The 199th ‘Aha Pae‘āina (the annual meeting of the Hawai‘i Conference of the United Church of Christ) was held virtually for the second year in a row, from June 13 – 19, 2021. Some highlights include:
 

• "How Long My God. . . How Long?" was the title of the sermon preached by Kahu Dr. Naleen Naupaka Andrade during the opening worship service. The offering collected will benefit the Vesper Maile Ito Fund.   
   

• Morning devotionals got us off to a thoughtful, glorious start each day, featuring friends from our Associations, local churches, and affiliated organizations of the Hawai'i Conference: Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches (Monday), Hawai'i Island Association (Tuesday), Kaua'i Association (Wednesday), Kaumakapili Church (Thursday), State Council of Hawaiian Congregational Churches (Friday), and Tri-Isle Association (Saturday).
   

• Annual meetings of the State Council of Hawaiian Congregational Churches (SCHCC), Christian Endeavor Hawai'i (CE), State Sunday School Association (SSSA), and the Association of Hawaiian Evangelical Churches (AHEC) were held, with each entity conducting their own business meetings with their membership.
   

• Nine workshops on a wide range of topics were informative and engaging, and drew upon the wisdom of a number of speakers from around the country and within the state.
   

• In the online business meeting for 'Aha delegates and registered visitors on Saturday, June 19, a number of individuals and churches were recognized and celebrated for their ministries and stewardship in the past year. 
   

• The slate of nominees to serve in elected offices was approved as submitted to the 199th 'Aha Pae'āina by the Conference Nominating Committee. The 'Aha also approved the Budget for FYE 2022.
   

• During the closing worship, representatives from three churches reflected on the question, "What new thing is God doing that we must perceive and join in?" Reflections were presented by Wayne Ibara, Makiki Christian Church; Julianne Odo, Hawai'i Kai UCC; and Manu Nae'ole, Kalihi and Moanalua Church. Offering received from the closing worship will benefit the Richard Kamanu Memorial Fund.
   

Many thanks to everyone for your participation and attendance in our second all virtual 'Aha Pae'āina!

If you would like to make an offering to any of the above funds, donations will be accepted through June 30. Please go to the website to donate, or send a check to the Hawai'i Conference office (1848 Nu'uanu Avenue, Honolulu, HI, 96817) and specify in the memo line which fund you are making a donation to.

Do you have feedback on the 199th 'Aha Pae'āina that you would like to share? Send your comments to Lori Yamashiro at lyamashiro@hcucc.org.

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