Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,

The stone was rolled away! His Perfect Love could not be overcome!
In my own life and as an Episcopal priest and Spiritual Director, I know that the orthodox (literal) teaching of the resurrection can be a big stumbling block to many people.

Several years ago, I read (and recommend), Jesus Answer to God by Jungian analyst Elizabeth Boyden Howe. In her chapter on the resurrection, she invites the reader to consider alternative explanations to all the speculations about the empty tomb. She writes, “What if the body had not been stolen and was there but was not seen as a corpse because of a transformation in the women who had a vision of a new figure?”

I realized we have gotten so wrapped up in what happened to the badly beaten body of Jesus instead of considering that a stone was definitely rolled away in the minds of the women. Instead of seeing death, their minds experienced a transformation and they were able to see Jesus alive in a beautiful new way.

The resurrection was not a one-time event. Death and rebirth happen every day. Howe says that the ability to unite, reconcile, heal the opposites and ambivalences into a life that is fully desired by the human and the divine is “graspable” by all of us. I am sure Jesus would agree.

I passed out stones to everyone that Easter weekend, inviting us all to roll away the stones in our minds in order for a new consciousness, like that of the two Mary’s, to take over. It’s a discipline I continue to this day. I recommend picking up a stone and carrying it in your pocket every day during Eastertide.

Jesus is alive! Perfect love can never be overcome. Where do you see him? His love is there and we sing Alleluia!

Joy, joy, joy! He is risen!
~Pastor Gae+

P.S. Here’s my Easter stone...

CONNECT

Easter Sunday Photo Gallery
A Beautiful Day to Celebrate the Resurrection
UPDATE! Labyrinth at Christ Memorial - Place the Stones!
Mark your Calendar: May 4, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Labyrinths are a wonderful way to quiet the mind and move deep into the heart. As we continue to expand our ministry, “Sanctuary for the Spirit,” inviting locals and tourists to take a break and rest in the presence of God, we are adding a labyrinth for meditation on the back lawn next to our burial grounds. Bob Vlach, the Kaua`i “labyrinth guy” will be marking and trenching the design.

On Saturday, May 4th, we are asking for volunteers to help place the stones that outline the path. For those interested in being part of our Labyrinth Ministry, see Pastor Gae. For more information on the spirituality of labyrinths, go to https://veriditas.org .

“A labyrinth is an ancient symbol that relates to wholeness, combining the imagery of the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. It represents a journey to our own center and back again out into the world. Labyrinths have long been used as meditation and prayer tools. They have been found in ancient Crete, Egypt, and Etruscia; they have been inscribed on Neolithic tombs. They are a call to the center, a worship structure where the eternal beloved waits to be encountered.

The labyrinth has always been associated with unity with God and conversation with the divine, with spirituality, worship, and the sacred mystery. Long ago, Christians were expected to travel to the holy land at least once during their lives. But as travel was often both difficult and dangerous, labyrinths were designed as alternative pilgrimages. If travel was out of the question, spiritual merit could be gained by walking a labyrinth. “ ~ Holy Cross Episcopal Church, Simsonville, SC

Bishop's Committee Meeting
This Sunday 10:45- Noon in the Church Office

The Bishop’s Committee is charged with doing the “business” of the church. All are invited to observe the meeting. We are always appreciative of feedback as we work to grow our church, so if you have ideas, there is time in the meeting for Comments for the “Good of the Church” or contact Pastor Gae at gdchalker@gmail.com .
Men’s Fellowship: Every Monday, 9:00 am
Kilauea Bakery and Pizza (Kong Lung Market Center)
Christ Memorial Men’s Fellowship group is growing! We meet every Monday morning at 9:00am for coffee or breakfast at the Kilauea Bakery.

For more information, see Patrick O’Connell at worship or email him at paoco65@gmail.com .
SERVE
Join the Fun at Helen Mitsui Shared Blessing Thrift Shop

Interested in joining the fun and camaraderie of running our Thrift Shop? See how we make it all happen behind the scenes. Several shifts are available during our business hours, or meet-up with our fellowship team on Sundays 11:00 am -12:00 noon to help us tidy up.
Thrift Shop Hours for Shopping and Donations
Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 2:00 - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:30am - 12:30pm
Saturday: 9:30am - 3:00pm
Sunday, drop-in help tidy up with our fellowship team 11am-12pm
Monday: closed

PRAY
Special Ministry of Christ Memorial ~ Open for Prayer
Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Feeling a little overwhelmed with life? Just drop in to Christ Memorial for a little peace and quiet.

One important ministry of Christ Memorial is the opening of our church doors, Monday through Friday, during the day. It’s amazing the number of people who drop in to pray, meditate, or just to seek a few minutes of quiet. Unfortunately fear has crept into many churches. Pastor Gae believes our country would be very different if all churches kept their doors unlocked.

Our Sunday prayer list includes those whom our visitors have asked us to pray.

Live off island? If you have a prayer intention or would like to pray for those on our prayer list, email Pastor Gae at gdchalker@gmail.com .

GIVE
Ways to Support Your Church
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your financial support and generosity allow us to create and enhance the beautiful environment and worship that you and your family enjoy on a weekly basis.

Change to Automated Giving
Thank you to those of you who automate your giving and have a plan to support your church. Your consistent, planned generosity makes it possible for us to budget and dream responsibly. Want to change to automated giving? It makes life easy, especially if you travel. Contact our Treasurer Scott Oliver for information at j.scott.oliver380@gmail.com .

Check
Thank you to all of you who still like to write checks. Please make checks payable to Christ Memorial Episcopal Church and mail to PO Box 293, Kilauea, HI 96754.

 Stock
Through the decades, many have given stock to Christ Memorial, enabling us to be a consistent presence in Kilauea. For more information on contributing stock, contact Scott Oliver at j.scott.oliver380@gmail.com.

Easter Appeal
Thank you to all who gave to our special Easter appeal. Easter is 50 days, so you can still give. To read Pastor Gae’s Easter letter, click Easter 2009 . To give to our Easter Appeal 2019, please click on one of the buttons below:



Sharing our Property for Support and Recovery Groups
Christ Memorial wants to be known in the community as a healing place for the body, mind and spirit. We are seeking support and recovery groups to meet on the property, either in the Parish Hall or the Office. If you know of a group looking for a place to meet: grief support, eating disorders, anxiety, Al-Anon, Gamblers Anonymous, etc., please tell them to contact us.

If you know of a group looking for a place to meet: grief support, eating disorders, anxiety, Al-Anon, Gamblers Anonymous, etc., please tell them to contact Pastor Gae.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups meet at Christ Memorial Parish Hall every week on these days and times:

  • Tuesday at 10:00 am
  • Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday at 7:30 pm
Sign Up for the Diocese of Hawaii E-Newsletters

We invite you to sign up for the Diocese of Hawaii E-News and E-Chronicle to stay informed and to learn about happenings taking place around the Diocese.

E-News is published twice monthly and announces upcoming events and activities throughout the Diocese.

E-Chronicle is magazine-like and publishes special feature stories.

To sign up for the Diocesan E-News and E-Chronicle, click HERE .

Newsletter Mission: Our weekly newsletter was launched this year to inform our island community, as well as connect with our broader community of old and new friends, near and far. Whether you live on Kaua'i, visit seasonally or joined Christ Memorial for the first time during vacation, we welcome you into our global family. We endeavor to include inspiration, new ideas, practical advice and updates on news and events of Christ Memorial. Let us know how we can serve you best in 2018 by replying to this newsletter or emailing us at ChristMemorialKilauea@gmail.com

Have you met Pastor Gae? Pastor Gae wants to get to know you all – phone chats, home visits, morning coffees, afternoon teas or walks on the beach. Near or far, reach out to meet or share your thoughts at gdchalker@gmail.com or (623) 208-9436.
Christ Memorial Episcopal Church
2509 Kolo Road, Kilauea, HI 96754
Mailing: PO Box 293, Kilauea, HI 96754
Phone: (808) 482-4824

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