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Aloha friends,
In this season of Advent, we are reminded that “we are waiting” for something great that is to come. That can also sum up the experience of the last year at Holy Innocents. It has been a year since our wonderful host church, Honolua United Methodist Church, offered us a temporary home to have our church service at 8:00 a.m. each Sunday. Throughout the year, we had morning prayer as well as local supply priests and guest priests from the mainland who celebrated the Eucharist with us. We waited our turn until the church lot could finally be cleared in October. It was bittersweet to see the last of what our physical church buildings used to be, torn down. However, when all was cleared and the heavy machinery had left, you could hear the birds singing. It really seemed peaceful.
Many are asking, “When are you rebuilding?” In response to that question, there is more waiting. Maui County has a mandatory set back from the ocean. We know that the set back will not allow the rectory and priest’s office/conference room to be rebuilt in their former location. We are waiting for the county to advise us of what Lahaina will look like. Our parishioners have talked about having a shared space for worship, which would be particularly nice if the school lot next door is used for a memorial. Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick has assured us that he “cannot imagine not having an Episcopal presence in West Maui”. In the meantime, Honolua UMC has extended our sojourn there for another year.
Holy Innocents is waiting, but while we are waiting, we are worshipping and giving God thanks and praise for the (albeit slow) rebirth of our community. We appreciate everyone’s continued prayers. Know that we are here and welcome fellow worshippers to join us on our journey. We are waiting…
Merry Christmas!
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