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Worship

Stewardship Sunday

Sermon by Rev. Rushan Sinnaduray

"Open Hearts, Open Hands"

7 AM: Atherton Memorial Chapel

8:45 AM – Gift of Music

by Piano Students of Dr. Wendy Yamashita

9 AM: Sanctuary

View service live/later on YouTube

11 AM: Parish Hall

View the worship bulletin

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Nursery

A staffed Nursery is available during the 9 & 11 AM worship services.

Children, from birth through 3 years old, may be left in the Nursery with our caregivers during the service.



Sunday School

We offer a Sunday School program for children, ages 3 through 5th grade, during the 9 & 11 AM worship services. Children participate in the first part of the service and will leave for Sunday School following the Time for Keiki.

Contact: cayanna-herrera@centralunionchurch.org

Youth Group

Our Youth Group is for young people in grades 6 through 12.

Youth will be helping at the Time & Talent Fair this Sunday and will meet in the new youth room from 12-1:30 PM.

Contact: melissa-thach@centralunionchurch.org



Attend Time & Talent Fair!

As part of our stewardship campaign, we will celebrate with a "Time & Talent Fair" this Sunday, on August 23 in the Women's Building at 10 AM (between the 9 and 11 AM services). Whether you're a longtime member or newcomer, come see what CUC is up to and how you can plug in. Explore how our church is building upon our four "Strategic Pillars & Goals" and how your time and talents can be shared to support the ministries of our church.

This gathering on Stewardship Sunday offers an opportunity to commit not only our financial resources, but our very selves to the mission and ministry of the church. We need your hands to help, your voices to sing, and your hearts to lead as we embrace the future God dreams for Central Union!

Come check out the various booths... perhaps you will find yourself in one of the photos! Join the fellowship and fun featuring special treats like cotton candy and popcorn!

Watch our promo video!

What's your special talent? Maybe, like Cory, you're still figuring yours out. Maybe, like Cory, you have some extra time on your hands. We hope you'll come to the Time & Talent Fair and see how you can share your time and talents. Or at least come for the fellowship, fresh popcorn, and cotton candy.

NOTE: The Church Office will be closed tomorrow, Friday, August 21, for Admission Day.

Sunday's Sermon: "Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled"

Worship services were canceled on Sunday due to the storm, but you can read Pastor Rushan's sermon online. "Do Not Let Your Hearts Be Troubled", based on John 14:1-14, is the fourth sermon in our stewardship sermon series. We continue to look deeply at how our practices, our priorities, and our resources reveal what truly claims our hearts. We ask God to transform and renew us from the inside out.

Flower Dedication

Since services were canceled on Sunday due to the storm, we wanted to make sure you got to see the flowers that were prepared for our worship spaces! These flowers were lovingly arranged by Eva Young, with assistance from Susie Field, and were provided by Georgia & Kenneth Len in honor of their 55th wedding anniversary! Mahalo to our Flower Committee for their beautiful floral creations each week.

Donate to Support Recovery from Hurricane Lala

The wider community is mobilizing to support those impacted by Hurricane Lala which devastated many communities over the weekend. Organizations with on-the-ground connections are collecting new supplies for families on Hawaii Island and in Waianae. If you would like to donate supplies to a collection happening in our neighborhood, you may purchase any of the items listed in the graphic above and drop them off at MORI, Capitol Modern (250 S. Hotel St.) on Friday 8/21 and Saturday 8/22 from 10 AM to 3 PM. Only requested items will be accepted.

We continue to pray for all those impacted and look for opportunities to help and support recovery.

Are you prepared for the next storm?

Check out these tips from the June/July 2026 issue of The Spire.

Hawai‘i is facing another storm threat after Hurricane Lala. Make sure you're prepared.

Share your Estimate of Giving!

As part of our stewardship, we share our Estimate of Giving which greatly helps our church to plan for the year ahead and live within our means. We trust that where our hearts go, our lives, choices, and resources will follow.

Please spend some time in prayer and consider what you are able to give in 2027 to support the ministry of Central Union Church.

You may turn in your Estimate of Giving card to the designated box on Sunday at the entrance of our worship spaces, at the Time & Talent Fair, or complete it online.

Come to Messy Church

Looking for a fun and engaging way to explore faith? Messy Church is a fantastic opportunity for all ages to come together, get creative, and learn about God’s love in a relaxed and informal setting. All are welcome to the next Messy Church gathering on Wednesday, August 26, 5-7 PM in the Parish Hall. Dinner will be provided so please RSVP!

Book Study – Reclaiming Our Faith: A Conversation for Curious Minds

Have you ever found yourself sitting in a pew, hearing a traditional religious word like "salvation," "sin," or "faith," and feeling like it didn’t quite capture the depth of what you experience in your daily walk with God? Sometimes, the words we grew up with can feel worn out, misunderstood, or even like a barrier to the spiritual life we actually live.

This September, you are warmly invited to join us for a four-week book study as we explore Marcus J. Borg’s Speaking Christian: Why Christian Words Have Lost Their Meaning and Power and How They Can Be Restored. Copies of the book are available for purchase from Pastor Rushan or the Church office for $20.

Annual Member & Budget Meeting

The 2026 Annual Member and Budget Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 11 AM in the Parish Hall (and Zoom) following ONE in-person worship service at 10 AM in the Sanctuary. Please plan to attend as we reflect, look forward, and do the shared business of our church together! Meeting materials will be made available soon.

SAVE THE DATE!

Calling all CUC women

As women of Central Union Church, we are called to serve with purpose, compassion, and excellence. Scripture reminds us that each of us has been entrusted with gifts to “serve one another” (1 Peter 4:10). When we gather, we live out this calling — strengthening our fellowship, shaping our ministry, and supporting the next generation.

All CUC women are members of the CUC Women’s League and have a voice in its life and direction. We invite you to join us for an important special meeting to discuss and vote on the newly revised Women’s League of Central Union Church Bylaws and Policies. The meeting will take place on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 10 AM in the Women’s Building, and will also be available by Zoom. 

Come for fellowship, light refreshments, and — most importantly — to lend your voice to the future of the CUC Women’s League. As Galatians 5:13 reminds us, “through love serve one another.” Your presence matters, your service matters, and together we continue the good work God has entrusted to us.

New Associate Minister

Members received the exciting news that we have called the Rev. Irene Willis Hassan as our Associate Minister.

Read Pastor Rushan's announcement to members about Pastor Irene who will begin her ministry at Central Union in September.

Seeking Instruments

Our CUC Pohnpei Ministry (which worships in Pohnpeian on Sundays at 11) is hoping to start a young adult ministry with music. You know that our Pohnpeian friends love singing and music, but they currently have no musical instruments. If you have a musical instrument of any kind that you are planning to get rid of or donate, they would love to receive it! It would make their dreams come true! If you can contribute, please call/text Wp. Robinson Fredrick (808-741-2547). Kalahngan & thank you!

Say It with Flowers!

Got a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion coming up? Commemorate it with flowers at a Sunday worship service!

Our Flower Committee creates floral arrangements for our worship spaces each week. You can give flowers in honor of someone with a printed dedication in the worship bulletin.

Email:

flowers@centralunionchurch.org

Learn to Play the ‘Ukulele!

Interested in learning how to play the ‘ukulele? Beginner players of all ages are welcome to come and learn from Wade Cambern who is freely sharing his love of music through teaching ‘ukulele. Bring your own ‘ukulele and join the musical fun on Sundays from 1-2 PM in the Women’s Building. Sessions have started back up on August 2!

Join the Chancel Choir!

The Chancel Choir sings in the 9 AM service 2-3 times a month and rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 PM (started on August 13). Musicians of all levels are welcome to join! While we'd love for you to be weekly participants, we also welcome seasonal singers who would love to be part of our Advent or Easter season, Annual Messiah rehearsal, or just want to give singing in a choir a try. Reach out to our Director of Choirs (Sarah-Young@centralunionchurch.org) with any questions!

Coming up:

• August 27, 6:30 PM - Fall Kickoff Pupu Potluck
• October 29, 6 PM - Annual Messiah Rehearsals Begin

Pray for those impacted by Hurricane Lala. May we do what we can to support aid, recovery, and resilience.

Give thanks to those using their time and talents to organize the Time & Talent Fair this Sunday!

While the state of Hawai‘i observes Admission Day or Statehood Day, pray for the truth about Hawai‘i's history and illegal annexation to be known and remembered.

Church Council

Next meeting: August 27

Church Council meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month at 5:00 PM in the Rewick Board Room in the Church Admin Building. These regular monthly meetings are open to all CUC members who wish to attend as an observer.

Contact the Church Council: council@centralunionchurch.org

HCUCC NEWS

The Coconut Wireless is a weekly e-newsletter of what is happening in and around the Hawai‘i Conference United Church of Christ. Get word on the latest news, events, learning opportunities, and more. Connect, share news and resources with sister churches.

The Hawai‘i Conference Office is CLOSED until further notice. Staff are working remotely.

READ FULL UPDATE

Volunteer at the CUC Thrift Shop

Wednesdays and Saturdays, between 9 AM - 1 PM

Contact Joanne Matsumoto thriftshop@centralunionchurch.org

Donations are currently NOT being accepted at our Honolulu Thrift Shop.

Volunteer at Serving Aloha food distribution

Wednesdays, 10 AM - 1:30 PM; check in at the Women's Building

NEED FOOD? Walk-in: 11 AM - 12 PM; Drive-through: 12-1 PM

Volunteer with the Garden Club

Thursdays, 9 AM - 11 AM; Help keep our campus looking beautiful!

Questions? Contact: troy-tomita@centralunionchurch.org

Volunteer with the Flower Committee

Fridays or Saturday mornings

Contact flowers@centralunionchurch.org for more info

Floral Arrangers Needed

Do you have a knack for arranging flowers? Would you like to learn how the church floral arrangements are done?

The CUC Flower Committee is happily welcoming new people to learn and help with the floral arrangements that adorn our worship spaces each Sunday. If you're interested in being part of this blossoming ministry, contact Dona Hanaike for more info: flowers@centralunionchurch.org

Volunteer to read in the Sunday worship service!

Sundays at 7 AM / 9 AM / 11 AM

Worship is one of the heartbeats of our church – it is the work of the whole church community in praising God, hearing God's word to us and responding in faith. One way to help each other in our worship is by reading scripture and other parts of our service. It enhances our experience of worship when we can have different faces and voices leading worship. If you are willing to read in a worship service, please join our pool of readers! Learn more and sign up by clicking HERE.

Volunteer with Community Ministry Next: September 8

Every month on the second Tuesday, our small but dedicated team of volunteers prepares a hot meal to be delivered to shelters in the community. They are in need of extra help! If you're available around 2:00 – 4:30 to help cook, or a bit later to deliver in Waikiki, your support would be greatly appreciated! If you're available for any of the Tuesdays and would like to volunteer, let us know how/when you can help. Sharing the responsibilities will allow volunteers to take breaks.

Online Zoom Fellowship

Are you interested in helping folks stay connected with the CUC ‘ohana? Are you unable to come to the church campus but want to connect? Join this casual time of virtual fellowship via Zoom on Sundays at 11 AM. Just drop in whenever! It's a great way to meet and keep in touch with people, especially those who may be homebound.

Click to join on Zoom

Meeting ID: 810 1050 2863

Passcode: cuc

Contemplative Prayer Meditation

Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM • Rewick Board Room (Honolulu campus)

Mindfulness Meditation with Marion

Mondays, 5 PM • JOIN ON ZOOM

Mindful Movement with Bamboo Sticks

Tuesdays, 2 PM • Women's Building (Honolulu Campus) OR JOIN ON ZOOM

For Young(ish) Adults

Did you know that we have a Young(ish) Adult ministry here at CUC for generations X, Y, Z? For more information, email youngish@centralunionchurch.org.

We’d love to connect with you!

HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE?

We welcome relevant news and events to share in our publications. Please submit items to news@centralunionchurch.org by Wednesday to be published in the following days.

Looking for a venue? Our church's range of facilities can accommodate all kinds of events! By renting out our spaces, we can provide a gathering place for the community and generate revenue for ministry. Learn more about our venues and consider hosting your next event at Central Union. (Members receive a discount!)

Reminder while on campus: We are fortunate to have a large, open campus with lots of people passing through for different reasons. To protect your belongings, we recommend not leaving things unattended in public spaces, including our worship spaces. Please be vigilant and guard your personal items and valuables.

Beware of Email Scams!

Scams come in many forms, whether it's someone impersonating church staff or even a member, or a stranger seeming to have a good deal for you on a special product or service. Please be cautious when checking emails! Know that church staff will never ask you to purchase something or give personal information by email. Often you can identify an email's authenticity by verifying the sender’s email address (CUC staff emails end with @centralunionchurch.org), but it's also possible for scammers to mimic email addresses. So if you receive any strange message at all and are ever in doubt, just delete it, don't reply or click on any links. You may call the church office (808-941-0957) to confirm.