Religion

Local Religion / In Brief

New Year’s services set at St. Theresa

St. Theresa Church in Kihei will celebrate Mass at 9 a.m. New Year’s Day and Hispanic Mass at 7 p.m., according to an announcement.

There will be no 7 a.m. Mass on New Year’s Day.

The Feast of the Epiphany of the Lord will be held at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 2, with a Hispanic Mass at 7 p.m. Feast Masses will continue at 7 and 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Jan. 3.

A reconciliation service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Jan. 9.

The Baptism of the Lord will be celebrated during Mass at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 9, with a Hispanic Mass at 7 p.m. Masses will continue at 7 and 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Jan. 10.

St. Theresa is at 25 W. Lipoa St. The church office can be reached at 879-4844.

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Bible institute will open in Kihei

The Island Bible Institute is accepting applications for its inaugural opening in January.

The institute is a cooperative effort of Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary and Kihei Baptist Chapel. Founded in 1944, Golden Gate is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada, and the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The vision for the Island Bible Institute is to become a globally influential institute that dynamically shapes Christian students prepared to plant and lead culturally engaging mission-driven churches in Hawaii, the Pacific Rim and around the world, according to an announcement.

The Kihei campus will offer a variety of courses for credit starting with the 2016 spring semester.

Classes will begin Jan. 25. Courses also will be available for auditing. Students may gain experience through networking and serving with over 140 local churches in the Hawaii Pacific Baptist Convention.

David Courson, former instructor in the School of Communications at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, and former director of Calvary Chapel Bible College, Maui, has been named director of this nondenominational institute. All faculty members are Hawaii residents, and all classes will be held at the Kihei campus at 1655 S. Kihei Road.

For more information, contact the registrar’s office at 875-2112, courson@islandbibleinstitute.com or islandbibleinstitute.com.

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Jerusalem rabbi to lead seminars

The Jewish Congregation of Maui will host Rabbi Gedaliah Fleer of Jerusalem, a master teacher, storyteller and authority on Jewish mysticism. He will present several seminars.

The first will be at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Chabad Maui Mitzvah Center at 360 Hoohana St. No. 209 in Kahului. The night will be a “Melave Malka” (escorting the Queen of the Sabbath).

Gedaliah will discuss the life of Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. Suggested donation is $10.

At 7 p.m. Monday, at the Jewish Congregation of Maui at 634 Alulike St., Fleer will discuss “Prayer – A Service of the Heart,” a look at the different modalities of prayer: nonverbal, imagery, meditative and printed verbal. Suggested donation is $20.

On Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Maui, Fleer will present “The Power of Jewish Storytelling in the Kabbalistic Tradition.” Suggested donation is $20.

On Jan. 3, Fleer will hold a seminar titled “Self Sabotage,” from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Jewish Congregation of Maui. It will help participants pinpoint what distorts potential, nixes plans and makes us defensive. Find out how to break the cycle. Fleer will do limited one-on-one counseling. Suggested donation is $100.

For more information, call 874-5397.

Religion

Local Religion / In Brief

Holiday schedule set at St. Theresa

St. Theresa Church in Kihei will celebrate Christmas Eve Mass at 6 and 9 p.m. and midnight, according to an announcement.

For the midnight Mass, church doors will open at 11 p.m., with the singing of Christmas carols to begin at 11:30.

There will be no 7 a.m. Mass on Thursday or Dec. 25.

On Christmas Day, Mass will be celebrated at 8 and 10 a.m. There will be no evening Mass.

The Feast of the Holy Family will be held at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 26, with a Hispanic Mass at 7 p.m. Feast Masses will continue at 7 and 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Dec. 27.

Leading up to Christmas, the church is holding Misa de Gallo (Dawn Mass) at 5 a.m. through Thursday, with the exception of Sunday, when Mass will be held at 7 a.m.

St. Theresa is at 25 W. Lipoa St. The church office can be reached at 879-4844.

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Iao to offer Blue Christmas service

A Blue Christmas Advent Service will be offered at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Iao United Church of Christ.

This service is intended for those who wish to worship Christ but whose hearts are not filled with the frivolity and gaiety that usually accompany worship in this season, according to an announcement.

“Many have suffered loss of one kind or another – the death of loved ones, stress at work, fracturing relationships,” said Wally Kuroiwa, interim pastor. “Others may simply want a quiet, more reflective service as their preferred way to experience Christmas.”

Iao United Church of Christ will also offer a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The church is at 2371 W. Vineyard St. in Wailuku.

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Schedules set for W. Maui churches

The Christmas Mass schedules for Maria Lanakila Church, Lahaina, and Sacred Hearts Mission Church, Kapalua, are as follows:

* Maria Lanakila Church – 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. The choir will sing carols at 11:30 p.m. before a midnight Mass. There will be a 7, 9, 11 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Christmas Day Mass and a Spanish Mass at 7 p.m.

* Sacred Hearts Mission Church – 6 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass and a 7 and 9 a.m. Christmas Day Mass.

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Church to hold candlelight service

Keawala’i Congregational Church in Makena will have a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:30 p.m.

Members of Na Leo Nahenahe, the adult choir, will be singing “Some Children See Him.” George Kahumoku Jr. will be a featured guest sharing his slack-key guitar music.

Those who are planning to attend are invited to bring a single stem flower or lei for two outdoor floral Christmas trees. Seating will be provided for 800.

Parking will be available in the church overflow parking lot, along the lower beach road and along Honoiki Street. Parking monitors will direct cars into the overflow parking lot.

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Children to perform Christmas program

Pastor Kenneth Alverio invites the community to worship at The Apostolic Faith Church (Jesus Coming Soon) at 10 a.m. Sunday for a special Children’s Christmas Program celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

A special mix of recitations and songs will bring to light events that occurred at the time of Jesus’ birth, according to an announcement. The talents of the children will be displayed in a skit through solos, instrumentals and musical renditions, all to be performed by the children of the Sunday School Department. They will be dressed in outfits from all over the world.

Zeanna and Zena Pinheiro will be the featured announcers for the program. Jake Masuda will be featured on his trumpet, as well as Donnelle Leandro.

The community also is invited to an evening service at 7 featuring the adults in the church.

The church is recognizable by its large neon sign “Jesus Coming Soon” above its rooftop at 1211 Front St. and Mala Wharf Road.

An Apostolic Faith Church Christmas Special will air from 8 to 9 a.m. Sunday on KITV Channel 4, according to the announcement. If the program is pre-empted by other events, it air at 2 p.m.

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Good Shepherd announces services

Christmas Eve services at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church will begin at 6 p.m. with a costumed pageant and Family Eucharist.

Children and youth will present the story of Christ’s birth, with readings and carols. The Good Shepherd Hand Bell Choir will be offering special music and accompanying the congregational singing.

Ka ‘Ohana Kitchen will be open to serve anyone who is in need from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday. This annual event is hosted by a team led by Sierra Gabrels of the National Park Service. To donate or volunteer, call the church office at 244-4656.

Also on Christmas Eve, there will be a Carol Sing at 10:30 p.m. The traditional Christmas Mass will begin at 11 p.m.

Christmas Day Holy Eucharist will be celebrated at 9 a.m.

The celebrations continue during the 12 days of Christmas, through Epiphany on Jan. 6 and until the first Sunday after Epiphany on Jan. 10.

Good Shepherd Church is at 2140 Main St. in Wailuku.

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Pageant offered at Emmanual Lutheran

Emmanuel Lutheran Church has announced its Christmas services:

* 6 p.m. Thursday – Sunday School Christmas Pageant.

* 10 a.m. Friday – Christmas lessons and carols.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church is at 520 W. One St., near the intersection of Kaahumanu and Papa avenues in Kahului.

For more information, call 877-3037.

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Christmas Eve service set in Paia

The Paia Hawaiian Protestant Church will hold a Christmas Eve Candle Light Service at 7 p.m. Thursday.

The church is at 246 Hana Highway. The community is invited to attend.

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Makawao Union to hold two services

Makawao Union Church will celebrate Christmas with two worship services Christmas Eve.

A family service will begin at 6 p.m., followed at 11 p.m. with the traditional candlelight Service of Lessons and Carols.

Both services will tell the story of Christmas with the singing of the carols and special music. The early service will feature children’s stories and a jazz trio. Soloist Lisa Paulson will perform at the later service.

Child care will not be provided.

Makawao Union Church is an interdenominational church located at 1445 Baldwin Ave.

For more information, call 579-9261.

Religion

Local Religion / In Brief

Holy Door of Mercy to open Sunday at St. Theresa

St. Theresa Church will open a “Holy Door of Mercy” during its 9:30 a.m. Sunday Mass, the church announced.

Passing through the door allows believers a “plenary indulgence,” which is “the elimination of temporal punishment due for sins already forgiven,” church officials said.

The Catholic Church’s main Holy Door is at the Basilica in Rome. From there, churches worldwide are designated as sites for Holy Doors. In the United States, each state has a site, and, in Hawaii, that primary site is at the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of Peace in Honolulu. The site for the Holy Door in the Maui County vicariate is St. Theresa Church. Its pastor is the Rev. Msgr. Terrence Watanabe.

To receive the plenary indulgence, church members need to make a pilgrimage to the designated church for the Holy Door, go to confession, receive Holy Communion, make a profession of faith and pray for the intentions of the pope.

This is the Year of Mercy for the Catholic Church. The church year ends Nov. 20, and then the Holy Door will be closed.

For more information, contact St. Theresa Church at 879-4844.

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Interisland menorah lighting event Sunday

Chabad of Maui will present a “Historic Hawaiian Hanukkah” simultaneous menorah lighting on Maui, Oahu, the Big Island and Kauai from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday. The Maui event will be at 360 Hoohana St., No. 209 in Kahului.

Alvin Wong, “The Happiest Man in America,” will be the special guest during this “live” interisland event, according to an announcement.

For more information, contact 280-6590 or jewishmaui.com.

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Visiting priest to conduct Advent Mission Retreat

St. Theresa Church will host the Rev. Philip Chircop for an Advent Mission Retreat from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Chircop is a Jesuit priest born on Malta. He believes that beauty is a uniquely wonderful entry into the mystery of God, “whose center is everywhere and whose circumference is nowhere.”

He has advanced degrees in pastoral theology, communications and spirituality. He has worked in high school, university and parish settings, and for the past 16 years he has mainly been involved in presenting retreats.

For more information, go to philipchircop.com or visit www.facebook.com/chircop.philip.

St. Theresa also will celebrate Misa de Gallo (Dawn Mass) at 5 a.m. Wednesday through Dec. 24.

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Holiday services set at St. Joseph Church

St. Joseph Church has announced its schedule of holiday services.

The Advent Penance Service will be at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.

The Christmas (Holy Day of Obligation) schedule is as follows: Vigil Mass, 5 p.m. Dec. 24; children and youth Mass at 7 p.m. Dec. 24; 10 p.m. and midnight Mass Dec. 24; 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Mass Dec. 25 (no evening Mass).

The New Year’s schedule is as follows: 7 p.m. Vigil Mass Dec. 31; 8 a.m. New Year’s Day Mass Jan. 1.

St. Joseph Church is at 1294 Makawao Ave. in Makawao.

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Christmas Eve service set at Grace Church

Grace Church and Pastor Robb Finberg invite the community to a Candle Light Service at 7 p.m. Dec. 24 at 10 Kupaoa Place in Pukalani, under the big white tent across from Longs Kulamalu.

Refreshments and desserts will be available after the service.

For more information, call 572-8384 or visit www.gracechurchmaui.com.

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St. John’s plans Christmas services

St. John’s Episcopal Church has announced its lineup of Christmas services and musicians. There will be three services on Christmas Eve: 4 p.m. Holy Eucharist with keyboard; 8 p.m. Holy Eucharist with organ, trumpet, soloist and choir; and 10:30 p.m. Holy Eucharist with jazz trio. On Christmas Day there will be an 8:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with organ.

St. John’s is located at 8992 Kula Highway (Mile Marker 16.5, across from Keokea park). For more information, contact 878-1485 or see www.stjohnsmaui.org.

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Candlelight service planned at Kihei Baptist

A “Let Your Light Shine” candlelight service will be held at Kihei Baptist Chapel from 6 to 7 p.m. Christmas Eve. There will be seasonal music, the Christmas story, an inspirational message and carols by candlelight, according to an announcement.

Kihei Baptist Chapel is at 1655 S. Kihei Road, near the intersection of Welakahao Road.

For more information, see kiheibaptist.org or call 875-2112.

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‘Who Are You?’ topic of talk at Jan. 2 brunch

The Women’s Ministry of Kihei Baptist Chapel is hosting a free New Year’s brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 2 at the chapel with guest speaker Sheryl Cooper.

Cooper and her husband, Alice, are founders of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives of teens through music, dance and self-expression.

Sheryl Cooper will pose the question: “Who Are You? Uncovering Your Identity.”

In addition, mini-spa treatments will be available for $20 per ticket (redeemable Jan. 2). Registration is required. Call 875-2112 or visit Kihei Baptist Chapel during office hours to register.

Payment for mini-spa treatments are due with registration. The deadline to register is Dec. 27.

Religion

Local Religion / In Brief

Hanukkah party set at Beit Shalom Synagogue

The Jewish Congregation of Maui will host its annual Community Chanukah Party at Beit Shalom Synagogue from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

The evening will feature a candlelighting ceremony, communal singing, latkes and dessert. There will also be gift bags, games, prizes and crafts for the children.

Festivities also include musical entertainment by the Dorothy Betz Trio, door prizes and a silent auction. The Judaica Store will be open. Members of the general public are invited to attend.

Beit Shalom Synagogue is at 634 Alulike St. in north Kihei. For more information, contact 874-5397 or jcom@hawaiibiz.rr.com.

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Visiting pastor to speak during 2 services Sunday

David Crim, senior pastor at the International Baptist Church of Manila and director of Mission Field Operations for Two-Thirds World Network, will share a message during the Valley Isle Fellowship Church’s morning and evening services Sunday.

He will speak at the 9 a.m. worship service in the Wailuku Elementary School cafeteria, and at a 6 p.m. worship service at the VIF church campus, 473 S. High St. in Wailuku.

During the morning service, Crim will share God’s message on missional revival that will encourage and inspire all believers to make a commitment to share the Gospel to the people around us within our community, according to an announcement.

During the evening service, Crim and his wife, Cindy, will share what they have learned on the mission field about living a life of disciple-makers and training others to live the same. They will both share personal stories and explore Gospel stories that teach how to respond to Jesus’ invitation, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.”

David and Cindy Crim have been missionaries for Two-Thirds World Network in the Philippines for the past five years.

Both services will be followed with light refreshments and fellowship.

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Methodist church to celebrate 50 years

Ala Lani United Methodist Church will celebrate its 50th anniversary Sunday with a worship service filled with music.

Both English-language and Tongan choirs will sing, and the bell choir will perform. Guest dancers from Na Huna Kaua Ma Ka Malu o Kona ‘Eheu will offer prayer through hula. The service will begin at 10 a.m. at 50 S. Papa Ave. in Kahului.

Among the attendees at the service will be several individuals from the 27 charter members who founded the church in 1965. The first service of the “Central Maui Methodist Church” was held Nov. 7, 1965, at the Masonic Temple Hall in Kahului. On Dec. 5, the church received its charter from Mission Superintendent Frank E. Butterworth. The church’s first officers were Mildred Yoshimura, Sunday school superintendent; George Yoshimura, lay leader; Tom Suzuki, financial secretary; and Emi Suemori, treasurer.

In December 2004, after many years of planning, the church moved into a new sanctuary at the corner of its property at Kaahumanu and Papa avenues.

Ala Lani United Methodist Church offers Sunday English-language services at 10 a.m. and Tongan-language services at 4 p.m. Sundays and 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays. For more information, call 877-0388.