January 12, 2020
The First Sunday after Epiphany
8:00 am and 9:30 am

On the first Sunday after Epiphany, it is tradition in our church to hear again the story of our Master Jesus’ baptism and the epiphany that was experienced. This year, we hear the story from the gospel of Matthew. In Matthew’s telling of the story, the epiphany is experienced by others on the scene. “This is my son, the beloved, with whom I am well pleased.” The gospels of Mark and Luke have Jesus experiencing the epiphany, “You are my Son, the beloved; with you I am well pleased.” 
 
We will be renewing our baptismal promises at both services. Some reflection questions: Do you believe you too are among God’s beloved? What epiphanies have you received regarding Jesus? What is God showing you today? 
 
A beautiful prayer for Epiphany: “Open my eyes that I may see. Open my ears that I may hear. Open my mind that I may know. Open my heart that I may live.”


Weekly Centering Prayer and Meditation
This Sunday, January 12
4:00-5:00 pm
Centering Prayer 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

Prayer Ministry
Beginning Wednesday February 5 
10:00 - 10:30 am
Healing Service
One of the seven sacraments in our church is known as Unction, or Healing. Beginning Wednesday, February 1, 10:00 – 10:30 am, Christ Memorial will have a Healing Service in the sanctuary. We will pray for the healing requests that come in everyday from those who visit the church. There will also be Anointing and Laying on of Hands for those who desire it.

Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,

I have spent several years researching and studying the decline in our Episcopal Church. As you might expect, it hasn’t been a subject most clergy want to talk about (which is part of the problem!). I’ve only served three churches since being ordained in 1998: Christ Episcopal, Las Vegas (curate for a year); St. Peter’s, Litchfield Park (18 years); and now Christ Memorial (2 years). But I have made a ton of effort to visit and follow growing churches and ask for help from some of them. Even though I struggle with how the mega evangelical churches present our Master Jesus and their teaching on many social issues, I have learned a lot from them, especially when it comes to hospitality, small groups, communication, and children’s ministry. I have also learned that the decline in our Episcopal Church is largely due to antiquated systems that don’t work anymore… “old sofas” as they are often called.
I used to think I could be a voice in helping the church turnaround from the decline. But, as I mentioned, it really isn’t a popular subject and even though my last church was fairly large by Episcopal standards, we didn’t really have any clout. Practically, the only time we ever heard from the diocese was when it was time for the Bishop’s two-year visitation. No criticism really. It’s the system, and there were a lot of churches and a large geographic area to cover. 

I’m now in my third year as a priest in a tiny little beautiful church. I’ve had an amazing learning experience here. An epiphany, you might say! I’ve learned that for the Episcopal Church to turn around, every parish/mission needs to be known for something special. Yes, Jesus is special enough, but the question we all need to ask is why might someone choose our church over another church?

As I reflect on my last church, we had a lot going on in the way of children and youth ministries, four worship services, Bible studies, etc. But what made St. Peter’s special was the outreach ministry that provided a variety of ways in which church folks could serve. There was a deep understanding that when we serve, the folks we serve are actually serving us. And so, one could start with something simple like contributing to a monthly food donation, learning about poverty, or take on something more challenging like a week of service as we hosted homeless families or being part of a team that held worship at the local women’s prison. In the time I was there, St. Peter’s raised up 5 deacons, each with their own special focus (senior assistance, LGBT, veteran’s, prison, etc.). People were drawn to that church because of their passion for outreach.
It’s taken me a little time to figure out what makes Christ Memorial special. I never thought I would say it is a building as I’ve always taught that churches are about people and not buildings. But… there is something very special about our building, namely our sanctuary and the burial grounds that surround it. It is a very holy place. I have personally experienced an indescribable peace and calm that comes with even ten minutes in our sanctuary. Every day, I watch people stream in and out of the church. Some walk the burial grounds or the labyrinth; many take a bit of time to go inside and pray. Some of the comments people write: “Mahalo for the moment of calm.” “What a lovely church, serene and welcoming!” “Thank you Lord for this rest.” “Such a blessing and such peace.” Most write, “Beautiful!” Many ask us to pray for healing, for peace and for our country. What our little church provides is of great need in our world today. 

I am very grateful to those in our church who have worked many hours over the past two years to clean up the property and do some remodeling in order to create a peaceful and safe space for everyone who visits. I foresee this church as a healing center for our island with opportunities to explore and nurture the spirit within each one of us, along with healthy living and recovery ministries galore. 

My Episcopal friends, for the church to turn around and grow, we all need to find our niche, what makes us special. I think Christ Memorial has found ours. “A sanctuary for the spirit” is indeed who we are.

Joy, joy, joy, ever-new joy!

Pastor Gae+

Special Gratitude for the Aunties of the Altar Guild & Floral Guild
Organized by Suzanne Kobayashi, a special breakfast at The Spot in Princeville — celebrated with grateful thanks — the incredible work of our Altar Guild and Floral Guild. Our Altar Guild team is comprised of Lorraine Fukuda, Judy Wakumoto, Janice Fukuda and Elaine Watari. The aunties take charge of the cleaning of the linens and vessels used in worship, preparing the altar for all services, and organizing the church (sanctuary and fellowship) on Sunday mornings. December adds a bit more work as they organize the Advent and Christmas decorations — the Advent wreath, the Christmas tree, the Nativity and other Christmas decorations. 

Our Floral Guild — comprised of MaryEllen Turk, Suzanne and Lorraine and Judy — create the beautiful flower arrangements on our high altar. On Saturdays, you are likely to see Bill Turk delivering the flowers from the Turk property to the church. 

Both the Altar Guild and the Floral Guild would love to have more volunteers on their teams. Even if you are a seasonal resident, please consider volunteering!

 CONNECT
Save the dates!

Church Work Morning  
Saturday, January 18
8:00 am - Noon
Our Church Work Mornings are a lot of fun and the way in which we can beautify our property and do some maintenance work without having to hire workers! Consider coming over for an hour or two. Sustenance of coffee and muffins are provided (and sometimes lunch if we work that long). Even if you can’t make it on Saturday the 18th, you can sign up for one of the odd jobs. As of this printing, here is a list of some of the work:

  • Graveyard weeding and caretaking (we can use a couple of foster families)
  • Brass polishing …. in great need
  • Clean lamps in sanctuary
  • Wash pews
  • Parish hall kitchen… everything organized in bins, wall prep to prepare for painting
Christ Memorial Annual Meeting
Sunday, January 26
Following the 9:30 am service
Meets in the Parish Hall
Nominations for the Bishop’s Committee are open! Our Bishop’s Committee is charged with the leadership and business of the church. Each of our Bishop Committee members leads a particular ministry. We are particularly interested in folks who have an interest in one of the following ministries: 

Prayer Ministry
Outreach Ministry


Writing Your Spiritual Autobiography
God spoke to me… and the message was…
A Quiet Morning at Christ Memorial
Saturday, February 1
9:00 am - Noon
Quiet Mornings at Christ Memorial are an opportunity to check out of the busy-ness of life and spend quiet time with God. 

This month’s teaching, “God spoke to me… and the message was… ” will be about writing your spiritual autobiography. What have been the significant events on your spiritual journey? Who have been your greatest teachers? What have you learned about God? Jesus? Yourself? Pastor Gae will be sharing the process she learned at the Haden Institute of Spiritual Direction.

Quiet Mornings begin with a Taize-style worship service. Following the teaching, participants are invited to journal, create a Soul Collage, meditate, walk the labyrinth, draw, create a poem, or just sit in quiet under the Poinciana tree. Materials and sustenance of coffee and muffins are provided. Faith offering suggested: $10. Sign up on the walkway or email Pastor Gae.
Bible Study - Gospel of John
Begins Wednesday, January 8 , 2:00 - 3:15 pm
Meets in the Church Office

We are starting a new study in January on the gospel of John. Bring a bible, any translation. If you’ve never been in a bible study, there is no better time to start than the New Year! Sign up on the walkway or email Pastor Gae gdchalker@gmail.com .  
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
Support and Recovery Groups

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

Christ Memorial wants to be known in the community as a healing place for the body, mind and spirit. We are inviting 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, financial peace, Al-Anon, Gamblers Anonymous, etc., please tell them to contact Pastor Gae. 

 SERVE
Shared Blessings Thrift Store: The Blessing of Volunteers

Spring cleaning is a constant mode of operation at Shared Blessings, and Sunday, we were blessed with many volunteers helping us after services. 

  • Mahalo nui loa to Joe and Cindy (of Banana Joe fame) and Bishop Committee member Gordon who volunteered their time to sort, clean, and organize our long-neglected hardware department. 

  • Mahalo nui loa to Marilyn, Margaret and her friend Kathy who organized clothing and set up our Valentines Day display. Kathy had many ideas — the blessing of fresh eyes — and she calligraphed a sign for the window with our hours and hung Valentine’s lanterns from the ceiling. 

Life is good. The blessing of friends, community, fellowship and volunteers. We are ready for 2020!
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: fellowship 11-12pm

Credit cards accepted
Gift cards available for purchase


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.

 GIVE


Update on Stewardship 2020

Thank you to all of our members who submitted their pledge offering for 2020. At Christ Memorial, as in all Episcopal churches, we believe we all share in the cost of being church.  

We are now beginning the work on the church budget. You can still make a pledge. Just ask an usher for a Pledge card.
 P rayer:    

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.


Change to Automated Giving

Thank you to those of you who automate your giving and having 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 Tom Blankley for information at tblankley@msn.com . 

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 .


Want the latest news from the Episcopal News Service? 


Subscribe for free at: www.episcopalnewsservice.org/signup
Want to connect with the Diocese of Hawai'i?

Subscribe for free at: https://www.episcopalhawaii.org/


Newsletter Mission: Our weekly newsletter was launched 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 2020 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

‌