Aloha our beloved Parish 'Ohana, |
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Over the years, I have been asked why I always preach on the Gospel instead of something more “relevant” to today like politics or the economy.
Lutheran pastor, The Rev. Edward Markquart, says that “God’s story is always related to human need. For example, if someone is dying of cancer, the Gospel is God’s strong word of resurrection. If a person is permeated with guilt, the Gospel is God’s assurance of forgiveness. If people experience extreme suffering, the Gospel is the prayer: 'God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in time of trouble.' For the starving, the Gospel may be bread. For a homeless refugee, the Gospel may be freedom in a new homeland. For others, the Gospel may be freedom from political tyranny. The Gospel is always related to human need. It is never truth in a vacuum, a theologically true statement that may or may not relate to one’s life. The Gospel is God’s truth, God’s message, God’s action, God’s word to a particular person, to a particular need, to a particular historical situation. You don’t throw a drowning person a sandwich, because however good the sandwich may be, it just doesn’t meet that person’s need. You throw a drowning person a life jacket or a lifeline, or you dive in for the rescue. So it is with the Gospel. The Gospel is God’s truth, God’s action, aimed at a particular human need.” God is not simply saving individuals and preparing them for heaven; rather God is creating a people among whom God can dwell, and who, in their life together, will produce God’s life and character in all its unity and diversity….. That is why I preach the Gospel!
Like me, however, you might sometimes feel overwhelmed when you see the scope of the world's problems which evokes a sense of helplessness in us. You might feel that anything you can do would be just a drop in the bucket. That's probably true, but it's also OK. If you do what God has called you to do; and if I do what God has called me to do; and if the people of this Parish `Ohana continue to do what God has called them to do wherever God has placed them, then, by the grace of God, it will be enough. By the grace of God, lives will be changed and we will experience God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in Heaven.
Blessings and love,
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Saturday
5 PM at Kawaihae Canoe Club. In-person and online. Please bring a beach chair or towel. Masks must be worn.
Sunday
*7:30 AM at St. James'. Inside the church. Masks must be worn and physical distancing observed.
*9:30 AM at St. James'. Inside the church and online
*9:30 AM at St. Columba’s. Outside on the grass, under the tent, and online.
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* All Sunday Services are also broadcast, over FM 97.5 at St. James' and over FM 91.9 at St. Columba's, for those remaining in their cars. Communion will be brought to you.
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Three ways to join in worshiping virtually |
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MORNING PRAYER
MONDAY - SATURDAY 9 AM
(streamed live, links above.)
HERE is a link to The Book of Common Prayer online.
Once on this site, click on Morning Prayer, Rite 2.
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Communion to the Homebound |
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The clergy are happy to bring communion to those who are homebound or who do not feel comfortable coming to an in person service. Simply contact one of the clergy directly or through the parish office.
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Men's Bible Study
EVERY WEDNESDAY, 7:30 AM
On ZOOM Password: faith
We study the upcoming Scriptures that will be read in worship. CLICK HERE to review before we meet.
Links to useful commentaries:
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Women's Bible Study
The next Women’s Bible Study will be held IN PERSON AT the Church Office, as well as via ZOOM from 10 AM to 11:30 AM on Friday, January 21, 2022.
We will be reading “The Friendship of Women: The Hidden Tradition of the Bible” by Joan Chittister.
On ZOOM Password: faith
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Bishop's Bible Study
Every Wednesday, Bishop Fitzpatrick, offers an online study/reflection. On Mondays, he offers a weekly message to the diocese. CLICK HERE to access the most recent Bible Study.
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New acolyte at 7:30 service! Theresa Ka’aekuahiwi |
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Share a photo, a link, a poem, a prayer...
Found something that supports, inspires, comforts or amuses you? Share it!
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From Donna Brown
A capella group King's Return offering a reminder as we enter 2022 that there still is beauty in the world. “Beauty” was written in 2020 as a response to the early days of the pandemic. It is a song of hope and a reminder that even the darkest moments can hold something beautiful.
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From a recent daily meditation sent out from friend of our parish, the Rev. Austin Murray.
Dear God, I am sad to inform you that the world is a mess. Our planet is overheating with doomsday predictions. There’s a global pandemic that won’t quit, and takes more and more from us each day. Our country is divided and threatened by civil unrest. Haiti and Afghanistan are collapsing and things aren’t looking good for Ukraine.
It’s all a bit much to absorb. I don't want to feel numb but sometimes I do.
Please just show me what is mine to do because I feel horrible not doing everything, or hard-hearted for just doing nothing. So, give me grace for myself and others.
Right now everyone is understaffed, so grant me patience with every clerk and delivery driver and customer service rep.
And when all I can do is to stop during the day and place my hand on my heart and hold all these heavy realities up to you, may it count as prayer.
Help me to know when there is water in my bucket and which fire to throw it on; and also, to know when to wait because I am on empty.
Help me to trust that you will give me what I need to help, and to not feel like I must carry water for everyone else.
I guess what I am saying Lord, is: please show us some mercy, and help us to show this same mercy to ourselves and others. Amen.
*Updated and edited rendering of August 17, 2021 blog by Nadia Bolz-Weber, Lutheran Pastor, Denver, CO.
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2022 St. James' Parish: Vestry, Junior Warden & Diocesan Convention Delegate Nominations
The positions are: Vestrypersons (3), Junior Warden (1), and Delegates (5) to Diocesan Convention. An explanation of each can be found with the nomination forms which can be located via clicking here, after worship services, and in the parish office. Elections will be held at our Annual Parish Meeting, on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 11:30 AM via ZOOM. Please log on by 11:15 AM. Submissions are now closed (Jan 9 was the deadline). Our parish bylaws do allow for nominations from the floor. However, as of January 6, we have a full slate for all positions open! Hurray! Mahalo to everyone who is nominated to serve.
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A special Annual Meeting email will soon be sent out with the list of nominations, their statements of willingness to service, and pictures. We will also include a copy of the Annual Report with the 2022 budget so you can review it before the meeting on January 30th.
IMPORTANT - Regarding voting & viewing
- Only one person is allowed to vote per device, so if there is more than one person is your household who is eligible to vote in the parish elections, each will need to log onto the ZOOM meeting via a different device - for instance, one person can log in on a laptop and a second on a smart phone or tablet.
- A computer will be set up at both St. James’ and St. Columba’s for those who are unable to log on. Simply come to either church by the start of the meeting (11:30 AM). Bobby Clement will be the host at St. James’ and the Rev. Linda Lundgren at St. Columba’s. They will count the votes of those who attend in person.
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We need a quorum for the meeting to be valid. Our Parish By-laws state that a quorum is 2/3 of the membership of our parish. So, please, if at all possible join us! We need you!
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Online
Ushers Needed!
Are you able to assist us with online ushering for one weekend a month for our worship services? Or for a specific worship service offered?
The ushers task is three-fold:
- First and foremost, welcome people to the service. State that you are the online usher in the chat box. Be present to monitor the room.
- Post the link to the bulletin & the online giving site. This is easy and we can show you how.
The 3 weekend services that are regularly broadcast are:
Saturday, 5 PM, Beach Mass
Sunday, 9:30 AM, service at St. James' and St. Columba's.
This is a great ministry especially for those members and friends who might not live on Hawai'i Island or be able to attend in person.
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Gratitude Campaign 2022 Check-in |
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Note from the Stewardship Committee: A pledge is oneʻs best guess of what they hope to give for the next year. It is expected that you will need to adjust at some point during the year as circumstances change. A pledge not only helps your parish ʻohana to plan what ministries we can offer (if we are going to have the support in funding from our members and friends) but it is part of our discipleship – it is taking a prayerful look at what and where we feel God leading us to give to grow Godʻs kingdom of love, grace, justice, and mercy. You can pledge via clicking the link above. Pledge cards are also available in the Parish Office and after worship services. Mahalo to everyone who as already made a pledge for 2022! If you havenʻt yet, please prayerfully consider doing so.
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Another gorgeous day for worship! We celebrated 2 birthdays', Wilma Oshiro and Sharon Alfonso. Due to Covid, no cake, and no singing Happy Birthday, but lots of applause and virtual hugs! Also, Tony and Jennifer Teare visited us this past Sunday and Tony graciously accepted the invitation to ring the bell and he did a spectacular job! The whole coast heard it! Well done!!! A special thank you to Sharon Alfonso, for picking music last week and Janice Gail for leading the congregation in acapella singing. Great job!!! Again, we are so blessed, as everyone works together to spread the Glory of God. Alleluia!!
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The video series/study The Chosen, will start up again on Wednesday, Feb. 2nd. This will be the beginning of Season 2. Everyone is welcome! We will gather at 5:30pm and be pau by 7pm.
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NOTE: DATE CHANGE!! - Out of an abundance of caution, due to increasing Covid 19 cases, we are postponing Movie Night to February 18.
Movie Night under the tent will be Friday, February 18th beginning at 6 PM. This month's movie will be The Shack, based on The New York Times best-selling novel. The Shack is an inspiring move about a father who, after a family tragedy, spirals into a crisis of faith and questions God's existence.
He gets a mysterious invitation to an abandoned shack and there God reveals Himself in the form of 3 strangers. This movie is one that you can see over and over again and be inspired every time. Everyone is welcome!!
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If you would like to be added to the Prayer List or would like to add someone else (please get their permission first), call the parish office at 808-885-4923 or email at prayer@stjameshawaii.org by the Tuesday before you would like the name to appear in the bulletin. Please mention 'Prayer List' in the Subject line of the email to Jacque so that she knows it's not a spam email from someone she doesn't know personally.
Names will remain on the list for 4 weeks. You must then request to have the name added again.
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Patricia Eckstrom, Nicole Anderson, Trevor, Monica Parker, Gladys Takeya, Monique Abbasi, Jack A, Isaac DeRego, James Knox Everett, Maurice Cecil & Pukaua Summer Sommers, Betty Santorio, Cheyanna Lahnum, Jesse Osmun, Alex Ka'aua, Vicky Tagaca, Eli Ching, Paterno Balmilero, Jerry Reyla, Greg Silva, Berlinda Toson, Maelle Wolfe, Joyce Horie, Riley Furlong, Matthew Latshaw, Wendy Geyer-Nixon, John Nixon, Frank & Margaret Fuchino, Nick Obrastoff, Charlotte Annette Obrien, Vivian Ettinger, Steve Lambuth, Ian Elliott, Wm. Dean Mitchell, Vicki Nilles, Suzanne & Jimmy Knowles, Susan & Max Maxey, Chris Mangarin, Dallas Gomes, Brandy Darling, Coe Atherton, Annette Pippin & family, Gail Lewis, Pat Deter, Ray Rosa, Cindy Sharp, Diane Feeney, Ayden R, Suzanne Robinson, Kathy Smith, Sheri Mariscal, Scott Byron, Paul Lee, Deb, Jean Cherrigan, Annette Labonte, Manny Brueno & Holly Lotz, Meguel Landu Verde, Anna Humphrey, Taleisha Rose, Shawn Elkins, Susan Olsen, Michael & Nancy Rose, Michael Casey Merle, April Johnston, Sarah Willey, the brothers of the Episcopal monastery SSJE, and as we pray for those who have recently died we remember the 'ohana of Hugh Silbaugh and 'ohana of Joan Celikiz |
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Please remember in your prayers the following parishioners. Notes of care may be sent to:
Susan Olsen April Johnston Cindy Sharp
P.O. Box 1258 73-1396 Ili Ili place 61-4148 Kalooloo Drive
Kamuela, HI 96743 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Kamuela, HI 96743
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Do you know of someone else to whom we could reach out?
Please get their permission first, then contact the parish office to have them added to the list. email here or telephone at 808-885-4923
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Birthdays
Coe Atherton (1/22)
Anna Mills (1/23)
Gale Bates (1/24)
Dallas Gomes (1/25)
Alaa Halstead (1/26)
Glenn Thompson (1/26)
Lynn White (1/26)
Caroline Grace Betlach (1/28)
Keanu Givens (1/28)
Noelani Givens (1/28)
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Garden Work Day - All Helpers Welcome! |
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The Garden volunteers will be cleaning and tending the flower beds around the church office. We're meeting at 10:30 AM on this coming Wednesday January 26. Please wear appropriate clothing and bring gloves. We will provide water and snacks. Thanks!
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Alexa, Play HELP! by the Beatles
"Help, we need somebody, Help, not just anybody...HEHEHEHEHELP!"
The Thrift Store is seeking volunteers for 2 positions.
Our book sorter, Patricia Flores, will be retiring after 9 years of service. She has plans to move on and live her best life! We pray her well and thank her for her hard work and dedication to our book ministry. She will be leaving at the end of February. Patricia will be training the incoming volunteer, no experience needed. 1 requirement, must love books and people.
The second position we are seeking is for housekeeping. This is a test pilot mini ministry:
Days of service are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1pm-2:30pm. Duties include storing donations, sweeping, mopping, tidying shelves and clothing racks, aerosol spraying disinfectant, emptying trash and light bathroom cleaning. We currently have 2 volunteers along with myself already in process. An additional volunteer or 2 will make a huge difference in our work load. If you are available on any one of these days or all 3, please come by and see me at the Thrift Store.
No experience necessary, we will train. Requirements are willingness to serve and must love people. Skillsets we are seeking are the ability to operate a mop, broom, and duster.
If you believe that cleanliness is next to Godliness, then this calling may be for you!
Until next week,
Rona Scull
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MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS:
and
Corcoran Pacific
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From Tim
Ham and Lentil Soup
This week’s Meal was a hearty Ham and Lentil soup, with onions, carrots, celery, peppers, and kale. All simmered for hours in my famous “dirty stock”, made from hambones with leeks, onions, celery, lemon tarragon, fennel, allspice, garlic and ginger. I’ll admit I made up the recipe but I think it worked! The Meal containers included rice, bread, and pasta veggie salad, and we served cookies too of course!
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Gregory and I cooked the first batch of 300 meals yesterday, and Greg made another 5 pots this morning. All the roasters were utilized and boy did the church smell good the last couple of days! We served 659 Meals total, including 318 deliveries, plus car hop service to 87 cars and a record 14 walk-ups. We still had some leftovers for volunteers, and for the Waimea fire station. |
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Mapu, Frankie and Peter packaged the produce bags with oranges and lemons, lettuce, bok choy, carrots, tomatoes, chips, and a flyer announcing continuation of the Rental Assistance Program and Free Testing at KTA center on Wednesdays.
We added two new “staff” to the Meal operation today. Janice Thomas is our new Meal Assistant, joining Sue and Gregory as our backbone to the volunteer team. And Logan Kidani is our new Sponsorship Intern. We’re looking to fill the first part of the 2022 Meal Sponsorship calendar – please reach out to me if you want to book a date!
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Our sponsors tonight were Corcoran Pacific Realty, and Property Buyers Hawaii, who both brought volunteers to carhop - and the delightful Ella and Sophia Sutherland-Maria rang the bell together to start the Meal. Mahalo everyone! |
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Sponsor Corcoran Pacific to the left and Sponsor Property Buyers Hawaii pictured above.
Mahalo for your support!!
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I’m about to leave for a UK, Egypt, Israel and Dubai adventure. I shall miss the Meal! But I know it is in good hands. Gregory never fails to amaze me with his 5.30am starts; we’re all delighted that Janice and Logan have been recognized for the pivotal people they are; and Sue and Frankie just keep on rocking! Jane is in charge (whether she knows it or not), and I’m only an email away, wherever in the world I am. |
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I am constantly fascinated with the flow of the Meal. The volunteers that show up and know how to fit in. I’m not usually part of the morning Chop Crew and it was wonderful to see Micky and Cathy Kurap bagging the cookies again – it’s been almost four years since they last visited but they knew exactly what to do! I find myself starting to wipe down a table just as someone else starts on the other side. I leave with a special Mahalo to the wash-up Crew. I don’t love being in the sink myself because it’s kinda low for me, but maybe a dozen people take to the sinks through the day and ensure that we run a safe and healthy operation. And we just got our DoH Kitchen Pass for 2022!
Here’s to a great 2022, Building Community, One Meal at a Time? Hell, Yeah! And Alleluia!
Me ke ha’aha’a
Tim
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SPONSORS NEEDED
The Community Meal is in need of sponsorships. Sponsors are an integral part of Waimea Community Meal’s success. Every $600 provides a delicious and nutritious community meal for 350 people. If you are interested in sponsoring a meal, or know of an organization who might be interested, please contact Tim Bostock at: timbostock808@gmail.com
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As always there is a call out for cooks, cookie bakers, meal planners. If you are interested in helping us in any way, contact Sue Dela Cruz, at eat@stjameshawaii.org .
Smiles,
Sue Dela Cruz, meal coordinator
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REMINDER: Winter Talk 2022 livestream
All Episcopalians are invited to watch a livestream of Winter Talk, an annual conference that honors and highlights Indigenous and Native American traditions and contributions within the church. Hosted by the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, the...
Read more
mailchi.mp
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Please see At Home Covid-19 test ordering information from The Vaccine Equity Cooperative Team below:
In an attempt to improve equitable access, the government is allowing community-based organizations to share the at-home COVID-19 test ordering link with community members two days ahead of the general public, starting Monday, January 17th. The White House has partnered with the National Association of Community Health Workers (NACHW) to host the ordering link for community-based organizations and workforces on the NACHW website. The link is now live,
We are doing our best to pass along as much information as possible to ensure you have everything you need to take part in this program. Here is what we know so far:
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The test ordering link is now live! This link cannot be shared on social media, but can be shared via email, text and direct outreach.
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Orders that take place on January 17th and 18th will be screened based on an Equitable Distribution Index (EDI) and COVID-19 risk factor ZIP Code list required and compiled by the White House and CDC. On January 19th, the White House order page will be open to all households nationally.
- Community-based organizations can assist community members in placing orders for their household (with permission).
- The information needed for the order is first name, last name and household address.
- One package of four COVID-19 rapid tests can be ordered per household.
- Your order cannot use a place of business address.
- If community members would like to track their package, an email address can be included. The same email address can be used to track multiple orders.
- Organizations cannot place bulk orders through this program as it is resident focused.
Resources and FAQs:
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NACHW has created a resource page with FAQs and is available in English, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese. This page is updated regularly as more information becomes available and additional languages are added.
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Register here for NACHW's information sessions on the White House at-home testing program, taking place on January 17th and 18th at 2:00pm EST. Spanish interpretation is available.
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Download NACHW's presentation on the at-home testing program.
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Download this one-pager on how to educate your community about this opportunity.
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Submit questions or comments via this form, and we will do our best to respond within 24 hours!
While the administration's rollout plan is imperfect, it is a chance to get more tests to more people, as test availability remains inconsistent. We hope that this opportunity increases access to our community partners and members.
The Vaccine Equity Cooperative Team
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Hawaii Food Basket
We look forward to serving you at our `Ohana Drops. The following sites are available to anyone in need of food. Please note that for the health and safety of our staff, we WILL refuse service to anyone who does not adhere to the following rules: ...
Read more
www.hawaiifoodbasket.org
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CLICK HERE for the approved minutes from the most recent Vestry meeting. CLICK HERE for the approved Treasurer's Report.
The next Vestry meeting will be Tuesday, February 22nd at 12:30 PM via ZOOM. We are meeting virtually. If there is something which you wish to bring to the vestry's attention, please reach out to our wardens or vestry members. You can reach them via the Parish Office. A reminder that all vestry meetings are open to parishioners to attend.
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Whether you have been coming to St. James', St. Columba's, or the Beach Mass for 6 months or 6 days, if you have come to see this parish 'ohana as your Spiritual home we would like to welcome you as a member. If you have questions about becoming a member of this parish family, speak to one of the clergy. |
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Instead of meeting force with force, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood up in the face of evil and said: "No! We cannot keep doing this to each other. We are not each other’s enemies." He answered Paul’s call to arms: the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God: Jesus Christ.
-Br. Jim Woodrum
An Episcopal Monastery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
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A Prayer for the End of Day |
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"The stillness of God be mine this night, that I may sleep in peace. The awareness of the angels be mine this night, that I may be alert to unseen mysteries. The company of the saints be mine this night that I may dream of the river of love. The life of Christ be mine this night, that I may be truly alive to the morning, that I may be truly alive"
~ J. Philip Newell, Celtic Benediction
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Rev. Marnie Keator, Associate Rector |
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Rev. Linda Lundgren, Associate Rector for St. Columba's |
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Thrift Store Ministry
Below Left- Rona Scull, Coordinator Below Right - Juanita Ritz, Assistant
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Community Meals Ministry
Top - Sue Dela Cruz, Community Meal Coordinator
Lower - Gregory Koestring, Waimea Assistant
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Music Ministry
Below left- Rona Lee, Choir Director Below Right- Everett Knowles, Director of Music
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Jaisy Jardine, Parish Administrator |
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