HOW WE WORSHIP
A House of Prayer, Refuge, and Belonging.
This is God’s house—a place of prayer, refuge, and belonging for all people. We believe that no matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here. In a world full of exclusive spaces—even some churches—we choose a different path. Puka'ana Congregational Church is a safe, loving, inclusive, and affirming community where all are invited to experience the presence of God and the warmth of fellowship just as they are. Everyone is welcome.
How We Shape Our Worship
Our worship is guided by the UCC Book of Worship (1986) and reflects our progressive, Protestant, identity, that is grounded in the reformed, Congregational tradition. It weaves together shared Hawaiian congregational practices, the traditions our kūpuna and community have formed over 175 years, the richness of Hawaiian culture, and the joy of contemporary praise and worship. These elements come together to create a sacred, uplifting, and welcoming space where people from many backgrounds can gather together.
What to Expect in Our Services
Our worship life is expressed in our Sunday services, in the observance of “holy” days important to Christianity and to the Hawaiian congregational churches, and in special occasions we share with the wider United Church of Christ. We follow a liturgical pattern that includes a call to worship, opening prayers, Scripture readings, a sermon centered on the proclamation of the Word of God, prayers of the People, the collection of offerings, and the singing of hymns and praise songs. Holy Communion is celebrated every week and is central to our spiritual life—a place where Christ meets us, nourishes us, and gathers us into one family. When you visit, you will receive a Worship Aid to guide you step-by-step, and our members will gladly help you feel at home.
Communion.
We celebrate Holy Communion weekly - reflecting a deeper understanding of Communion and our desire to make it a central part of our worship life and experience together. Communion serves as a tangible reminder of the redemption, reconciliation, and restoration available to us all through Jesus Christ.
We are moved by Christ's leading to break bread together and share the cup "as often" as possible - creating as many opportunities to invite and welcome all to come to the table just as they are.
We believe that it is Jesus' desire for us to meet him at the table. We invite all with extravagant welcome to join us at Christ's table.
Languages.
As a historic, Hawaiian, congregational church, our services are conducted in both English and ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi - in our singing, praying, reading of scripture, and preaching. Our church, however, welcomes people of all languages and dialects to share in our services and activities in ways they are most comfortable.
In recognition of ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi being the native language of these islands and of the majority of our members, and the history of the illegal annexation and colonization leading to near extinction of our language, our congregation remains committed to the preservation and perpetuation of 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi through our worship services and in other areas.
Music Style.
Our congregation loves to sing. We continue to sing hymns that have been passed through the generations in English and 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi
Our English-language hymnal is Worship & Rejoice (2003), and our Hawaiian-language hymnal is Nā Hīmeni O Ka 'Ekalesia (1999).
We also enjoy singing contemporary praise and worship songs which make regular appearances in our worship services.
Bible Versions.
Bible translations are ultimately a matter of your personal preference. Whatever translation, or version, speaks to your heart and to your life is welcome.
In our worship guide, the translation used in our lessons (readings for the day) are provided in the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). The NRSV is a translation commissioned by the National Council of Churches to which the United Church of Christ is a member. It's most recent revision came in 2023.
Our church follows the Revised Common Lectionary and the NRSV is its official translation.