Find Your Peace—Places of Worship on O‘ahu
Even while on vacation, some of us feel the desire to continue our religious practices. Here are a few options to help keep you on track.
Founded in 1970, Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy has been under the guidance of Pastor Alex McAngus since 1988. Where the congregation once sat on beach mats under the palm trees at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, today, the location has moved to the Diamond border of the complex where chairs and tents are set up for convenience.
When asked about its mission, McAngus replies, “The Chaplaincy’s mission remains unchanged; to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the temporal and secular setting where Jesus’ commission is to go and make disciples and teach them the Good News.” Although generations of people have come and gone, he says the services have remained true to the Gospel, which “is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.”
If you’d like to attend a service, Waikiki Beach Chaplaincy offers Church on the Beach at 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. every Sunday, as well as Immanuel’s Table at 8 a.m. and Immanuel’s Fellowship at noon every Wednesday.
How is the Chaplaincy unique? “The Chaplaincy is a church without walls, and a church that is inside out—openly vulnerable and transparent,” answers McAngus. “It’s real, unique and inspiring!” Services are open to everyone—“Simply come as you are—warts and all!”
Waikiki Baptist Church invites you to experience a new way to worship with Hawaiian Christian hula at the 10:45 a.m. traditional Sunday service open to all visitors and residents. For a more contemporary service style, the 9 a.m. Sunday service is an option. Visit their website for information on Bible Study Groups. Dress is casual at this church—“Your Church in Waikiki.”
Most people are aware of the deeply compassionate doings of Father Damien and Mother Marianne in remote Kalaupapa on the island of Moloka‘i. Tours are available to take you to visit this site where more than 8,000 people diagnosed with Hansen’s Disease were exiled beginning from 1866. However, if you’re not able to visit in person, St. Augustine Church will soon open the Damien and Marianne of Moloka‘i Education Center designed to share the story of Kalawao and Kalaupapa, and the people who called them home. It will be a multifunctional, in-depth exhibit filled with personal stories, artifacts and maps.
Living up to its nickname of “The Gathering Place,” the island of O‘ahu has many cultures and faiths represented. Below we list a few more places of worship for other denominations not mentioned above:
[A version of this article appears in print in the pages of This Week O‘ahu]
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