Worship Experience
“Good morning,”
“Aloha,”
“Welcome!”
“We’re glad you are here!”
This is what you may first hear when you join us for Sunday morning worship. The Worship Service is the main activity of our community. Let us be your “church by the ocean” on beautiful Puakō Bay. Join us Sundays at 9 am HST. We are located between Waikoloa and Kawaihae on Hawai‘i Island or “The Big Island.”
Hokuloa is a safe and welcoming place to explore and grow spiritually. Our worship service is not just a gentle activity. It is also intended to change and form us into followers of Jesus Christ and to help us make a positive difference in the world. We believe that worship - even via live stream - can and should be thrilling, profoundly engaging, even riveting — for us to explore and grapple with the mysteries of life and death, time and eternity, spirit and flesh, good and evil. Will you join us?
Weekly Email
Available on Friday
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News of the Church
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Sunday's Order of Worship
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Children's Bulletin and More
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Would you like to receive the Weekly Email? Share your email with the church office.
What to Expect
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Welcome and Sign-In: We have people who volunteer to welcome you! Don’t be surprised if they ask you if you are visiting for the first time. We don’t make visitors stand and we won’t single you out. We do ask that you sign in as you visit. We like to keep in touch with everyone who worships here. Please share contact information. Of course you don’t have to sign in, but it’s an easy way for us to get you information about our special events! We invite you to join in sharing the welcome statement at the beginning of the service and introduce yourself to others.
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Worship Style: If you are headed to the beach later, our services are about one hour. While our theology is quite progressive, our worship has some elements of traditional Protestant services. We will guide you when to sit, when to stand, and when to sing – no one is expected to get all the cues correct all the time–even if you have been coming to the church for a long time. Our service is reverent, but it is also relaxing. Our pastor occasionally wears a stole. We sing classic hymns – some contain inclusive language, some do not. Other songs are in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i (Hawaiian language). Special occasions might include a soloist, an acoustic guitar, a violin, harp or other instrument. At the end of each service, listen for the benediction with some words in ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i, followed by concluding music.
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Comfortable Aloha Style: Our pastor and some church members wear Aloha attire – Aloha shirts and floral dresses – In the Islands it is common practice to wear Aloha shirts to work, church, and social gatherings. Think of summer clothes, even casual shorts and join our relaxed island vibe. We don’t think going to church on Sunday mornings is meant to be a fashion show, so whatever clothes you are comfortable in are fine with us.
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Communion: We celebrate Holy Communion together on the first Sunday of each month as part of our service. We practice open communion, so all are welcome at the table. No faith is too weak or doubt too strong. Whether you are a member of our church, another church or no church, there is still a place for you at the communion table. If you choose, we use the process of intinction, which involves dipping a piece of bread into wine, or in our case, grape juice. Jesus didn’t turn people away, and neither do we!
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Hospitality: You are invited to join us under the Monkeypod Tree after worship for “talk story” (friendly conversation) and a cup of coffee or an ono (delicious) treat.
Our service is also available on Zoom at 9 a.m. HST.
Please join us! Join Zoom Meeting* 349 331 7110
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3493317110
* Note that this event may be recorded. By attending this event, you grant Hokuloa UCC the right to use your name, image, and statements, as recorded, and release Hokuloa UCC from all liability associated with the use of your name, image and statements.
Membership
Membership is a meaningful commitment—a leap into belonging. It’s a covenant between you, the congregation, and God to walk in faith together. By joining, you become part of a community trying to live in the model of Jesus, sharing both everyday tasks and major decisions. Membership includes responsibilities: showing up, giving, and participating. But it also brings the gift of being known and loved as you are—grand and flawed—and forming deep friendships. While many journey with church without becoming official members, joining has one unique benefit: the right join the consensus process on important matters like church direction, leadership, and financial decisions.
To begin, speak with Pastor Eric to set up a time to talk about membership and the joining ceremony. If you're already a member of another church, you can transfer your membership or join Hokuloa Church as an associate member.
