Greetings on a Friday afternoon. Hoping all is well in your family as summer approaches, and our school year winds down. Just outside the church door are the sounds of children laughing, balls bouncing and kids running around playing games—some imaginary and some organized. The air is filled with life. Today, I find myself reflecting on the blessing of Adventist education, the intentional opportunity we have to encourage and grow Jesus followers every day. It is a privilege for our church and elementary school to be connected. HMA Windward is a vital part of our church’s ministry. I’m reminded of that again today when two of our children made a decision to be baptized later this summer: Colbie Nakamura and Kiana Burgos. Girls, we’re thrilled for you and with you! May God bless you both in this decision.
Just as our state and country gradually begin to unthaw from the Covid-19 “winter” that has lasted this last year, so our church board has begun addressing incremental steps we too can begin to take in our desired return to normalcy.
This week, our church board voted on the following changes to our worship service, starting next Sabbath, May 29th:
Singing: Praise team singers will continue to keep spacing 10+ feet away from the congregation and will continue to sing behind plexiglass barriers. However, singers will no longer be asked to additionally wear masks while singing. This practice is in keeping with the latest state guidance.
Preaching: While there is no specific state guidance regarding preaching in worship services, we will be following the practice of our state governor, the president and many pastors on Oahu, who speak regularly to the media/congregations without masks or plexiglass barriers, while maintaining a 10+ foot distancing. Preaching from the stage provides the needed distance.
Offering collection: Our deacons will begin overseeing the collection of offerings within the church service, as opposed to plates sitting on chairs by the back doors. Four individuals will serve the congregation, holding on to the plates the entire time, instead of passing the plates down the rows.
While there has been an expressed growing desire to resume some form of food together for those interested after the church service on Sabbaths, the church board has chosen to postpone this discussion until next month, as we wait to see what steps the state might take next. Let us pray for our state leaders who have the challenging task of weighing the risk of physical safety versus the emotional and financial risks to our community. Please pray, also, for our church leaders as we, too, weigh how to best address not just the physical impact of Covid, but also the emotional and spiritual needs of our members and visitors, especially after the last 12 months.
May God continue to bless our KSDA ohana!
Pastor Brennon
