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Worship

Laity Sunday

7 AM: Atherton Memorial Chapel

8:45 AM – Gift of Music

Louise Kefford-Ching & Janice Trubitt, cello 

9 AM: Sanctuary

View service live/later on YouTube

11 AM: Parish Hall

View the worship bulletin

On Laity Sunday we remember that all our members are ministers!

We'll get to hear a message from Brody McMurtry, Church Council Chair-elect. Brody is CEO of Good Current, a solar development & finance company located in Hawai‘i. Earlier in his career, he practiced law, worked at a solar technology startup, and did projects in Zambia, Uganda, and Japan. This year Brody marks 10 years at Central Union with his wife and now their two children!

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 meet in the youth room from 12-1:30 PM.

Contact: melissa-thach@centralunionchurch.org

The theme for September's Jazz Vespers is "Where Two or Three Are Gathered" based on Matthew 18:15-20. This scripture centers on community, reconciliation, and the promise that when two or three gather, the Divine is present. In musical terms, this is about the profound listening required in a jazz trio or vocal ensemble. You can't force the groove; you have to lock in with the players around you. We will explore how navigating conflict and finding spiritual harmony is much like the real-time communication and deep listening required to make music together. Join us this first Sunday, September 6, at 5:30 PM in Atherton Memorial Chapel.

The Central Union Church 2025-2026 Annual Report is available for viewing!

In an effort to conserve resources, we encourage viewing the digital version of the report. There will be limited hard copies available at the worship services starting this Sunday. Any Member may request a hard copy in advance of the September 13th Annual Meeting. Please contact the Church Office by Friday, September 11, 12 PM to request a printed copy. You may pick up your copy from the Church Office by 4 PM on September 11. Contact: news@centralunionchurch.org / 808-440-3014

Happening in the Wider Community

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. To honor this solemn milestone, the Windward Choral Society invites the community to come together in a special commemorative performance on Friday, September 11, at 7:00 PM at Kawaiaha‘o Church. Admission is free and open to the public.

Calling Boomers & Beyond!

If you're a senior (or know one) who's interested in connecting with others and participating in leisure pastimes, maybe learning something new, come to our gathering of Boomers & Beyond!

CUC will be offering seniors an opportunity for weekly social gatherings to share in a meal and activities of interest. The invitation is open to all, so feel free to bring a friend or tell a beloved kupuna in your life.

Join us for the first gathering on Tuesday, September 15, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM in the Women's Building. Bring a sack lunch for yourself and a board game if you like. Beverages will be provided. Please RSVP below or call/text 808-391-2733 (Ronny).

Next Sunday: 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 for a PPParty!

October 4th is World Communion Sunday and the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. We will be celebrating with a blessing of pets after each worship service and a potluck from 10-11 AM in the Women's Building. There will also be an art show in the building – featuring work by CUC artists – to feast your eyes on! Come for the Pets, Paintings, Potluck... and people of course. Bless your pet, check out our talented CUC artists, and make a plate!

Give Aloha in September

Throughout September, you can go to any Foodland cash register to make a donation with cash/check/card naming Central Union Church #78511 or Central Union Preschool #78270 as the recipient. Foodland will match a portion of each gift made by enrolled Maika‘i members (free membership, join at any Foodland)!

Through Foodland's Annual Community Matching Gifts Program, Give Aloha, you can donate any amount, up to a total of $249 (per person, per participating organization) and your chosen organization will get even more in return.

Please consider paying any part of your pledge/offering, or make an extra donation, through Give Aloha this September – and make your money go further! Submit your receipt to the Church Office by mail or in the offering plate to get credit on your giving statement.

SEPTEMBER 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.

This group is designed for those who appreciate honest conversation, progressive perspectives, and a desire to connect their lifelong faith with the reality of their life today. We won’t be looking for "right" answers or debating dogma. Instead, we will gently peel back the layers of familiar language to rediscover the beauty and transformational power behind the words.

Why join us?

• Deepen Your Faith: Engage with ideas that bridge history, scripture, and personal experience.
• Build Community: Share in meaningful, safe, and open-hearted dialogue with friends and neighbors.
• Refresh Your Perspective: Find new ways to speak and think about your spiritual journey in this season of life.

Dates/Times: 2 options each week! (Just come to one a week.)

• Tuesday evenings (September 1, 8, 15, 22) – 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
• Thursday mornings (September 3, 10, 17, 24) 10:30 AM – 12 Noon

Location: Rewick Board Room

Whether you have read every theology book on the shelf or are simply looking for a meaningful way to reconnect, there is a place for you at this table. We look forward to embarking on this journey of rediscovery with you.

Copies of the book are available for purchase from Pastor Rushan or the Church office for $20.

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 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:

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

Know a boy looking for adventure and community?

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.

Pray for each person to feel encouraged and empowered to minister to others in the ways only they can.

Give thanks for our lay leaders who carry out the important ministries of our church.

Give thanks for the gift of music, for sharing and listening!

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.