Pastoral Update
for Sunday, May 28, 2023
Pentecost Sunday
WORSHIP IS IN-PERSON AND LIVESTREAM on VIMEO
10:00 a.m. HST
Aloha Keawalaʻi ‘ohana,
The second chapter of Acts records a remarkable event in biblical history. It occurred during the Jewish festival of Shavuot (Festival of Weeks). Jews from all over the countries surrounding Jerusalem made their pilgrimage to the holy Temple to show God their gratitude for the harvest that had just begun. At least that is what they thought they were coming to do. God had something entirely different in mind.
God surprised the Jewish pilgrims in a dramatic unleashing of the Holy Spirit. God’s lavish anointing opened the hearts and lives of those gathered in unexpected ways leaving us to wonder whether God is still acting similarly today. How does God show up in our lives? How does God show up in our church? Do we expect God’s Spirit to shake things up or are we desperately trying to maintain control so that things go exactly as planned? When we refer to the “power of the Holy Spirit” what do we have in mind? How willing are we to yield to its ability to change our lives?
I ask you to be thinking in advance of our time together, when was the last time God surprised you? How did that make you feel?
As always, our Sunday service can be accessed livestream by going to https://keawalai.org and clicking on the Vimeo link. We hope to see you in person, but livestream is also available if your presence is not possible.
If you are at home for worship, please print out this week’s service order (attached below) and create a sacred space in your home, your own kuahu, to enhance your worship experience. I also invite you to bring an offering (lūlū) for a time of dedication and blessing. Please remember, online giving is available to you. All you need to do is go to our church website – www.keawalai.org and click on the donate now button. You can do this anytime. It takes only a few minutes to set up your profile for a one-time or recurring gift. Mahalo nui loa for your generosity and support.
Please send me any additional prayer requests for our pule during this Sunday’s worship. Requests can be sent to keawalaichurch@gmail.com or call the church office at 808-879-5557. You can also email me directly slandis1955@gmail.com or text me at 619-884-5830. Prayer requests can also be written out on the pew cards when you arrive at worship. I hold these prayer requests in my personal pule and will offer them during the service as well.
Whether you join our ‘ohana in spirit or in person I look forward to greeting you in worship this week as we enter the season of Pentecost. May you sense Holy Presence as you gently walk through these meaningful days.
Me ke aloha pumehana,
Kahu Scott Landis, Transitional Pastor
Click to view: Sunday, May 28, 2023 Bulletin