The United Church of Christ has deep historical connections to Hawai’i, and has stepped up efforts to assist people who have been devastated by the recent fires that swept western Maui.
On Sundays, August 27 and September 3, CUCC will collect a special offering to assist our siblings in Maui. You may give via our website (select Maui from the options), by texting Maui and the amount to 919-888-4541, or by mailing a check with Maui on the memo line to the office at 814 Dixie Trail, Raleigh, NC 27607. This special offering will be open until September 8.
A message from Rev. Josh Baird, Team Leader, Global H.O.P.E.
“Already, local congregations are providing resources including clothing, food, and shelter. The Hawaii Conference is active, and the United Church of Christ’s Global H.O.P.E. team is working with Hawaii Conference Disaster Coordinator Danny Tengan, in consultation with Hawaii Conference Minister Rev. Dr. David Popham and other leaders, to assess the situation and walk alongside them.
You can help as well. Your donation to the Hawaii wildfires appeal helps the United Church of Christ increase support to immediate relief efforts and enables us to be present for the journey ahead, assuring long-term aid for persons who require assistance with their recovery.”
The Hawai’i Conference of the UCC
At the request of Henry ‘Ōpūkaha‘ia, a young Hawai’ian who traveled to New England and became a Christian, missionaries from the Congregationalists brought Christianity to the people of the Hawaiian islands (early history here). That history, including the involvement of UCC-predecessor leaders in overthrowing the Hawaiian government, is complex, and repair of relationships is ongoing (read about the apology and redress here). Yet UCC congregations are thriving throughout the islands, with 23 congregations on Maui. Read updates on current action of the UCC to assist in Maui here.