February 9, 2019

8:00 am and 9:30 am
4:00 pm Centering Prayer

Weekly Centering Prayer and Meditation
Every Sunday
4:00-5:00pm 

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 Healing Service
Beginnng Wednesday February 5 
10:00 - 10:30am

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 every day from those who visit the church. There will also be Anointing and Laying on of Hands for those who desire it.
Dedication of Prayer Chapel

This past Wednesday, we dedicated our new little Sanctuary Prayer Chapel. The Chapel is a quiet little space that was originally the Sacristy when the church was built in the early 40’s. When a new sacristy was built behind the sanctuary, it became a hallway and storage area. A team led by Maggie Lea, our church historian, renovated the space. 

Parishioner Dr. Matt Miller designed and created the beautiful wall cross made out of koa wood, matching the koa wood table given by Linda Sproat. The Chapel also features a portrait of Queen Lili`uokalani and a prie dieu (kneeler) and small pew. It’s a lovely place to sit and read or pray.
Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,

This past Saturday, we had the Quiet Morning I mentioned a couple of weeks ago. The focus for the Quiet Morning was “Writing a Spiritual Autobiography.” Spiritual Autobiographies aren’t resumes, and they definitely are not “writing your own obituary,” but rather, they are a conscious reflection of the movement of God at various stages of life. The first exercise we did, “Cycle of Life,” was to go back to specific periods of our life, such as ages 0-7, 8-14, 15-21, 22-28, 29-35, etc., up to 86+, and to try to identify within those periods: 1. Significant Events; 2. Guiding and Influential People; and most important, 3. Life Contribution. That was fascinating work! We learned that at times when we were thinking nothing was going on or we were in a fog or just into the world, God was at work.
I’ve had to write my Spiritual Autobiography several times, usually pertaining to ministry. I much prefer to do this work in a group setting like we did this past weekend. When we shared with each other, it became so obvious that each person is on a spiritual journey, and no two are alike. For some the awareness of God was a bit of a cataclysmic shift and for others, a gradual awakening. 

After Quiet Morning, I had a few questions for my priest/mentor friend Bill who I have mentioned before. Bill is in his 80’s now and has done a lot of life review work. He said that the journey of life seems to break down into 4 stages: Wanting, Getting, Doing, and finally, Being. The Being stage is a challenge as the big questions are typically “Why am I here?” and “Who am I now?” 

I’m going to be 66 next month. Perhaps it is my age, but I hunger for conversations about these kind of questions. I love to hear stories about how others see God at work in their life. I love to hear what others are thinking about. My friend Bill told me his “question du jour” is “How do I learn to love myself unconditionally?” Since our talk, I’ve been thinking about that. It’s a tough one to answer. 
None of us have any idea how long our earthly journey will be and what comes next. The only thing I know with certainty is that it will be good because God is good. Bill imagines he’ll get to do a little life review with God and the important question will be, “What have you learned?” Perhaps that is why it is important to take time and do this kind of work now. 

My friends, what are you thinking about at this stage of your life? Please share. 

Joy, joy, joy,

~ Pastor Gae+

BTW, if you are interested in the materials that were passed out at Quiet Morning, let me know.


 CONNECT
Meet Sandy Finch-Moran 
New Member of the Bishop’s Committee
Lead Link for Outreach

Tommy and I retired and moved to Kauai in May 2019. One of our first priorities was to find a community of believers where worship was authentic. After doing the local church search, of course we were curious -- like all visitors -- about the beautiful stone church on Kolo Road in Kilauea. Christ Memorial Episcopal Church. Episcopalian? Okay, let’s see.

Tommy was raised Catholic (an altar boy), and I was raised Presbyterian. Half-way through our first visit, Tommy turned to me and whispered: “This is perfect.” I agreed with all my heart. We knew we were home. The aloha spirit of Pastor Gae and the parishioners who welcomed us that first day has grown into a full-on love fest. We cherish this church community. I can’t believe how blessed we feel worshipping alongside these wonderful people who love God and the island He has created.


Christ Memorial Episcopal Church is a small church with a surprisingly large impact. I see members serving the church and island in so many big and small ways: A thrift store, neighborhood involvement through the Parish Hall, faithful care of the church facilities and grounds, a food bank, and serving the island through numerous community organizations. The list is extensive as each member willingly brings their skills and gifts to share at the table. A quiet church with a voice that resonates.

As a new member to the Bishop’s Committee this year, I will be focusing on OUTREACH to our island home. What does God have in mind? I’m not sure, but I’m excited to get started and find out! My prayer is that with God’s help and direction, our small stone church will continue to have a robust voice and positive impact on the lives of our island neighbors and visitors. Thank you for welcoming me to be a part of the journey. ~Sandy Finch-Moran

Interested in being on Sandy’s team? See her Sunday greeting at the 9:30am service.

Sorting Circle Training 
This Sunday, February 9 at 11:00am
Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop

Many hands make work light! We welcome volunteers interested in fellowship, fashion and fun to join us for a Sorting Circle training by our resident experts, Deb Lawhead and Christie O’Connell, this Sunday at 11:00am at Shared Blessings. More details below. 

February Work Morning
Next Saturday, February 15, 9:00am - Noon

Join us for this month’s Work Morning as we beautify our campus. This month, we have a project to paint our Parish Hall Kitchen!While the Parish Hall will get a renovation this year, the kitchen isn’t scheduled until 2021. And so, we are going to clean it up as best as possible and create a space that will be clean and practical. We will have rollers and brushes, and of course… donuts. Other work morning projects will be listed and include graveyard care.
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
Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop
Job Openings: Something for Everyone

 Donation Intakers
Come be a part of a joyful ministry! The Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop is seeking Donation Intakers. This is a part-time paid position, up to 19 hours per week at $18-20/hour, depending on experience.

As a representative of Christ Memorial Episcopal Church, Donation Intakers receive and process donations that will fuel growth for our ministries. We are looking for a team player that is able to interact with donors and customers with a cheerful and gracious attitude.

Interested persons should send a cover letter expressing your interest, qualifications, and work history to KilaueaChristMemorial@gmail.com . 

Responsibilities:
  • Greet and present a friendly and thankful attitude toward donors
  • Collaborate respectfully with team members to sort responsibly
  • Facilitate the redistribution of donations to approved philanthropies

Requirements:
  • Physically able to lift 50 pounds
  • Pass a background check and/or drug test
  • Experience in Receiving, Customer Service and/or Retail a plus
Sorting Circles

Many hands make work light! Our Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop needs help sorting clothing donations, so we have formed “Sorting Circles,” a fellowship group of volunteer sorters.

Our resident experts, Deb Lawhead and Christie O’Connell, will hold a training at Shared Blessings on Sunday, February 9th at 11:00am after services. All are welcome to attend. 

We sort clothing every day, so once trained, you can come anytime the store is open and help sort. We also often sort for an hour after the 9:30am Sunday service from 11:00-12noon, and on occasion, we even sort on Mondays, when the shop is closed. 

Join our Sorting Circles for fellowship, fun and fashion frenzy! Contact us at kilaueachristmemorial@gmail.com .
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

  P rayer:    

Magnificent Holy Father. 
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.
I stand before you at this altar. So many have given you more.





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 .


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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

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