December Newsletter
Click december 2015 to see the December newsletter.
A Message from Kahu Alan Akana
A BROKEN FAMILY TREE
On Sunday, I shared with the congregation about my family tree and how I discovered some things as I was doing research for my book about it—things that were more than a bit disappointing. I found severe religious intolerance. I also uncovered some unfortunate ways that some of the male ancestors treated women. I also learned about some bitter family disputes whereby siblings didn’t talk to each other for years.
I also talked about Jesus’ family tree—the one in Matthew’s Gospel. I mentioned the deception and unbrotherly conduct of Jacob, as well as the “unladylike” circumstances and behavior of the women mentioned in the genealogy. There is Tamar, the Canaanite who pretended to be a prostitute in order to sleep with her father-in-law Judah; Rahab, the Canaanite prostitute from Jericho; Ruth, the Moabite who seduced the man who eventually became he husband; Bathsheeba, the Hittite who had an illicit affair with King David (the king who then arranged for the death of his lover’s husband); and then there was Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph and pregnant with a baby that did not belong to him!
At first glance, Matthew’s genealogy of Jesus seems to be written to show that the infant to be born in Bethlehem was an appropriate choice to be the next “King of the Jews.” However, since royal genealogies in those days were written to show that the person in question came from a pure and righteous bloodline, Matthew had to be up to something else! After all, more than a few of the names in the genealogy were foreigners and certainly not know for their righteous behavior.
So what was Matthew up to by including this “broken family tree” at the beginning of his Gospel? First of all, he seems to be giving hope to all of his readers: If Jesus’ family tree can be that messed up, then there is hope for the rest of us! We too are able to overcome the dysfunction and poor behavior of our own families in order to live well in this world. Secondly, Matthew is showing his readers how God’s grace extends to the furthest margins of humanity. Prostitutes, foreigners, adulterers, people living in shame and disgrace, all have a role to play and are included in the circle of God’s love.
If there is hope for Jesus, then there must be hope for us all! May we be filled with hope during this Advent Season; and may we share that hope with everyone—even those on the furthest margins of world.
Aloha nui!
Kahu Alan Akana
Church News
Sunday, December 6, 2015: Join us on the Second Sunday of Advent. We will celebrate Holy Communion and the children of Koloa Keiki Coop will provide special music!
Farewell Party: Members and friends of the Kaua’i Association of the United Church of Christ are invited to a farewell party for the Rev. Dr. Donald Schmidt, who has resigned as Associate Conference Minister and will be returning to Canada. His last day in the office will be January 1. You are invited to come and bid him farewell before he leaves. Here are the details of the party:
- Sunday, December 13, at 5 p.m.
- Lihue Christian Church Fellowship Hall (2943 Kress Street)
- Potluck Dinner: Bring a Favorite Main or Side Dish to Share
- Drinks, rice, paper goods, utensils provided by LCC
- Dessert provided by the Association
- RSVP to Penny at kucpenny@gmail.com
Sign Up to Attend Our Annual Christmas Party: You are invited to our annual church Christmas party at the parsonage on Friday, December 18, beginning at 6 p.m. Sign up with Penny by December 13 to bring something for the potluck. The parsonage is located at 3281 Waikomo Road, just around the corner from the church.
News of the Church
JOIN US DURING ADVENT
November 29 is the first Sunday of Advent and our theme will be “HOPE.” You are invited to join us in worship as we light the first Advent candle and enjoy the decorations and music of this special season. Come and prepare your hearts for Christmas. And be sure to stay for lunch!
CHRISTMAS WEEK
Mark your calendars now for a special Christmas week!
- December 20, 10:30 a.m. Christmas Sunday Service: “A Celebration of God’s Love”
- December 24 at 7:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Service of Candles & Carols
- December 25 at 10:30 a.m. Christmas Day Holy Communion Service
Kahu’s Reception at the Historic Moana Hotel
ALAN ROBERT AKANA
PRESENTING AT THE MOANA: November 25-27, 2015
Kahu Alan Akana will be the Author and Artist in Residence at the historic Moana Surfrider Hotel in Waikiki during Thanksgiving week. Please share with your friends and relatives living on O’ahu and those who will be visiting!
November 25, 5:00-6:30 p.m. Book & Art Presentation (Lobby)
Alan will share with guests about his book The Volcano Is Our Home: Nine Generations of a Hawaiian Family on Kilauea Volcano, and his exquisite paintings of Hawaiian tropical florals.
Enjoy complimentary wines and delicious pupus prepared by the culinary talent of the Moana.
Important Note: Alan has been allowed to invite personal guests to this reception, but they must make reservations directly with him before the 25th! To reserve, please send your name to be added to the guest list to doctorakana@gmail.com.
November 27, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Meet & Greet (Lobby)
The Meet & Greet is open to the public and will happen at the beginning of “Mele at the Moana,” a monthly concert from 5:00pm to 9:00pm in the Banyan Courtyard, with featured performer taking the stage from 7:00pm-9:00pm: Makana!
For more information about Mele at the Moana or for reserved seating, please contact Mason Waugh as early as possible at mason.waugh@westin.com or call 808.923.2811. Seats for this free event are expected to fill quickly!
Signed books, numbered prints and greeting cards of Kahu’s watercolors will be available for sale after the presentation and during the meet and greet.
Click Alan Akana Poster to see the poster that will be in the lobby of the Moana Surfrider. (It may take a few moments to download.) Click Featured Moana Events to read about all of the events at the Moana online. The Moana is located at 2365 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815.
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