Open and Affirming (ONA) has been Adopted
Following two years of prayer, education, discussion and listening, Hokuloa voted to become an Open and Affirming Congregation. We thank everyone who participated in this important discernment process. May we continue to be a bold witness for God's inclusive and unconditional LOVE!
“Open and Affirming” (ONA) is a movement of more than 1,500 churches and other ministries in the United Church of Christ that welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) members. Hokuloa is the sixth UCC congregation in the state and the first on Hawaii Island to become an Open and Affirming congregation.
On Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 the Congregation fully adopted an Open and Affirming Covenant.
The Timeline:
Many Years Food Drives to support Hawaii HIV AIDS Foundation
April 2017 Mustard Seed Group, Rev. Bill Hawk. Topic: ONA
August 2017 Council Approved ONA Discernment Process
May 2018 After Church Forum with Ellen Carson, Bible Verses
July 2018 Film A PLACE IN THE MIDDLE, discussion with Yvonne Leiser
Sept 2018 Forum to discuss book: A HOUSE UNITED, Pastor Joe Medlin
Oct 2018 ONA Webinar Viewing at George Winchell’s
March 2019 After Church Forum with Don and Ellen Clark, their Illinois
church’s experience with the ONA Process
March 2019 Announcements that Hokuloa is in the discernment process on webpage,
Facebook, E-zine and Orders of Worship
April 28, 2019 Sermon and After Church Forum with Rev. Florentino Cordova from
Iao United Church on Maui, an ONA Church
July 28, 2019 Discussion about Open & Affirming (ONA) Covenants. Formed a covenant
drafting group consisting of Anne marie, Pam, Marjorie, Jack, and Joe
and headed by Linda Petrucelli
Sept 29, 2019 Discuss and review the Covenant Group's proposed covenant. A few small
changes were made.
Nov 24, 2019 Adopted ONA Covenant during Congregational Meeting
Dec 15, 2019 CELEBRATION
