Christ Church, Uniting Disciples and Presbyterians Kailua, Hawaii

Information About Who We Are

Frequently Asked Questions

Worship Description

Theological Statement

Mission Statement

Vision Statement

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 Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What should I wear?  Whatever is comfortable; shorts, jeans, aloha attire, are all perfectly acceptable and the norm on the islands. 

  • Can I partake of communion? Yes.  Everyone present is invited to participate in communion regardless of belief or denominational affiliation.

  • Do I have to put something in the offering plate?  No.  No one is required to give an offering.  Tithes and offerings are given as an expression of gratitude to God. 

  • Will someone come knock on my door if I write down my address in the guest book?  No.  We simply like to send a letter of greeting and welcome.

  • How will I know when to stand up?  People are invited to stand as able with an asterisk * in the bulletin.

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Worship Description

CCU worship can be called traditional with a twist! We have traditional elements of worship such as hymns, an organ, prayers, and of course a sermon…We also sing songs from around the world.  You may hear a drum or guitar, and we often blend in contemporary songs.  Our choir sings everything from classical to jazz and rock and roll.    We encourage all ages worship together and offer a special area in our sanctuary for children to be present in worship, but don’t necessarily have to sit still for a whole hour!

As part of our Disciples heritage we offer communion every Sunday.  Everyone present is invited to partake of communion.  You do not have to be a member or our church, or any church to take communion.

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Theological Statement:

We see the Spirit of God in all people.  We see Jesus as human and completely united with the Spirit of God.  He made God the center of his life and calls us to join him and do the same and we come together as Church to answer that call.    
 
We study and reflect upon the Jesus of Scripture as healer and teacher of universal moral principles demonstrating a life lived with humility and a deep passion for social justice, peace and love.  
 
 Scripture understood in the light of Jesus reveals God as loving, compassionate, non-violent, and inclusive.  Where there is an interpretive opportunity, in light of our experience of Jesus’ presence, CCU will choose the most loving, peace-promoting, and justice serving path, as, we believe, did Jesus himself. 

We are an open and inclusive church that welcomes a diversity of people, opinions, beliefs and spiritual paths.  We are a multi-generational, diverse and progressive faith community that values and encourages spiritual growth and responsibility within each individual and the congregation.  We enjoy wrestling with the challenging social and intellectual issues posed by Christianity.

We are a church that believes in the importance of environmental stewardship and peacemaking and we are known by the actions of our members in the larger community.  We are a church with a sense of celebration and beauty that finds artistic expression of our faith through creative worship, especially through music.

We are a faith community that looks for God to be at the center of our lives and we invite others to join us on our path.  We are an extended family offering support; we love and care for one another.

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Mission Statement:  (Article IV from CCU ByLaws)

We covenant together in Christ’s name and with the help of the Holy Spirit:

  • To seek through prayer and study to discern God’s special call to us as individuals and as a community of faith;

  • To provide Christ-centered worship and education through which   we may be nurtured, renewed and challenged in our faith, understanding and witness;

  • To offer opportunities for our members to discover and utilize their varied gifts and talents in ministry, both within the church and in the wider community of which we are a part;

  • To share in the mission of the wider church by generous giving to mission, through financial support, labor and loving care; and

  • To witness in our daily lives our commitment to Christ, encourage others to do likewise.

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Vision Statement:

To be a vibrant witness to Christ’s inclusive love, supporting spiritual growth and social justice.

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