Church Breakfast is Back!

We enjoyed our in-person breakfast again after 2 1/2 years! Join us on the 4th Tuesday of each Month! Please RSVP by signing up on the church bulletin board or contacting the church office. Space is limited.

Next Breakfast:
Tuesday, August 23rd, 8 -9:30 a.m. Location TBD

Plantation Days Parade

Thanks to all who were involved or cheered us on!

Thanks for all the flowers and greenery and energetic volunteers! Our two golf carts looked amazing!!!

Congratulations to Koloa Union church

Kahu presented 3 certificates to the congregation.
We were recognized for our generous contributions to:

Our Church’s Wider Mission
Basic Mission Support to the United Church of Christ)

Being a “5 for 5” Congregation
(Giving to All 5 Denominational Offerings)

Being a Leader in our Giving
(We give at a high level in the Hawaii Conference!)

Youth

Back to School Party!

Friday, August 12 6 – 8 p.m.

For All Middle & High School Students Save the Date!
Friends are welcome! Please RSVP by August 7.

Centennial Celebration

KAPA’A UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST

Centennial Celebration Saturday, August 27, 2022 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Lunch at Noon Entertainment, food, games and fellowship!

Please RSVP to Koloa Union Church office by August 5 if you would like to go. Kahu and others will carpool from our church parking lot.

Parking will be available at Kapa`a First Hawaiian Church, Kapa`a Assembly of God, Koa Street, and other street parking

Hookipa Wellness Class

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 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!

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Weekly Readings from the Bible

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Church Breakfast is Back!

Kiawe Roots
2-3687 Kaumualii Highway Lawai, HI 96765
(Next to 7-Eleven in Lawai) Tuesday, July 26 8 – 9:30 a.m.

Plantation Days Parade

Saturday, July 30, 2022 Meet in the church parking lot between 7:30 & 8 a.m.

“Gather Together Again” Good News: We have secured two 4-person golf carts for those who want to join us but are unable to walk the parade route. We plan to decorate the two carts, followed by a walking unit, along with music.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., but we plan meet earlier to decorate and get organized.

We need to be in the lineup at Koloa School by 8:30 a.m. Don’t forget your walking shoes, sunscreen, water and hats. Please write your name on the signup sheet on the church bulletin board if you plan to participate! If you want to ride one of the vehicles in the parade, write “cart” next to your name on the sign-up sheet. First come, first serve for riders. We need tropical flowers, greenery and volunteers to decorate two golf carts and a trailer. Please let the church office know if you can help.

Prayers & Squares

Tuesday, August 2 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

All are welcome to join us! There are things to do for experienced quilters, as well as those who have no experience quilting or sewing! The team meets on the first Tuesday of every month. Prayers & Squares is a ministry promoting prayer using hand-tied quilts. Our motto: It’s not about the quilt, it’s about the prayers.

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

Youth

Back to School Party!

Friday, August 12 6 – 8 p.m.

For All Middle & High School Students Save the Date! More details are on the way!

Hookipa Wellness Class

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 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!

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Weekly Readings from the Bible

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Photos from Our Nature Hike Mahaulepu/Makauwahi

On Sunday, July 17, at sunset, Kahu led a group of 15 to see the maiapilo—the night-blooming endemic flower of Hawaii, which grows on the ocean cliffs of Kauai.

More Fun Pictures

This is a photo of Cathy Evans from Padum, in the northern Himalayas, at 15,700 feet altitude!!! She continues her volunteer work with HOG (Hands on Global). Mahalo nui to everyone who has supported her through your prayers, financial contributions and donations to our Ukrainian quilt!

Our New Youth Director!

Nature Hike

Nature Hike
Mahaulepu/Makauwahi
Sunday, July 17
5:00-7:30 p.m.

Opening & Affirming

Our church Council approved sending a gift of $250 to the Open & Affirming (ONA) Coalition in order to support the LGBTQ+ community in our congregations and denominational organizations. The Coalition provides ongoing support to ONA congregations like ours and also to those that are considering becoming ONA.

In response to our gift, we received a lovely thank you note from the ONA Coalition:

June 30, 2022

Dear friends,

Thank you for your generous donation of $250.00 on June 30, 2022 to the Open and Affirming Coalition of the United Church of Christ.

Thank you for putting your hope into action by donating to the Coalition.

You, our donors, are invaluable to us and our work.

It’s because of your faithful giving that we are able to continue advocating and teaching throughout the entire United Church of Christ. Already this year, we’ve certified ONA church #1,750 and the number continues to grow. Every month, new congregations join our movement. Our ambitious program of webinars, workshops and coaching is bringing churches together and opening up new possibilities for ministry with and for LGBTQ+ neighbors. The results: an unprecedented growth in the number of Open and Affirming congregations in the United Church of Christ, and a revival of existing ONA churches who through the Coalition’s ministry are discovering radical and effective ways to work in their communities for justice, freedom and dignity.

By giving to the Coalition, and by taking action in your church and community, you are growing our movement in numbers and spirit. The staff and Leadership Team of the Open and Affirming Coalition thank you and ask you to hold us in your hearts and in your prayers. The work is sometimes difficult, but knowing we have the support of a movement of more than 350,000 faithful people in more than 1,750 congregations gives us the confidence we need to face the future with hope.

Wishing you every blessing and the deepest joy,

The Rev. Andrew G. Lang
Executive Director

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

Thank You Note from Kauai Pride

Koloa Union Church also received a very appreciative thank you note from the Kauai Pride Parade Committee for our participation and on-going support. Thanks to all who participated last month by walking in the parade, working at the Koloa Union Church table during the festival, praying that our presence would encourage people who need encouragement.

Mark Your Calendars for NEXT YEAR:
Kauai Pride Parade and Festival
Saturday, June 3, 2023

Koloa Plantation Days Parade

Saturday, July 30, 2022
“Gather Together Again”

Koloa Union Church is joining the parade as it returns after a 2-year hiatus! We plan to decorate a vehicle pulling a trailer, followed by a walking unit, along with music, and most likely a vehicle for those unable to walk the entire parade route. If you have any ideas or suggestions, please speak with Kahu, Michael Horning or Penny Osuga.

The parade starts at 10 a.m., but we plan meet earlier to decorate and get organized. We need to be in the line up at Koloa School by 8:30 a.m.

Don’t forget your walking shoes, sunscreen, water and hats.

Please write your name on the signup

Prayers & Squares

This beautiful quilt was blessed in church on July 3 and gifted to Sharon McCoubrey.

Please keep Sharon McCoubrey in your prayers. She is in Arizona suffering from poor circulation in her legs and a foot amputation.

Prayers & Squares meets monthly in order to create prayer quilts for people in crisis and those who might need some extra aloha in their lives.

Contact the church office if you would like more information about Prayers & Squares or else have a name to suggest as a recipient of a quilt.

Hookipa Wellness Class

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 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!

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Weekly Readings from the Bible

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

A Message from Our Kahu

Our New Youth Director!

Opening & Affirming

Open & Affirming Sunday June 26, 2022

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

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

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

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

Koloa Plantation Days Parade

Saturday, July 30, 2022
“Gather Together Again”

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

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

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

Salvation Army Lunch

June 29, 2022

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

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

Prayers & Squares

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

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

Strengthen The Church

Hookipa Wellness Class

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Weekly Readings from the Bible

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Office Close Independence Day

A Message from Our Kahu

Prayers & Squares

Youth Event

Friday, May 13, 6 – 8 P.M.

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

Saturday, June 4 Parade: 9-10 a.m.
Festival: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the Kauai Pride Parade and then have a table set up afterwards during the festival. Members and friends of the church are invited to walk in the parade as we let the community know that our church welcomes everyone!

If you can participate in the parade:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Just look for our church table under the big tent.

Petecost Sunday

Join us on Sunday, June 5, 2022 for

Strengthen The Church

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH

Special Mission Offering

“All Together”

Sunday, June 5

Youth Director Update

Search Committee Update

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

Hookipa Wellness Class

A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors

Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Lectionary Readings

Weekly Readings from the Bible

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Memorial Day

A Message from Our Kahu

On Easter morning, Mary Magdalene did not recognize Jesus, who was standing there in her midst and talking to her. Seven of the male disciples did not recognize Jesus when he stood on the lakeshore and had a conversation with them. Throughout history, church leaders have failed to recognize Jesus as he appeared over time. And today there are times when we too do not recognize Jesus as he shows up in our midst. One reason is that Jesus shows up in so many different ways, and we all have our preferred ways. I’m guessing most of us also can think of ways that we would rather Jesus not show up—for most instances of divine presence and direction tend to be inconvenient, to say the least, and possibly even disorienting or causing us to live our lives in a completely different way! One thing I am pretty confident about is that Jesus always shows up in love: love for me and love for you, love for family and friends, love for strangers and enemies, love for those who make important policy decisions and those on the margins of society. My prayer for you is that you would be open to any way that Jesus shows up in your life and in the world so that you will both recognize Jesus and joyfully serve him!

Aloha nui loa!
Kahu Alan Akana

Prayers & Squares

A Quilt For Ukraine

Support Ukrainian Refugees By Getting “LUCKY DRAWING” Tickets!

Thanks to everyone who supported disaster, refugee, immigration and development ministries throughout the world by donating to One Great Hour of Sharing!

Thank you for your generosity!

Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, nearly 6 million people have fled Ukraine, mostly women and children. Even more have been displaced within Ukraine. Hands On Global is currently on the Ukrainian border providing medical support to refugees. Cathy Evans has just returned from there! All proceeds from the quilt and any additional donations will go directly to Hands On Global to support their efforts to provide medical assistance to refugees.

A ticket will be drawn on Sunday, May 22, in church. We are requesting donations of $5 per ticket. You don’t need to be present to win.

You can get your tickets the following ways:

• On Sunday mornings
• At church during office hours
• On our website
• Mailing a check to our P.O. box

When getting tickets online or by check, write in the “Comment” section “Ukraine Quilt”.

You may also make a straight donation to Hands on Global by writing in the “Comment” section “Ukraine Donation” (for those who don’t want tickets for the quilt).

DEADLINE for getting tickets at church: Before the worship service on May 22

DEADLINE for getting tickets online or by check: 8 a.m. (HST) on May 19

Call Amber at 907.227.9045 or Penny in the Church office if you have any questions or need assistance.

Cathy Evans returned two weeks ago from the Ukraine/Romania border, working the front lines assisting refugees. She shared some of her experiences with us in church.

Youth Event

Friday, May 13, 6 – 8 P.M.

Calling ALL youth (middle & high school) to our next youth group activity on Friday, May 13, in Moore Hall at Koloa Union Church. We will work on our calendar for the year and begin scheduling future activities; also fundraising planning and discuss the Aha Paeaina Youth Event in Honolulu June 16 – 18, 2022. As always, we will have FUN!

Friends are welcome!

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

Saturday, June 4 Parade: 9-10 a.m.
Festival: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the Kauai Pride Parade and then have a table set up afterwards during the festival. Members and friends of the church are invited to walk in the parade as we let the community know that our church welcomes everyone!

More information will be coming in late May and early June.

Be sure to check the next edition of The Weekly News and listen for announcements on Sunday mornings.

In the meantime, please sign up on Sundays or contact Penny at the church office by Sunday, May 29, for the following:

—Walk in the parade
—Ride in the parade (limited availability)
—Set up KUC’s table at the festival before 10:00 a.m.
—Sit at the table in 1-hour shifts from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m

Petecost Sunday

Join us on Sunday, June 5, 2022 for

Strengthen The Church

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH

“All Together”

Sunday, June 5

Each year on Pentecost, we join other United Church of Christ congregations in collecting the “Strengthen the Church” special offering…. Thank you for your generosity!

Memebership Gathering

Sunday, June 5 Noon – 2:00 p.m.

Kahu and our Deacons will spend a couple of hours with those who wish to learn more about our church and what is involved in membership. You will learn about our history, how we function as a congregation, our connection to the wider Church, the benefits and responsibilities of membership, and more. It will also be a time for participants to ask questions.

Although there is no expectation for participants to join the church, those who wish to do so will be able to join the church on a future designated Sunday during the worship service. There will be opportunities on other Sundays as well.

You are invited to bring a sack lunch (or a snack) and a drink, as we will eat together on the patio before we meet.

Please RSVP to Penny Osuga in the church office by May 29.

Youth Director Update

Search Committee Update

The Youth Director Search Committee met last week and will begin interviewing candidates in early June. Please keep the committee in your prayers as they seek to find the best Youth Director to present to the Church Council by the end of June.

Please click the link “Position Description” for more information and the link “Employment Application” to apply; and if you know anyone whom you would like to see in this position, be sure to pass along this information!

Hookipa Wellness Class

A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors

Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos

Sundays 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. (Usually not the 3rd Sunday of the month)

Please register with RoseTatiana before attending: call or text (808)652-8985 or email at [email protected]

Mahalo nui loa to RoseTatiana for your ongoing commitment to the health of our kupuna!!!

Mahalo to Worship Participants

Doug Duvauchelle and Debbie Gunning for providing our beautiful and inspiring music for our worship service!

RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for the beautiful hula.

We always look forward to having our youth serve as Sunday lay readers. Thank you, Krayson Dao.

Michael Horning for welcoming everyone to Sunday service by blowing the pu shell!

Thank you, Chuck and Joey Rebb for the beautiful tropical flowers!

Congratulations!

Krayson Dao

Kauai High School Class of 2022

We honored Krayson in church on May 8!

Congratulations to Krayson, Parents Taylor & Van Sakimae, Grandparents Bruce & Becky Sakimae!

Thanks to Krayson for being one of our faithful youth lay readers!

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 8 are Acts 9:36-43; Psalm 23; Revelation 7:9-17; John 10:22-30.

Readings for May 15 are Acts 11:1-18; Psalm 148; Revelation 21:1-6; John 13:31-35.

Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News

Memorial Day