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.

Church News: March 23rd, 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!

Welcome Our Newest Member

Stop Covid Sign

Prince Kuhio Day Church Closed

Ash wednesday service koloa union church

Church Breakfast

kiawe roots church breakfast

Tuesday, March 28 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.

Waineke Cabins

Kauai Association United Church of Christ “Waineke Cabins”

Tuesday, March 28 5:30 p.m.

The March meeting of the Kauai Association will focus on our beloved Waineke cabins in Kokee, along with updates on the new septic system, future availability, and assistance that is needed to keep the cabins in great overall shape.

This meeting will take place on Zoom. Contact the Koloa Union Church office if you would like to join the meeting.

Salvation Army Lunch

Wednesday, March 29th

Looking for servers 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.

Squares & Prayers

Stop Covid Sign

Tuesday, April 4 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!

Palm Sunday

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

April 2, 10:30 a.m.

Celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus entering Jerusalem! Our Sunday school and youth will start the service off with the procession of the palms during the prelude.

Children and youth please arrive by 10 a.m.

Those who arrive late will be asked to wait outside the main doors of the sanctuary until the Procession of the Palms finishes.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday

Thursday, April 6, 7 p.m.

Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday and three days before Easter when Jesus shared a meal with his disciples. “Maundy” comes from the Old French word “mande” and the Latin “mandatum,” which means “mandate,” “command” or “commandment.” At the meal, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet as a demonstration of loving service and then said to them, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”

Join us in the sanctuary as we commemorate Jesus’ last supper with his disciples and reflect on his command to be loving servants to one another. This will be a time of Scripture reading, reflection, prayer, music, and the Lord’s Supper.

Good Friday Activity

Stop Covid Sign

Good Friday Activity April 7, 11. a.m. in Moore Hall

Most of the eggs will be used in the Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday! You can probably take some eggs home with you… Or leave some to share with worshipers on Easter Sunday! Decorated rocks will be used for the Centennial Celebration on July 30!

RSVP by signing up on the signup sheet at church or by TEXTING Tiffany Marrotte by April 2: 808-651-1397

Easter Service April 9th

Christian Easter Service April 9th 2023

WORSHIP SERVICE Celebrating the Resurrection of Christ!

Please remember that this is one of our Sunday morning services with high attendance. Those who are able and willing are invited to park on Poipu and Waikomo Roads, at the parsonage, or on the lawn just east of the parsonage. Please arrive a bit early for a good seat.

CHILDREN’S EASTER EGG HUNT

After Church at the Smith Memorial Parsonage Bring your Easter basket or container! Middle schoolers and high schoolers will hide the eggs during Sunday school. Meet in the Sunday school room for instructions. Keiki will walk with parents from the church to the parsonage after Sunday school where they will hunt for eggs! Please wait on the parsonage walkway or lanai for instructions!

CHURCH POTLUCK PICNIC

After Church at the Smith Memorial Parsonage All ages are invited to the parsonage as we gather for our traditional Easter picnic! We will begin the meal after the egg hunt. Please let us know what you plan to bring on the signup sheet on the church bulletin board.

Our Great Hour of Sharing

Stop Covid Sign

Supporting Disaster Relief, Refugees & Development

“It’s Time to Share”

One Great Hour of Sharing is one of four special mission offerings of the United Church of Christ. This Lenten Offering supports the disaster, refugee, and development ministries of the United Church of Christ.

This year’s theme “It’s Time to Share” is very relevant:

OGHS supports earthquake victims in Turkey and Syria, Ukrainian refugees who have fled for safety, and victims of weather-related disasters in the U.S. and throughout the world. The OGHS offering will be collected on Easter Sunday. Offering envelopes will be provided.

Please indicate “OGHS” in the note section of your check or in the “Comments” box on our website donation page.

Thank you for considering a generous donation to One Great Hour of Sharing!

Lectio Divina

Stop Covid Sign

Lectio Divina

April 12th, 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 April 9th if you plan to attend

April Youth Gathering

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

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

100 Years of Aloha

Stop Covid Sign

REQUESTS FROM THE CENTENNIAL COMMITTEE:

  • SIGN UP TO PARTICIPATE IN THE KOLOA PLANTATION DAYS PARADE on Saturday, July 29. We know that many of our keiki and adults alike have other opportunities to participate in the parade with various organizations. Since this is our Centennial year and KUC will be the Grand Marshal, please consider joining us this year. We are shooting for our largest participation in the parade this July!
  • INVITE FAMILY & FRIENDS TO WALK & RIDE WITH US IN THE PARADE. We really want to make an impression this year!
  • PURCHASE A CENTENNIAL T-SHIRT. Wear it in the parade if you can. If you want to wear a t-shirt in the parade and can’t afford one, please contact the church office.
  • HELP US FIND AN OLD CAR. We are looking for a car that people drove in 1923. Do you know anyone who owns an antique car like that which we could use in the parade?
  • PLAN ON JOINING US FOR LUNCH on Sunday, July 30. We will celebrate our Centennial with a delicious meal, live entertainment, a slideshow, photo books, and gift bags for all attendees. More information is on its way!

And don’t forget to support the Centennial:

  • Purchase Centennial Christmas Tree Ornaments for $20!
  • Purchase Centennial T-shirt. The cost for ONE t-shirt is $20. Additional shirts are $15.
  • Contribute Directly to the Centennial Fund. 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 March 19: 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41.
Readings for March 26: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45.
Readings for April 2 (Palm Sunday): Psalm 118:1-29; Matthew 21:1-11.
Readings for April 6 (Maundy Thursday): Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 116:1-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-35.
Readings for April 7 (Good Friday): Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; Hebrews 4:14-5:9; John 18:1-19:42
Readings for April 8 (Holy Saturday): Job 14:1-14; Lamentations 3:1-24; Psalm 31:1-16; 1 Peter 4:1-8; Matthew 27:57-66; John 19:38-42
Readings for April 9 (Easter Sunday): Acts 10:43-43; Jeremiah 31:1-6; Psalm 118:1-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18; Matthew 28:1-10
Readings for April 16: Acts 2:14-32; Psalm 16; 1 Peter 1:3-9; John 20:19-31

“What’s in a Relationship”

Stop Covid Sign

February Youth Group gathering at the parsonage.
Featured special guest: Dr. Ellen Carringer
Special meal by Chel Hauser

 

More Fun Pictures

Church News: Feb 16th, 2023

Henry Opukaha`ia Sunday

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

February 19

Henry Opukaha`ia was one of the first native Hawaiians to become a Christian, inspiring American missionaries to come to the islands during the 19th century. Henry O. is credited with starting Hawaii’s conversion to Christianity.

The Henry Opukaha`ia Scholarship Fund supports the training of clergy for Christian mission by providing financial aid for seminary students.

Offering envelopes will be available on Sunday morning. You may also send checks to the church with “Henry O” in the note section or give online with “Henry O” in the Comment box.

Please consider a generous gift on Sunday.

Youth Group Activity

Stop Covid Sign

Youth Group Activity

“What’s in a Relationship” Special Guest: Dr. Ellen Caringer

Sunday, February 19, 4:45-7:00 p.m. At the Smith Memorial Parsonage 3281 Waikomo Road

RSVP to Tiffany by Wednesday, February 15

Ash Wednesday Service

Ash wednesday service koloa union church

FEBRUARY 22, 7 P.M.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Each year we gather at the church for a time of hearing the Scriptures, prayer and meditation, followed by the placing of ashes on our foreheads. The ashes serve as a reminder of our mortality and our need for Christ and God’s loving presence in the midst of life and death.

NOTE: There will be no lectio divina in February. All are encouraged to attend the Ash Wednesday service.

Church Breakfast

Tuesday, February 28 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.

Youth Bowling Night

Kauai Association (UCC) Youth and Young Adults

Let’s Go Bowling! Friday, March 3rd, 6-8 p.m.

RSVP Tiffany by Sunday, February 26

Squares & Prayers

Stop Covid Sign

Tuesday, March 7

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!

Lectio Divina

Stop Covid Sign

Lectio Divina

March 8th, 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 March 5 if you plan to attend.

100 Years of Aloha

Stop Covid Sign

Calling for photos!

“A picture is worth a thousand words!” We are busy putting together a Centennial slideshow and photo book. If you have any pictures of church members over the past 100 years, please send them to the church office or scan them and email them to us. We are especially interested in any photos taken at the church since 1961 or parsonage since 1928.

In the meantime, please don’t forget these two big events on your calendar:

  • Saturday, July 29 – Koloa Plantation Days Parade: Koloa Union Church will be the Grand Marshal in this year’s parade! Please plan to walk with us this year! Invite friends and family members!
  • Sunday, July 30 – Centennial Celebration and Luncheon: A delicious meal, live entertainment, slideshow and photo books, gift bags for all attendees. More information will be announced in the coming months!

And don’t forget to support the Centennial:

  • Purchase Christmas Tree Ornaments for yourself and your friends: These shiny, durable, solid metal ornaments with our centennial logo printed on both sides come with a bright red ribbon to make it easy to hang on your tree (or anywhere else you like) for years to come!
  • Purchase a Centennial T-shirt: We are asking everyone to wear a t-shirt who participates in the parade.These 100% cotton white t-shirts are also great gifts for family and friends!

The cost for an ornament or t-shirt is $20 apiece. Just think of all the people you know who would appreciate an ornament or t-shirt!

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.

2023 C.A.P.S Guidelines

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

FACE MASKS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED OUTDOORS.

Face masks are now optional any time you are outdoors at church. This

includes the patio area where you may choose to sit during a worship service.

THEY ARE STILL REQUIRED INDOORS MOST OF THE TIME.

You are asked to wear a face mask before entering the sanctuary and Moore Hall for worship services. Kahu or a Deacon will let you know when you may remove your face mask.

Students, teachers and volunteers are asked to wear face masks in the Sunday school room until instructed otherwise.

If you are visiting staff or volunteers indoors, please check before entering if they would like for you to wear a face mask.

You do not need to wear a face mask indoors when gathering with a small group who are all part of your family or social bubble.

PLEASE BRING A FACE MASK WITH YOU.

It is best to have a face mask handy in case you need one even if you don’t plan to use it. We will do our best to always have a supply on hand in case you forget yours.

PLEASE DO YOUR BEST TO STAY HEALTHY.

The best way to keep from spreading coronavirus and other contagious diseases is to stay healthy yourself, so let’s keep washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, and wearing a face mask in the presence of strangers and those who might be sick.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE COMFORT LEVEL OF OTHERS.

Please be sensitive to the concerns, beliefs and practice of others. Rather than assuming another person has the same comfort level as you, it is better to ask such questions as:

  • Would you prefer that I wear a face mask?
  • May I shake your hand?
  • Can I give you a hug?

Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe and healthy over the holidays!

Alan Akana Gallery

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Stop Covid Sign

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 February 12: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37.
Readings for February 19: Exodus 24:12-18; Psalm 2; Psalm 99; 2 Peter 1:16-21; Matthew 17:1-9.
Readings for February 26: Genesis 2:15-3:7; Psalm 32; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11.
Readings for March 5: Genesis 12:1-5; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-17; John 3:1-17; Matthew 17:1-9.
Readings for March 12: Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42.

More Fun Pictures

Church News: Jan 13th, 2023

100 Years of Aloha 1923-2023

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Be sure to mark these two big events on your calendar now:

  • Saturday, July 29: Koloa Plantation Days Parade: Koloa Union Church will be the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade!
  • Sunday, July 30: Centennial Celebration and Luncheon

Centennial Fundraising

In order to help pay for the costs, the Centennial Committee is selling two items on Sunday mornings until they are sold out:

  • Christmas Tree Ornaments: These shiny, durable, solid metal ornaments with our centennial logo printed on both sides come with a bright red ribbon to make it easy to hang on your tree (or anywhere else you like) for years to come!
  • Centennial T-shirts: These 100% cotton white t-shirts are printed with our centennial logo printed on the chest.

The cost for an ornament or t-shirt is $20 apiece. Just think of all the people you know who would appreciate an ornament or t-shirt!

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.

Rev. Tana Roseboro

Stop Covid Sign

Visiting this Sunday, January 15

10:30 a.m. Worship Service
Rev. Roseboro’s Message: “Love in Action”

2:00 p.m. Presentation
“Theological Education for Leadership”
Pacific School of Religion

We are blessed to have the Rev. Tana Roseboro visiting Koloa Union Church from Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California, this Sunday during Martin Luther King, Jr., weekend!

The afternoon presentation will be for any in the community who are interested in learning about the program, those currently taking courses, certificate holders, and those interested in supporting students financially or by facilitating a cohort on Kauai. Theological Education for Leadership provides progressive, accessible Christian theological education year-round through special courses and seminars for clergy, laity, and spiritual seekers. 

Rev. Roseboro is the Program Coordinator for the school’s Theological Education for Leadership program. She is an educator who holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication and a Master of Arts in Teaching, both from Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Pacific School of Religion in May 2018. Currently, she is working on her Ph.D. in religion and philosophy with a concentration in women’s spirituality. She is ordained in the Disciples of Christ (Christian Church) and has standing in The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries. She is also in the process of holding standing in the United Church of Christ.

Invite your friends and family!

Middle & High School Youth

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Kalaupapa Sunday

January 22

A Time to Reflect on the Story of Kalaupapa

Kahu Akana & Taka Harada will share about their experiences & reflections. Taka will share about his brother who lived at Kalaupapa as a patient, his many trips to the peninsula, and poetry and songs of Kalaupapa.

The Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ has designated the 4th Sunday of January as “Kalaupapa Sunday.” It is a time to remember, commemorate and honor all the patients of Kalaupapa, many of whom came from or had connections to our families and churches. The date was chosen in January to commemorate the landing of the first people exiled to the Kalaupapa peninsula in January of 1866.

To learn more about Kalaupapa, click the link below. The page includes a message from Kahu and poetry by Taka!

Church Breakfast

Stop Covid Sign

Tuesday, January 24 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Kauai Poke Co. at Poipu Bay

2250 Ainako Street in Poipu

(Next to Poipu Bay Golf Course)

Directions:

Drive pass the Grand Hyatt Resort.

Make the next right on Ainako Street.

Turn left into the 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.

Prevent Suicide Kauai.org

Stop Covid Sign

Kaua`i Association
United Church of Christ

Presentation
Suicide 101: Signs, Prevention, Resources

Tuesday, January 24, 5:30 p.m.
Patricia Wistinghausen (Co-chair for Prevent Suicide Kauai Task Force)

Tiffany Marrotte is a member of PSK Task Force and has organized this event for the KAUCC.

All members and friends of UCC Churches on Kauai are invited to attend the presentation by Zoom. Special registration is required to attend!

Please contact Penny at the church office if you would like to register.

Annual Church Meeting

Stop Covid Sign

Members are encouraged to attend.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

The congregation will meet on Sunday, January 29, after the worship service for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation. We ask members to attend in order to have a voting quorum.

Some of the items on our agenda:

  • Vote for officers of the church, Council members, Deacons and Committee chairs
  • Review and approve our budget for 2023
  • Receive reports from Kahu Akana and other church leaders
  • Receive our updated Church Directory
  • Hear about plans for 2023, including our kitchen remodel
  • A time for questions and answers

NOTE: Committee chairpersons are reminded to submit your annual reports to the office by January 15.

Youth Fundraiser Bake Sale

Support Our Youth Ministry

On February 12

Plan to purchase a cake, pie, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, or whatever else our youth bring to the bake sale!

If you would like to donate a baked item, please be aware of the following guidelines…

  • Follow good hygiene practices while preparing, baking and packaging: wash your hands, wear a mask if you have been exposed to illness, do not participate if you might have a serious contagious illness, such as Covid-19, influenza, etc.
  • Baked goods must be individually wrapped for sale in food storage bags or containers and/or wrapped with plastic or wax paper. No part of the baked good should be exposed.
  • All baked goods must be marked with the following information: 
  • The item (such as chocolate chip cookies with macadamia nuts)
  • Any hidden allergens that are not obvious (such as nuts, peanut butter)
  • Optional: list of ingredients
  • Name of the person who made/donated it
  • Suggested price

NOTE: Foods that require refrigeration are NOT acceptable

Please bring baked goods to church before the worship service begins. Contact Tiffany Marrotte if you have any questions about the youth bake sale.

Thank you for supporting our youth ministry!

Ash Wednesday Service

FEBRUARY 22, 7 P.M.

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. Each year we gather at the church for a time of hearing the Scriptures, prayer and meditation, followed by the placing of ashes on our foreheads. The ashes serve as a reminder of our mortality and our need for Christ and God’s loving presence in the midst of life and death.

NOTE: There will be no lectio divina in February. All are encouraged to attend the Ash Wednesday service.

2023 C.A.P.S Guidelines

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

FACE MASKS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED OUTDOORS.

Face masks are now optional any time you are outdoors at church. This

includes the patio area where you may choose to sit during a worship service.

THEY ARE STILL REQUIRED INDOORS MOST OF THE TIME.

You are asked to wear a face mask before entering the sanctuary and Moore Hall for worship services. Kahu or a Deacon will let you know when you may remove your face mask.

Students, teachers and volunteers are asked to wear face masks in the Sunday school room until instructed otherwise.

If you are visiting staff or volunteers indoors, please check before entering if they would like for you to wear a face mask.

You do not need to wear a face mask indoors when gathering with a small group who are all part of your family or social bubble.

PLEASE BRING A FACE MASK WITH YOU.

It is best to have a face mask handy in case you need one even if you don’t plan to use it. We will do our best to always have a supply on hand in case you forget yours.

PLEASE DO YOUR BEST TO STAY HEALTHY.

The best way to keep from spreading coronavirus and other contagious diseases is to stay healthy yourself, so let’s keep washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, and wearing a face mask in the presence of strangers and those who might be sick.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE COMFORT LEVEL OF OTHERS.

Please be sensitive to the concerns, beliefs and practice of others. Rather than assuming another person has the same comfort level as you, it is better to ask such questions as:

  • Would you prefer that I wear a face mask?
  • May I shake your hand?
  • Can I give you a hug?

Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe and healthy over the holidays!

Alan Akana Gallery

Open & Affirming

A Gift of Support And a Letter of Thanks

Since becoming an Open & Affirming (ONA) Congregation in 2019, Koloa Union Church has been donating a small gift each year to the ONA Coalition in order to support more churches in opening their doors fully to everyone, including those in the LGBTQ+ Community. In December, our Church Council decided to give $250 to the Coalition.

Last week, we received a nice thank you note from the Rev. Derek Terry, who is the new ONA Coalition President. In his letter are the following words:

“Thank you for putting your hope into action by donating to the Coalition…..It’s because of your faithful giving that we are able to continue advocating and teaching throughout the entire United Church of Christ. We recently certified ONA church #1,800 and the number continues to grow. Every month, new congregations join our movement. Our ambitious program of webinars, workshops and coaching is bringing churches together and opening up new possibilities for ministry with and for LGBTQ+ neighbors. The results: an unprecedented growth in the number of Open and Affirming congregations in the United Church of Christ, and a revival of existing ONA churches who through the Coalition’s ministry are discovering radical and effective ways to work in their communities for justice, freedom and dignity. By giving to the Coalition, and by taking action in your church and community, you are growing our movement in numbers and spirit. The staff and Leadership Team of the Open and Affirming Coalition thank you and ask you to hold us in your hearts and in your prayers.”

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Stop Covid Sign

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 January 8: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17.
Readings for January 15: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:1-9; John 1:29-42.
Readings for January 22: Isaiah 9:1-4; Psalm 27:1-9; 1 Corinthians 1:10-18; Matthew 4:12-23.
Readings for January 29: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12.
Readings for February 5: Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 112:1-10; 1 Corinthians 2:1-16; Matthew 5:13-20.
Readings for February 12: Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 119:1-8; 1 Corinthians 3:1-9; Matthew 5:21-37.

More Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Church News: Dec 14th, 2022

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

C.A.P.S Guidelines

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

FACE MASKS ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED OUTDOORS.

Face masks are now optional any time you are outdoors at church. This

includes the patio area where you may choose to sit during a worship service.

THEY ARE STILL REQUIRED INDOORS MOST OF THE TIME.

You are asked to wear a face mask before entering the sanctuary and Moore Hall for worship services. Kahu or a Deacon will let you know when you may remove your face mask.

Students, teachers and volunteers are asked to wear face masks in the Sunday school room until instructed otherwise.

If you are visiting staff or volunteers indoors, please check before entering if they would like for you to wear a face mask.

You do not need to wear a face mask indoors when gathering with a small group who are all part of your family or social bubble.

PLEASE BRING A FACE MASK WITH YOU.

It is best to have a face mask handy in case you need one even if you don’t plan to use it. We will do our best to always have a supply on hand in case you forget yours.

PLEASE DO YOUR BEST TO STAY HEALTHY.

The best way to keep from spreading coronavirus and other contagious diseases is to stay healthy yourself, so let’s keep washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, and wearing a face mask in the presence of strangers and those who might be sick.

PLEASE CONSIDER THE COMFORT LEVEL OF OTHERS.

Please be sensitive to the concerns, beliefs and practice of others. Rather than assuming another person has the same comfort level as you, it is better to ask such questions as:

  • Would you prefer that I wear a face mask?
  • May I shake your hand?
  • Can I give you a hug?

Thank you for doing your part to keep everyone safe and healthy over the holidays!

Centennial Events & Fundraiser

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

100 Years of Aloha 1923-2023 Centennial Events & Fundraiser

The Centennial Committee has been meeting for nearly 3 years in order to plan the very best celebration in 2023!

The two big events are:

  • Saturday, July 29: Koloa Plantation Days Parade
  • Sunday, July 30: Centennial Celebration and Luncheon

Be sure to save these dates on your calendar! There will be lots of music, food, gifts, and a beautiful memory book of the past century. We also plan to remodel our church kitchen during the year as part of our celebration.

In order to help pay for the costs, the Centennial Committee will be selling two items on Sunday mornings until they are sold out:

  • Christmas Tree Ornaments: These are round, shiny, durable, solid metal ornaments with our centennial logo printed on both sides. Each ornament comes with a bright red ribbon to make it easy to hang on your tree for years to come!
  • Centennial T-shirts: These are 100% cotton white t-shirts with our centennial logo printed on the chest. You can show off our centennial all year, wear the shirt in the parade or when representing Koloa Union Church at an island-wide gathering of the Kauai Association of the United Church of Christ!

The cost for an ornament or t-shirt is $20 apiece.

Just think of all the people for whom you might want to get one more Christmas gift! Additional gifts to help cover the costs of the centennial, including the kitchen remodel, may be directed to the “Centennial Fund.” (Drawings of the kitchen will be available in early 2023.)

United Church of Christ Christmas Fund

Stop Covid Sign

To Be Collected on December 18, 24 & 25

Thank You for Supporting The Christmas Fund!

This special offering, administered by the United Church of Christ Pension Boards, provides direct financial assistance to retired and active UCC authorized ministers and lay employees and their surviving spouses, including pension and health premium supplementation, emergency assistance, and Christmas “thank you” checks. Each year, UCC congregations throughout the country collect this offering to assist faithful servants of God who are facing financial difficulties. We not only share hope, peace, joy and love with them; but they, in turn, pass these things along to others in their communities and in the world.

We will collect the Christmas Fund offering on December 18, 24 and 25. Offering envelopes will be provided.

Please write checks to “Koloa Union Church” and write “Christmas Fund” on the note section of your check. If you would like to make a donation online, please write “Christmas Fund” in the note section.

Congratulations!

Alan Akana Gallery

Fourth Sunday of Advent

December 18th, 10:30 a.m.

Join Us for Worship When We Light The “Candle of Love” As We Prepare Our Hearts for Christmas

Christmas Eve Service

Stop Covid Sign

December 24th, 7:30 p.m. Music & Readings

Join Us for a very special Christmas Eve service with lots of special music and the reading of the Christmas story.

Pandemic Guidelines for Christmas Eve:

  • Please wear face masks indoors during the entire service.
  • Face masks will be optional anywhere outdoors, including on the patio.
  • We will not observe social distancing requirements: attendees may sit in any of the seats.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. Because this is our first in person Christmas Eve service since 2019, we anticipate a decent crowd. Those wishing to sit together should come early.

Christmas Day Service

Stop Covid Sign

Christmas Day Service
Holy Communion

Sunday, December 25 10:30 a.m.

Join Us for a very special Christmas Day service with lots of special music, reflections on the Christmas story, and Holy Communion. Our regular Sunday morning guidelines will be in effect on Christmas Morning.

  • Please wear face masks until the service begins.
  • Please sit 6 feet from others.
  • Masks are no longer required outdoors.

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Stop Covid Sign

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 to Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Weekly Readings from the Bible

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 December 11: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 145:5-10; Luke 1:46-55; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11.
Readings for December 18: Isaiah 7:10-16; Psalm 80:1-19; Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:8-25.
Readings for Christmas Eve: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-20.
Readings for December 25: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrew 1:1-12; John 1:1-14.
Readings for New Year’s Eve: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Psalm 8; Revelation 21:1-7; Matthew 25:31-46.
Readings for January 1: Isaiah 63:7-9; Psalm 148; Hebrew 2:10-18; Matthew 3:12-17.
Readings for Epiphany: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12.
Readings for January 8: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17.

Prayers and Squares

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group
You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Youth Christmas Party

Poipu Church Sunday Service
Poipu Church Sunday Service
Poipu Church Sunday Service

Everyone had a wonderful time at the parsonage! Lots of laughs, games, music and gift exchange!

Delicious food, thanks to Aunty Chel!!

More Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Church News: Dec 1st, 2022

Holiday Survey

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Holiday Worship Survey

Thank you for those who completed our survey!

Here are some important things we learned from the survey:

  • Most people are quite happy with our worship services.
  • Kahu’s messages and musical offerings were marked “especially liked” more than other parts of the worship service.
  • Most respondents look forward to getting things back to pre-pandemic “normal,” including: sitting together, no more face masks, congregational singing, unison readings, etc.
  • Most would plan to attend an in-person Christmas Eve service in the 7-7:30 timeframe.
  • Although there are some who would not attend a Christmas Eve service if we lifted all pandemic requirements for the evening, others prefer lifting all requirements and an equal number prefer sitting anywhere as long as people are masked.
  • Only one person indicated that they are not concerned at all about Covid-19 in a crowded space. Others still have some concerns regarding their health. Nearly forty percent marked that they are not concerned “as long as there are reasonable pandemic requirements.”

The Deacons greatly appreciate those who took the time to take the survey. The results gave them some helpful data on which they considered in their decisions in moving forward during the holiday season.

Prayers and Squares

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Tuesday, December 6, 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.                        

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!

Youth Christmas Party

Poipu Church Sunday Service

YOUTH CHRISTMAS PARTY Calling all middle and high schoolers! Join us for a Christmas Party! Smith Memorial Parsonage 3281 Waikomo Road December 11 4:45-7:00 p.m. Christmas Feast Fun & Games Good Conversation $5 Gift Exchange RSVP to Tiffany (808) 651-1397

Outreach

Poipu Church Sunday Service
Poipu Church Sunday Service

We will be collecting and creating Thanksgiving meal boxes for 10 local families who are struggling to make ends meet.

If you signed up to bring food items, please bring them to the church by this coming Sunday, November 20.

Boxes will be packaged and delivered to the families by the Koloa Union Church Outreach Committee and Youth Group.

Christmas Stockings

Poipu Church Sunday Service

We will stuff Christmas stockings with special items and gift cards for 10 local families who are struggling financially this year. We collect change, cash and checks throughout the year in our spare change jar. If you have some extra funds in your bank account or wallet, please consider an extra gift to make Christmas even merrier for a local family. If you know of any families who could use some extra help this holiday season, contact Amber Strong or the church office.

The deadline for donations for this year’s stockings is December 4.

Note: We primarily pay for this outreach through the change jar, to which people contribute throughout the year, and from personal donations. So be sure to look for spare change lying around at home or in your car.

You can contribute financially to this ministry by writing “Holiday Outreach” on the note section of your check made out to “Koloa Union Church” or on the “Comment” box when you give online. Contact Amber Strong or the church office.

Lectio Divina

Stop Covid Sign

Lectio Divina December 14th, 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 December 11 if you plan to attend.

United Church of Christ Christmas Fund

Stop Covid Sign

To Be Collected on December 18, 24 & 25

Thank You for Supporting The Christmas Fund!

This special offering, administered by the United Church of Christ Pension Boards, provides direct financial assistance to retired and active UCC authorized ministers and lay employees and their surviving spouses, including pension and health premium supplementation, emergency assistance, and Christmas “thank you” checks. Each year, UCC congregations throughout the country collect this offering to assist faithful servants of God who are facing financial difficulties. We not only share hope, peace, joy and love with them; but they, in turn, pass these things along to others in their communities and in the world.

We will collect the Christmas Fund offering on December 18, 24 and 25. Offering envelopes will be provided.

Please write checks to “Koloa Union Church” and write “Christmas Fund” on the note section of your check. If you would like to make a donation online, please write “Christmas Fund” in the note section.

Alan Akana Gallery

2nd & 3rd Sunday of Advent

Second Sunday of Advent And Communion Sunday

December 4

Join Us for Worship When We Light The “Candle of Peace” And Celebrate Holy Communion

December 11

Join Us for Worship When We Light The “Candle of Joy” And Enjoy this Year’s Children and Youth Sharing the Theme of “JOY” With Us!

Christmas Eve Service

Stop Covid Sign

December 24 7:30 p.m.

Join Us for a very special Christmas Eve service with lots of special music and the reading of the Christmas story.

Pandemic Guidelines for Christmas Eve:

  • Please wear face masks indoors during the entire service.
  • Face masks will be optional anywhere outdoors, including on the patio.
  • We will not observe social distancing requirements: attendees may sit in any of the seats.

Doors will open at 7 p.m. Because this is our first in person Christmas Eve service since 2019, we anticipate a decent crowd. Those wishing to sit together should come early.

Christmas Day Service

Stop Covid Sign

Christmas Day Services

Sunday, December 25 10:30 a.m.

Join Us for a very special Christmas Day service with lots of special music and reflections on the Christmas story. Our regular Sunday morning guidelines will be in effect on Christmas Morning.

  • Please wear face masks until the service begins.
  • Please sit 6 feet from others.

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Stop Covid Sign

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!

Give Thanks

Stop Covid Sign

Youth Group Activity “Giving Thanks”

Our middle and high school youth met at the church on November 20 for a delicious thanksgiving dinner, games and a time to give thanks for the many blessings in their lives!

Stop Covid Sign

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Baptism and New Members

Lectionary Readings

Weekly Readings from the Bible

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 November 27: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44.
Readings for December 4: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-19; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12.
Readings for December 11: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 145:5-10; Luke 1:46-55; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11.

More Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News