January 2012
Dear Friends,
It is here; our 100th Anniversary year. I admit that 2012 has crept in quietly, with some surprise that it is here already, even though I have known it was coming. Jim Higa, Chairperson of the 100th Anniversary Committee, had begun talking about this important year as soon as I arrived in Wahiawa. We have been purchasing the 100th Anniversary Cookbooks. But like many important events and celebrations, the day-to-day responsibilities and activities have often overshadowed the anniversary. There is a book called "The Tyrany of the Urgent" that describes this phenomenon -- that what is truly important in the "long term" often gets sidelined by the seemingly more urgent matters that need to be taken care of each day.
Even so, we begin 2012 with some preliminary preparation and planning in place. We have a date for the big celebration: Saturday, October 6. This is the day we will have a program and catered lunch under tents in the courtyard. The trustees and members have begun to get the lawn and building in good shape. We have invited former pastors to come. Rosie and the Outreach Committee have raised $5,000 for our Heifer Ark, which will be given in honor of our anniversary, to provide animals to those who need income to feed their families and send their children to school. It will be a great day, and a lot of fun.
Please join in the preparations by putting October 6 on your calendar and start inviting friends and former members of the church. Eventually, everyone will have a chance to help in some way.
As we celebrate the first 100 years, we also look forward to the next 100 years of ministry at Wahiawa United Methodist Church. Yes, there are changes in the church, but there are also changes in Wahiawa. Kamehameha Ave. is being revitalized by Surfing the Nations (try their coffee shop if you get a chance!), and the planning for a Community Health Center will bring further change and bring a better quality of life to those who need better or different health care. We are part of those positive changes. They are signs that God is at work, and we are part of God's plan. In 2012, be in prayer for our church and our community, and be prepared to be amazed at what God can do.
"For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest." Jeremiah 29:11-13
Have a very Happy and Blessed New Year,
Pastor Fran
