Church News: May 1st, 2023

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

Watch Our Most Recent Worship Service

You can click the button below to watch a video of a recent worship service:

Please Share!

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.

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Pentecost

May 19 is Pentecost Sunday! It is the day on which we celebrate the Holy Spirit among us. One of the symbols of the Holy Spirit is fire, which can be used either for purposes that are empowering or destructive. The Book of Acts makes it clear that God’s desire for us is to use our faith and our words to empower not only people but entire communities. When God’s Spirit descended upon the disciples as “tongues of fire,” they began telling people from all over the world what God was up to—not only in their lives but in the entire world. On that day some 3,000 decided to follow the way of Jesus! Pentecost reminds us of the unexpected possibilities when we use our faith and our words to build one another up.

On Pentecost Sunday, let us gather together and celebrate the Holy Spirit among us! Let us invite friends and family members to come and hear how our faith and our words can make a huge difference in the world! Let us give thanks that God’s Spirit is always with us!

RED on PENTECOST Red on Pentecost reminds us that our lives are set aflame with divine love! The color of Pentecost is RED. Our deacons will decorate the sanctuary in RED. You are invited to wear something RED.

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH
“On Holy Ground” Each year on Pentecost we collect the “Strengthen the Church” offering, which is one of the annual offerings of the United Church of Christ. You can give by placing a donation in the envelope provided in your bulletin on Pentecost Sunday, by sending a check to the church office, or by giving online (with “Strengthen the Church” or “STC” on the note section of your check or the “Comment” box on our donation page).

STRENGTHEN THE CHURCH
“Strengthen the Church” supports the expansion of ministry and growth of the local UCC congregations, helps create a just world for all by investing in new ministries. Your gifts will plant new churches, awaken new ideas in existing churches, develop the spiritual life in our youth and young adults. Thank you for giving generously!

Celebrating a Decade of Devotion

Koloa, HI – A decade of spiritual guidance and community leadership was celebrated at Koloa Union Church on Sunday, February 25, as the congregation honored the 10-year anniversary of Pastor Rev. Dr. Alan R. Akana. The church service transformed into a heartfelt tribute to Kahu Akana, with the community expressing their appreciation through personal stories, handcrafted lei, and a shared potluck feast.

Under Kahu Akana’s stewardship since February 2014, the church has undergone significant transformations, both in infrastructure and spirit. His innovative fundraising initiatives have led to major renovations, improving the sanctuary and campus facilities, and establishing the church as a symbol of inclusivity with its Open & Affirming stance.

A lover of Hawaii’s flora, Dr. Akana’s passion has turned the church grounds into a welcoming retreat, and his watercolor paintings of native plants have supported the maintenance of the church’s historic Smith Memorial Parsonage.

With dynamic sermons and youth programs, he has expanded the congregation and invigorated community engagement. As Koloa Union Church looks ahead, the members stand united in their gratitude for Pastor Akana’s visionary leadership and look forward to continuing their journey with him.

Spring Gathering

Prayers & Squares

Lectio Divina

Mothers Day

Youth Event

Church Breakfast

Menu and Reservations

Salvation Army

Kauai Pride Parade & Festival

Parade: 9-10 a.m.
Beginning at the Vidinha Stadium Parking Lot
Ending at the Historic County Building

Festival: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Historic County Building Lawn

Koloa Union Church will once again participate in the Kauai Pride Parade and then have a resource table set up afterwards during the festival. Members and friends of the church are invited to walk in the parade as we let the community know that our church welcomes everyone!

What To Wear / What To Bring
Wear your brightly colored clothing, rainbow clothing & accessories! Consider bringing sunscreen, water bottles, umbrellas!

Please Sign Up

See the signup sheet at church for the following:

Float Decoration (8-9 a.m.)

Participation in the Parade (8-10 a.m.)

Resource Table Setup (9-10 a.m.)

Volunteer for shift #1 at the table (10 a.m.-Noon)

Volunteer for shift #2 at the table (Noon-2 p.m.)

Resource Table Cleanup (2 p.m.)

Lectionary Readings

Weekly Readings from the Bible

Each week, Christians throughout the world read biblical passages from the Revised Common Lectionary, including the Old Testament, Psalms, New Testament, and Gospels. After three years, a good portion of the Bible is included and the cycle begins again. RCL passages are often read in church worship services, and Kahu Akana usually includes at least one reading each Sunday.

Readings for May 5: Acts 10:44-48; Psalm 98; 1 John 5:1-6; John 15:9-17

Readings for May 9, Ascension Day: Acts 1:1-11; Psalm 47; Psalm 93; Ephesians 1:15-23; Luke 24:44-53

Readings for May 12: Acts 1:15-26; Psalm 1; 1 John 5:9-13; John 17:6-19

Readings for May 19: Acts 2:1-21; Ezekial 37:1-14; Psalm 104:24-36; Romans 8:22-27; John 15:26-16:15

Readings for May 26: Isaiah 6:1-8; Psalm 29; Romans 8:12-17; John 3:1-17

Readings for June 2: 1 Samuel 3:1-20; Psalm 139:6-18; Deuteronomy 5:12-25; Psalm 81:1-10; 2 Corinthians 4:5-12; Mark 2:23-3:6

Sunday Volunteers

To Our Worship Leaders

Dr. Doug Duvauchelle, Chris Molina, Dr. Ellen Caringer, Taka Harada, Becky Sakimae, Steve Sparks for music! Our guest preachers/speakers: Rev. Dr. David Popham, Rev. Dr. Walt Weiss, Linda Kaauwai-Iwamoto, Rev. Kealahou Alika Our youth lay readers and bell ringers! To RoseTatiana Warken Ceballos for her beautiful hula!!