Weekly News of the Church
Reopening the Church
The Mayor is now allowing churches to carefully reopen beginning this week. Our Kahu, Church Council and Deacons have been anticipating this announcement and preparing to reopen the church by creating a Reopening Committee. They have been meeting for two weeks on Zoom, gathering pertinent information, going over rules, recommendations and requirements for reopening the church by the CDC, governor, mayor, the Hawai`i Conference of the United Church of Christ leadership and Insurance Board. Although there have been no active cases of COVID-19 on Kaua`i for a number of weeks, it is likely that the virus will return to the island and will easily spread if we do not have some new guidelines for how we gather.
Our goal is to remain a church of welcome and hospitality and at the same time assure the safety of all who visit.
A Phased Reopening
The Hawaii Conference (UCC) encourages pastors and church leaders to have compassion for its members and visitors by assuring the safety of everyone who is physically present on church grounds. For the sake of safety and liability (in case anyone might become ill after a worship service and believes that the church did not take the proper requirements to assure safety), the Conference recommends that churches open in phases, beginning with Phase 1: the opening of the church office:
Phase 1: Church Offices
Beginning this week, the church office and Kahu’s office will be open for visitors for church business. We will open the church office this week, Tuesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to noon. Kahu will be available Tuesday through Thursday by appointment.
Please adhere to the following guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of our staff (Kahu and Penny):
- When visiting the church office, call Penny (808-742-6622) first whenever possible to let her know you plan to visit.
- When visiting Kahu, call the church office or his cell (808-855-8806) first whenever possible.
- Do not enter the church office but remain at the threshold in order to comply with the 6′ social distancing rule.
- Do not enter Kahu’s office until you are invited in.
- Please approach with a face mask. If you don’t have a face mask, a disposable mask will be offered. Please keep your face mask on at all times while standing in the doorway. Please ask staff before removing your face mask.
- Leave anything you are dropping off for Penny on the bench outside the office. There will be a clipboard for papers that blow away in the wind.
- Restrooms and the kitchen will be closed until further notice.
- Do not ask the staff to keep or store any items for you or your ministry/group until further notice.
- Please stay home if you are sick, if you have a fever or any other symptoms of COVID-19, or have had any known exposure to a COVID-19 case in the prior 14 days.
Phases 2-4
Over the next few weeks we will be opening the church up to small groups and classes (with no food or refreshments served), as well as restroom facilities (Phase 2: by early June). We will then open the sanctuary on Sunday mornings in order to resume worship services (Phase 3: by mid-June). Finally, when things are a lot safer, we will share communion and meals as we begin to look like we did before the pandemic entered our lives (Phase 4: date TBD).
Staying in Touch
Staying connected with our church community is as important as ever these days!
Here are some suggestions:
- Online Worship Services: Join us online every Sunday until we meet back at church for worship in the sanctuary. Everyone on our church email list will receive a link each Saturday to the YouTube video of the worship service.
- Weekly E-news: We will be sending out our weekly news now on Saturdays along with the link for our Sunday worship service. Please contact Penny in the church office if you would like a hardcopy mailed to you.
- Lectionary: Read through the Scripture verses for the week, knowing that Kahu and others are reading those same passages, which are often included in the Sunday messages. (Scroll to the bottom of this email to see the Scriptures for this Sunday and next.)
- Mail from the Church: The church office will occasionally send out postcards, letters, quarterly giving statements, etc. Just let Penny Osuga know if you would like to be added to our mailing list. Penny also checks our P.O. box weekly.
- Monthly Newsletter: We will likely not send out another church newsletter until sometime this summer, which you can choose to receive in hard copy format or click on the “News” tab at the top of the screen on our website and then click “Newsletter.” Just let Penny Osuga know if you would like to be added to our monthly newsletter mailing list.
- Phone Calling: Please call members and friends of the church to check in and see how they are doing! Also call a Deacon or Kahu Alan Akana if you have concerns or need prayer or just need to talk.
Memorial Day
Monday, May 25, 2020
Kahu Akana and Penny will take the day off on Monday, as they observe Memorial Day.
Let us give thanks for the women and men who died serving our country in the military.Let us pray for the families of those who have died in recent days.
Congratulations to Kahu!
The Hawaii Conference, United Church of Christ, publishes The Friend, six times each year. It is the oldest newspaper west of the Rocky Mountains. This month’s “Hawaiian Mission Bicentennial: 200 Years in 2020” was a very special issue, and the opening feature article was written by our Kahu, “Missionaries and Epidemics.” The article was based on his message to our church on March 29, 2020, and can be read in full online.
CHURCH OUTREACH
Sharing aloha with everyone…
Congratulations to Cathy Evans!
KITV’s Nā Mea Pono Recognition
On May 19 for Overseeing the Making
Of Over 1,000 Face Masks Donated So Far!
KITV Channel 4 “Na Mea Pono” celebrates the people on Kauai who are serving our community and supporting others throughout this COVID-19 pandemic. Bonnie and Penny nominated Cathy Evans. Go to https://www.kitv.com/namea#/gallery and click on Tuesday, May 19, to see Cathy’s recognition.
Thank you to Cathy Evans and all of the volunteers who have made face masks: You have made such a difference on our island!
Members and friends of Kōloa Union Church continue to make face masks for organizations on the island who provide important services to the community. We have delivered masks to the following groups: Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital, Wilcox Hospital, Garden Isle Health Care, YWCA Women’s Shelter, Women in Need Shelter (rehabilitation, domestic abuse and transitional housing), St. Raphael’s Food Distribution, Ohana Healthcare, Salvation Army (for the homeless), Kauai Economic Opportunity (for the homeless shelter), Nana’s House, Kauai Food Bank, Honolulu eldercare facility.
Need a Face Mask? Got Questions? Please contact Cathy Evans (volunteer project coordinator): cathyevans2@icloud.com; 858-231-6894.
Food for Hungry Neighbors
If you or someone you know on the south shore is hungry, please provide a name and contact information HERE. There may be someone who can no longer afford food. Perhaps someone is unable to leave their home to buy groceries. Our Outreach Committee is coordinating safe pickup and drop off of groceries to make sure none of our neighbors goes hungry during this time.
St. Raphael Food Pantry
Koloa Union Church continues to partner with St. Raphael Catholic Church in distributing food to hungry families. If you are younger than 65-years-old (a new rule) and you are available on Thursday, June 4 and June 18, to help pack food, please contact Amber Strong at 907-227-9045 or amberkn@yahoo.com. You must wear a face mask in order to volunteer. Let Amber know if you need a mask.
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LECTIONARY READINGS
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 May 24 are Acts 1:6-14; Psalm 68:1-35; 1 Peter 4:12-5:11; John 17:1-11
Readings for May 31 are Acts 2:1-21; Numbers 11:24-30; Psalm 104:24-36; 1 Corinthians 12:3-13; John 20:19-23; John 7:37-39.
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“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
CHURCH OUTREACH
Sharing aloha with everyone…
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Making Face Masks
800 Masks Donated So Far!
More Masks Are Needed
New Volunteers Are Welcome
.
We have included the following groups so far:
1) Koloa Union Church Members The Prayers & Squares team is happy to make a mask for you or your immediate family member. We want to make sure that we are taking care of each other and that we are all safe. Let Cathy Evans know if you need a mask.
2) Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital
3) Wilcox Hospital
4) Garden Isle Health Care
5) YWCA Women’s Shelter
6) Women in Need Shelter
7) St. Raphael’s Food Distribution
8) Ohana Healthcare
9) Salvation Army
10) Kauai Economic Opportunity
Face Masks Are Free! We are not charging anything for face masks because we want to make sure everyone is safe, regardless of ability to pay. If you would like to make a donation to support this effort, please write your check to “Koloa Union Church” with “Prayers & Squares” in the note section. Your donation will go to pay for material for face masks and quilts for those in crisis situations.
Need a Face Mask? Want to Help? Got Questions? Please contact Cathy Evans (volunteer project coordinator): cathyevans2@icloud.com; 858-231-6894.
Thank you to Cathy Evans and all of the volunteers who have made face masks!
.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY NEIGHBORS
If you or someone you know on the south shore is hungry, please provide a name and contact information HERE. There may be someone who can no longer afford food. Perhaps someone is unable to leave their home to buy groceries. Our Outreach Committee is coordinating safe pickup and drop off of groceries to make sure none of our neighbors goes hungry during this time.
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STEWARDSHIP NEWS
ONLINE GIVING!
We have created an online giving page on our church website during the pandemic in order to make it as easy as possible for people to make a gift to Kōloa Union Church from anywhere in the world! All you need is a credit card, the ability to get online, and the will to help us share aloha with everyone. Click the “Donate Now” button below and make a gift from any place at any time. As always, you can also give by mailing your check to the church: P.O. Box 536, Koloa, HI 96756.
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LECTIONARY READINGS
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 May 10 are Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14.
Readings for May 17 are Acts 17:22-31; Psalm 66:8-20; 1 Peter 3:13-22; John 14:15-21.
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“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
MAKING FACE MASKS
Hundreds of Masks Made So Far!
The Prayers & Squares Ministry continues to make masks for the following these groups:
1) Koloa Union Church Members The Prayers & Squares team is happy to make a mask for you or your immediate family member. We want to make sure that we are taking care of each other and that we are all safe. Let Cathy Evans know if you need a mask.
2) Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH) still needs masks for their employees who are not working with critical care or coronavirus patients.
3) Wilcox Hospital needs masks for staff, patients and families.
4) Garden Isle Health Care is asking for 170 masks.
5) YWCA Women’s Shelter is asking for 20 masks.
6) Women in Need is asking for 21 masks.
Face Masks Are Free! We are not charging anything for face masks because we want to make sure everyone is safe, regardless of ability to pay. If you would like to make a donation to support this effort, please write your check to “Koloa Union Church” with “Prayers & Squares” in the note section. Your donation will go to pay for material for face masks and quilts for those in crisis situations.
Need a Face Mask? Want to Help? Got Questions? Please contact Cathy Evans (volunteer project coordinator): cathyevans2@icloud.com; 858-231-6894.
FOOD FOR HUNGRY NEIGHBORS
If you or someone you know on the south shore is hungry, please provide a name and contact information HERE. There may be someone who can no longer afford food. Perhaps someone is unable to leave their home to buy groceries. Our Outreach Committee is coordinating safe pickup and drop off of groceries to make sure none of our neighbors goes hungry during this time.
STEWARDSHIP NEWS
GIVING TUESDAY IS MAY 5
#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of unity to take place on May 5, 2020, as a response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. People everywhere are invited to support organizations that are helping to transform communities and the world. this includes our church, as we spread the news of God’s love through our online worship services, make hundreds of face masks, and feed hungry people. If you have not yet supported Kōloa Union Church or haven’t done so in awhile, then prayerfully consider a gift of any size on Giving Tuesday. Thank you so much for your generosity!
ONLINE GIVING!
We have already begun to receive gifts online! We created an online giving page on our church website last week in order to make it as easy as possible for people to make a gift to Kōloa Union Church from anywhere in the world! All you need is a credit card, the ability to get online, and the will to help us share aloha with everyone. Click the “Donate Now” button below and make a gift from any place at any time. As always, you can also give by mailing your check to the church: P.O. Box 536, Koloa, HI 96756.
THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS
Thank you to all those who have been fulfilling their annual commitments and those making additional gifts to the church general fund. Those gifts have made it possible for us to continue our important ministry during these days of worshiping and meeting online.
We truly appreciate your generosity!
LECTIONARY READINGS
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 May 3 are Acts 2:42-47; Psalm 23; 1 Peter 2:19-25; John 10:1-10.
Readings for May 10 are Acts 7:55-60; Psalm 31:1-16; 1 Peter 2:2-10; John 14:1-14.
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“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
Church Outreach
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| Reaching out into the broader community by sharing aloha with everyone . . . |
St. Raphael Food Pantry
Koloa Union Church continues to partner with St. Raphael Catholic Church in distributing food to hungry families. If you are younger than 65-years-old (a new rule) and you are available on Friday, May 1, from 9-11, to help at St. Raphael’s, please contact Amber Strong at 907-227-9045 or <amberkn@yahoo.com>. You MUST wear a face mask in order to volunteer (and Amber can bring one for you if you don’t already have one).
Salvation Army Soup Kitchen
The Hanapepe Salvation Army has opened its soup kitchen but they do NOT need us this month since they have to limit the number of people on their property at any given time in order to honor the social distancing rules in place. We will keep volunteers posted as to our next day when they need us to serve lunch.
Making Face Masks Over 450 Masks Made So Far!
The Prayers & Squares Ministry continues to make masks for the following three groups:
- Koloa Union Church Members The Prayers & Squares team is happy to make a mask for you or your immediate family member. We want to make sure that we are taking care of each other and that we are all safe. Let Cathy Evans know if you need a mask.
- Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH) still needs masks for their employees who are not working with critical care or coronavirus patients.
- Wilcox Hospital needs masks for staff, patients and families.
Face Masks Are Free! We are not charging anything for face masks because we want to make sure everyone is safe, regardless of ability to pay. If you would like to make a donation to support this effort, please write your check to “Koloa Union Church” with “Prayers & Squares” in the note section. Your donation will go to pay for material for face masks and quilts for those in crisis situations.
Need a Face Mask? Want to Help? Got Questions? Please contact Cathy Evans (volunteer project coordinator): cathyevans2@icloud.com; 858-231-6894.
Food for Hungry Neighbors
If you or someone you know on the south shore is hungry, please provide a name and contact information HERE. There may be someone who can no longer afford food. Perhaps someone is unable to leave their home to buy groceries. Our Outreach Committee is coordinating safe pickup and drop off of groceries to make sure none of our neighbors goes hungry during this time.
_________________________________________________
Lectionary Readings
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 of them on the following Sunday. This week’s readings are Acts 2:14-41; Psalm 116:1-19; 1 Peter 1:17-23; Luke 24:13-35. |
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Join Us on Sunday!
 “A STRANGE INTIMACY” Getting Close while Staying Apart Sunday, April 26, 2020 Join Us for Our Next Online Worship Service † Message by Kahu Alan Akana † Hymns † Reading of the Scriptures † Special Music † Prayers of the People You can find the link on our website before 10:30 Sunday morning. |
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Happy Earth Day!
| Enjoy these photos of Kauai taken by Kahu Alan Akana |
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| Thank you, God, for the Earth and all her beauty! Teach us to love her. Teach us to care for her. |
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“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
A Special Online Worship Service
Easter Sunday
April 12, 2020
__________________
Join us on Sunday for:
† Special Hula by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos
(Accompanied by Dr. Douglas Duvauchelle)
† Easter Message by Kahu Alan Akana
† Sing-along with Easter Hymns
† Reading of the Easter Story
† Music by Kathleen Dahill
(Performed by Our Church Choir)
† Prayers of the People
† Sharing Our Joy!
You can find the link on Sunday morning
right here on our website.
You can also go directly to our YouTube Channel
to watch Sunday’s service and
most of our past worship services.
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CHURCH OUTREACH PROJECT
Making “Comfort Masks” for KVMH
Our faithful volunteers continue to make face masks for Kauai Veterans Memorial Hospital (KVMH). These are masks worn by their employees who are not working with critical care or coronavirus patients. In order to meet this goal, we still need lots of help. If you can help, please contact Cathy Evans (volunteer coordinator).
We will use a very simple pattern: two pieces of cotton fabric (9” x 6”), and 2 pieces of 1/4″ or 1/8″ elastic (7” each). The instructions are on this video on Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tBg0Os5FWQ&feature=emb_title
If you are interested in this project, please do the following:
- Let Cathy know if you will sew masks and if you need fabric and elastic: cathyevans2@icloud.com. Prayers and Squares has extra fabric which you can pick up at an agreed upon time and location between you and Cathy.
- Enlist/encourage people you know to sew these masks. In order to meet this goal, we need others to help. Please let Cathy know the person’s name, phone # and email address.
- When people are ready to deliver completed masks, contact Cathy.
- REALLY IMPORTANT: Please look in your stash of sewing supplies (AND ask your friends) to donate to this project 1/4“ or 1/8” elastic. This is an item that is in short supply and lately unavailable available in stores!
- MORE IMPORTANT: Pray! This is something we all can do! Pray to heal those who have COVID-19 and to protect those who do not have it. Pray to reach out to meet the needs of the people around us during this pandemic. Pray we can meet the need for these comfort masks. Pray to give us all hope, joy and peace.
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STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE
Our Stewardship Committee asks each person to prayerfully consider giving as much as you are able so that our church can continue to carry on our important mission and get through the next couple of months by fulfilling all of our financial commitments. As always, checks may be mailed to the church: P.O. Box 536, Koloa, HI 96756. All gifts are greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Bill Dressel, Stewardship Chair
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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 of them on the following Sunday. This week’s readings areActs 10:34-43; Jeremiah 31:1-6; Psalm 118:1-24; Colossians 3:1-4; John 20:1-18; Matthew 28:1-10.
__________________________________
“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
A Special Online Worship Service
Sunday, April 5, 2020
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Join us on Sunday for:
† A Special Message by Kahu Alan Akana
† Music by Kathleen Dahill & Chris Sweitzer
† Scripture Readings by Our Keiki
† Prayers of the People
________________
Click
To Watch!
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STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE
Our Stewardship Committee asks each person to prayerfully consider giving as much as you are able so that our church can continue to carry on our important mission and get through the next couple of months by fulfilling all of our financial commitments. As always, checks may be mailed to the church: P.O. Box 536, Koloa, HI 96756. All gifts are greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Bill Dressel, Stewardship Chair
_________________________________________________
LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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 of them on the following Sunday. This week’s readings are Psalm 118:1-29; Matthew 21:1-11; Isaiah 50:4-10; Psalm 31:9-16; Philippians 2:5-11; Matthew 26:14-27:66; Matthew 27:11-54.
__________________________________
“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
“200th Anniversary Celebration”
Celebrating the Arrival Of
The First Company Of
Christian Missionaries
In Hawai`i
March 30, 1820
A Special Online Worship Service
Sunday, March 29, 2020
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“We can learn a lot
from the early missionaries
about compassion and wisdom
during crises and epidemics.”
—Kahu Alan Akana
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Join us on Sunday for:
† A Special Message by Kahu Alan Akana
† Music by Dr. Douglas Duvauchelle
† Hula by RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos
† Scripture Readings
† Prayers of the People
________________
Click
To Watch!
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STEWARDSHIP MESSAGE
Our Stewardship Committee asks each person to prayerfully consider giving as much as you are able so that our church can continue to carry on our important mission and get through the next couple of months by fulfilling all of our financial commitments. As always, checks may be mailed to the church: P.O. Box 536, Koloa, HI 96756. All gifts are greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Bill Dressel, Stewardship Chair
_________________________________________________
LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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 of them on the following Sunday. This week’s readings are Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; Romans 8:6-11; John 11:1-45.
__________________________________
“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
May you deeply feel the loving presence of Christ
everywhere today and every day!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!!
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LECTIONARY READINGS FOR THE WEEK
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 of them on the following Sunday. This week’s readings are 1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41.
STEWARDSHIP IN THE DAYS OF COVID-19
These are challenging times emotionally, socially and spiritually for people everywhere. They are also challenging times financially for us. Our church budget has been in good shape over the past couple of months, but our Church Council is aware that giving will likely drop in the weeks ahead. Some people may stop giving altogether due to the inability to have income for awhile. We also will not be receiving gifts from our generous guests and visitors to the church. Our Stewardship Committee asks each person to prayerfully consider giving as much as you are able so that our church can get through the next couple of months by fulfilling all of our financial commitments. As always, checks may be mailed to the church: P.O. Box 536, Koloa, HI 96756. All gifts are greatly appreciated!
Sincerely,
Bill Dressel, Stewardship Chair
__________________________________
“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
Coronavirus and Church
Since the spread of coronavirus throughout the world and confirmed cases in the United States, I have talked to friends and colleagues on the mainland who have cancelled church due to the virus. I have also been approached by people at our church who are wondering if we are going to change the way we do things in order to stay healthy.
Our Deacons discussed this at our meeting last week and decided to continue having worship services and our regularly scheduled communion. If people begin getting sick on Kauai, we will likely change to another way of distributing the elements or stop serving communion altogether until the virus in under control. I also talked to Penny Osuga about Aloha Hour, which will continue until further notice.
In the meantime, here are some suggestions which should apply whenever you are at church, even without the coronavirus:
- If you are feeling sick (or even if you feel like you might be coming down with something), stay home and do not attend church. You can ask Penny Osuga to send you a copy of the bulletin as an email attachment and you can watch the message (sermon) almost every week online.
- If you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth completely and face away from people and food.
- Wash your hands before eating, touching your mouth, nose, or eyes.
- Wash your hands before preparing or serving food, and before touching cooking, serving or eating utensils.
- Consider hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before Aloha Hour. I’ve asked Penny to look into having hand sanitizer available for people as they enter Moore Hall.
- After washing your hands in a public restroom, use a paper towel when touching faucets, light switches and door handles.
- When greeting others at church or “passing the peace” at the end of the worship service, feel free to refrain from touching if you feel so inclined. If someone attempts to shake your hand or hug you, you can politely say, “I am not touching people during flu season.”
- During the closing song (The Queen’s Prayer), feel free to touch elbows rather than holding hands.
- When being served communion, hold open both hands so that I can place a piece of bread in your hands with out touching them. When dipping your bread in the cup, hold the bread at one end and dip the other end of the bread into the cup just enough to get a few drops of juice without touching the juice with your fingers.
- Parents, please be responsible for your children.
- Use common sense.
If there are any changes due to the spread of the virus, I will send an email to everyone as soon as those changes are made. Let us pray for individuals, families and communities who have been affected by illness…and for an end of the coronavirus.
Aloha nui!
Kahu Alan Akana
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Smith Memorial Parsonage
3281 Waikomo Road in Koloa
6 p.m. Wednesdays
Through April 1
This Week: Chapter 3
“Getting Real: From Illusion to Reality”
We will begin with a simple bread and soup supper, followed by a time of discussion and reflection based on the reading for the week from Parker Palmer’s book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. You don’t need to read the book, but if you want to follow along and spend some time reflecting on your own during Lent, there will be 10 copies of the book (while supplies last) on the Deacon’s cabinet in church beginning this Sunday. Just leave $15 cash or a check if you want to take a book.
Please contact the church office or sign up on the Lenten Soup Supper sheet on the bulletin board at church for the Wednesdays you plan to attend! We want to make sure we make enough soup for everyone.
—ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS—
MEN’S BREAKFAST The men of the church are enjoying their weekly breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at Kalapaki Joe’s in Poipu every Tuesday except the 4th Tuesday of the month. Church breakfasts for men and women are on the 4th Tuesday of every month, 7:30 a.m. at Holoholo Grill in the Koloa Landing Complex.
CHURCH ENSEMBLE Singers are invited to practice a song this Sunday, March 15, at 10 a.m., to be sung during the worship service. Join the monthly church ensemble under the leadership of Fay Bartels. The song this Sunday will be: “God Loved the World so that He Gave.”
COCONUT WIRELESS Click HERE to see the latest issue of the Coconut Wireless (the weekly e-news from the Hawai`i Conference of the United Church of Christ).
LECTIONARY READINGS (Old & New Testament Readings for the Week) 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 of them on the following Sunday. This week’s readings are Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-11; John 4:5-42.
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“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
Weekly News of the Church
Through April 1
We will begin with a simple bread and soup supper, followed by a time of discussion and reflection based on the reading for the week from Parker Palmer’s book, On the Brink of Everything: Grace, Gravity and Getting Old. You don’t need to read the book, but if you want to follow along and spend some time reflecting on your own during Lent, there will be 10 copies of the book (while supplies last) on the Deacon’s cabinet in church beginning this Sunday. Just leave $15 cash or a check if you want to take a book.
Please sign up on the Lenten Soup Supper sheet on the bulletin board at church for the Wednesdays you plan to attend! We want to make sure we make enough soup for everyone.
Please also consider signing up to bring a pot of soup and some bread on a Wednesday evening.
—ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENTS—
MEN’S BREAKFAST The men of the church are enjoying their weekly breakfast at 7:30 a.m. at Kalapaki Joe’s in Poipu every Tuesday except the 4th Tuesday of the month. Church breakfasts for men and women are on the 4th Tuesday of every month, 7:30 a.m. at Holoholo Grill in the Koloa Landing Complex.
COCONUT WIRELESS Click HERE to see the latest issue of the Coconut Wireless (the weekly e-news from the Hawai`i Conference of the United Church of Christ).
LECTIONARY READINGS (Old & New Testament Readings for the Week) 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 of them on the following Sunday. This week’s readings are Genesis 12:1-5; Psalm 121; Romans 4:1-17; John 3:1-17, Matthew 17:1-9.
__________________________________
“Weekly 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 weekly news sent directly to your inbox. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!
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