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April 2023
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Connect - Hawaii Church of God strives to connect the churches to each other, the church with the community and the community to Christ


Happy Easter!


We think it's a big deal!

Photo by Bruno van der Kraan on Unsplash
Bishop Rob and Candie Taylor

Resurrection 
As we enter the month of April, with Easter Sunday coming up, I cannot help reflecting on what this holiday (Holy day) is all about. The Apostle Paul stated the following in 1 Corinthians 15:20-22:

"20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive." 

This is the simple message of the gospel: God loves. God gave. Jesus lived. Jesus died. And Jesus rose from the dead. In his life, death, and resurrection, we have the hope of life-- abundant life, eternal life. 

Love is not just something God does, it is who he is. God is love. He created humanity in order to have creatures with whom he could have relationship. In Adam humanity sinned and broke that relationship. 

In order to restore relationship, God gave the one and only thing that was enough to pay the price for restoration — his son Jesus. 

Jesus (God the Son, the eternal second member of the trinity) willingly came to earth so that he could become the sufficient sacrifice to provide a pathway for humanity's reconciliation to God. As humanity's substitute, Jesus lived and died to pay the ultimate penalty, the wage of sin, death. We celebrate Easter, however, because this is not the end of the story.

After Jesus’ death and burial he arose from the dead. As he willingly laid down his life to atone for sin, he took back his life from death. Resurrection is the story of Easter. Resurrection is the truth of Easter. Resurrection is the hope of Easter. Resurrection is the life of those who believe in Jesus, accept his forgiveness, and submit to his lordship. 

There is no greater gospel than this. May you experience the power of his resurrection this Easter season. May each Hawaii Church of God congregation effectively share this great, good news this year. 
Bishop Rob
Administrative Bishop
Church of God in Hawaii
Bishop Brian and Zara Whitelock

Aloha from the Hawaii Youth & Discipleship Department 

We are told in 1 Samuel 13:14 & Acts 13:22 that David was a man after God’s own heart. 

This made me ponder on a few things.  We know that God doesn’t look at the outward appearances but what’s on the inside. I like to share with three things that we can find inside of David.

First, he had a heart shaped by the word of God. Psalm 119:47-48 says, “for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love. 48 I will lift up my hands toward your commandments, which I love, and I will meditate on your statutes.”

Two questions we must ask ourselves:
1) Do we love the Word of God?
2) Do we Meditate on His Word? 

Secondly, he had a heart sustained by trust in God. Psalm 51:12 NIV says,
"Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me." David asked God to restore the joy of his salvation. David also asked God to grant him a willing spirit, to SUSTAIN him. God’s Grace Sustains! You can count on the sustaining grace of God. God doesn’t want just to save you, He wants to SUSTAIN you.

Thirdly, he had a heart that sought the presence of God. This verse is probably my favorite: Psalm 51:11 says, “Cast me not away from your presence and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” Seeking God’s presence is what The Tent of David was all about.
God’s Presences is:

A place of Restoration 
A place of Renewing of the mind
A place of Refuge
A place of Refreshing of the Spirit
A place of Peace
A place of Love

David was a man after God’s own heart because he was a man after God’s presence.

Take the time think on Psalms 51:11


Pastor Brian


Brian Whitelock
Youth and Discipleship Director
Church of God in Hawaii

Be sure to check our website often for updates and more information. We are working hard to make it a valuable resource. HawaiiCOG.Org
Keep calm. Kauwela is coming!

Affirm - Hawaii CoG affirms every individual & his or her calling.
Are you between the ages of 16 and 116 & feel the call of God on your life to commit to be a minister of the Gospel? We are here to help you. Click on the New Minsiter/CAMS application and begin the process of walking in your calling for Christ.

Are you ready to advance to the next rank in ministry for the Church of God? We are here to help you. The next testing date is May 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM. Email assitant@hawaiicog.org to get the information you need to ensure you are able to test.
Continue to pray for our current ministerial candidates as they participate in the CAMS program. Plan to join with us to celebrate their graduation at Camp Meeting. You will not want to miss it.
We are looking forward to the next CAMS cohort. The call of God on your life is to be celebrated and . Your obedience to the call is not limited by yourself. It is unlimited by your God. What are you waiting for?
We Celebrate

April Birthdays
 1 Diana Mariano
13 Lucy Palmer
18 Stephanie Daniels



Photo by Bruce Tang on Unsplash
Resourcing - Hawaii CoG Resources the Minister & the Local Church
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
Free Easter Video Element to download and share. The free MP4 is available for you here.

Your Ultimate Easter Giving Guide

The energy surrounding Easter is undeniable. As Easter Sunday nears, people become more attuned to the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for them, making the service itself one of the most attended of the year.This dramatic increase in attendance presents ministries with a range of unique challenges—the offering being one of them.
Giving is crucial to furthering your church’s vision, but can get lost in the mix as you’re pulled in different directions. Money is also a struggle for many church leaders to discuss with their congregation on a typical Sunday, let alone Easter when it’s packed with skeptical visitors!

Click the link above for these free Easter giving resources to help people worship God through giving.

#1: Giving as an Act of Trust
#2: Consumer to Contributor
#3: Joy in Generosity
#4: Much Has Been Given to You
#5: God Loves a Cheerful Giver
#6: Giving as an Expression of Gratitude
#7: Summertime Stewardship (Bonus Script)
Evangelize - Hawaii CoG Evangelizes to Win Souls for the Kingdom
Free Resources

Make a difference when you shop with us at the official store of Every Home for Christ. Every dollar spent is an opportunity to present the gospel to more and more people. All proceeds go to spreading the gospel around the world, to the last...

Read more
shop.everyhome.org
Serve - Hawaii CoG Exists to Serve One Another, Our Communities, Hawaii & Our World
As you pray for Hawaii, Partner with Bishop Taylor.

Ask Jehovah for:

  1. Stratagies
  2. Connections & Favor
  3. Resources

...that we need to complete the kingdom work.
Pastor Evan & Lucy Palmer-Serving through prayer. Submit prayer needs to the Palmers by clicking on their photo.

Pastors, watch your email for the prayer slides for the month.
Church of God World Missions