It has been an amazing three weeks on the East Coast! The highlight was the wedding of my son Palani to Isobel Mifsud in New York City! The wedding was beautiful, and it was so nice to gather with family and friends, and finally meet Isobel’s parents and sister who flew over from England! From there I took a train to Philadelphia to see the sites for a couple of days and then onto the D.C. area for an entire week. I then drove in a rental car to southern Virginia to see more historic sites and also visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden where they will feature my art when they celebrate the opening of a state of the art conservatory that will feature tropical plants and trees! On my final day, I took a leisurely drive through Maryland and Delaware to catch my flight home from New York.
Except for NYC, it was my first time to visit these places. There was a lot of history to take in from all the museums, monuments, statues, battlefields, historic homes, and so much more. I look forward to sharing some of my thoughts on Sunday mornings during the coming weeks, especially from my time in Philadelphia and D.C. One thought in particular that stands out to me is that there are many ways to be a democracy and even more ways to structure a government—and some of those ways are certainly better than others.
In the meantime, I look forward to celebrating Pentecost on Sunday as we consider what it means to be filled with Spirit. Just as there are many ways to understand democracy and government, there are also many ways to understand God’s Spirit and be the Church—and some of those ways are better than others!
Let us discover together how we can be filled with the Spirit and honor the life and teachings of Jesus!
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. Our church responded by giving to the United Church of Christ’s One Great Hour of Sharing and to Hands on Global, the organization which Cathy Evans worked with when she volunteered on the Ukraine border this spring.
In addition, Prayers & Squares volunteers created a beautiful quilt in the colors of the Ukrainian flag and asked members and friends to make a donation to “Hands on Global,” which provides critical medical assistance in Ukraine and across its border. We then had a drawing to the lucky winner of the quilt.
We raised an impressive $3,170!
Thank you to everyone from near and far for your support!
Congratulations to Chris and Michelle Molina,
whose names were drawn!
Here Is an Update from Lina
A “Hands on Global” Team Member
Update from Chernivtsi
Small steps can make a huge difference for a few people. Many weeks into my work in Ukraine with my tiny team, I see how big an impact we have on individual persons we meet. Not everyone of course, but for someone it can be life changing. Everyday we see a lot of children with viral infections and runny noses. We give them cough syrup, vitamins and listen to their mothers’ worries. They have maybe spent 40 days in a bomb shelter, and are afraid the kids are damaged for life because of the experiences. We see a lot of people with high blood pressure, that is also stressed because of the situation, and didn’t take their medication for a long time. We meet grandmothers with heart problems, crying and telling us they wish they stayed at home in Mariupol and died there. We meet disabled children and adults, and people with life- threatening diseases that were ready for treatment when the war started. We try our best to arrange and provide both medication and treatment here or abroad, and offer to help in the process.
Thank you for all your support and donations! We can’t help everyone, but everyone can help someone!
It’s not about the quilts; it’s about the prayers!
Youth Event
Friday, May 13, 6 – 8 P.M.
Calling ALL youth! Middle & high school students (including recent graduates from elementary school) are invited to our next youth group activity on Friday, June 10, in Moore Hall at Koloa Union Church.
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
PENTECOST SUNDAY!
It is also Communion Sunday!
The color of Pentecost is RED.
Strengthen The Church
STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH
Special Mission Offering
“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 which 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 generous gifts will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults.
Special offering envelopes will be available in the bulletins on Sunday morning. You may also give online or send a check to the church office. Be sure to write “Strengthen the Church” or “STC” on the online comment box or on the note section of your check.
Thank you for your generosity!
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.
Thank you, Rev. Dr. Peggy Price, for filling our pulpit with her powerful message: “The Whole of Creation”
Thank you, Rev. Caroline Miura, for your always energetic and stimulating sermons. This week: “Love Lights the Way.” Today’s takeaway: “Always aspire to inspire before we expire!”
Thank you, Rev. Dr. Walt Weiss, for filling our pulpit with your thought-provoking sermon: “United in Love.”
Mahalo nui loa…
Steve Sparks and Becky Sakimae, Doug Duvauchelle, Chris and Michelle Molina for providing beautiful and inspiring music for our worship service!
RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for the beautiful hula.
Michael Horning for welcoming everyone
to Sunday service by blowing the pu shell!
Thank you, Chuck and Joey Rebb for the beautiful tropical flowers!
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 29: Acts 16:16-34; Psalm 97; Revelation 22:12-21; John 17:20-26
Readings for June 5: Acts 2:1-21; Genesis 11:1-9; Psalm 104:24-36; Romans 8:14-17; John 14:8-27.
Readings for June 12: Proverbs 8:1-31; Psalm 8; Romans 5:1-5; John 16:12-15.
Readings for June 19: 1 Kings 19:1-16; Psalm 42 and 43; Isaiah 65:1-9; Psalm 22:19-28; Galatians 3:23-29; Luke 8:26-39.
Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News
Karen Johnson assisting the deacons by greeting Gayle by offering her a Sunday bulletin
Karen Johnson performing at Kukui Grove with the Kauai Chorale!! All songs were in Hawaiian!!!
Krayson on graduation night at Kauai High with his very proud Grandma!!! All the rain did not dampen their smiles!!
The “Karen Johnson Fan Club” at Kukui Grove enjoying the Kauai Chorale!!!
5th grade graduation from Koloa School for Caleb Ito!!! Cool dude!!!
Congratulations to Michael!
Recently voted VP of the Kauai Association UCC!!!!
Karen Johnson assisting the deacons by greeting Gayle by offering her a Sunday bulletin
Miss Reign on her graduation night at Waimea High with her very proud Grandpa and Grandma!!!
2022 Kauai Poke Festival Contest at Koloa Landing. Taylor, Van and 2 very proud moms!!!!
Winner! Winner! Poke dinner! Taylor, Van, Koloa Landing Executive Chef Gavin Onishi and Kaulana Baptiste of Kiawe Roots!!
Kauai Poke’s Banh Mi Poke won 2nd place!!!
Koloa School May Day Miss Kairi
Koloa School May Day Kron
Koloa School May Day Kron
Memorial Day
The church office will be closed
The church office will be closed Thursday, June 9, in commemoration of Kamehameha Day! Kahu will not be available in the church office June 15-16, as he will be attending Aha Paeaina (Hawaii Conference Annual Gathering)
“But the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.”
(John 21:4)
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!
Two beautiful quilts were blessed in church on May 1!
Red is for Kana Smythe and blue is for Vicky Medeiros
Please keep Kana and Vicky in your prayers!
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!
Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the Kauai Pride Paradeand 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
PENTECOST SUNDAY!
It is also Communion Sunday!
The color of Pentecost is RED.
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!
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
Dexter and Marilyn Ramm
They were married in Koloa Union Church 50 years ago by Rev. Art Mampel!! They were impressed with all of our capital improvements!
Kahu’s friends, Greg and Dawn.
Kahu was in church youth group with Dawn over 40 years ago in California; and they surprised him by showing up at church on May 1!
Congratulations to Kron!
April Student of the Month and an “effective and ethical user of technology!”
Penny Osuga says
Thank you for this beautiful fragrant stephanotis lei for Administrative Assistant Day!!!
You may have heard that I have been rather sick the past couple of weeks. On Wednesday evening before Easter, my throat was sore and I was rather tired. I figured I was pushing myself a bit too hard and my allergies were kicking in but, just to be safe, I took a Covid test…and it came out positive. I thought it might be a “false positive” as I wasn’t feeling that bad. Since I was planning on serving communion at our Maundy Thursday service the next day, I decided to test again in the morning—but there was no need. When I woke up I felt like I had come down with the worst flu of my life. For a week and a half, I felt sick and had very little energy.
When I went to bed that Wednesday night, I was all ready for Maundy Thursday, looking forward to hanging out with the kids as they colored Easter eggs on Good Friday, and my message for Easter morning was nearly complete. I was looking forward to it all! Once I started to feel a bit better, one of my first thoughts was, “I have missed Easter!” However, as I looked at the church calendar and continued preparing worship services for the upcoming weeks, I was reminded that Easter is a season! Yes, I missed the first day: Easter Sunday. As I spent most of the next week lying in bed and on my couch, I missed some more days. However, I am now “up and about” and looking forward to celebrating the rest of the Easter Season with more energy!
As I have been reading over the Scriptures for the upcoming weeks, I am reminded that, throughout the Gospels, Jesus kept showing up to his disciples. Sometimes they recognized him; sometimes they did not. Sometimes they seem to understand who he was; sometimes they did not. Sometimes the path seemed clear; sometimes it did not. That continued to be the case even after the resurrection; and it continues to be the case today. However, now as then, Jesus keeps showing up. Sometimes he does so in ways we expect; sometimes in unpredictable and surprising ways. Regardless of how the Risen Christ appears, and whether or not we recognize him, I am grateful that he keeps showing up, in fact, that he never leaves us—not even in our sickness, or when we face the death of loved ones, or when we confront our own mortality.
May we keep our eyes and our hearts open so that however Jesus shows up, we will say the words of the disciple whom Jesus loved, “It is the Lord!”
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 know 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. 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!
One Great Hour of Sharing
ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING “Love Remains”
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!
Share Aloha
Thanks to everyone who supported the foster kids of Kauai by donating to Hale Opio during Lent! Your generous donations are appreciated!
Thank you for your generosity!
Hookipa Wellness Class
A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors
Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos
The next class will be on May 1. Sundays 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Please register with RoseTatiana before attending: call or text (808)652-8985 or email at [email protected]
Membership Gathering
Sunday, June 5 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Kahu and our Deacons will spend a couple 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, 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 Pentecost, Sunday, June 5, 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.
A Note From CAPS
A Note From CAPS
The Committee for the Assurance of Pandemic Safety (CAPS) wishes you a safe and healthy Easter Season!
Please remember that the new variant is still spreading here on Kauai as it is in many parts of the country. Even people who are vaccinated, boosted, and extra-careful, can still contract the virus and get very sick.
Even though several of our members, including our Kahu, have contracted the virus, we are committed to keeping everyone safe when they are at church, and so our Covid guidelines will stay in place for now.
Let us continue to keep ourselves and our loved ones as safe and healthy as possible.
Please do not hesitate to contact any member of CAPS if you have questions, concerns, or need clarification on any matters regarding pandemic safety. CAPS is Kahu Akana, Michael Horning, Penny Osuga, and Penny Jessup.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our church and our island safe!
The Search Committee has begun receiving resumes and applications for the new position of Youth Director. Our goal is to choose someone in June and have the position filled by July 1.
Visit our Staff Position page and 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!
Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the Kauai Pride Parade and then have a table set up afterward 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!
A signup sheet will be available on Sunday mornings. Please let us know if you plan to walk with us, can help with the table setup and decoration, or volunteer for a time at the table during the festival.
More information will be coming in May.
In the meantime, save the date on your calendar!
Maundy Service
Rev. Dr. Walt Weiss conducted our Maundy Thursday service at the very last minute when we contacted him on that day. We gathered, heard the Scriptures read from the Gospel of John, and celebrated Holy Communion on the night we honor Jesus’ last supper with his disciples.
You may watch the service by clicking the link below:
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 nui loa to. . . Steve Sparks, Doug Duvauchelle, Rosemary Smythe, Debbie Gunning, Becky Sakimae, Chris and Michelle Molina, and our amazing Bell Choir for providing our beautiful and inspiring music for our worship service!
RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for the beautiful hula.
Evan Strong and Michael for welcoming everyone to Sunday service by blowing the pu shell!
Thank you, Chuck and Joey Rebb for the beautiful tropical flowers!
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:
April 24 are Acts 5:27-32; Psalm 118:14-29; Psalm 150; Revelation 1:4-8; John 20:19-31.
May 1 are Acts 9:1-20; Psalm 30; Revelation 5:11-14; John 21:1-19.
Fun Pictures Since Our Last Weekly News
Group hug!!
Happy to have Yone Honjo in church with daughters, Colleen and Mel
Larry and Patsy Sevison
Our Canadian friends, Bill and Cheryl Hargreaves, with their latest purchase—Kahu’s Koki`o `Ula`ula
Paul Ueunten, Michael and Kei wearing their Easter smiles
Rev Dr Walt Weiss Koloa Union Church
Salvation Army lunch servers- Sheila, Elizabeth, JoAnne
Steve and Norma Doctor Sparks
Steve conducting some business
Steve having an interesting conversation with his sound box???
Who wore it better?? Impossible to tell with these two handsome dudes.
Winner!! Winner!! Sydney Ito won!! `Olelo Community Annual Youth Video Competition on Oahu- Elections and Voting category
Fay and Belinda Bartels
Easter Koloa UCC
Easter Koloa UCC
Coloring Easter eggs !!
Steve and Norma Doctor Sparks- Norma, Stewardship Chairperson, spoke on One Great Hour of Sharing then Steve sang a song Thank You that they wrote
Coloring Easter eggs!!
Easter Koloa UCC
May Day
Join us for worship this Sunday on Lei Day! It is also Communion Sunday!
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
Mahalo nui loa to Steve Sparks, Doug Duvauchelle and Chris and Michelle Molina for providing our beautiful and inspiring music for our worship service! RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for the beautiful hula. Michael Horning and Evan Strong for welcoming everyone to Sunday service by blowing the pu shell! For Evan Strong being our youth lay reader.
And thank you, Joni Ito, RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos, Chuck and Joey Rebb for the beautiful tropical flowers!
Congratulations to
Palani Akana and Isobel Mifsud
who are engaged to be married in New York City on May 14, 2022 among a small group of family and friends.
Congratulations may be sent to:
Palani Akana and Isobel Mifsud
233 W. Anapamu St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Youth Director Update
On Sunday, March 27, the Church Council approved a final draft of the position description for a new Youth Director to work with middle school and high school students. The Council also approved a search committee, consisting of Joni Ito, Trudi Shim, Amber Strong and Kahu Akana. The committee will meet later this week and then meet regularly until the Youth Director is chosen. During this time, the committee will:
Brainstorm places to advertise
Create a schedule for interviews
Create interview questions
Create a sample contract
Interview applicants and recommend one to the Church Council along with a recommended contract.
We will post the position description after the search committee meets and then send a link on the Weekly News. Once you read the position description, please send it to anyone you know whom you think would be a great candidate to be our Youth Director! We are right on schedule in our process and plan to have the new person in place on July 1 if all goes smoothly. Be sure to contact anyone on the search committee if you have any questions or suggestions.
Season of Lent
Lent is a time to prepare ourselves for Easter Sunday.
It is traditionally a time of fasting, prayer & abstinence.
In whatever ways you prepare for Easter, may you be ready for the possibilities…of new life of joy after sadness of surprising hope & wonder of creative opportunities to share love!
Holy Communion
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 10:30 A.M.
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, meaning “thanksgiving,” Christians hear, taste, touch and receive the grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ in a unique way.*
We celebrate Holy Communion in our worship service on the first Sunday of the month.
In order to keep us as safe as possible during the pandemic, the Deacons have instituted the following temporary procedures:
You will be offered a ziplock bag when you arrive on Communion Sunday. It will include a container with a small wafer on the top and a small amount of grape juice on the bottom (just like in the photo below). There will be a sanitized wipe in your packet as well.
Please do not open the bag or container until instructed. Kahu will provide instructions before Holy Communion.
You will be asked to wipe the container and your hands with the sanitized wipe, and then place the wipe in the ziplock bag.
After you partake of communion, please place the used container back in the ziplock bag and securely close it. As you exit the sanctuary, you can drop the bag and its contents in the trash container. This will help keep us from spilling a small amount of juice onto chairs and clothing, and therefore avoid stains, as well as ants and other critters.
What About the Keiki?
As soon as Kahu offers the benediction, he will head over to the Sunday school class and offer Holy Communion to the children, youth, teachers and volunteers. *The statement above is taken from the page “About Communion” from the United Church of Christ website. To learn more about the sacrament of Holy Communion and what the UCC teaches, click the link below:
The first Sunday of every month is designated “Aloha Sunday” when we invite everyone to wear Hawaiian attire. If you have a favorite aloha shirt, muumuu or dress, feel free to put it on and celebrate “Aloha Sunday.” If you are not into aloha attire, don’t worry about it at all: we will welcome you with open arms no matter what you choose to wear!
Prayers & Squares
Tuesday, April 5, 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 know 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. 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!
Youth Game Night
Friday, April 8, 6:00 p.m. in Moore Hall
Middle school and high school youth are invited to put down their smartphones and join us for a fun and meaningful time of dinner and games at the church!
Psalm Sunday
April 10, 10:30 a.m.
Celebrate the Triumphal Entry of Jesus entering Jerusalem!
Our Sunday school and youth will start the service off with the procession of the palms during the prelude.
Children and youth please arrive by 10 a.m.
Since they will be processing throughout the sanctuary, the patio and Moore Hall, we ask everyone to be in their seats with face masks fully covering noses and mouths by 10:30 a.m.
Those who arrive late will be asked to wait outside the door until the procession finishes and it’s safe to find a seat on the patio or Moore Hall.
Maundy Sunday
Thursday, April 14, 7:00 p.m.
Maundy Thursday is the day before Good Friday and three days before Easter when Jesus shared a meal with his disciples. “Maundy” comes from the Old French word “mande” and the Latin “mandatum,” which means “mandate,” “command” or “commandment.” At the meal, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet as a demonstration of loving service and then said to them, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.”
Join us in the sanctuary as we commemorate Jesus’ last supper with his disciples and reflect on his command to be loving servants to one another. This will be a time of Scripture reading, reflection, prayer, music, and the Lord’s Supper.
All of the procedures for Holy Communion on Sunday mornings will apply to Maundy Thursday.
Easter Egg Decorating/Hunt
EASTER EGG DECORATING
Good Friday, April 15, 11. a.m. in Moore Hall Lunch will be served The keiki will take some of the eggs home with them. They will leave some of the eggs to share with worshipers on Easter Sunday!
Please wash the eggs before handling and consuming!
RSVP by TEXTING Tiffany Marrotte by April 10! 808-651-1397
EASTER EGG HUNT
Easter Sunday, April 17, after Church At the Smith Memorial Parsonage
Bring your Easter basket or container!
Middle schoolers and high schoolers will hide the eggs during Sunday school. Meet in the Sunday school room for instructions.
Keiki will walk with parents from the church to the parsonage after Sunday school where they will hunt for plastic eggs with surprises inside! Please wait on the walkway or lanai for instructions!
Easter Sunday
Join us on Easter to celebrate the resurrection!
Please remember that this is one of our Sunday morning services with high attendance.
Those who are able and willing are invited to park on, Poipu and Waikomo Roads, at the parsonage, or on the lawn just east of the parsonage.
Be sure to pick up a decorated Easter egg made by our keiki on Good Friday! Please wash the eggs before handling and consuming!
In order to accommodate as many as possible on Easter, you may reserve seats for a family or group: please write your name and the number of people in your party on the sign-up sheet at the name tag table on April 3 & 10; we’ll do our best to save seats in the order they are written. You must arrive by 10:15 on Easter or your seats will be forfeited!
Please arrive a bit early so that we can safely seat everyone in the sanctuary, patio and Moore Hall, and start our worship service on time!
All of our pandemic guidelines will still apply!
Membership Gathering
Sunday, May 1 Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Kahu and our Deacons will spend a couple 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, 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 Pentecost, Sunday, June 5, 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 April 24.
Chris Molina
Chris Molina
Advocate for A Living Wage in Hawaii
On Wednesday, March 2, Chris Molina offered a presentation on the importance of providing a living wage in the State of Hawaii to the leadership of the Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ. Chris attends Koloa Union Church with his wife Michelle and is working on a Master’s degree in Social Work. You can watch his entire presentation by clicking the button below:
The Committee for the Assurance of Pandemic Safety (CAPS) met on Wednesday, March 30, to discuss recommendations as we move forward in the pandemic. Please note the following two items:
SURVEY IS FORTHCOMING Due to the number of older members and attendees and those who may have health concerns, the group recommends that we continue with our current guidelines for Sunday mornings for at least another month. During April, we will create benchmarks as to what ought to happen before certain guidelines and restrictions are removed. We are also working on a survey to all who attend in order to learn about your comfort level, safety concerns, opinions and suggestions.
REMINDER RE. MEALS/SNACKS Small groups who wish to share snacks or light meals in Moore Hall or on the patio should first contact Penny Osuga directly to discuss their plans so that CAPS knows who is sharing food and drinks. The following recommendations will be brought to the March Council meeting:
A group may invite participants to bring their own food and drink, such as bento, brown bag, etc.
A group should always have a designated food and drink area if food and/or drinks are to be served.
Participants should wear masks when approaching the food and drink area.
Participants should sanitize their hands before eating.
The group should provide hand sanitizer at the food area and participants should sanitize their hands before touching anything at the food area or eating.
Adults should serve children and minors whenever serving from a common dish or container, such as pizza box, cake plate, donut box, etc. They are asked to wear gloves when serving.
All indoor tables and designated food and drink areas should be 6 feet apart. Exceptions are made for family groups and those who are part of the same social bubble.
Please do not hesitate to contact any member of CAPS if you have questions, concerns or need clarification on any matters regarding pandemic safety. CAPS is Kahu Akana, Michael Horning, Penny Osuga and Penny Jessup.
Thank you for doing your part to keep our church and our island safe!
March and April Donations due on April 17, Easter Sunday.
We will be collecting donations for the 3 foster homes of Hale `Opio on Kauai. One of these homes is run by our own Tiffany Marrotte. Most of the foster kids in these homes are middle schoolers and teenagers. They are often brought to the foster homes urgently and are not able to bring their clothes and other necessary personal items. We are collecting donations of toiletries and clothes to help these kids transition during a difficult time. List of requested donations:
During challenging times, reading the Bible on a daily basis is a great source of inspiration and hope. I encourage you to read and meditate upon the Scriptures of the Revised Common Lectionary and ask yourself how God might be showing up in the Scriptures for you, what God might be saying to you, and what guidance you might find as you share God’s love in creative and meaningful ways.
—Kahu Alan Akana
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 March 27 are Joshua 5:9-12; Psalm 32; 2 Corinthians 5:16-21; Luke 15:1-32. Readings for April 3 are Isaiah 43:16-21; Psalm 126; Philippians 3:4-14; John 12:1-8.
Readings for April 10 are Isaiah 50:4-10; Psalm 31:9-16; Psalm 118:1-29; Philippians 2:5-11; Luke 19:28-40; Luke 22:14-23:56; Luke 23:1-49.
Readings for Maundy Thursday are Exodus 12:1-14; Psalm 116:1-19; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; John 13:1-35.
Readings for Good Friday are Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Psalm 22; Hebrews 10:16-25; Hebrews 4:14-16; 5:7-9; John 18:1-19:42.
Readings for Holy Saturday are Job 14:1-14; Psalm 31:1-16; 1 Peter 4:1-8; Matthew 27:57-66; John 19;38-42.
Friday, April 8, 6:00 p.m. in Moore Hall
Middle school and high school youth are invited to put down their smartphones and join us for a fun and meaningful time of dinner and games at the church!
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!
Hookipa Wellness Class
—Next Class March 6th—
A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors
Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos Classes are normally on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sundays of each month 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Please register with RoseTatiana before attending Call or text (808)-652-8985 or email at [email protected]
Celebrating Kahuʻs 8th Anniversary at Koloa Union Church
On Sunday we surprised Kahu with lei and words of affirmation as we celebrated 8 years since he came to Koloa as our kahu. Here are a few of the many appreciations JoAnne Machin read during Sunday service:
We are forever grateful that you entered our lives 8 years ago. Your weekly messages are always meaningful for us, whether in person or online.
Our congregation has been blessed by 8 years of spiritual and professional leadership. We pray for many more years!
Your arrival was such a joyous occasion; we remain blessed by your wisdom and vision.
We appreciate ALL Kahu has brought to and done for our beloved Koloa Union Church! His endless energy and commitment and dedication makes us a thriving community. And we can relate to his meaningful sermons!
I am joyful for finding Koloa Union!! Kahu is such a blessing!!
Thank you, Kahu, for enriching my life in your teachings.
Congratulations on your 8th anniversary at KUC. I have enjoyed you as a minister and as a friend!
Congratulations on 8 great years at Koloa Union! We appreciate you! Have a great day! Keep up the good work!
Mahalo to Worship Participants
Mahalo Nui Loa to. . . Steve Sparks, Chris, Michelle Molina, and Doug Duvauchellefor providing our beautiful and inspiring music for our worship service!
We always enjoy our youth lay readers–last week was Skylar.
Michael Horning for welcoming everyone to Sunday service by blowing the pu shell!
Lent Begins On Ash Wednesday March 2nd
Lent is a time to prepare ourselves for Easter Sunday. It is traditionally a time of fasting, prayer, and abstinence.
Holy Communion
Sunday, March 6th, 10:30 am
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, meaning “thanksgiving,” Christians hear, taste, touch, and receive the grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ in a unique way.*
After two years of foregoing Holy Communion in person, we will begin serving communion again on March 6 as part of our worship service on the first Sunday of the month. In order to keep us as safe as possible during the pandemic, the Deacons have instituted the following temporary changes:
You will be offered a ziplock bag when you arrive on Communion Sunday. It will include a container with a small wafer on the top and a small amount of grape juice on the bottom (just like in the photo below). There will be a sanitized wipe in your packet as well.
Please do not open the bag or container until instructed. Kahu will provide instructions before Holy Communion.
You will be asked to wipe the container and your hands with the sanitized wipe, and then place the wipe in the ziplock bag.
After you partake of communion, please place the used container back in the ziplock bag and securely close it. As you exit the sanctuary, you can drop the bag and its contents in the trash container. This will help keep us from spilling a small amount of juice onto chairs and clothing, and therefore avoid stains, as well as ants and other critters.
What About the Keiki? As soon as Kahu offers the benediction, he will head over to the Sunday school class and offer Holy Communion to the children, youth, teachers, and volunteers. If a child or youth attends the worship service, he/she/they may participate with the rest of the congregation in the worship service.
*The statement above is taken from the page “About Communion” from the United Church of Christ website. To learn more about the sacrament of Holy Communion and what the UCC teaches, click the link below:
Lectio Divina
Wednesday, March 9th, 7pm
Lectio Divina is a traditional monastic practice of scriptural reading, meditation, prayer, and contemplation, intended to promote communion with God and to increase knowledge of God’s word. It does not treat scripture as texts to be studied but as a living word. As we gather in a small group, we allow a biblical passage to speak to us individually; after hearing the text read several times, there is an opportunity for participants to share their experience. We will gather again for Lectio Divina, led by Karen Johnson, at 7 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of the month. Location will be determined by the number of participants. Please RSVP to Kahu, Karen or the church office, and you will be notified of the location.
A Note From CAPS
Thank you for doing your part to keep our church and our island safe!
CAPS thanks you for adhering to our pandemic guidelines, as we continue to do our best to keep us all as safe and as healthy as possible!
The Committee for the Assurance of Pandemic Safety (CAPS) wishes you a safe and healthy 2022! Thanks for your patience and for following our guidelines when attending worship services during the pandemic! Please do not hesitate to contact any member of CAPS if you have questions, concerns or need clarification on any matters regarding pandemic safety. CAPS is Kahu Akana, Michael Horning, Penny Osuga and Penny Jessup.
Sydney Ito and her Chiefess Kamakahelei media team They won 1st place in the “commercial” category in statewide competition on Oahu!!!
Check out the latest happenings on our OUTREACH sandwich board–this picture is worth repeating
Team effort in making more fleece blankets for 2 shelters–a total of 28–so far!
The latest Prayers and Squares quilt gifted to a friend of the church.
Lectionary Readings
Weekly Readings From The Bible
During challenging times, reading the Bible on a daily basis is a great source of inspiration and hope. I encourage you to read and meditate upon the Scriptures of the Revised Common Lectionary and ask yourself how God might be showing up in the Scriptures for you, what God might be saying to you, and what guidance you might find as you share God’s love in creative and meaningful ways. —Kahu Alan Akana
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 February 27 are Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-44. Readings for March 2 (Ash Wednesday) are Joel 2:1-17; Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; 2 Corinthians 5:20-6:10; Matthew 6:1-21. Readings for March 6 are Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-16; Romans 10:8-13; Luke 4:1-13.
Koloa Union Church
No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here!
Each year we collect a special offering in memory of Henry Opukahaia, the first Native Hawaiian known to become a Christian. Henry O. is credited with motivating the early New England missionaries to sail to Hawaii. The money collected supports the training of current and future clergy for Christian ministry by providing financial aid for students from Hawaii. The Hawaii Conference of the United Church of Christ manages the scholarship fund. Please consider a generous donation on Sunday. Offering envelopes will be available on that day. Please write checks to “Koloa Union Church” and write “Henry O” in the note section. When giving online, please write “Henry O” in the comments section.
Hookipa Wellness Class
A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors
—NEXT CLASS WILL BE FEBRUARY 27—
Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos Classes are normally on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Sundays of each month 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Please register with RoseTatiana before attending Call or text (808)-652-8985 or email at [email protected]
Ash Wednesday Service
March 2nd @ 7 pm
We mark Ash Wednesday as the first day of Lent. It follows Shrove Tuesday. It is traditionally a time of fasting and prayer in preparation for receiving or reaffirming baptism at Easter. We will have a service of the ashes.
Holy Communion
Sunday, March 6th, 10:30 am
In the sacrament of Holy Communion, also called the Lord’s Supper or Eucharist, meaning “thanksgiving,” Christians hear, taste, touch, and receive the grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ in a unique way.*
After two years of foregoing Holy Communion in person, we will begin serving communion again on March 6 as part of our worship service on the first Sunday of the month. In order to keep us as safe as possible during the pandemic, the Deacons have instituted the following temporary changes:
You will be offered a ziplock bag when you arrive on Communion Sunday. It will include a container with a small wafer on the top and a small amount of grape juice on the bottom (just like in the photo below). There will be a sanitized wipe in your packet as well.
Please do not open the bag or container until instructed. Kahu will provide instructions before Holy Communion.
You will be asked to wipe the container and your hands with the sanitized wipe, and then place the wipe in the ziplock bag.
After you partake of communion, please place the used container back in the ziplock bag and securely close it. As you exit the sanctuary, you can drop the bag and its contents in the trash container. This will help keep us from spilling a small amount of juice onto chairs and clothing, and therefore avoid stains, as well as ants and other critters.
What About the Keiki? As soon as Kahu offers the benediction, he will head over to the Sunday school class and offer Holy Communion to the children, youth, teachers, and volunteers. If a child or youth attends the worship service, he/she/they may participate with the rest of the congregation in the worship service.
*The statement above is taken from the page “About Communion” from the United Church of Christ website. To learn more about the sacrament of Holy Communion and what the UCC teaches, click the link below:
Here are some of the important decisions that were made:
Kahu’s Report: Kahu Akana gave a very affirming report based upon the Vision Statement adopted by the Congregation in 2018. He pointed to all of the things we accomplished, even in the midst of the pandemic, and thanked the congregation for prayers, service, and generosity. He also drew our attention to the future and talked about what it will take to complete everything in our vision statement that remains to be accomplished. Youth Director: The congregation voted to hire a youth director to begin on July 1, 2022. Kitchen Remodel: The church kitchen is in desperate need of an overhaul, which will include a service window to the patio area, new appliances, cupboards, drawers, countertops, and floor. Once we have the drawings and cost, we will be asking for our members and friends to help pay for our new kitchen. Covered Patio Area: By the end of the year, we will have a plan in place for a nice covered patio, to include lighting, fans, audio-visual system upgrades, and storage. This large-scale project will require a multi-year capital campaign, which we plan to begin in 2023.
Lectionary Readings
Weekly Readings from the Bible
During challenging times, reading the Bible on a daily basis is a great source of inspiration and hope. I encourage you to read and meditate upon the Scriptures of the Revised Common Lectionary and ask yourself how God might be showing up in the Scriptures for you, what God might be saying to you, and what guidance you might find as you share God’s love in creative and meaningful ways. —Kahu Alan Akana
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 February 13 are Jeremiah 17:5-10; Psalm 1; 1 Corinthians 15:12-20; Luke 6:17-26. Readings for February 20 are Genesis 45:2-15; Psalm 37:1-40; 1 Corinthians 15:35-50; Luke 6:27-38. Readings for February 27 are Exodus 34:29-35; Psalm 99; 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2; Luke 9:28-44.
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