ʻĪao United Church of Christ celebrates 130th anniversary, welcomes new minister

ʻĪao United Church of Christ marks its 130th anniversary and celebrates the installation of its new minister on Sunday, April 27, 2025.

The dual celebration includes a 10 a.m. worship service and a 4 p.m. installation ceremony with a reception to follow.

The new minister, Rev. Lauren Buck Medeiros, comes to Maui from Oʻahu, where she recently completed 28 years as a chaplain at Punahou School, according to the church website.

She was reportedly raised in the islands of Micronesia and has served UCC, Presbyterian and Disciples of Christ churches in Texas, Massachusetts and Hawaiʻi. She is also a mother to two adult children.

In an announcement posted on the church website, the search committee “was especially drawn to her joyful energy, her creative ideas for worship, faith and community building, her skills in music, her delight in youth and deep aloha for Micronesians, and her absolute commitment to the extravagant welcome of God in the church and the world.”

Sundayʻs events are open to the community.

ʻĪao United Church of Christ is located at 2371 West Vineyard Street in Wailuku.

For more information, please call the church office at 808-244-7353.