admin | Koloa Union Church

A Message From Kahu: January 4th, 2024

by admin | Jan 4, 2024 | Message from Kahu

A Message From Our Kahu

“A New Year’s Message”

New Year’s is a time to look back and look forward.

We have much to celebrate as we think back over 2023: a fantastic centennial celebration; an expanding music ministry; ongoing outreach to the community; a strong youth group for our middle and high school students; a deep level of generosity to relief efforts in the world, including Maui after the devastating wildfires; a growing sense of community as people show up to worship services, outreach opportunities, and social activities. Many among us also celebrated important milestones during the year, such as births, graduations, birthdays, anniversaries. It has also been a difficult time for many, as illness, injury and death have all touched our congregation this past year. During these times, we have prayed for and supported those who have faced great losses.

As we enter a brand new year full of opportunities, we can look forward to the completion of our church kitchen, enjoying meals together again at church on a regular basis, and making plans for the next 3 to 4 years. Personally, I am looking forward to another sabbatical in Europe this spring (March 11 through June 11).

I am reminded that we never know what surprises the year will have for us. Some we will welcome with joy; others we would wish to avoid altogether. However, I am confident that we will be there for one another: celebrating the upcoming milestones and supporting each other whenever difficulty or tragedy strikes.

We are truly a special congregation: diverse in background and united in love for one another and for the world. One of my dreams for 2024 is that we will share the gift of our congregation with others; and so, I invite you to consider someone you might invite to church this year and also think of someone you know whom our church might help, whether it be our prayers, our fellowship, or our assistance in difficult times.

May 2024 be a year of growth and continued celebration!

Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

Kahu

A Message From Kahu: December 6th, 2023

by admin | Dec 6, 2023 | Message from Kahu

A Message From Our Kahu

“A Christmas Message”

Look, the virgin shall become pregnant and give birth to a son,

and they shall name him “Emmanuel,” which means, “God is with us.”

Matthew 1:23

Christmas is a time of joy and fond memories for many of us. It is also one of the most difficult times of the year for some. This is especially tough for those who have lost loved ones. It is also hard for those who have experienced other kinds of losses: significant relationships, jobs, homes, health, etc.

Whether you are overflowing with joy or feeling the heavy burden of recent losses (or somewhere in between, like most of us), may you feel God’s loving presence. This is what Christmas is all about: in the midst of life as we experience it, God shows up and reminds us that we are loved, appreciated, adored even.

Jesus came into a world full of pain, hardship and injustice, and he reminded people of God’s deep, deep love for them—in their joy and in their sadness, in the midst of peace and in the midst of conflict, in their times of celebration and their times of grief and anger.

Whatever you experience during this Advent season and whatever emotions you may feel, may you be reminded of God’s unconditional and eternal love for you; and may you not miss the opportunity to remind someone else of God’s lover for them!

Mele Kalikimaka and Aloha Nui Loa!

Kahu

Church News: December 6th, 2023

by admin | Dec 6, 2023 | News

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!

Church Office Closed Notice

You Event Koloa Union Church Poipu Youth Group

The Church Office will be closed on the following dates: December 25 & 26 January 1, 2024

Happy Holidays!

Mahalo to Joey Rebb for creating our beautiful Christmas wreath once again!

The Sundays of Advent

Celebrate our Centennial during the worship service!

The Sundays of Advent Join Us for Worship When We Light The Advent Candles As We Anticipate the Coming of Christ

Christmas Program

Sunday, December 10 Our children and youth have been practicing for weeks for the annual Christmas program, which will be presented in church on Sunday. You are invited to experience this special presentation and experience the talents of the young people of the church.

Youth Christmas Party

Youth Christmas Party!

Be sure to RSVP ASAP if you haven’t already!

We have a vibrant and active youth group for middle and high school students, which meets at least monthly on a Sunday evening and usually includes a time of learning, prayer, checking in with one another, fellowship, lots of fun and a delicious meal! Contact Tiffany Marrotte, our youth director, if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.

Upcoming Dates: January 5, 2024 Bowling! January 14, 2024 Time & Location TBD

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina

Wednesday, December 13th
7:00 – 8:30 p.m.

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). RSVP by Sunday, December 10th

Church Christmas Party

Friday, December 15th, 6 p.m.

The Smith Memorial Parsonage 3281 Waikomo Road in Koloa

Bring a favorite holiday dish for the potluck dinner. See sign up sheet on bulletin board. Delicious Food Fun with Friends Christmas Caroling Parking is available on the parsonage property and on the lot just to the east of the carport.

Christmas Quilt Drawing

Supporting “Hands On Global”

Our church’s Prayers and Squares Ministry has made a beautiful Christmas quilt to be in a lucky number drawing with all funds sent to Hands on Global (HOG). Many of us have been blessed to hear of Cathy Evan’s travels around the world with HOG, working with medical professionals in some of the world’s most devastated places, due to war, the displacement of people from their homelands, natural disasters, etc.

The quilt will be on display and tickets available before and after worship services. Tickets may also be obtained online or by sending a check to the church’s P.O. Box. Please note “Hands on Global” on the note section of your check or the comment box on our website’s online donation page.

The drawing will be held during church service on Sunday, December 17.

If you have any questions, call Sheila Harman at (717) 514-9020. Tickets are $10 or 3 for $25.

DONATE TO HANDS ON GLOBAL

Christmas Eve Service

Christmas Eve Service Candles & Carols

December 24 7:30 p.m. Christmas Carols Special Music The Christmas story Lighting of the Candles

Doors will open at 7 p.m. We anticipate a large crowd. Those wishing to sit together should come early.

United Church of Christ Christmas Fund

To Be Collected on December 24
Sunday Morning and Christmas Eve Services

This special offering, administered by the United Church of Christ Pension Boards, provides direct financial assistance to retired and active UCC authorized ministers and lay employees and their surviving spouses, including pension and health premium supplementation, emergency assistance, and Christmas “thank you” checks. Each year, UCC congregations throughout the country collect this offering to assist faithful servants of God who are facing financial difficulties. We not only share hope, peace, joy and love with them; but they, in turn, pass these things along to others in their communities and in the world.

We will collect the Christmas Fund offering on December 24 at Sunday morning and Christmas Eve services. Offering envelopes will be provided.

Please write checks to “Koloa Union Church” and write “Christmas Fund” on the note section of your check. If you would like to make a donation online, please write “Christmas Fund” in the comment section.

Thank You for Supporting The Christmas Fund!

DONATE TO THE CHRISTMAS FUND

Prayers & Squares

Prayers and Squares Tuesday, January 2nd 2024 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers & Squares will meet on Tuesday, January 2, in Moore Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This is a ministry promoting prayer using hand-tied quilts. Volunteers with all ranges of quilting experience may join them for prayer, fellowship, stitching, and learning about quilting. The motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.” The group is creating prayer quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital.

If you or someone in your ohana are in need of a tangible representation of prayer, please contact Debbie Gunning to request a quilt.

Youth Bowling Night

Youth Bowling Night with Koloa Union Youth Group

RSVP with Aunty Tiff at 808-651-1397 by Friday December 29th

Annual Church Meeting

Sunday, January 28, 2024 (Right after the Worship Service)

All Members are encouraged to attend.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

The congregation will meet on Sunday, January 28, after the worship service for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation. We ask members to attend in order to have a voting quorum.

Some of the items on our agenda:

Vote for Officers of the church, Council Members, Deacons and Committee Chairs
Review and approve our budget for 2024
Receive reports from Kahu Akana and other church leaders
Receive our updated Church Directory
Hear about plans for 2024, including our kitchen remodel
A time for questions and answers

NOTE: Committee chairpersons are reminded to submit your annual reports to the office by January 14.

Annual Church Meeting

Sunday, January 28, 2024 (Right after the Worship Service)

All Members are encouraged to attend.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

The congregation will meet on Sunday, January 28, after the worship service for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation. We ask members to attend in order to have a voting quorum.

Some of the items on our agenda:

Vote for Officers of the church, Council Members, Deacons and Committee Chairs
Review and approve our budget for 2024
Receive reports from Kahu Akana and other church leaders
Receive our updated Church Directory
Hear about plans for 2024, including our kitchen remodel
A time for questions and answers

NOTE: Committee chairpersons are reminded to submit your annual reports to the office by January 14.

Annual Church Meeting

Sunday, January 28, 2024 (Right after the Worship Service)

All Members are encouraged to attend.

Everyone is welcome to attend.

The congregation will meet on Sunday, January 28, after the worship service for the Annual Meeting of the Congregation. We ask members to attend in order to have a voting quorum.

Some of the items on our agenda:

Vote for Officers of the church, Council Members, Deacons and Committee Chairs
Review and approve our budget for 2024
Receive reports from Kahu Akana and other church leaders
Receive our updated Church Directory
Hear about plans for 2024, including our kitchen remodel
A time for questions and answers

NOTE: Committee chairpersons are reminded to submit your annual reports to the office by January 14.

Open & Affirming

Koloa Union church received a thank you letter from the Open and Affirming Coalition, United Church of Christ, for our $250 donation. With our donations, they will be able to extend their advocacy and work, fund new educational programs, better access to resources and offer more support. This movement changes lives and hearts.!

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 December 3: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37

Readings for December 10: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-13; 2 Peter 3:8-16; Mark 1:1-8

Readings for December 17: Isaiah 6:1-11; Psalm 126; Luke 1:46-55; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-28

Readings for December 24: 2 Samuel 7:1-16; Luke 1:46-55; Psalm 89:1-26; Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38

Readings for Christmas Day: Isaiah 62:6-12; Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:1-20

Readings for December 31: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40

Readings for New Year’s Day: Ecclesiastes 3:1-13; Psalm 8; Revelations 21:1-7; Matthew 25:31-46

Readings for January 7: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

A Message From Kahu: November 8th, 2023

by admin | Nov 8, 2023 | Message from Kahu

A Message From Our Kahu

“A Time To Give Thanks”

November is a time to give thanks, so let me begin by saying “Thank you” to the congregation! I am deeply grateful for the generosity and faithfulness of our church members and friends. We have had such an amazing year: celebrating our 100th anniversary; a huge turnout for the Koloa Plantation Days Parade (I believe our largest number of participants ever); generous giving to the general fund, as well as many other areas, including the Maui wildfire relief fund; support of our youth director and youth ministry. I am also so thankful to our Deacons, who have done an outstanding job moving into our “new normal” when it comes to our post-pandemic worship services. I am grateful for our Church Council, and especially Dan Giovanni (our Buildings & Grounds Chair) and Becky Sakimae (our Treasurer) for their management of our finances during a challenging year when the parsonage needed roof repairs (twice!), structural reinforcements, and replacement of damaged wood due to insects and moisture, and the church building had unexpected maintenance needs as well! Most importantly, I am grateful that we continue to to encourage those who are feeling sad, feeding those who are hungry, praying for all who need our prayers, and providing inspiration to all.

As we approach Thanksgiving Day, I hope that you too will feel a deep sense of appreciation for our church, for we truly make a difference in our community and in the world. I invite you to take some time this month to express your gratitude. Spend some extra time in prayer to thank God for your blessings. Write a thank you note to someone you really appreciate. Try to say “thank you” more often. And, as much as you can, live a life of gratitude!

Aloha Nui Loa!
Kahu

Church News: November 8th, 2023

by admin | Nov 8, 2023 | News

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.

Thanksgiving Meal Boxes

We will be collecting and creating Thanksgiving meal boxes for 10 local families who are struggling to make ends meet.

If you signed up to bring food items, please bring them to the church by November 19.

Boxes will be packaged and delivered to the families by the Koloa Union Church Outreach Committee and Youth Group.

Christmas Stockings

We will stuff Christmas stockings with special items and gift cards for 10 local families who are struggling financially this year. We collect change, cash and checks throughout the year in our spare change jar. If you have some extra funds in your bank account or wallet, please consider an extra gift to make Christmas even merrier for a local family. If you know of any families who could use some extra help this holiday season, contact the church office.

The deadline for donations for this year’s stockings is December 3.

Note: We primarily pay for this outreach through the change jar, to which people contribute throughout the year, and from personal donations. So be sure to look for spare change lying around at home or in your car.

You can contribute financially to this ministry by writing “Holiday Outreach” on the note section of your check made out to “Koloa Union Church” or on the “Comment” box when you give online.

Youth Group

We have a vibrant and active youth group for middle and high school students, which meets at least monthly on a Sunday and usually includes a time of learning, prayer, checking in with one another, fellowship, lots of fun and a delicious meal!

Upcoming Dates:

November 12 – Thanksgiving Potluck

December 10 – Christmas Party

These gatherings will be at the Smith Memorial Parsonage from 4:45-7:00 p.m.

Please let Tiffany know regarding attendance or if you can help with a meal.

Church Breakfast

Tuesday, November 28 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Kiawe Roots 2-3687 Kaumualii Highway in Lawai (Next door to 7-Eleven)

Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each month for delicious food and a fun time getting to know others from Koloa Union Church! We suggest you phone the restaurant and place your order ahead of time, tell them you are with the Koloa Union Church group.

Please RSVP by signing up on the church bulletin board or contacting the church office. (No church breakfast in December)

The Sundays of Advent

December 3 – 24

Join Us for Worship When We Light The Advent Candles And Anticipate the Coming of Christ.

Prayers & Squares

Prayers and Squares Tuesday, December 5th 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

Prayers and Squares is a ministry promoting prayer by creating beautiful hand-tied quilts and offering them to people in crisis or those whom we wish to offer a special aloha. A prayer is said with each knot that is tied in the quilt. When recipients put the quilts it over themselves, they are covering themselves with our prayers. Our motto: “It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”

The Prayers and Squares Ministry has been busy stitching and praying.

Last month, 2 prayer quilts were completed for our sister church, Waiola UCC, in Lahaina. On Sunday 9/10/23, Kahu Alan blessed and tied the first prayer into the quilts. Kahu Anela, of the Waiola UCC was delighted to receive the quilts and the many prayers and love tied into the quilts.

At the October P&S meeting, we wondered how the children of the Waiola Church are coping with the tragedy of the Lahaina fires. P&S decided to make 20 prayer squares and attach a small stuffed animal to each square. This is like our Pule Ho Aloha ministry offered at KUC.

On Sunday, 11/12/23, the Prayer Squares will be blessed and prayers tied into each square. All who are present can tie a prayer into a square for the children. A box will be prepared and sent to Kahu Anela so she can share them with the children of the Waiola Ohana.

Prayers and Squares continues the creation of a “Christmas Quilt”. This quilt will be blessed and tied by the first week of December. Once again, our Christmas quilt will be ‘pick-a-number’ fund raiser for Hands On Global.

Prayers & Squares thanks you for your continued support of this ministry.

If you or someone in your ohana are in need of a tangible representation of Prayer, please contact Debbie Gunning to request a quilt.

Mahalo nui loa!

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina

Wednesday, December 6

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. 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).

RSVP by Sunday, December 3!

Church Christmas Party

Friday, December 15th, 6 p.m.

The Smith Memorial Parsonage 3281 Waikomo Road in Koloa

Bring a favorite holiday dish for the potluck dinner. See sign up sheet on bulletin board.

Fun with friends, Christmas caroling!

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 November 12: Joshua 24:1-25; Psalm 78:1-7; Amos 5:18-24; Psalm 70; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Matthew 25:1-13

Readings for November 19: Judges 4:1-7; Psalm 123: Zephaniah 1:7-18; Psalm 90:1-12; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11; Matthew 25:14-30

Readings for Thanksgiving Day: Deuteronomy 8:7-18; Psalm 65; 2 Corinthians 9:6-15; Luke 17:11-19

Readings for November 26: Ezekial 34:11-24; Psalm 100; Psalm 95:1-8; Ephesian 1:15-23; Matthew 25:31-46

Readings for December 3: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark

13:24-37

Centenial Celebration

Koloa Union Church celebrated our Centennial again… on the actual centennial date! Everyone enjoyed a delicious bento lunch with dessert and cold drinks. We also showed our Centennial slide show!