Church News: September 15th, 2023

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

You can click the button below to watch a video of a recent worship service:

Watch the most recent worship service

Watch ALL of Our Worship Services

Please Share!

Our online worship services are a great way to introduce people to Koloa Union Church…and provide inspiration and hope to friends and family!

Feel free to forward this email or send the YouTube link to anyone whom you think would enjoy watching our online worship service.

Share our worship service with even more people! You can also put the link of any video of our worship services directly onto your Facebook page and thereby introducing every one of your Facebook friends to our worship services and our church!

A Time To Blossom

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Our Theme for 2024 is “A Time To Blossom”

As we continue this wonderful year of celebrating our church’s centennial, I am already looking ahead to 2024. I have not only been giving thanks for all of the blessings, commitments and sacrifices during the last 100 years to make our church such an important community of faith for so many. I have also been asking questions about our future, such as:

What’s next?

What might God have in store for us in the near future?

What kind of legacy will we leave for the next 100 years?

How might we provide a meaningful and relevant community of faith for our young people and those who are not even born yet?

I sometimes wish I had all of the answers to these questions. However, we will discover the answers as they unfold before us. There is an image that keeps popping into mind, and I am confident that my practice of watercoloring Hawaii’s flowers has something to do with it. The image is that of a tree that blossoms like normal every year, and then suddenly it produces more flowers than ever before! I have a vision that our church is that tree. In the same way that an arborist waters, fertilizes and nurtures a beloved tree in hopes of many blossoms, God has been nurturing our church, and we have been trusting in the possibility of an abundance of blossoms.

We will be focusing on this theme during the first four Sundays in October. Then on Sunday, October 22, you will have the opportunity to make a financial commitment to the church’s 2024 General Fund. Each year in the fall, we ask our members and friends to let us know your plans for supporting the church in the coming year. (You may change your commitment at any time during the year by letting us know how you would like to adjust your giving.) Our Finance Committee then creates a budget based upon anticipated income.

As you prayerfully consider how you might do your part to nurture our church in order that it will blossom abundantly, please pray the following prayer:

 Prayer for 2024

O God, just as flowers blossom in the

desert and bring life and beauty

to the surrounding landscape,

may Koloa Union Church

blossom in the years

ahead of us.

Just as rain and sun make flowers

possible, may my generosity

make possible all kinds

of growth in 2024.

May my gifts to Koloa Union Church

truly express the gratitude I have

for this congregation and all

you have done for me

and so many others.

Amen.

Mahalo nui loa for your generosity to
Koloa Union Church and our ministry on Kauai’s south shore!
Thank you also for considering a financial commitment for 2024!

Supporting Maui

Support Maui Koloa Union Church

We Support Maui

Koloa Union church has received thank you letters from the Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ for the more than $6000 our congregation has already passed along from church members and friends for Maui Relief after the devastating fires in Lahaina.

On Sunday, September 10, we prayed for Waiola Church in Lahaina as we tied knots in a prayer quilt, while offering our prayers for that congregation and the community it serves. We will be sending that quilt this week, along with an additional one for the church to use as it sees fit. Waiola means “living waters,” and is the oldest United Church of Christ on Maui. The church building and fellowship hall were burnt to the ground during the devastating wildfires which ravaged the town last month.

The Hawaii Conference is supporting both Waiola Church and the entire community on Maui. Our denomination has already released approximately $20,000 for Maui relief efforts and has provided trauma chaplains for clergy who are serving the community during this challenging time and church members who have suffered loss.

You may donate by sending a check to the church office or giving on our church website. Please be sure to write “Maui Wildfire Relief” on the note section of your check or in the comment box when giving online.

Neighbors in Need: Special Mission Offering

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The Neighbors in Need offering will be collected on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Neighbors in Need is the United Church of Christ’s annual offering to support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States, including the Council for American Indian Ministries, justice and advocacy efforts and direct service projects.

Together with UCC congregations throughout the country, we make a huge difference in making the world a healthier and more just place for all. Please consider a generous donation.

Special offering envelopes will be provided in your bulletins on that day. Also, checks may be sent to the church office, made out to “Koloa Union Church” with “Neighbors in Need” or “NIN” written in the note section. If you make an online donation, be sure to write “Neighbors in Need” in the “Comment” box.

Youth Group Updates

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We have a vibrant and active youth group for middle and high school students, which meets twice a month and usually includes a time of learning, prayer, checking in with one another, fellowship, lots of fun and a delicious meal!

We look ahead to gathering on these dates:

September 24
October 8
October 22
November 12
December 10 (Christmas party!)

All gatherings will be at the Smith Memorial Parsonage from 4:45-7:00 p.m.

Pictures from the August youth gathering at the Strong’s home

The youth enjoyed games, a yummy meal (mahalo to Aunty Sheryl and Aunty Penny) and an exercise led by Aunty Shyrl: Facts and Opinions–What Do We Know?

Church Breakfast

kiawe roots church breakfast

Church Breakfast Tuesday, September 26 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Kiawe Roots 2-3687 Kaumualii Highway in Lawai (Next door to 7-Eleven)

Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for delicious food and a fun time getting to know others from Koloa Union Church! Please RSVP by signing up on the church bulletin board or contacting the church office.

Salvation Army Lunch

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Prayers & Squares

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Prayers and Squares Tuesday, October 3 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers and Squares is a ministry promoting prayer by creating beautiful hand-tied quilts and offering them to people in crisis or those whom we wish to offer a special aloha. A prayer is said with each knot that is tied in the quilt. When recipients put the quilts it over themselves, they are covering themselves with our prayers. Our motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.    

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.                    

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray!

The Prayers & Squares Ministry is preparing material for their Christmas Fund raiser for “Hand on Global.” Contact Sheila if you have any questions.

Mahalo nui loa!

Lectio Divina

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Lectio Divina

Wednesday, October 11th
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Smith Memorial Parsonage

Lectio Divina is a time to silently reflect together on a repeated reading from the Bible and then share with one another about the experience (if so desired). RSVP by Sunday, October 8th

Emergency Numbers

Are we ready for an emergency? We certainly don’t want to think about emergency situations, but as we all know, life is unpredictable. Koloa Union Church wants to be safe and prepared, just in case. Every now and then, someone has a medical emergency while they are at church. Please let us know if there is someone you would like for us to call in case you are unresponsive. We will also keep the name of your primary care physician if that is something you would like us to pass along to an emergency or medical professional.

If this sounds like a good idea to you, please send your name, name of your physician, the name and contact number of the person you would like contacted to the church office. An “emergency contact list” will be created and kept in the Deacons cabinet.

Our Centennial Year Continues

OUR CENTENNIAL YEAR CONTINUES

  • CENTENNIAL PHOTO BOOK. A beautiful book of our church’s history will be available by then end of October. It will include the story of our church, along with photos from the past century, and even some from this past weekend’s celebration! We will announce the cost and date of publication this fall.
  • PURCHASE A CENTENNIAL T-SHIRT. We only have a handful of shirts left and don’t plan to purchase more, so be sure to buy one now if you plan to get one. $20 for the first t-shirt; $15 for additional shirts.
  • CENTENNIAL ORNAMENTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. We still have ornaments available, which make great Christmas gifts! They are available for $20 while they last.
  • DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! Additional gifts to help cover the costs of the centennial may be directed to the “Centennial Fund”—on the note section of your check or the “Comment” section when giving online.

Lectionary Readings

Each week, Christians throughout the world read biblical passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, including the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospels. After three years, a good portion of the Bible is included and the cycle begins again. RCL passages are often read in church worship services, and Kahu Akana usually includes at least one reading each Sunday.

Readings for September 17: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114; Exodus 15:1-21; Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:1-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Readings for September 24: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-45; Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

Readings for October 1 : Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-16; Ezekial 18:1-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Readings for October 8: Exodus 20:1-20; Psalm 19; Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15; Philippians 3:4-14; Matthew 21:33-46

Readings for October 15: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-23; Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

More Fun Pictures Since Our Last NewsletterMore Photos 

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Alan Akana Gallery

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Church News: August 9th, 2023

Church Closed Labor Day

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Centennial Celebration

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

You can click the button below to watch a video of a recent worship service:

Watch the most recent worship service

Watch ALL of Our Worship Services

Please Share!

Our online worship services are a great way to introduce people to Koloa Union Church…and provide inspiration and hope to friends and family!

Feel free to forward this email or send the YouTube link to anyone whom you think would enjoy watching our online worship service.

Share our worship service with even more people! You can also put the link of any video of our worship services directly onto your Facebook page and thereby introducing every one of your Facebook friends to our worship services and our church!

Our Centennial Year Continues

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The Waineke Cabins Reopen

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The Kauai Association Of The United Church of Christ invites You to The Reopening & Blessing Of The Waineke Cabins in Kokee! The two cabins are available for rent by individuals, churches and groups! Please check with Michael Horning about carpooling to Waineke from the church.

Maundy Thursday

Youth Group News

We have a vibrant and active youth group for middle and high school students, which meets twice a month and usually includes a time of learning, prayer, checking in with one another, fellowship, lots of fun and a delicious meal!

Youth Birthday Party
Sunday, August 13

Come and celebrate your birthday! Our next gathering will be an all-youth birthday party at the home of youth participants Evan and Nolan Strong (3084 Poipu Road, just down the road from the church) on Sunday, August 13, 4:45 –7 p.m. Bring a wrapped birthday gift for our gift exchange ($10 maximum). Dinner provided! Please RSVP with Tiffany by August 9.

Youth in Worship
Sunday, August 27

Our youth will be participating in the worship service on August 27. Tiffany will be in touch with youth regarding participation.

Youth Beach Picnic
Sunday, August 27

The youth will be heading to the Poipu Beach after the worship service. Bring your swimsuit, towel and beach gear to church with you. We will head to the beach right after the worship service. A meal will be provided! RSVP with Tiffany by August 23.

Confirmation Retreat
Sunday, September 1-4

Every few years our church offers confirmation classes for middle and high schoolers to learn about Christian faith and teaching, church history, sacraments and membership at Koloa Union Church. Youth who participate in the retreat may then choose to join as full members of the church. This year’s classes will be held in a retreat format at the Waineke cabins in Koke`e. Please RSVP with Tiffany by August 20.

Youth Gathering
Sunday, September 10

Question & Answer Time! After the meal and fun and games, youth will have a chance to ask Kahu any questions they have about God, Jesus, the Church, the Bible, or anything else on their mind. The youth will meet at the parsonage (3281 Waikomo Road) on Sunday, September 10, 4:45 –7 p.m. Dinner provided. Please RSVP with Tiffany by September 6.

Contact Tiffany Marrotte, our youth director if you have any questions: 808-651-1397 / auntytiffkuc@gmail.com.

Salvation Army Lunch

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Prayers & Squares

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Lectio Divina

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Lectio Divina

Wednesday, September 13
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

Smith Memorial Parsonage

Lectio Divina is a time to silently reflect together on a repeated reading from the Bible and then share with one another about the experience (if so desired). RSVP by Sunday, September 10!

Lectionary Readings

Each week, Christians throughout the world read biblical passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, including the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospels. After three years, a good portion of the Bible is included and the cycle begins again. RCL passages are often read in church worship services, and Kahu Akana usually includes at least one reading each Sunday.

Readings for August 13: Genesis 37:1-38; Psalm 105:1-46; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33

Readings for August 20: Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Isaiah 56:1-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-32; Matthew 15:10-28

Readings for August 27: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124; Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20

Readings for September 3: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-46; Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Readings for September 10: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Ezekial 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Readings for September 17: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114; Exodus 15:1-21; Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:1-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

Photos of The Parade

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More Fun Pictures Since Our Last NewsletterMore Photos 

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Alan Akana Gallery

alan akana art gallery

Church News: July 13th, 2023

Celebrating 100 Years of Aloha

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Koloa Union Church Is This Year’s Koloa Plantation Days Grand Marshal!

Centennial Activities:

Monday, July 24: 2 – 4 p.m. “Smith Memorial Parsonage: Over a Century of History”

In concert with the Koloa Plantation Days Committee, Kahu is inviting the entire community to show off the parsonage and talk about its history over the past century. (Well, almost a century: It was built in 1928!) Kahu will also talk about the Smith-Waterhouse Families who lived on the property before they donated it to the church. We will also give tours of the parsonage and provide refreshments to our guests.

We are recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters, docents, and other capacities. Please consider signing up to volunteer on the signup sheet on the church bulletin board.

Volunteers are asked to wear your Centennial T-shirts at this event so you can be easily identified in case someone has questions or needs assistance.

Friday, July 28: 4 p.m. Decorating the Float and Golf Carts

Join us at the parsonage to decorate for the parade. Tropical flowers and greenery are needed! Please bring them and help us decorate. We will then use those flowers to decorate the tables for the centennial luncheon on Sunday. Please volunteer on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

Saturday, July 29: 10 – 11 a.m. Annual Koloa Plantation Days Parade

We are going “all out” this year as this year’s Grand Marshal! Michael Horning is building a very special float and we have rented two golf carts so that everyone can participate, including those who are unable to walk in the parade! We are encouraging members and friends of all ages to sign up on the church bulletin board, and invite your friends to sign up as well!

Participants should meet at the church between 7:30 and 8 a.m. for instructions and location assignments. We will have pastries when you arrive! Bring to the parade: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, umbrella (for sun or rain), hats, and water bottles. Consider wearing a centennial t-shirt in the parade or else a colorful shirt. A limited number of t-shirts are still available at the church for purchase. The parade begins at Kōloa School and ends at Knudsen Park where there will be lots of food, entertainment, crafts, and more. (Tickets are $5 for adults.) We will provide rides back to the church after the parade for those who do not wish to remain at the park. Volunteers are needed to un-decorate at the end of the parade. We will be using the same flowers and greenery to decorate for Sunday. 

See the sign up sheet on the bulletin board if you plan to participate in the parade as a walker, driver or ride in one of the golf carts.

Sunday, July 30: 10:30 – Noon Centennial Worship Service

We will celebrate and give thanks for the past 100 years in the morning worship service! We will take a group picture immediately following the worship service, then serve a catered lunch. There will be delicious food, a slide show, a special Centennial photo book to order for delivery in the fall, time to visit with people who will be flying in for the special occasion—and special gift bags for everyone who attends!

Parking: The front lawn will not be available for parking on Sunday. Those who are able are asked to consider parking on the street, at the parsonage, the lot next to the parsonage, or at Koloa School.

New Church Kitchen

A New Kitchen is coming to Koloa Union Church!

As a reminder, we will be working on our brand new certified commercial kitchen throughout the summer and early fall. During this time, the kitchen will not be available for use.

The photos above are the preliminary drawings from our architect.

The photos below are the gutting of the old kitchen by Dan, Naomi and Michael (with Kahu peeking in to check on the progress!). They filled an entire large trash container on that day!

Church Work Day

kauai poke co poipu bay

Saturday, July 15 8:00 A.M. – Noon

Please join us on Saturday for our annual Church Work Day, as we get the church ready for our Centennial celebration! We invite volunteers to come and work on the landscaping and also interior and exterior cleaning. Bring your buckets, rags, gloves, and yard tools. We especially want our church building and grounds to look clean, fresh and spectacular for our Centennial!

For lunch, we will stop right around noon and eat together. Since the kitchen remains closed due to the renovation, please bring your own drinks, snacks and lunches.

If you are not able to help on Saturday, see Penny Osuga or Dan Giovanni if you want to do some chores on another day.

Youth Group Beach Clean Up

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No Church Breakfast In July

Maundy Thursday

Squares & Prayers

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Tuesday, August 1st 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers and Squares is a ministry promoting prayer by creating beautiful hand-tied quilts and offering them to people in crisis or those whom we wish to offer a special aloha. A prayer is said with each knot that is tied in the quilt. When recipients put the quilts it over themselves, they are covering themselves with our prayers. Our motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray! Mahalo nui loa!

Maundy Thursday

Stewardship Update

Maundy Thursday

Mahalo for your generosity!

As we continue to add important new ministries and support for those ministries (like hiring a youth director last year and building a new kitchen this year), our expenses increase as well. We have also had to spend a lot more money on parsonage repairs than expected this year—mostly due to significant termite damage, as well as large cracks and broken pieces in the foundation. (By the way, the parsonage will be tented for fumigation next week on Tuesday and Wednesday.) We also had to make repairs on the sanctuary roof due to wind damage in the spring. Although our giving continues to slowly increase each year, we often find it challenging to pay all of our bills during the summer months—and this summer is no different—especially with the additional unexpected expenses!

If you have fallen behind in your pledge and can catch up by the end of summer, that would be very helpful! If you can make an “over and above” gift to the church this year, that would be greatly appreciated as well!

On a really positive note, Koloa Union Church was again recognized by the Hawaii Conference and the United Church of Christ for being a “5 for 5” contributor! That means that we gave last year to Basic Mission Support as well as to all 4 of the special mission offerings of the UCC! We were also recognized for being one of the top contributors per capita in the Hawaii Conference!

Thank you for your gifts to Koloa Union Church and to the mission of the United Church of Christ!

Thank You Letter

Maundy Thursday

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

You can click the button below to watch a video of a recent worship service:

Watch the most recent worship service

Watch ALL of Our Worship Services

Please Share!

Our online worship services are a great way to introduce people to Koloa Union Church…and provide inspiration and hope to friends and family!

Feel free to forward this email or send the YouTube link to anyone whom you think would enjoy watching our online worship service.

Share our worship service with even more people! You can also put the link of any video of our worship services directly onto your Facebook page and thereby introducing every one of your Facebook friends to our worship services and our church!

Parsonage Repairs

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 Waineke Cabins in Kokee

The Kauai Association Of The United Church of Christ invites You to The Reopening & Blessing Of The Waineke Cabins in Kokee!

Alan Akana Gallery

alan akana art gallery<br />

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Each week, Christians throughout the world read biblical passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, including the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospels. After three years, a good portion of the Bible is included and the cycle begins again. RCL passages are often read in church worship services, and Kahu Akana usually includes at least one reading each Sunday.

Readings for July 16: Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-23

Readings for July 23: Genesis 28:10-20; Psalm 139:1-24; Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-43

Readings for July 30: Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-46; 1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-52

Readings for August 6: Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-15; Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Readings for August 13: Genesis 37:1-38; Psalm 105:1-46; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 

Pictures Since Our Last Newsletter

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Church News: June 15th, 2023

Church Office Holiday Closures

kauai poke co poipu bay

New Church Kitchen

A New Kitchen is coming to Koloa Union Church!

Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions:

Q: How will the new kitchen be different from the current one?
A: The kitchen will be bigger with an island in the middle; there will be serving windows with counters facing both Moore Hall and the patio; all appliances countertops, cupboards, drawers and floors will be brand new.

Q: Why do we want a “certified” kitchen?
A: A certified kitchen will allow us (and others) to legally cook for others outside the church for outreach and fundraising opportunities.

Q: Can I see what the new kitchen will look like?
A: The photos here are preliminary drawings. Larger ones will be posted on the church bulletin board beginning on Sunday. As the architect provides finalized plans, we will share them with the Congregation.

Q: What is the timeline of building the new kitchen?
A: Although the timeline is an estimate and actual work depends on the permitting process and availability of workers, here is what we are hoping for: demolition will take place in late-June / early-July; construction will happen from late-July through early fall; we plan to have a fully functioning kitchen in October!

Q: Do we need to raise any more money?
A: There is always the possibility that inflation might exceed the money we have raised so far. We also plan to replace all of the equipment, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, etc. with commercial-grade items. There will likely be opportunities for contributions toward these things, and we will have a much better idea in the fall, so stay tuned!

Q: What if I have additional questions or suggestions?
A: You can talk to Kahu, Dan or Penny Osuga at any time regarding your questions and suggestions.

Celebrating 100 Years of Aloha

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Koloa Union Church Is This Year’s Koloa Plantation Days Grand Marshal!

Centennial Activities:

Monday, July 24: 2 – 4 p.m. “Smith Memorial Parsonage: Over a Century of History”

In concert with the Koloa Plantation Days Committee, Kahu is inviting the entire community to show off the parsonage and talk about its history over the past century. (Well, almost a century: It was built in 1928!) Kahu will also talk about the Smith-Waterhouse Families who lived on the property before they donated it to the church. We will also give tours of the parsonage and provide refreshments to our guests.

We are recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters, docents, and other capacities. Please consider signing up to volunteer on the signup sheet on the church bulletin board.

Volunteers are asked to wear your Centennial T-shirts at this event so you can be easily identified in case someone has questions or needs assistance.

Saturday, July 29: 10 – 11 a.m. Annual Koloa Plantation Days Parade

We are going “all out” this year as this year’s Grand Marshal! Michael Horning is building a very special float and we have rented two golf carts so that everyone can participate, including those who are unable to walk in the parade! We are encouraging members and friends of all ages to sign up on the church bulletin board, and invite your friends to sign up as well!

Participants are asked to wear your Centennial T-shirts in the parade, whether you are driving, riding or walking. More details will be in the July Newsletter.

Sunday, July 30: 10:30 – Noon Centennial Worship Service

We will celebrate and give thanks for the past 100 years in the morning worship service! We have invited past ministers of the church to participate and will be remembering special moments and people over the past century!

Sunday, July 30: Noon Centennial Luncheon

We will serve a catered lunch immediately following the worship service. There will be delicious food, a slide show, a special Centennial photo book, time to visit with people who will be flying in for the special occasion—and special gift bags for everyone who attends!

Youth Group

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YOUTH GROUP

Sunday, June 25 4:45 p.m.
Smith Memorial Parsonage
3281 Waikomo Road

Those Entering Middle School
Those Just Graduating from High School
Everyone In Between
Friends Are Welcome!

Come and Enjoy:
A Delicious Meal
Fun and Games
Meaningful Conversation

Check with Tiffany Marrotte for More Details. Please RSVP by signing up with Tiffany.

Kauai Pride Parade and Festival

kauai poke co poipu bay

Tuesday, June 27 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Kauai Poke Co. at Poipu Bay 2250 Ainako Street in Poipu (At the Poipu Bay Golf Course Club House)

Directions:
Drive pass the Grand Hyatt Resort.
Make the next right on Ainako Street.
Turn left into the only driveway.
You’ve gone too far if you arrive at Shipwreck Beach.
Park in the back if the front parking lot is full.

Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for delicious food and a fun time getting to know others from Koloa Union Church!

Location each month to be determined.

Please RSVP by signing up on the church bulletin board or contacting the church office.

Squares & Prayers

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Tuesday, July 11th 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers and Squares is a ministry promoting prayer by creating beautiful hand-tied quilts and offering them to people in crisis or those whom we wish to offer a special aloha. A prayer is said with each knot that is tied in the quilt. When recipients put the quilts it over themselves, they are covering themselves with our prayers. Our motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray! Mahalo nui loa!

Church Word Day

Maundy Thursday

Saturday, July 15 8:00 A.M. – Noon

We are long overdue for a church work day. We invite volunteers to come and work on the landscaping and also interior and exterior cleaning. Bring your buckets, rags, gloves, and yard tools. We especially want our church structure and grounds to look clean, fresh and spectacular for our Centennial celebration!!

The kitchen remains closed due to the renovation, so please bring your own drinks, snacks and lunches. We will stop right around noon and eat together.

If you are not able to help on Saturday, see Dan Giovanni or Kahu if you want to do some chores on another day.

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

You can click the button below to watch a video of a recent worship service:

Watch the most recent worship service

Watch ALL of Our Worship Services

Please Share!

Our online worship services are a great way to introduce people to Koloa Union Church…and provide inspiration and hope to friends and family!

Feel free to forward this email or send the YouTube link to anyone whom you think would enjoy watching our online worship service.

Share our worship service with even more people! You can also put the link of any video of our worship services directly onto your Facebook page and thereby introducing every one of your Facebook friends to our worship services and our church!

Parsonage Repairs

Stop Covid Sign

Alan Akana Gallery

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Each week, Christians throughout the world read biblical passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, including the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospels. After three years, a good portion of the Bible is included and the cycle begins again. RCL passages are often read in church worship services, and Kahu Akana usually includes at least one reading each Sunday.

Readings for June 18: Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7); Psalm 116:1-19; Exodus 19:2-9; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8

Readings for June 25: Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-17: Jeremiah 20:7-13; Psalm 69:7-18; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 10:24-39

Readings for July 2: Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

Readings for July 9: Genesis 24:34-67; Psalm 45:10-17; Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Matthew 11:16-30

Readings for July 16: Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-23

 

 

Kauai Pride Parade

Stop Covid Sign
Stop Covid Sign
Stop Covid Sign

Church News: May 17th, 2023

Church Breakfast

kauai poke co poipu bay

Tuesday, May 23rd 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Kauai Poke Co. at Poipu Bay 2250 Ainako Street in Poipu (At the Poipu Bay Golf Course Club House)

Directions: Drive pass the Grand Hyatt Resort. Make the next right on Ainako Street. Turn left into the only driveway. You’ve gone too far if you arrive at Shipwreck Beach. Park in the back if the front parking lot is full.

Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for delicious food and a fun time getting to know others from Koloa Union Church! Location each month to be determined. 

Please RSVP by signing up on the church bulletin board or contacting the church office.

Native Garden Tour And Slideshow

Native Garden Tour And Slideshow
Thursday, May 25

Kahu Akana will be leading a private tour of the native garden section at McBryde Garden, where he will point out many flowers of Hawai`i nei, followed by a slideshow of the beautiful indigenous flowers of the islands.

10 a.m. to Noon The free Thursday Market (food, drinks, crafts, etc) at the South Shore Visitor Center of National Tropical Botanical Garden. Grab lunch, some snacks, drinks, and do some shopping for crafts, art, books, and more!

Noon to 12:30 p.m. Make your way to the benches right outside the visitor center on the north patio. The shuttle departs right at 12:30! After 15-20 minutes on the shuttle, you will arrive at McBryde Garden.

12:30-3:30 p.m. After an introduction the the gardens while seated on the shuttle, Kahu will point out the many flowering bushes and trees. Half of the tour will be through the unpaved section of the native garden and the other half on a paved trail; you may choose to participate in either or both. After the tour, participants are welcome to wander through the rest of McBryde Garden or visit on the patio where there is plenty of seating.

3:30 to 5 p.m. Kahu will host a reception at the Smith Memorial Parsonage where you can see a slideshow of photographs of native flowers and his watercolors of them. Enjoy some snacks and iced tea as you visit with Kahu about his trips throughout the islands and his art.

Shoe Requirement: Closed toe shoes or secure hiking sandals w/strap over ankles & toes. No flip-flops! Bring: a brown bag lunch or money to purchase food; mosquito repellent; water bottle. (There are water bottle filling stations at the Visitor Center and in McBryde Garden.)

FOR RESERVATIONS: Call NTBG at (808) 742-2623 for a reservation ASAP and be sure to mention that you are with Koloa Union Church. Space is limited!

Youth Game Night

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Youth Game Night for Middle & High School Youth

Sunday, May 28th 2023
4:45 – 7:00 pm at the Parsonage 3281 Waikomo Road

RSVP to Tiffany by Wednesday May 24th at (808)-651-1397

Salvation Army Lunch

Stop Covid Sign

Wednesday, May 31

Looking for volunteers to serve a meal to hungry people on the west side!

You can carpool from the church or meet at the Hanapepe Salvation Army at 10:00 a.m.

Please let Belinda Bartels or Becky Sakimae know if you would like to volunteer to serve lunch.

Kauai Pride Parade and Festival

palm sunday April 2, 10:30 a.m.

On Rice Street in Lihue Saturday, June 3, 2023

Parade: 9-10 a.m. Beginning at the Vidinha Stadium Parking Lot and Ending at the Historic County Building

Festival: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Historic County Building Lawn

Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the Kauai Pride Parade and then have a resource table set up afterwards during the festival. Members and friends of the church are invited to walk in the parade as we let the community know that our church welcomes everyone!

“100 Years of Aloha”

Our Centennial Theme: Our theme will be “100 Years of Aloha” as we celebrate our Centennial with the entire Kauai community!

What To Wear / What To Bring
Wear your Centennial t-shirt, or brightly colored clothing, rainbow clothing & accessories! Consider bringing sunscreen, water bottles, umbrellas!

Please Sign Up:
See the signup sheet at church for the following

Float Decoration (8-9 a.m.)
Participation in the Parade (8-10 a.m.)
Resource Table Setup (9-10 a.m.)
Volunteer for shift #1 at the table (10 a.m.-Noon)
Volunteer for shift #2 at the table (Noon-2 p.m.)
Resource Table Cleanup (2 p.m.)

Squares & Prayers

Stop Covid Sign

Tuesday, June 6th 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers and Squares is a ministry promoting prayer by creating beautiful hand-tied quilts and offering them to people in crisis or those whom we wish to offer a special aloha. A prayer is said with each knot that is tied in the quilt. When recipients put the quilts it over themselves, they are covering themselves with our prayers. Our motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray! Mahalo nui loa!

100 Years of Aloha

Maundy Thursday

NEWS FROM THE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
1923-2023

  • PURCHASE A CENTENNIAL T-SHIRT. Of course, adult sizes are still available at church. $20 for the first t-shirt; $15 for additional shirts.
  • YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR YOUR T-SHIRTS IN 2 PARADES! We will be wearing Centennial t-shirts in the Kauai Pride Parade on June 3 and in the Koloa Plantation Days Parade on July 29. Don’t forget to sign up to participate in either parade!
  • CENTENNIAL ORNAMENTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. We still have a limited number of ornaments available. However, we don’t plan to order more—so don’t miss out on your opportunity to purchase an ornaments for $20 while they last.
  • DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! Additional gifts to help cover the costs of the centennial may be directed to the “Centennial Fund”—on the note section of your check or the “Comment” section when giving online.

Alan Akana Gallery

Lectio Divina

Stop Covid Sign

Lectio Divina

May 10th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Join Kahu and Karen Johnson at the Smith Memorial Parsonage for a time to hear and respond to the Scriptures in a quiet, reflective and meaningful way. Lectio Divina is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s word.

Please RSVP by May 7th if you plan to attend

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

You can click the button below to watch a video of a recent worship service:

Watch the most recent worship service

Watch ALL of Our Worship Services

Please Share!

Our online worship services are a great way to introduce people to Koloa Union Church…and provide inspiration and hope to friends and family!

Feel free to forward this email or send the YouTube link to anyone whom you think would enjoy watching our online worship service.

Share our worship service with even more people! You can also put the link of any video of our worship services directly onto your Facebook page and thereby introducing every one of your Facebook friends to our worship services and our church!

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Each week, Christians throughout the world read biblical passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, including the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospels. After three years, a good portion of the Bible is included and the cycle begins again. RCL passages are often read in church worship services, and Kahu Akana usually includes at least one reading each Sunday.

Readings for May 21: Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-35; 1 Peter 4:12-5:11; John 17:1-11

Readings for May 28: Acts 2:1-21; Numbers 11:24-30; Psalm 104:24-36; 1 Corinthians 12:3-13; John 20:19-23; John 7:37-39

Readings for June 4: Genesis 1:1-2:5; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20

Readings for June 11: Genesis 12:1-9; Psalm 33:1-12; Hosea 5:15-6:6; Psalm 50:7-15; Romans 4:13-25; Matthew 9:9-26

Readings for June 18: Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7); Psalm 116:1-19; Exodus 19:2-9; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8

 

 

Church On The Beach

Stop Covid Sign
Stop Covid Sign
Stop Covid Sign
Stop Covid Sign

Church News: April 20th, 2023

New Covid Guidelines

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

On Sunday, March 19, the Church Council voted on the following new guidelines:

  1. We will no longer require social distancing and will allow people to sit where they wish during worship services: in the sanctuary, on the patio, in Moore Hall. We suggest that people place a purse, bag, book or item of clothing on the chairs next to them if they wish to have some space between them and those not in their social bubble.
  2. Masks will no longer be required indoorsWe suggest that people wear masks if they are concerned about their health. We also suggest that people wear masks if they have been traveling off-island or had close contact with those who have been traveling or who have been sick.
  3. We will continue to not allow wind instruments (including the Pū), or have congregational singing, or unison/responsive readings indoors during worship services. Wind instruments can be played if they have the appropriate coverings to keep germs from being spread. Wind instruments, group singing and unison/responsive readings project everyone’s germs into the air, and we wish to continue keeping the spreading of germs to a minimum.
  4. We will continue the use of the small communion packets. So far, this seems to be the safest way to celebrate the Lord’s Supper.
  5. We will continue the policy of not passing an offering plate during worship services. The fewer things everyone touches, the better.
  6. We will allow up to any three singers to perform together and allow musicians to perform anywhere in the front of the sanctuary or in the area by the piano.
  7. We will comply with guidelines of other organizations for activities off-campus (Grove Farm, NTBG, bowling, miniature golf, etc.).
  8. We will allow for all-church meals as long as we continue to provide and encourage use of hand sanitizers and masks at tables where food and drinks are served. Since we are about to demolish and renovate the kitchen, Aloha Hour is still on hold until the kitchen project is completed.

The Church Council Sends Out “Mahalo” to CAPS (The Committee for the Assurance of Pandemic Safety): Michael Horning, Penny Jessup, Penny Osuga and Kahu Akana. They have been meeting regularly for 3 years and have made regular recommendations to the Church Council throughout the pandemic.

The Church Council Sends Out “Mahalo” to all of the Deacons who have served since the pandemic began. They have been meeting weekly for 3 years in order to keep everyone as safe and healthy as possible, and to do their best to communicate with members and friends.

Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe and healthy in 2023!

Lunch With Bill & Angela

Stop Covid Sign

Time to reconnect with the Dressels during their visit on Kauai!!

Sunday, April 23, 12pm at Kauai Poke

Poipu Bay 2250 Ainako Street Koloa, HI 96756
(Next to Poipu Bay Golf Course) Please RSVP today!

Church Breakfast

kiawe roots church breakfast

Tuesday, April 25th 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Kiawe Roots 2-3687 Kaumualii Highway in Lawai (Next door to 7-Eleven)

Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for delicious food and a fun time getting to know others from Koloa Union Church! Location each month to be determined.

Please RSVP by signing up on the church bulletin board or contacting the church office.

Church On The Beach

April 30, 2023, 11 a.m.

Outdoor Worship & Lunch at the Pavilion Across from Nukumoi Surf Shop At Poipu Beach Park!

Our worship service will be at 11:00 a.m. followed by a potluck luncheon…games for the keiki…and bingo for everyone! Feel free to hang out afterwards at the beach! There will be no worship service at church on this day.

Please Consider Bringing:
Something for the potluck
Your own drinks
Lawn chairs, sunscreen, swimsuits, towels
Friends and neighbors

New Kauai County guidelines:
No plastic utensils
No plastic bottles
Bring your own drinks!

KUC will provide eco-friendly plates and utensils. Please see the potluck signup sheet on the bulletin board. We begin at 11 in case visitors arrive at the church at 10:30. This way they have time to get to the beach before we begin!

Please contact Elizabeth Mares, our Activities Chair, if you have any questions about this event.

April Youth Gathering

Don’t forget to RSVP to Tiffany by Wednesday, April 26!

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Squares & Prayers

Stop Covid Sign

Tuesday, May 2nd 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers and Squares is a ministry promoting prayer by creating beautiful hand-tied quilts and offering them to people in crisis or those whom we wish to offer a special aloha. A prayer is said with each knot that is tied in the quilt. When recipients put the quilts it over themselves, they are covering themselves with our prayers. Our motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray! Mahalo nui loa!

Fundraising Auction

Aha Mele: Kauai Association (UCC)
Friday, May 5 Kapaa First Hawaiian Church
“Rejoice and Be Glad”

Schedule:
5:00 p.m. Drop off Auction Items
5:30 Catered Dinner & Silent Auction
7:00 Aha Mele & Announcements

Please consider donating an auction item. Please email a completed Auction Item Form for each auction item (available at the church office).

Please attend Aha Mele and the Auction. Don’t forget to bring extra cash or your checkbook. RSVP on the signup sheet or by contacting the church office by April 26.

Aha Mokupuni: Annual Meeting & Worship Service

Saturday, May 6 Kapaa First Hawaiian Church 9 to 11 a.m.

Voting Delegates from Koloa Union Church
Kahu Akana
Michael Horning
Doug Duvauchelle
Tiffany Marrotte

Lectio Divina

Stop Covid Sign

Lectio Divina

May 10th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

Join Kahu and Karen Johnson at the Smith Memorial Parsonage for a time to hear and respond to the Scriptures in a quiet, reflective and meaningful way. Lectio Divina is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s word.

Please RSVP by May 7th if you plan to attend

Kauai Pride Parade and Festival

palm sunday April 2, 10:30 a.m.

On Rice Street in Lihue Saturday, June 3, 2023

Parade: 9-10 a.m. Beginning at the Vidinha Stadium Parking Lot and Ending at the Historic County Building

Festival: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Historic County Building Lawn

Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the Kauai Pride Parade and then have a resource table set up afterwards during the festival. Members and friends of the church are invited to walk in the parade as we let the community know that our church welcomes everyone!

“100 Years of Aloha”

Our Centennial Theme: Our theme will be “100 Years of Aloha” as we celebrate our Centennial with the entire Kauai community!

What To Wear / What To Bring
Wear your Centennial t-shirt, or brightly colored clothing, rainbow clothing & accessories! Consider bringing sunscreen, water bottles, umbrellas!

Please Sign Up:
See the signup sheet at church for the following

Float Decoration (8-9 a.m.)
Participation in the Parade (8-10 a.m.)
Resource Table Setup (9-10 a.m.)
Volunteer for shift #1 at the table (10 a.m.-Noon)
Volunteer for shift #2 at the table (Noon-2 p.m.)
Resource Table Cleanup (2 p.m.)

100 Years of Aloha

Maundy Thursday

NEWS FROM THE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE
1923-2023

  • CENTENNIAL T-SHIRTS NOW AVAILABLE IN CHILDREN’S SIZESWe plan to order children’s t-shirts at the end of the month. You must pre-order keiki t-shirts! If you would like to order a t-shirt, please let us know by April 30 the size you would like: XS/S/M/L/XL. Kid’s t-shirts are $15. They will be available for pickup by the end of May.
  • PURCHASE A CENTENNIAL T-SHIRT. Of course, adult sizes are still available at church. $20 for the first t-shirt; $15 for additional shirts.
  • YOU ARE ENCOURAGED TO WEAR YOUR T-SHIRTS IN 2 PARADES! We will be wearing Centennial t-shirts in the Kauai Pride Parade on June 3 and in the Koloa Plantation Days Parade on July 29. Don’t forget to sign up to participate in either parade!
  • CENTENNIAL ORNAMENTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. We still have a limited number of ornaments available. However, we don’t plan to order more—so don’t miss out on your opportunity to purchase an ornaments for $20 while they last.
  • DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! Additional gifts to help cover the costs of the centennial may be directed to the “Centennial Fund”—on the note section of your check or the “Comment” section when giving online.

Alan Akana Gallery

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

You can click the button below to watch a video of a recent worship service:

Watch the most recent worship service

Watch ALL of Our Worship Services

Please Share!

Our online worship services are a great way to introduce people to Koloa Union Church…and provide inspiration and hope to friends and family!

Feel free to forward this email or send the YouTube link to anyone whom you think would enjoy watching our online worship service.

Share our worship service with even more people! You can also put the link of any video of our worship services directly onto your Facebook page and thereby introducing every one of your Facebook friends to our worship services and our church!

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Each week, Christians throughout the world read biblical passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, including the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospels. After three years, a good portion of the Bible is included and the cycle begins again. RCL passages are often read in church worship services, and Kahu Akana usually includes at least one reading each Sunday.

Readings for April 16: Acts 2:14-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

Readings for April 23: Acts 2:14-41; Psalm 116:1-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35

Readings for April 30: Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10

Readings for May 7: Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14

Readings for May 14: Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21

Readings for May 21: Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-35; 1 Peter 4:12-5:11; John 17:1-11

 

Palm Sunday

Stop Covid Sign
Stop Covid Sign

Good Friday Activities

Lots of egg decorating. Also rock painting for the Centennial Celebration.
Thank you, Aunty Becky, for providing lunch!

Easter Sunday

A wonderful Easter Sunday service was followed by an Easter egg hunt and a delicious potluck picnic at the parsonage.