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!

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!

Alan Akana Gallery

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!

A Time To Blossom

 Prayer for 2024

O God, just as flowers blossom in the

desert and bring life and beauty

to the surrounding landscape,

may Koloa Union Church

blossom in the years

ahead of us.

Just as rain and sun make flowers

possible, may my generosity

make possible all kinds

of growth in 2024.

May my gifts to Koloa Union Church

truly express the gratitude I have

for this congregation and all

you have done for me

and so many others.

Amen.

Mahalo nui loa for your generosity to
Koloa Union Church and our ministry on Kauai’s south shore!
Thank you also for considering a financial commitment for 2024!

Centennial Sunday

Celebrate our Centennial during the worship service!

Give thanks for 100 years of ministry! Bless our financial commitments for 2024! Please bring your commitment card to church. Enjoy a delicious luncheon after church! Enjoy some cake! See our Centennial slide show! Purchase a beautiful Centennial photo book! Purchase Centennial t-shirts and ornaments!

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 are:

October 22
November 12
December 10 (Christmas party!)

All gatherings will be at the Smith Memorial Parsonage from 4:45-7:00 p.m. Please let Tiffany know if you can help with a meal.

Church Breakfast

Church Breakfast Tuesday, October 24 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.

Prayers & Squares

Prayers and Squares Tuesday, November 1st 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.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.    

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.                    

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray!

The Prayers & Squares Ministry is preparing material for their Christmas Fund raiser for “Hand on Global.” Contact Sheila if you have any questions.

Mahalo nui loa!

Fall Aha Mokupuni

Kauai Association of the United Church of Christ Annual Fall Gathering

Hanapepe Hawaiian Congregational Church 3815 Hanapepe Rd Hanapepe, Hi. 96716

November 5, 2023 at 3:00pm

Himeni Hou! “Sharing The Songs of our Faith” Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Come with your instruments and favorite songs of your congregation and we will join together to sing them. Enjoy delicious food as well!

RSVP Please sign up on the church bulletin board or contact the church office if you will attend.

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina

Wednesday, November 8th
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, November 5th

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 October 15: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-23; Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

Readings for October 22: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; Isaiah 45:1-7; Psalm 96:1-13; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22

Readings for October 29: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-17; Leviticus 19:1-18; Psalm 1; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46

Readings for November 5: Joshua 3:7-17; Psalm 107:1-37; Micah 3:5-12; Psalm 43; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:1-12

We Welcome the Ruiz Family!

Carmela Ruiz attended the church’s confirmation retreat in Koke`e in September and wanted to be confirmed as a church member right away. Her whole family decided to join her! Carmela’s parents, Mark and Tricia Ruiz, joined Carmela in joining as members on October 1. Carmela, Mark and Ezra were baptized as well!

More Fun Pictures Since Last Newsletter

Alan Akana Gallery

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!

A Time To Blossom

Our Theme for 2024 is “A Time To Blossom”

As we continue this wonderful year of celebrating our church’s centennial, I am already looking ahead to 2024. I have not only been giving thanks for all of the blessings, commitments and sacrifices during the last 100 years to make our church such an important community of faith for so many. I have also been asking questions about our future, such as:

What’s next?

What might God have in store for us in the near future?

What kind of legacy will we leave for the next 100 years?

How might we provide a meaningful and relevant community of faith for our young people and those who are not even born yet?

I sometimes wish I had all of the answers to these questions. However, we will discover the answers as they unfold before us. There is an image that keeps popping into mind, and I am confident that my practice of watercoloring Hawaii’s flowers has something to do with it. The image is that of a tree that blossoms like normal every year, and then suddenly it produces more flowers than ever before! I have a vision that our church is that tree. In the same way that an arborist waters, fertilizes and nurtures a beloved tree in hopes of many blossoms, God has been nurturing our church, and we have been trusting in the possibility of an abundance of blossoms.

We will be focusing on this theme during the first four Sundays in October. Then on Sunday, October 22, you will have the opportunity to make a financial commitment to the church’s 2024 General Fund. Each year in the fall, we ask our members and friends to let us know your plans for supporting the church in the coming year. (You may change your commitment at any time during the year by letting us know how you would like to adjust your giving.) Our Finance Committee then creates a budget based upon anticipated income.

As you prayerfully consider how you might do your part to nurture our church in order that it will blossom abundantly, please pray the following prayer:

 Prayer for 2024

O God, just as flowers blossom in the

desert and bring life and beauty

to the surrounding landscape,

may Koloa Union Church

blossom in the years

ahead of us.

Just as rain and sun make flowers

possible, may my generosity

make possible all kinds

of growth in 2024.

May my gifts to Koloa Union Church

truly express the gratitude I have

for this congregation and all

you have done for me

and so many others.

Amen.

Mahalo nui loa for your generosity to
Koloa Union Church and our ministry on Kauai’s south shore!
Thank you also for considering a financial commitment for 2024!

Supporting Maui

We Support Maui

Koloa Union church has received thank you letters from the Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ for the more than $6000 our congregation has already passed along from church members and friends for Maui Relief after the devastating fires in Lahaina.

On Sunday, September 10, we prayed for Waiola Church in Lahaina as we tied knots in a prayer quilt, while offering our prayers for that congregation and the community it serves. We will be sending that quilt this week, along with an additional one for the church to use as it sees fit. Waiola means “living waters,” and is the oldest United Church of Christ on Maui. The church building and fellowship hall were burnt to the ground during the devastating wildfires which ravaged the town last month.

The Hawaii Conference is supporting both Waiola Church and the entire community on Maui. Our denomination has already released approximately $20,000 for Maui relief efforts and has provided trauma chaplains for clergy who are serving the community during this challenging time and church members who have suffered loss.

You may donate by sending a check to the church office or giving on our church website. Please be sure to write “Maui Wildfire Relief” on the note section of your check or in the comment box when giving online.

Neighbors in Need: Special Mission Offering

The Neighbors in Need offering will be collected on Sunday, October 1, 2023. 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.

Youth Group Updates

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

We look ahead to gathering on these dates:

September 24
October 8
October 22
November 12
December 10 (Christmas party!)

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

Pictures from the August youth gathering at the Strong’s home

The youth enjoyed games, a yummy meal (mahalo to Aunty Sheryl and Aunty Penny) and an exercise led by Aunty Shyrl: Facts and Opinions–What Do We Know?

Church Breakfast

Church Breakfast Tuesday, September 26 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! Please RSVP by signing up on the church bulletin board or contacting the church office.

Salvation Army Lunch

Prayers & Squares

Prayers and Squares Tuesday, October 3 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.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.    

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.                    

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray!

The Prayers & Squares Ministry is preparing material for their Christmas Fund raiser for “Hand on Global.” Contact Sheila if you have any questions.

Mahalo nui loa!

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina

Wednesday, October 11th
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, October 8th

Emergency Numbers

Are we ready for an emergency? We certainly don’t want to think about emergency situations, but as we all know, life is unpredictable. Koloa Union Church wants to be safe and prepared, just in case. Every now and then, someone has a medical emergency while they are at church. Please let us know if there is someone you would like for us to call in case you are unresponsive. We will also keep the name of your primary care physician if that is something you would like us to pass along to an emergency or medical professional.

If this sounds like a good idea to you, please send your name, name of your physician, the name and contact number of the person you would like contacted to the church office. An “emergency contact list” will be created and kept in the Deacons cabinet.

Our Centennial Year Continues

OUR CENTENNIAL YEAR CONTINUES

• CENTENNIAL PHOTO BOOK. A beautiful book of our church’s history will be available by then end of October. It will include the story of our church, along with photos from the past century, and even some from this past weekend’s celebration! We will announce the cost and date of publication this fall.
• PURCHASE A CENTENNIAL T-SHIRT. We only have a handful of shirts left and don’t plan to purchase more, so be sure to buy one now if you plan to get one. $20 for the first t-shirt; $15 for additional shirts.
• CENTENNIAL ORNAMENTS ARE STILL AVAILABLE. We still have ornaments available, which make great Christmas gifts! They are available for $20 while they last.
• DONATIONS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME! Additional gifts to help cover the costs of the centennial may be directed to the “Centennial Fund”—on the note section of your check or the “Comment” section when giving online.

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 September 17: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114; Exodus 15:1-21; Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:1-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Readings for September 24: Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 105:1-45; Jonah 3:10-4:11; Psalm 145:1-8; Philippians 1:21-30; Matthew 20:1-16

Readings for October 1 : Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 78:1-16; Ezekial 18:1-32; Psalm 25:1-9; Philippians 2:1-13; Matthew 21:23-32

Readings for October 8: Exodus 20:1-20; Psalm 19; Isaiah 5:1-7; Psalm 80:7-15; Philippians 3:4-14; Matthew 21:33-46

Readings for October 15: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-23; Isaiah 25:1-9; Psalm 23; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

More Fun Pictures Since Our Last NewsletterMore Photos 

Alan Akana Gallery

Church Closed Labor Day

Centennial Celebration

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!

Our Centennial Year Continues

The Waineke Cabins Reopen

The Kauai Association Of The United Church of Christ invites You to The Reopening & Blessing Of The Waineke Cabins in Kokee! The two cabins are available for rent by individuals, churches and groups! Please check with Michael Horning about carpooling to Waineke from the church.

Youth Group News

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

Youth Birthday Party
Sunday, August 13

Come and celebrate your birthday! Our next gathering will be an all-youth birthday party at the home of youth participants Evan and Nolan Strong (3084 Poipu Road, just down the road from the church) on Sunday, August 13, 4:45 –7 p.m. Bring a wrapped birthday gift for our gift exchange ($10 maximum). Dinner provided! Please RSVP with Tiffany by August 9.

Youth in Worship
Sunday, August 27

Our youth will be participating in the worship service on August 27. Tiffany will be in touch with youth regarding participation.

Youth Beach Picnic
Sunday, August 27

The youth will be heading to the Poipu Beach after the worship service. Bring your swimsuit, towel and beach gear to church with you. We will head to the beach right after the worship service. A meal will be provided! RSVP with Tiffany by August 23.

Confirmation Retreat
Sunday, September 1-4

Every few years our church offers confirmation classes for middle and high schoolers to learn about Christian faith and teaching, church history, sacraments and membership at Koloa Union Church. Youth who participate in the retreat may then choose to join as full members of the church. This year’s classes will be held in a retreat format at the Waineke cabins in Koke`e. Please RSVP with Tiffany by August 20.

Youth Gathering
Sunday, September 10

Question & Answer Time! After the meal and fun and games, youth will have a chance to ask Kahu any questions they have about God, Jesus, the Church, the Bible, or anything else on their mind. The youth will meet at the parsonage (3281 Waikomo Road) on Sunday, September 10, 4:45 –7 p.m. Dinner provided. Please RSVP with Tiffany by September 6.

Contact Tiffany Marrotte, our youth director if you have any questions: 808-651-1397 / [email protected].

Salvation Army Lunch

Prayers & Squares

Lectio Divina

Lectio Divina

Wednesday, September 13
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, September 10!

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 13: Genesis 37:1-38; Psalm 105:1-46; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33

Readings for August 20: Genesis 45:1-15; Psalm 133; Isaiah 56:1-8; Psalm 67; Romans 11:1-32; Matthew 15:10-28

Readings for August 27: Exodus 1:8-2:10; Psalm 124; Isaiah 51:1-6; Psalm 138; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20

Readings for September 3: Exodus 3:1-15; Psalm 105:1-46; Jeremiah 15:15-21; Psalm 26:1-8; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28

Readings for September 10: Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 149; Ezekial 33:7-11; Psalm 119:33-40; Romans 13:8-14; Matthew 18:15-20

Readings for September 17: Exodus 14:19-31; Psalm 114; Exodus 15:1-21; Genesis 50:15-21; Psalm 103:1-13; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

Photos of The Parade

More Fun Pictures Since Our Last NewsletterMore Photos 

Alan Akana Gallery

Celebrating 100 Years of Aloha

Koloa Union Church Is This Year’s Koloa Plantation Days Grand Marshal!

Centennial Activities:

Monday, July 24: 2 – 4 p.m. “Smith Memorial Parsonage: Over a Century of History”

In concert with the Koloa Plantation Days Committee, Kahu is inviting the entire community to show off the parsonage and talk about its history over the past century. (Well, almost a century: It was built in 1928!) Kahu will also talk about the Smith-Waterhouse Families who lived on the property before they donated it to the church. We will also give tours of the parsonage and provide refreshments to our guests.

We are recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters, docents, and other capacities. Please consider signing up to volunteer on the signup sheet on the church bulletin board.

Volunteers are asked to wear your Centennial T-shirts at this event so you can be easily identified in case someone has questions or needs assistance.

Friday, July 28: 4 p.m. Decorating the Float and Golf Carts

Join us at the parsonage to decorate for the parade. Tropical flowers and greenery are needed! Please bring them and help us decorate. We will then use those flowers to decorate the tables for the centennial luncheon on Sunday. Please volunteer on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.

Saturday, July 29: 10 – 11 a.m. Annual Koloa Plantation Days Parade

We are going “all out” this year as this year’s Grand Marshal! Michael Horning is building a very special float and we have rented two golf carts so that everyone can participate, including those who are unable to walk in the parade! We are encouraging members and friends of all ages to sign up on the church bulletin board, and invite your friends to sign up as well!

Participants should meet at the church between 7:30 and 8 a.m. for instructions and location assignments. We will have pastries when you arrive! Bring to the parade: comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, umbrella (for sun or rain), hats, and water bottles. Consider wearing a centennial t-shirt in the parade or else a colorful shirt. A limited number of t-shirts are still available at the church for purchase. The parade begins at Kōloa School and ends at Knudsen Park where there will be lots of food, entertainment, crafts, and more. (Tickets are $5 for adults.) We will provide rides back to the church after the parade for those who do not wish to remain at the park. Volunteers are needed to un-decorate at the end of the parade. We will be using the same flowers and greenery to decorate for Sunday. 

See the sign up sheet on the bulletin board if you plan to participate in the parade as a walker, driver or ride in one of the golf carts.

Sunday, July 30: 10:30 – Noon Centennial Worship Service

We will celebrate and give thanks for the past 100 years in the morning worship service! We will take a group picture immediately following the worship service, then serve a catered lunch. There will be delicious food, a slide show, a special Centennial photo book to order for delivery in the fall, time to visit with people who will be flying in for the special occasion—and special gift bags for everyone who attends!

Parking: The front lawn will not be available for parking on Sunday. Those who are able are asked to consider parking on the street, at the parsonage, the lot next to the parsonage, or at Koloa School.

New Church Kitchen

A New Kitchen is coming to Koloa Union Church!

As a reminder, we will be working on our brand new certified commercial kitchen throughout the summer and early fall. During this time, the kitchen will not be available for use.

The photos above are the preliminary drawings from our architect.

The photos below are the gutting of the old kitchen by Dan, Naomi and Michael (with Kahu peeking in to check on the progress!). They filled an entire large trash container on that day!

Church Work Day

Saturday, July 15 8:00 A.M. – Noon

Please join us on Saturday for our annual Church Work Day, as we get the church ready for our Centennial celebration! We invite volunteers to come and work on the landscaping and also interior and exterior cleaning. Bring your buckets, rags, gloves, and yard tools. We especially want our church building and grounds to look clean, fresh and spectacular for our Centennial!

For lunch, we will stop right around noon and eat together. Since the kitchen remains closed due to the renovation, please bring your own drinks, snacks and lunches.

If you are not able to help on Saturday, see Penny Osuga or Dan Giovanni if you want to do some chores on another day.

Youth Group Beach Clean Up

No Church Breakfast In July

Squares & Prayers

Tuesday, August 1st 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.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray! Mahalo nui loa!

Stewardship Update

Mahalo for your generosity!

As we continue to add important new ministries and support for those ministries (like hiring a youth director last year and building a new kitchen this year), our expenses increase as well. We have also had to spend a lot more money on parsonage repairs than expected this year—mostly due to significant termite damage, as well as large cracks and broken pieces in the foundation. (By the way, the parsonage will be tented for fumigation next week on Tuesday and Wednesday.) We also had to make repairs on the sanctuary roof due to wind damage in the spring. Although our giving continues to slowly increase each year, we often find it challenging to pay all of our bills during the summer months—and this summer is no different—especially with the additional unexpected expenses!

If you have fallen behind in your pledge and can catch up by the end of summer, that would be very helpful! If you can make an “over and above” gift to the church this year, that would be greatly appreciated as well!

On a really positive note, Koloa Union Church was again recognized by the Hawaii Conference and the United Church of Christ for being a “5 for 5” contributor! That means that we gave last year to Basic Mission Support as well as to all 4 of the special mission offerings of the UCC! We were also recognized for being one of the top contributors per capita in the Hawaii Conference!

Thank you for your gifts to Koloa Union Church and to the mission of the United Church of Christ!

Thank You Letter

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!

Parsonage Repairs

 Waineke Cabins in Kokee

The Kauai Association Of The United Church of Christ invites You to The Reopening & Blessing Of The Waineke Cabins in Kokee!

Alan Akana Gallery

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

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 July 16: Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-23

Readings for July 23: Genesis 28:10-20; Psalm 139:1-24; Isaiah 44:6-8; Psalm 86:11-17; Romans 8:12-25; Matthew 13:24-43

Readings for July 30: Genesis 29:15-28; Psalm 105:1-46; 1 Kings 3:5-12; Psalm 119:129-136; Romans 8:26-39; Matthew 13:31-52

Readings for August 6: Genesis 32:22-31; Psalm 17:1-15; Isaiah 55:1-5; Psalm 145:8-21; Romans 9:1-5; Matthew 14:13-21

Readings for August 13: Genesis 37:1-38; Psalm 105:1-46; 1 Kings 19:9-18; Psalm 85:8-13; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33 

Pictures Since Our Last Newsletter

Church Office Holiday Closures

New Church Kitchen

A New Kitchen is coming to Koloa Union Church!

Here are some answers to some commonly asked questions:

Q: How will the new kitchen be different from the current one?
A: The kitchen will be bigger with an island in the middle; there will be serving windows with counters facing both Moore Hall and the patio; all appliances countertops, cupboards, drawers and floors will be brand new.

Q: Why do we want a “certified” kitchen?
A: A certified kitchen will allow us (and others) to legally cook for others outside the church for outreach and fundraising opportunities.

Q: Can I see what the new kitchen will look like?
A: The photos here are preliminary drawings. Larger ones will be posted on the church bulletin board beginning on Sunday. As the architect provides finalized plans, we will share them with the Congregation.

Q: What is the timeline of building the new kitchen?
A: Although the timeline is an estimate and actual work depends on the permitting process and availability of workers, here is what we are hoping for: demolition will take place in late-June / early-July; construction will happen from late-July through early fall; we plan to have a fully functioning kitchen in October!

Q: Do we need to raise any more money?
A: There is always the possibility that inflation might exceed the money we have raised so far. We also plan to replace all of the equipment, dishes, silverware, pots and pans, etc. with commercial-grade items. There will likely be opportunities for contributions toward these things, and we will have a much better idea in the fall, so stay tuned!

Q: What if I have additional questions or suggestions?
A: You can talk to Kahu, Dan or Penny Osuga at any time regarding your questions and suggestions.

Celebrating 100 Years of Aloha

Koloa Union Church Is This Year’s Koloa Plantation Days Grand Marshal!

Centennial Activities:

Monday, July 24: 2 – 4 p.m. “Smith Memorial Parsonage: Over a Century of History”

In concert with the Koloa Plantation Days Committee, Kahu is inviting the entire community to show off the parsonage and talk about its history over the past century. (Well, almost a century: It was built in 1928!) Kahu will also talk about the Smith-Waterhouse Families who lived on the property before they donated it to the church. We will also give tours of the parsonage and provide refreshments to our guests.

We are recruiting volunteers to serve as greeters, docents, and other capacities. Please consider signing up to volunteer on the signup sheet on the church bulletin board.

Volunteers are asked to wear your Centennial T-shirts at this event so you can be easily identified in case someone has questions or needs assistance.

Saturday, July 29: 10 – 11 a.m. Annual Koloa Plantation Days Parade

We are going “all out” this year as this year’s Grand Marshal! Michael Horning is building a very special float and we have rented two golf carts so that everyone can participate, including those who are unable to walk in the parade! We are encouraging members and friends of all ages to sign up on the church bulletin board, and invite your friends to sign up as well!

Participants are asked to wear your Centennial T-shirts in the parade, whether you are driving, riding or walking. More details will be in the July Newsletter.

Sunday, July 30: 10:30 – Noon Centennial Worship Service

We will celebrate and give thanks for the past 100 years in the morning worship service! We have invited past ministers of the church to participate and will be remembering special moments and people over the past century!

Sunday, July 30: Noon Centennial Luncheon

We will serve a catered lunch immediately following the worship service. There will be delicious food, a slide show, a special Centennial photo book, time to visit with people who will be flying in for the special occasion—and special gift bags for everyone who attends!

Youth Group

YOUTH GROUP

Sunday, June 25 4:45 p.m.
Smith Memorial Parsonage
3281 Waikomo Road

Those Entering Middle School
Those Just Graduating from High School
Everyone In Between
Friends Are Welcome!

Come and Enjoy:
A Delicious Meal
Fun and Games
Meaningful Conversation

Check with Tiffany Marrotte for More Details. Please RSVP by signing up with Tiffany.

Kauai Pride Parade and Festival

Tuesday, June 27 8:00-9:30 a.m.

Kauai Poke Co. at Poipu Bay 2250 Ainako Street in Poipu (At the Poipu Bay Golf Course Club House)

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.

Squares & Prayers

Tuesday, July 11th 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.”

To request a quilt for church members or friends in crisis, call Debbie Gunning at 808-652-7899.

Prayers & Squares is expanding its ministry and could use your help! We are creating Prayer Quilts to be distributed at Wilcox Hospital. We have packets available to take home and sew squares together. If you can help or have questions, call Sheila Harman at 717-514-9020.

No experience in quilting or sewing is necessary. There are jobs for everyone to help in the making of the quilts…and everyone is invited to pray! Mahalo nui loa!

Church Word Day

Saturday, July 15 8:00 A.M. – Noon

We are long overdue for a church work day. We invite volunteers to come and work on the landscaping and also interior and exterior cleaning. Bring your buckets, rags, gloves, and yard tools. We especially want our church structure and grounds to look clean, fresh and spectacular for our Centennial celebration!!

The kitchen remains closed due to the renovation, so please bring your own drinks, snacks and lunches. We will stop right around noon and eat together.

If you are not able to help on Saturday, see Dan Giovanni or Kahu if you want to do some chores on another 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!

Parsonage Repairs

Alan Akana Gallery

Mahalo Nui Loa Worship Participants

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 June 18: Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7); Psalm 116:1-19; Exodus 19:2-9; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35-10:8

Readings for June 25: Genesis 21:8-21; Psalm 86:1-17: Jeremiah 20:7-13; Psalm 69:7-18; Romans 6:1-11; Matthew 10:24-39

Readings for July 2: Genesis 22:1-14; Psalm 13; Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

Readings for July 9: Genesis 24:34-67; Psalm 45:10-17; Zechariah 9:9-12; Psalm 145:8-14; Matthew 11:16-30

Readings for July 16: Genesis 25:19-34; Psalm 119:105-112; Isaiah 55:10-13; Psalm 65:1-13; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-23

Kauai Pride Parade