LECTIO DIVINA  Join us at the Smith Memorial Parsonage (3281 Waikomo Road) on Wednesday, December 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. as we reflect on the Scriptures in silence and share our experiences of doing so. The season of Advent is an especially important time to reflect and consider the meaning of God’s presence among us.

CHRISTMAS CAROLING  Christmas caroling at Sueoka Store on Monday December 17, 5-7 p.m. We sing to support the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign, which feeds hungry people on the island.

THE LATEST COCONUT WIRELESS  The Hawai`i Conference of the United Church of Christ shares news on the Coconut Wireless, the regular weekly newsletter of the HCUCC. If you would like to keep abreast on news, opportunities and events, please click HERE for the latest news. If you like what you see, you may subscribe and get every issue of the Coconut Wireless automatically and get the very latest news hot off the press.

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 Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18.

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COMING UP. . . .

CHRISTMAS FUND OFFERING  This special offering, administered by the United Church of Christ Pension Boards, provides direct financial assistance to retired and active UCC authorized ministers and lay employees and their surviving spouses, including pension and health premium supplementation, emergency assistance, and Christmas “thank you” checks. Each year, UCC congregations throughout the country collect this offering to assist faithful servants of God who are facing financial difficulties. We not only share hope, peace, joy and love with them; but they, in turn, pass these things along to others in their communities and in the world. We will collect the Christmas Fund offering on Sunday, December 23, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE  Our annual Christmas Eve service will be held at 7:30 p.m. on December 24. The service will include Christmas readings and carols, special music, as well as lighting of candles during the closing carol. Come early to get a seat! For those who are able to walk, please consider parking along Waikomo Road, at the parsonage or the lawn just to the east of the parsonage, so that those who find it difficult to walk, and our visitors and guest, can easily park near the church for this special service.

CHRISTMAS DAY COMMUNION SERVICE  Our Christmas Day service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on December 25 and will include Christmas carols, readings and a time of reflection, as well as Holy Communion.

OFFICE CLOSED FOR HOLIDAYS  The church office will be closed on December 25, 26 and January 1. Kahu and Penny have those days off as well (besides the Christmas Day Communion service).

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“Weekly News of the Church” is provided by Koloa Union Church, a congregation of the United Church of Christ (UCC), a member of the Kauai Association and Hawaii Conference. Join us at 3289 Poipu Road in Koloa!