A church moving into a golf club and conference center?!
That was my reaction when the invitation came to attend the dedication of the new facility of the First Presbyterian Church, Honolulu, Hawaii. It probably is no surprise to anyone that I jumped at the chance to go and check out how the Presbyterians were faring in the fiftieth state. What I found were vibrant, growing churches engaged in creative ministry and witness.
I preached first at the Korean Presbyterian Church of Honolulu (the Reverend Dr. Il-Koo Cho, pastor). This church is located near the University of Hawaii and has a growing congregation of first-generation Korean immigrants, students at the university, and Korean-American couples. English translation is provided for those who do not understand Korean; but even without the translation, the Spirit could be felt in the worship services. Afterward, in true Presbyterian fashion, we shared table fellowship and feasted on some of the best food I have ever put in my mouth.
Next was the dedication service of the First Presbyterian Church of Honolulu at Ko’olau golf course and conference center. The service was the celebration of a miracle. In the words of Pastor Dan Chun: “Five years ago we heard God’s voice that we needed to move in order to reach more people for Christ. Since then, God has made the impossible possible, miracle after miracle! Starting with $200,000 in cash and a dream from God, we now move into God’s new $20 million church building and 241-acre campus with a three-acre-under-roof sanctuary/office/food court complex. Only God could have led us and funded the creation of the First Presbyterian Church at Ko’olau.” The theme for this joyous celebration for the whole community: “Party today. Church tomorrow. Oh yeah!”
I closed out my visits by preaching in the unique sanctuary of the Mililani Presbyterian Church. This congregation’s motto is, “The church of the open doors,” which refers to doors of glass that form the walls of the sanctuary and slide back to allow open-air worship most Sundays. Beyond architecture, the motto refers to the church’s ministry of hospitality both to those on the island temporarily, and to permanent residents. The congregation provides a church home to many military personnel and their families who are stationed on Oahu. The Reverend Jim Tweedie says the congregation sees itself as a training ground for Presbyterian leaders who then may move on to serve in the wider church.
I can testify that the PC(USA) is alive and well in the Aloha state!
The Reverend Joan S. Gray is Moderator of the 217th General Assembly (2006) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
