Church News: June 22nd, 2022

by | Jun 22, 2022 | News

A Message from Our Kahu

image of Smithsonian museum of African American History & Culture
“No Longer Slave or Free”
On Sunday, I shared with the congregation about my time in Jamestown, Virginia, where the first slaves from Africa arrived in 1619 on soil that was to become the Unites States. I also shared some of my written reflections regarding my visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture the day before. I visited both of these places just a few weeks ago while I was on my study leave. The massive Smithsonian building is in the shape of a slave ship with four stories above ground, which focus on heritage, community and culture, and three levels below ground focussing on history. I was with my friend David, who lives in the D.C. area, and we were told that it is best to start at the very bottom level and work our way up.
Suffice it to say that by the time we got to the ground level, I was emotionally spent. There is so much sad history in our nation as well as so much perseverance, drive and hope! However, a person can only take in so much emotional trauma and hope at once, and so David and I decided that we would each have to return to the museum at a later date in order to see the four stories above ground!
One of the things I learned at the museum was that Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans since June 19, 1865, when news of the end of the Civil War came to Galveston, Texas, the final location in the American South where slaves were freed after four long wars of bloody battles for their freedom. Last year, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, thus making June 19 a federal holiday. It is a day for Americans to reflect on the importance of freedom for all people and to recognize that freedom has come to us at great cost of blood, sweat and tears. Our nation has made great strides toward equality and freedom since the end of the Civil War, but I have no doubt that we still have a lot of work to do in order for freedom and equality to fully work their way through all segments of our society.
The Apostle Paul wrote in his Letter to the Galatians, “There is no longer slave or free…for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” To Paul, the Gospel meant freedom, and he knew that there were many forms of slavery in human life and community. May we all live free and do whatever we can to ensure that everyone lives free in our nation and in the world.
Aloha nui loa!
Kahu Alan Akana
Watch Past Services

Our New Youth Director!

Tiffany Marrotte
On Sunday, the Church Council voted unanimously to offer the position of Youth Director to Tiffany Marrotte, which she will begin on July 1!
Tiffany grew up in Koloa Union Church and has served for years as our Sunday School Superintendent and has overseen our youth program. She will now work 20 hours a week with our middle and high school students as she oversees a comprehensive youth program.
The Church Council expresses mahalo nui to the Youth Director Search Committee for their good work over the past few months and offering Tiffany’s name to the Council for approval. The committee consisted of Joni Ito, Trudi Shim, Amber Strong and Kahu.
Join us on Sunday as we
congratulate Tiffany as our Youth Director!

Opening & Affirming

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Open & Affirming Sunday June 26, 2022

The last Sunday in June is designated “Open & Affirming Sunday” (ONA) in the United Church of Christ. Since Koloa Union Church was officially designated an ONA Congregation in 2019, we will celebrate our important commitment to welcome all people into the life and membership of our church!

Join us on Sunday as we celebrate our Open & Affirming commitment!

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

Kauai Pride Parade Festival
Pentecost Sunday Koloa Union Church

On Saturday, June 4, Koloa Union Church once again participated in the Kauai Pride Parade and had a table set up during the festival. We had 16 members and friends of the church walk in the parade letting the community know that our church welcomes everyone!

Koloa Plantation Days Parade

Pentecost Sunday Koloa Union Church

Saturday, July 30, 2022
“Gather Together Again”

Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the parade! We hope to have a float, a walking contingency, music, and hopefully a vehicle for people to ride in who are unable to walk the parade route. If you have any ideas, please speak with Michael Horning, Penny Osuga or Kahu.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., but we normally meet quite a bit earlier to decorate, line up down the street at the school, and visit with one another. Look for all the details in the July 13 Weekly News.

In the meantime, please save the date on your calendar!

Salvation Army Lunch

Stop Covid Sign

June 29, 2022

Koloa Union Church volunteers will be serving lunch at the Hanapepe Salvation Army on Wednesday, June, 29, 2022. Please contact Amber if you would like to volunteer.

Volunteers may either carpool from the church or meet at the Salvation Army at 10 a.m.

Prayers & Squares

Stop Covid Sign

The next meeting will be in Moore Hall Tuesday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

And let us all remember… It’s not about the quilts; It’s about the prayers!

Strengthen The Church

Stop Covid Sign
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH
Special Mission Offering
“All Together”
Thank you for your generosity!

Steve accompanied Becky and Miss Kairi as they sang  ”Jesus Loves the Little Children”

Our Stewardship Chair, Norma, talked about the “Strengthen the Church” offering and thanked everyone for continued generous support.

Hookipa Wellness Class

Rev Dr Walt Weiss Koloa Union Church
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

Steve Sparks, Becky Sakimae, Doug Duvauchelle for providing beautiful and inspiring music for our worship service! RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for beautiful hula. Michael Horning for welcoming everyone to Sunday service by blowing the pu shell!
Chuck and Joey Rebb for the beautiful tropical flowers!

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 June 19: 1 Kings 19:1-16; Psalm 42 and 43; Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39.
Readings for June 26: 2 Kings 2:1-14; Psalm 77:1-20; 1 Kings 19:15-21; Psalm 16; Galatians 5:1-25; Luke 9:51-62.
Readings for July 3: 2 Kings 5:1-14; Psalm 30; Isaiah 66:10-14; Psalm 66:1-9; Galatians 6:1-16; Luke 10:1-20.
Readings for July 10: Amos 7:7-17; Psalm 82; Deuteronomy 30:9-14; Psalm 25:1-10; Colossians 1:1-14; Luke 10:25-37.

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Huge mahalo to Sydney & Caleb (and Paul and Joni) for prepping and painting the walkway! It’s so clean and safe!!!!

Ezra is working on tonight’s dinner menu for Kiawe Roots!!!!

Aunty Tiff and Aunty Bonnie were there to watch Miss Kairi at her dance recital!!!!

Congratulations, Miss Kairi, for her talented performance at her dance recital!!! I understand she was in four dances!!

So happy having Bridget in church!!!

Don and Sharon were in Tennessee to watch grandson, Kurt, win a championship!

JoAnne and Penny in Kokee with visiting Oregon friend, Karen. It was a beautiful, warm, clear day. Lunch at Kokee Lodge was delicious!

Office Close Independence Day

The church office will be closed
Monday, July 4, in commemoration of Independence Day
The next Weekly News will be July 13.

A Message From Kahu: June 22nd, 2022

by | Jun 22, 2022 | Message from Kahu

image of Smithsonian museum of African American History & Culture
On Sunday, I shared with the congregation about my time in Jamestown, Virginia, where the first slaves from Africa arrived in 1619 on soil that was to become the Unites States. I also shared some of my written reflections regarding my visit to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture the day before. I visited both of these places just a few weeks ago while I was on my study leave. The massive Smithsonian building is in the shape of a slave ship with four stories above ground, which focus on heritage, community and culture, and three levels below ground focussing on history. I was with my friend David, who lives in the D.C. area, and we were told that it is best to start at the very bottom level and work our way up.
Suffice it to say that by the time we got to the ground level, I was emotionally spent. There is so much sad history in our nation as well as so much perseverance, drive and hope! However, a person can only take in so much emotional trauma and hope at once, and so David and I decided that we would each have to return to the museum at a later date in order to see the four stories above ground!
One of the things I learned at the museum was that Juneteenth has been celebrated by African Americans since June 19, 1865, when news of the end of the Civil War came to Galveston, Texas, the final location in the American South where slaves were freed after four long wars of bloody battles for their freedom. Last year, President Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law, thus making June 19 a federal holiday. It is a day for Americans to reflect on the importance of freedom for all people and to recognize that freedom has come to us at great cost of blood, sweat and tears. Our nation has made great strides toward equality and freedom since the end of the Civil War, but I have no doubt that we still have a lot of work to do in order for freedom and equality to fully work their way through all segments of our society.
The Apostle Paul wrote in his Letter to the Galatians, “There is no longer slave or free…for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” To Paul, the Gospel meant freedom, and he knew that there were many forms of slavery in human life and community. May we all live free and do whatever we can to ensure that everyone lives free in our nation and in the world.

 

Aloha nui loa!
Kahu Alan Akana

A Message From Kahu: June 2nd, 2022

by | Jun 2, 2022 | Message from Kahu

Picture of a lamb in a tall grass looking at the camera

It has been an amazing three weeks on the East Coast! The highlight was the wedding of my son Palani to Isobel Mifsud in New York City! The wedding was beautiful, and it was so nice to gather with family and friends, and finally meet Isobel’s parents and sister who flew over from England! From there I took a train to Philadelphia to see the sites for a couple of days and then onto the D.C. area for an entire week. I then drove in a rental car to southern Virginia to see more historic sites and also visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden where they will feature my art when they celebrate the opening of a state of the art conservatory that will feature tropical plants and trees! On my final day, I took a leisurely drive through Maryland and Delaware to catch my flight home from New York.

Except for NYC, it was my first time to visit these places. There was a lot of history to take in from all the museums, monuments, statues, battlefields, historic homes, and so much more. I look forward to sharing some of my thoughts on Sunday mornings during the coming weeks, especially from my time in Philadelphia and D.C. One thought in particular that stands out to me is that there are many ways to be a democracy and even more ways to structure a government—and some of those ways are certainly better than others.

In the meantime, I look forward to celebrating Pentecost on Sunday as we consider what it means to be filled with Spirit. Just as there are many ways to understand democracy and government, there are also many ways to understand God’s Spirit and be the Church—and some of those ways are better than others!

Let us discover together how we can be filled with the Spirit and honor the life and teachings of Jesus!

Aloha nui loa!
Kahu Alan Akana

Church News: June 2nd, 2022

by | Jun 2, 2022 | News

A Message from Our Kahu

It has been an amazing three weeks on the East Coast! The highlight was the wedding of my son Palani to Isobel Mifsud in New York City! The wedding was beautiful, and it was so nice to gather with family and friends, and finally meet Isobel’s parents and sister who flew over from England! From there I took a train to Philadelphia to see the sites for a couple of days and then onto the D.C. area for an entire week. I then drove in a rental car to southern Virginia to see more historic sites and also visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden where they will feature my art when they celebrate the opening of a state of the art conservatory that will feature tropical plants and trees! On my final day, I took a leisurely drive through Maryland and Delaware to catch my flight home from New York.
Except for NYC, it was my first time to visit these places. There was a lot of history to take in from all the museums, monuments, statues, battlefields, historic homes, and so much more. I look forward to sharing some of my thoughts on Sunday mornings during the coming weeks, especially from my time in Philadelphia and D.C. One thought in particular that stands out to me is that there are many ways to be a democracy and even more ways to structure a government—and some of those ways are certainly better than others.
In the meantime, I look forward to celebrating Pentecost on Sunday as we consider what it means to be filled with Spirit. Just as there are many ways to understand democracy and government, there are also many ways to understand God’s Spirit and be the Church—and some of those ways are better than others!
Let us discover together how we can be filled with the Spirit and honor the life and teachings of Jesus!
Aloha nui loa!
Kahu Alan Akana
What Past Services

Prayers & Squares

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. Our church responded by giving to the United Church of Christ’s One Great Hour of Sharing and to Hands on Global, the organization which Cathy Evans worked with when she volunteered on the Ukraine border this spring.
In addition, Prayers & Squares volunteers created a beautiful quilt in the colors of the Ukrainian flag and asked members and friends to make a donation to “Hands on Global,” which provides critical medical assistance in Ukraine and across its border. We then had a drawing to the lucky winner of the quilt.
We raised an impressive $3,170!
Thank you to everyone from near and far for your support!
Congratulations to Chris and Michelle Molina,
whose names were drawn!
Here Is an Update from Lina
A “Hands on Global” Team Member
Update from Chernivtsi
Small steps can make a huge difference for a few people. Many weeks into my work in Ukraine with my tiny team, I see how big an impact we have on individual persons we meet. Not everyone of course, but for someone it can be life changing. Everyday we see a lot of children with viral infections and runny noses. We give them cough syrup, vitamins and listen to their mothers’ worries. They have maybe spent 40 days in a bomb shelter, and are afraid the kids are damaged for life because of the experiences. We see a lot of people with high blood pressure, that is also stressed because of the situation, and didn’t take their medication for a long time. We meet grandmothers with heart problems, crying and telling us they wish they stayed at home in Mariupol and died there. We meet disabled children and adults, and people with life- threatening diseases that were ready for treatment when the war started. We try our best to arrange and provide both medication and treatment here or abroad, and offer to help in the process.
Thank you for all your support and donations! We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone!
Lina
May 12 at 11:28 AM
Let us remember to pray for the people of Ukraine
and all those who receive our quilts…
And remember…
It’s not about the quilts; it’s about the prayers!

Youth Event

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

Friday, May 13, 6 – 8 P.M.

Calling ALL youth! Middle & high school students (including recent graduates from elementary school) are invited to our next youth group activity on Friday, June 10, in Moore Hall at Koloa Union Church.
Dinner is included!
Friends are welcome!

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

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!

If you can participate in the parade:

Arrive at the Vidinha Stadium parking lot by 8:15 a.m.
Park on the north end of the parking lot (closest to the soccer field & KPD);
then meet the rest of us on the south end of the parking lot (closer to Rice St).
You may leave your vehicle at the parking lot or at the civic center
parking lot for the remainder of the parade and festival.

Parade Staging
Koloa Union Church will be entry #11:
2nd entry in the 3rd row: Yellow (Y).

We need to be ready to line up, all ready to go, at 8:40 a.m.

We will start moving into position at 8:50 a.m.

The parade will begin at 9:00 a.m.
and will end at the Historic County Building.

Preparing for Weather
We will likely be in the sun most of the time,
so consider wearing sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.
Feel free to bring an umbrella.
Bottles of water will be provided.

Covid-19 Safety
Since the parade is outdoors, there is no need to wear a face mask.
However, the organizers suggest that all participants bring masks
in case of emergency or if you will be near others after the parade.
Of course, you are always welcome to wear a mask at any time.

Restrooms
There will be restrooms at the beginning and end of the parade route.

Additional Participants
Please invite friends and family member to join us in the parade.
They can show up even at the last minute.
The more, the merrier!

Festival after the Parade
On the Lawn in front of the Historic County Building

There will be 4 hours of food, music and entertainment!
Our church will also have a table!

If you signed up to sit at the table, we want to have
2 volunteers at all times to hang out, hand out stickers,
information about Koloa Union Church, answer questions, etc.

If you haven’t signed up to sit at the table,
feel free to drop by and say hello!

Just look for our church table under the big tent.

Petecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday Koloa Union Church

Join us on Sunday, June 5, 2022 for

PENTECOST SUNDAY!
It is also Communion Sunday!
The color of Pentecost is RED.

Strengthen The Church

Stop Covid Sign

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH

Special Mission Offering

“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 which supports the expansion of ministry and growth of the local UCC congregations, helps create a just world for all by investing in new ministries. Your generous gifts will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults.
Special offering envelopes will be available in the bulletins on Sunday morning. You may also give online or send a check to the church office. Be sure to write “Strengthen the Church” or “STC” on the online comment box or on the note section of your check.
Thank you for your generosity!

Youth Director Update

Search Committee Update

The Youth Director Search Committee met again this week and plans to present a candidate for the position to the Church Council at their June meeting.

Youth Director Position

Hookipa Wellness Class

Rev Dr Walt Weiss Koloa Union Church

A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors

Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos

Hookipa Wellness Class
A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors
Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballo
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
Mahalo nui loa to RoseTatiana for your
ongoing commitment to the health
of our kupuna!!!

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Thank you, Rev. Dr. Peggy Price, for filling our pulpit with her powerful message: “The Whole of Creation”
Thank you, Rev. Caroline Miura, for your always energetic and stimulating sermons. This week: “Love Lights the Way.” Today’s takeaway: “Always aspire to inspire before we expire!”
Thank you, Rev. Dr. Walt Weiss, for filling our pulpit with your thought-provoking sermon: “United in Love.”
Mahalo nui loa…
Steve Sparks and Becky Sakimae, Doug Duvauchelle, Chris and Michelle Molina for providing beautiful and inspiring music for our worship service!
RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for the beautiful hula.
Michael Horning for welcoming everyone
to Sunday service by blowing the pu shell!
Thank you, Chuck and Joey Rebb for the beautiful tropical flowers!

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 29: Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12-21; John 17:20-26
Readings for June 5: Acts 2:1-21; Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:24-36; Romans 8:14-17; John 14:8-27.
Readings for June 12: Proverbs 8:1-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15.
Readings for June 19: 1 Kings 19:1-16; Psalm 42 and 43; Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39.

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Karen Johnson assisting the deacons by greeting Gayle by offering her a Sunday bulletin

Karen Johnson performing at Kukui Grove with the Kauai Chorale!! All songs were in Hawaiian!!!

Krayson on graduation night at Kauai High with his very proud Grandma!!! All the rain did not dampen their smiles!!

The “Karen Johnson Fan Club” at Kukui Grove enjoying the Kauai Chorale!!!

5th grade graduation from Koloa School for Caleb Ito!!! Cool dude!!!

Congratulations to Michael! Recently voted VP of the Kauai Association UCC!!!! Karen Johnson assisting the deacons by greeting Gayle by offering her a Sunday bulletin

Miss Reign on her graduation night at Waimea High with her very proud Grandpa and Grandma!!!

2022 Kauai Poke Festival Contest at Koloa Landing. Taylor, Van and 2 very proud moms!!!!

Winner! Winner! Poke dinner! Taylor, Van, Koloa Landing Executive Chef Gavin Onishi and Kaulana Baptiste of Kiawe Roots!! Kauai Poke’s Banh Mi Poke won 2nd place!!!

Koloa School May Day Miss Kairi

Koloa School May Day Kron

Koloa School May Day Kron

Memorial Day

The church office will be closed
The church office will be closed Thursday, June 9, in commemoration of Kamehameha Day! Kahu will not be available in the church office June 15-16, as he will be attending Aha Paeaina (Hawaii Conference Annual Gathering)
The next Weekly News will be June 22.