Embedded Files
Aloha Brothers and Sisters,
As we welcome the month of July, our hearts are filled with gratitude as we reflect on the many blessings we experienced throughout June. Together we studied the sacred importance of families and were reminded that strong families are built as we center our homes on Jesus Christ and strive to live the principles found in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. We pray that the impressions we received will continue to strengthen our homes and relationships in the months ahead.
June was filled with memorable experiences that strengthened our faith and united us as a stake family.
We congratulate our graduating seminary students who were recognized during our Seminary Graduation on June 7. We are grateful for their commitment to learning the gospel of Jesus Christ and pray that they will continue to build upon the spiritual foundation they have established.
Our Tabernacle Choir Watch Party on June 26 was another wonderful evening as we gathered to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tabernacle Choir's first performance at the Hollywood Bowl. Together we enjoyed the inspiring "Songs of Hope" benefit concert and felt the power of sacred music to strengthen faith, bring hope, and testify of the Savior.
We also express our appreciation to all who participated in our Stake Youth Fireside on June 28. As our youth and their families gathered to discuss emotional and mental well-being through the lens of the gospel of Jesus Christ, we felt the Savior's love and compassion. We are grateful for our panelists, leaders, and youth who helped create an atmosphere of faith, understanding, and hope.
As we met together as ward families to celebrate the founding of the United States, we also reflected on the blessings of the Constitution and the inspired principles of religious liberty. We are grateful for the freedoms we enjoy and recognize our responsibility to use those freedoms to worship God, strengthen our families, serve our communities, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ.
A Special Invitation
Today, Sunday, July 5, is a special Fast Sunday. Members throughout the Church have been invited to participate in a unified fast to express gratitude for the blessing of religious liberty and to pray that it will continue to be protected and strengthened throughout the world.
Religious liberty allows us to worship according to the dictates of our own conscience, gather as Saints, teach our children the gospel, build temples, and freely proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. These precious freedoms bless not only members of the Church but all of God's children. As we exercise our agency to follow the Savior through faith and repentance, we become better disciples and better defenders of truth, kindness, and righteousness.
July Theme: The Joy of Repentance
Our focus this month is "The Joy of Repentance."
Sometimes repentance is misunderstood as something difficult or discouraging. The scriptures teach us something very different. Because of the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ, repentance is a gift that brings healing, peace, hope, and lasting joy.
The Lord lovingly declared:
"For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent." (Doctrine and Covenants 18:11)
Nephi testified that the Lord "inviteth them all to come unto him" (1 Nephi 10:18), and Amulek taught that through the Savior's infinite and eternal sacrifice we can receive mercy as we exercise faith unto repentance (see Alma 34:8, 16).
To deepen your study this month, we invite you to prayerfully read and ponder the following General Conference messages:
"Cleansed by Repentance" — President Dallin H. Oaks (April 2019)
"Your Repentance Doesn't Burden Jesus Christ; It Brightens His Joy" — Sister Tamara W. Runia (April 2025)
"The Joy of Our Redemption" — Sister Kristin M. Yee (October 2024)
As we accept the Savior's invitation to repent and come unto Him, we promise that He will replace discouragement with hope, guilt with peace, and fear with confidence. Through His infinite Atonement, we can experience the joy of becoming more like Him and use the freedoms we have been given to bless our families, our communities, and future generations.
This month, we lovingly invite each of you to draw closer to the Savior through the joyful gift of repentance. Repentance is not reserved for times of serious mistakes or hardship. It is a daily invitation from our loving Heavenly Father to become a little more like His Son, Jesus Christ.
Take time to prayerfully ask, "What would the Lord have me change?" Listen to the quiet promptings of the Holy Ghost, and act in faith. Whether it is offering forgiveness, strengthening a relationship, overcoming a weakness, or simply becoming more consistent in prayer and scripture study, every sincere step toward the Savior invites His healing power into our lives.
Thank you for your faith, your service, and your unwavering devotion to the Lord. We pray that your homes will be filled with peace, that your testimonies will continue to grow, and that you will feel the joy that only Jesus Christ can give.
July Upcoming Events
Sunday, July 5th - Special Fast
All are invited to participate in a unified fast to express gratitude for religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world.
Sunday July 5th - SA/YSA Break the Fast, 4pm - 6pm @ Kalaeloa
Sunday June 25th - Ohana Discovery Day, 10am-2:30pm @ Stake Center
Come join us for a fun and uplifting opportunity to gather as a community, strengthen friendships, and discover meaningful resources and opportunities that will bless individuals and families of all ages. Everyone is welcome!
Temple Recommend Renewal Interviews
The Stake Presidency will be doing Temple Recommend Renewal Interviews on a first come first serve basis during the following dates and times:
Sunday, July 12th, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Sunday, July 19st, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
Sunday, July 26th, 5:00pm - 6:00pm
If you are unable to make any of the dates/times above, please contact Bro. Tyau (808.366.4960) or Bro. Nahinu (808.398.3621) to schedule an appointment
2026 FamilySearch Center Hours (Makakilo Hawaii Stake Center)
Sunday : 3:30pm to 5:00pm (except Fast Sundays)
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Wednesday: 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Thursday: 9:00am to 12:00pm and 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
For more information call or text: (808) 753-4959 or check out the FamilySearch website.
Stake Website and Social Media Links
Makakilo Stake Facebook Group (for stake members)
Christ Our Savior Facebook Page (available for all)
Makakilo Stake Instagram: @friendsofmakakilohawaiistake
Makakilo Stake Youth Instagram: @makakilostake_youth
Mālama pono,
President Brennen Owan
President Stewart Choi
President Nake’u Smith
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse