History

Filipino UCC’s Faith Journey started with a dream of the late Martina B. Amodo in 1961. The dream consisted of symbolic significance: water, a jug, and a voice. In the dream, the voice commanded Pastor Pablo and Martina Amodo to fill the jug from a nearby stream and offer a drink to those who are thirsty. After prayers of wisdom and guidance, Pastor Pablo interpreted the dream as “The voice is God’s, the water is the Word of God, and the act of giving water to those who thirst is Obedience.” Thus, this dream became a promise to God that he would obey His will and His calling.

Once Pastor Amodo, his wife Martina, and their children settled in Hawaii, they did not waver from their promise. The promise started with the willingness to teach Ilocano Sunday School at Waipahu United Church of Christ in 1969 to a group of immigrant Filipinos already worshipping at Waipahu UCC. As attendance grew, Pastor Pablo Amodo’s vision to start a church commenced. Although there was hesitancy, Pastor Pablo and Martina Amodo were determined to start a church. They didn’t forget the dream and the promise therefore, diligently prayed for wisdom and guidance.

In 1972, the Sunday School class named themselves the Filipino Christian Fellowship.

Birth, 1975. Incorporated, 1977.  Filipino Christian Fellowship changed its name to the Filipino United Church of Christ. The church was incorporated on December 30, 1977, by the State of Hawaii Department of Regulatory Agencies. 

In 1979, the Hawaii Conference UCC through the Oahu Association granted the church full standing as a congregation in the United Church of Christ. 

Growth and Growing Pains, 1984-1993. With the continuing challenge for growth, the Filipino UCC through the assistance of Hawaii Conference UCC, applied for funding as a NICD (New Initiative for Church Development) project through the UCBHM (United Church for Homeland Ministries) that enabled them to call a full-time minister from the Philippines; one who could speak the language and relate to members culturally. Rev. Cipriano Pasoquen and his wife, Precy, with their two daughters, arrived in December 1983 from Manila, Philippines. The next 6 years, 1984-1990, had been years of significant growth and the church was awarded by the UCBHM as one of the eight fastest-growing churches in the United Church of Christ.  Rev. Pasoquen concluded his ministry to Filipino UCC  in 1991.

During the years 1991-1993, Rev. Santiago Puruganan and Rev. Andres Baliscao, both retired Pastors of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines, provided pastoral leadership as part-time interim Ministers.

Expansion and New Sanctuary, 1994-2009.  In the latter part of 1993, the congregation decided to call a full-time Pastor. In consultation with the Hawaii Conference, the church leaders went through the process of extending the call to Rev. Elias D. Sevilleja, his wife, Pastor Benny Sevilleja, and two sons from Los Angeles, California.

In 1996, Filipino UCC received a Certificate of Recognition from UCBHM as one of the few churches that had a membership increase of 10% or more. With membership and ministry growth, the challenges of the need for a church facility have become more apparent.

In 1997, an opportunity to purchase a 3.2 acre of land in Hiapo Street, Waipahu was presented. 

By the first month of 1998, the transaction was completed and a worship celebration of thanksgiving and dedication of the property was held later that year. 

On September 28-29, 2002, Filipino UCC celebrated its 25th Church anniversary with the theme, “Onward Journey” based on the scripture of Deuteronomy 31:8. 

An intensive fund campaign for a church building was conducted from 2002 to 2003. The years of 2003-2004 were a period of church lot development. A groundbreaking ceremony was held and construction of the building foundation was initiated.

During the years of 2007-2009, Filipino UCC once again filled the vacuum for leadership with weekly Sunday Supply Pastors and committed lay leaders. This was also the period of church building construction. It was during this phase, the members united to actively build the sanctuary and other rooms. 

Pastor Search and Challenges, 2009 to 2021.  In 2009, the church welcomed the leadership of Rev. Fortunato Zamora, and his wife Jessita along with their two children. On September 19, 2009, the new church building was dedicated and celebrated with a Thanksgiving celebration.

The first church anniversary of the building completion of the new facility was held on September 19, 2010.

In mid-2011, Pastor Fortunato concluded his pastoral term with Filipino UCC. 

The latter part of 2011, the church welcomed Pastor Noel Domingo, his wife, Nenette, and two sons in the latter part of 2011. In mid-2012, Pastor Domingo resigned to pursue the establishment of his church. During this challenging period, the Pastoral Search Committee reconvened to search for a full-time Pastor.

In June 2013, Filipino UCC welcomed Rev. Lagon and his family to Filipino UCC.  He initiated a new choir ministry, “Filipino UCC Family Ensemble”, that was  instrumental in ministering to other churches, local Conference events, and choir competitions.  Pastor Jun submitted his resignation in July 2021 and the Pastoral Search Team once again, reconvened to search for the best fit Pastor for Filipino UCC.

Vision Continues. Pastor Search Continues., 2021 to Present.  Rev. Felizardo Taripe along with his wife, Charito Taripe served as supply/interim pastor from mid-2021 to March 2025.  Rev. Taripe played a crucial role in connecting the church members to the various ministries of Filipino UCC. Though his hours were less than part-time, he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the church contributing in ways that went beyond preaching and pastoral duties. His deep commitment was evident in his willingness to serve whenever needed.  Under his leadership, the church experienced significant membership growth, with the congregation becoming more active and engaged in various ministries. The council members were motivated and inspired to serve, and the church community felt a strong sense of belonging, fostering meaningful connections with both the pastor and the church.  

The recent anniversaries of the Filipino United Church of Christ serve as a reminder of God's unwavering faithfulness throughout the various seasons of the church’s journey. New members, both young and old, are given a glimpse of this faithfulness and the fruits of labor sown by long-time members over the years. Moving forward together, we will continue to walk the Faith Journey, share the Word of God with others, and remain steadfast in our mission until the return of Jesus Christ.