, (2) continue development and
design of a Friday or Saturday evening service to begin early 2017,
and (3) develop a strategic plan for Central Union that further builds
upon the efforts of the Strategic Visioning Committee led by Dona
Hanaike.
The Council will also continue the review of our Bylaws by the Nominations & Governance
Committee; the support of the Preschool Modernization efforts; the collaboration with the Stewardship
Ministry for the upcoming drive; and the encouragement of the transformative work our Ministries do at
Central Union and in the community.
Other areas which are carryovers from last year include (1) the designation of a Weddings Ad Hoc
Committee whose purpose is to review the Best Bridal Hawaii (BBH) contract, the impact on Unrelated
Business Income Tax (UBIT), and future plans for weddings; (2) the designation of an Alcohol Ad Hoc
Committee whose purpose is to work with Ministries and Administration to take the approved Alcohol
policy and put it into action, monitor when and how alcohol is consumed on campus, and share feedback
with the Congregation through the Council; and (3) recruit a Church Administrator, continue development
of operational processes, and improve HR practices with the assistance of Arcadia HR.
As we move into the year ahead, the Council will also be working with Rev. Duran and Rev. Rivers
to further understand Faith Formation – what it means, and how it can be intertwined into the work we do
at Central Union as we engage and embrace all as we seek to embody Christ.
In closing, communication, inclusivity and transparency are paramount as we move Central Union
Church forward together. Continue to look for the “Church Council Highlights” following each Council
Meeting via the e-blast, website or Sunday Bulletin. Additionally, Council Members, Committees and
Ministry Liaisons will be working diligently to establish and keep the ‘communication highway’ open and
alive between all parts of our Church.
Would you like to preview the sermon for the upcoming Sunday? Yes! Then send your E-mail
address to… khedberg@hawaii.rr.com.
Each week we create a 1.5 to 2 minute video which is sent to all on our current list. If you are not
receiving these videos, jump aboard by sending your info to enjoy these inspirational messages.
6
3
Given by...
Easter Flowers 2016
In Memory of...
Naty & Natalie Aczon Moses Aczon
Errol Aczon
Anonymous Agnes Clevenger
Miguel & Carol Asuncion Gregorio & Rosalia Asuncion
Andrea Sagisi
Hajime & Ruth Nakamoto
Lamela Holt Battley (4) Venus & Walter Holt
Dora Peterson
Agnes Clevenger
Andy Bolosan
Jann & Greg Boxold (2) Betty Boxold
Virginia Stephenson
Beaureen Carl Joseph & Merihte Carl
Aunt Cathy
Jacob Herman
Abbie K. Chang’s grandchildren Abbie K. Chang
& great-granddaughter (Abbie)
Ruth Ann Cullen Herb Cullen
Nickie & Larry Davis (5) Small Popo
Big Popo Lum
Grandpa Lum
Grandpa Kepler
Adam Henry
John Atterberry
Jeffery L. David
David A. Kiyokawa
Peter G. Drewliner (2) Dorothy Curry McCorriston
Ruth Curry Drewliner
Jodee Farm (2) Reba Capello
Davey Hanaike
Mrs. Einar B Gerner (3) Olive & Ross Redenbo
Mary & Carsten Gerner
George & Evie Hao Moses Aczon
Errol Aczon
Dick & Dougie Hubbard (2) Maggie Urciuoli
Marla Schreck
Richard P. Kang My wife
Louise Knowlton (2) William H. and Mark A. Knowlton
Kerry & Darlene Krenzke (3) Marie Wylie
Our parents:
Robert & Sally Krenzke
Robert M.W. & Dorothy D. Lee
Kimo Layman (10) Vickie Paniccia Lyman
Hartwell & Leimalama Lee Loy (3) Kalamaku Lee Loy
Marion McGregor Lee Loy
Kenneth & Georgia Len (3) George & Wanda Scarfenberg
Eva Graham
Robert & Irene Len
Allan & Claudia Maddalena Curtis & Gail Jones - parents of Claudia Maddalena
Joy Marshall Marc Albert Kealoha Marshall
Susan Bahrenburg Matthews (3) Donald, Marion and William Bahrenburg
Dorothy Mau & Family James On Mau
Browning & Rick McCartin Muriel & Stanley Groh
Sally Mist & Family (4) The Moragne & Mist grandparents
Ella F. Miyashiro Helen Deverroux
Clara Bushnell
Kay Mihara
Patricia H. Nakaji (5) Mr. & Mrs. Kichizo Iamamoto (Mom & Dad)
4
Given by...
In Memory of...
Flowers Given by...
Brothers - Hideo, Mitsuo & Tommy
Sister - Alice Eto
Archie & Ethel Meshima
Maybelle Inase and Grandma
Gail Nakashima Francis Bow
Candice Naylor-Ching Dr. Craig Naylor
Carol Ouchi (5) Dr. & Mrs. Sugao Ouchi
David Shida
Walter Omori
Gerry Chong
Helen Paris Robert H. Paris
Jason & Melissa Popejoy (3) Steven Kanoho
Walter & Myrtle Powers (2) Wally and Jim Powers
Sarah M. Richards Dorothy R. Marks - my mother
Lynn Sato Rachel Tom
Schreck Family Marla Schreck
Kit & Margie Smith (4) Dudley & Elizabeth Smith
Oscar & Marjorie Nurse
Richard C. Smith
Patricia Louise Smith
John & Laura Steelquist Billy Veech
Howard Stephenson Ginger Stephenson
Ruth Stepulis (2) Alice Smalley
Della Stepulis
Hisako Takakuwa (2) Shujiro & Yayoi Takakuwa (parents)
Edward J. Quinloan Jr.
Valerie & Blake Tanaka (2) Harry K. Young
Ester Tom
Mildred K.Y. Tom Henry H.C. Tom
Janice Trubitt Yaeko & Albert Yokoyama
Allen Trubitt
Julie Wachtel
Richard & Cheryl Viera Rachel Tom
Susannah Villa (3) My husband - Bernard
My parents - Fortunato & Susannah Teho
Eleanor Wentworth (2) Jimmy Tsuruda
Peter & Annie Shin
David & Anna Williams (3) Davis & Trudi Williams
Mary Beth Williams LaMotte
Women’s League
Eloise Pavich
Frances “Skippy” Cobaco
Susan M.U. Wong (2)
Abbie K. Chang
Jane Wylie Vicki McKee
Miguel & Carol Asuncion
...in Celebration of the birth of
Zane Shigeta
Flowers Given by…
Given by...
In Honor of...
Raymond & Eva Yeung,
Our Parents
Fanny Yueng (2)
Our Nephew - Darren Tang
Edward & Debbie Chin Our Family
Nickie & Larry Davis (3) Nora & Gene Lum
Kathy Nojima
Sloane Davis
Mrs. Einar B. Gerner Kristi, Jeff, Tim, Kim-Lin
George & Evie Hao (5)
Irene Lai
Pilialoha & Marylyn Lee Loy
Suzanne & Jim Case
Eloise & Rev. Alan Lee
Vonnie & Bert Turner
Richard P. Kang Jesus Christ
Ruth Stepulis The birthday of John Stepulis
Jane Wylie Darlene & Kerry Krenzke
5
Anonymous (10)
Carol & Phil Bosworth
Veronica Cheung (2)
Denise & Kylie Crawford (2)
Nickie & Larry Davis
Louise Goodspeed (10)
Dona Hanaike
Richard P. Kang
Randy & Sun Ok Konno
Hope & Maurice Lee (2)
Son Hui Min (2)
Ben & Debbie Nakaoka (2)
The Grandchildren of Richard & Regina Shimomura:
Brison, Justin, Kaila & Ian Shimomura,
Kaitlyn & Nicole Shigeta
John & Laura Steelquist
Beatrice Terumoto (2)
…To the Glory of Easter!