A Message from Our Kahu

On Easter morning, Mary Magdalene did not recognize Jesus, who was standing there in her midst and talking to her. Seven of the male disciples did not recognize Jesus when he stood on the lakeshore and had a conversation with them. Throughout history, church leaders have failed to recognize Jesus as he appeared over time. And today there are times when we too do not recognize Jesus as he shows up in our midst. One reason is that Jesus shows up in so many different ways, and we all have our preferred ways. I’m guessing most of us also can think of ways that we would rather Jesus not show up—for most instances of divine presence and direction tend to be inconvenient, to say the least, and possibly even disorienting or causing us to live our lives in a completely different way! One thing I am pretty confident about is that Jesus always shows up in love: love for me and love for you, love for family and friends, love for strangers and enemies, love for those who make important policy decisions and those on the margins of society. My prayer for you is that you would be open to any way that Jesus shows up in your life and in the world so that you will both recognize Jesus and joyfully serve him!

Aloha nui loa!
Kahu Alan Akana

Prayers & Squares

A Quilt For Ukraine

Support Ukrainian Refugees By Getting “LUCKY DRAWING” Tickets!

Thanks to everyone who supported disaster, refugee, immigration and development ministries throughout the world by donating to One Great Hour of Sharing!

Thank you for your generosity!

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, nearly 6 million people have fled Ukraine, mostly women and children. Even more have been displaced within Ukraine. Hands On Global is currently on the Ukrainian border providing medical support to refugees. Cathy Evans has just returned from there! All proceeds from the quilt and any additional donations will go directly to Hands On Global to support their efforts to provide medical assistance to refugees.

A ticket will be drawn on Sunday, May 22, in church. We are requesting donations of $5 per ticket. You don’t need to be present to win.

You can get your tickets the following ways:

• On Sunday mornings
• At church during office hours
• On our website
• Mailing a check to our P.O. box

When getting tickets online or by check, write in the “Comment” section “Ukraine Quilt”.

You may also make a straight donation to Hands on Global by writing in the “Comment” section “Ukraine Donation” (for those who don’t want tickets for the quilt).

DEADLINE for getting tickets at church: Before the worship service on May 22

DEADLINE for getting tickets online or by check: 8 a.m. (HST) on May 19

Call Amber at 907.227.9045 or Penny in the Church office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Cathy Evans returned two weeks ago from the Ukraine/Romania border, working the front lines assisting refugees. She shared some of her experiences with us in church.

Youth Event

Friday, May 13, 6 – 8 P.M.

Calling ALL youth (middle & high school) to our next youth group activity on Friday, May 13, in Moore Hall at Koloa Union Church. We will work on our calendar for the year and begin scheduling future activities; also fundraising planning and discuss the Aha Paeaina Youth Event in Honolulu June 16 – 18, 2022. As always, we will have FUN!

Friends are welcome!

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

Saturday, June 4 Parade: 9-10 a.m.
Festival: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the Kauai Pride Parade and then have a 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!

More information will be coming in late May and early June.

Be sure to check the next edition of The Weekly News and listen for announcements on Sunday mornings.

In the meantime, please sign up on Sundays or contact Penny at the church office by Sunday, May 29, for the following:

—Walk in the parade
—Ride in the parade (limited availability)
—Set up KUC’s table at the festival before 10:00 a.m.
—Sit at the table in 1-hour shifts from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m

Petecost Sunday

Join us on Sunday, June 5, 2022 for

Strengthen The Church

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH

“All Together”

Sunday, June 5

Each year on Pentecost, we join other United Church of Christ congregations in collecting the “Strengthen the Church” special offering…. Thank you for your generosity!

Memebership Gathering

Sunday, June 5 Noon – 2:00 p.m.

Kahu and our Deacons will spend a couple of hours with those who wish to learn more about our church and what is involved in membership. You will learn about our history, how we function as a congregation, our connection to the wider Church, the benefits and responsibilities of membership, and more. It will also be a time for participants to ask questions.

Although there is no expectation for participants to join the church, those who wish to do so will be able to join the church on a future designated Sunday during the worship service. There will be opportunities on other Sundays as well.

You are invited to bring a sack lunch (or a snack) and a drink, as we will eat together on the patio before we meet.

Please RSVP to Penny Osuga in the church office by May 29.

Youth Director Update

Search Committee Update

The Youth Director Search Committee met last week and will begin interviewing candidates in early June. Please keep the committee in your prayers as they seek to find the best Youth Director to present to the Church Council by the end of June.

Please click the link “Position Description” for more information and the link “Employment Application” to apply; and if you know anyone whom you would like to see in this position, be sure to pass along this information!

Hookipa Wellness Class

A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors

Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos

Sundays 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (Usually not the 3rd Sunday of the month)

Please register with RoseTatiana before attending: call or text (808)652-8985 or email at [email protected]

Mahalo nui loa to RoseTatiana for your ongoing commitment to the health of our kupuna!!!

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Doug Duvauchelle and Debbie Gunning for providing our beautiful and inspiring music for our worship service!

RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for the beautiful hula.

We always look forward to having our youth serve as Sunday lay readers. Thank you, Krayson Dao.

Michael Horning for welcoming everyone to Sunday service by blowing the pu shell!

Thank you, Chuck and Joey Rebb for the beautiful tropical flowers!

Congratulations!

Krayson Dao

Kauai High School Class of 2022

We honored Krayson in church on May 8!

Congratulations to Krayson, Parents Taylor & Van Sakimae, Grandparents Bruce & Becky Sakimae!

Thanks to Krayson for being one of our faithful youth lay readers!

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 May 8 are Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30.

Readings for May 15 are Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35.

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Memorial Day