December 8, 2019
Second Sunday of Advent
8:00 am and 9:30 am

Weekly Centering Prayer and Meditation
Now meeting every Sunday
4:00-5:00 pm 

Our Centering Prayer group now meets weekly and is open to all faiths and to anyone who is seeking a deeper meaning to their spiritual life along the Contemplative Path. Each session, Pastor Gae gives meditation instruction followed by a bit of music and sacred reading, time to sit in silence, and time for observations and questions. Cushions for the pews are provided.

“Silence is God’s first language.  Everything else is a poor translation.”   Thomas Keating
Christmas at Christ Memorial
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service 7:00pm
Christmas Day  9:30 AM

Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,
Yesterday, I was watching the news and heard an altercation between a Sinclair news reporter and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. As she finished the press conference and was walking away, he shouted at her, “Do you hate Donald Trump?” By the look on the reporter’s face, I’m sure he wished he could take back those words as she lit into him for even suggesting that she might “hate” the President. I applaud her for taking the time to clarify to this reporter her thoughts  about “hate.” She shared she is a Catholic Christian and her faith has taught her not to hate anyone.

Regardless of our political views, as Christians we must keep our speech in check. We can dislike, abhor, detest, loathe, despise or perhaps even hate a person’s actions or behaviors but we are never to “hate” the person. Our faith has taught us that every person on this planet is created in the image of God and GOD IS GOOD. We are all interconnected as one family of God.
I don’t know about you, but I am really worn out by the political discourse today. I get anxious when people interrupt or try to talk over each other. I cringe when I hear name calling. I yearn for intelligent, rational conversation so that I can learn. I don’t want to avoid engaging conversation about social and political issues with family members or friends, because I am afraid it will result in an argument. Why can’t we talk about important issues? Why can’t we ask questions of -- and listen -- to each other, express what we’re thinking, agree to disagree? I know I am not an expert on health care costs, or education, or immigration, or national security or anything for that manner. But I want to try to be as informed as possible so that I can make educated decisions that will impact others besides myself. 

In my last church, we had frequent round table discussions about social issues. It was great. We brought in “experts” to give us new insight. For example, during the extreme tension surrounding the Michael Brown shooting in Ferguson, both police officers and African American parents of boys shared their thoughts and feelings with us. We all came away realizing how much more complicated the situation was. Best of all, we  came away with a bit more compassion for all affected. Of course, the key was an open mind to learn and grow. 

One last thing I want to mention. Speaker Pelosi said she “prayed for the President.”  I believe she does, and we should too. This Advent, let us all pray for our leaders to be filled with God’s wisdom and truth. O come, O come, Emmanuel!

As always, your thoughts are appreciated.

Pastor Gae+

CONNECT
An Advent Quiet Morning
Last weekend we had a beautiful Quiet Morning to begin the season of Advent. We all contemplated how we desired the Christ to be “born again” into our own life and also the life of our world. We were given lots of time to meditate and pray, walk the labyrinth and the church windows, and to also create some expression of what was revealed in the quiet time. Matt and Suzanne were willing to share:

A Soul Collage by Suzanne Kobayashi

Soul Collage is a creative collage process. According to Seena Frost, founder of Soul Collage, “Images have a way of bypassing the chatter of our logical minds and nudging our deep soul wisdom where intuitive answers can be found and spoken.”  At our November Quiet Morning, Maggie Lea, a SoulCollage practitioner, shared the process with us.  
Four Dreams of Mary  ~ a poem by Matt Miller

I awoke at dawn to such goings-on, for a beast was beneath my bed;
I was only six, so I could not fix all the terror that filled my head –
For years, it seemed, it disturbed my dreams, till I’d had all that I could stand,
And I dared it to swallow me, and – ooh! from that moment we were good friends.
So the world must change, for the warnings range from cold murder to fiery pride,
And it sometimes seems we can’t wake this dream, for we first have to change inside.

I awoke at dawn to such goings-on, for a dragon was in my yard,
He was forty feet, and his bright colors beat on my eyes like a light from God.
On his back he bore a fine saddle he wore for me to jump in and ride from here
Terror held me still, so he shrank until I could feed him and feel no fear.
So the world must change, for the warnings range from cold murder to fiery pride,
And it sometimes seems we can’t wake this dream, for we first have to change inside.

I awoke at dawn to such goings-on, for an angel was in my arms;
Oh, I loved her so, and love seemed to grow in the ecstasy of her charms.
My heart cracked open, as I hoped she was always to be my girl,
As my love bright shone I woke up alone – to a transforming of the world.
The world must change, for the warnings range from cold murder to fiery pride,
And it sometimes seems we can’t wake this dream, for we first have to change inside.

When I woke alone I shook in my bones, for my heart seemed to have gone mad
And the woman sweet that I loved so deep seemed to me to be all I had.
How my love still burned for that girl, still yearned though she had disappeared for good!
And I changed my way on that very day to recover her if I could.
So the world must change, for the warnings range from cold murder to fiery pride,
And it sometimes seems we can’t wake this dream, for we first have to change inside.

I awoke at dawn to such goings-on, for a crate had been brought to me
Federal Express, that contained the best marble statue I ever did see.
Thirty feet in height – when to my stunned sight she grew soft and warm of limb,
And my heart flew free when she said to me, “Are you going to invite me in?”
I asked her out, and I’ve never doubted that she is my own good fairy;
She has many names, this unusual dame – but we call her the Virgin Mary.
Keiki Fall Sunday School 
Every Sunday, 8:00 – 9:00 am
Meets in the Church Office

For the first Sunday of Advent, our Keiki created their Advent candles. We welcome new students, as well as volunteers and parents to assist in our Sunday School program. For more information, contact Keana Oliveira keana@ischool.org or Leona Blankley at lcblankley@aol.com .

Men’s Fellowship 
Every Monday at 9:00 am
Meets at Kilauea Bakery and Pizza 

For more information, see Patrick O’Connell at worship or email him at paoco65@gmail.com


SERVE
Saving the Day — and our Slippers!

Mahalo to Craig, our junior warden, for his 35+ years of fellowship and care of the Christ Memorial property. This week, he organized the timely delivery of new gravel for our parking lot and thrift shop walkways. Of course, the job wasn’t entirely done by machine, and Craig was found behind the buildings schlepping and shoveling gravel for the final touches. Make sure to thank Craig for no more puddles and muddy feet!
Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop

There is Something for Everybody at Shared Blessings Thrift Shop!
Shared with parental permission


Come Visit, Shop Early, and Join Us in Spreading the Holiday Spirit
We have Gift Cards!

Moving on into the 21st century, Helen Mitsui Shared Blessing Thrift Shop is now selling gift certificates in any denomination. Keep in mind, for credit card sales, the minimum is $10. What better way to say mahalo to friends, family, colleagues, partners and neighbors than to share in the recycling and responsible consumption of goods on our island! Best shopping on the North Shore! Ask about gift certificates at our front desk.
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: closed (fellowship 11am - 12pm)
Monday: closed

PRAY
Special Ministry of Christ Memorial ~ Open for Prayer
Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
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


Christ Memorial Episcopal Church Stewardship Time 
This is My Offering - What will be your offering for 2020?
  Prayer:    

Magnificent Holy Father. 
I stand before you at this altar. So many have given you more.
 I may not have much I can offer. Yet what I have is truly yours. 
This is my offering, dear Lord. 
This is my offering to You, God.

Most Commonly Asked Questions:

Why do we need to complete a Pledge offering card?

Completing the Pledge offering card enables the Treasurer and the Bishop’s Committee to create a budget for the church. To be part of the church collective means we all share in the cost of being church. We want our church to have inspiring worship; pastoral care for those in need; beautiful church grounds; programs to learn and grow; and tools to reach out to those who are seeking a closer relationship with God.    

Can I make my Pledge offering online?

Yes, just go to our website -    www.christmemorialkilauea.org

How do I pay my pledge?

You can set up payment of your Pledge offering in whatever way is easiest for your budget — weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annually. With cash, be sure to place in an envelope with your name in order to receive credit for tax purposes. We encourage you to coordinate regular online giving with your bank or use our PayPal service if you desire to pay with a credit card. 

Do I receive giving statements?

Semi-annual statements are sent to help you keep track of your giving. Annual statements are sent out for your tax charitable contribution. 

What if I am out of town? 

We appreciate the attentiveness to your Pledge offering. You can prepay it, mail it to the church office, or pay online by going to our website. 

What if a catastrophe strikes that changes my ability to honor my commitment?

Not ever to worry! Just contact the church office.   



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
Connect with the Diocese of Hawa i ' i

To keep up with the news from the Diocese of Hawai'i, please click on the buttons below:

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 2019 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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