Church News: October 8th, 2025

Church Office Closed

The church office will be closed on… Monday, October 13 in observance of Indigenous People Day

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

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

Watch the most recent worship service

Watch ALL of Our Worship Services

Please Share!

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

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

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

Commitment Sunday

On October 26 we will dedicate our commitments for the 2026 budget during the worship service. Please bring your commitment card with you to church so that it will be included for our blessing. If you won’t be able to make it to the worship service, please drop it off at church ahead of time or mail your card to the church post office box number. The Finance Committee will draw up next year’s budget based upon our anticipated income, which will be determined primarily by the commitments we receive by early November.

Commitment cards will be sent in the mail to all those on our stewardship mailing list, and there will be extras on the 26th. Please contact the church office if you need a commitment card.

“A Theology of Generosity”

By Kahu Alan Akana

Kahu Akana wrote the lead article for the current issue of “The Friend,” known as the oldest newspaper west of the Rocky Mountains, founded in 1843 in Hawaii.

In the article, Kahu writes about his roots on Hawaii Island and what he has learned about generosity from Kilauea Volcano.

Click HERE to read the article. There’s also a photo of Kahu, Carmela and Ezra on page 4!

To learn more about what Kahu has learned from Kilauea Volcano, his book, The Volcano Is Our Home: Nine Generations of a Hawaiian Family on Kilauea Volcano is available at Alan Akana Gallery, Balboa Press, and Amazon.com.

The Friend is published five times a year by the Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ. You can request a copy or subscribe by contacting the Hawaii Conference Office at hcucc@hcucc.org. Available in digital and hard copy.

Coconut Wireless
For those of you who want to know more about what’s going on in the Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ, as well as UCC news at the national level, you can also sign up on that same link to receive the weekly HCUCC digital newsletter called Coconut Wireless. For this week’s issue click HERE to read about a church fire on Hawaii Island, the passing of a beloved Kahu, Pastor Appreciation Month, and much, much more.

Member Spotlight

LECTIONARY READINGS

Steve and Yvonne

Yvonne Stoner was born and raised in Valparaiso, located in the northwest corner of the state of Indiana, where she attended Sunday school and worship services at a local Lutheran church. Yvonne still has family in the area: a sister and brother-in-law and their 2 children, as well as a brother and his two children.

After graduating from Valparaiso High School, Yvonne continued her education at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, where she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees. After college, Yvonne worked as a medical technologist in the hospital laboratory and the hospital blood bank at Ball Memorial Hospital. After marrying Steve, the two of them were involved with the local PeeWee Football league. Steve served as president of the league for a time, and they both helped to provide support for local youth.

After obtaining a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) and relocating to St. Paul, Minnesota, Yvonne worked for 3M Company. There she had a variety of positions in both product development and quality assurance. While living in Minnesota, she attended the United Church of Christ in New Brighton. Shortly after they joined the church, the pastor was Rev. Beth Donaldson, who had been the former Kahu at the Kapaa United Church of Christ.

When Yvonne and Steve moved to Kauai in July 2015, they attended several UCC churches before driving down to the south side. Yvonne says, “The warm welcome and friendliness has continued to bring us back every Sunday to Koloa Union Church. The music, dancing, messages and activities are continued reminders of why we are members of KUC.” Yvonne’s faith is especially important to her because it helps to keep her grounded in values and principals that are inspiring. Yvonne currently serves as the Recording Secretary for the Church Council. She and Steve also enjoy participating in Aloha Hour meals and church breakfasts every month.

Recently, Yvonne and Steve have been singing with the Kauai Chorale and enjoy the music and friendships that they have made. Living on beautiful Kauai, enjoying time with Steve, friends, family and church family helps keep Yvonne grounded in life. During their free time, Yvonne and Steve enjoy attending local hula, musical and theater events. They also enjoy reading, exercising, spending time with neighbors and watching movies. Yvonne also enjoys playing New York Times puzzles every day: Wordle, Connections, and Mini-Crossword.

Lectionary Readings

LECTIONARY READINGS

Wednesday, November 12th 7-8:30 pm

Smith Memorial Parsonage

Lectio Divina is a time to silently reflect together on a repeated reading from the Bible and then share with one another about the experience (if so desired). Please let Kahu or Karen Johnson know if you plan to attend.

Art Gallary

Summer Book Group Koloa Union Church "Jesus and John Wayne"

by Kristin Kobes Du Mez
Summer Book Group Koloa Union Church "Jesus and John Wayne"

by Kristin Kobes Du Mez

Youth Gathering

For Middle School & High School Youth

Sundays at the Church 4:45-7:00 p.m. October 12 & 26

RSVP: Youth are asked to RSVP to Aunty Tiffany for all youth events!

Volunteers: See sign-up sheet if you can provide a meal for the youth or if you are interested in helping out in another way.

Youth holiday events church christian christmas gathering
Youth christmas church gathering holiday events

Kupuna Connections

Kupuna Connections

October 15 and 29 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Brought to you by the Agency on Elderly Affairs Please join us for another enlightening session on staying healthy and safe on your digital devices. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required. Bring your devices and questions.

Church Breakfast

Tuesday, October 28th 8-9:30 a.m.

Breakfast in The Shops at Kukui`ula! Living Foods 2829 Ala Kalanikaumaka St. Suite 124

Join us on the 4th Tuesday of the month for delicious food and a fun time getting to know others from Koloa Union Church! Location each month to be determined. RSVP on the sign-up sheet or by contacting the church office

Salvation Army Lunch

Wednesday, October 29

Looking for volunteers to serve a meal to hungry people on the west side! You can carpool from the church or meet at the Hanapepe Salvation Army at 10:00 a.m. Please let Belinda Bartels or Becky Sakimae know if you would like to volunteer to serve lunch.

November Aloha Hour

Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy

Sunday, November 2nd

A Special Meal in Memory Of Miyeko Yamane

Sunday, November 2 Following the Worship Service We will enjoy a special catered lunch as we honor the life and gifts of Miyeko Yamane, Naomi Giovanni’s mother, who was married to Rev. Susumu Yamane, our former pastor, and was very active in the life of the church, including Aloha Hour back in the 1960’s!

The Church Council decided to honor Miyeko Yamane by naming the new church kitchen in her memory. A memorial plaque with her name will be affixed at the main door of the kitchen. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you are able to bring food!

Prayers and Squares

Kauai Quilting Class Prayer Meeting Koloa

Prayers and Squares – Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers & Squares continues to meet in Moore Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. once a month on a Tuesday, where we spend most of our time promoting prayer by creating hand-tied quilts. Volunteers with all ranges of quilting experience may join for prayer, fellowship, stitching, and learning about quilting. The motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.” If you or someone in your ohana are in need of a tangible representation of prayer, please contact Debbie Gunning to request a quilt.

DONATE TODAY

Craft Night

Church Craft night poipu

November 5th & December 3rd 6:00 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Join us for fun craft nights as we prepare for the holidays

Lectionary Readings

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 October 12: Jeremiah 29:1-7; Psalm 66:1-12; 2 Kings 5:1-16; Psalm 111; 2 Timothy 2:8-15; Luke 17:11-19

Readings for October 19: Jeremiah 31:27-34; Psalm 119:97-104; Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 121; 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5; Luke 18:1-8

Readings for October 26: Joel 2:23-32; Psalm 65; Jeremiah 14:7-10; Psalm 84:1-7; 2 Timothy 4:6-18; Luke 18:9-14

Readings for November 2: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 119:137-144; Isaiah 1:10-18; Psalm 32:1-7; Luke 19:1-10

Help us with the newsletter!

The KUC Newsletter is how we stay in touch! We send out our Newsletter on a monthly basis in order to keep everyone updated on what is going on at Koloa Union Church.

Be sure to see the pictures and images! If you don’t see any photographs and images by now (like a picture of our church directly above), you are missing out! You can usually fix this issue by clicking “View images” (usually at the very top of the email) in order to see the great photos and images throughout the Newsletter!

Be sure to see ALL of the news! You may not be seeing all of the KUC Newsletter! Some email servers “clip” the message in order to save storage space, so be sure to click on “View entire message” if it appears (usually at the bottom of the email). Otherwise, you’ll be missing out on someof the news!

Add to the KUC Newsletter! Scroll to the bottom of this email to learn how to add any announcements to the Newsletter or add an email to receive future editions! The next edition of the Newsletter will be April 9. Deadline for articles is April 6 Early submissions are greatly appreciated!

A Message From Kahu: October 8th, 2025

A Message From Our Kahu

Generosity and Sharing

Some give freely yet grow all the richer;
  others withhold what is due and only suffer want.

(Proverbs 11:24)

Our stewardship theme this year is “The More You Share, The More You Catch.” It’s a Hawaiian fishing proverb pointing to the results of generosity and sharing. The idea is that when you generously share with others, you end up having more to share. It’s a way of looking at the world that goes back millennia across many different cultures. A wise Jewish sage wrote the proverb written above which points to this same idea.

I consider myself to be exceptionally blessed to lead a congregation that has been so generous over the years and has grown in our understanding of what it means to be generous stewards of all that God has given to us. As we focus on the theme of stewardship during the month of October, there are two things I would love to see. First, I would love to see us all take stock of our many blessings, which includes our time, our talents and our treasures, and give thanks to God for it all! Second, I would love for us each to consider how we can use those blessings to allow Koloa Union Church to have our greatest year ever in terms of reaching out to the community and providing for the greatest needs of the people around us.

What are some of those opportunities? Providing food for the hungry is certainly one. Educational opportunities for all ages is another. Bring together middle and high school students to talk, learn and grow together in a safe space is yet another. Providing space for people to express political anxieties and fears, and then offering comfort in conversation, prayer and emotional support is also one. These are current ministries of ours that we can increase in the coming year. What are some others? How would you like to see us grow in terms of meeting the needs of people in our community? How can you generously give of your time, talent and treasures in order for these things to happen?

As you answer these questions, I invite you to pray the prayer of commitment which is written below.

Aloha Nui Loa!
Kahu

Prayer of Commitment

O God,
I acknowledge that you
created people to be generous
just as you are generous.
May 2026 be a year in
which I grow in generosity.
May my gifts to Kōloa Union Church
truly express the gratitude I have
for this congregation and all
you have done for me and so many others.
Amen.

 

Church News: September 10th, 2025

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!

Member Spotlight

Family Movie Night Poipu Koloa Church

Member Spotlight is a new addition to our Newsletter! Each month we will run an article about a church member in order for us all to get to know each other better. If you have someone whom you would like to recommend to be featured in a future Newsletter, please contact the church office.

Thank you, Ellen, for being our very first and for sharing your life with us!

Dr. Ellen Caringer was born in Highland, Illinois, but grew up in Alhambra, a small village of about 500 people near Highland. A favorite childhood memory was her first trip to Hawaii to spend time with her family here. She knew even as a child that Hawaii was where she intended to live as soon as she was able!

Ellen has a Bachelor’s degree in psychology, a Master’s degree in developmental psychology, and a Ph.D. in clinical and developmental psychology with a focus on cross-cultural psychology. After working at Kapiolani Hospital in Honolulu in their counseling department, she then did additional training in the field of neuropsychology. Still working part-time, the her career primarily has had a two-fold focus in clinical child psychology and neuropsychology. A large part of her practice was spent at the intersection of neuropsychology and child psychology, with specific focus on assessment of children with learning disabilities or other brain dysfunctions. She was the only neuropsychologist on Maui for many years and practiced neuropsychology across all age groups. 

In her earlier years, she was very active with the Hawaii Psychological Association, which included work at the legislature pursuing or addressing legislation that affected the practice of psychology, and that affected patients and their wellbeing. “I suppose from the time I was a child, I always felt strongly about righting injustices, and had a particular heart for those who were less fortunate: children, animals, and any groups who were vulnerable to unfairness and mistreatment.”

Ellen is married to Takayuki “Taka” Harada. They have 3 daughters from Taka’s first marriage and four hanai children. They have 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and grandchildren through their hanai kids as well. In addition to that, they have many nieces and nephews and “friends that are like family.” They are never short of company at their house!

Ellen and Taka first attended Koloa Union Church about two years ago after moving from Maui to Kauai (Taka’s childhood home!). “The church was recommended to us by both of our previous pastors on Maui, and I’m so glad they did! Our first Sunday was so lovely and so peaceful and we so enjoyed hearing Doug sing and seeing RoseTatiana dance and marveling at a pastor who could give a sermon with no notes! (I was wishing my memory worked as well!). I keep coming back for the wonderful sermons, great music, and the wonderful warmth of this church family.”

As anyone who attends our church knows, Ellen is an accomplished pianist and loves to play the piano. She is our regular accompanist and is taking a break these days while her finger heals after surgery. She also chairs the church’s Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. She enjoys reading and learning new things, such as Japanese! She also loves planning trips to Ireland and inviting others to join her and Taka. (The photo above was taken by Kahu Akana on the grounds of Ashford Castle in County Galway.) Be sure to get on her list of future participants if you ever want to see Ireland and meet some of the most wonderful Irish people!

When asked what keeps her grounded, Ellen replied, “Absolutely one of those things is Taka: he is one of the kindest, calmest, human beings I’ve had the good fortune of knowing…and he’s a good cook!” “The second thing that comes to mind is that for many years I have been a meditator. I won’t start the day without it and some prayer time. It’s a gift to myself to take the time to still my mind, be centered, and feel the presence of God…. I would also be remiss if I didn’t say that having the love of animals in our lives is another wonderful grounding experience. They keep us grounded in the present moment, and their unconditional love is a model I aspire to!”

When asked about any interesting facts about her life, Ellen responded, “I had two sets of parents who were good friends with each other. My biological parents in Illinois, Marj & Al Caringer, who gave me an amazing foundation in music; and my hanai parents, Abe and Rose Aiona, who lived on Maui. My hanai father was the former Maui Chief of Police and former Office of Hawaiian Affairs Trustee, and that was where I got my immersion in Hawaiian culture.

Finally, Ellen is involved with Indivisible, a nation-wide organization that seeks to protect democracy and the rights of groups who are most vulnerable to exploitation or persecution. She is the leader of Hui Aloha O Hawaii, a faith-based statewide chapter of Indivisible which encourages people of all faiths to take action promoting social justice and protecting democracy in the U.S. If you are concerned about the state of democracy in our nation and wonder how you can make a difference regarding the direction that our country is heading, Ellen has some really good suggestions…so be sure to ask her!

Congrats Tiffany

Tiffany Marrotte, our Christian Education Director, attended and completed another training session:

Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy

Lectionary Readings

LECTIONARY READINGS

Wednesday, September 10th 7-8:30 pm

Smith Memorial Parsonage

Lectio Divina is a time to silently reflect together on a repeated reading from the Bible and then share with one another about the experience (if so desired). Please let Kahu or Karen Johnson know if you plan to attend.

Summer Book Group

Summer Book Group Koloa Union Church "Jesus and John Wayne"</p>
<p>by Kristin Kobes Du Mez

Alan Akana Gallery Fall Reception

Sunday, September 14 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Featuring a Slideshow from Kahu’s Recent Trip

Guatemala 2025: Culture, Art & Flowers

Smith Memorial Parsonage 3281 Waikomo Road (1/2 block from the church)

Parking is available at the church, on the gallery property and on the street.

Can’t make it to the reception? Call the gallery directly to make an appointment to visit: 808-855-8806

When you make a purchase at the gallery, you support the parsonage! Since the gallery opened in the spring of 2017, Kahu has donated the net profit from the gallery to the parsonage fund, which pays to maintain the
care and maintenance of the
building and grounds.

Youth Gathering

For Middle School & High School Youth

Sundays at the Church 4:45-7:00 p.m. September 14 & 28 October 12 & 26

RSVP: Youth are asked to RSVP to Aunty Tiffany for all youth events!

Volunteers: See sign-up sheet if you can provide a meal for the youth or if you are interested in helping out in another way.

Church Breakfast

Tuesday, September 23 8-9:30 a.m.

Breakfast in Koloa Village!

Break + Feast 5460 Koloa Road Upstairs on Koloa Road You may place your order ahead of time. Identify yourself as part of the Koloa Union Church group Join us on the 4th Tuesday of the month for delicious food and a fun time getting to know others from Koloa Union Church! Location each month to be determined. RSVP on the sign-up sheet or by contacting the church office

Movie Night for Adults

Wednesday, October 1st

Moore Hall 5:30 Potluck Dinner 6:00 Movie (Followed by a brief discussion)

“The Shack” is a fun and popular movie about religion and faith, based on the book by the same name. It is also an appropriate movie for teenagers. Please sign up on the bulletin board or contact Tiffany Marrotte at 808-651-1397 to RSVP and sign up to bring something for the potluck. The evening will end at 8:30. Friends are welcome, and this is a great opportunity to introduce people to our church!

Neighbors in Need

Special Mission Offering Sunday, October 5

The Neighbors in Need offering will be collected on Sunday, October 5, 2025. Neighbors in Need is the United Church of Christ’s annual offering to support ministries of justice and compassion throughout the United States, including the Council for American Indian Ministries, justice and advocacy efforts and direct service projects.

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

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

 

World Communion Sunday

October 5 is also World Communion Sunday: the day on which we remember the diversity of all God’s children and welcome seekers and followers of Jesus of all backgrounds & abilities.

Join us for Holy Communion on this special day when we remember that Christian Churches are filled with all kinds of people!

October Aloha Hour

Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy

Sunday, October 5

Following the Worship Service Chili Bar to Welcome Fall We usually enjoy Aloha Hour right after the worship service on the first Sunday of each month. If there is more interest (and volunteers!), we can have Aloha Hour more often. Please check in with Penny Osuga, our Aloha Hour chairperson, if you have any questions or would like to volunteer. See the sign up sheet on the bulletin board for food contributions. Kitchen help is also needed for a successful gathering. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you are able to bring food!

Prayers and Squares

Kauai Quilting Class Prayer Meeting Koloa

Prayers and Squares – Tuesday, October 7, 2025 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers & Squares continues to meet in Moore Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. once a month on a Tuesday, where we spend most of our time promoting prayer by creating hand-tied quilts. Volunteers with all ranges of quilting experience may join for prayer, fellowship, stitching, and learning about quilting. The motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.” If you or someone in your ohana are in need of a tangible representation of prayer, please contact Debbie Gunning to request a quilt.

DONATE TODAY

Lectionary Readings

LECTIONARY READINGS<br />
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 September 14: Jeremiah 4:11-28; Psalm 14; Exodus 32:7-14; Psalm 51:1-10; 1 Timothy 1:12-17; Luke 15:1-10

Readings for September 21: Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; Psalm 79:1-9; Amos 8:4-7; Psalm 113; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13

Readings for September 28: Jeremiah 32:1-15; Psalm 91:1-16; Amos 6:1-7; 1 Timothy 6:6-19; Luke 16:19-31; Psalm 146

Readings for October 5: Lamentations 1:1-6, 3:19-26: Psalm 137; Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4; Psalm 37:1-9; 2 Timothy 1:1-14; Luke 17:5-10

Help us with the newsletter!

The KUC Newsletter is how we stay in touch! We send out our Newsletter on a monthly basis in order to keep everyone updated on what is going on at Koloa Union Church.

Be sure to see the pictures and images! If you don’t see any photographs and images by now (like a picture of our church directly above), you are missing out! You can usually fix this issue by clicking “View images” (usually at the very top of the email) in order to see the great photos and images throughout the Newsletter!

Be sure to see ALL of the news! You may not be seeing all of the KUC Newsletter! Some email servers “clip” the message in order to save storage space, so be sure to click on “View entire message” if it appears (usually at the bottom of the email). Otherwise, you’ll be missing out on someof the news!

Add to the KUC Newsletter! Scroll to the bottom of this email to learn how to add any announcements to the Newsletter or add an email to receive future editions! The next edition of the Newsletter will be April 9. Deadline for articles is April 6 Early submissions are greatly appreciated!

A Message From Kahu: September 10th, 2025

A Message From Our Kahu

Giving Thanks for the Joys of Summer

 

I hope all of you have had a wonderful summer. In case you were wondering, mine was really nice! One of the things that keeps me grounded throughout the year is remembering the seasons and giving thanks for the blessings that fill them. This practice helps me to remain grateful, even during the challenging and frustrating moments that we all experience. As you can see in the photo above, I was blessed with mangoes this summer, and glad I was able to share so many of them with church members, friends and neighbors!

Below are some additional photos of some of the highlights of my summer. As you look them over, I hope you will spend some time giving thanks for the summer blessings you have experienced over the past few months.

Aloha Nui Loa!
Kahu

Church News: August 7th, 2025

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!

Family Movie Night

Family Movie Night Poipu Koloa Church

Family Movie Night
Saturday, August 9th,
6:00-8:30 p.m.

Youth Event

Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy

Youth Gathering For Middle School & High School Youth

Sundays at the Church 4:45-7:00 p.m.

September 14 & 28

Confirmation Retreat August 14-17 Waikeke Cabins in Kokee

Those who have not attended a confirmation retreat are asked to attend before joining the church. Those who have attended a confirmation retreat previously are asked to help with lessons and activities…and join the fun!

Volunteers: Contact Tiffany if you can provide a meal for the youth or if you are interested in helping out in another way.

Kauai Association UCC Youth Gathering

At the Smith Memorial Parsonage Sunday, August 24th 4:00-7:00 p.m. Enjoy games, pizza & fellowship with youth from other UCC churches on Kauai! Bring a dessert to share and your refillable water bottle.

RSVP: Youth are asked to RSVP to Aunty Tiffany for all youth events!

Volunteers: Please contact Tiffany if you can provide a meal for the youth or if you are interested in helping out in another way.

Summer Book Group

Summer Book Group Koloa Union Church "Jesus and John Wayne"

by Kristin Kobes Du Mez

Summer Book Group Wednesdays, July 16 – August 20 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.

“Jesus and John Wayne” by Kristin Kobes Du Mez Dinner will be served at 6 o’clock. Book discussion will begin after dinner.

Discussion Schedule

July 16: Preface, Introduction, Chapter 1
July 23: Chapters 2-4
July 30: Chapters 5-7
August 6: Chapters 8-10
August 13: Chapters 11-13
August 20: Chapters 14-16

Please sign up on the church bulletin board. Please let Kahu know if you can help with a meal. Please purchase your book on Amazon.com or contact the church office asap to purchase a copy for you.

Church Breakfast

Church Breakfast Tuesday, August 26th 8-9:30 a.m.

Join us on the 4th Tuesday of the month for delicious food and a fun time getting to know others from Koloa Union Church! (No breakfast in April) Location each month to be determined. RSVP on the sign-up sheet or by contacting the church office

Prayers and Squares

Kauai Quilting Class Prayer Meeting Koloa

Prayers and Squares – Tuesday, September 2nd, 2025 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers & Squares continues to meet in Moore Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. once a month on a Tuesday, where we spend most of our time promoting prayer by creating hand-tied quilts. Volunteers with all ranges of quilting experience may join for prayer, fellowship, stitching, and learning about quilting. The motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.” If you or someone in your ohana are in need of a tangible representation of prayer, please contact Debbie Gunning to request a quilt.

DONATE TODAY

Aloha Hour

Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy

Next Aloha Hour Sunday, September 7th, 2025 Join us at the beach on July 6!

We usually enjoy Aloha Hour right after the worship service on the first Sunday of each month. If there is more interest (and volunteers!), we can have Aloha Hour more often. Please check in with Penny Osuga, our Aloha Hour chairperson, if you have any questions or would like to volunteer. See the sign up sheet on the bulletin board for food contributions. Kitchen help is also needed for a successful gathering.

Lectionary Readings

LECTIONARY READINGS

Wednesday, September 10th 7-8:30 pm

Smith Memorial Parsonage

Lectio Divina is a time to silently reflect together on a repeated reading from the Bible and then share with one another about the experience (if so desired). Please let Kahu or Karen Johnson know if you plan to attend.

Lectionary Readings

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 August 10: Isaiah 1:1-20; Psalm 50:1-23; Genesis 15:1-6; Psalm 33:12-22; Hebrew 11:1-16; Luke 12:32-40

Readings for August 17: Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:1-19; Jeremiah 23:23-29; Psalm 82; Hebrew 11:29-12:2; Luke 12:49-52

Readings for August 24: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; Isaiah 58:9-14; Psalm 103:1-8; Hebrew 12:18-29; Luke 13:10-17

Readings for August 31: Jeremiah 2:4-13; Psalm 81:1-16; Proverbs 25:6-7; Psalm 112; Hebrew 13:1-16; Luke 14:1-14

Readings for September 7: Jeremiah 18:1-11; Psalm 139:1-18; Deuteronomy 30:15-20; Psalm 1; Philemon 1:1-21; Luke 14:25-33

You Are Loved T-Shirts

you are loved t-shirt for sale

“You are Loved” tees are still available Participants wore this tee shirt at the Kauai Pride Parade in June. We still have a few available: 5 Adult small-$12 1 Youth XL-$5 2 Youth L-$5 1 Youth M-$5 2 Youth XS-$5 Let the church office know if you would like to purchase a tee.

Help us with the newsletter!

The KUC Newsletter is how we stay in touch! We send out our Newsletter on a monthly basis in order to keep everyone updated on what is going on at Koloa Union Church.

Be sure to see the pictures and images! If you don’t see any photographs and images by now (like a picture of our church directly above), you are missing out! You can usually fix this issue by clicking “View images” (usually at the very top of the email) in order to see the great photos and images throughout the Newsletter!

Be sure to see ALL of the news! You may not be seeing all of the KUC Newsletter! Some email servers “clip” the message in order to save storage space, so be sure to click on “View entire message” if it appears (usually at the bottom of the email). Otherwise, you’ll be missing out on someof the news!

Add to the KUC Newsletter! Scroll to the bottom of this email to learn how to add any announcements to the Newsletter or add an email to receive future editions! The next edition of the Newsletter will be April 9. Deadline for articles is April 6 Early submissions are greatly appreciated!