KEIKI - Children’s Sunday School
This Sunday at the 9:30 am service. All ages.
Meets in the Center Office Building

Our Keiki will be hearing the story, “Benjamin’s Box” to learn about the meaning of Easter.

They join us for Holy Communion. For more information, contact Keana at keana@ischool.org or Leona at lcblankley@aol.com .



Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,

Since I’ve been at Christ Memorial, I’ve been asked a lot of questions about things are that are peculiar to the culture of our Episcopal Church. For example, the other day I was asked by a church member why many Episcopal priests who are women are called “Mother.” Actually, this is the traditional title for women priests in our church, just as “Father” is the traditional title for male priests.
When I was ordained in 1998, “Mother Gae” sounded weird to me. I lived with it for a year while I was a curate (the first post of a newly ordained priest), but when I was called to lead a church in Arizona, I decided to change my title to Pastor Gae for those who wanted a title. At the time, Lutheran ministers were referred to as “Pastor” and I liked it. It sounded to me to be more in line with the function I had in the church. Now, 20 years later, I’m just used to it. Some have wondered why “Reverend” isn’t used. Actually, “Reverend” is a written title. When I write a letter to our Bishop, I address it to“The Right Reverend Robert Fitzpatrick.” Drop the “Right” for us priests, male or female, and it becomes “The Reverend.”

Since I had that conversation about titles, I’ve been thinking a lot about my identity as a priest and how a title fits into it. Do I want to be more “Pastor” or “Mother”? I think maybe I’m being influenced by my new title and role as “Lola,” grandmother to my new baby granddaughter. One woman priest shared, “ Priest and mother. For me, the identities run together. Both love, both bless, both fail, both try again. Both serve meals, both clean up messes, both bear a greater responsibility than they can carry, both need grace, both nourish, both instruct, both hold hands, both nurture, both protect, both bear authority and vulnerability.” I love that! She is spot on.

While I’m thinking about this, if someone asks, “What should I call you?” I’ll probably just say, “You can call me anything, just not Father. And “Gae” is perfectly fine.

As usual, your thoughts.
Joy, joy, joy… He is risen!
~Pastor Gae+

P.S. Have a question about the culture in our church? Send it over to me!

CONNECT

THIS SATURDAY ~ Come and Place the Stones for Our New Labyrinth
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 Update

The Bishop’s Committee and observers met last Sunday after services and discussed the “business” of the church. Last Sunday’s meeting focused on many financial issues:

  • There were increased earnings for funds held at the diocese: Ruby Scott Trust, CMEC Portfolio Account, and the St. Thomas Fund.

  • The Bishop’s Committee approved the merging of the St. Thomas unrestricted fund with the CMEC Portfolio Account, and then closing the St. Thomas unrestricted fund.

  • Now that the Columbarium is complete, the Akana MMA Kapaa account will be transferred to the CMEC Operating Account, closing out the Akana account.

  • Columbarium update: niches will be sold for $1,500.

  • Rental update: The Bishop’s Committee approved new rental licenses for the North Shore Food Pantry; AA; Michael Foley, LCSW; Pineapple Yoga; and Beacon/Pacific Source.

  • CMEC is researching ways to lower printing costs.

For more information on the business of the Bishop’s Committee, see Pastor Gae or any member of the Committee (see names and emails on our website).
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
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 (no fellowship meeting this week)
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.
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 2019 . 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 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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