Pastor Alan on sebatical

A Message From Our Kahu

“Our Vision”

Thank you to everyone who participated in creating the draft of our Vision! Most of our leaders attended an all-day retreat in September. A couple dozen people (including some of our teenagers) wrote a phrase on our Vision Board (above). Four volunteers spoke in church in October about their dreams for the church. A handful of people have spoken directly to me. It all began with the question: “What do you believe God is leading us to be and do during the next 3 years?” Out of that question came the draft vision that is printed below.

As promised, we are including it in this NewsletterSince this document will guide our ministry, our decisions, our budgets through 2027, please take a careful look and offer any feedback you may have during the next few weeks. You can do this by talking directly to me or anyone on the Church Council. In December, the Church Council will take another look at the draft and then present it to the Congregation at our Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 26. In January and February, we will create and expand teams / committees in order to fulfill each part of our vision; so start thinking about an area where you would like to devote some time.

Remember: this is our vision, your voice matters, and your involvement is important!

Aloha Nui Loa!

Kahu

 

Vision Statement

2025-2027

(DRAFT)

Kōloa Union Church is known throughout the island for our

mission and vision, especially our aloha for people of all backgrounds

and our commitment to stand alongside those on the margins of society,

cooperating with other churches and not-for-profit organizations on the island.

A social media task force has put together a plan to assure that these things

are clearly visible before the congregation and throughout the community.

A social media expert keeps our vision and activities in the spotlight.

Our sanctuary is filled on Sundays,

overflowing into Moore Hall and the patio.

We have a thriving music and performing arts ministry.

Vocalists, instrumentalists and ensembles of all ages perform

traditional, contemporary and Hawaiian music in worship services.

Dancers and other performing artists regularly participate as well.

We also have programs throughout the year where we

invite people on the island to enjoy the talent of

our congregation and our friends.

We have a clear plan in place to build an attractive,

useful, safe and accessible space to the west of the kitchen.

A large covering with lighting and fans allows people to comfortably

eat, play, socialize, and hear what’s happening in the sanctuary.

The area is beautifully landscaped with a nice “outdoor” feel.

There is storage for tables, chairs, and other items.

There is a nice area where children safely play.

We have a thriving educational ministry for all ages.

Our Christian Education Director and committee assure that we

are meeting the educational and spiritual needs of our congregation,

and inviting members of the community to enjoy this ministry.

There is a notable increase in the number of children and

teenagers participating in opportunities for spiritual

and educational growth in a positive and

healthy social environment.

Our stewardship of time, talent and treasures has increased

so that our members and friends volunteer in such meaningful ways that

we have greatly expanded our ministries and fully support them financially.

We do not need draw from our reserve funds to cover our budgeted expenses. 

We have a plan in place to build one or more additional dwelling units on

the property located to the east of the Smith Memorial Parsonage—

in order to provide income for the church and assist

with the housing shortage on the island.