Morning Coffee Inspiration from Pastor Gae

Aloha Friends,

I’ve noticed I am becoming a bit of a politics junkie. At times I feel ashamed about that — the amount of time I spend reading and watching political news and commentary in comparison with the time spent in prayer and scripture study. But then I remember Jesus talking about the Kingdom of God on this earth. How can the Kingdom of God ever be manifest if Kingdom people opt out of the world?  We need to engage prayerfully and thoughtfully. We need to be educated and then use our God-given ability to reason. And we need to act. “Be doers of the word,” James reminds us.
This week, the New York Times asked a series of questions to all the Democratic candidates who will be debating next week. As I was reading their answers, I wondered how I would answer those questions. What are my beliefs about the big challenges of our world? Can I articulate them?

Regardless of your political persuasion, I think putting into words our beliefs is a good exercise to do. But we can’t stop there. We then need to ask ourselves, “How might our Master Jesus answer the questions?” Notice if there is any tension or resistance. We don’t want to be Christians on Sunday and then something else on Monday, right?

Here are some of the questions. I encourage you to take time and try to write your answers. And then talk about them with your partner, or call a friend and discuss them over a cup of tea or have a dinner party! And be sure to bring Jesus and his vision of the Kingdom of God into the conversation.

  • In an ideal world, would anyone own handguns?
  • Would your focus be improving the ACA or replacing it with single payer?
  • Do you think it’s possible for the next president to stop climate change?
  • Do you think Israel meets international standards of human rights?
  • Who is your hero, and why?
  • Would there be American Troops in Afghanistan at the end of your first term?
  • Do you think illegal immigration is a major problem in the US?
  • Do you support or oppose the death penalty?
  • Should tech giants like Facebook, Amazon and Google be broken up?
  • Are you open to expanding the size of the Supreme Court?
  • When did your family first arrive in the US, and how?
  • Does anyone deserve to have a billion dollars?

Yes, I’ll probably be in front of the TV next week. But… I will also be praying and listening for a new consciousness to  emerge from the candidates: one of compassion, kindness, mercy, justice and… love.

Your thoughts are always welcome,
~Pastor Gae+

CONNECT
Bishop’s Committee
This Sunday after the 9:30am Service
Meets in the Church Office

Members of our Bishop’s Committee are the lead links for everything that goes on in our church.  They are charged with the “business” of the church. This Sunday’s discussion will focus on defining “Membership.” All are invited to observe the meeting. If you have any suggestions about ways we can grow our little church, please go to our website and email one of the Bishop Committee members or Pastor Gae.  
KIDS! The Great Adventure: Great Stories of the Old Testament
Summer Sunday School
Sundays, 8:00 – 9:00am
Meets in the Church Office
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. 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)

Bible Study
Wednesdays, 2:00 - 3:15pm
Meets in the Church Office

We’re starting a Bible Study on June 19. This is a study group, not a lecture. If you are new to the bible, please come. We’re all beginners! Bring a bible, any translation. We’re going to begin with the Gospel of Mark.

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 .


Centering Prayer
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.


SERVE
Church Work Morning
Saturday, June 29, 10:00am – Noon with Lunch
Meets in the Christ Memorial Church Gardens

We will be manicuring the gravesites, planting the Peace Pole, planting a hedge along the highway, and just beautifying our property. All ages invited to help. Come for an hour or more, and join us for lunch!


Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop
Work-at-Home Volunteers Needed
Not all of our donations are ready to make it to the shop floor immediately. As Auntie Helen says “we have standards!”
Puzzles, games, card decks all need to be checked for complete sets. Beads need to be sorted, and jewelry needs to be repaired. If you have any extra time at home and would like to help us out, please consider one of these activities you can do at home:

  • Roll fabric remnants
  • Make or sort price tags
  • Put together puzzles
  • Sort beads and/or repair jewelry
  • Check board games & card decks for complete sets
  • Polish silver, copper, brass

Interested? Please contact Susan at (650) 576-1112 for more information, or stop by any Sunday from 11-12pm, where a group of us tidy up the thrift shop while it is closed in preparation for our very busy Tuesday opening.
Red Bin Donation Drop-Off
Have you seen our big red bins in front of the church on Sunday’s? They are there for your convenience. Bring us your donations before and after the 8:00 am and 9:30 am services.

Best practice tip: keep a bag or box by the door, and make it a good habit to bring your donations weekly, rather than let the pile up.

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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