Past Sunday Services
February 12, 2012 at 10:15am - "What's Love Got to do With it?"
Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kupono Kwong
Love has deeper meanings than the platitudes we often encounter on Valentine's Day. What does it mean to have a truely generous heart? How can we as a community of faith increase our capacity for compassion?
Sunday, February 5, 2012 - "Misjudging Others: A Sacred Goal and Aspiration"
With special guest Rabbi Peter Schaktman, Temple Emanu-el
Though we’d like to believe otherwise, many of us spend a good deal of time engaged in unconscious, involuntary, unwarranted and hyper-critical judgment of other people. Sometimes it seems as though we actively seek to identifycharacteristics and behaviors that seem to be lacking in those around us. What if, instead, we could retrain ourselves to assume that at any given moment, everyone – really -- is doing the best they are capable of doing at that very moment with the inherently limited resources they have at their disposal? What if we were to raise the act of misjudging our friends, family, and neighbors – for the good! -- to a sacred act?
Sunday, January 29, 2012 - "Justice, Equity, Compassion, and Hawaiian Sacred Places"
5th Sunday Social Justice Service
The SJC will host the Fifth Sunday Social Justice Worship Service, “Justice, Equity, Compassion, and Hawaiian Sacred Places,” featuring Dr. George Williams and Hawaiian guests, with the Offertory dedicated to Philippine typhoon relief. Join us after the service for Fifth Sundae ‘Ice Cream for Social Justice’ during the Volunteer Fair in the Gallery, followed by a Fifth Sunday Forum looking more deeply into Sacred Place issues with Dr. Williams and guests in the Sanctuary.
Sunday, January 22, 2012 - "Myths About Forgiveness"
There are many myths that abound, including the age-old saying, "Forgive and forget." What are some other misconceptions when it comes to forgiveness?
Sunday, January 15, 2012 - "The Face of Oppression"
With special guest Bill Scarvie
The Face of Oppression deals with events which have dominated the news recently. It is seen in the angry faces ofpeople demanding freedom and in the angry faces of rulers willing to kill to maintain their privileged position. Is the face of oppression still seen here in America? Is it waning as racial minorities gain economic and political clout? Or is its complexion simply changing? What are the risks, and what are the rewards as we approach a moment of grace in our national story? You do not want to miss this one.
Sunday, January 8, 2012 - "Redefining Sin"
Sin has been a nasty word used to guilt people into repenting, but is there a way to reclaim it as not just a violation of certain sacred laws, but perhaps something more meaningful? Come explore palatable UU definitions of sin.
Sunday, January 1, 2011 - "A Clean Slate?"
The new year comes with an expectation of new hopes and dreams. But is the past completely wiped away and we start all over again, or do we retain some of our memory in the present as we create a different future? Join us for a multi-generational celebration to ring in the new year.
Saturday, December 24, 2011 at 7:00pm - "Christmas Eve Service"
This is a Christmas Eve Service that playfully explores the legend of the magi, reimagining the story to include their significant others, who also made the journey to Bethlehem. The story invites the listeners to reflect on what calls us forward on our own journeys. With a cast of many, including Byron Nease, a renowned stage performer, Members and Friends, children and adults of The First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, this presentation presents a hopeful vision of the future. Church Music Director Karen Valasek, will direct the actors, the singers and the Church Music Ensemble.
A Cookie Pot Luck will be enjoyed after the Service. Bring your favorites!
Sunday, December 25, 2011 - Christmas Day - NO SERVICE OR RE PROGRAM AT THE CHURCH
Sunday, December 18, 2011 - "Eternal Flame Hanukkah"
The Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kupono Kwong's sermon will discuss what it means to keep our eternal flame of hope burning even in the midst of the darkness of our lives. How can we relate this ancient story from the Maccabean Revolt to the Jewish celebration of Hanukkah and the world's celebration of the light that burns inside each of us?
Monday, December 19, 2011 at 7:00pm - "Winter Solstice"
For centuries, humans have approached this time with a combination of dread and celebration. The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere is the beginning of the winter and has also been called Yule, Christmas and Saturnalia. It is noted by the shortest day and the longest night of the year. This service will survey the ideas and practices for this time.
December 11, 2011 - "A Season for Peace and Kindness" with Richard and Karen Valasek
Revolutionary notions of how we should treat one another, ideas like the Golden Rule, emerged almost universally during a period of time some call the Axial Age. The celebration of the birth of Jesus is the personification of these ideas in our cultural lineage. What is the meaning of Christmas from a Unitarian Universalist perspective? What is the moon that the finger is pointing at? Through song, story, and silence we celebrate and renew our commitment to our principles. There is good evidence that they are working.
December 4, 2011 - "Enlighten Us!"
After sitting under the Boddhi tree, Siddhartha came to some realizations about the nature and meaning of life. During this season of light, what light bulbs need to be turned on in order for us to come to some revelations ourselves? Where can we draw such inspiration?
December 4, 2011 - "Enlighten Us!"
After sitting under the Boddhi tree, Siddhartha came to some realizations about the nature and meaning of life. During this season of light, what light bulbs need to be turned on in order for us to come to some revelations ourselves? Where can we draw such inspiration?
12/4/2011 Sermon Audio Recording
November 27, 2011 - "Thanksgiving as a Spiritual Practice"
Each new day unravels an opportunity to be grateful for all that life has to offer. However, challenges may come our way that makes us lose sight of the sanctity of the moment. How can we center ourselves so we can regain our footing based on a spirituality of gratitude?
November 13, 2011 - "All of Creation One 'Ohana"
Our seventh principle and sixth source remind us that Unitarian Universalism has a deep reverence for the interdependent web of life. What does it mean to have the moon as our sister and the sun as our brother? What to make of the earth as our mother and time as our father? Our definition of family expands even further to encompass the entire cosmos.
November 6, 2011 - "Focus on the Human Family"
October 30, 2011 - "El Día de los Muertos"
Death can sometimes be a taboo subject, but it is very much part of our reality. As Unitarian Universalists, what are some of our views on death and life beyond death? Is there an afterlife? What of spirits and ghosts, oh my! Come be terrified...or not.
October 23, 2011 - "Immigration as a Moral Issue"
How many of us are immigrants to America? Where would America be without waves of immigration? When should we close our doors? How should we treat undocumented immigrants? What about children who came with their undocumented families when they were small and discover they are not in the US legally when they go to get a driver’s license? There are many, many layers to this issue — political, social and moral. Come explore this as a moral issue with Catherine Graham and the Social Justice Council.
October 16, 2011 - "A Sense of Belonging"
As social creatures, human beings have a tendency to feel wanted, loved, and supported by a group of people. How to we foster such a religious community in our midst? How do we ensure our bonds as Unitarian Universalists grow stronger as we provide a safe space for people to find a place where they can belong?
October 9, 2011 - "Talk Story with Jeff Gere"
We were so fortunate to once again have Jeff Gere and four wonderful visiting storytellers — Eric Wolf, Ruth Halpern, Jo Radner, and Shain Miller — perform a special service for us. This was an intergenerational service, enthralling and entertaining for both children and adults.
Stories Audio Recording – Part 1
Stories Audio Recording – Part 2
October 2, 2011 - "Association Sunday"
The theme this year is "celebrating excellence in ministry." What does it mean for us to minister to one another? How can we remain connected to the larger whole of the Unitarian Universalist movement?
September 25, 2011 - "We Are Building a New Way"
The process of building the world we dream about involves collaborative efforts that uses our Unitarian Universalist values and principles as the foundation for this work. Human and financial resources serve as the brick and mortar that strengthens our structure and love is the guiding force. Come hear Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong's vision for our church and ministry together.
September 18, 2011 - "Co-Creating a New World"
This is a time to celebrate the launch of our religious education program. Come join us as we commission instructors and together, as both teachers and students, we can begin to journey and co-create a world of justice and peace.
September 11, 2011 - "Defying Terror"
The ten year anniversary of the terrorist act in New York also marks the beginning of the church year and Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong's ministry as the Settled Minister. Come hear how we as Unitarian Universalists can both honor those who courageously responded to this tragic event and those who have fought for peace since then.
September 4, 2011 -
"Annual Water Ceremony and Celebration,
Kailua Beach Park, Area A
Come, bring food and sunscreen, and worship with us. This is our annual Water Ceremony/Celebration. For the Water Ceremony/Celebration we ask that each of you bring a small amount of water from a place close to your heart. This can be from your kitchen sink, from the rainwater dripping from your roof, or, symbolically, from your trip to California, from a beach in Australia. Our community is built from our shared experiences. Potluck picnic follows the service. (There will be no service at 2500 Pali Highway.)
August 28, 2011 - "The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person" - Richard Valasek
Our service on August 28th will be focusing on our First Principle: The Inherent Worth and Dignity of Every Person. We will use this as an opportunity to look at the question of contemporary slavery, human trafficking in its various guises. This is an issue that has been taken up by our Unitarian Universalist Association. We sit comfortable in our belief that slavery has been ended yet it remains present with us today, though in different guises. We are pleased to be able to have a guest presenter, Kathryn Xian, Executive Director of the Pacific Alliance to Stop Slavery, to talk about human trafficking here in Hawaii and what we can do about it.
August 21, 2011 - "The Free and Responsible Search for Meaning and Truth" - Jean Brokish
We often promote the Unitarian Universalism as a religion that grants people the freedom to believe as they choose. But is that really true? The fourth principle states that UU's affirm and promote "a free and responsible search fro truth and meaning." With freedom comes responsibility. Accepting this responsibility is what makes truth and meaning meaningful, causing us to consider the consequences of ou beliefs and calling us to action.
August 14, 2011 - "Democracy: Stand Up & Be Counted (If You Are Willing & Able)" Charlotte Huszcza
Even the Founding Fathers could not agree on “democracy.” “A democracy is nothing more than mob rule, where fifty-one percent of the people may take away the rights of the other forty-nine.” So says Thomas Jefferson. This homily will look at our Fifth UU Principle: The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our Congregations and in society at large. Democracy with its flaws and eccentricities; its greatness and wonder sometimes works in concert with conscience and sometimes against. Let’s look at democracy and conscience in our Country and our Church. “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all the others that have been tried.” (Winston Churchill).
August 7, 2011 - "Hiroshima Day" - Richard and Karen Valasek
In the spirit of our sixth principle—the goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all- we will observe Hiroshima day. This Sunday you will have an embodied experience of peace, facilitated with contemplative music, readings, silent mediation, and movement.
July 31, 2011 - "Acceptance of One Another and Encouragement to Growth in Our Congregations"
What is spirituality? And how does one find it? The Third Principle refers to an Acceptance of One Another and Encouragement to Spiritual Growth in Our Congregations. Sounds simple, but spirituality and spiritual growth can be quite elusive. We'll reflect on definitions and sources of spirituality in our lives.
July 24, 2011 - "Justice Equity and Compassion in Human Relations", Unitarian Universalist Principle #2 - Guest Sermon by Army Chaplain Ibraheem Raheem highlighting this the 2nd UU Principle. Raheem is one of only six Muslim chaplains in the army.
July 17, 2011 - "Respect for the Interdependent Web of All Existence of Which We Are a Part"
We start our exploration of the Seven Principles with the last one. The interdependent web - expressed as the spirit of life, the ground of all being, the oneness of all existence, the creative force, God and Goddess - can help us develop an understanding of ourselves and our culture. Join us and be reminded that we are part of something larger and greater than ourselves alone.
July 10, 2011 - "Principles" - Rev. Leland Bond-UpsonIn this farewell sermon to this beloved church, we will explore and celebrate the power and look to the deepest meaning of the seven principles of our faith. These principles will be further explored in the summer series.
July 3, 2011- Karen and Richard Valasek
"Reflections on Patriotism"
Samuel Johnson famously proclaimed patriotism to be “the last refuge of the scoundrel”. We could counter that patriotism can be a profound expression of the deepest ideals of our Unitarian Universalist religion. But so many have rejected patriotic expressions and feelings. This rejection may be the sign of a wounded spirit, shame and sorrow, that we as a people are not yet what we can be. In this service we have an opportunity once again to joyously celebrate a world in process of transforming. We are celebrating our hopes and dreams. In celebrating we renew our covenant to continue on the journey together.
The service on July 3rd is one not to be missed. This will be our annual 4th of July service. The topic will be Reflections on Patriotism. There will be rousing music and inspiring readings. This will be a multigenerational service, bring the kids. The service will be followed by an on-site barbecue (burgers and dogs). Bring side dishes to share—watermelon, corn on the cob, potato salad, cole slaw—all that wonderful food we must have at a 4thof July picnic.
June 26, 2011 - Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
“We’re All Normal and We Want Our Freedom”
In this service we honor the struggle of BGLQT peoples on Gay Pride Day, and enlarge the circle to include all who struggle for equal rights and the acknowledgment of their full humanity.
June 19, 2011 - "The Ordination of Deborah"- All of the Ministers of the Church, Pres of the Congregation, Past Pres of the Congregation
Ordination Full Service Text
We celebrated the first ordination in our 59 year history, ordaining Deborah Bond-Upson. Ministers, Presidents of the Congregation, and Members joined in the ordaining and all of us enjoyed powerful music and poetic reflections on ministry. We also celebrated Father's Day in the Service. A reception followed, celebrating the Mair family adoption of Mark and Carl, Father's Day, and the Ordination. (Fruit Drinks, Pupus, Ice Cream and Cake.)
June 12, 2011
"Thinking Inside the Box", Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
I have spoken from the pulpit only once before about my understanding of church dynamics operating here at First Unitarian, and about my imaginings of a vision or two for the future. That was on 12/5/20 and was titled "Thinking Outside the Box." Exactly half a year has passed. It is time for any update, with jokes.
June 5, 2011
"The Meaning and Purpose of Life" (a modest inquiry), Rev. Leland Bond-Upson.
The purpose of life and the meaning of life aren't the same. Let's consider some big questions.
May 29, 2011, Social Justice Sunday
Our congregation is known for our deep commitment to social justice principles and community equity practices. May 29 we celebrated our shared commitment and explore a few of the issues that inspire us as a social justice community. Our Social Justice Council lead a musical celebration of the social justice actions of our congregation and our movement. 5 Sermonettes with accompanying music and visual presentation are provided here. The responses from congregants as to their social actions are gathered and listed in the last document- Quite a list!
The full service: Service Sermonettes and Other Words
The five sermonettes, their visual movie, and their music
'Aina Music- "Redemption Song"- Hapa
Economic Equity Visual Presentation
Economic Equity Music- "Union, One For All"- Black-Eyed Peas
Education Music - "New Math"-Tom Lehrer
Housing & Healthcare Sermonette
Housing & Healthcare Visual Presentation
Housing & Healthcare Music - "Amazing Grace"- Joan Baez
Political Action Visual Presentation
Political Action Music- "Get Up, Stand Up"- Bob Marley
CONGREGATIONAL ACTIONS, REPORTED AND PLANNED
May 22, 2011, Mission Statement
Richard Valasek and the Mission Process Team lead an interactive service. We focused on our mission: to define our mission. Our new settled minister said that mission is one of the things he is passionate about.
We are readying ourselves to show him that we know we are here for a reason. Our beloved community is ready to sharpen its focus for significant change.
May 15, 2011, The Coming of Age Service
Pictures of the Service
Our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders have been meeting for five Sunday evening to discuss the important changes going on in their lives. Nan’s daughter Eleanor and Rev. Lee have been working with the youth, and Nan with the parents. This service is a bridging service for children transitioning to youth. We’ve been talking about how to help them navigate the challenges they face. Anyone remember what middle school was like? In this traditional service we will hear what’s on the minds of our middle school youth.
May 8, 2011, Mother's Day Mini Service, Rev. Leland Bond-Upson with Pierre Kleiber, Music, Service at Camp Mokule'ia
May 1, 2011, "Putting Away Childish Things", Bridging Ceremony with church graduating seniors, their parents and Nan Kleiber, Glenn Farley, Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Elements of the Service (Homily, Reading, Closing Words)
Pictures from the Service and the Luncheon
April 24, 2011, “Risings – Earth Day and Easter”, Rev. Lee Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
April 21, 2011, "Special Evening Prayer and Meditation Service", Jill Ravenaugh, Karen and Richard Valasek
April 17, 2011, “Bullying” Rev. Leland Bond-Upson, Dr. Gary Francell
Order of Service
Sermon (LBU portion)
April 10, 2011, "New Directions", Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong
April 3, 2011, "Born Again", Dr. Jonipher Kwong
March 27, 2011, "In Praise of Women," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
March 20, 2011, "Nature Bats Last," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
March 13, 2011, "Spirituality, Roots of Our Faith, Part V," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
March 6, 2011, "Half the Sky," Honolulu Unitarian Universalist Women's Federation
Order of Service
February 27, 2011, "Circle of Life," Joan Schumacher
Order of Service
February 20, 2011, "Connections, The Global Future of Faith," Rev. Dr. John Buehrens
Order of Service
February 13, 2011, "What a Piece of Work We Are," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
February 6, 2011, "Bridge to the Future," Jeff Kaplan
Order of Service
January 30, 2011, "A Sanctuary for the Spirit", Catherine Ishida
Order of Service
Sermon
January 23, 2011, "Universalism," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
Hula Video from Service
January 16, 2011, "Abuse, The Root of All Evil," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
video "I Am Haole", by slam poet Sterling Higa
January 9, 2011, "I Can Still Sing 'We Shall Overcome,'" Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
January 2, 2011, "Let's Try That Again," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
December 26, 2010, "Boxing Day," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
December 19, 2010, "Solstice," Dharma and Genna Coursey, Catherine Graham, Joan Schumacher, Nancy Schildt, Laura Helliwell, and Mickey Selwyn
Order of Service
December 12, 2010, "Roots of Our Faith," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
December 5, 2010, "Thinking Outside the Box," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
November 28, 2010, "Other Thanksgivings," Gene Parola
Order of Service
November 21, 2010, "Lay Minister Ordination and Learning, A UU Kuleana," Rev. Deborah Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
November 14, 2010, "Forging Our Own Deliverance," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
November 7, 2010, "Jim," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
October 31, 2010, "Dia de los Muertos," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
October 17, 2010, "Circle with Four Points," Jeff Gere
Order of Service
October 10, 2010, "Association Sunday," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
October 3, 2010, "Thou Hast Made Us for Thyself," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
September 26, 2010, "Forgiveness," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
September 19, 2010, "We Begin Again," Rev. Leland Bond-Upson
Order of Service
Sermon
August 1, 2010, "The Spirit of Humor, Zest for Life", David Friedman
August 8, 2010, "Savoring the Senses", Karen Valasek, Richard Valasek, Genna Coursey
August 15, 2010, "The Spirit, the Sacred, and Sexuality", Andrea Anderson, CEO Planned Parenthood
August 22, 2010, "The Taste of Unitarian Universalism"
August 29, 2010, "Reflections on Religion and Faith", Charlotte Huszcza
September 12, 2010, "Beyond Categorical Thinking", Eddy Carroll and Everardo Aguilar