Lihue Christian Church leaders held their annual Girl Scout Sunday events at the 9:30 a.m. worship service recently. The four sister Girl Scout troops included the Brownies of Troop 273. The Juniors of Troop 851, the Cadettes of Troop 852,
Lihue Christian Church leaders held their annual Girl Scout Sunday events at the 9:30 a.m. worship service recently.
The four sister Girl Scout troops included the Brownies of Troop 273. The Juniors of Troop 851, the Cadettes of Troop 852, and the Seniors of Troop 953.
This special day marked the Girl Scouts’ birthday and its program, as they committed to continuing to be integral parts of the church and the community.
It was also a celebration of 94 years of Girl Scouts in America, and 90 years of Girl Scouts in Hawai’i.
The unique aspect of this Girl Scout Sunday service was that the majority of the service was performed by the Girl Scouts themselves.
With the assistance of the Rev. James Koyama and organist Shirley lha, the Girl Scouts were responsible for most of the Sunday worship service.
The words of welcome were given by Makana Waiamau, the call to worship was offered by Shereen Dot, the scripture reading was done by Taylor Gibson, the prayers of intercession were offered by Elaine Guest, and the introduction of Girl Scout leaders and prayer of dedication were done by Courtney Perreira.
The flag ceremony was included, to show respect for the nation, state, and Girl Scout program.
The flag bearers were Amber Ancheta, American flag; Shereen Dot, Hawaiian flag; Carly Koulbanis, Girl Scout flag; and Rowan McGrath, WAGGS flag.
They led the procession of Girl Scouts and their leaders into the sanctuary.
After the flags were posted in the stands, Alisonna Kanahele asked everyone to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Girl Scouts to recite the Promise and Law.
One of the highlights of the program was “Sharing of Thoughts,” with the theme being “What Girl Scouting Means to Me.” Representing the Brownies was Jacelyn Perreira, and for the Juniors, it was Rowan McGrath. Shereen Dot represented the Cadettes, and Jocelyn Slade spoke for the Seniors.
They shared all of their exciting experiences of learning new crafts and skills, meeting new people, working on service projects to help others, and growing and developing into well-rounded individuals.
Members of all four sister troops entertained the guests and congregation members, as they stood in front to sing and do hand motions to the song, “Girl Scout Spirit.” The guest speaker was former island Girl Scout director Patty Ka’iakapu, who gave a speech about all of her experiences of being a Girl Scout in Connecticut, and how those foundations have affected her life.
Ka’iakapu focused on the Girl Scout Promise and Law. She reads it daily, believes in it, and tries her best to live by it.
The main theme of Ka’iakapu’s inspirational talk was on the meaning of the word “courage.” Her advice to all was that, in life, you have to be courageous to say and do the right things even if they’re not popular. Be brave and stand up for what is right and good, she said.
The Rev. James Koyama’s Lenten message continued emphasizing the word “courage” as it relates to life and Jesus Christ.
After he gave the benediction, the flag-ceremony caller, Alisonna Kanahele, commanded the Girl Scouts and leaders to retire the flags, and to be dismissed.
The Girl Scout Sunday service at Lihue Christian Church ended on a relaxed note, as the guests and Girl Scout family members enjoyed the aloha hour with refreshments and fellowship in the recreational hall.
I Lisa Shimazu is adviser to members and leaders of the Cadette and Senior Troops at Lihue Christian Church.
