Women of New Hope Windward (NHW) gathered to celebrate Good Friday as the sun rose over Kailua Beach on Friday morning, April 2, 2010. The early morning gathering, called Rise with the Son, provided the 24 women in attendance with special devotional time as they prepared for what would be a busy and awesome weekend celebrating Easter and NHW’s 10th year anniversary.
According to Women’s Ministry leader and coordinator Kahale Balai, the event was planned as she contemplated what Jesus went through on that very day, more than two thousand years ago. “What better way to remember him by rising in the morning and reading his word together with other women from New Hope Windward. Our time to share and reflect in small groups helped us bond and become connected in His word through fellowship,” said Kahale.
“The beach atmosphere was inviting and the women circled around as resemblance of the ongoing spiritual life within all of us and the common thread that we all share in Christ. Closing prayer together with a worship song ended the gathering in such a peaceful way,” she added.
The Women’s Ministry is an active group which usually meets on the first Friday of the month for a time of fun and fellowship. There is always a mini-message or activity that incorporates the love of Jesus or the word of God along with a creative theme to spice things up! Previous 1st Friday Women’s Nite events have included the following themes: Pupu on the Pier, Bento on the Beach, Circle of Friends, Dinner and a Movie, REJOICE (Christmas 2009), Be Filled with the Spirit, Dinner at Denny’s, A Night of Truth, Fireproof, Silent Pray Nite, and more!
The ministry started out small, mainly friends from NHW’s Halau, but has grown substantially over the past year. What started out with monthly phone calls to invite women and friends to gather has turned into a corporate texting announcement, emailing, phone calls, plus monthly flyers that are handed out at church, bulletin announcements, and, of course, the ever effective: “word of mouth”!
“Keeping it consistent on the 1st Friday of the month gives the women a chance to reserve their time to gather at the Women’s Ministry event planned for that month,” said Kahale. Date and times may be adjusted as needed for holidays and church conflicts, as might be the case in May when the group may gather on an alternate day. All are welcome to attend.
Be sure to check the church bulletin and this website for future Women’s Ministry announcements!
