Who We Are | hilocoastucc
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Who We Are

As a congregation, we are former plantation workers, professionals, students, office workers, farmers, children, and retirees from many places. We're proud of our diverse backgrounds and multi-cultural community.

Our Pastor

We are led in worship by Pastor Cara Ann Maeda who has over 20 years of ministry experience in children, youth, college, families, and pastoral ministries​. 

Born and raised on Oahu, Pastor Cara Ann has returned to Hawaii with her husband and their three children, after many years of living in San Diego, California. While living in San Diego, she graduated from San Diego State University and completed a Master of Divinity degree at Bethel Seminary San Diego.  She served over ten years at Faith Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), two years at Legacy Church Tierrasanta, and most recently served as the Family Pastor at Salt Church San Diego.  In addition to her work in churches, Pastor Cara Ann was a teaching assistant and co-taught at Bethel Seminary (Hermeneutics, Biblical Greek, and New Testament) and was an adjunct professor at Point Loma Nazarene University (Intro to the Old Testament, Intro to the New Testament courses).  She also had the privilege of being part of the start-up team of a new seminary in San Diego, Pacific Theological Seminary, where she served as the Executive Assistant to the President.  

Pastor Cara Ann was raised in the United Church of Christ (UCC) denomination and is grateful for the opportunity to serve within the Hawaii Conference of the UCC.  

Pastor Cara Ann loves to enjoy the beauty of creation with a good cup of coffee.  She and her family have done many family adventures together and enjoy experiencing new places. 

"We are so grateful to be back in the islands and living on the beautiful Hamakua Coast. Our family enjoys being here and is delighted to be part of this incredible church family!”

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