The Hawai'i Conference Coconut Wireless   A weekly sharing of news from around the Hawai'i Conference Wednesday, December 12, 2007 Click to subscribe or send us news from your congregation  Rag Dolls Bring Love As part of mission trips to Africa and India, United Church of Christ–Judd Street members made 85 dolls to share a little love with orphaned children in these countries. The patterns for these dolls are offered to groups or individuals in a program called "Rag Dolls to Love." If your church would like to make ragdolls for your own mission trips, you can email ragdolls2love2003@yahoo.com to request a sewing pattern and more information on the program. FULL STORY and photo of dolls.                                                                                                        From: Judy Asman, UCC-Judd St. Be a Global Mission Church Stretch toward a new level of commitment to God’s world. Whether propelling your congregation into launching a new activity or affirming projects already in place, the UCC’s “Be a Global Mission” workbook offers valuable information for you. To order or download a copy of the workbook, click HERE.  UCC Teens Gearing up for the Souper Bowl Each year, during the NFL Super Bowl weekend, thousands of UCC teens mobilize for the “Souper Bowl of Caring.” It’s simple, effective and raises needed dollars to fight hunger and poverty in local communities where these teens live. Find out how your church’s youth group can have fun and do good at the same time. Free materials are provided when you register at www.souperbowl.org . New Report on Homeless Available Some highlights of the “Homeless Service Utilization Report: Hawaii 2007” report:      • Children ages 17 years and younger constituted nearly 30% of the         population served.     • 61% of individuals who accessed outreach services were lifetime         residents of Hawai‘i.     • The vast majority of individuals accessing homeless services were U.S.         citizens (85% of shelter and 96% of outreach services). Individuals from         Compact of Free Association states, which includes several Micronesian        countries, comprised 9% of the Shelter Stipend and 2% of Outreach         Program clients.        FULL REPORT  College Scholarships Available  The Kenneth O. Rewick Educational Grant ($1,000) is awarded to a Hawai`i resident or Hawai`i high school graduate for college or graduate school. The Ruth C. Scudder Scholarship ($1,000) is awarded to a woman of Christian affiliation who is currently enrolled as an undergraduate in the University of Hawaii system. Both are administered by the Women’s League of Central Union Church. Applications must be postmarked by the last day of February 2008, and only the first 60 will be considered. DETAILS and APPLICATION . Christmas Events  Nu`uanu Congregational Church announces:        December 16, 9 am, “Let There Be Light–A Christmas Celebration”        December 24, 7 pm, Christmas Eve Candlelight Service                                                                                From: Paula Yamamoto, Nuuanu Congregational  Looking for a Christmas Gift? Consider purchasing a "Freedom Flashlight" and help Lani Kamaha`o at the same time. This waterproof flashlight that floats is great to keep on hand in the house or car for emergencies. It doesn’t need batteries, so it’s always ready to use. The cost is $20, half of which is tax deductible. To order, call Pat Brown at 791-5632 or email pbrown@hcucc.org .  LANI KAMAHA`O is the outdoor ministry of the O`ahu Association.                                                                             From: Pat Brown, Lani Kamaha`o    Join Central Union’s Duck Tour  Experience the once-in-a-lifetime thrill of riding in a fully-restored amphibious World War II DUKW, or “Duck” vehicle on land and sea. You’ll see Honolulu and Keehi Lagoon as never before, then potluck back at the Central Union’s Senior Center, sponsor of the event.       When: January 22, 9:30 am to 11:30 am       Where: Tour leaves from Central Union Church, Women’s Building       Reservations: Required, $10 per person.       Information: John Stepulis, 395-1433 or step@hawaii.rr.com  For Church Leaders  Yearbook Forms Critical to Your Church Did you know that if your church is not included in the annual UCC Yearbook, the IRS will not recognize it as a tax exempt organization? In addition, having your church listed in the UCC Yearbook is the documentation required by most grantmaking organizations, insurance companies and others to prove you are a qualified charitable organization. The Yearbook forms were mailed yesterday to every Hawai`i Conference Church. Be sure you fill them out and return them. As an added incentive, churches that submit all of their completed forms by January 18 will be eligible to win one of five gift certificates from the Hawaii Conference!                                                                              From: Lori Yamashiro, Hawai`i Conference Registrar How Do You Stack Up on Sarbannes-Oxley? Does your church have a conflict of interest policy, a whistle-blower policy, an audit committee? Does it need them? One thing is clear, today’s stakeholders in nonprofits (including churches) have much higher expectations when it comes to accountability and transparency than in the past. The fifth annual National Board Governance Survey for Not-for-Profit Organizations depicts how organizations have sharpened their governance knowledge and are implementing an array of governance-related policies and procedures. Click HERE to view a copy of the report.    Free Webinar: How Nonprofit Governance is Changing Frank Kurre, national managing partner for Grant Thornton's nonprofit industry practice and Larry Ladd, national director for its higher education practice, will present how nonprofit and higher education institutions are changing governance policies. Learn how your organization can use "best and next" governance practices as a resource for developing or improving governance policies among the board of directors. Includes information from the report mentioned above. Click HERE for details and registration process to sign up for the webcast on December 13, from 10 to 11:30 am, Hawai‘i Time.                                                                   From: Hawai`i Alliance of Nonprofit Organizations People News Waimea Names Emeritus The Rev. Ken Smith was named "Emeritus Pastor" of Waimea Church during worship on October 28. Click HERE for photo. Conference Calendar  Click HERE to view conference and association meetings, workshops, and events.     SUBSCRIBE    UNSUBSCRIBE  * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * PLEASE! Feel free to forward this issue to a friend