We Are Martha

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We gathered at my church last night for our first planning meeting to host the 2026 ‘Aha Pae‘āina in June.  We sang in Hawaiian.  During the meeting, a participant said, "We are Martha."  It was a perfect comment.

My church has been asked to host the annual gathering of the Hawai`i Conference United Church of Christ.  This gathering, officially titled, ‘Aha Pae‘āina, brings together delegates from all the islands as well as special guests.  ‘Aha Pae‘āina in Hawaiian means gathering from across the islands.

For me, it is exciting to see the community of Waipahu and the leeward side of O`ahu get special attention.

Our church in Waipahu is not in charge of the program, the invitees, or any of the official business.  We are in charge of feeding the people, putting up the tents, cleaning the bathrooms, and directing traffic.  

Our role is entirely unofficial.

That's why "Martha" was a perfect comment.  

The stories of Jesus visiting the home of his friends, Mary and Martha and Lazarus are well known in Christian circles.  In one of the stories, at first glance, Jesus seems a little harsh towards Martha.  She was busy providing hospitality.  Her sister, Mary, was at the feet of Jesus listening.  But Jesus' comments are not a harsh judgment, but rather an affirmation.  Jesus knows his friend Martha and loves her dearly.

"We" are "Martha" because our task is not to put on church, but rather make the gathering possible.

  When Waipahu United Church of Christ was first asked to host, I immediately thought of our partners on the leeward side of O`ahu.  I didn't think our church, which had become small in numbers (for many years before I came), could provide hospitality alone.  

I was hopeful our "sister churches" would host with us.  This was an act of faith.

I told the conference that I wanted the hosting to note this -- While the gathering will be at our church, the hosts are all of our churches together.   The people around the table.

So, the group of "Martha" will consist of 6-8 churches.  

We are sure to provide very good hospitality.

And yes, we might need to be reminded to pay attention to the official program in June.  But we will likely be too busy.





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