A Message From Kahu: August 7th, 2023

Pastor Alan on sebatical

A Message From Our Kahu

“Wonder All Around Us!”

After spending three months on sabbatical in Europe I returned to Kauai in June with the intention of holding onto the same sense of wonder that I experienced while away. Let me just say, it has not been difficult to do! Soon after my return, I began walking in some of my favorite places on Kauai’s south shore. I came across flocks of nene (Hawaiian goose), a number of `ilioholoikauaua (Hawaiian monk seal), and many honu (Hawaiian green sea turtle)—sometimes dozens at a time on Poipu Beach!

The natural beauty of our island provides enough wonder to last a lifetime. The same can be said for our cultural beauty and aloha. I have been thinking a lot lately about the beauty of community as well. When I look out among the congregation on Sunday mornings, I see beautiful faces and am reminded of the wonder of people who are gathered for the purpose of loving one another and the world.

The Revised Common Lectionary focuses on the Gospel of John for the second half of the summer. (Scroll down to “Lectionary Readings” below to learn more about the RCL.) John highlights the wonder of heaven and earth, body and spirit, Word and flesh—and most importantly, the wonder of God’s love which is abundant and eternal!

I invite you to spend some time every day thinking about the wonder that is all around us. Whether you are reading this on Kauai, on the U.S. mainland, or abroad, just remember that there is beauty and opportunities for wonder all around us!

Aloha Nui Loa!

Kahu

Church News: August 7th, 2023

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Koloa Union Pastor Kahu Alan Akana

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!

Church Office Closed 

The Church Office will be closed on the following dates: August 15th,  September 2nd, 2024

In observance of Hawaii Statehood Day, Juneteenth and Labor

A Celebration of Life

Support Maui Koloa Union Church

Kitchen Update

Stop Covid Sign
Stop Covid Sign

3 Great Loves

Stop Covid Sign

Alan Akana Gallery

Youth Gathering Event Koloa Union Church

We Are Open for Business!

2nd Sundays & By Appointment Drop by and visit!

See what’s new! See what’s coming! After closing temporarily in December, 2023, as Kahu prepared for and enjoyed his sabbatical in Europe, the gallery is now open most days by appointment and will be open on the 2nd Sunday of the month from 2 to 5 p.m. beginning in August.

Re-Opening Reception Sunday, August 11 2 – 5 p.m.

“Overwhelmed with Wonder” Sabbatical Reflections Alan Akana Gallery will host a reception when Kahu will share about his sabbatical at 3 p.m. He will also play a slide show and sign photo books, Overwhelmed with Wonder, from his sabbatical. The slide show and book contain some of his favorite photos from his trip, and the book contains personal reflections about “wonder.”

Alan Akana Gallery Is Located In The Smith Memorial Parsonage 3281 Waikomo Road Koloa, HI 96756 Appointments may be made: By phone: 808-855-8806 By email: alanakanagallery@gmail.com Funds from sales at the gallery support the care and maintenance of the Smith Memorial Parsonage.

Visit Gallery

Lectio Divina

LECTIONARY READINGS

Youth News

Youth Group Events Koloa Kauai Church

Hindu Monastery Tour

Hindu Monastery Tour

Church Breakfast Buffet

Church Breakfast Cup

Tuesday, August 27 8-9:30 a.m. Kauai Poke Co. at Poipu Bay

2250 Ainako Street in Poipu (At the Poipu Bay Golf Course Club House)

Join us for a very special $20 breakfast buffet! Kauai Poke is offering this just to Koloa Union Church! (They are opening the restaurant just for us!) 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.

Prayers & Squares

Kauai Quilting Class Prayer Meeting Koloa

Leadership Retreat

Leadership Retreat Kauai Church Koloa

Saturday, September 14, 2024 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Smith Memorial Parsonage 3281 Waikomo Road

Calling All Leaders, Potential Leaders, and Those Wishing To Participate! The Church Council, Board of Deacons and anyone else who would like to participate, is invited to a Leadership Retreat at the parsonage! We will celebrate our past accomplishments and look ahead to create a new vision for the church, based on what we feel God leading us to be and do. We invite anyone and everyone to join us! We appreciate your input and visions. RSVP by September 3rd

Lectionary Readings

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 August 11: 2 Samuel 18:5-33; Psalm 130; 1 Kings 19:4-8; Psalm 34:1-8; Ephesians 4:25-5:2; John 6:35-511

Readings for August 18: 1 Kings 2:10-3:14; Psalm 111; Proverbs 9:1-6; Psalm 34:9-14; Ephesians 5:15-20; John 6:51-58

Readings for August 25: 1 Kings 8:1-43; Psalm 84; Joshua 24:1-18; Psalm 34:15-22; Ephesians 6:10-20; John 6:56-69

Readings for September 1: Psalm 45:1-9; Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Psalm 15; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-23

Youth Sunday

LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS

Church Workday Success

Thank you to all volunteers who showed up with their buckets, rags, lawn tools, work gloves, enthusiasm and smiles! So much was accomplished inside and outside! There’s more to do, so see Dan or Penny if you would like to do some maintenance work on your own time.

LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS

Youth Gatherings

Kauai Youth Gathering Church
Kauai Youth Gathering Church
Kauai Youth Gathering Church

Koloa Plantation Days Parage

LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
Koloa Union Church Service Volunteers
Koloa Union Church Service Volunteers
Koloa Union Church Service Volunteers
Koloa Union Church Service Volunteers
Koloa Union Church Service Volunteers
Koloa Union Church Service Volunteers
Koloa Union Church Service Volunteers
Koloa Union Church Service Volunteers

Church News: June 5th, 2023

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Koloa Union Pastor Kahu Alan Akana

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!

Church Office Closed 

The Church Office will be closed on the following dates: June 11 & 19,  July 4, 2024

In observance of Kamehameha Day, Juneteenth and Independance Day

Lectio Divina

Support Maui Koloa Union Church

Happy Fathers Day

Stop Covid Sign

CATs For Ukraine

Stop Covid Sign

Youth Gathering

Youth Gathering Event Koloa Union Church

Church Breakfast

LECTIONARY READINGS

Prayers & Squares

Stop Covid Sign
Stop Covid Sign

Lectionary Readings

LECTIONARY READINGS

Sunday Volunteers

LECTIONARY READINGS

More Fun Pictures

LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS

Church News: May 1st, 2023

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Koloa Union Pastor Kahu Alan Akana

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!

Support Maui Koloa Union Church

Pentecost

Support Maui Koloa Union Church

May 19 is Pentecost Sunday! It is the day on which we celebrate the Holy Spirit among us. One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit is fire, which can be used either for purposes that are empowering or destructive. The Book of Acts makes it clear that God’s desire for us is to use our faith and our words to empower not only people but entire communities. When God’s Spirit descended upon the disciples as “tongues of fire,” they began telling people from all over the world what God was up to—not only in their lives but in the entire world. On that day some 3,000 decided to follow the way of Jesus! Pentecost reminds us of the unexpected possibilities when we use our faith and our words to build one another up.

On Pentecost Sunday, let us gather together and celebrate the Holy Spirit among us! Let us invite friends and family members to come and hear how our faith and our words can make a huge difference in the world! Let us give thanks that God’s Spirit is always with us!

RED on PENTECOST Red on Pentecost reminds us that our lives are set aflame with divine love! The color of Pentecost is RED. Our deacons will decorate the sanctuary in RED. You are invited to wear something RED.

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH
“On Holy Ground” Each year on Pentecost we collect the “Strengthen the Church” offering, which is one of the annual offerings of the United Church of Christ. You can give by placing a donation in the envelope provided in your bulletin on Pentecost Sunday, by sending a check to the church office, or by giving online (with “Strengthen the Church” or “STC” on the note section of your check or the “Comment” box on our donation page).

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH
“Strengthen the Church” 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 gifts will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Thank you for giving generously!

Celebrating a Decade of Devotion

Stop Covid Sign

Koloa, HI – A decade of spiritual guidance and community leadership was celebrated at Koloa Union Church on Sunday, February 25, as the congregation honored the 10-year anniversary of Pastor Rev. Dr. Alan R. Akana. The church service transformed into a heartfelt tribute to Kahu Akana, with the community expressing their appreciation through personal stories, handcrafted lei, and a shared potluck feast.

Under Kahu Akana’s stewardship since February 2014, the church has undergone significant transformations, both in infrastructure and spirit. His innovative fundraising initiatives have led to major renovations, improving the sanctuary and campus facilities, and establishing the church as a symbol of inclusivity with its Open & Affirming stance.

A lover of Hawaii’s flora, Dr. Akana’s passion has turned the church grounds into a welcoming retreat, and his watercolor paintings of native plants have supported the maintenance of the church’s historic Smith Memorial Parsonage.

With dynamic sermons and youth programs, he has expanded the congregation and invigorated community engagement. As Koloa Union Church looks ahead, the members stand united in their gratitude for Pastor Akana’s visionary leadership and look forward to continuing their journey with him.

Spring Gathering

Stop Covid Sign

Prayers & Squares

Stop Covid Sign

Lectio Divina

Stop Covid Sign

Mothers Day

Stop Covid Sign

Youth Event

LECTIONARY READINGS

Church Breakfast

LECTIONARY READINGS

Salvation Army

LECTIONARY READINGS

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

LECTIONARY READINGS

Parade: 9-10 a.m.
Beginning at the Vidinha Stadium Parking Lot
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!

What To Wear / What To Bring
Wear your 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.)

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 May 5: Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

Readings for May 9, Ascension Day: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Psalm 93; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53

Readings for May 12: Acts 1:15-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19

Readings for May 19: Acts 2:1-21; Ezekial 37:1-14; Psalm 104:24-36; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-16:15

Readings for May 26: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

Readings for June 2: 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:6-18; Deuteronomy 5:12-25; Psalm 81:1-10; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-3:6

Sunday Volunteers

LECTIONARY READINGS

To Our Worship Leaders

Dr. Doug Duvauchelle, Chris Molina, Dr. Ellen Caringer, Taka Harada, Becky Sakimae, Steve Sparks for music! Our guest preachers/speakers: Rev. Dr. David Popham, Rev. Dr. Walt Weiss, Linda Kaauwai-Iwamoto, Rev. Kealahou Alika Our youth lay readers and bell ringers! To RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for her beautiful hula!!

More Fun Pictures

LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS
LECTIONARY READINGS

A Message From Kahu: April 3rd, 2023

Pastor Alan on sebatical

While our Kahu is on sabbatical, we will continue publishing the article below…….

and we are proud and excited to welcome guest preachers and speakers to fill our pulpit from Kauai, Maui, Hawaii Island and Oahu including the Hawaii Conference Minister, Rev. Dr. David Popham, Associate Conference Minister Rev. Jonathan Roach, Ph.D, retired Kahu Kealahou Alika (Maui), Rev. Scott Landis (Hawaii Island), Rev. Dr. Walt Weiss (Kauai), Linda

Kaauwai-Iwamoto (Kauai) and our very own Youth Director, Tiffany Marrotte and the church youth.  …..

A Message From Our Kahu

Sebatical

A Time for Inspiration, Energy & Vision

I will be leaving on Monday, March 11, for a 3-month sabbatical in Europe! I’ll spend most nights in a home which was built in the 17th century, near the town of Libourne, which is just east of Bordeaux. This former convent is the same home where I stayed during my last sabbatical five years ago (photo above). I plan to travel throughout France, with side trips to Ireland, Italy and Iceland, and hopefully adding a couple other countries to that list as well. I intend to visit sacred places in each country and focus on what makes a place sacred, as well as how people have encountered the divine in such locations. I will also be doing some reflecting and writing on “joy and wonder.”

I deeply appreciate the opportunity to take a sabbatical every five years to focus on something that is important to me and benefits my commitment to pastoral ministry. I love ministering to the people of Koloa Union Church! Taking a sabbatical allows me some time to catch my breath, evaluate, focus, and find some new inspiration, so that I can continue in ministry with renewed energy and vision. Mahalo nui loa for this time away!

I’ll be doing another house and car exchange with Christian and Paule Riso, so don’t be surprised to see some different faces if you are passing by the parsonage or see someone else driving my car. Just in case you are wondering who they are…they are the owners of Christian Riso Fine Art and Framing next to Sueoka’s in Old Koloa Town (where a lot of my art is framed). The Riso’s spend most of the year in France and are always hoping to spend a few months here in Koloa where they used to live full-time and still have family.

I will return to the office on June 12, and then leave the very next morning to Honolulu for the annual gathering of the Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ. I look forward to seeing everybody who will be in church on June 15!

Aloha Nui Loa!
Kahu