Central Union Church Annual Report 2015

Central Union Church
Annual Report
2015 - 2016
We Engage and Embrace ALL as we seek to Embody Christ!
Table of Contents Annual Report
May 2015 – April 2016
CENTRAL UNION CHURCH STAFF
CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS
OFFICERS’ REPORTS
Council Chair
Clerk’s Report
MINUTES OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETINGS
Annual Meeting Minutes May 31, 2015
Annual Budget Meeting Minutes January 24, 2016
STAFF REPORTS
Senior Minister
Controller
Minister of Spiritual Formation
Director of Congregational Care
Administrator
Director of Music Ministries
Director of Preschool and Kindergarten
Director of Children’s Ministry
Youth Coordinator/Youth Ministry
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Administration/Finance
Nominations/Governance
Personnel/Pastoral Relations
Preschool Modernization (CCPMC)
Programs and Missions
Worship and Evangelism
MINISTRY REPORTS
Adult Education
Budget
Buildings & Grounds
Community
Deacons
Deaconesses
Membership & Fellowship
Music
Senior Services
Stewardship
Ushers
Women’s League
World Mission
CHURCH ARCHIVISTS/HISTORIANS
NEW MEMBERS
BAPTISMS
IN MEMORIAM
WEDDINGS
2
3
4
5
7
8
15
11
12
17
19
20
22
25
27
30
32
33
35
37
38
40
41
43
47
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
Central Union Church Staff
CLERGY STAFF
Rev. David C. Rivers
Rev. Brandon Duran
Chaplain William Crockett
Senior Minister
Minister of Spiritual Formation
Minister of Visitation
LEADERSHIP STAFF
Marie Hook
Brittany Hopkins
Margaret Lloyd
Jeanette Redmond
Alice Taum
Director of Preschool
Controller
Director of Music Ministries
Administrator (September 2015 to April 2016)
Director of Congregational Care
SUPPORT STAFF
Carol Asuncion
Dennis Baier
Elizabeth Christensen
Leslie Constantino
Natasha Dator
Karl Hedberg
Amy Inouye
Bonnie Kealoha
Jeane King
Yvette Lau
Gavin Moffat
Jane Nagel
Rev. Dr. George Scott
Bridget Scott
James Watson
Rene Wilkins
Youth Coordinator
Multimedia Technician
After School Care Program Supervisor
Account Clerk
Pastoral Administrative Assistant (January 2016)
Multimedia Technician
Accountant
Wedding Coordinator
Facilities Use Coordinator
Director of Children’s Ministries
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Funeral Coordinator
Youth Minister
Youth Leader
Thrift Shop Manager
Development Assistant
MAINTENANCE STAFF
Robinson Fredrick
Cory Taylor
Eustaquio Aganon
Aida Cudiamat
Maxi Cudiamat
Van Dunlap
Rudy Lucero
Facilities Operations Manager
Buildings & Grounds Supervisor
Groundskeeper/Custodian
Groundskeeper/Custodian
Building Maintenance Technician
Groundskeeper/Custodian
Groundskeeper/Custodian
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Church Council 2015-2016
OFFICERS:
Chair:
Vice Chair
Nathan Wong
Suzie Schulberg
Secretary
Treasurer
Head Deaconess
Valerie Tanaka
David Yee
Anita DiMauro
1. WORSHIP AND EVANGELISM COMMITTEE:
Anita DiMauro, Chair
♦ Anita DiMauro
Head Deaconess
♦ Darlene Krenzke
Ushers Ministry
♦ Jennifer Yamashita
Membership & Fellowship Ministry
♦ Vacant
Music Ministry
2. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION COMMITTEE:
♦ Vacant
Children’s Ministry
♦ Vacant
Youth Ministry
♦ Elspeth Kerr
Adult Ministry
♦ Laura “Pixie” St. Denis
At-Large
♦ Carolynn Bell-Tuttle
At-Large
Elspeth Kerr, Chair
3. PERSONNEL/PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE:
♦ David Yee
♦ Carl Johnsen
♦ Kevin Foster
Suzie Schulberg, Chair
4. ADMINISTRATION/FINANCE COMMITTEE:
David Yee, Chair
♦ David Yee
Buildings & Grounds Ministry
♦ David Yee
Budget Ministry/Treasurer
♦ Michael Hodges
Stewardship Ministry
♦ Carl Johnsen
Investments Ministry
5. PRESCHOOL COMMITTEE:
 Vacant
 Vacant
 Michael Hodges
Jennifer Yamashita, Chair
6. NOMINATIONS/GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:
♦ Sarah Richards
♦ John Steelquist
♦ Evelyn Hao
Carl Schlack, Chair
7. PROGRAMS AND MISSIONS COMMITTEE:
Evelyn Hao, Chair
♦ James Ramos
Community Ministry
♦ Suzie Schulberg
Senior Services
♦ Evelyn Hao
Women’s League Ministry
♦ Ruth Chang
World Mission Ministry
♦ Alice Taum
Hawaii Conference and Oahu Association Liaison
♦ Sandra Fong
At-Large
8. HISTORIANS:
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Suzanne Case, Rosemary Eberhardt
Report of the Central Union Church Council Chair
Chair: Nathan Wong
VISION. The Annual Meeting on May 31, 2015 marked the start of the 2015-2016 Council year, and in
essence marked the beginning of Pastor David Rivers' second year as Senior Minister. A key
accomplishment of that meeting was the adoption by the Congregation of the Central Union Church (CUC)
Vision and Mission Statement: "We Engage and Embrace all as we seek to Embody Christ ". Using the
Vision as a guide, the Council set goals for the year: to update the Church Member data base to more
effectively identify, contact and serve our members; to use Vision/Mission to prioritize and focus our
Ministerial efforts in order to best utilize our resources; to review the Council's role, structure and size to
better stimulate, support and respond to activity in our Ministries.
GOVERNANCE. The Nominations and Governance Committee has been researching various structural
paradigms that would best move us toward the goals noted above, looking for one that would best work in a
church the size of CUC. Goals include simplifying our Bylaws, moving the Council role more from
governing Ministries toward energizing them, and looking to a smaller, more agile and responsive Council.
In fact, due to movement to paid staff, relocation and resignation of at-large members, we find ourselves
ending the year less one fourth of the usual number. It has not hampered our function and our
communication with the Congregation. More work in this regard is planned for the coming year.
FINANCES AND STEWARDSHIP. This has been a challenging year financially, the result of a down stock
market and a more drastic downturn of tourist wedding revenue that had already been declining due to
economic conditions in Japan. This was offset, though only partially so, by another good effort by our
Stewardship Ministry and good response from the Congregation in pledging. The response with the most
significant impact was the decision to outsource the marketing, scheduling and conduction of tourist
weddings, thus ending well over two decades of wedding ministry at CUC. Council will monitor the
progress of this new arrangement closely. We were all made aware at the Budget Meeting that a larger dip
than usual into the Endowment was necessary to balance the budget. Reassurance comes from our
Treasurer and Budget Ministry, who remain cautiously optimistic than things will improve.
HUMAN RESOURCES. This has been an extremely active year for HR. Pastor David has found his
Minister of Spiritual Formation in the Rev. Brandon Duran, who, with his wife Janelle and young children,
Elijah and Emma, joined us in August 2015. Pastor Brandon has already established a quiet,
compassionate and spiritual presence on the Council and in the Congregation, a welcome addition to that
of Pastor David. Other significant personnel changes include: Pastor Gloria Imamura's resignation; Miguel
Asuncion's resignation and Jeanette Redmond's hire as Church Administrator; Brittany Hopkins moving
from the Preschool to be CUC Controller; Rinou Kong's and Kerry Krenzke's retirements; addition of Alice
Taum and Jane Nagel to the paid staff; and other changes among the accounting, maintenance and front
office staff. We have decided to discontinue our contract with Vantaggio HR and have retained the HR
Department of Arcadia to assist us in that arena. Adjustment to these fairly extensive changes is ongoing.
CENTRAL UNION PRESCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN (CUPS). Things are going well for what is
actually the largest Ministry of the Church. The trial of CUPS Director reporting directly to Senior Minister
has worked exceedingly well and is continuing. The active involvement of our Ministers with the keiki and
parents of CUPS is attracting families to Church services. Another inducement to attract CUPS families to
CUC has been the tuition assistance or discount offered to established Church members. As reported by
the Council Preschool Modernization Committee (CCPMC) the Bank of Hawaii Line of Credit has been paid
down to minimal amounts five years early, and with capital fundraising having already garnered $700K,
they are prepared to seek approval from the Congregation at the Annual Meeting to proceed with Phase II
Modernization which includes drawing on the LOC as needed. The Council endorses the request.
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BLANKET OF CARE. This has been one of Pastor David's concerns, that we can do much better at being
aware of a Church member's spiritual and supportive needs, particularly those who are not able to regularly
attend Church services. A major, and ultimately even transformative, step in that direction has been the
hire of Alice Taum as Director of Congregational Care. She brings to the position the perspective of a longtime CUC family, a Council member and one with extensive educational and work experience, but also one
who respects individual privacy. The structure and framework of the system of care she has laid down in
her first few months is already bearing fruit, and one can see that as processes and procedures are further
developed and refined, great benefit for all of CUC will ensue, getting us much closer to engaging and
embracing ALL. Another extension of the blanket of care is taking communion outside the church, to home
or residence. Pastor Brandon is working with the Diaconate to add that very important element to their
kuleana of visitation. The Church now has a system and a point of contact for all of us to stay in touch as
we care for each other.
'AHA PAE'AINA. Preparation and planning is ongoing for the 2016 'Aha Makua, in which representatives of
all churches of the Hawaii Conference UCC will assemble on our campus on June 10 and 11. It will require
a strong volunteer effort to make the attendees from our sister UCC congregations welcome and actually
will be a great opportunity for living our Vision. Alice Taum and Sandy Fong are leading the effort.
Volunteers are welcome and please say, "yes" if asked.
STABLE CHANGE. So where is the Council and Central Union Church at this point in time, two years into
the tenure of our Senior Minister? The honeymoon glow of the first year has faded to some extent,
replaced by the hard work of turning and growing our rather large ship while keeping it afloat and keeping
everyone on board. Glow can come from that too, if we work together. We are blessed by having two
youthful and spiritually inspiring Ministers whose gifts complement each other. The incoming Council and
its leadership promise to be both vibrant and wise. The challenges will continue: knowing our membership
and how to reach them; establishing an effective communication network that can work via multiple media
pathways; adjusting to a Church Staff that is seeking its rhythm following extensive changes in personnel;
in decision-making and collaboration, looking for that higher middle ground between "business" and
"church", between bottom line and relationships, between paid staff and volunteers; being open to
innovative and transformative measures and activity that will result in better balancing the budgetary needs
of our Church and campus. There are many more, some of which have been noted above. Again, it
promises to be an exciting year. It has been an honor to serve CUC as Council Chair, a job made so much
easier and rewarding by the love and commitment of my Council colleagues. Mahalo Ke Akua. †
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Annual Clerk’s Report
January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP JANUARY 1, 2015
1302
MEMBERSHIP GAINED IN 2015:
Confirmation
Confession of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Transfer of Letter
Associate
Reinstated
34
0
3
17
7
7
0
MEMBERSHIP LOST IN 2015:
Death
Transfer
Terminated
26
21
5
0
TOTAL MEMBERSHIP DECEMBER 2015
BAPTISMS IN 2015
Children
Adults
7
1310
9
4
5
Central Union Church Annual Meeting
Sunday, May 31, 2015 • Sanctuary • 10:05 am
I.
Call to Order
II.
A. The Annual Meeting of Central Union Church was called to order at 10:05 a.m. in the Sanctuary by
Church Council Vice-Chair Suzie Schulberg.
B. Upon receiving the quorum report from Council Secretary Valerie Tanaka that 192 members were
present, Vice-Chair Schulberg, noting the number present exceeded the quorum requirement of
100 members, stated a quorum was established, pursuant to Article III, Section 3.8.A of the Church
Bylaws.
Notice and Business of the Annual Meeting
A. Notice was properly given more than 20 days prior to the meeting. The notice included a
description of the matters requiring approval of the members pursuant to Section 3.5 of the Bylaws.
B. Vice-Chair Schulberg stated that the purpose of the Annual Meeting was to receive reports from
the Chair of the Council, the Treasurer and the Senior Minister, and elect members of the Council,
the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Council.
C. The meeting was conducted in accordance with the Congregational Meeting Rules adopted by the
Council as amended by the Council on September 25, 2012.
III.
Invocation – The invocation was given by Senior Minister Rev. David Rivers.
IV.
Introductions – Vice-Chair Schulberg introduced those on the dais: David Yee, Council Treasurer;
Valerie Tanaka, Council Secretary; Suzie Schulberg, Council Vice-Chair; Rev. David Rivers, Senior
Minister; John Steelquist, Nominations and Governance Committee Chair; and Kerry Krenzke,
Parliamentarian and Timer.
V.
Approval of Minutes
A. Secretary Tanaka presented the Minutes from:
1. the 2014 Annual Meeting – May 4, 2014 and
2. the 2015 Annual Budget Meeting – January 25, 2015
Copies of the Minutes were distributed to the members.
VI.
B. Vice-Chair Schulberg called for the motion. Dr. Kalani Brady moved for approval of the Minutes,
the motion was seconded by Dick Hubbard. Jim Richards called attention to 2 typos on the
attachment provided: the adjournment time to be “AM” not “PM” and to add an “E” in Eleanore
Chong’s name. The Minutes were approved unanimously.
Elections
A.
John Steelquist presented the slate of nominees on behalf of the Council as recommended by
the Nominations and Governance Committee as follows:
a. Officers (One Year)
I. Chair: Nathan Wong
II. Vice-Chair: Suzie Schulberg
b. At-Large Members of the Council (Four Years)
I. Evelyn “Evie” Hao
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II. Carl Schlack
c. At-Large Members of the Council (Three Years)
I. James Ramos
d. At-Large Members of the Council (Two Years)
I. Carolyn Bell - Tuttle
e. At-Large Members of the Council (One Year)
I. John Steelquist
Discussion ensued: Eleanore Chong questioned John Steelquist about the Report of the
Nominations and Governance Committee (Page 31 of the 2014-2015 Annual Report); Susan
Wong asked John Steelquist to confirm the number of vacancies in the 2015- 2016 Council.
Talbert Fox urged the Council to return to the practice of filling Committees based upon survey of
interests and talents, being a democratic church going back to roots of Congregationalism. Vice
Chair Schulberg explained that the Council had approved a 3-minute proposal time for Talbert
Fox (apart of the usual 2-minute time limit as stated in the Congregational Rules). Richard Kang,
John Stepulis, Laura St. Denis “Pixie”, Ross Kinsler, and Howard Green shared comments about
Council size, prior Council history, a democratic vs. autocratic system, encouraging the Council
to fill all vacant seats.
B.
MOTION: John Steelquist on behalf of the Nominations and Governance Committee presented
the 2015-2016 Slate of Officers and At-Large Council members, as above. The CUC membership
voted in favor of the proposed Slate of Officers and At-Large Council members with 1 Abstention
noted.
C.
VII.
In accordance with Section 4.3D of the Bylaws, there being no more nominees than positions to
be filled for Chair and Vice-Chair and Council At-Large Members, Vice-Chair Schulberg declared
each of the nominated officers elected to the offices for which they were nominated and the
nominees for Council At-Large positions elected to the Council.
D. Vice-Chair Schulberg recognized members who had completed their service on the Council and
thanked them: Dougie Hubbard, John Jacobson, and Charise Shigeta.
E. Vice-Chair Schulberg recognized and thanked the officer who had completed her service on the
Council: Anita DiMauro, Head of Deaconesses.
Presentation of Central Union Church Mission- Rev. Rivers.
The statement that has been vetted, debated and shared:
“We Engage and Embrace ALL, as we seek to Embody Christ.”
Rev. Rivers shared the story about CUC going forward and defining the answer to the question “Why
do we exist?” He shared about the story of Moses and Joshua going into the Promise Land, being a
body of people that can work together despite our diversities and our beliefs. The CUC Council voted
to adopt our mission as stated above.
MOTION: Jane Nagel moved to adopt our mission as stated: “We Engage and Embrace ALL, as we
seek to Embody Christ.” James Ramos seconded the Motion.
Discussion followed: Nancy Tudor stated that something similar was done 10- 12 years ago.
Suzanne Case agreed and urged members to vote in favor of the Motion, stating the word “All” to be
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shown in the first section of the mission. The motion was passed unanimously by the Membership and
accepted as proposed.
VIII.
Report of the Chair of the Council: Vice-Chair Schulberg on behalf of Nathan Wong gave a brief
summary of Nate’s report which is attached to these minutes as Attachment 1.
IX.
Report of the Senior Minister: Rev. Rivers gave a brief summary of his report which is attached to
these minutes as Attachment 2.
X.
Report of the Treasurer: Treasurer David Yee gave a brief summary of his report which is attached to
these minutes as Attachment 3. David Yee also recognized and thanked Comptroller Tasha Sawai for
her years of service as she is leaving CUC in June, 2015.
XI.
Vice-Chair Schulberg noted that Installation of the 2015-2016 Officers and Members of the Council will
be held on the following Sunday, June 7, 2015 at all 3 services: 7am, 9am and 11am to introduce the
Officers and new Council members.
XII.
Concluding business – Vice-Chair Schulberg announced that, pursuant to the Meeting Rules,
Officers of the Council would be available in front of the dais for questions. She then asked the
membership if there were any additional questions and/ or comments.
A.
Carol Egan suggested that the 2014- 2015 Annual Reports be readily handed out at the time of
sign-in.
B.
Greg Boxold shared that there is a link on the CUC website for the Annual Report.
C.
Ellen Heid asked if CUC would be adding another minister to our current staff. Rev. Rivers
replied that unofficially we are waiting for a reply to fill the position of Minister of Spiritual
Formation and hopefully next week a name, biography and start date will be provided to the
congregation.
XIII.
Closing Prayer – Rev. Gloria Imamura gave a closing prayer.
XIV.
Adjournment
A.
William Brown moved to adjourn the Annual Meeting. It was seconded by Jackie Lane. The
motion carried by a majority of those present and voting.
B.
Vice-Chair Schulberg adjourned the Annual Meeting at 10:58 a.m.
Attachment 1 – Chair of the Council’s Annual Report
Attachment 2 – Senior Minister’s Annual Report
Attachment 3 – Treasurer’s Annual Report
Attachment 4 – Talbert Fox statement
Respectfully Submitted,
Valerie Tanaka, Secretary
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Report of the Senior Minister
The Rev. David C. Rivers
Each day, as I walk from the parking lot to my office, I pass the Atherton Memorial Chapel and the
Sanctuary. I often find my pace slowing as I look upon these sacred spaces. My mind starts to wander as I
reflect on the countless lives that have been, and are being, transformed in these spaces. For in these
spaces, we celebrate the continuum of love—the love found in the worship of God; the love found in the
union of marriage; the love found in celebrating the saints who now rest in eternal peace; the love of
parents as they watch their kids sing or prepare to be launched into adulthood. Truly, Love Never Faileth!
I often ask God what God would want to do within these sacred walls. Inevitably, the same sense engulfs
me—“Transform lives.” The goal of the Church has been, is now, and forever will be, to be a place of
transformation! Confucius said it simply “Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.” The
same can be said of the church—it is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated. Perhaps that is
why Jesus used imagery of children who “get it.” In their simplicity, they see clearly.
In this past year, we have continued to navigate the unsettled waters of transition. Transition isn’t bad!!
The church has always been a people transitioning as we discern God’s call for today. In the midst of
transitions, we have an opportunity to cling to the best of our past while making space for the “Still
Speaking God.” (One of our UCC tag lines.)
In the simplicity of the Gospel, Jesus invites us to be a people that embody his spirit. Most notably, our
sole command is to love—Love God with all that you are and love your neighbor as well. While this is a
simple statement, it is profoundly difficult to live. We are a work in progress who are invited to extend grace
and forgiveness to one another for none of us live perfectly! The beauty of this economy of grace is that
each one is equally deserving of it! May we continue the good work of following God’s call to be a place of
transformation!
In this year of transitions, we have seen some saints of our staff retire such as Miguel Asuncion, Rinou
Kong and Kerry Krenzke. We have bid farewell to Rev. Gloria Imamura as she discerns God’s call and
leading upon her life. At the same time, we have welcomed some new staff—Rev. Brandon Duran as our
Minister of Spiritual Formation; Jeanette Redmond as our Administrator; Alice Taum as our Director of
Congregational Care; and Cory Taylor as our Buildings & Grounds Supervisor. Other staff have taken on
new roles—Brittany Hopkins moving from the Preschool Accountant to Controller and Robinson Frederick
from our Buildings & Grounds Supervisor to Facilities Operations Manager. And we have a core staff who
have helped keep us stable in the midst of change like Margaret Lloyd – Director of Music Ministries, Marie
Hook-Director of Preschool & Kindergarten, and many in the administrative rolls.
The staff, you see, help facilitate the space for transformation to occur. The real impact of our church is in
the volunteers who spend countless hours serving our congregation and the community. Whether at the
Thrift Shop or visiting the shut-ins; serving Family Promise or partnering with agencies in our community;
working with children and teens or our kupuna; serving on committees, as Historians, on the Diaconate or
the Council, the impact of our church is ultimately a result of people sharing their gifts and passions with
our church! And that is contagious! Just look at the 37% increase in giving from the previous year! It is an
honor to serve God and Central Union Church as we strive to “Engage and Embrace ALL as we seek to
Embody Christ!”
- Pastor David Rivers
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Report of the Controller
Brittany Hopkins
Change is in the air. I think we all can agree that Central Union Church has experienced much change in
2015 and the accounting department is no different. One of the largest changes was with accounting staff.
I took on my new role as Controller (previously holding the Accountant position) in mid-September 2015.
With that, we hired on a new Accountant, Amy Inouye. We also will be having a new Accounting Clerk,
Leslie Constantino, start with us in April 2016 to fill a currently vacant position. I am thankful for all of the
support I have received from Church staff, Council, and the Congregation as I move into my new position.
Thank you!
In addition to staffing changes, the accounting department worked closely with PPRC and Church
administration to finalize and successfully roll-out Job Descriptions for all CUC staff. Along with current jobdescriptions, which clearly outline the FLSA status and essential duties and responsibilities for each
position, the accounting department is also undergoing a payroll conversion. The payroll conversion
consists of (1) evaluating the current status of all employees/independent contractors to ensure they were
classified correctly, (2) convert all payroll data to a new payroll provider, (3) implement electronic timeclocks and (4) adjust the payroll schedule to pay employees for actual time worked (opposed to projected
time). Steps 1 and 2 were successfully executed in January 2016 and steps 3 and 4 will be implemented
effective April 1, 2016. With this change in time reporting techniques, the accounting department also
drafted and finalized new time reporting policies for the entire campus. The payroll conversion has been
and continues to be a tedious task, but it is also very rewarding as we continue to improve the efficiencies
of time reporting and payroll processing procedures. We are excited to explore and implement new
features that are available to us with our new payroll provider.
Central Union Church continues to transform lives by engaging and embracing ALL individuals. In 2015,
CUC provided $3,000 to help members of the community who are homeless and in need of support along
with $5,933 for feeding homeless individuals (Community Ministry); $3,000 for women in need during
difficult times in their lives (Deaconesses); $7,395 for two theological scholarships (Deacons); $1,492 for
movie night on the lawn (Membership & Fellowship); with the help from generous donors, the Church
purchased a used Bechstein Concert Grand Piano ($94,500) along with a new Carillon Bell System for the
Sanctuary ($42,800) (Music Ministry); $1,500 for seminary scholarships for 2 students in the Philippines,
$1,500 to help children of the Nosu Village in South West China (World Mission); $23,250 in collegiate
scholarships awarded to 16 students, $12,000 given to national and international charitable organizations,
$11,100 for charitable community organizations, Central Union Church debt reduction, and Preschool
Building Fund (Women’s League); $10,000 for Our Wider Mission; $5,657 for One Great Hour of Sharing;
$4,628 for Christmas Fund (formerly known as Veterans of the Cross); and $3,961 for Neighbors in Need.
The accounting department, along with Church administration, work diligently to provide dynamic systems
to help embrace our mission. Working as a team, we hope that in the next three years we are able to
strengthen ministry support, develop ways to strategically utilize our campus and better align our financial
resources and systems with our mission.
The accounting department works with all ministries of the Church to measure and record financial activity
along with provide information when needed for each ministry. Some highlights in 2015 include:
1. Budget Ministry: The accounting department worked closely and meticulously with the Budget
Ministry, the Administrator and the Senior Minister to analyze ministry requests, project financials
environment for the upcoming year, and create the 2016 budget. The process was especially
challenging due to the late start as I did not return from maternity leave until mid-September and
the increasing deferred maintenance list. In the budget process, the Buildings & Grounds Ministry
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was able to re-evaluate their long-term deferred maintenance plan to ensure priority is given to
more serious and time sensitive projects to avoid costly emergency repairs.
2. Stewardship Ministry: Pledges for the 2015 campaign increased by 37% ($190,582) from 2014. Of
the $702,473 total pledges that were made in 2015, $709,574 was collected. Many individuals
paid above and beyond their original pledge amount – what a Blessing!! The 2016 campaign
launched in September 2015 and pledges have increased another 8.6% ($60,837) for the 2016
campaign. The accounting department works closely with the Stewardship Ministry to track
statistics relating to the pledges that are received along with pledge collections.
For 2015, the Church had a net loss of <$756,933>. Please note that the Budget Comparison 2015 to 2016
Approved Budget shows a net loss of <$230,398> (line 32) as it includes our endowment withdrawals of
$526,535 (line 31), which offset the net loss from a cash basis perspective. Some of the main reasons for
the large net loss are:
1. Net Wedding revenue was below budget by $154,231 or 29% compared to budget;
2. Our BOH endowment funds experienced a decrease of <$516,998> in market value. The activity
included endowment draws of <$526,535>, unrealized loss of <$110,929>, earned interest and
dividend of $110,882 and donations received of $11,525;
3. Relocating the Minister of Spiritual Formation to Hawaii - $15,075;
4. Finder fees associated with the new staff hired on in 2015 - $29,912;
5. Open Plate collections was below budget by $33,065, which is comparable due to the 37%
increase in pledges for 2015. †
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Budget Comparison 2015 to 2016 Approved Budget
14
Annual Budget Meeting
Sunday, January 24, 2016 • Sanctuary
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Call to Order
A. The Annual Budget Meeting was called to order at 10:13 am in the Sanctuary by Council Chair
Nathan Wong.
B. Upon receiving the quorum report from Council Secretary Valerie Tanaka that 139 members
were present, Chair Wong, noting the number present exceeded the quorum requirement of
100 members, stated a quorum was established, pursuant to Article III, Section 3.8.A of the
Church Bylaws.
Notice and Business of the Meeting
A. Chair Wong stated that the purpose of the meeting was to consider and approve the Church
Budget for 2016 pursuant to Article III, Section 3.2 of the Bylaws.
B. Notice was properly given more than 20 days prior to the meeting. The notice included a
description of the matters requiring approval of the members pursuant to Section 3.5 of the
Bylaws.
C. The meeting was conducted in accordance with the Congregational Meeting Rules adopted by
the Council on September 25, 2012.
Invocation - The invocation was given by the Senior Minister Rev. David Rivers.
Introductions – Chair Wong introduced those on the dais:
Valerie Tanaka, Council Secretary; David Yee, Council Treasurer; Brittany Hopkins, Church
Controller; Howard Green, Budget Ministry Chair;
Nathan Wong, Council Chair, Suzie Schulberg, Vice-Chair and Timer;
Kerry Krenzke, Parliamentarian; and Rev. David Rivers, Sr. Minister.
Consideration of the Annual Budget for 2016
A. Treasurer Yee announced that under consideration was the Church’s Operating Budget.
B. Howard Green, Chair of the Budget Ministry, presented the Budget on behalf of the Council.
Howard thanked his Budget committee for their contributions and time: Jim Bell, Scott
Ballentyne, Nathan Wong, Suzie Schulberg, and David Yee. Also Brittany Hopkins, Controller;
Jeanette Redmond, Administrator and Miguel Asuncion, former Administrator. He stated that
wedding income had dropped significantly. That the realized loss shown is not a cash loss;
that pledges are on an upswing, thanking Rev. Rivers and asked that CUC members bring in
friends, as we need more church members and more pledges to support new ministries and
the upkeep of our current facilities. Pledging for 2016 has increased as in 2015, budgeted
pledges was at $713,000 with actual receipt to date at $701,383. The Budget committee voted
to draw 4% from the endowment funds, with anticipation that in the next few years, the
situation will allow for contributing to the endowment fund. Howard stressed growth of the
church, growth in income, including weddings and programs, and the necessity for more
contributing members. The floor was opened for questions of clarification regarding the
proposed Budget. Questions were heard from: Carol Egan, Joseph Dunkle, John Jacobson,
Ruth Chang, and Michael Hodges
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VI.
VII.
VIII.
C. Treasurer David Yee made the following motion:
Be it resolved that the 2016 Budget, as presented by Howard Green and as
recommended by the Council, be and hereby is adopted.
D. The floor was opened for debate. There was no debate and Richard Kang shared scripture.
Chair Wong called for a vote and the motion carried unanimously.
E. Chair Wong thanked Treasurer David Yee and members of the Administration and Finance
Committee; and Howard Green, and members of the Budget Ministry; and Brittany Hopkins for
a difficult job well done.
Concluding Business - Officers of the Council were available in front of the dais for the informal
members’ forum pursuant to the Meeting Rules.
Closing Prayer – Rev. Brandon Duran gave the closing prayer.
Adjournment - It was moved by John Steelquist and seconded by Carolyn Kuahulu to adjourn the
Budget meeting. The motion passed. The meeting was adjourned at 11:09 am.
Respectfully Submitted,
Valerie Tanaka, Secretary
The foregoing Minutes were approved at the Annual
Meeting of the Central Union Church held on
May 1, 2016.
Valerie Tanaka, Secretary
16
Report of the Minister of Spiritual Formation
The Rev. Brandon Duran
Not long ago, while perusing the Thrift Shop, I came across a metronome. I like metronomes. The ideas of
balance, timing, rhythm, and simplicity appeal to me. I shared my affinity for metronomes with the ladies of
the Thrift Shop and continued on my way. A few days later, I received an unexpected gift. The beautiful
metronome from the Thrift Shop found its way to my office.
In many ways this metronome tells the story of my first few months with Central Union. My family and I
have received numerous kind and unexpected gifts from the church, not the least of which being the spirit
of aloha that has enveloped us. Attuning myself to the rhythm of the island is a significant and ongoing
task. There is a particular timing to Central Union, to its various committees, and to its programs. And
while there is a wealth of good work to be done and wonderful people to work in concert with, I must remain
balanced in my life if I am to faithful to God’s call as your Minister of Spiritual Formation.
My primary goal for this first year has been to learn the people, the culture, and the structure of Central
Union. Through meeting with ministry chairs, service projects, weeknight programs, and home communion
visits I have grown to know and to love the congregation. I have enjoyed getting to know the children and
youth of CUC through Sunday school and special events. I have come to know CUPS through auto-line,
chapel services, and Thursday lunches with little ones. There remains much to learn and CUC continues to
be a gracious teacher.
Throughout the learning process I have sought to join in existing programming as well as implement new
opportunities for faith formation. These new initiatives have included:
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A weekly Bible Study entitled, “Marking the Way.”
Adding to the Lenten Labyrinth Series by facilitating the adult faith formation “Animate: Practices”
curriculum.
Partnering with Alice Taum and Glenn Uejio to offer workshops for the Diaconate on Prayer,
Visitation, Holy Communion, and Baptism.
As the Minister of Spiritual Formation my role is the support and guidance of CUC’s faith formation
programming for every stage of life.
For our youngest, I have been working with Yvette Wood-Lau, Director of Children’s Ministry, to add
systems of follow up and care to our Sunday school programming. This includes strategies for blessing
children as well as programming to enrich the experience for volunteers.
With the YOTM, my focus has been on building relationships with the youth through participation in their
activities. I also collaborate with our staff team of youth leaders to address questions of vision and goals
for the coming years of YOTM ministry.
For adults, I am partnering with the Adult Education Ministry to create a network of support and
accountability for the various faith formation programs thriving on campus. I am also looking ahead for
ways to deepen our faith through service projects and programs offered offsite.
My work with the manifold ministries, programs, and people at Central Union has been informed by a
handful of questions over these past few months.
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How can we support lay leaders so that they might grow in leadership and in spiritual depth?
How can we increase the leadership of our children and youth in worship?
How can we give witness to the spiritual growth of those involved in CUC ministries?
How can the vision of the church inform our ministries?
How will we foster connections between faith formation and service to our community?
Questions such as these guide my thinking as I work with the Diaconate, the Christian Education
Committee, and the ministries geared towards children, youth, and adults.
Along the way, I have been humbled and honored to officiate weddings, guide memorials, offer pastoral
counseling, and contribute to worship.
At the installation service in February, Kahu Richard Kamanu spoke from Philippians 3:12-14. I appreciate
the way Eugene Peterson’s, The Message paraphrases this section of scripture.
“I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for
Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count
myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to
Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.”
I am so grateful to be running this race with you. Together, may we press towards God’s beckoning call. †
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Report of the Director of Congregational Care
Alice K. Holt Taum
This annual report covers the period from December 1, 2015 when I began my position as the Director of
Congregational Care, through April 1, 2016.
During these four months I have researched different types of care programs; gathered and aggregated
lists from staff and volunteers of members needing care; conducted visitations independently and with
Chaplain Bill, and shared in communion with both Pastors David and Brandon and home bound members
of our congregation.
I have learned the names of dozens of members in need of various levels of care ranging from phone calls,
visitations, and prayers, to sitting and praying with a member whose life expectancy according to medical
staff were numbered in days and who had no family on island. In addition to these member needs, recently
more specialized requests for help in other areas such as home care, meals, and transportation have
arisen.
Outreach
Other forms of outreach have been implemented as part of the broader care program. Some examples
include:
 Journeying through Grief books – A set of 4-books that are sent out over the course of one year to
help those who have lost loved ones
 Various postcard notes – Sent to members who have been hospitalized, are sick, or who are
struggling with a physical, emotional, or spiritual challenge
 Communion baskets (for homebound members) – Two baskets containing 4 ceramic pieces—
challis, paten, and two jars with cork-covers for the elements
 Prayer requests – Review, compile and share requests with pastoral staff on a weekly basis;
followed by phone calls or visitations to members, as needed
 Care Notes – When notes are replenished in both the Sanctuary and Narthex, we are able to
identify some of the trends of popular notes that have been taken, based on the number of
remaining notes (they are pre-counted)
 Phone calls – Established the beginnings of what will be a growing list of members who are in need
of regular check-ins (e.g., homebound, sick, aging)
Care Program
Of the multiple care programs I have reviewed, Stephen Ministry seems to be the best fit for Central Union
Church for a number of reasons. First, we have a large congregation with a growing number of members
who need ongoing, long-term care (i.e., cancer, Alzheimer’s or dementia, loss of spouse or loved one, no
other family on island, someone who is homebound). Stephen Ministry is designed for trained lay ministers
to be paired one-to-one with an individual, affording the opportunity for many members to participate in the
life of caring for others in our church family. Second, the one-time enrollment fee to become a Stephen
Ministry Congregation was paid for back in 1999, so we would not incur this expense. In the coming months
I plan to begin sharing information with the congregation about the Stephen Ministry program and create
opportunities for members to be able to speak directly with Stephen Ministers who have been involved with
the program for many years.
Grace and blessings. †
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Report of the Administrator
Jeanette Redmond
September 2015 to April 2016
As I prepare to leave Central Union Church after just 7 months on the job,* I am grateful to all of you for the
support and encouragement you showed me during my busy, but brief, tenure. As I look all around at this
incredibly active CUC organization—its people, its infrastructure, and its systems, procedures, and
policies—I see enormous potential! And, I’m thrilled to know that Pastor David—a rare and exceptionally
talented individual—is, together with other senior staff and your very capable Council leadership, at the
helm helping to guide this congregation into even deeper bonds with Christ.
While here at CUC, some of my goals and tasks have been to:
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Help build a deeper level of trust and respect among the staff, management, volunteers, and Council
leadership
Help complete the 2016 Budget as accurately and thoughtfully as possible in the time permitted
Identify and help fill gaps in staff members’ skills and knowledge and provide more cross-training and
learning opportunities among staff
Identify systems, policies, and procedures which can and should be implemented, revised, eliminated,
or streamlined to reduce various types of redundancies, inefficiencies, and duplication of effort
Identify and begin to address a number of issues which will help improve the service we provide to our
members and help beautify and protect the campus—but which cost little or no money
Help complete the Management Systems project (Job Descriptions and related HR policies and
procedures)
Begin to develop a detailed Preventative Maintenance Plan specifically designed for CUC’s unique
campus, as well as the processes necessary to actually implement the Plan on a
daily/weekly/monthly/yearly basis with detailed work schedules, a true work-order system, and
continuing training programs where and as needed (Robinson Fredrick and Cory Taylor will now take
the lead in this area)
Begin the process of cleaning up the existing database to more accurately ascertain the number of
CUC members and identify whether a new membership database is advisable that may integrate better
with CUC’s website (also to undergo an overhaul) and accounting systems
Begin the process of reviewing numerous existing contracts in an effort to see where savings may be
obtained either through soliciting bids from new contractors and/or consolidating contracts for services
that are currently duplicated on campus (e.g., by the Church, preschool, thrift shop and adult day care)
Begin to review existing fee structures for rental of space on campus, as well as policies and
procedures for a wide range of internal and external activities and systems
Conduct Performance Evaluations, with SMART goals, for all staff I supervise beginning with the first
quarter of 2016
Promote and train Robinson Fredrick as your new Facilities Operations Manager
Hire and train Cory Taylor as your new Buildings & Grounds Supervisor who supervises the
groundskeepers, custodians, and maintenance technician (Robinson and Cory are also cross-training
as well as doing more with one less staff person since Sary Phean’s departure early in 2016)
Work with B&G staff and administrative staff to clean out large areas in and around the campus, freeing
up much-needed space for neat, clean and accessible storage for records retention, equipment, and
current supplies
Work with Arcadia HR to develop and implement more comprehensive and uniform HR management
systems for the entire Campus—everything from biometric time clocks, to SMART goals, updating
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policies and procedures, training and cross-training staff, performing regular and more structured
performance reviews and much more
Invite volunteers to assist the office staff by filling in at the Reception Desk and fulfilling the very
important role of greeting and welcoming guests and other visitors, assisting callers, signing for
packages, directing vendors and contractors as needed and assisting staff with discrete clerical tasks
from time to time
Complete the phasing in of the outsourcing of the reservations and marketing for tourist weddings (a
process which was completed as of April 1 and which has freed up considerable Administrative and
Buildings & Grounds staff to perform other work and which we hope will boost this revenue source)
Though much has been accomplished in just a few short months, much, much more remains to be tackled
by your next Administrator. And, I have endeavored over my last several days to leave him or her in the
best position possible to take the reins and move forward with deliberate speed.
*Message to CUC Leadership and the Congregation sent on Tuesday, April 12, 2016
It is with a very heavy heart that let you know that I have tendered my resignation from CUC. As some of
you may know, I have been wrestling in recent months with trying to find a balance with my professional life
and my personal life, particularly as my husband’s serious health issues have been very challenging. In
January of this year, I was offered a position with the City & County of Honolulu (I originally applied well
over a year ago). At that time, after lots of deliberation, I decided to turn down the position because I truly
enjoy working at Central Union and being part of the amazing and wonderful things that are happening here
under Pastor David’s leadership!
In the three months that followed, my husband’s health took more turns for the worse and I’ve been torn
about how to manage juggling this full and demanding, but awesome, job and my responsibilities at
home. Last week, I was contacted again by the City & County because they have been unable to fill the
position. This time, the decision for me is clear and brings me peace—I know that I need to take the
position at the City & County which will provide me with a very stable, 9-to-5 schedule with more time off.
I cannot tell you how very much I’ve appreciated the opportunity to work with many of you and to be a
witness to the beginnings of this congregation’s “transformation fo’ real!” It is inspiring and my brief
experience here has already helped transform me in positive ways I never expected! Having worked
particularly closely alongside Pastor David and seeing his strength, his vision, his maturity, sensitivity,
diplomacy, leadership skills, and so much more, I know that this congregation is in great hands and on the
right path! I’m hope that CUC’s path and my own will continue to cross.
Thank you all for your immense patience and kindness during my tenure. My last day is Friday, April 22,
2016. †
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Report of the Director of Music Ministries
Margaret Lloyd
As Director of Music Ministries I am tasked to develop, coordinate and administer an effective and wellrounded Christian ministry of music by encouraging teamwork and mutual support for all who are involved
in the ministry of music at Central Union Church. Participants are persons of all ages and a large variety of
music is incorporated in the worship services.
Music Staff – CUC’s music staff includes several part-time employees. Constance Uejio, Organist/Pianist
(Assistant Director of Music Ministries prior to 1.1.16), serves as musician for the 7:00 a.m. worship service
in Atherton Memorial Chapel as available; assists with worship services, various tasks and projects of the
music department; and steps in during my absence due to professional development leave or vacation.
Claire Starz Butin, Children’s Choir Director, directs the Cherub Choir and Keiki Khorale. Having
previously served as guest director, Debbie Kelsey became the Chancel Choir Director September 1, 2015.
Additionally, our Soloists – Catherine Goto, Blythe Kelsey, Kawika McGuire, Kalani Brady and Christopher
Kelsey – became employees effective January 1, 2016. Thank you all for your contributions to our ministry
of music!
Worship – Sunday morning and seasonal worship services remain at the core of our ministry of music.
The worship planning team and music staff work together to create meaningful worship experiences based
on the sermon series. Diversity of musical style is encouraged and creative expression varies in the
different worship services. The inclusion of worship participants of all ages is supported. Seasonal
services offer opportunities for new expressions, through music and other arts. Our Christmas Eve family
service is one of exuberant wonder! The candlelight communion services offer quiet moments of reflection
as well as the joyous sounds of The Honolulu Brass. During Holy Week, worshipers gathered as
community around the Eucharistic tables and returned on Good Friday for an experiential journey through
the Sanctuary, pausing to reflect on symbols of the life of Christ that led to the cross. The glory of Easter
was celebrated with the sunrise service led by our Youth On The Move! and three additional, diverse
services in Atherton Memorial Chapel, the Sanctuary and the Parish Hall.
Gift of Music – These weekly presentations include vocalists, instrumentalists, choirs, organists, pianists,
students of community musicians and guest vocal ensembles. Instrumental ensembles included student
string quartets and The Honolulu Brass for Easter Sunday. In collaboration with Constance Uejio (who has
provided harp prelude and service music on communion Sundays at the 7:00 a.m. service since October of
2010), additional instrumental music is scheduled on another Sunday once a month at 7:00 a.m.
Choral Ministry – Choirs in residence include the Chancel Choir/Summer Choir, Pohnpeian Choir, Ke
Aloha Pauʻole, Youth Choir, Keiki Khorale, Cherub Choir and the Oratorio Choir. The Chancel Choir,
under the direction of Debbie Kelsey, rehearses on Thursday evenings, sings weekly for the 9:00 a.m.
worship service from September through May and at seasonal services. The Summer Choir rehearses on
Sunday mornings and sings weekly in the months of June and July. Our CUC Soloists offer vocal support
and assistance as section leaders in the Chancel/Summer Choir and also sing as a vocal ensemble.
Soloists who have served this year include Catherine Goto & Blythe Kelsey [soprano]; Debbie Kelsey [alto];
Kalani Brady & Kawika McGuire [tenor], and Christopher Kelsey [bass]. The Pohnpeian Choir, under the
direction of Robinson Fredrick, leads in worship at the Pohnpeian worship service at 11:00 a.m., and also
sings at the 9:00 a.m. worship service once a month. Ke Aloha Pauʻole (Love Never Faileth), a choral
ensemble dedicated to singing Hawaiian hymns and repertoire at the 9:00 a.m. worship service, is also
under the direction of Debbie Kelsey. The Youth Choir, under the direction of The Rev. Dr. George Scott,
sings for the 9:00 a.m. worship service most months during the school year. The Keiki Khorale, for
children in grades 1–5 from CUC and the community, is under the direction of Claire Starz Butin. Weekly
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60-minute rehearsals are held on Wednesday afternoons. The Cherub Choir, for children of preschool age
(ages 4-5) of CUC families and the community, is also under the direction of Claire Starz Butin. Weekly 30minute rehearsals are held on Wednesday afternoons. Both the Keiki Khorale and Cherub Choir
participated in the 9:00 a.m. worship service on Mother’s Day (May 10 th); Celebration of the Ministry of
Music Sunday (September 27th); Preschool Sunday (October 18th); White Gifts Sunday (December 13th);
Christmas Eve; Valentine’s Day (February 14th); March 13th with the Chancel Choir; and on April 10th. The
Oratorio Choir, comprised of Chancel Choir members and community vocalists, gathered for rehearsals in
the Fall. The 68th annual performance of Messiah, under the direction of Dr. Alec Schumacker, was
presented on December 6th by a 90-voice Oratorio Choir and accompanied by a 15-member chamber
ensemble. The Worship Team, led by Wade Cambern and Cheryl Bartlett, provides weekly musical
leadership at the 11:00 a.m. contemporary worship service. Several volunteer musicians have joined the
Worship Team and serve as worship leaders on a regular basis.
Handbell Ministry – Keiki Klappers, a handbell ensemble for keiki in grades 1-5, rehearsed weekly. The
Youth Handbell Quartet has enjoyed learning small ensemble techniques, ringing for the Gift of Music on
December 13th and also at Shrove Tuesday on February 9th. The adult Handbell Quartet presented a Gift
of Music on June 7th, November 15th, and February 21st. They also rang for two worship services on
Christmas Sunday, December 20th. The youth and adult handbell quartets have collaborated on joint
performances and also prepared accompaniments for the Soloists. In January 2016, keiki in grades 1-5
from the 11:00 a.m. Sunday School began attending a weekly 25-minute tone chime rehearsal and have
since been introduced to the art of handbell ringing.
Organs – Both pipe organs on our campus were scheduled for maintenance and tuning by Jim Gruber, an
organ technician from Maui. In January 2016, the static bellows of the Æolian-Skinner organ in the
Sanctuary needed to be rebuilt and the room housing the bellows and blower was refurbished.
Pianos – Eight pianos (in the Sanctuary, Atherton Memorial Chapel, Women’s Building, Music Building,
Parish Hall, Fireside Room and Room 206) are under contract with Mozart House for regularly scheduled
maintenance and tuning. In December 2015, the church received a most generous gift “to the glory of God”
for the procurement of a concert grand piano in the Sanctuary. After an on-Island search, a beautiful, preowned Bechstein Concert Grand Piano (9’4”) was purchased from Mozart House. CUC is blessed to have
such an extraordinary instrument for generations to come to be used in worship services, at memorial and
funeral services, for concerts and community events!
Carillon – In the Fall of 2015, the church received a most generous gift from Paul Jackson Coleman for the
purchase of a new Schulmerich g5 carillon. The Americana carillon has six distinct bell voices (True Cast,
Flemish, English, Harp, Celeste, Organ Chimes) that are played from speakers in the bell tower/Spire.
Programming capabilities can utilize up to 3,000 selections from the song library as well as tolling the
hours. An organ interface through MIDI offers playing capability of the carillon from the organ console,
either through the speakers in the Spire or the internal speakers in the Sanctuary. The carillon was first
played on Sunday morning, December 6th. Within a few weeks, the carillon was reprogrammed to play
“Westminster Chimes” and toll the hours daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. for the enjoyment of all!
Orff instruments – In the Summer of 2015, funds became available to purchase a much-desired set of Orff
instruments, to be used especially for music instruction for students in the Keiki Khorale. A 9-piece set of
xylophones and metallophones (soprano, alto, bass) was purchased and first heard in worship on White
Gifts Sunday, December 13th. Keiki have enjoyed playing the new instruments!
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Concerts at CUC – Our concerts included in-house and guest groups. A performance date marked with
an asterisk (*) is co-sponsored by the American Guild of Organists-Hawai`i Chapter. The AGO Executive
Board provides management, publicity, and guaranteed artist fees.
CUC concerts included:
 University of Hawaiʻi Choral Concert: Psalm – University Singers, Concert Choir, Chamber Singers
– Dr. Alec Schumacker and Dr. Miguel Felipe, conductors – November 20, 2015
 Hawai`i Pacific University 13th Annual Winter Concert – HPU Symphony Orchestra, Dr. Teresa
McCreary, conductor; International Vocal Ensemble and Chorale, Mr. Jeremy Wong, director –
November 21, 2015
 68th Annual Messiah – CUC Oratorio Choir and Chamber Ensemble, Dr. Alec Schumacker,
conductor – December 6, 2015
 Windward Choral Society 8th Annual Holiday Concert – Susan McCreary Duprey, director –
December 11, 2015
 Na Leo Hou – Annual ACDA Hawaiʻi All-State High School Choral Festival – Mr. Tesfa
Wondemagegnehu, clinician – February 13, 2016 (featuring private and public high school choirs)
 E Himeni Kakou – Annual ACDA Hawaiʻi Collegiate Choral Festival
– Mr. Tesfa
Wondemagegnehu, clinician – February 20, 2016 (featuring choirs from UH—Manoa, UH—West
Oʻahu, KCC and LCC, HPU)
 11th Annual AGO Organ Concert – Greg Zelek, organist – March 6, 2016*
 Hakuoh University Handbell Concert, 25th annual tour – March 10, 2016
 31th Annual Pacific Basin Music Festival Choral Concert – March 21, 2016 (featuring choirs from
California; Colorado; St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada; Sydney, Australia)
My thanks to Gavin Moffat for quality production of printed concert programs; the Music Ministry for their
support of our ministry; Carol Asuncion and Youth on the Move! for ushering at the Messiah, and the
maintenance staff for assistance with facility use and event set-up.
Weddings and Funerals – Assisting as organists for weddings were Nyle Hallman, Samuel Lam, Tom
Poole and Constance Uejio. Soloists were Cheryl Bartlett, Mark DeMello, Catherine Goto, Blythe I. Kelsey,
Christopher Kelsey, Debbie Kelsey, Jan Matuseski, and Lois Penaroza. (These same musicians have also
assisted with funerals as needed.)
Worship & Evangelism Committee – My thanks to W&E for welcoming me to the meetings.
Music Ministry – My thanks to Music Ministry chairs, Kalani Brady and Eleanor Mudrick, and MM
members for their support of the ministry of music at CUC. It has certainly been a “banner year” for
instruments!
Volunteers – CUC is blessed with members and friends willing to be of assistance. I am always grateful
for volunteers and their gifts of time, talent and treasure to our ministry of music.
Mahalo nui loa . . . to all who have contributed to the ministry of music at Central Union Church this year.
You are such a blessing! May we continue to live our mission:
“We Engage and Embrace ALL as we seek to Embody Christ!” †
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Report of the Director of Central Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten
Marie Hook
Central Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten was established in 1928 and served fourteen students.
Central Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten began the 2015-2016 School Year with one (1)
transitional two/three year old class; two (2) three-year old classes, one (1) three/four mixed classes, two
(2) 4-year old class, two (2) four/five (JK) classes and one (1) 2-year old class.
During the inaugural year (2007-2008) there were 20 students enrolled in the Toddler Program. The
program is very successful and the demand for the Toddler Program continues to increase. Currently there
is no before or after school care (2:30 – 5:30) for toddlers. Students attend 5 days per week either ½ day
(7:30 am – 11:30 am) or full day (7:30 am – 2:30 pm).
The preschool for children ages 3 – 6 years, opens at 7:00 am and children may stay until 5:30 pm. Tuition
for the 2015-2016 school year is as follows: Regular School Day, (7:30 am – 2:30 pm) = $13,511.00;
Before School Care, (7:00 am – 7:30 am) = $709.00 and After School Care, (2:30 pm – 5:30 pm) =
$3,417.00. This year there were 181 students enrolled. The Scholarship committee awarded $59,759.00
in scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year. Financial assistance is awarded on the basis of financial
need from: The Harry and Jeannette Weinberg Foundation, the Ruth McCraw/Doris Rewick Scholarship
Fund, Central Union Church Preschool and Kindergarten Endowment Fund and Dazzle. Fifteen (15)
students were awarded scholarships for the 2015-2016 school year. In addition eligible students receive
financial assistance from the Pauahi Keiki Scholars program. This year $38,429.18 was awarded in tuition
remission for faculty and staff of Central Union Church and Central Union Church Preschool and
Kindergarten.
Preschool faculty is highly trained and effective. There are 24 teachers and 4 aides. Twenty of the 24
teachers have college level degrees in Early Childhood Education or related fields; 7 have Master’s
degrees in Early Childhood Education or a related ECE field. The Preschool’s Professional Development
Fund supports teachers and staff pursuing advanced degrees
The Preschool was founded as, and still is, a mission of central Union Church as a Christian based early
childhood program. The Preschool attained five-year National Association for the Education of
Young Children accreditation effective until April 1, 2020. Reports are submitted annually. The
preschool will request reaccreditation prior to the end of the school year in May 2019.
The CUPS PTO continues to be a strong and supportive presence in the preschool. PTO sponsored
events for the 2015-2016 school year are: Family Welcome Picnic, Fall Fitness, Snow day, Spring Event
and End of the Year event. In addition to these activities, the CUPS PTO assists with Dazzle, the annual
dinner and silent auction fundraising event. Revenues for both the PTO Fall Fitness and Dazzle 2015
exceeded expectations.
Daily activities include outdoor play, indoor play, arts and crafts story time, lunch and nap. Each classroom
has the opportunity to take 4 bus excursions. Christian education is presented on a daily basis through
prayer, scripture and reflection. Chapel service is held twice a month in Atherton Chapel. Classrooms take
turns leading Chapel time and the presentation of music, prayer, and Bible stories. Pastor David Rivers
and Pastor Brandon Duran assist in Chapel services, auto line and are often a lunch guest in the
classrooms. Gavin Moffat, Yvette Lau and Alice Taum also assist with auto line and have been a lunch
guests. Yvette Lau arranges “Kids’ Night Out” a popular program for the preschool families.
Preschool parents have assisted with the supervision.
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For the children who stay for after-school care the Preschool offers the following extracurricular activities:
Cherub Choir, Japanese, Mandarin, Ukulele, and Cooking with Miss Kat, Amazing Athletes, Yoga and
Creative Movement. New this year is Soccer Shots. The Cherub Choir consists of 4 and 5 year old
children who attend the preschool. They have presented their gift of music in the Sanctuary throughout the
year.
The Preschool was able to pay down the line of credit 5 years early; keeping a small balance to
maintain the account for future phases. Phase 1 (The Administration Building and two classrooms) is
paid off. The Capital Campaign Committee continues to work hard to raise the necessary funds to
complete the remainder of the campus renovation project. Phase 2 pledges and donations continue to
come in. Additional members have joined the Capital Campaign fundraising committee. The Church
Council approved the creation of a committee to work with the preschool on modernizing the facilities and
fundraising. This committee is referred to as the CCPMC: Church Council Preschool Modernization
Committee and is chaired by Michael Hodges. A new program, Legacy for Learning was debuted on March
14, 2015. The purpose of this annual effort is to modernize and maintain the campus. Generous
“graduating” families donated nearly $135,000.
The Preschool and Church continue to actively work together on special projects and communication. The
preschool encourages those who do not have a church home to join Central Union Church. The preschool
has also budgeted a member rate for families of CUC church beginning in the 2016-2017 school year.
Increased communication via flyers, email and social media have been well received by preschool parents,
faculty and staff. The preschool also receives the newsletter from Arcadia Adult Day Health and both
electronic and hard copies of the Spire, which are distributed to the faculty, staff and parents. This past
November employees and clients of the Preschool, Church and Arcadia joined together to create the “Tree
of Thankfulness in a Garden of Gratitude” mural on the side of the Women’s Building.
The Church, Preschool and Kapi’olani Hospital created two programs for hospital clients and employees.
Pray Pals allows individuals to submit prayer requests that are brought to the preschool and church by the
Kapi’olani Chaplain so the keiki and staff can pray for the intentions listed. Confidentiality is maintained.
Play Pals allows siblings who are the same age as the preschool students) of in-patients, to join outdoor
playtime. Kapi’olani screens potential Play Pals and their chaperones and notifies the preschool prior to
joining play time.
The preschool and Arcadia Adult Day Care Program will begin a joint effort to allow interaction between the
keiki and kupuna. The program will debut in summer 2016.
The Preschool celebrated the life of Luana Kalama-Mento, CUPS’ Administrative Assistant for 17 years
who passed away unexpectedly in June 2015. A scholarship fund was created in her memory. We also
celebrated the life of Grayson Gouveia, an alumni student (age 5 years) and brother of current student,
Olivia. A memorial bench that reminds us to “Live your best life and choose LOVE” will be placed on the
campus in his honor. Both Luana and Grayson touched many lives at CUPS and were examples of God’s
grace and love. †
26
Report of the Director of Children’s Ministry
Yvette Wood-Lau
Chair: Carolynn David
Children’s Ministry Committee: Linda Albert, Nicole Jones, Shirley Peterson
Staff Support: Yvette Wood-Lau, Director of Children’s Ministry
Minister/Advisor: Rev. Brandon Duran
Sunday school teachers: James Lau, Nicole Jones, Linda Albert, Hermeleen Amond, Shirley Peterson,
Diane Pang, Andrea DeGre, Gladys Macadangdang.
CUC Children’s Ministry meets on the first Sunday of every month at10:15am in the children’s room.
The CUC Our Sunday School classes are as follows:
9:00am
Nursery (infant through age 3)
PreK – Kindergarten
1st – 2nd Grade
3rd – 5th Grade (6th Grade optional)
11:00am
Nursery (infant through age 3)
PreK – Kindergarten
1st – 2nd Grade
3rd – 5th Grade (6th Grade optional)
Please Note:
The nursery uses 1 paid lead caregiver along with volunteer support from 8am to 12:30pm.
The teachers for Pre-K to 6th grade are volunteers.
We have Sunday school classes during the 9am and 11am services on every Sunday except Christmas
Sunday.
All our caregivers and volunteers have done background check and are cleared with CUC badge issues.
During the 2015-2016 program year our Curriculum has been, “Faith Practices” published by Pilgrim Press.
For the 2016-2017 program year we are researching new curriculum with guidance from Yvette Wood-Lau
and the Rev. Brandon Duran. We are in the process of finalizing. (April 2016 meeting)
Kids’ Night Out-All Year Program
Kids’ Night Out is held on the first Friday of the month October, November, December, March, and April. In
February it is/was held on the second Friday of the month.
Children’s Ministry host “Kids’ Night Out” from 5:30pm to 8:00pm. CUPS and Church children ages 3-11
are welcome, free of charge, for an evening of crafts, games, a movie, and dinner. Each month we follow a
fun theme for arts, crafts and possibly with the movie. Volunteers and committee members help out to keep
kids busy and happy while parents have a free evening. Donations are welcome!
June
Summer Session
For the summer of 2015 our curriculum was from United Church of Christ “Faith Practices”. Children’s
Ministry celebrated Father’s day. The children made cards and wrapped gifts for the Fathers.
27
July
Independence Day
We celebrated with outdoor games, arts and crafts indoors for children and adults. Games were Egg-nspoon, sack race, watermelon eating contest, water balloon toss. The games were held between the front
sanctuary and women’s building after the 9am service. All ages were invited.
Camp Night Sunday school families were together for an evening and played games and enjoyed roasted
marshmallow. Inventoried on our snack supplies.
August
Keiki Choirs began. Most of our regular Sunday school students participated in the Keiki Khorale.
September
Rally Sunday/Renewal Sunday
We had an open house for parents. Parents were able to sign up for volunteer positions, such as Sunday
school teacher, Sunday school teacher’s assist and to help with special event. Children’s Ministry provided
a bounce house, face painting and crafts.
October
CUPS 86th Birthday Celebration
Children’s Ministry provided crafts, games and prizes after Sunday school. Children were invited to sing.
We had a busy and full day with all the preschoolers who joined us. Inventoried our snack supplies.
November
Advent Workshop
Children’s Ministry volunteers set up arts and crafts for the advent workshop. We had wreath and nativity
scenes crafts for the children and youth. The youth participated at the advent workshop. We had
Thanksgiving Day theme throughout the month of November. We introduced the children to Operation
Christmas child “shoe box workshop”.
December
White Gift Sunday
Children’s Ministry provided actors for Mary, Joseph and baby JESUS. Children are also invited to bring
white wrap gifts for others.
Christmas Eve service
Children dressed up with angels and shepherds costumes that were provided by Children’s Ministry
volunteers. Children and adults participated in the Nativity Story by wearing festive costumes. Halos and
glow sticks were passed out in front of the main sanctuary and when they were called up during the
service.
January
Sunday school lessons involved helping children understand how they can live a Christian life in the New
Year. In January we continued to adjust to the Faith Practices curriculum, took inventory on supplies, and
created a clear schedule for volunteers.
The Children’s Ministry provided childcare for the Women’s League Meeting and the Annual Budget
Meeting.
28
February
Hand bell classes started for children from grades 1st-4th at the 11am Sunday school classes. The children
have Sunday school lessons from 11:00am – 11:30am then they are offered hand bell lesson from
11:30am -11:55am. Valentine theme was tied into the motto, “Love Never Faileth”. Lessons focused on
loving and caring for each other. Throughout the month we worked on theme appropriate projects and
treats.
March
Palm Sunday
Children’s Ministry had a Puppet show and rabbits that were brought onto campus for children to enjoy.
Easter Sunday
Children’s Ministry provided a Bounce house, Easter Egg Hunt, and a Bunny walking around campus for
pictures. 1000 of plastic eggs filled with candy and toys that were safe. The Easter eggs were hidden in
three age appropriate areas by parents and committee members to be discovered after the 9:00am service.
Sunday school classes were held for 9am and 11am service.
April
Finalizing Curriculum. Volunteer schedules revised and confirmed. Children are continuing learning about
Easter.
May
Recognition of Sunday School
Teachers are shown appreciation by small gifts. Bibles given to 3r graders and we celebrate mother’s day
with children choir sings in the 9am service. Mother’s theme in classrooms.
Youth Group
Rev. Scott has helped teach the Advent workshop. The youth group also participates on KNO and as
teacher aides in the Sunday school classroom.
The Children’s Ministry would like to thank everyone with for their help and support. The safety of children
is the Children’s Ministry top priority and, with that in mind, this year we would like more involvement with
families of the church and CUPS families. Our class sizes have doubled; especially with the addition of the
Pohnpei Ministry children joining the 11am Sunday school. We are grateful that we have Rev. Brandon
Duran to guide us this year. With his guidance, we believe that we would together do a great job in taking
care of all our children. †
29
Report of the Youth Coordinator – Youth Ministry
Carol Asuncion
June 2015 to June 2016
Sundays: Every Sunday, CUC youth assist in leading worship in a variety of ways. As acolytes, youth
assist in worship through lighting the candles and receiving the offering plates. As liturgists, youth call for
the offering and dedicate the offering with a prayer. The Scripture Reader reads on the first and third
Sunday of each month. Each month the Youth Choir add beauty to worship through offering an anthem,
sometimes in concert with the Chancel Choir.
Service to Church: In June, Boy Scout Troop 777 along with Youth On The Move (YOTM) cleaned up the
church. Both Punahou and Beretania Parking lots were blown, swept and raked for leaves. The rail under
the sanctuary pews was cleaned. CUC members, Pixie St. Dennis and Ronny Lynn, along with parents
and youth made over 600 different fish for Rally Sunday. We had that many requests from ministries for
help. Ronny made a whale so parishioners could walk through the mouth and take several fish, each
representing a way to help. YOTM volunteered for two services on Advent Sunday helping the little
children do Christmas crafts. Next year however, we will change the date and the name and the youth will
only help with the 9am service. The youth made 50 Christmas cards requested by the Deaconesses to
take with them to the members who could no longer come to church. Ushering at the Messiah concert was
supposed to involve our Full Circle but they were not able to come so changes will be needed for 2016.
Being young and strong, the youth carried Thanksgiving food to the office and White Gifts to the Music
Building where they sorted the gifts by gender and age. As we do every year we solicited donations from
the congregation and packed individual bags for Kuhio Elementary School where more than 70% of the
children live on or below the poverty line. This year it was for 348 children. The Youth Ministry sponsored
the Christmas Open House and asked families to bring desserts while Yvonne made sandwiches. Several
Youth helped with Palm Sunday Brunch by refilling the food on the brunch line and maintaining portion
control on bacon and hot cross buns. The younger youth helped with the Over 80's Party by serving food
and drinks. This gave the youth an opportunity to interact with our elders.
Volunteer Opportunities Outside of Church: The Food Bank Food Drive project was scheduled on the
same day as the Over 80's Party. Due to this overlap in scheduling and an age restriction imposed by the
Food Bank, only three youth were able to help. At Maunalua Bay youth cleaned out the invasive seaweed
with Kamehameha School. Over 16,000 lbs of invasive seaweed was extracted! Bridget Scott and
Brandon Duran took three youth to help an elderly member clear out her storage unit. Two hundred dollars
was given to the Samaritan Purse (shoe boxes) from the proceeds of recycling glass, plastic and aluminum
cans. The youth gave Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center 10 turkeys for Thanksgiving. They cooked
it and served people in Wahiawa and Waianae.
Youth: The youth went on a Mission Trip in June to Seattle and stayed at University Congregational UCC
Seattle for 8 days. Full Circle members were invaluable in their leadership of youth as there were multiple
projects going on simultaneously and because these projects could handle only a few workers at a time.
After returning, the youth presented a video of the things they did in Seattle and what they not only
experienced but what inspired them. Selling Zippy's Chili was a success for we sold all 500 tickets. Rally
Sunday had to be postponed until the following Sunday due to rain but it was spectacular seeing the huge
whale done by Ronny Lynn. Three youth went a retreat run by HCUCC at Camp Erdman. They made
friends and had a lot of fun finding out about how each person embraced Christ. Middle School outing is
for grades 6-7-8 to help them get to know each other and feel comfortable with each other since YOTM
includes grades 6-12. Punahou Carnival parking is the youth's biggest fund raiser. All monies go the
Mission Fund. Each youth is asked to work two shifts so we can run a successful fund raiser. Andrew
Feng and Kevin Foster were out painting lines on Thursday and worked all day Friday and Saturday. We
30
found the light on the driveway from Punahou Street is inadequate during moonless nights. A parent had to
be stationed to halt people from crossing the driveway as oncoming cars entered the parking lot as it was
very dark. The Youth Ministry will turn this problem to Buildings and Grounds to come up with a solution.
Shrove Tuesday had the usual pancakes, bacon, soup and salad. Parents brought all the desserts. A mini
auction was prepared by Charlene Lorenzo and Carol Asuncion. The youth entertained our guests. Lock-In
the day before Easter was exciting for the youth decorated the cross, practiced their parts for the sunrise
service, and had a great time with the scavenger hunt created by Francis Sapigao, a Full Circle member.
All youth were up at 4:30am getting dressed and eating breakfast before the service. The Reverend Dr.
George Scott preached, while the youth did parts of the service and Full Circle helped with communion.
Graduate Recognition will be held to honor the graduating seniors, welcome our new 6th graders and honor
those who have helped the youth with monetary gifts, gifts of self and donations. The youth will do a Stay
Mission this summer going to help places like Washington Intermediate, Kokua Kalihi Valley, cleaning
Marine Corp Base Hawaii working in an area with federally protected species and even learn CPR.
Full Circle: Full Circle young adults were crucial to our mission trip to Seattle. Lots of projects could only
take a limited number of youth. It made it imperative for Full Circle members to be in charge of getting the
Youth out to work and bringing them home safely. During Christmas George, Bridget and Full Circle
reconnected, shared dinner and renewed their ties to Central Union. As for Rally Sunday, many Full
Circle came at night after work to help make and attach labels on to the fish. Two Full Circle members
helped create and run the scavenger hunt at the Lock-In and four helped at the Sunrise service serving
communion.
Bells: Four Youth are still together as the Youbellate Quartet. They are very advanced in their music.
Confirmation: This year we have six youth who came in November, January (Brandon Duran taught), and
April. The six will decide if they want to be confirmed and become members of Central Union Church.
They will be Confirmed at the 9am service on May 15 with the laying of hands. †
31
Report of the Administration & Finance Committee
Chair: David Yee
The Administration and Finance committee (A&F) historically consists of the Council Treasurer and four AtLarge council members, with the Church Administrator, Controller and Senior Minister as ex-officio
members.
The A&F Committee acts on behalf of the Church Council with respect to the financial matters, assets,
investments and properties of the Church. The Committee functions as a liaison between the Council and
the following four ministries, Buildings and Grounds, Budget, Stewardship, and Investments.
Last year in an effort to test the effectiveness of how a smaller governance structure might work we
experimented with cutting back on the need for the A&F Committee to serve in the liaison role. Instead the
four ministries went directly to the Council for approvals when required. This worked well for the four
Ministries and eliminated a layer in the Governance process. As a result this year I would say the A&F
liaison role was completely eliminated. We will be voting at the May Annual Meeting to consider reducing
the size of the council. I expect this potential reduction in the number of Council members indicates that a
smaller governance structure is the direction the Council wants to move towards. The goal remains to
encourage our ministries to become more active and energetic by shifting more responsibility from the
Council to the ministries.
As in the prior year, the A&F Committee has played a smaller role while a group called the Council
Leadership Team (CLT) has provided greater oversight. The CLT is made up of the four Church Officers,
the Head of the Diaconate, Administrator and the Senior Minister. Business matters for the A&F was vetted
by the CLT but taken before the full Council for decision. †
32
Report of the Nominations & Governance Committee
Chair: Carl Schlack
Evelyn Hao
Sarah Richards
John Steelquist
Alice Taum**
Carl Schlack, Chairperson
The Nominations and Governance Committee (the “Committee”) has three primary responsibilities:
1. Nominate candidates to serve as Officers of the Church and as Members of the Church Council (the
“Council”), and also to recommend candidates to serve on search committees and special advisory
committees to the extent requested by the Council Chair;
2. Review the governing documents of the Church, its committees and ministries (i.e., Articles of
Incorporation, Bylaws and Charters), and to recommend changes where appropriate; and
3. Address and work to resolve conflicts of interest that arise from time to time.
As to nominations generally, the Committee has worked to identify candidates for Church Officer and Council
Member positions that reflect the diversity of Church membership and who add fresh perspectives and new
energy to the Council. In addition, the Committee has sought candidates who possess the strong leadership
skills needed to address the significant financial and other challenges facing our Church. The Committee
sincerely appreciates the many people whose time and talents make Central Union the Church that Engages
and Embraces ALL as we seek to Embody Christ.
As to nominations specifically, the Committee has nominated, for consideration by the Congregation, the
following people for the offices and terms shown:
Officer Positions whose 1-year terms commence May 2016:
 Suzie Schulberg – Chair
 Evelyn Hao – Vice Chair
Officer Positions whose 2-year terms commence May 2016:
 David Yee – Treasurer
 Carolyn Bell-Tuttle – Secretary
 Carolyn David – Chair of the Deaconesses (nominated by the Deaconesses, not the Committee)
 Dusty Santos – Chair of the Deacons (nominated by the Deacons, not the Committee)
At Large Council Members whose 4-years terms commence May 2016:
 Traci Khan [Class of 2020]
 Eppy Kerr [Class of 2020]
 Anuhea Pizana [Class of 2020]
At Large Council Members whose 1-year and 3-year terms commence May 2016:
 Nancy Evans Tudor [Class of 2017]
 John Jacobson [Class of 2019]
 Martha Balkin [Class of 2019]

As to governance, the Committee has continued to monitor the functionality of our Bylaws (being the Church’s
primary operating document) and the problems that arise between Church operations and Bylaw constraints. In
addition, with guidance from Pastor Rivers, the Committee has been exploring ways in which our governance
structure might be modified so as to complement our larger mission and ministry objectives rather than hinder
33
the work of the Church. To that end, the Committee has been reviewing the governance structures of other
churches as well as reading Governance and Ministry, a book by Dan Hotchkiss which is helping the
Committee to understand how cultural changes have altered the landscape for governance in congregational
churches in the United States.
In particular, the Committee has focused on how traditional church leadership bodies need to evolve from large,
cumbersome bodies with extensive oversight and control into smaller more innovative bodies that clearly
articulate the vision of the church, evaluate programs, ensure responsible stewardship of resources, and lend
support to the church’s ministries to fulfill that vision. To commence the process of modifying our governance
structure, the Committee has started at the “top” by proposing, and the Council has approved for
consideration by the Congregation, the following amendments to Sections 4.1 and 4.2B of our Bylaws which
amendments serve to decrease the size of the Church Council from 27 members to 16 members by reducing
the number of At Large Members on the Council from 20 members to 9 members with each member serving a
3-year term on a staggered basis (proposed deletions are in [bold brackets]; proposed changes are
underlined in bold):
Section 4.1 Number and Qualification of Council Members.
There shall be [twenty-seven (27)] sixteen (16) Members of the Council of the Church, including:
(i) the Officers as described in Section 4.2(A) who also serve as Council Members, (ii) the At Large
Council Members as described in Section 4.2(B), and (iii) the Senior Minister who shall serve as a
Council Member ex officio without vote. All members of the Council must be Church members
whose permanent residence is the State of Hawaii. The Council Members shall be the directors of
the Church for all purposes of Hawaii and federal law.
Section 4.2 Classification and Terms of Council Members.
The classification and terms of voting members of the Council shall be as follows:
B. [Twenty] Nine At Large Council Members. There shall be [twenty (20)] nine (9) At Large
Council Members divided into [four (4)] three (3) groups of [five (5)] three (3) each and elected at
the annual membership meeting on a staggered basis with [one-quarter (1/4)] one-third (1/3) of
the At Large Council Members elected each year to serve for a term of [four (4)] three (3) years
or until their successors are elected. An At Large Council Member may serve as an At Large
Council Member for not more than one full elective [four (4)] three (3) year term, not including any
unexpired term of a vacancy in office or any service as a designated Council Member described in
Section 4.2(A). A member may be elected for subsequent terms as an At Large Council Member,
provided the individual has not served as an At Large Council Member within the last [two (2)
years] one (1) year.
If passed by the Congregation, the foregoing amendments to Sections 4.1 and 4.2B of our Bylaws will not take
effect until May, 2017.
As to conflicts of interest, the Committee works to resolve conflicts of interest as they arise. It is the overriding
objective of the Committee to insure that Council decisions are made free of conflicts of interest so that
members of our Church have confidence that Council Members are acting strictly for the benefit of the Church
and its Ministries.
**Note that Alice Taum was a member of the Committee until she resigned from the Council in December,
2015, to become the new Director of Congregational Care for the Church. †
34
Report of the Personnel & Pastoral Relations Committee
Chair: Suzie Schulberg
Kevin Foster
Carl Johnsen
Suzie Schulberg, Chair
David Yee
The Personnel & Pastoral Relations Committee has responsibility to:



Work with the Senior Minister, Administrator and Controller to discuss personnel matters in accordance
with established Personnel Policies & Procedures;
Review the Personnel Handbook, employee compensation and benefits (e.g. vacation, insurance,
pensions, etc.), job descriptions and contracts; and
Inform and advise the Council on personnel policies.
HR Consulting. On 12/2/15, Central Union ended its consulting agreement with Vantaggio HR who was
retained in February 2014 to provide Human Resource Consulting service. Determining that Vantaggio
was not able to assist staff with the day-to-day administration of HR practices, Central Union approached
Arcadia’s Human Resources department who currently rents office space on campus. Due to Arcadia’s
long-standing relationship with CUC, the Personnel Committee approached Arcadia to ask if they would
consider providing Human Resource Outsourcing Services. With the Council’s approval, on 12/8/15 the
Church entered into an HR Outsourcing Agreement with Arcadia HR to (1) obtain mutual understanding of
the current HR “as is” environment at CUC to create a baseline; (2) immediately assist with the payroll
conversion from Ceridian to ADP by 1/8/16; and (3) develop, implement and operate new HR processes for
recruitment, hiring, training and managing CUC employees. Four months into the engagement, the
relationship is moving in a positive direction.
ADP Transition. CUC first began exploring new payroll providers when we decided that electronic
timeclocks would increase the efficiency and accuracy of our time reporting for non-exempt
employees. This move to electronic timeclocks came with a large price tag from our payroll providers at the
time. As such, we began to research and obtain quotes from other payroll providers who would be able to
provide payroll services along with electronic timeclocks. Through this process, ADP was chosen due to
the many factors – cost, service and features. We were able to obtain discounts due to a past CUPS
parent who was able to help save on the implementation process. Total savings for the 1st year by moving
to ADP with timeclocks compared to staying with Ceridian with timeclocks was over $17,000.
The transition was a very large and tedious transition, but with the help from Arcadia HR, we were able to
successfully convert to ADP. There has been a lot of change that came along with the transition to ADP –
biometric timeclocks, electronic access to leave balances, electronic access to paystubs and W-2’s. ADP
offers such an array of features that we are continuously trying to find ways to improve our efficiency as an
organization. Arcadia HR is currently working on building out our benefits portion through ADP, which will
allow employees to enroll in medical plans online during our open enrollment period.
The transition is a continuous process, but has been successful thus far.
35
Job Descriptions. The Staff Leadership Team has made huge strides in developing, finalizing and rolling
out job descriptions to all Church employees including the Preschool. As of December 2015 all employees
received job descriptions which their respective manager reviewed with them.
The Hiring Process. The Controller and Administrator in collaboration with Arcadia HR have implemented
a standard hiring practice to fill positions when incumbent staff leaves. A new Position Action Form is now
the starting point for all new hires at CUC (including the preschool). It will obtain the appropriate CUC
approvals that are needed for that specific hire along with detailed information regarding the job, so Arcadia
HR can properly recruit for the position.
Staffing Transitions. Over the last year there have been a number of retirements, resignations,
promotions and new additions to the Central Union family. In 2015, CUC bid farewell to its Controller
(Tasha Sawai), Administrator (Miguel Asuncion), Buildings & Grounds Manager (Rinou Kong), Minister of
Care (Rev. Gloria Imamura), Webmaster (Kerry Krenzke), Receptionist (Krystal Hovious), Accounting Clerk
(Evelyn Char), Senior Center Coordinator (John Stepulis) and Custodian (Sary Phean).
Connie Uejio resigned as the Assistant Director of Music Ministries, but is staying on part time as an
Organist/Pianist.
CUC has promoted and welcomed a number of individuals to the Team: Minister of Spiritual Formation
(Rev. Brandon Duran), Facilities Operations Manager (Robinson Fredrick), Buildings & Grounds Supervisor
(Cory Taylor), Director of Congregational Care (Alice Taum), Controller (Brittany Hopkins), Accountant
(Amy Inouye), Pastoral Administrative Assistant (Natasha Dator), Accounting Clerk (Leslie Ann
Constantino), and Administrator (Jeanette Redmond.)
In April, 2016, Administrator Jeanette Redmond, tendered her resignation and CUC is currently recruiting
for a Church Administrator.
Japanese Wedding Outsourcing. In 2016 the Japanese weddings were outsourced to Best Bridal
Hawaii. The manner in which this important decision was made and executed was not good. The
Personnel Committee was not directly involved in this decision and the adverse impact that it would have
on employees who were also members of the church. Following a special meeting of the Council on
2/11/16, Suzie Schulberg and Evie Hao were tasked with meeting with stakeholders and those involved in
weddings at CUC to understand how the decision was made and determine lessons learned so that the
church does not go down this path again in the future. Suzie and Evie identified three things that needed
to be addressed immediately going forward: (1) The Council, in collaboration with Staff Leadership, must
design a pathway and process to follow in making decisions of large magnitude in the church; (2) Roles
and Responsibilities of the Council and Staff must be defined immediately; and (3) With respect to
Weddings, following the May 2016 Annual Meeting, appoint an ad hoc committee to review the Best Bridal
Hawaii (BBH) contract, and the impact on UBIT and future plans for wedding. †
36
Report of the Church Council Preschool Modernization Committee (CCPMC)
Chair: Mike Hodges
The CCPMC was formed in Nov 2014 to be the Church council representative for all Central Union
Preschool (CUPS) modernization efforts. These included, but are not limited to; Preschool Capital
Campaign Committee (PCCC) liaison, Church building modernization, costs & funding, and contractual
aspects of any subsequent phase construction. The Charter for the CCPMC was approved by the Council
in Jan 2015, and has three at-large council members serving on the committee.
2015 – May 2016 Activities:
o Attended all PCCC meetings. Worked with PCCC to review fundraising methods.
o Past efforts; Large donors, Grants, Foundations, etc.
o Additional efforts: Target graduating parents, grandparents, and Alumni via Legacy for
Learning sponsored events.
o Future: Explore potential efforts to solicit help from congregational members.
o Results: PCCC has raised nearly $700,000.00 in total dollars for Phase II modernization.
o Phase I Funding: Church Lines of Credit (LOCs) of $1.9M were utilized to finance Phase I
construction. The preschool has paid off the LOCs five years early. Source of funds that allowed
early payoff came from;
o Management of Operational Tuition and Costs
o Dazzle fundraising events
o Miscellaneous fundraisers inherent in CUPs operations (i.e. PTO activities fall fitness,
sales, etc.)
o Phase II modernization and construction efforts. It is no surprise that the Church buildings that the
preschool utilizes are mostly wooden structures, 85+ years of age, and have serious infrastructure
shortcomings. Additionally, electrical capacity is lacking, maintenance is growing, and wood rot and
termite damage has taken its toll on the aged buildings. One roof is in need of repair or
replacement. Piecemeal solutions seem problematic. The need to modernize and replace these
Church structures increases with each passing year. The phased modernization of the entire
preschool is planned using five construction Phases.
o Group 70 Architects have produced an award winning design for the entire school
environment. Phase I is complete.
o Phase II will continue the efforts by demolishing Classrooms 5, 6, and 7 and replacing
them with 2 cottages like the new Orange and Blue cottages, completed during Phase I.
o Church council approved, on 29 Mar 2016, to seek congregational approval to continue to
utilize the Bank of Hawaii Lines of Credit (LOCs) to finance Phase II construction.
Construction is to commence June 2017.
o CUPS will continue to service the LOCs with operational funds of $200K per year as
augmented by funds garnered through a variety of ongoing fundraising methods.
Mahalo: Thanks to all who have contributed time, talent, and treasure to the efforts to modernize the church
buildings that the preschool occupies. Special thanks to;
 Jennifer Yamashita and Carl Johnsen – at large council members of CCPMC.
 Senior Minister David Rivers, Nathan Wong Council Chair, and David Yee Treasurer for
their unwavering support and guidance
 Marie Hook, CUPS Director.
 The PCCC and donors who never fail to surprise me with their tenacity and belief that we
must maintain our infrastructure to continue to transform so many lives at the preschool.
 The Church Council and staff for its limitless support and guidance. †
37
Report of the Programs & Missions Committee
Chair: Evelyn A. Hao
The Programs and Missions Committee consists of six at-large Council members, each serving as liaisons
between the council and a specific ministry.
Descriptions and separate reports by the ministry chairs are included in the following pages of this Annual
Report. The Ministries, the council liaisons and ministry chairs this year are as follows:
1. Community Ministry: liaison James Ramos, chair Carolyn Kuahulu
2. World Mission Ministry: liaison Ruth Chang, chair Nikanor Joaquin
3. Women’s League: liaison Evelyn Hao, chair Ruth Stepulis
4. Senior Services: liaison Suzie Schulberg, chair Susan Johnson
5. Hawaii Conference and Oahu Association: liaisons Sandra Fong & Alice Taum. This June, CUC will
host the UCC’s Aha Pa’aina, the annual state conference of UCC churches. Co-chairs for this event are
Alice Taum, Sandra Fong, and Anita DiMauro.
Transforming Lives “Fo’ Real!”
The overarching goal of the Program and Mission Committee this year was to develop more
communication among the ministries and to highlight their outreach services to the larger
congregation. Additionally, each ministry worked on its SMART goals for the year. SMART goals are
Specific, Measureable, Attainable, Realistic/Rigorous, and Timebound.
The Women’s League (WL) decided to combine the Programs and Missions Committee’s overarching goal
with one of WL’s SMART goals for the year. The Women’s League wanted to grow the sharing and
collaboration among the ministries and also to increase attendance of its January semi-annual general
meeting to at least 70 attendees; previous attendance has averaged 35 attendees. At this year’s January
general meeting, we exceeded the goal with 102 attendees, including men!
The January 9, 2016 general meeting brought together the four Programs & Missions ministries plus the
Pohnpeian ministry to feature the theme, Transforming Lives “Fo’ Real!”
WL President Ruth Stepulis opened the meeting. Representatives of the ministries described how their
projects helped people in direct and transformative ways:
COMMUNITY MINISTRY
Carolyn Kuahulu, chair
WORLD MINISTRY
Joy Lacanienta, Becky Woodland, members
POHNPEIAN MINISTRY
Widel Paul Edwin, minister
SENIOR SERVICES MINISTRY
Susan Johnson, chair
WOMEN’S LEAGUE MINISTRY
Judy Pearce, WL 1st vice-president
Susan Wong, WL Scholarship chair
WOMAN’S BOARD OF MISSIONS for the Pacific Islands Clara D. Priester, Executive Director
Two recipients of our ministerial work shared their compelling transformative stories:
Women’s League Scholarship Recipient, Yoana Amond
Journey from Prison to Faith, Dion’e Tamure
At the end of the program, attendees voluntarily wrote New Year’s resolutions on specific ways they will be
involved in the ministries, and then sealed their resolutions in a self-addressed envelope. In March, the WL
mailed the unopened envelopes to those attendees as a reminder of their resolutions.
38
The meeting ended with fellowship and food provided by the WL’s executive board. Five lucky persons
received door prizes: valuable Thrift Shop dollars to use at the WL Thrift Shop.
Planners of the event were Ruth Chang, Jodee Farm, Judy Pearce, Carolyn Winston, and Clara
Priester (executive director of the Woman’s Board of Missions of the Pacific Islands). Beautiful Ikebana
floral arrangements for the tables were designed by Charlene Lorenzo and Ruth Chang. All flora was
gathered from our campus. Always supportive in making sure the event had what it needed were church
staffers Jeanette Redmond, Jeane King, and Robinson Fredrick.
The Programs and Missions Committee will strive to build collaboration among the ministries-- with the goal
of being the untiring hands and feet of Christ our Lord in our communities. †
39
Report of the Worship & Evangelism Committee
Chair: Anita DiMauro
We met twice this year and discussed the Church Calendar for Spring and Fall.
During my four years on this Committee, we have not discussed how to do Evangelism at CUC.
The Deacons/Deaconesses alternate chairing this Committee.
Members are:
Membership & Fellowship Ministry
Music Ministry
Ushers
Deacons
Deaconesses
Staff: Margaret Lloyd, Music Director †
40
Report of the Adult Education Ministry
Chair: Ken Harding
Adult Education, in the context of engaging and embracing a robust Christian theology in the 21st Century,
serves as both ballast and beacon at Central Union Church. In tandem with our core CUC education
ministries designed for young children, teenagers, and elders, our Adult Education Ministry helps oversee a
broad range of lifelong learning opportunities, embracing “grownups” of all ages. We tailor our educational
programs and services to appeal to the spiritual needs and interests of members within our Congregation
and to attract the attention of persons living in the wider community.
In short, we are a dynamic ministry: growing, innovative, and eager to share our passion for learning new
things and seeing old lessons in a new light.
Traditionally, our “signature” Adult Education Ministry program has been the Learning Tree series, held
after the 9 am service in the Women’s Building during the Aloha Lanai gathering. With the change in our
basic worship format to a fixed 7, 9 and 11 am schedule under Pastor David Rivers, the time between
services has been compressed; hence, we have retooled our Learning Tree programs into shorter
sessions, featuring monthly themes, more handouts and “tighter” formatting. These revisions went into
effect at the beginning of the calendar year 2015, with the thought that “Less is More,” resulting in a stricter
program format of 30-40 minutes and a welcome doubling and tripling of attendance, ranging from a couple
of dozen persons to as many as 75.
Themes during the past year have been consistent and complementary, extending from the historic to the
contemporary, stretching from personal behavior to social dysfunction, from church campus policy to public
statute and ordinance. We continue to explore relationships, between ourselves and our Creator God and
Comforter, and between each other, setting boundaries and setting goals, helping each person grow in
their spiritual promise, finding a synergy in collective protest against social injustice. Our speakers have
constantly inspired us, people like Bobby Rivera and Ella Lacanienta -- CUC members who have been truly
blessed by Providence with their musical and artistic gifts. We give thanks for guides like Tom Robinson
and Ron Ching, whether leading us through the biblical past or exotic present; we cherish the poetry of
Margie Smith on finding forgiveness.
Other Adult Education initiatives envision new ways to affirm our educational mission to make the most of
CUC’s pristine buildings and grounds as a vibrant “learning campus” for Christ-centered spiritual growth
and development. We continue our commitment to strong outreach relationships within the community, by
providing regular meeting space and support for the Hawaii’s interagency Continuum of Care meetings
dealing with homelessness and meeting rooms for Vancouver School of Theology (VST) seminary classes
and tutorials.
Central Union intentionally ministers to members of the growing Pohnpeian community in Hawaii. Our
relationship extends back to the ministry of CUC missionary Dr. Chet Terpstra, and our Church’s
connection, often educational, is increasingly sensitive to the cultural needs and gifts of the people of this
loving Micronesian group. Of even longer duration are complex missionary ties to our Native Hawaiian host
culture, extending back to the vision of Henry Opukahaia; a theology of reconciliation permeates our Godgiven quest for restorative justice, as we prayerfully seek to embody Christ in our educational efforts and
offerings.
Significantly, our CUC campus hosts at least four ongoing rounds of weekly Bible studies by wellcredentialed pastors and lay leaders, and weekly sessions of centering prayer in the Fireside Room, and
41
our ministry joins other lay volunteers in planning and producing Central Union’s annual Rally Sunday
events in September.
In addition, we liberally advanced seed-money and encouragement to our much–acclaimed Lenten
Labyrinth project, ably directed by Debbie Nakaoka and a bevy of devout helpers. The success of the effort
last year provided the expansion of the undertaking in 2016, greatly increasing participation and
awareness!
Perhaps the biggest impact on our AEM mission this past year has occurred with the arrival and installation
of our new Associate Minister for Spiritual Formation, Rev. Brandon Duran. Blessed with a philosophy and
leadership vision that mesh well with members of our Christian Ed Committee, his teaching and preaching,
i.e., homiletic, gifts have become quickly apparent to all who are getting to know him. Pastor Brandon
combines intellect and humility with humor, lending a guiding light to our group’s expanding treasury of
Spirit-led assets, all to be used in the service of others.
Our learning ministry is indebted to our Church staff for its splendid support of our activities, and to each
member we extend our gratitude!
Lay members of the Adult Education Ministry include Nancy Eckert; Harry Kogachi; Robin Campbell;
Debbie Nakaoka; Tom Robinson; (former chair) Dick Hubbard; Carol Alevizos; Becky Woodlawn; Eppy
Kerr, Council liaison; and Jonathan Sypert, as well as myself, Ken Harding. †
42
Report of the Budget Ministry
Please see Controller’s Report, page 14.
43
Report of the Community Ministry
Chair: Carolyn Kuahulu
Next Step Shelter - 200 meals are provided and served on the 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Family Promise - Quarterly, approximately 14 in-transition adults and children are hosted for a week
(meals, sleeping arrangements, etc.) at CUC.
Food Pantry - Non-perishable food items are collected/distributed. Emergency Assistance is given to
individuals on a case-by-case basis. However, most of the food is picked up by others with food distribution
centers.
White Gifts - December of each year gifts donated by church members are then distributed to several
agencies and homeless ministry participants.
Women In Transition - Financial support provided to UCC Transition House.
John 17:21 Ministry- On the second Sunday of every month a service is held at Wesley United Methodist
Church. Once a year we provide a meal and a speaker for this service. This Ministry provides an
opportunity for people with disabilities to participate in the service.
IHS - We are working on establishing an ongoing relationship with this group. We also give them financial
help.
Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center at Legal Aid Society of Hawaii – We support with financial help.
Youth Outreach or YO House – We have established an ongoing relationship with this organization to
provide meals (bag lunch or hot meal) once a week for approximately 50 homeless youth in our community.
We also ask for donations of other items used daily at the YO House. (laundry soap, shampoo, canned
goods, lotion, etc.
Community Ministry continues its emphasis on community issues providing assistance to community
organizations requiring help. We feel this is our responsibility as a loving and faithful church extending
Christian concern and action. †
44
Report of the Diaconate Ministry - Deacons
Chair: Dusty Santos
Members of Deacons Ministry
Nathan Wong, John Steelquist, Mike Uno, Dusty Santos, Gerardo Villa, Karl Hedberg, Mark Ludwig, Tim
Poell, Robinson Fredrick, Bruce Luxton, Jansen Santos, Kisino Hadely, James Lau, Herbertson Santos,
Kalei K.
During the year 2015 the Deacons ministry continued to meet at around 7:00am and later join the
Deaconesses at 8:00am. Under the name Diaconate, the jointed group collaborated as a ministry of Central
Union Church. The following as a combined group Share:
Duties:









Monthly communion
Visitation
Baptism
Funeral
Prayers
Nomination
Worship/ Greet
Lay Readers
Assist Ministers, church staff, and church members when called.
Events:
 Palm Sunday
 Deacons Retreat
 Assist in areas of need for church staff, services, and other church functions.
 Search and recruit new Male church members to join Deacons ministry
 Welcome and Invite visitors, family, friends, and strangers with the use of social media to our
Central Union Church website, campus and its services.
Goals:
 To have indebt training and lessons on Communion.
 To have organized way of serving communion at visitation
 To have training and lesson on Baptism
 To have more committed and dedicated Deacons
Thanks to our respectful, committed, and dedicated Deacon members who are part of the Central Union
Church Leadership. Who are helping to reform, change, save, renew, and move our church, its services,
leadership administration, and organizing our diverse levels of membership and fellowship. Your support
and dedication will always be a blessing to others as we engage and embrace all as we embody Christ at
Central Union Church. †
45
Report of the Diaconate Ministry - Deaconesses
Chair: Anita Di Mauro
The Deaconesses and Deacons have met this year as the Diaconate. However the Diaconate is not an
official church entity. The current by-laws apply i.e. each group chooses a chair who is represented on the
Church Council. By-law changes are expected to be done by the annual meeting in 2017.
Staff changes meant we said goodbye to Rev Gloria Imamura and hello to Rev Brandon Duran, our
Minister of Spiritual Formation. As part of our meeting we had training sessions when he and Alice Taum,
our Director of Congregational Care, taught us how to interact with those members we visit at home. The
areas we focus on are communion, visitation and prayer.
Our Mission: to support the ministers and congregation in the church services helping with communion, at
funerals, visitation, scripture readers, greeting before services and prayer.
Duties: In addition to the above services, we provide the rose on the lectern indicating a newborn in our
church family and provide financial support to women of the church from our special funds as needed.
Events we participate in:
Palm Sunday Brunch
July 4th picnic
Laity Sunday
-
Renewal Sunday
Budget meeting
Annual Meeting
-
plan and coordinate
help as needed
plan and coordinate the service on the first Monday In September and find
the speakers
participate in event
set up member’s sign in and act as counters for the vote
same as Budget meeting
Thanks to all of you for being faithful Deaconesses. Our ministry will only make our service to God more
meaningful to our members.
Robyn Campbell, Carolyn David, Dee Helber, Sue Johnson, Imelda Joaquin, Bonnie Kealoha, Pili Lee Loy,
Marilyn Lee Loy, Maurina Ludwig, Sally Mist, Regina Shimomura, Merrill Uno, Janet Weick, Dr Adrienne
Wing Lau, Jackie Lane
I am deeply grateful for my four years as your chair – I now pass the gavel to Carolyn David. †
46
Report of the Buildings & Grounds
No report.
Report of the Membership & Fellowship Ministry
No report.
47
Report of the Music Ministry
Chairperson: Eleanor Mudrick
Who We Are.
The Music Ministry is a group of seven members that helps the Director of Music Ministries, Margaret
Lloyd, enhance the Church services with a diverse offering of instrumental and instrument-accompanied
voice performance.
What We Did This Year.
This year Margaret coordinated the installation of (1) a Bechstein Concert Grand Piano, (2) a modern,
programmable Schulmerich carillon capable of storing thousands of chimes, carols, and hymns, and (3) a
set of ORFF xylophone and metallophone instruments especially useful in teaching young children music.
Final installation of the piano is expected soon, the carillon has been working since Christmas, and the
ORFF’s are in the Music Building. We feel extremely blessed by the generosity of the congregation, and
feel that these resources can meet the needs of world-class musicians that may come to Hawaii. These
unprecedented donations, totaling approximately $150,000, validate the ministry of music and enrich us all.
What We Plan to Do Next.
We want to develop and provide a dozen or so, “hosts” and “hostesses,” to be friendly faces from our
congregation for special events. They will greet and welcome everyone to the Church so that concert
guests will have the best possible experience. We hope that these visitors will want to return again and
again, to performances and, perhaps, to worship with us. We are guided by the goal to engage and
embrace all, as we seek to embody Christ.
What You Can Do.
Please join us by participating in the music activities, offer to help host concert events, and have fun in our
adult and children’s choirs and handbell groups. We have Youth Choir, an Oratorio Choir, a Chancel Choir
during the year, a Summer Choir, and a Pohnpeian Choir. Just about anybody can join and everyone can
make a joyful noise! We are currently looking for a few more volunteer accompanists and enthusiastic
parents.
Mahalo for all you have done and for all you are about to do. Love Never Faileth! †
48
Report of the Senior Services Ministry
Chair: Susan S. Johnson
September’s Rally Sunday started off the renewal season. Ministries were asked to provide wish list things
needed for the ministries. These wishes were placed on fish for church members to “catch” who wanted to
be helpful but didn’t want to join a ministry.
Anniversary Sunday November 1, 2015 honoring the 50 year+ members of Central Union was held at all
three services. Letters were sent to all those eligible including those on the mainland, and lei were
presented to those attending. Lei were also taken to Arcadia or delivered to those at home unable to
attend.
The Adult Daycare Ad Hoc Committee started meeting again under the leadership of Dr. David Andrew.
Three members of our ministry are on the committee, Tracy Boval, Ruth Stepulis, and Susan Johnson.
There are Arcadia staff members on the committee as well. We held an open house on November 7, 2015.
The open house was well advertised, but poorly attended. There continues to be a waiting list for those
interested in attending CUC’s Adult Day Care run by Arcadia.
Another change for the Senior Center, which is opened on Tuesdays from 10:00am, John Stepulis took the
temporary position as program coordinator until CUC could hire someone. After 13 months of serving,
John officially retired on 12-31-15. It was thought to close the Center, but instead, the Center remains
open to card and game players in the community.
The other Senior programs continue at Central Union, some are free, others request a small donation.
They are: Line Dancing, Card and Board games, Knitting and Crocheting, Aerobics, and Tai Chi. We keep
our Seniors very active during the week.
On January 9, 2016, Susan Johnson was one of several speakers at the Annual Meeting of the Women’s
League. She spoke about the Senior Ministry and the Adult Day Care and how they affect peoples’ lives
whether they are the attendees or caregivers. Brochures were placed on the tables for all those interested.
We are celebrating flowers at our Over 80’s Party on April 16, 2016. Hundreds of tissue paper flowers
were made by Carolyn Ching and Margaret Park for the centerpieces. Parasols decorated the stage. A
drawing was held for the centerpieces. An International luncheon followed games, and the entertainment.
Eleanor Wentworth made the 2 beautiful lei given to Bridget and Carolyn for directing the youth. She also
made jar openers for the goody bags. Over 200 invitations were mailed out to those turning 80 during 2016
and older. Also the attendees of the Adult Day Care were invited too.
Sun Konno, Jackie Lane, Tracy Boval, Eleanor Wentworth, Margaret Park, Carolyn Ching, Suzie
Schulberg, Ruth Stepulis, and Susan Johnson all make our Ministry!!! Each offers something special to our
group, and we thank them all for their hard work. †
49
Report of the Stewardship Ministry
Chair: Alan K. Hirota
This Stewardship Ministry’s responsibility is to solicit pledges from the Church Membership as a part of
determining the annual budget. The ministry is also responsible for coordinating all fund raising in the
Church and will act as a clearing house to keep track of all fundraising efforts to avoid overtaxing the
members of the congregation with multiple overlapping fundraising.
Approach: In 2015, the Stewardship Ministry, under the guidance of Rev. David Rivers, continued the
approach of emphasized participation by everyone instead of concentrating on a dollar amount as a goal.
Our theme this year was “Be a Blessing- Embody Generosity” which expanded on our mission statement of
“We Engage and Embrace ALL as we seek to Embody Christ” In doing so we emphasized the missions of
CUC and how they benefitted our members and the community at large, and emphasized the spiritual role
of giving. We asked everyone to look into themselves and;
 Return the blessing that God has given you
 Show your faith with pledges and gifts
 Partner with CUC to allow God’s blessings to flow into the world
 100% participation by members
Our hope was that, with everyone participating, the dollar total of gifts would continue to increase as it had
in the previous year.
Efforts: Our efforts this year included the following;
 Sermons and messages from the pulpit were made by Rev. Rivers and other the members of the
clergy to spread the message of Stewardship and the importance of participation.
 Lay speakers presented moments of mission during the Sunday service. The speeches gave
personal testimonials on the difference that CUC has made to their lives and why they give.
 Informational packets and pledge cards were developed, printed and mailed to the membership.
People could also make their pledges electronically or via the web.
 Follow-up calls to people who had contributed in the past few years, but had not participated in this
year’s campaign.
 Gathering information from members contacted to update the church database.
 Actions by an ad hoc committee under Valerie Tanaka to raise additional funds by having food
trucks sell their food in the Punahou Parking Lot. This effort had mixed results but did result in
some donations to CUC.
 The Stewardship ministry reviewed and acted on requests for fundraisers by ministries.
 Work continues by the CUC staff to correct the inconsistency and accuracy of the church database.
Results: The membership pledges as of the latest report is that 587 members have made pledge
commitments representing $763,310, which is a 9% increase over 2014 pledges and again higher than the
pledge totals of any of the past 5 years.
Thanks to all who have made their pledges. The response to the emphasis on participation seems to be
positive.
CUDOS: The effort above was only accomplished with the contribution of the following;
 Special thanks to Mike Hodges, Council Liaison, who was the driving force behind many of the efforts.
 Ministry members this past year included Carl Johnsen, Valerie Tanaka, and Craig McGuiness.
 Nathan Wong and David Yee were council members who regularly participated.
 Volunteers who spoke at Sunday Moments of Ministry.
 Members of the staff and clergy including Rev. David Rivers, Miguel Asuncion, Tasha Sawai,
Jeanette Redmond, Brittany Hopkins, Elizabeth Nutt and Krystal Novious, the graphics work of
Gavin Moffat and the web work of Kerry Krenzke. †
50
Report of the Ushers Ministry
Head Usher: Darlene Krenzke
We haven’t done anything new or different from previous years, but continue to be there every Sunday
morning and at special worship services to open doors, turn on lights, align pews, distribute the Ritual of
Friendship, test microphones, and light candles. We rope off pews for the choir, baptisms, communion,
new members, or special visitors. We greet worshipers with bulletins as they enter and try to note where
family members sit, so spouses, children, and parents can sit together. We supervise the exit of children
after the children’s sermon, count and record the attendance, and collect the offering. After the service
ends, we deposit the offering into the vault; clean and straighten up the pews; sort/recycle bulletins; and
collect/sort the Ritual of Friendship forms.
We are thankful to the many dedicated volunteers who regularly give of their time to assist at all the
services. We are especially grateful to those who help clean up after the services, and to the many
volunteers who usher at the Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas Eve services passing
out bulletins and candles, cleaning candles, and collecting offering.
A big Mahalo to all! †
51
Report of the Women’s League Ministry
President: Ruth S. Stepulis
Officers: Ruth Stepulis, President ; Judy Pearce, Vice President; Debbie Ikehara, Secretary; Robin
Ballentyne, Treasurer; Evelyn Hao, 2nd Vice President; Jodee Farm, 3rd Vice President; Elaine Stroka,
Corresponding Secretary; Veronica Cheung, Thrift Shop Treasurer
The Thrift Shop ended the fiscal year (Dec.) earning over $128,000.00 of which the Church received a total
of $30,130.42 plus extra donations for debt reduction and assistance with some repairs to church property.
This increase in funds is a result of the efforts of several volunteers under the direction of Sandy Brown,
who is in charge of volunteers along with the great efforts of the new manager James Watson. We also
thank all the individuals who have donated goods. Again we have been able to assist many agencies and
individuals with items that are needed to help to make individuals get jobs or make their home better.
This year we all were saddened by the death of Frances "Skippy" Covaco and Lou Pavich, both who
served the Thrift shop for years.
The League was able to support at least seventeen local and national agencies and has given 18
scholarships for education each in the amount of $1500.00. We were able to meet some of the scholarship
recipients at our annual meeting in May. There were amazing stories that they told about themselves.
Evelyn Hao did a marvelous job in gathering a great committee together for the January meeting and
program. They brought together several representatives from church and community who provide service
to those individuals in need. Over 100 individuals attended the program. We all learned a lot of what each
other are contributing to the community and church and how we can work together.
Each Sunday we all enjoy the beautiful floral arrangements in the three places of worship. These are done
by the Flower Committee chaired by Dona Hanaike. She has been able to get additional members to assist
her in beautifying our places of worship. We thank everyone who has supported the flower fund by
remembering family members and friends. The Christmas and Easter flowers depend on these
contributions. Mahalo to all who contribute to these events. Many thanks go to all the arrangers for their
creativity and their early rising on Saturday mornings.
Another busy area is the Von Hamm Room in the Sanctuary. Women from the League staff this when
there are services. It means answering the phone, location of buildings and first aid kit, signing out and
maintaining the hearing devices, and guarding the belongings of individuals. Finally see that items to go to
the office are put together. We are looking for more volunteers.
Our next event is the Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 10: 30 am. There will be election
of officers and a program which will include the attendance of some of the 2016 Scholarship
awardees. †
52
Report of the World Mission Ministry
Chair: Nicanor Joaquin M.D.
The World Mission for 2015 had the following programs:
1. Theological scholarship for 2 Filipinos who are serving the indigenous people of the highlands.
2. West Africa Scholarships for Donald Kamara, a medical student in Sierra Leong and advocates for
Children of Africa for young girls to allowed to school so that they will not go to prostitution to earn a
living.
3. Early Learning Center in Northern Luzon in the Philippines, it has been found out that children going to
early learning center are more apt to finish their High School and may continue to a college degree
Recently we had a visit from a missionary based in Japan together with his wife Santomi. They are
associated with A R I (Asian Rural Institute) who trained their students from different countries all over the
world to learn agriculture and husbandry.
In the past, we contributed to their chapel donated by the World Mission through a memorial fund of Mrs.
Eliza F. Joaquin with the help of the Deaconess Susan Wong. She will coordinate future projects with A R I
from World Mission. †
53
Report of the Church Archivist/Historians
Archivist/Historian: Suzanne Case
The year started in June with a wonderful celebration of the 75th anniversary of the1940 merger of the
Portuguese Evangelical Church/Pilgrim Church with Central Union. Led by Stephanie Soares Pump, the
granddaughter of long-time minister Antonio Victorino Soares, a group of over 100 family members and
descendants of Pilgrim Church members from Washington state and Honolulu came to celebrate. The day
included specially designed logo name tags, recognition at the worship service in the Sanctuary, choir
music especially selected by Kalani Brady, an Aloha Lanai "brunch", a gathering after in the Women's
Building where Stefanie spoke of her grandfather and his life and work and accomplishments. Listeners
seated at round tables were able to spend many minutes chatting together. A shuttle bus was available to
take those who wished to visit ancestral graves in that portion of Makiki Cemetery which belonged to the
Portuguese Church and now is owned and cared for by Central Union. Although the shuttle ran for over an
hour, and there were guides and maps at the cemetery, many participants found more joy and common
interest in just being together.
Many wonderful Central Union volunteers worked hard on this project for weeks. My heartfelt thanks to all
who responded to the largest or smallest request for help, even up to the last hour!
The rest of the summer was occupied with requests from those who enjoyed that celebration. Many wanted
copies of the CD which included all the photos we have of that church and its activities or additional
information about their ancestors.
In the fall came staff and program changes in the life of Central Union, quite a few of which were
unexpected and often disconcerting. At the Archives we were hit with a complete melt down of the
computer. Fortunately we were able to recover all the data after some time. Also we are part of the air
conditioning problems in the second floor rooms of the Family Life Center, and a mix-up in the shuffling of
offices up there. A new printer/copier is finally on order after many requests. Its arrival will enable us to
respond to archival requests presently on hold.
But, we continue to do the work of preserving the history of Central Union, collecting all information, sorting,
filing, conserving and locating it for later use. We collect and bind all publications - minutes, Sunday
bulletins, Council reports and annual reports. We have more than 125 linear feet of shelving on which we
have organized the bound volumes, and 17 banks of 4-file drawers each, plus 18 flat drawers, all of which
contain unbound materials. We keep track of birth records, marriage and funeral information, which are
forwarded to us by the Clerk of the Church. We respond to requests from Honolulu and around the world
for that information. Rosemary has completed her alpha/numerical index to all persons who have joined the
church since 1887. (This index is not the same as "Church Windows" used by the Church administration for
purposes of solicitations, mailings, records sent to our national office, and it does not include any
addresses or financial information.)
We enjoy our job, and appreciate the history of Central Union which dates back to 1833 and the mission to
the seamen in Honolulu. †
54
Report of New Members 2015
Member #
13050
13051
05373
05418
05418
05419
05419
05420
05421
05421
05423
15523
15524
15525
15526
15527
15528
15529
15530
15531
15508
15509
15512
15532
15533
15534
15535
15536
15537
15538
15539
15540
15541
15542
15543
15544
55
Name
Date
Braley, Leigh Ann
Braley, Richard
JinLin Ma Hodges
Michael McCorriston
Ginger McCorriston
Ho Suk Lee
Hokulani Lee
Shirley Peterson
Susan S. Buck
Sara Jinee Buck
Steven S. Souza
Chin, Deborah
Chin, Edward
Maguire, Leilani
Brown, William “Will” R., Jr.
Cullen, Ruth Ann
Kahn, Traci Sue
Maddalena, Claudia
Standahl, Mary
Young, Sylvia KG
Cogan, John
Cogan, Donna
Saucedo, Biffany
Fleming, Nancy
Roberts, Jeremy
De Silva, Mike
Jackson, Lilly
Jackson, William “Bill”
Shiprit, Willa
Wong, Sandra
Fabella, Carla “Pua”
Martin, Vivvian
McCartin, Browning
McCartin, Richard
Duran, Janelle
Duran, Brandon
01/25/2015
01/25/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
03/29/2015
03/29/2015
03/29/2015
050/3/2015
05/03/2015
05/03/2015
05/03/2015
05/03/2015
05/03/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
02/15/2015
06/14/2015
06/14/2015
09/13/2015
09/13/2015
09/13/2015
09/13/2015
09/13/2015
09/13/2015
10/25/2015
10/25/2015
10/25/2015
10/25/2015
10/25/2015
Associate Status
Associate Status
Confession of Faith
Associate Member
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Transfer of Letter
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Transfer of Church Letter
Transfer of Church Letter
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Transfer of Church Letter
Transfer of Church Letter
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Associate Status
Associate Member
Associate Member
Associate Member
Reaffirmation of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Confession of Faith
Confession of Faith
Reaffirmation of Faith
Letter of Transfer
Letter of Transfer
Report of Baptisms 2015
Date
Name
01/11/2015
02/01/2015
04/12/2015
04/12/2015
04/12/2015
04/12/2015
04/12/2015
05/10/2015
05/10/2015
05/10/2015
05/24/2015
56
Santos, Iniped
Eliou, Gisellniika
Santos, Alexander Joseph Iyechad
Moffat, Emma Kimie
Hodges, JinLin Ma
Hodges, David Michael
Hodges, Shan William
Peterson, Shirley
Young, Sylvia KG
Wong, Nelson KH
Boval, Tracy L.
Father
Mother
Santos, Jansen
Eliou, Gaillard
Santos, Dusty
Moffat, Gavin
Anson, Daphne
Setick, Crystal
Shiprit, Willa
Moffat, Lisha
Hodges, Michael
Hodges, Michael
Hodges, JinLin Ma
Hodges, JinLin Ma
In Memoriam - Report of Death Recorded 2015
Member #
Name
Date
14010
Harnish, Margaret L.
Kesner, Juliet
Werner, Catherine
Hundtoft, Kenneth R.
Roberts, Helen I.
Borchert, Betty
Paty, Jeanne
Gerell, Jolene
Keller, Margaret
Clifford, Katherine E.
Hoogs, Louise
Poepoe, Romona
Yanagisako, Yuriko
Livingston, Gilbert
Cavaco, Frances “Skippy”
Powlison, Dora “Dodie”
Ito, Doris
Chung, May Lee
Quisenberry, Evalynn
Shimizu, Rev. Akira
01/03/2015
02/12/2015
02/15/2015
03/29/2015
04/18/2015
06/02/2015
06/10/2015
06/21/2015
06/24/2015
07/08/2015
07/10/2015
07/26/2015
08/14/2015
08/20/2015
08/31/2015
14378
8859
10177
4250
13559
12349
9292
6207
11383
6408
8785
4591
7037
11496
9932
6960
14991
57
09/01/2015
97 years old
86 years old
96 years old
86 years old
91 years old
87 years old
91 years old
68 years old
88 years old
72 years old
88 years old
87 years old
92 years old
91 years old
90 years old
94 years old
85 years old
09/25/2015
10/04/2015
94 years old
88 years old
2015 Total Number of Weddings: 400
Total Number Member/Local Weddings: 36
Date of Wedding
01/10/2015
02/08/2015
02/15/2015
02/21/2015
02/28/2015
03/07/2015
03/13/2015
03/14/2015
04/11/2015
05/02/2015
05/04/2015
05/08/2015
05/14/2015
05/24/2015
05/30/2015
06/14/2015
06/20/2015
06/26/2015
07/09/2015
07/11/2015
08/01/2015
08/05/2015
08/08/2015
08/08/2015
09/05/2015
09/26/2015
09/26/2016
10/10/2015
1010/2015
10/17/2015
10/29/2015
10/302015
11/14/2015
12/18/2015
12/22/2015
12/27/2015
58
Groom
Segovia, Travis-Lorenzo Kaohulani
Lau, Eric Kar Leong
Weismantel, Joseph Anthony
Lau, Nicholas
Carnate, Rishard Kanakaui
Mizutani, Takayuki
Handen, Christopher L.
Towata, Troy Kenji
Perkins, Alexander Michael
Dunn, Christopher Michael
Wilson, Jonathan Ernest Wilson
Tamura, Futoshi
Inouye, Richard Takushi
Victorine, Gerret
Han, Andrew Changwoo
Vetter, William Benjamin, Jr.
Funato, Kosuke
Endow, Jared Harou
McCoombe, Lachlan Keith
Samson-Coloma, Spencer Allen
Mok, Ka Chun
Heath, Ryan Gentry
Gabonia, Jason Anthony Kawaiola Un
Ramirez, Michael Ulep
Okamoto, Shimpei
Nakamura, Nathan Young
Miyamoto, Keith R.
Wong, Lisa Kanoe'ula
Zane, Daniel Tatsuo
Oyakawa, Ray Taketo
Tabuyo, Rodillo Tabuyo
Batislong, Bryan Difuntorum
Pascua, Wahren Deah Baloran
Labrador, Darryl
Hutton, Aaron Patrick
Kaikaka, Kailone
Bride
Rubio, Cynthia Fay
Leung, Edna Yin Na
Grace, Aimee Malia
Rapoza, Jamie Kanoe
Keamo, Alison Altalea
Kim, Jung Ok
Ocoma, Rachel Joy C.
Towata, Yukari
Villamor, Ashley Michelle
Dela Cruz, Sabrina Leilani
Tsuzuki, Kana
Mitani, Rina
Fayad, Mary Rose
Drumeller, Blessing Mailani
Park, Christine Jungwon
Balkin, Lauren Elizabeth
Funato, Saori
Madayag, Rachel
Johnson, Alice Tyler
Gervacio, Markiesha Piilani
Shariett, Margaret Alice
Robello, Sabrina Pi`ilani
Chao, Diana May Hwa
Campbell, Basilica Katrina
Isaka, Cindy C.
Nakamura, Naoko Aketa
Young, Roxanne R. La`akea
Hahn, Jaime Lyn
Kubo, Yukako
Abe, Hiroko
Vendiola, Loi Vanessa D.
Nuesca, Bernadette Joy
Ramos, Romelyn Gaoiran
Labrador, Madelene
Caprile, Ligia Veronica Dominquez
Caravalho, Michelle Danita
NOTES:
59
Central Union Church, organized in 1887, traces its roots to the Seamen’s Bethel, founded in 1833.
The Bethel began the earliest regular church services in English in the Hawaiian Kingdom.
60
1660 South Beretania Street – Honolulu, Hawaii 96826 • Phone (808) 941-0957
www.centralunionchurch.org • email: [email protected]
http://www.facebook.com/CentralUnionChurchOfHonolulu