A Message from Kahu

by admin | Jun 18, 2014 | Message from Kahu

On Sunday I presented a new cross to Koloa Union Church from my son Palani and me in memory of my mother and father. The cross is made from curly koa and specifically designed for the space above our communion table. My hope is that everyone who enters our sanctuary will be inspired by the beauty of the cross; after all, it is the symbol of our Christian faith! I also felt that it was important to have a cross that represents our Hawaiian identity; so I asked the artist Frank Pullano of Kalaheo to make the most beautiful cross he could imagine for our particular space out of koa. I am convinced that he rose to the challenge! It was especially meaningful to present the cross on Father’s Day and so soon after my mother’s death just a few weeks ago.

A NEW CROSS FOR KOLOA UNION CHURCH

After presenting the cross, I shared with the congregation about the importance of hope. After listening to the South African theologian Allan Boesak twice last week, I decided to talk about some of his thoughts. He spoke of Hope as a woman with children: “a mother with two daughters, and their names are Anger and Courage.” As he gave names to Hope and her children, I could see how he was able to embrace her during the dark days of his imprisonment in a South African prison, where he served time for taking a stand against apartheid. For him, Hope was more than just wishful thinking. She was personalized in a way that helped him to fight against injustice even when he could not see how he could win that fight. Because of Hope, he kept fighting until the battle was won and the regime of apartheid ended. My prayer is that the symbol of our faith will give us the inspiration to embrace Hope in that same way, even when we cannot see or know how things will turn out…even when we doubt…even when all we can do is know that the love represented in that cross might be all we have left.

Kahu Alan Akana

A Message from Kahu

by admin | Jun 11, 2014 | Message from Kahu

PENTECOST CELEBRATION

New Members and Newly Baptized – Pentecost Sunday – June 8, 2014

We celebrated a truly wonderful Pentecost Sunday at Koloa Union Church! Three people were baptized and six people joined the church! In case you can’t tell from the photo, the color of Pentecost is red! We celebrated with red “Duvauchelle Special” plumeria leis, red ginger and a brand new Hawaiian-themed red banner and matching paraments made by our friend Amy Sugano!

New Members and Newly Baptized – Pentecost Sunday – June 8, 2014Our theme for the day was “I Will Pour Out My Spirit” from the prophet Joel and the 2nd Chapter of Acts:

I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;

your sons and your daughters shall prophesy;

your old men shall dream dreams;

your young men shall see visions;

even on the male and female slaves,

in those days, I will pour out my spirit.

I shared some of my dreams and visions for my life and for the church, and invited the congregation to think of their dreams and visions. I believe it is essential that we share our dreams and visions with one another, and tell each other how the Spirit is showing up in our lives and upon our hearts. As we do this during the coming months, we will create a vision for our church, and that vision will guide us in all that we do to make Koloa Union Church a place of extravagant hospitality, meaningful community and significant encounters with God!

Kahu Alan Akana

THEOLOGIAN ALLAN BOESAK TO SPEAK

World-renowned South African theologian Allan Boesak will be speaking at Kapa’a United Church of Christ (1315 Ulu St.) at 6:30 on Thursday, June 12. His book Dare We Speak of Hope will be available for purchase. A potluck dinner will be served at 5:30. Carpooling will be available from Koloa Union Church at 4:30 for those who contact Kahu Alan Akana ahead of time (650-400-5057).

TRINITY SUNDAY / FATHER’S DAY

Join us on Sunday, June 15th, for Trinity Sunday when we celebrate God as Holy Trinity! We will also give thanks for all of the fathers in our midst and the father figures who have made a difference in our lives. After the worship service, we will have a potluck luncheon in honor of fathers–hosted by the women of the church!

SAFE CHURCH WORKSHOP

Author, Founder and Senior Consultant of Kyros Ministry, Dr. Kibbie Ruth will lead Koloa Union Church in a workshop on Safe Churches from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 21. Special attention will be given to children, youth, the elderly and other vulnerable populations in most churches. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Dr. Kibbie Ruth