March 22, 2019

Friends, due to the Coronavirus, we want to be responsible, and ensure the safety and health of our community by limiting our social contact as much as possible. To encourage you to set aside time for worship, here is how we can help: 

Christ Memorial will be holding a virtual worship service for the rest of this month at 9:00am HST on Sundays, via Zoom. The call will open at 8:30am, so just like church services on Sundays, you can “arrive” a little early! We decided we want to be connected to each other, rather than have a pre-recorded YouTube video to watch. You can click on this link to join our virtual Sunday worship service between 8:30-9:00 am at: https://zoom.us/j/561118162
If you are new to Zoom, you can watch this 1 minute video: https://www.youtube.com/embed/vFhAEoCF7jg?rel=0&autoplay=1&cc_load_policy=1

We are also providing a bulletin to follow along our Morning Prayer service during our Zoom worship or to use on your own. Click on this link for the bulletin:


The church sanctuary and prayer room will be open for prayer every day, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Please be mindful of social distancing and hand sanitizing. 

The rest of this issue of our newsletter is dedicated to what we all can do during this challenging time. 

Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha friends ,

This Coronavirus is sure forcing us to live in the moment, isn’t it? We don’t really know what will be beyond today. Who will be sickened with the virus? Will it be me or you? We don’t know. We don’t know what to plan. For me, all I know is that the Bishop has said we cannot gather for worship in the usual fashion through the end of April (we will still have worship via ZOOM). I know it is likely we will see a depression due to the economic hardship of this social isolation, but today we have no idea what that will look like.
What do we know for sure? Not much, except one thing. God is here. We are not alone. 

I do think a lot about what God is showing us now. God is always showing something of Godself to us in every circumstance of life. I hate the word “test” and will never use it, but I do believe God always provides us with opportunities to grow.

My friends, this is an opportunity to check in on our faith. Do we put our “whole trust in God’s grace and love” as we profess in our baptismal covenant? Do we believe that God is in everything and that God is all good? Do we believe that all will be well? 

The only reality we have is the present moment. That is where God is. The past is over and so why waste any time or energy blaming. We can’t rewind. All we can do is learn and grow from our accomplishments and mistakes. And the future is yet to be determined. Why worry about something that may or may not happen? As I mentioned last week, why waste energy imagining the worst possible scenario? 
Instead, let us use our thoughts and our energy to be a light to this world. There are many people who are not only infected by the virus but affected by it. Hold them in prayer. We can still stay closely connected while honoring the necessity to avoid personal social contact.

I believe we will come out of this with many blessings. Some have already expressed to me that this has caused them to ponder what is really important in life, and to be grateful. Isn’t it interesting that this social isolation is already resulting in a more divine connection with each other and our God? Thank you, thank you, thank you God!

Love you all. Stay healthy and joy-filled. As always forward your thoughts and prayers,

~Pastor Gae+

All Will Be Well: Some Things to Do While Sheltering in Place

1. Read and re-read the scripture.

Scripture readings for the 4th week of Lent:

2. Pray the Stations of the Cross on the Labyrinth.

On the altar of our side prayer chapel, you will find the booklet “The Way of the Cross” by Clarence Enzler. Take it with you to the Labyrinth. There are 14 pavers on the labyrinth marking the Stations of the Cross. Stop at each one and read the meditation.  
3. Call a friend or family member who might need a comforting voice.

There are many people who are fearful of being infected by the Coronavirus. There are also those who wonder and worry how the virus will affect their life. Some worries are very realistic. Will I still have a job? Will I be able to pay my bills? And there are many people who imagine the worst possible scenario that has little reality.  

As followers of Jesus, we can be the reassurance that God is with us and all will be well. 
4. Limit watching the news.

You already know what you are to do. Limit social contact. Perhaps self isolate. Wash your hands frequently. Try not to touch your face. Certainly you can check in with your favorite news channel but limit the high drama news. It’s not healthy for your emotional well-being. Better to use this time to catch up on a movie or documentary you’ve been wanting to watch.
5. Get healthy.

This is an absolute call to get healthy. Exercise every day (there are short little workouts on Youtube you can do at home) Change your diet and eliminate processed foods. (Watch the documentaries on Netflix about food and health like Forks Over Knives and What the Health). Limit how much alcohol you are drinking. Get plenty of sleep. Spend 20 minutes a day in quiet meditation or prayer. Your physical body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. Take care of it.  
6. Pray for others. Shift your consciousness.

The more isolated we are from others, the more susceptible we are to becoming more self-focused. Commit each day to no negative thoughts. This reflection from Reverend Lynn Unger, Unitarian Universalist Minister, was posted on Facebook:
PANDEMIC
 
What if you thought of it
as the Jews consider the Sabbath—
the most sacred of times?
Cease from travel.
Cease from buying and selling.
Give up, just for now, on trying to make the world different than it is.
Sing. Pray. Touch only those to whom you commit your life.
Center down.
  And when your body has become still,
reach out with your heart.
Know that we are connected
in ways that are terrifying and beautiful.
(You could hardly deny it now.)
Know that our lives
are in one another’s hands.
(Surely, that has come clear.)
Do not reach out your hands.
Reach out your heart.
Reach out your words.
Reach out all the tendrils
of compassion that move, invisibly,
where we cannot touch.
Promise this world your love--
for better or for worse,
in sickness and in health,
so long as we all shall live.
7. Prepare for Holy Week.

We are now Mid-Lent. Check in on how you are doing with the intention and discipline of the season. 
 
  • Where am I spiritually now that it is Mid-Lent?  
  • 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 for the remainder of Lent (e.g., patience, charity, kindness, gentleness)?
 CONNECT & SERVE
Please note that Men’s Group, Bible Study, Sunday School, Habitat Build and Sorting Circle are on hiatus until further notice.
Bishop’s Committee Highlights  
Meeting on March 15, 2020

The Bishop’s Committee is charged with doing the “business” of the church. All members were present (Rebecca by remote).  

To view monthly reports from individual members, contact Pastor Gae. 

  • Treasurer’s Report — Income is above budget but expenses are understated as some will arrive in March. Revenues in the Thrift Shop remain outstanding. (Tom)

  • Rental Report — Rental income for the Parish Hall is likely to change due to the Coronavirus. A new lease with Pacific Source (Church office building) is currently being negotiated. (Suzanne)

  • Property Report — Terminix will be tenting the Sanctuary and Parish Hall April 6-7. (Craig)

  • Coronavirus — There was discussion as to changes in Worship and Thrift Shop operations with new requirements of social distancing. (All)

  • Vicarage Report — A $10,000 donation was received for the Vicarage project. 

  • Database — Our database is up to date with contact information provided by visitors. We have been gathering Membership paperwork to determine who identifies as a member of Christ Memorial. (Sandy)


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
To our Loyal Friends and Customers,

In complying with the latest virus update,
Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop 
will temporarily close until further notice.

While we wait it out, please remain safe and well.
We will miss your patronage, but will re-open as soon as we can
with a sparkling clean shop, full of new merchandise.

Take care,

Your Shared Blessings Team

Auntie Helen, Craig, Rebecca, Deb, Janice, Lorraine, Bill, Ross, Steve S, Margaret, Gordon, Christie, MaryEllen, Gwen, Alan, Anne, Susan W, Steve W, Cindy, Joe, Janicka, Phyllis, Berta, Yolanda, Amanda, Ralph, Marilyn, Naomi, Patti, Johanna, and our newest team members Susan S and Cindi

PRAY
Sanctuary Open for Prayer 
Every Day 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Feeling a little overwhelmed with life right now? Just drop in to Christ Memorial for a little peace and quiet. If you want Pastor Gae and our prayer team to pray for you or someone you love, please note on the podium as you walk in.  

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

Our giving is important, especially now.

A note from our Bishop’s Committee.  

Thank you to all who are keeping their pledge current. Since we won’t be having Sunday services for the remainder of the month and our Thrift Shop is closed for at least two weeks and our rental income is expected to be down, we rely on our pledging families more than ever. If you are not already doing so, consider changing to Automated Giving. It makes life easy.

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

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