[RELIGION]
UNITY CHURCH of Hawaii Pastor John Strickland is heading back to his roots next week, but not before his congregation gives him a send-off tomorrow that will reflect the "show biz" reputation of the Waikiki church. Bidding aloha to Unity’s
pastor in show-biz styleBy Mary Adamski
Star BulletinWith local entertainers in its membership, the church at 3608 Diamond Head Circle is known for services that rival concerts. Who knows who may show up for the 2:30 p.m. musical tribute that will feature Christian musicians Kathy Foy, Guy Merola, Aaron Sala, Mary Chestnut and Loretta Ables.
But first Strickland, pastor for 10 years, will speak at the three morning services, a farewell in which wife Brenda, a teacher at Hanahauoli School, will join.
He will be senior pastor of Atlanta Unity Church, which he attended as a child. He returns there with his soft Georgia accent intact 27 years later.
He described the liberal, inclusive, non-authoritarian philosophy of Unity churches as "the kind that fits so beautifully here. We do not believe in imposing our will on others, be it churches, governments or personal relations. It doesn't mean I can't have strong beliefs, but it doesn't diminish me to allow others their own."
He said he will take experiences with Hawaii's rich spiritual mix to his new assignment. Strickland was active in the Open Table group, an ecumenical gathering of ministers and others who explore each other's beliefs in an open-minded educational format. "I hope I can find something, or found something, like that in Atlanta.
"I think that is what religion should be, a peace-making journey together. But through history, religions have been like nations."
The organization's increased involvement in community projects is part of his legacy, he said. "We're a church that gets involved as opposed to a church that just serves itself. I'm proud of that." The congregation has collected CDs to replace those stolen from the public library, cooked food for the homeless at IHS, sent stuffed bears to refugee children in Bosnia.
"The physicians' oath says 'Do no harm.' I'd like to think I could say the same, that I've added something and I've done no harm, Strickland said.
A footnote for the entertainment committee: Leave time on the program. He's planning a reprise of "Big Bad John" -- an updated version of the country oldie that he first messed with for a fund-raiser for plumbing renovation.