WEEKLY NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
November 08, 2020
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Sunday Worship
November 8, 2020
The Twenty-third Sunday after Pentecost
Scripture Readings for this Sunday:
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Service of Holy Eucharist
with Music,
in the Sanctuary
8:00 am
Please make a reservation as we are allowed a limited number due to social distancing.
Email the church office at:
Please wear a mask.
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Service of Morning Prayer
with Music, on Zoom
9:30 am
Here is the link to join us on Zoom:
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PRAYER REQUESTS THIS WEEK |
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Healing of body, mind and spirit for Michael; Terri (multiple myeloma); Stevan (Tinnitus); Scott (dementia); Elaine, Sue Ellen, Peter, Xavier, Susan, Web & Kelly (cancer); Nancy (radiation treatment); Doug (stroke); Matt’s dad (polio) and Matt's mom (strength); Bill, in hospital (infected shoulder); relief for Nelli family who lost their home in a fire; those hospitalized by the virus; healing for our world; a safe election.
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MORNING COFFEE WITH PASTOR GAE |
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Aloha Friends,
I hope you will read all the way through this week’s newsletter. You will notice that we have a response to my Coffee Chat from last week (“Bad Apples”). Mark Gronso from Pendleton Oregon shared his thoughts about what has happened to the Boy Scouts. You will also notice a piece written by Dr. Matt Miller. Matt lives on island and is known in our church as a musician, storyteller, artist, woodworker (he created the beautiful cross in our prayer chapel), and in my estimation, a theologian. I think you will find his post thought-provoking.
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My vision for our newsletter is that it become more than just a typical church newsletter that has information about current events in and around the church. Of course, we still want to keep everyone informed so we will continue providing all of that. But I would love it if our newsletter could also become like a church blog with a sharing of thoughts and ideas for the spiritual journey. You all know that ministers are not always the authority!
Consider participating. Perhaps the Sunday scripture spoke to you in a new way. Or maybe you have been inspired from a book you just read. Perhaps you’re a poet, a songwriter, or an artist and the Spirit guided you to create something special. Perhaps you have a response to something that was posted in last week’s newsletter.
I have titled this new section of our newsletter “Musings”. I encourage you to engage it and share your thoughts. And please submit. We’re all on a journey and while we don’t take the same steps, we can all learn from one another.
Joy, joy, joy! God is good!
Gae +
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A Response to Last Week's Coffee Chat
"I read your snippet in the Newsletter. Gale and I have two sons who are proud Eagle Scouts, the highest rank in the BSA, roughly 1% of the boys in scouting attain the Eagle Rank.
It is indeed a sad day if all this goes through and puts an abrupt end to one of the most valuable programs for young men and women in the United States. Scouting was founded by the Lord Baden Powell in the UK— it’s a successful worldwide organization.
Our oldest son, Dale attended a World Jamboree in South Korea when he was 14 years old. I was an Assistant Scoutmaster, a member of a Western Region BSA, (Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and N. California), camp visitation inspectors for a number of years. We visited all Scout Camps to assure they met their Quality Standards of safety and health before they were allowed to open each season. Gale was a Tiger Scout Leader and Den Mother for Dusty, our youngest Eagle.
The allegations, no doubt have some truth to them . . . . However if the adult leaders had operated their Troop’s according to the rules and regulations of the BSA this terrible travesty would not close down and bankrupt the BSA. Every Troop is to use “Two-Deep” leadership. Where there is NEVER only one adult with a Scout or group alone in any situation. For the protection of both Scouts and adults.
It galls me to no end to see TV commercials and editorials urging our litigious prone society to bust the BSA. Yes, the police do have bad apples. Just happens to be the city, county, state, and federal governments have deeper pockets than the BSA - it’s the taxpayer, (you and I) - not some voluntary organization that foots the bill for a police that kneels on a man’s neck for 9+ minutes killing him and the police departments persevere - the BSA goes broke. Where’s the justice?
For years the Chartered Organization for Troop 777 here in Pendleton was the First Christian Church. The VFW here is the only Chartered Organization that isn’t a church. Generally throughout America many churches sponsor Troops."
Mark Gronso lives in Pendleton, Oregon with his wife Gail. He attends our 9:30 am Zoom Worship Service.
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Forbidden Truths
There are three forbidden truths that were taught by Jesus but which many Christians today resist learning. These are:
1) shamanic Christianity,
2) actually doing the miracles that Jesus did, and
3) visiting God or other higher beings regularly for refreshment and training, through “infused prayer” (dialogue, not monologue).
These have been written out of His teachings. But:
1) knowing where the fish are, like Jesus, is a shamanic skill.
2) Jesus Himself said, in John 14:12, that we could do all He has done, and more.
3) He checked in with God as needed, and once with Moses and Elijah, as the canonical Gospels inform us. This part of His teaching has been quietly sidelined by people. And Christians cry out for proof, when the only real proof is personal experience, and that was erased from the doctrine.
We know from the canonical Gospels that Jesus made a distinction in His mind between those who have ears to hear and those who do not. In the canonical Gospels we see Him addressing large crowds that gathered spontaneously. Few such people had “ears to hear,” so He taught in parables. On some occasions disciples proved not to have “ears to hear” either. So this is a group of people who sometimes got it – promising students. Jesus taught them more directly.
In the 1st century Essene Gospels, contemporary with the canonical Gospels, Jesus appears to have been addressing advanced souls within the Jewish religion. And He taught them straight out what He implied to the crowds and partly explained to the disciples. These are the “secret” teachings of Jesus, allegedly passed down from Enoch. They are “self-secret,” in that you can read them if you like, but if you don’t have “ears to hear” you won’t get it. The prayer discipline described in the Essene Gospels incorporates experiences that constitute proof to the individual:
1) shamanic Christianity
2) doing Jesus’ miracles ourselves,
3) visiting higher beings regularly as teachers.
This is the cornerstone rejected from the work!
Dr. Matt is a comparative cosmologist who joined Christ Memorial in 2018 after a long, exciting career teaching children to read and write. As a result, he sees Christianity with new eyes, and occasionally needs the subtleties explained to him.
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For the new church year Christ Memorial has developed and launched an innovative new program for the Episcopal Church. By invitation active or retired clergy will be coming to our island for a period of 6-13 weeks to write, study and explore in exchange for leading worship and providing a teaching in an area of spiritual growth, theology, prayer, scripture study, social justice or church history.
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Welcome to our
Clergy in Residence,
The Very Reverend
Zachary Fleetwood
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Father Zachary comes to Christ Memorial on the First Sunday of Advent, the beginning of a new church year. He will reside with us throughout the Advent and Christmas seasons. Fr. Zachary’s education includes a Master of Arts from University of Virginia; Master of Divinity at Virginia Theological Seminary; and Advanced Studies at the University of Edinburgh. He has served as Rector of St. Columba by the Castle Church in Edinburgh, Scotland, and Rector and Dean Emeritus at the American Cathedral in Paris along with many rector and interim placements throughout Virginia. |
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Looking for a distraction from this week's politics? |
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Consider Trevor Noah’s book,
“Born a Crime, Stories from a South African Childhood”.
Pastor Gae recommends you listen to it on Audible as Trevor Noah reads it. It’s a beautiful book that gives a glimpse into his life in South African twilight-apartheid.
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Reflection on the 52nd Annual Meeting of the Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai’i
Pastor Gae, Sandy Finch, Margaret & Gordon Furze joined 202 delegates from the Episcopalian Diocese of Hawai’i for its Annual Meeting. The convention was held virtually via Zoom and was presided over by The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick, Bishop.
The Diocese committee that oversaw the virtual convention presented a professional and organized event. With the number of attendees online, technology chaos could have happened, but it was flawless. It was a delight to be participating with churches from all over the islands.
The Bishop presented an address to the delegates highlighting how churches have adapted to the 2020 Covid-19 environment, and in many ways have thrived. His talk encouraged churches to continue to adjust and modify their operations to fit within the current circumstances. The Bishop’s address left all attendees feeling inspired, confident, and refreshed.
The Annual Meeting was adjourned with a beautiful rendition of “Ho’onani I Ka Makua Mau” that reflected the faith and gladness with which each delegate left the meeting.
Submitted by Sandy Finch, Convention Delegate.
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Bishop's Visitation
Sunday, November 15
11:00 am
Bishop Robert will be joining Christ Memorial for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
Please pray for those confirming or reaffirming their faith in Jesus the Christ:
Branch Lotspeich
Melody MacKenzie Lotspeich
Matthew Miller
Bill Schilling
Rebecca Hullum
Mary Jo Kamano
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CONNECT - A Note to Our Zoom Family |
One big blessing for our church that has come out of the struggle with the COVID-19 virus is the connection we have made via Zoom. Many folks who are either seasonal residents, timeshare residents, or even tourists consider us their church community. They can now be a more active part of our church. We have a Sunday worship service, two Bible studies, an Adult Confirmation class and Centering Prayer, made possible through Zoom. Who knew? This has been a learning experience for us. The good news is that even after the virus crisis is over, we will continue many of these offerings on Zoom.
Here are some things everyone can do to help us all have the best experience possible:
- Please try to connect at least 10 minutes before the service or the meeting to make sure everything is working correctly.
- If possible, keep your video on so it feels more like being together in church.
- Have your audio always on mute unless advised by the facilitator.
- Be present. Try not to multi-task. Having your water or coffee nearby is fine but since your video is on, probably best not to be moving around.
- Try your best not to leave early. If your computer drops you out, come back on but make sure your video is on and your audio is muted.
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Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2:00 - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
Saturday 9:30 am - 3:00 pm
For a safe shopping experience, we can only allow 5 shoppers in the store at any time. All must wear masks and use hand sanitizer.
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Monday 10:00 am-11:15 am:
Spiritual Lessons from the Book of Genesis
Wednesday 2:00 – 3:15 HST
Letters of Paul
If you wish to join us, let Pastor Gae know and she will send you the link and the questions we will discuss.
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Online Centering Prayer & Scripture Reflection |
Tuesdays, 9:00 - 9:45 am (HST)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7532197968
Centering Prayer is every Tuesday morning on Zoom, 9:00 - 9:45 am. We begin with a Scripture reading for the day followed by 12 minutes of meditation. Then a reflection is read and anyone who would like to share an insight is invited to do so. We finish with prayer time for those in need of healing.
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Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Meets in the Parish Hall:
Monday 6:15 - 7:15 pm & 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am & 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Wednesday 7:30 - 8:30 pm
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Our giving is important, especially now.
Although we aren’t gathering in the sanctuary for worship, our church bills are still the same. We’ve had questions from our Sunday worshippers and now our Zoom worshippers about how to give. Your continued gifts really matter, especially in this time of uncertainty.
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If you like to give by check, please send to:
Christ Memorial Episcopal Church,
P.O. Box 293, Kilauea, HI 96754
Or consider changing to Automated Giving. It makes life easy. Just click on the button below to make a one-time or recurring donation.
Thank you for your love and care for our Christ Memorial community!
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Keep up-to-date with messages from the Bishop. Click on the buttons below to view the Bishop's weekly Monday & Wednesday messages, and find links to online worship in the Diocese. |
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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.
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 by emailing her or call (623) 208-9436.
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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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