by admin | Jul 7, 2014 | Message from Kahu
On Sunday, I shared with the congregation about the huge differences in spirituality between two prominent figures in the Gospels: John the Baptist and Jesus. On the one hand, John was a hermit who seemed to thrive spiritually by spending most of his life alone in the dessert, eating locusts and wild honey. His enemies claimed he had a demon that kept him alive because he ate so little and gave almost no concern to his physical needs. On the other hand, Jesus’ enemies called him a glutton and a drunkard because he greatly enjoyed eating and drinking with all kinds of people–even those who lived on the margins of society.
John found God in the solitude of the dessert; Jesus found God in the midst of huge crowds and the many people considered “lost” by the establishment. Of course, the Gospels tell us that John spent some time with people and Jesus spent some time alone; but it is clear that they had very different styles in how they experienced God and nurtured their spirits.
I am impressed with not only their different styles of spirituality, but also their focused commitment to a common vision: to love God, others and themselves, to show kindness, compassion and fairness…and to do so without judging others who do it differently, even those who have completely different styles of encountering God, hearing God’s voice, and serving God.
I think the world can learn a lot from John the Baptist and Jesus. I think we all can!
I hope you have a great week encountering God however God shows up and speaks to you…and I hope to see you on Sunday!
–Kahu Akana
by admin | Jun 18, 2014 | Message from Kahu
On Sunday I presented a new cross to Koloa Union Church from my son Palani and me in memory of my mother and father. The cross is made from curly koa and specifically designed for the space above our communion table. My hope is that everyone who enters our sanctuary will be inspired by the beauty of the cross; after all, it is the symbol of our Christian faith! I also felt that it was important to have a cross that represents our Hawaiian identity; so I asked the artist Frank Pullano of Kalaheo to make the most beautiful cross he could imagine for our particular space out of koa. I am convinced that he rose to the challenge! It was especially meaningful to present the cross on Father’s Day and so soon after my mother’s death just a few weeks ago.
A NEW CROSS FOR KOLOA UNION CHURCH
After presenting the cross, I shared with the congregation about the importance of hope. After listening to the South African theologian Allan Boesak twice last week, I decided to talk about some of his thoughts. He spoke of Hope as a woman with children: “a mother with two daughters, and their names are Anger and Courage.” As he gave names to Hope and her children, I could see how he was able to embrace her during the dark days of his imprisonment in a South African prison, where he served time for taking a stand against apartheid. For him, Hope was more than just wishful thinking. She was personalized in a way that helped him to fight against injustice even when he could not see how he could win that fight. Because of Hope, he kept fighting until the battle was won and the regime of apartheid ended. My prayer is that the symbol of our faith will give us the inspiration to embrace Hope in that same way, even when we cannot see or know how things will turn out…even when we doubt…even when all we can do is know that the love represented in that cross might be all we have left.
Kahu Alan Akana
by admin | Jun 11, 2014 | Message from Kahu
PENTECOST CELEBRATION
New Members and Newly Baptized – Pentecost Sunday – June 8, 2014
We celebrated a truly wonderful Pentecost Sunday at Koloa Union Church! Three people were baptized and six people joined the church! In case you can’t tell from the photo, the color of Pentecost is red! We celebrated with red “Duvauchelle Special” plumeria leis, red ginger and a brand new Hawaiian-themed red banner and matching paraments made by our friend Amy Sugano!
New Members and Newly Baptized – Pentecost Sunday – June 8, 2014Our theme for the day was “I Will Pour Out My Spirit” from the prophet Joel and the 2nd Chapter of Acts:
I will pour out my spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy;
your old men shall dream dreams;
your young men shall see visions;
even on the male and female slaves,
in those days, I will pour out my spirit.
I shared some of my dreams and visions for my life and for the church, and invited the congregation to think of their dreams and visions. I believe it is essential that we share our dreams and visions with one another, and tell each other how the Spirit is showing up in our lives and upon our hearts. As we do this during the coming months, we will create a vision for our church, and that vision will guide us in all that we do to make Koloa Union Church a place of extravagant hospitality, meaningful community and significant encounters with God!
Kahu Alan Akana
THEOLOGIAN ALLAN BOESAK TO SPEAK
World-renowned South African theologian Allan Boesak will be speaking at Kapa’a United Church of Christ (1315 Ulu St.) at 6:30 on Thursday, June 12. His book Dare We Speak of Hope will be available for purchase. A potluck dinner will be served at 5:30. Carpooling will be available from Koloa Union Church at 4:30 for those who contact Kahu Alan Akana ahead of time (650-400-5057).
TRINITY SUNDAY / FATHER’S DAY
Join us on Sunday, June 15th, for Trinity Sunday when we celebrate God as Holy Trinity! We will also give thanks for all of the fathers in our midst and the father figures who have made a difference in our lives. After the worship service, we will have a potluck luncheon in honor of fathers–hosted by the women of the church!
SAFE CHURCH WORKSHOP
Author, Founder and Senior Consultant of Kyros Ministry, Dr. Kibbie Ruth will lead Koloa Union Church in a workshop on Safe Churches from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 21. Special attention will be given to children, youth, the elderly and other vulnerable populations in most churches. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Dr. Kibbie Ruth
by admin | May 23, 2014 | Message from Kahu
This past Sunday, we looked at Jesus’ words in The Gospel of John, chapter 14: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except by me.” I talked about the importance of reading a passage in its context in order to get a better grasp of its meaning. In this particular context, Jesus had begun preparing his disciples for his death. He let them know that he would soon be leaving them, so they felt quite lost and uncertain of the way before them. It was hard for them to imagine their lives without him…or what they should do next…or where they should go. So Thomas asked Jesus how they could know the way (without him). This is when Jesus said those famous words, “I am the way, the truth and the life….” Some preachers use these words to invalidate all other religions, as if Thomas had asked, “Jesus, what about all of the other religions in the world? Will the followers of other religions go to heaven?” This was the furthest thing from Thomas’ mind. He and the other disciples were wondering how they would find their way in the dark days ahead after Jesus was gone, for he was the one who loved them and guided them.
Jesus’ words were a comfort to persons preparing for grief and wondering how they would find their way. In this context, Jesus seemed to be saying, “You don’t have to look very far ahead of you. In fact, just look to me. I am the way.” I think this was his way of letting them know that the person standing in front of them would remain with them even after he was gone. These words have proven to be a great comfort to me this week. My mother died last night in her sleep, and I write these words on the airplane traveling home to be with family. As I wonder what the world will be like in the days to come without Mom in it, I know that she will remain in my mind and heart. Just as the Spirit of Jesus remains after all these years, I have a feeling that my mother’s spirit will remain with me throughout my life. I hope these words bring comfort to all who have grieved. As you think of those who have loved and guided you, I hope you will continue to sense their love throughout life and eternity.
By the way, I will be in California for a week to help with family decisions, as well as cleaning, sorting, tossing, donating, etc. at Mom’s place. I look forward to seeing everyone again a week from Sunday. Thank you so much for your prayers.
Aloha nui loa!
Pastor Alan
by admin | May 15, 2014 | Message from Kahu
SUNDAY MESSAGE
On Sunday we read from the Gospel of John where Jesus said, “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly,” and “I am the Good Shepherd.” I shared the story of a family visit to a sheep ranch in Montana when my son Palani was just 2-years-old. Two important things became clear to be very quickly. The first: the owners of the sheep ranch were entirely devoted to the well being of their sheep. The second: the sheep seemed to have total trust in the presence of their owners; they were at peace and didn’t seem to have any fear. I think this was Jesus’ point in his words about abundant life and being a shepherd to his followers. He showed us how much God cares for us and how much peace we have when we trust in God and God’s unconditional love for us. I hope all who read these words feel that peace today and know how deeply they are loved by God!
RECEPTION FOR CHILDREN & FAMILIES
I also want to say how happy I am to see all of the children at our church! I attended the May Day celebration at Koloa Elementary School today and visited with so many children and their families! If you have kids in your family, I want to remind you that we are having a reception at the parsonage this coming Sunday, May 18, from 3-5, for children and their families! Parents will have an opportunity to share what their hopes and dreams are for their children and the children’s ministry at Koloa Union Church! While the parents talk, the children can participate in organized games and have snacks. Please bring a pupu or dessert to share if you are able.
–Pastor Alan
by admin | May 7, 2014 | Message from Kahu
Kōloa Union Church is hosting a free reception for the community to celebrate the release of my new book THE VOLCANO IS OUR HOME: Nine Generations of a Hawaiian Family on Kilauea Volcano.
Please come and invite all of your friends, relatives and neighbors who are interested in Hawaiian culture and history!
Friday, May 9th, 6:30-9:00 p.m.
Kōloa Union Church
3289 Po‘ipu Road, Kōloa
Free refreshments
Signed copies of the book available for sale.
I will speak at 6:30 & 8:00.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Pastor Alan Akana
The Volcano Is Our Home unfolds Hawaiian history from the perspective of the Hawaiian people who lived in isolated villages on the Island of Hawai‘i.
For more info about the event, call the church office: 808-742-6622
For more info about the book, see: www.thevolcanoisourhome.com
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