• Our denomination: United Methodist Church

• Where we are: 50 S. Papa Ave., Kahului, Maui

• Our numbers: Membership 200, average combined attendance 150

• Our pastor: The Rev. Jaeman Lim and Tongan pastor the Rev. Tevita "Leni" Namoa

• What we believe: We hold in common with all Christians a faith in the mystery of salvation in and through Jesus Christ, with an emphasis on the Christian life — faith and love put into practice — and a concern for social justice. We assert that personal salvation always involves Christian mission and service to the world and emphasize the nurturing and serving function of Christian fellowship in the church. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are the two sacraments that we celebrate.

• Our history: Founded in 1965, Ala Lani UMC held its first services at the Masonic Temple Hall in Kahului. The church, first known as Central Maui Methodist Church, received its charter from Hawai'i Missions Superintendent Dr. Frank E. Butterworth, with the Rev. Royal J. Marty as pastor. A few of the 27 charter members are still members today. In January 1966, the congregation voted to call the church Ala Lani, meaning "way or path to heaven."

The Board of Missions and Church Extension of the Methodist Church purchased five acres on Papa Avenue from Alexander & Baldwin, and the church bought an additional nearby parcel for a parsonage. The new church building was consecrated on Aug. 9, 1970, serving as a sanctuary, meeting place and lunch, nap and activity room for a preschool that is now operated by Kama'aina Kids.

A Tongan congregation was established in 1982, and in 1999 a separate Korean fellowship began meeting at the church, with Pastor Lim leading the services.

In recent years, the church leased a portion of its land to Roselani Place, an assisted-living facility, providing a source of income that made it possible to move ahead with the new sanctuary.

• What we're excited about: Ala Lani will consecrate its new $1.3 million sanctuary building Dec. 5. The long-awaited building includes offices, library/bride room, a small kitchen and a nursery.

• What's special about us: Ala Lani is home to three language groups, each with its own Sunday service: English at 10 a.m, Korean at noon and Tongan at 6:30 p.m. The three groups also worship together, put on an annual bazaar with ethnic foods, and worked together to plan and build the new sanctuary. The Tongan choir performs at the 10 a.m. service the first Sunday of each month.

• Contact: The Rev. Jaeman Lim, (808) 877-0388.