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Artwork “The Best Supper” by Jan Richardson

Worship

World Communion Sunday

Sermon by Rev. Rushan Sinnaduray

"Tenants, Tails, and the Global Table"

7 AM: Atherton Memorial Chapel

8:45 AM – Gift of Music

Music & Songs of Wade Cambern

9 AM: Sanctuary*

View service live/later on YouTube

11 AM: Parish Hall

View the worship bulletin

World Communion Sunday is a time when Christians in every culture break bread and pour the cup to remember and affirm Christ as the Head of the Church. This year, on October 4th, we remember that we are part of the whole body of believers. At Central Union we practice open communion, which means that ALL are welcome to share in this meal, a symbol of our connectedness to each other, to all of creation and to God. All are invited to partake. 

This Sunday, we'll collect the Neighbors in Need (NIN) special mission offering of the United Church of Christ. This offering supports ministries of justice and compassion in the United States. Consider giving to the NIN fund! Checks can be made payable to Central Union Church with “NIN” in the memo line. You may also give online and select "Neighbors in Need" in the drop-down menu to designate your donation.

CHILDREN & YOUTH

Nursery

A staffed Nursery is available during the 9 and 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 and 11 AM worship service. 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 activities will resume on October 11. Youth and families are encouraged to join the potluck and festivities at 10 AM this Sunday.

Contact: melissa-thach@centralunionchurch.org

Join the PPParty (Pets, Paintings, Potluck)!

October 4th is World Communion Sunday and the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (patron saint of animals). We will be celebrating with a blessing of pets after each worship service (7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM) and a Pūpū Potluck* from 10-11 AM in the Women's Building. There will also be an Art Show* to feast your eyes on! Come for the Pets, Paintings, Pūpū Potluck... and people, of course. Bless your pet, check out our talented CUC artists, make a plate, and join the fun and fellowship!

*Bring a simple dish for the Pūpū Potluck! Food can be dropped off at the buffet table in the Women's Building before the 9 AM service.

*The Art Show, from 10-11 AM in the Women's Building, will showcase over 25 paintings by six of CUC's artists: Scott Ballentyne, Ronny Lynn, Mark Norseth, Regina Shimomura, Rebecca Woodland, and Jean Yokoyama.

WATCH PET BLESSING PROMO!

PROMO VIDEO 1 • PROMO VIDEO 2

Jazz Vespers this Sunday!

Come for Jazz Vespers this Sunday at 5:30 PM in Atherton Memorial Chapel. The theme is "Pressing Onward: The Improvisation of Faith". In Philippians 3:4b-14, Paul writes about "forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead". Jazz is inherently forward-moving—if you hit a "wrong" note on the piano or sax, you can't go back and erase it; you can only justify it with the next phrase you play. We don't let past mistakes define us; instead, we keep pressing forward, allowing God's grace to turn our missteps into a new, unexpected melody.

38 Kāne‘ohe Bay Drive, Kailua, HI 96734 • 808-254-3802 • cuwindward@gmail.com

Did you Give Aloha? If you donated to Central Union Church through Foodland's Give Aloha program in September, MAHALO! Remember to submit your receipt with your name to the CUC Accounting Office (by mail, drop-off, or in the Sunday offering plate) by October 11 to receive credit on your giving statement.

Staff Transitions

Seasons shift, and staff transition, but our shared spirit remains. This September, we bid a fond farewell to two faithful members of our staff. We share our deep gratitude for Jennie Scott, our HR & Reservations Manager, and Troy Tomita, who has served steadfastly as our COO for the past three years. We are sad to see them move on to explore other opportunities, but we celebrate their service, their spirit, and the dedication they delivered daily to our doors.

While we begin the work of discerning what our future staffing might be a, Pastor Rushan will take on many of the COO responsibilities in the interim. Please join us in thanking Jennie and Troy for their time and talent, and in praying for a smooth season of transition for our entire team.

Talk Story & Tea with Pastor Irene

Our new Associate Minister, Pastor Irene, is making it a priority to get to know people! If you don't catch her at Sunday worship, she'll be setting aside some time at both campuses to talk story. There will also be a Zoom option for people who cannot attend in person. Come for tea, light snacks, and conversation!

SCHEDULE & CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Thursday, October 1 (Central Union Windward, 6:30–7:30 PM): “What do you hope I will understand about this church?”
• Thursday, October 8 (Central Union Windward, 6:30–7:30 PM): “What would you do with another lifetime?” Would you choose another career? Live somewhere else? Learn something new? Have an adventure?
• Sunday, October 11 (Central Union Honolulu, 12 PM): “What helps you feel like you truly belong in a group of people?”
• Thursday, October 15 (Central Union Windward, 6:30–7:30 PM): “Tell me about your people.” Who are the important people in your life? Who raised you? Who has shaped you? Who do you spend your time with now?

Contact: irene-hassan@centralunionchurch.org

Young(ish) Adults

Generations X, Y, Z are invited to a special Dinner Church on Wednesday, October 14, from 6:30–7:30 PM in the Parish Hall. It's an opportunity to meet and greet Pastor Irene who is excited to connect with folks! Dinner will be catered by Da Spot, childcare will be provided, and you don’t need to bring or prepare anything. Just come, eat, talk story, and let's dream together about what we want this community to become! Please RSVP to irene-hassan@centralunionchurch.org.

Spook or be spooked!

This Halloween season we will be putting on a Haunted House inspired by bizarre scenes from the Bible. It will be open to the community on Friday, October 30, 7-9 PM at the Central Union Windward campus. Plan to check out the spooky scenes and startle your spirit OR come be a part of it! Volunteers are needed. If you're interested in helping out, contact: irene-hassan@centralunionchurch.org.

The 5-7 minute experience is recommended for ages 10 and older. Admission: $5 CASH at the door. Free for kids under 10.

Boomers & Beyond

The Boomers & Beyond group meets on Tuesdays at 11:30 AM for lunch and an activity. If you're a senior (or know one) who's interested in connecting with others and participating in leisure pastimes, join Boomers & Beyond! The invitation is open to all, so feel free to bring a friend or tell a kupuna in your life. Bring a sack lunch for yourself and meet in the Women's Building at 11:30 AM. Questions? Call/text Ronny at 808-391-2733.

OCTOBER ACTIVITY SCHEDULE:

10/6 - The Blonde Vegetarian Cooking Demo with Rebecca Woodland

10/13 - Chair Yoga & Table Games

10/20 - Art of Zentangle ($2.50 for art supply kit)

10/27 - Halloween Party, Bingo & Prizes (costumes optional)

Honolulu Pride Parade

Central Union is partnering with sister churches to participate in this year's Honolulu Pride Parade on Saturday, October 17. Honolulu celebrates Pride in October which is LGBT History Month. Join us to be loud and proud about God's love for all! There is very limited trolley space. Walking is encouraged! Come help us pass out special stickers and spread love. It is a beautiful celebration of diversity! If you're not comfortable being IN the Parade but still want to help, volunteer drivers before/after the Parade may also be needed! Get more info and sign up HERE.

The Way of Radical Transformation:

A Journey Through the Gospel According to Mark

Have you ever wondered what the earliest followers of Jesus actually heard when they first gathered to hear his story? Unlike the longer, more structured Gospels, the Gospel According to Mark is short, breathless, and urgent. It offers a raw, powerful look at what it truly means to follow in "The Way."

This October, you are warmly invited to join us for a three-week Bible study as we explore the Gospel of Mark. This study is designed for those who appreciate honest conversation, progressive perspectives, and a desire to connect their lifelong faith with the reality of their lives today. Rather than focusing on complex doctrine, we will focus on metanoia, which is the "180-degree turn" of life, and what it means to live as disciples in a world that is often fast-paced and mysterious.

Why join us?

• Deepen Your Faith: Engage with the earliest Gospel through a lens that honors both history and personal experience.
• Build Community: Share in meaningful, safe, and open-hearted dialogue with friends and neighbors.
• Refresh Your Perspective: Connect the ancient, urgent call of Jesus to your own journey of faith, service, and transition.

Dates/Times: Morning and evening options each week (attend one)

• Tuesday evenings (October 13, 20, 27) 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Thursday mornings (October 15, 22, 29) 10:30 AM – 12 PM

Location: Rewick Board Room in the Church Office building

Whether you have studied scripture for decades or are simply looking for a meaningful way to reconnect with the core of the Christian narrative, there is a place for you at this table. We look forward to embarking on this journey of rediscovery with you.

Support Central Union Church Preschool

Central Union Preschool is partnering with Habilitat once again for their annual Christmas Tree fundraiser! Order your fresh tree, wreath, or door charm online at HawaiiChristmasTrees.com from now thru October 31. Select "Central Union Preschool" from the drop-down menu. Your purchase directly helps CUPS! Share the spirit of the season with family, friends, and co-workers.

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

Share your Estimate of Giving!

Thanks to all those who have already submitted their Estimate of Giving cards! As part of our stewardship, sharing our Estimate of Giving 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. If you have not yet turned in an Estimate of Giving card, we hope you will spend some time in prayer and consider what you are able to give in the coming year to support the ministry of Central Union Church.

You may turn in your Estimate of Giving card to the offering plate at Sunday worship, to the Church Office, or complete it online. If you would like a hard copy, please contact the Church Office.

Give thanks that we all have the opportunity to partake in communion here at Central Union Church!

Pray for pets and their human companions. Give thanks for the joy and care in these relationships.

Pray for connection and inspiration through all the happenings at church this Sunday!

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.

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 Flower Committee

Fridays or Saturday mornings

Contact flowers@centralunionchurch.org for more info

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: October 13

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

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 Sunday service 2-3 times a month and rehearses weekly on Thursdays from 6:30-7:30 PM. 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:

October 29, 6 PM - Annual Messiah Rehearsals Begin

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.

Are you on Instagram? Connect with us!

Follow @centralunionchurch and @cupskeiki on Instagram for photos, videos, and updates—and help us expand our reach!

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.