Over the years the dancers of the group presented hulas at various worship services at Salem, and celebrated a Hawaiian service in April of 2004, but these offerings were sporadic. In February of 2010, however, Kumu ("teacher") Kawehi Punahele and Kahu (“pastor”) Jefferson Cox, the associate pastor of Salem at that time, created the Nu 'Oli (“Joyful Tidings”) worship service. This service meets on the first Monday of the each month at 7 pm, and may be the only regularly scheduled Christian worship service in Hawaiian on the mainland United States.
Most of the service is offered in both Hawaiian and English. The opening song, Nu 'Oli, is sung only in Hawaiian. The hymn of the day is usually sung only in Hawaiian, but occasionally verses will also be sung in English. The Doxology, which is sung as the sending hymn each month, is sung in both Hawaiian and English. The lessons and the Words of Institution are presented in both English and Hawaiian. The sermon is offered only in English (for now!) The Lord’s Prayer is said in either Hawaiian or English as each participant desires.
Hawaiian artists from near and far are invited to offer music and dance. Secular selections which fit with the theme of each service are welcome, for even as they are incorporated into the service they become holy, which means “set apart for God’s purposes.”
Future plans for the service include offering deaf interpretation and including Hawaiian in the sermons.
If you want more information about the Hälau Hula O Kaleooka'iwa, please visit their website here. If you want more information about the Nu Oli service or would like to learn more about presenting Hawaiian music and/or dance in the service, please contact Kumu Kawehi Punahele at onamoku1@aol.com or call the church office at 407-876-4000.
Kumu and Kahu!
