December 29, 2019
Fifth Sunday of Advent
8:00 am and 9:30 am

Christmas at Christ Memorial
A Peaceful Silent Night and A Blustery Storm

God is so good.  This was a Christmas to be remembered. It was not at all what we planned though.  The church was all set to go — beautifully decorated, the choir had practiced for Christmas Eve and the band was ready for Christmas morning.  Bulletins were printed with the expectation of many tourists celebrating with us.
And then came the news of a storm. Storms for us aren’t usually a concern unless you live in Hanalei.  If there is a lot of rain, you might not be able to get over the bridge. Some of our Altar Guild team live in Hanalei so they were concerned if they came to set up on Christmas Eve and the storm hit, they might not be able to get back. Between Melody and Branch, our terrific ushers, and Pastor Gae, the altar was set with prayer that nothing was forgotten. Although it was a bit wet, Christmas Eve brought a full house. The music was divine beginning with Sandy Moran, Rebecca Hullum, and Christie O’Connell, accompanied by Tony Gaspar on the guitar, performing O Holy Night. Chanterelle Chantara, our Sunday 8:00am musician, led us all in singing our favorite Christmas hymns.
But then, sometime in the middle of the night, the storm hit hard. Power lines went down and the highway was closed. Pastor Gae woke up to the news that she wouldn’t be able to get from her home in Princeville to church. Power was out in Kilauea. Should we have a sign placed on the church door that Christmas Day service was cancelled? Not on your life! 

A team who live in Kilauea and south of Christ Memorial quickly went into action. Candles were lit throughout the sanctuary. Suzanne Kobayashi, currently in the discernment phase for ordination, led the service supported by Craig and Susan, as that included the scripture readings and communion with the reserved sacrament from Christmas Eve. The Christmas message was shared. Since our piano is electronic, hymns were sung acapella and led by choir members Sandy and Tommy, accompanied on the guitar by Matt and his wife Maggie. The beautiful windows of Christ Memorial presented more brightly in the candlelit sanctuary, and the worshipers filled our little stone church with warmth and joy.
This Christmas will go down as one to be remembered. As Pastor Gae preached a couple of weeks ago, our best-laid plans might get interrupted. But if we put our trust in God’s goodness and what is important, all will be well. 

A little old storm wasn’t going to keep our church from coming together to worship the birth of our Master, Jesus the Christ!  

Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,

I love rituals. I believe in their healing power and much of science and scripture supports it. A friend shared with me a couple of rituals that I will be doing for the year end and the new year. I thought you might be interested. It is a new way of looking at old school New Year’s resolutions that many of us have abandoned. There are three parts to it:
Part 1 — Release and renewal ceremony: This year-end, think about what isn’t serving you well.  What might be calling you to let go? Perhaps it’s a relationship. Some relationships can be toxic, and for both parties, it needs to be severed. And I believe that some relationships can be good and beneficial without having to be life-long. I have had friends who were very important at different stages of my life and who I greatly appreciate, but we are now at different places on our journey. Perhaps the need is to let go of being resistant to change. Change is inevitable, and the more we resist it, the more miserable we become. Most of the time what isn’t serving us well is our own “victim” consciousness, which isn’t necessarily about thinking of ourselves as a victim because of someone else’s action. Rather, most of the time, we are a victim of our own thoughts. “I am… too old, too fat, too tired, too poor, not smart enough, fill in the blank...” Whatever it is, ask yourself, “Is this really serving me well?” If not, write it on a piece of paper, and then rip it into shreds. Place the shreds in your fireplace or a bowl and then burn it. As you watch it burn, pray, “I am now letting go of what isn’t serving me well, and instead, letting go to God as the center of my life.” 

Part 2 — Stone ceremony: In our church, the first week in January begins not only the big new year of 2020, but also a new church season of Epiphany (1/6).  Epiphany is the perfect season to begin the new year as it is all about becoming more and more aware of what God is showing us about God-self, ourselves and each other. Regardless of how old you are, there are many possibilities for you this new year.
Stones are big in scripture. 1 Peter says, “You are a living stone that God is building into his spiritual temple.” Go for a walk and gather a stone. Look at your stone and meditate on the scripture. Let the stone represent you living your life in a new way. How is it calling you to live?

Part 3 — Life beyond the ceremony: The great thing about rituals as opposed to resolutions is the image they produce in our mind. When you find yourself back in the clutches of things not serving you well, just remember the image of the burning bowl and your prayer of letting go to God. Place your stone in a visible place in your home. Or even better, keep it in your pocket. Everytime you see or touch it, let it remind you, “I am a living stone that God is building into his spiritual temple.” 

My friends, in a few days it will be 2020! May this new decade, new year, new church season, bring you new discoveries of who you are! God is good!

Joy, joy, joy,

Pastor Gae+

CONNECT
North Shore Christmas Choir at Christ Memorial

Christ Memorial hosted a beautiful evening in our sanctuary of the sounds of the season performed by the North Shore Christmas Choir, led by Mark Anderson. The choir sang both classic and unique seasonal arrangements in four-part acapella harmony. 
A reception and Christmas creche exhibit in our Parish Hall coordinated by Susan and Sandy followed the event. Mahalo to Josie who helped set up and decorate the tree and navities scenes; Ms. Mitsui, Melody & Branch, Marilyn & Rich, Molly & Scott, Christie & Patrick, and Sandy & Tommy for providing the bounty of desserts on our reception buffet. 
Weekly Centering Prayer and Meditation
Resumes on Sunday, January 5
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
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

SERVE

After-Christmas Sale: 50% off Christmas Merchandise
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

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.
  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.


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 .



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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