I dreamed we all had wings,

not in heaven but now,

spread wide in many colors.

We soared and swept, circled and spun,

delighting in freedom.

Old limits were gone.

Gravity lost its hold.

The air was our home

and a vision vast opened before us.

Imagination is the gift of wings.

It lifts us to see what God will show us.

If only we will trust our faith

to rise from familiar ground

to test the winds of wonder.

Stephen Charleston

Hope as Old as Fire: A Spiritual Diary

On Sunday, May 19, we celebrated Ohana Sunday, letting out the fire of God's love from a mystery box into a colorful display for Pentecost.

This joyful youth-led creative service for all ages takes place

monthly, with prayers, music, Gospel story, and Holy Communion.

Offered again on Sunday, June 16, 8:00 am

All ages welcome!

We have a beautiful new Bible on the lectern!

On the Day of Pentecost as we remembered the birth of the church, we dedicated our new lectern Bible, lovingly donated

by Rebecca Hullum in memory of Everett Hullum.

All things come from you, O Lord;

And from your own gifts do we give to you.

Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Jesus opened our minds to understand the Scriptures.

The Book of Acts

Thursdays, 4:00 pm

starting May 16

In person at All Saints Kapa'a Memorial Hall

& on Zoom

Join the Rev. Suzanne Kobayashi to explore the Book of Acts and discover new and surprising moments within this sacred scripture. She loves seeing the Spirit shining though you. All are welcome.

For more information, email suzanne@beachandbluff.com.

On May 11, we officially welcomed our new vicar, Rev Catherine Amy Kropp, with this very special service as Bishop Fitzpatrick joined us to celebrate our faithful and spiritual journey together at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church. A beautiful community-wide reception preceded the service in the parish hall. 

A Note of Gratitude

Dear beloved Christ Memorial Ohana,

During our Celebration of New Ministry, and in the months leading up to this moment, I have discovered a whole new realm of community and faithful communion with each and every one of you, near and far. In our small moments of the heart, joyful worship, and shared ministries, I continue to be lifted up and inspired by your witness to the love of God through Jesus Christ. Within this tender world so much in need of love, community and connection, I extend my heart to yours and express my sincere gratitude. Thank you!

I am especially grateful for your tireless dedication to our shared mission: altar guild members, lectors, Lay Eucharistic Ministers, musicians, dancers, gardeners, caretakers, Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop staff, Steve, Susan and Elise, volunteers, and shoppers, visitors, parish hall groups, Bishop's Committee members, wardens Rebecca and Maggie, treasurer Craig, children's minister Leona, stewardship co-chairs Dale and Bill, those who pray, those who watch over us, and our community of Kilauea and the North Shore. 

Thank you to Bishop Fitzpatrick+ for the grace and wisdom within his inspiring homily, and to Bea, for their support and faithful presence to our Christ Memorial community.

Special thanks to Dr. Michael Foley, organist and colleague, who offers his extraordinary music ministry to us every Sunday and in many other services with so much dedication, heart and faithful presence.

Thank you to Debra, Dale, Melody, Branch, Joanna, Kim, Gale, Mark, Maggie, Phyllis, and so many others for preparing such a beautiful reception in our parish hall before our celebration. The leis, rainbow cake, and hospitality were simply extraordinary.

Thank you to Sarah Herring for all her behind-the-scenes work to prepare our worship bulletins and weekly newsletters.

Thank you for the beautiful hula performance of "Ohana" by Diane, Noe and Carolyn that opened the service. Thank you to the children, Amadeus and Lucia, and all those who brought forward symbolic gifts, including the children's Bible, the prayer book, the flask of healing oil, the original church register from 1940, the wooden utensils to remember our hospitality ministry, the cross made from the wood of a tree that grew before the birth of Christ, the ukulele from the Akana family to celebrate our emerging music ministry, and the beautiful azalea to remind us to be stewards of this sacred Earth. 

Thank you to our fellow clergy, including Kerry+, Kawika+, Mary Margaret+, and Suzanne+, who traveled across Kaua'i to share this moment with us.

The special gift of the Kaua'i rainbow print with your signatures and messages is a gift I will cherish, draw strength from, and pray with forever.

I am so grateful for your prayers and collective heart as we journey now ever more faithfully together as fellow pilgrims on the path ahead.

Blessings, Aloha,

Rev. Catherine Amy Kropp, Vicar

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church

Our vicar and pastor, Rev. Catherine Amy, loves to meet up with you! Join her for conversation on Thursday, May 30, 3:00-4:30 pm at the Kilauea Bakery, 2484 Keneke St. Want to meet up sooner? Just schedule a call, visit or Zoom at pastor@christmemorialkauai.org

On Sunday, May 5, we dedicated a beautiful new bird bath in the gardens next to the church as a memorial to Tim King. The King family joined us as we shared memories and celebrated Tim's legacy and historic contributions in support of our beautiful gardens. We are so grateful for Tim's vision and the ongoing

support of the King family.

Over many years, and each and every day, many people have been inspired and spiritually nourished by the grounds and the flowerbeds, thanks to special care provided by Imelda, Alan and

all those who help tend the land around the church.

Mahalo!

Welcome to Christ Memorial Episcopal Church. We are devoted to following the life and teachings of Jesus, the Christ.  

We hope your experience worshiping with us will bless and enrich your life. People of all faiths are welcome to worship with us on Sunday.

Join us for worship Sunday at 8:00 am and both in-person and for our 9:30 service. Find the online service at 9:30 here.

Dear Mr. President,

As the Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi, I call on you and your Administration to urge the government of Israel to implement an immediate cease fire in Gaza, and to do all possible to support efforts in the United Nations and internationally to implement such a full cease fire.

The relentless bombardment and blockade of Gaza, and its huge cost in civilian lives and civilian infrastructure must stop. The manner in which this war is being prosecuted by the Israeli government cannot be morally justified. Israel has lost the moral high ground following the horrendous events of October 7. Israel must now ensure that Palestinian civilians have access to food, water, healthcare, and safety, that now have too long been denied to them. It is imperative that the government of the United States support a full cease fire now.

Certainly, there needs to be the release of remaining surviving hostages and an end to the attacks on Israel by Hamas. All sides must begin to imagine a future beyond this conflict: for a just peace for Palestinians and Israelis. This war can’t result in the consolidation of a system of occupation that has for too long denied Palestinians their rights and freedoms. It is time for the United States to formally recognize the State of Palestine.

I condemn all antisemitic and anti-Muslim sentiment and actions here in the United States that have been exacerbated by this terrible conflict.

In praying for all those in Palestine and Israel living in the midst of war and the fear of war, I pray particularly for the Palestinian Christian communities and the members of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, that they may know strength and the presence of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. I also pray daily for those tirelessly working for a just and lasting peace.

Yours faithfully,

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick, Bishop

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

Letter sent to the White House, March 8, 2024 via the White House Contact Form

Free Kauai Bus transport June 13-20

The Kaua‘i Bus announces there will be free bus service islandwide during Tropic Care from June 13 to 20.

“We are excited to once again partner with the Kaua‘i District Health Office and the Innovative Readiness Training Mission - Department of Defense in bringing Tropic Care back to Kaua‘i this year,” said Mayor Derek S.K. Kawakami. “During Tropic Care, the County will offer free Kaua‘i bus service and we encourage everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity to obtain healthcare services at no cost.”

The eight-day event will include free physical exams, eye exams, eyeglass fabrication, dermatology services, dental exams, fillings and extractions. Veterinary services will also be provided for the first time on select days, through a partnership with the Kaua‘i Humane Society offering additional spay/neuter services. To sign up your pet, visit https://kauaihumane.org/services/veterinary-services/.

No ID or insurance is needed for these services.

Tropic Care services will be available at the following clinics from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., daily. All clinics will close at noon on June 20.

• Kapa‘a Middle School (Main Clinic): June 13 – 20, 2024
• Waimea Canyon Middle School: June 13 – 15, 2024
• Kīlauea Elementary School: June 18 – 20, 2024

All services will be on a first-come, first-served basis and participants are advised to expect long waiting periods. Participants are also asked to bring water, snacks, eyeglasses, and a list of current prescriptions.

For more information about Tropic Care, visit health.hawaii.gov/kauai or call the State Department of Health’s Kaua‘i District Health Office at 808-241-3555.

To view all bus schedules, visit www.kauai.gov/BusSchedules. For more information on The Kaua‘i Bus, call 808-246-8110, visit the Transportation Agency’s website at www.kauai.gov/transportation, or visit The Kaua‘i Bus Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thekauaibus.

If you need an auxiliary aid/service or other accommodation due to a disability, please call 808-241-3555 at least seven days in advance. Requests made as early as possible will allow adequate time to fulfill your request. If you need the services of an interpreter, please call 808-241-3564. Upon request, this notice is available in alternate formats such as large print, Braille, or electronic copy.

Help us… help you… help those affected by the Maui Wildfires!

Due to the generosity from people around the Diocese, country, and globe, we want to make sure we can help wherever help is needed. We are asking every congregation to think BIG on this one. For example, if there is someone you know (or have heard about) that has taken in family or friends who were displaced, they may find themselves with a tripled-or-quadrupled electricity bill that they hadn’t seen coming. Same goes for the increase in food and household living costs. 

Assistance isn’t limited to just people currently on Maui (there are many who have taken people in on other islands), nor is it ever limited to Episcopalians. So combine your thinking hats and your generous hearts and let us know! To send a request for financial assistance, click on the button below:

The Diocese of Hawai'i has set up a webpage with the latest resources, and updates about Maui recovery efforts. Click HERE to go there.

You can also visit the Facebook page HERE.

Sharing One Home Can Change Two Lives

Homesharing Hawaiʻi is a project of Hawai‘i Intergenerational Network, a nonprofit with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Our program helps match individuals seeking a home with people who have a home to share. Two or more people share a home for mutual benefit. A person offers a private bedroom and shared common space in exchange for rent, help around the house or a combination of the two. Each home sharing arrangement is tailored to the unique needs and interests of the people involved. To learn more, visit their website HERE.

This issue's header photo was taken at The Cathedral of St. Andrew on Saturday, May 18, 2024, where people from eight churches around the Diocese came together for a wonderful service and celebration of Baptisms, Confirmations, Receptions, and a Reaffirmation. Pictured above, folks gathered around The Cathedral's font where Bishop Bob was preparing for baptisms. Follow the link under the Feature Story section for lots more photos or click HERE. (Photo: Matt Brown)

Check out the latest news from the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i here

We Episcopalians believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

As constituent members of the Anglican Communion in the United States, we are descendants of and partners with the Church of England and the Scottish Episcopal Church, and are part of the third largest group of Christians in the world.

We believe in following the teachings of Jesus Christ, whose life, death, and resurrection saved the world. We have a legacy of inclusion, aspiring to tell and exemplify God’s love for every human being; women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons in our church.

Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God, and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation.

We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

_______________________________________

988 Suicide & Crisis

Lifeline is Here!

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is now in full effect nationwide. Similar to the 911 emergency phone number, dialing 988 will connect a caller directly to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and to a trained counselor.

Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Thrift Shop in Kilauea is seeking Volunteers.

Each volunteer shift is a 2-4 hour commitment for a minimum of one day per week. Experience in Retail, Customer Service, and/or Retail a plus, but not required.

Volunteers are invaluable to serving our community. Our goal is to reuse, repurpose and recycle goods — keeping as much as possible out of landfill — while providing our community with access to reasonably priced, quality merchandise.

Here are ways you can help:

* Greeters welcome shoppers.

* Customer Care helps shoppers to ensure a pleasant shopping experience.

* Merchandisers organize departments, restock the floor and display retail goods.

* Philanthropy distributes merchandise to organizations in need.

* Donation Intakers receive, sort and process donations.

Work-from-Home volunteers help prepare merchandise for sale. We are especially looking for help in these areas:

* Games: checking games to ensure all components are intact

* Stationery: packaging up cards and envelopes

* Holidays: preparing merchandise for Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentines, 4th of July, and more

* School, Office, Art Craft Supplies: organizing and packaging materials for reuse

* Toys: sorting, cleaning, and packaging toys

* Hardware: sorting and packaging tools, materials, electronics and appliances

Requirements?

*Team players with a genuine interest in serving the community and contributing to the reuse movement.

* Willingness to support COVID-19 safety measures set by Shared Blessings

* Physically able to lift 50 pounds (Merchandisers and Donation Intakers only)

Benefits?

Serving the community and our environment is rewarding work. We have a lot of fun! New merchandise is donated daily, so the element of surprise and wonder is constant. Get a first peek and more!

Interested?

Click on the reply button here! Let us know 1) your interests, 2) your availability to volunteer and 3) your contact information. Mahalo!

Let us pray for our own needs and those of others. We remember especially those on our prayer list. Healing of body, mind and spirit for: Angie and family, Rob, Laurie, Dave, Nick, Peter, Mike, Lynn, Keith, Bill, Vicki, Kathryn, Dane, Gail, Marian, Jeanne and family, Marie, Tom, Mike, Lei, Julia, Jane, Cynthia, Wayne, Sheila, Elise and family, Becca, Sara, Steve, Art, Paul, Niles, Robbie, Jane, Webb, Linda, David, Helen, Tony, Penny, Tommy, Matthew, Pam, Rich, and the Bowman family.  For the residents of Lahaina and greater Maui who have lost their loved ones, homes, worship spaces, and businesses from the fires.  We pray for resilience of the land and fortitude of the people, for all that is Maui. We pray also for the people and leadership of Ukraine and the people of Russia who wish for peace and an end to the war. We pray also for people who live in a perpetual state of danger in the Middle East, Central America, and in conflicts around the world; that all who suffer danger and violence would know hope in their troubles and courage in their hearts.

We pray for all who have died. We pray for all who are grieving. May they be comforted. 

We pray that you will bring people together in worship. Enliven your church and bless our musician, our clergy and lay leadership. We pray for our sibling Episcopal congregations on Kauai: St John and St Pauls, St Michael & All Angels, and All Saints, and for all churches on the North Shore. We pray for our own congregation of Christ Memorial, Kilauea for those present, online and absent - that all of us together may be united in your ministry. 

Are there others? Send a prayer list request to christmemorialkilauea@gmail.com

Do you have news, an article or an event to contribute to the newsletter? Email to christmemorialkilauea@gmail.com by Tuesday 5:00 pm each week for consideration in the weekly Christ Memorial newsletter.

THRIFT SHOP MISSION STATEMENT:

Our goal is to provide our community with reasonably priced, quality merchandise. We will reuse, repurpose and recycle goods and keep as much as possible out of the landfill in an effort to help Kauai and our planet toward Zero Waste. Above all we will show compassion, kindness and tolerance to each other and our community.

Christ Memorial Episcopal Church

2509 Kolo Road, Kilauea, HI 96754

http://www.christmemorialkauai.org

E-Mail: christmemorialkilauea@gmail.com

or pastor@christmemorialkauai.org

(808) 482-4824

Mailing Address: PO Box 293, Kilauea, HI 96754