Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,

I noticed this week in anticipation of today’s holiday that the word “Pride” was used a lot. American pride! Proud to be Americans! 

Unfortunately, as followers of Jesus, that word “Pride” doesn’t really belong in our vocabulary. The scripture tells us that God doesn’t like proud people. You’ve all heard the proverbs: “Pride goes before destruction” and “The Lord tears down the house of the proud.”  Our blessed mother Mary sings, “The Mighty one has done great things for me… He has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts…” Just go online to a Concordance, type in “pride” or “proud,” and you probably won’t find any positive references from the scripture. And, don’t forget that “pride” is one of the seven deadly sins.   
Why is that? Well, here’s what I think is the reason God doesn’t like pride. There is something about pride that exalts oneself, one’s own ego. Be honest. You can feel it when you say it… That feeling, of course, can get us on the road to trouble. What comes next is thinking we’re better than someone else, or whatever we’re “proud’ of comes solely by our own merit.  

Our Master Jesus teaches us to have an attitude just the opposite of pride — a humble spirit, never exalting ourselves, but rather exalting God our Creator.

So think about a new word for today. Instead of “I’m proud to be an American,” how about, “I’m blessed to be an American.” When we think about blessing rather than pride, we cultivate in ourselves a spirit of gratitude. That’s really what this day is about. Gratitude. We’re blessed and grateful people.
I took a little time to think about all the reasons I feel so blessed today. Of course, the landscape of our country, especially this island, is magnificent. I’m grateful I have a voice and opportunity. But more than that, I’m blessed and grateful to God for the people in my life (Americans) who work  hard to try and make life in this country good for everyone.

I’m blessed and grateful for teachers who are committed to sharing of knowledge.

I’m grateful for scientists, doctors, and nurses, who are committed to making my physical body healthier.

I’m blessed and grateful to all the people who bring food to my table, from the farmer to the trucker to the grocer.

I’m blessed and grateful for musicians, actors, and artists of all kinds who bring joy into my life by sharing their art.

I’m  blessed and grateful for people who work for companies like Garden Isle Disposal, busting their bodies, so I don’t have to live in the trash of all that I consume.

I’m blessed for all the people who work to keep my life safe: police, military, and firefighters.

I’m blessed and grateful for the folks who work in government… somebody has to do that work.  When I think about it, the list just goes on and on. 

Today is the day to pay special attention to the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us by virtue of being Americans. And also, today is the day to practice a spirit of humility, never pride, remembering there is no “nationality” to the soul. Every human being on this planet is a beloved child of God.

As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are you grateful for this day?

Blessings for a peaceful, joy-filled holiday,
~Pastor Gae+

A Prayer for Independence Day

Lord God Almighty, in whose Name the founders of this country won liberty for themselves and for us, and lit the torch of freedom for nations then unborn: Grant that we and all the people of this land may have grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.   (BCP)

CONNECT
Pancake Breakfast
This Sunday, July 7, after 8:00am and 9:30am services
Meets in the Parish Hall

Our fabulous pancakes will be flipping this Sunday. Festivities begin after our 8:00am AND 9:30am services. 

We provide the pancakes (plain and blueberry) and all the trimmings: butter and maple syrup. 

If you are able to contribute, please bring something to share: fruit, sausages, egg dishes, quiche, donuts, etc.
Centering Prayer
This Sunday, July 7 , 4:00 - 5:00pm
Meets in the Christ Memorial Sanctuary
Our Centering Prayer group is open to all faiths and to anyone who is seeking a deeper meaning to their spiritual life along the Contemplative Path.

We meet the 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month.

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. Join us this Sunday! We meet in the sanctuary.

Our Labyrinth Peace Pole is Planted
Mahalo nui loa to our many volunteers on Saturday, our Peace Pole has found its home in the center of our new labyrinth. 

The Peace Pole features 8 languages, representing the heritage of the people buried in the surrounding graveyard of Christ Memorial. 

Stop by and see the beginning of our newly planted hedge bordering Kuhio Highway, and take notice of our ancient gravesites, tenderly weeded by our parishioners.  

The sanctuary gardens have never looked more beautiful. Please come walk the labyrinth, sit in our sanctuary and strolls the gardens!

KIDS! The Great Adventure: Great Stories of the Old Testament
Summer Sunday School
Sundays, 8:00 – 9:00am
Meets in the Church Office
Our Sunday Great Adventure is underway and growing!

This past Sunday, our students learned about Adam and Eve See some of their artistic interpretations in this week’s photo. 

Each week, we are going on a Great Adventure to explore the great bible stories of the Old Testament. We’ll meet heroes and villains, and encounter some really big challenges. 

Join us on any Sunday this summer! 

For more info, contact Keana keana@ischool.org or Leona lcblankley@aol.com .

Can you volunteer? We are required to have two adults in Sunday School class. Can you help out our leaders one week? If so, let Keana or Leona know. (A perk… you will learn the great bible stories of the Old Testament!)


Christ Memorial: The Perfect Setting for a Beautiful Wedding

A joyful day! On June 15th, Pastor Gae celebrated the marriage of Devon Leopold and Jimmy Dean Crowell. Many blessing for this beautiful family!
Photograph by Christian P. Kahahawai of Kahahawai Photography of Kapaa, HI


Men’s Fellowship
Mondays, 9:00am
Meets at Kilauea Bakery and Pizza (Kong Lung Market Center)

Christ Memorial Men’s Fellowship group is growing! We meet every Monday morning at 9:00am for coffee or breakfast at the Kilauea Bakery. For more information, see Patrick O’Connell at worship or email him at paoco65@gmail.com .

SERVE
Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop
For Sale, Not Exactly
 
Lesson learned. Last week, we put out a sign for sale. And then the phone started ringing, and people started coming in to see if the building or business was for sale…  
 
Not exactly, 
 
  • Craig is not for sale. 
  • Helen Mitsui Shared Blessing Thrift Shop is not for sale. 
  • The Christ Memorial building is not for sale. 
  • The land is not for sale. 
 
Just the sign: FOR SALE BY OWNER is for sale: $1. 
 
Fodder for a good chuckle, though not exactly for the prospectors :-)


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

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.

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
Ways to Support Your Church
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Your financial support and generosity allow us to create and enhance the beautiful environment and worship that you and your family enjoy on a weekly basis.

Change to Automated Giving
Thank you to those of you who automate your giving and have 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 Scott Oliver for information at j.scott.oliver380@gmail.com .
Check
Thank you to all of you who still like to write checks. Please make checks payable to Christ Memorial Episcopal Church and mail to PO Box 293, Kilauea, HI 96754.

 Stock
Through the decades, many have given stock to Christ Memorial, enabling us to be a consistent presence in Kilauea. For more information on contributing stock, contact Scott Oliver at j.scott.oliver380@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
Sign Up for the Diocese of Hawaii E-Newsletters

We invite you to sign up for the Diocese of Hawaii E-News and E-Chronicle to stay informed and to learn about happenings taking place around the Diocese.

E-News is published twice monthly and announces upcoming events and activities throughout the Diocese.

E-Chronicle is magazine-like and publishes special feature stories.

To sign up for the Diocesan E-News and E-Chronicle, click HERE .

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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