Wisdom-Based Leadership: Preparing a New Generation of Spiritually-Rooted Leaders to Create a World Where All Can Thrive
Wednesday, January 19, 7 p.m.
Koloa Union Church
This event is open to the public.
All pandemic guidelines apply.
Rev. Dr. David Vasquez-Levy serves as President of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California–a progressive, multi-denominational seminary and center for social justice that prepares theologically and spiritually rooted leaders to work for the well-being of all. A committed pastor, a nationally recognized higher education and immigration leader, and a sought after speaker, Vasquez-Levy leads at the intersection of faith, higher education, and social change.Vasquez-Levy is committed to innovation and access in theological education and leadership formation. Vasquez-Levy has lived in four countries, including working on refugee resettlement in Canada, and taught courses and led international study and service trips across the globe. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Texas Lutheran University and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, including studies at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany.
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 January 16 are Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11.
Readings for January 23 are Nehemiah 8:1-10; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 12:12-32; Luke 4:14-21.
KAUCC SPECIAL PRESENTATION
Kauai Association (United Church of Christ) Offers Special Presentation by Christopher Molina “Raising Awareness About The Need for a Living Wage”
Tuesday, January 25 5:30-7:00 P.M.
Christopher Molina, of Koloa Union Church, will be a special guest presenter at the January meeting of the Kauai Association (UCC)!
Chris holds a Bachelors degree in psychology from Pepperdine University. He is finishing up a Masters degree at Thompson School of Social Work and Public Health, and completing a practicum with an advocacy nonprofit called PHOCUSED, which is part of the nonprofit organization Hawaii Appleseed, whose goal is to raise awareness about the need for a living wage.
This meeting will take place on Zoom. Please contact the church office for the invitation.
Church Office Closed
Monday, January 17 In observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
“News of the Church” is provided by Koloa Union Church, an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a member of the Kauai Association and Hawaii Conference. Please contact the church office if you would like to have our news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
On December 19, we will light the Candle of Love as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ. Come and join us as we worship God and focus on the love that Christ brought into the world!
Please consider coming to church a bit earlier during the season, as attendance is often higher this time of the year, especially if you want to sit in a particular area. Keep in mind that during the pandemic, we have limited capacity in the sanctuary and once the space fills up you will be directed to either Moore Hall, where you can watch the service on a large T.V. screen, or the patio.
We ask everyone to be seated when the worship service begins and remain in their seats until the service is over.
Thank you for your patience and commitment to safety during the pandemic.
The Office Will Be Closed…
The church office will be closed on the following days:
December 23
December 30
January 3
We are also taking a brief break from updating our website until 2022.
Normal office hours are Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to noon.
Mahalo nui loa to our staff and office volunteers for your service this past year and making sure that everything is functioning smoothly and communication is effective throughout our church community!
Christmas Eve Service
A Special Online Service this Year
Available at NOON on December 24
On December 24, we will be uploading a special Christmas Eve service for our members and friends to watch! There will be lots of music, provided by members and friends of the church, and you can sing along to all the Christmas carols and hear a little bit of the Christmas story in between each song! We are blessed to have so many talented musicians and lay readers in our midst, and we all love to sing Christmas carols! So click the link below on Christmas Eve for the Christmas Eve service and all of our worship services:
As I write these words, I have just finished listening to the latest pandemic report on National Public Radio. We have just passed the grim marker of 800,000 Covid-related deaths in the United States. For some perspective, that’s more than all American soldiers who died in World War I and II combined, and nearly double the number of American soldiers who died during World War II alone. There are currently 1,100 Covid-related deaths per day in the U.S., which is up 5%. Infections and hospitalizations are also on the rise nationally.
After nearly two years of living with Covid-19, it is easy to get tired of the inconveniences, changes in travel plans, not gathering for large holiday parties, and so forth. We are sometimes tempted to let our guard down and even ignore guidance from physicians and guidelines from the CDC, Health Department, FDA, and other organizations. However, it is important that we stay as healthy as possible as individuals and do what we can to keep the people around us safe as well.
On a personal level, I encourage you to follow the recommendations of physicians and professionals who have devoted their lives to medical science and the health of people for whom they are responsible. This includes avoiding large gatherings and activities where guidelines, such as mask wearing and social distancing, are not being followed.
In terms of church, I thank you for your patience as the Committee for the Assurance of Pandemic Safety, our Board of Deacons, and the Church Council, continue to do their best to provide for and encourage an active and meaningful church community while keeping everyone safe. Following is some of the key information that has guided us:
The main way the virus spreads is through droplets and aerosols which can linger in the air.
Droplets and aerosols are increased through speaking, singing, and playing wind instruments.
The virus also spreads by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose, or eyes.
The virus has been found up to 2 days on fabric, 5 days on paper, and up to 7 days on plastic and metal.
People who are infected with Covid-19 are most contagious 1-2 days before symptoms appear.
As we all make final preparations for celebrating the birth of our Savior, may we all be healthy, knowing the peace of Christ, and being full of Christmas joy!
Mele Kalikimaka!
Kahu Alan Akana
______________________________
Thanks for your patience and for following our guidelines during the pandemic!
Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions about our health and safety during the pandemic.
Please do not hesitate to contact the church office if you have questions, concerns or need clarification on any matters regarding pandemic safety.
LECTIO DIVINA
Wednesday, January 12, 2022, 7 p.m.
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 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 the church office by Sunday, January 9, and you will be notified of the location for that week.
An Evening WithDavid Vasquez-Levy
Wisdom-Based Leadership: Preparing a New Generation of Spiritually-Rooted Leaders to Create a World Where All Can Thrive
Wednesday, January 19, 7 p.m.
Koloa Union Church
This event is open to the public.
All pandemic guidelines apply.
Rev. Dr. David Vasquez-Levy serves as President of Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California–a progressive, multi-denominational seminary and center for social justice that prepares theologically and spiritually rooted leaders to work for the well-being of all. A committed pastor, a nationally recognized higher education and immigration leader, and a sought after speaker, Vasquez-Levy leads at the intersection of faith, higher education, and social change.Vasquez-Levy is committed to innovation and access in theological education and leadership formation. Vasquez-Levy has lived in four countries, including working on refugee resettlement in Canada, and taught courses and led international study and service trips across the globe. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Texas Lutheran University and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees from the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago, including studies at Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich, Germany.
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 December 12 are Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18.
Readings for December 19 are Micah 5:2-6; Luke 1:46-55; Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrew 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-55.
Reading for December 26 are 1 Samuel 2:18-26; Psalm 148; Colossians3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52.
Readings for January 2 are Jeremiah 31:7-14; Psalm 147:12-20; Ephesians 1:3-14; John 1:1-18.
Epiphany (January 6) readings are Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12.
Readings for January 9 are Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-22.
“News of the Church” is provided by Koloa Union Church, an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a member of the Kauai Association and Hawaii Conference. Please contact the church office if you would like to have our news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
On December 5, we will light the Candle of Peace as we prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ, who is called the “Prince of Peace.” Please consider coming to church a bit earlier during the season, as attendance is often higher this time of the year, especially if you want to sit in a particular area. Keep in mind that during the pandemic, we have limited capacity in the sanctuary and once the space fills up you will be directed to either Moore Hall, where you can watch the service on a large T.V. screen, or the patio.
We ask everyone to be seated when the worship service begins and remain in their seats until the service is over.
Thank you for your patience and commitment to safety during the pandemic.
The Committee for the Assurance of Pandemic Safety (CAPS) will be keeping an eye on the new omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus. In the meantime, please follow Kahu’s example and stay home if you are feeling sick, especially if you have any coronavirus symptoms. Thanks for your patience and for following our guidelines during the pandemic! Please let us know if you have any concerns or questions about our health and safety during the pandemic.
Please do not hesitate to contact the church office if you have questions, concerns or need clarification on any matters regarding pandemic safety.
Annual Holiday Outreach
Thanksgiving Food Boxes & Christmas Stockings
Thanksgiving Food Boxes: The Outreach Team sends a huge mahalo to everyone who donated the our annual Thanksgiving Share Aloha. They delivered meals to 11 local families. The church keiki helped fill the boxes. All the recipient families were so grateful!
Christmas Stockings: December 5 is the deadline for donations. We will be delivering stockings with gift cards to local families early in December. All donations are greatly appreciated!We 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. If you are able, please consider a monetary donation.
LECTIO DIVINA
Wednesday, December 8, 7 p.m.
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 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 the church office by Sunday, December 5, and you will be notified of the location for that week.
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 November 28 are Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36. Readings for December 5 are Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6.
“News of the Church” is provided by Koloa Union Church, an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a member of the Kauai Association and Hawaii Conference. Please contact the church office if you would like to have our news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Please contact the church office to RSVP by November 9.
Location to be determined by the size of the group.
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 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.
After a year and a half, we will gather again for Lectio Divina, led by Karen Johnson, our congregation’s “Prayer Leader.”
Everyone is welcome, those who are experienced in prayer and those who are brand new at it.
Church Office Closed on Thursday
The Church Office will be closed on Thursday, November 11
Annual Holiday Outreach
Thanksgiving Food Boxes
Christmas Stockings
We are ever mindful of the many families on the south shore who are less fortunate than many others. We will once again this year deliver boxes of Thanksgiving dinners and also Christmas stockings with presents and gift cards.
Important Dates to Remember:
November 14: Last day to bring in your food and cash donations for this year’s Thanksgiving outreach. Look for the sign-up sheets attached to the Share Aloha sandwich board on Sunday mornings.
November 21: Thanksgiving boxes to be delivered to local families and last day to donate cash for the Christmas stockings.
December 5: Christmas stockings (with gift cards) to be delivered to local families
We 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. If you are able, please consider a monetary donation.
If you know of any families who could use some extra help during the upcoming holiday season, please pass along their name to the church office. Also let us know if you would like to help prepare Thanksgiving boxes and/or stockings.
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 All Saints Day (Nov. 1): Isaiah 25:6-9; Psalm 24; Revelations 21:1-7; John 11:32-44. Readings for November 7: Ruth 3:1-4:17; Psalm 127; 1 Kings 17:8-16; Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44. Readings for November 14: 1 Samuel 1:4-20; 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Daniel 12:1-3; Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-25; Mark 13:1-8.
“News of the Church” is provided by Koloa Union Church, an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a member of the Kauai Association and Hawaii Conference. Please contact the church office if you would like to have our news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Classes will continue during the fall—normally on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Contact the church office or RoseTatiana for the schedule.
There will be no Ho`okipa Wellness Class on September 26!
Please register with RoseTatiana before attending:
“It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”
Prayers and Squares is a ministry promoting prayer using hand-tied quilts. The beautiful quilts are offered to people in crisis to remind them that the people of Koloa Union Church are praying for them. The group meets each month on a Tuesday of from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact the church office for date and location.
Everyone is welcome, whether you sew or not.
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 August 29 are Psalm 45:1-9; Deuteronomy 4:1-9; Psalm 15; James 1:17-27; Mark 7:1-23.
Readings for September 5 are Proverbs 22:1-23; Psalm 125; Isaiah 35:4-8; Psalm 146; James 2:1-17; Mark 7:24-37.
Readings for September 12 are Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19; Isaiah 50:4-10; Psalm 116:1-9; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38.
Readings for September 19 are Proverbs 31:10-31; Psalm 1; Jeremiah 11:18-20; Psalm 54; James 3:13-4:9; Mark 9:30-37.
“News of the Church” is provided by Koloa Union Church, an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a member of the Kauai Association and Hawaii Conference. Please contact the church office if you would like to have our news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Koloa Union Church was once again acknowledged for generosity to the mission of the Hawaii Conference (UCC) and the United Church of Christ denomination. These certificates remind us that we not only make a huge difference on Kauai in terms of mission and outreach, but also a HUMONGOUS difference in the islands and throughout the world as we join other churches in the Hawaii Conference and the United Church of Christ in our mission giving.
On Sunday, July 25, Kahu Akana thanked the members and friends of the congregation for their generosity and also our Stewardship Chair, Bill Dressel, for an outstanding job of informing the congregation of opportunities, as well as stories of how we make a difference together.
Summer Book Group
Wednesdays 7:00-8:30 p.m. “Daring Greatly”
Vulnerability to show up and be seen as you are can take a lot of courage. Being an individual or a community that makes it easy for people to do that takes intention and commitment. Brené Brown is a sociologist who studies vulnerability in individuals, organizations, communities, and culture. Kahu will lead the group discussion on this book which he describes as “one of the most helpful and most needed books I’ve read in years.”
We would like to know how many people to expect each week. Please place your name on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board next to the church office or else contact Penny to RSVP.
The book group will meet in the church sanctuary on the following Wednesdays: -July 28: Chapter 3 -August 4: Chapter 4 -August18: Chapter 5 -August 25: Chapter 6 & 7
All of the Sunday morning pandemic guidelines apply. Please arrive with your face mask.
Ho`okipa Wellness Class
A Free Exercise/Stretching Class for Seniors
Led by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos
Classes will continue during the summer—normally on the 1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month 11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Contact the church office or RoseTatiana for the schedule.
Please register with RoseTatiana before attending:call or text (808)652-8985 or email [email protected]
Prayers and Squares
Monthly on a Tuesday
“It’s not about the quilt; it’s all about the prayers.”
Prayers and Squares is a ministry promoting prayer using hand-tied quilts. The beautiful quilts are offered to people in crisis to remind them that the people of Koloa Union Church are praying for them. The group meets each month on a Tuesday of from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Contact the church office for date and location.
Everyone is welcome, whether you sew or not.
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 July 25:2 Samuel 1:1-15; Psalm 14; 2 Kings 4:42-44; Psalm 145:10-18; Ephesians 3:14-21; John 6:1-21.
Readings for August 1: 2 Samuel 11:26-12:14; Psalm 51:1-12; Exodus 16:2-15; Psalm 78:23-29; Ephesians 4:1-16; John 6:24-35
“News of the Church” is provided by Koloa Union Church, an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a member of the Kauai Association and Hawaii Conference. Please contact the church office if you would like to have our news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
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