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.
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!
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