September has meant a busy Council following our summer break. Our church was the venue for Climate Change and the Rule of Law on September 26 and will co-host a film screening of “The Letter” on the 29th. These events introduce outsiders to our church’s climate change involvement. For new member candidates, Kaye Kroehler is hosting informal Sunday sessions on October 29 and November 26 for persons interested in joining Crossroads. 

The transition to a replacement for our longtime bookkeeper John Keys, who passed away earlier this year, continues to be a challenge. The Finance and Personnel committees are working with replacement CJ Jackson, who came aboard in July.

Council passed several motions by consensus. We approved:

• Irene Hassan’s transfer of membership to Kailua Christian Church, where she is the new pastor (great!), and Annette McClendon’s return to regular membership status with us (yea!);  

• Pastor Malia’s acquisition of needed materials along with attendance at a recent Pastoral Retreat;

• Travel support for MacArthur Flournoy’s ordination at Crossroads;

• A withdrawal from our Pandemic Emergency Fund to support Amber Larson and son’s short-term housing;

• Increased compensation for Elizabeth Wong (childcare) and compensation for Renita Lowe and Tai Demura-Devore (tech work), retroactive to January;



• A November 12 Mission Fair that will bring mission teams together with the full congregation.

The worship committee, Becca Kesler and Linda Rich, have worked collaboratively with Kahu David to identify preachers to fill our pulpit throughout his sabbatical.

Mahalo to those who have already blessed us with their preaching:

• Sept. 10 - Rev. Malia Galindo, our Associate for Children, Youth and Families

• Sept. 17 - Rev. George Scott, Punahou School Chaplain and longtime friend of Crossroads



• Sept. 24 - Connie Mitchell, Director of IHS and previous Pastoral Associate

Coming Attractions:

Oct. 1 - Rev. Malia Galindo, our Associate for Children, Youth and Families. Malia was born and raised in Kailua. She has a BA in Sociology from Chapman University, ’18 and received her Master of Divinity from Claremont School of Theology, ’21.  She was ordained within the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and is also seeking standing with the United Church of Christ.  Malia has a deep passion for LGBTQ+ justice and creating Intersectional spaces for unity in diversity. During Kahu David’s absence, Pastor Malia has graciously agreed to lead our first Sunday communion services and to preach three times. Big mahalo to Pastor Malia!!

Oct. 8 - Rev. Luana Uluave, Punahou School Kindergarten-grade 5 Chaplain

Before becoming a chaplain, Uluave taught English for 15 years, in grades 6-12. “I actually did my first unit of clinical pastoral education as a summer professional development program because I thought it would help with my teaching,” she notes. “I thought initially that chaplain training would make me a better listener and more compassionate with my students.”

About two weeks into her training, Uluave realized her life was about to change forever. “Chaplaincy just called to me on so many levels. I ended up leaving teaching the following year to go to seminary,” she says. “I completed 1,600 hours of clinical pastoral education and completed the process for ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA) over the next five years.” Her commitment to chaplaincy grew out of seeing how vital spiritual wellness is to helping people flourish.

Oct. 15 - Rev. Lauren Medeiros is no stranger to Crossroads, having preached here many times in the past. She was a chaplain at Punahou School for 28 years and is a member of Central Union Church. If you don’t know her, you can meet her here:

(814) KAULIKE: Rev. Lauren Buck Medeiros reflects on 'justice' - YouTube

Oct. 22 – Drs. Sam and Pamela Samraj, two missionary doctors serving at the Scudder Memorial Hospital in South India. 

They will also present an Adult Education session at 9:00 a.m.

Oct. 29 – Kahu David will preach from Skye, and our Cosmic Bamboo Hui members will serve as lectors and participate in leading worship. A virtual choir anthem is being planned.

Nov. 5 - Rev. Malia Galindo, our Associate for Children, Youth and Families 

Nov. 12 - Rev. Mitzi Eilts was a member of Church of the Crossroads in the 1980’s and was also a member of RYCE. She has recently retired from a long and impressive ministry that included serving as national coordinator for the UCC Coalition for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Concerns. She and her wife currently reside in Mexico. Mitzi is excited to come back to Crossroads to preach and visit with old friends.