March 8, 2019

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

Scripture Readings for this Sunday


Mahalo Saim Caglayan for the photo of our labyrinth.

Stations of the Cross on the Labyrinth
This Sunday 4:00 - 5:00 pm
Stations of the Cross is a journey with Jesus during his hours on the earth. Our Stations were created last Lent by members of the church, young and old. The stations depict the following scenes, some biblical and some legendary: 

2. Jesus is given his cross
3. Jesus falls the first time
4. Jesus meets His Mother
5. Simon of Cyrene carries the cross
6. A woman wipes the face of Jesus
7. Jesus falls the second time
8. Jesus meets the daughters of Jerusalem
9. Jesus falls the third time
10. Jesus is stripped of His garments
11. Crucifixion : Jesus is nailed to the cross
12. Jesus dies on the cross
14. Jesus is laid in the tomb and covered in incense
Our Stations of the Cross were created by members of Christ Memorial, old and young. Our new labyrinth provides a beautiful way to make the journey! 

The next labyrinth walk will be Sunday, March 22 4:00-5:00 pm.

Note: Centering Prayer meets every Sunday 4:00 - 5:00pm. If there is rain, Stations of the Cross will be held in the Sanctuary.  
Prayer Ministry Healing Service
Every Wednesday
10:00 - 10:30 am
One of the seven sacraments in our church is known as Unction, or Healing. Each Wednesday, 10:00 – 10:30 am, Christ Memorial has a Healing Service in the sanctuary. We pray for the healing requests that come in every day from those who visit the church. There is also Anointing and Laying on of Hands for those who desire it. Pastor Gae is seeking 2 or 3 people who would be committed to come and pray with her every Wednesday morning. Let her know if this interests you.
Reflection Questions to begin the Season of Lent
Where am I spiritually as I begin Lent?

When am I more focused on “me” than God?

Where is God calling me to change direction?

When I wake up on Easter Sunday morning, what change would I like to see in me?                     

Is there a habit or sin in my life that repeatedly gets in the way of loving God with my whole heart or loving my neighbor as myself? How do I address that habit?

Is there anyone in my life from whom I need to ask forgiveness or pursue reconciliation?

What practical steps am I taking to carve out time for daily prayer?

What spiritual discipline can I continue to improve upon?

What virtues do I want to focus on this Lent (e.g., patience, charity, kindness, gentleness, etc.)

Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,

I don’t miss much about the old days, but one thing I do miss is how we used to communicate. I was never much of a letter writer, but I loved sitting on the sofa, drinking a Dr. Pepper and chatting up a storm with a good friend. Sadly I don’t do any of that anymore, including Dr. Pepper. 

I do see many people talking on their cell phones while they are grocery shopping or on their morning exercise walk. I admit occasionally I eavesdrop and can hear a bit of the drama. Boyfriend issues while picking out a head of lettuce. Not to be old-fashioned, but that’s a little weird for me. 
I haven’t really gotten the art of texting except to confirm an appointment or send a cryptic message. But I know there are people who have lengthy text conversations. I guess it’s a good way to multitask. You can watch your favorite TV show and have a conversation with your BFF. I’ve heard emailing is outdated but that’s OK. Since I was never into letter writing, I don’t much care for writing lengthy personal emails. 

The one positive of this new era is Facebook. Honestly, if it wasn’t for Facebook, I’d probably have no communication with 75% of my “friends,” the acquaintances from high school or seminary or when I lived in Las Vegas. Some people post personal stuff like health problems, but most of the time it’s about politics, food, hobbies, or just cute pictures of animals or kids. It’s not intimate at all, but it is interesting to me to know where people are at. I have no clue why Instagram is so popular. It looks like just a bunch of pictures. But I am very, very grateful for Facetime as I get to see my grandbaby most every day, usually at her dinner time!

Bottom line, I’m on the fence about this new era of communication. I’m wondering how these changes in the way we communicate will affect our relationships. Are we losing intimacy? Or does the gain of more ways to communicate make up for it? 
One way of communicating I have appreciated is a Gratitude Circle, a group of people, three, four or even larger. Every day, via email to the group, we send a few things we were grateful for on the previous day. In just a few short sentences, I know what is going on in everyone’s life and they know what is going on in mine.

And there’s a spiritual dimension to it ~ it’s all about gratitude and blessing! When writing our posts, we learn to look for the positive blessings in the events of life instead of dwelling on the lack or the negative. Here’s an example of one Gratitude email I received from a friend in the group who is caring for a husband with Alzheimer’s disease. 

I am now so happy and grateful for:

Calls and texts of loving support
Joanie RN evaluation and scheduling our first respite time for next Wednesday
A sore jaw reminding me to relax
Able to assist a Toastmasters Club take on a new project

The other benefit I receive from the Gratitude Circle is inspiration. This friend has some really tough challenges in her life, and yet, she is able to find joy and gratitude in the midst of it. If she can do it, so can I!

I’m wondering if Gratitude Circles might be good for our little church. Full-time and seasonal residents could stay connected. Just a thought. 

As always, please let me know your thoughts on the ways we communicate today. What is your favorite? Do you find cell phones, texts, emails, Instagram, etc., a blessing or an annoyance?  

Please stay healthy. No fear! Wash your hands. We will get through this. All will be well.

Joy, joy, joy,

~Pastor Gae+

 CONNECT & SERVE


A warm welcome to James Milton Cadabona , whose family has a plot in the graveyard that dates back to 1956. James lives on the mainland, and we are blessed to have Carolyn and Noe, the foster Christ Memorial family that cares for the plot on a regular basis.  Want to foster a grave? Let us know.  




Mahalo nui loa to David Akana and Lee Stadmiller for helping to right three of our graveyard tombstones. Each weighs in excess of 125 pounds. We are so grateful for the attention to our graveyard. 

Mahalo to Margaret Furze for our graveyard photos.





Keiki Sunday School 
Every Sunday, 8:00 – 9:00 am
Meets in the Church Office

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 .

Sorting Circle 
Every Sunday, 11:00am-12:00 noon
Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop

Join our Sorting Circles for fellowship, fun and fashion frenzy! From 11:00am-12:00pm every Sunday, we sort donations (mostly clothes) at Shared Blessings. We also need sorters throughout the week during business hours, especially Wednesdays 9:30am-12:30pm and Thursdays 2-5pm! So, please feel welcome to join us for 30 minutes or more. Many hands make light work! 

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. 

Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop

Many Hands Make Light Work: Volunteers Needed
The Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop is operated almost -- not completely -- but almost entirely on the hard work and spirit of volunteers and fellowship. 

It is so much fun and an incredible way to connect and get to know the community. Whether you are greeting shoppers at the door, helping customers find what they need, lending a listening ear, helping us straighten the clothing racks, displaying new merchandise, or sorting donations, we appreciate all your help. 

Here are the shifts needing volunteers:

  • Wednesday morning 9:30am-12:30pm
  • Thursday afternoon 2:00-5:00pm
  • Saturday morning 9:30-12:30pm
  • Saturday afternoon 12:00-3:00pm

No risk, no obligation. Many hands make light work. In the best of all worlds, we would love to be able to rely on volunteers weekly, but we are happy to schedule you in once-a-month, once-a-quarter, once-a-year! Or even just put you on-call when we get in a bind!

If you are interested in giving it a try, please contact Susan at (650) 576-1112 or 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.

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

This is My Offering

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


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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