march 2015 1 issue 48 nu`oli...

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Christ Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429 Nu`oli Newsletter MARCH 2015 1 ISSUE 48 TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE 2 RECTOR’S REFLECTION Father Dick PAGE 5 CHRIST CHURCH-150 YRS history... and more PAGE 4 VESTRY CORNER Sue Roberts PAGE 10 OLD TESTAMENT HEROINE - RUTH Loyalty and diligence PAGE 12 RECIPE OF THE MONTH Purple Sweet Potato Cakes I really love the period of Lent. It is a deliberate time to be still... to pray for the needs of our church, the needs of my family, to get clear direction of what God wants and how I can give MORE. And for me, I feel like I have a more sensitive spirit because I try to put aside the things that take up life’s time: work, family, and fun things that add to happiness. I can’t necessarily quit working, I can stop in the middle of my day and worship God in my locked office. I can’t abandon the responsibilities I have to my family, but I can do an extra service to each member. I have given up pleasurable stuff: the use of my Kindle (as a reader and video watching), my iPad (that I play scrabble on and other word games), and my cell except for necessary calls. It’s not easy to lock my door at school, people knock! and I open the door. I use the time to worship and sing praises... like David and Solomon. I have found that worship takes my eyes off me and puts my eyes on Christ... the Prince of Peace, the Lily of the Valley, the Savior of my soul, El Shaddai - God Almighty!, Emmanuel... I’ve also stopped listening to the radio or any CD tapes of “how to’s” and started listening to all the praise songs. :) I changed the strings on my guitar and guess who’s singing worship songs? :) I wish sometimes that our worship was LONGER (in church), because God deserves our praises. There are countless instances in the Bible, Old Testament and New, where God honored the prayer of ONE person and how God blessed when they turned from their distractions (idols, work, family, and merriment). And each time God did something spectacular, they made some kind of memorial so they can remember what God did and how He blessed them. As we strip ourselves this Lent season, of the things that cause much distractions, pray and worship with me, so God can show us His BIG-NESS that can overcome the burdens we carry, and the temptations we encounter, so we can experience His gentle peace, know His strength to do the right deeds, and walk the labor of love He desires in our lives. I think Father Dick was praying for this (read his column). :) FOR I KNOW the Plans I HAVE FOR YOU Plans to PROSPER YOU NOT HARM YOU Plans to GIVE YOU A HOPE & FUTURE. Jeremiah 29:11 Look Within Kela Hebrews 12:1

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Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

Nu`o l i News l e t t e rMARCH 2015 1 ISSUE 48

TABLE OF CONTENTSPAGE 2RECTOR’S REFLECTIONFather Dick

PAGE 5CHRIST CHURCH-150 YRShistory... and more

PAGE 4VESTRY CORNERSue Roberts

PAGE 10OLD TESTAMENT HEROINE - RUTHLoyalty and diligence

PAGE 12RECIPE OF THE MONTHPurple Sweet Potato Cakes

I  really  love  the  period  of  Lent.    It  is  a  deliberate  time  to  be still... to pray for the needs of our church, the needs of my family, to get clear direction of what God wants and how I can give MORE. And for me, I feel like I have a more sensitive spirit because I try to put aside the things that take up life’s time: work, family, and fun things that add to happiness. I can’t necessarily quit working, I can stop in the middle of my day and worship God in my locked office. I can’t abandon the responsibilities I have to my family, but I can do an extra service to each member. I have given up pleasurable stuff: the use of my Kindle (as a reader and video watching), my iPad (that I play scrabble on and other word games), and my cell except for necessary calls. It’s not easy to lock my door at school, people knock! and I open the door. I use the time to worship and sing praises... like David and Solomon. I have found that worship takes my eyes off me and puts my eyes on Christ... the Prince of Peace, the Lily of the Valley, the Savior of my soul, El Shaddai - God Almighty!, Emmanuel... I’ve also stopped listening to the radio or any CD tapes of “how to’s” and started listening to all the praise songs. :) I changed the strings on my guitar and guess who’s singing worship songs? :) I wish sometimes that our worship was LONGER (in church), because God deserves our praises. There are countless instances in the Bible, Old Testament and New, where God honored the prayer of ONE person and how God blessed when they turned from their distractions (idols, work, family, and merriment). And each time God did something spectacular, they made some kind of memorial so they can remember what God did and how He blessed them.

As we strip ourselves this Lent season, of the things that cause much distractions, pray and worship with me, so God can show us His BIG-NESS that can overcome the burdens we carry, and the temptations we encounter, so we can experience His gentle peace, know His strength to do the right deeds, and walk the labor of love He desires in our lives. I think Father Dick was praying for this (read his column). :)

FOR I KNOW the PlansI HAVE FOR YOU Plans to

PROSPER YOU NOT HARM YOU

Plans to GIVE YOU A

HOPE & FUTURE. Jeremiah 29:11

Look Within

KelaHebrews 12:1

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

OUR VESTRY MEMBERSRECTOR SENIOR WARDEN JUNIOR WARDENFather Dick Tardiff Bill Melson Julian ManelliSECRETARY TREASURERMeg Greenwell Dave Clarke

Sue Bottrell Lorraine Sohm Jane Bockus

Bob Foerster Sue Roberts Janet Britt

Dennis Costa Kela Luczon Bob Kraus

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38MAY 2014 ISSUE 38MARCH 2015 2 ISSUE 48

Rector’s ReflectionNot that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound: everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

Philippians 4: 11-13 (KJV)

Pearl Bailey, said, “I’ve been poor and I’ve been rich and honey, rich is better.” But Paul’s message isn’t about the relative value of wealth and poverty. His message is on a higher plane, for Paul knows of a store of riches not to be found on earth. Paul says that, through faith, he has been able to find contentment with whatever his life brings. Paul has found that Jesus is a source of infinite strength.

From prison, Paul writes a letter of thanks and encouragement to the members of the church in Philippi. Clearly, life in jail isn’t easy for him, but he is not writing to complain. Rather, he is writing to offer himself as an example of how God’s grace works. He has had hard times and he has had good times. Paul has learned to be content either way. The secret to surviving the hard times in order to get to the good times is to have faith in Jesus, who will provide the strength to allow one to endure.

Paul’s words prompt, if not a flood, then at least a steady steam of emotions for me. I feel confidence, and great joy. It is impossible to read these verses without making associations with individuals I have met, challenges I have encountered, and places in which I have found myself.

I have, for some years, admired Norman Vincent Peale. Although some might dismiss his writing as “theology lite,” or as some sort of extended Chamber of Commerce luncheon speech, it was in Peale’s writing that I first encountered the powerful text from Philippians. I was struggling with a mob of personal demons that included self-loathing, undefined anger, and depression. The simple words of Philippians 4:13 rang true for me. I began, for the first time in my life, to spend time each morning in prayer and bible study. My only guide at first was Peale’s The Power of Positive Thinking (1952). I had acquired my copy as a teenager, and had carried it all over Alaska, thinking it might be worth looking into some day. It took nearly twenty years to get around to reading it. I read it, and went on to read a dozen more of Peale’s books. My wife and I took to referring to my morning meditations as my “time with Norman.”

In the nearly 30 years since I first made Paul’s affirmation my own, I have come to understand at least a bit of what the Apostle meant when he said, “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be “content.” (4:11). I, too, have learned “how to be abased and how to abound.” I have learned to accept the terms of my life, knowing that God will provide the strength to persevere. I’ve learned to be thankful for the occasional successes, and to be hopeful in times of despair. Peale’s words have brightened my perspective when my skies looked dark, through loss of jobs, death of loved ones, and house fires. I found that, like Paul, I could draw strength from an infinite source. My trials in no way compare with those Paul endured. Nonetheless, his words echoed have in my mind during the bleakest of times.

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

MARCH 2015 3 ISSUE 48

We would all do well to internalize the idea of finding contentment in all situations. .Rich or poor, free or slave, we can all save ourselves the expenditure of great amounts of energy if we can learn some measure of acceptance. Certainly, there are times when it is appropriate and necessary to work for change, but if we can find even moments of contentment, we give ourselves an opportunity to reflect on the good that is present in all situations. Those moments of contentment afford us the peace in which we may find the solution to the problems that confront us. In times of prosperity or other success, finding contentment can help us to reassess our goals, thus preventing obsession with acquisition of wealth, or of scrambling for power.

On the other hand, contentment without reflection can lead to complacency. In the absence of reflection, one may accept an intolerable situation and simply abandon the idea of working for improvement. Contentment shouldn’t imply accepting those things which one is capable of changing. Likewise, finding contentment with one’s own good fortune should not preclude recognizing the opportunity to work for the betterment of others.

This is the sort of passage that lends itself to misinterpretation. Paul isn’t suggesting that it is easy or simple. Paul’s experiences have taught him that, with faith in Christ, we can endure more than we can imagine, accomplish more than we dream. In times of good fortune, it is an invitation to leverage our power and wealth for the betterment of others. In tough times, it is an affirmation of our ability to endure.

It would be convenient to say that Philippians 4:11-13 is a piece of a thank you letter from a brave man in prison to some friends whom he had he met at church and let it go at that. But I believe there is more. It is as valid to put the periscope in context for today as it is important to set it in its own time. I believe that the passage is, like so much of the bible, one that transcends its own time and original purpose. Let us agree that, in its inception, Paul intended to thank the Philippians for their material and spiritual support. He also wanted to encourage them, and to give them some ideas on how to get closer to living as members of the living Body of Christ.

Paul clearly attributes his strength to Christ. May we be so bold as to give Jesus credit for a good share of Paul’s wisdom, as well? If so, then it is not unreasonable to suppose that the verses at hand were so constructed as to be open to the broader interpretation that many of us associate with them, In addition to the special circumstances in which Paul found himself, all challenges may be met with courage, knowing that Christ will provide us with the strength sufficient to persevere.

I think that Paul makes his own case quite well. Rich and spoiled as Americans are, I hope most of us recognize that we’re not that far from a life far less privileged. Although our collective memory of the Depression is fading quickly, the images of hat bleak time came rushing back during the so-called Great Recession. If this century’s frenzy associated with homeland security is any indication, the American people understand that we are not invulnerable to threats to our safety. We need only to look to Paul’s message of encouragement, and to his example. It will not make the threat go away, but it can guide us to the source of the strength that we need.

That Philippians 4:13 has become a mantra for positive thinkers in the tradition of Norman Vincent Peale ought not be seen in a negative light. Popularity is no disqualifier (isn’t the Bible the best-selling book of all time?). Setting Christ’s message in a practical application may well be what the Apostle had in mind, as he wrote his “thank you note.” May the words of the Apostle be food for thought during your Lenten fast. Blessings to all,

Father Dick

Rector continued...

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38MAY 2014 ISSUE 38MARCH 2015 4 ISSUE 48

There are many types of community that we all can be a part of:  our physical community based on our address, interest groups based on our hobbies or sports, our family (or ohana here in Hawaii), and our spiritual community based on our religious beliefs and practices.  

Take a minute and think about our community here at Christ Church.  Have you met folks from other parts of the island, the country, the world?  What do we share that brings us together every week, or maybe only a few times a year for visitors from other places?  Why do we feel a connection?  Of course there is the shared liturgy in the Book of Common Prayer.  But I think that is just the start.  Maybe it is because we are a small congregation and it is difficult to be anonymous.  Or perhaps it is our beautiful historic church building.  But I think there is more to it.

There is often a comment from visitors and new members about how welcoming our congregation is.  I know that was my first impression when I started attending services.  Like Father Dick says during the communion service,  “All are welcome at the Lord’s table.”  Welcoming diversity is an important facet of our faith as Episcopalians.  Ours is an inclusive community.  We have a wonderful mix of folks with varying talents and opinions that keep our community vibrant and engaged.

One of my other communities is a canoe club.  There is an old adage that a village or family is like a canoe.  Even though you bring different talents to the boat and different opinions on the way to do things, you all have to paddle together to make the boat go.  If someone doesn’t paddle or paddles out of time with the others the boat falters and slows.  In our Christ Church “canoe” we don’t need to all agree but it is important that we each do our part to the best of our ability to keep our “canoe” upright and moving forward.  This may be as simple as greeting a newcomer or signing a pledge card or as difficult as taking on a bigger task for the benefit of our community such as repairing the folding doors or chairing the capital campaign committee.  We can each put in a timely stroke to help the boat along.  Let us all work together and enjoy our paddle toward our sesquicentennial.

Vestry Corner

Community

Sue Roberts

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

INVESTOR NEWSLETTER ISSUE N°3 FALL 2008MARCH 2015 5 ISSUE 48

by Nancee Cline

“Considering that I am the first English clergyman on the Island you will not be surprised when I tell you that the principles of our Church are little known.  As regards buildings, the people here can give next to nothing; they have no money.  Through the kindness of some friends in England I have some money towards building here. . . being the spot where Capt. Cook died, I may expect some to assist in raising a school building which might justly be called a Memorial to the Great Navigator as none has been attempted at present.”  SPG May 21, 1867

“Not being able to find or obtain any building for school, or church purposes, I at once commenced building, with the aid of two carpenters. I have in three months built a church & house, a room of the latter being arranged for a school.  The expense of those buildings is a little over $2,000, the great item being the lumber itself, which in this country is very expensive.  I am proud to say that fully one third of the work has been done with my own hands, working beneath a summer tropical sun, with, I thank God, no injury to my constitution…9-31 67 SPG

Now and Then: History at CCE

Count down to 150 years of Christ Church, at your service....

Words from our first vicar, Charles Williamson to the Society of the Propagation of the Gospel

(1813) Spanish advisor to King Kamehameha, Don Francisco de Paula y Marin, introduced coffee and pineapple to Hawaii

(1815) Attempt by Russian soldiers to build fort failed

(1819) King Kamehameha died; son Liholiho became Kemehameha II; he abolished local religion

(1820) Christian missionaries arrived (1824) King Kamehameha II died in London (1825) Kauikeaoul i ascended to throne as

Kamehameha III (1826) U. S. and Hawaii entered into treaty of

friendship, commerce and navigation (1829) First coffee planted in Kona (1831) Catholic missionaries forced to leave or be

imprisoned (1835) First sugar plantation established in Koloa (1839) Roman Catholics received religious freedom (1840) Hawaii adopted first constitution (1842) First House of Representatives met (1843) Lord George Paulet seized Hawaii for

England; Great Britain and France agreed Sandwich Islands would be an independent State

(1846) Construction of Washington Place (governor's residence) completed

(1848) Kamehameha III divided land between King, nobility and commoners

(1849) Invasion attempt by French Admiral Legoarant de Tromelin failed

(1852) First steam-propelled ship used for inter-island service; first Chinese contract workers arrived

(1853) Smallpox epidemic killed over 5,000 (1854) Kamehameha III died; Alexander Liholiho

assumed throne as Kamehameha IV (1863) Kamehameha IV died; Prince Lot Kapuaiwa

assumed throne as Kamehameha V (1864) Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) sailed into

Honolulu Harbor (1868) First Japanese contract workers arrived (1872) King Kamehameha V died (1873) William Lunalilo elected King (1874) Supreme Court of Hawaii moved to Ali'iolani;

King Lunalilo died; David Kalakuau became King (1878) First telephone operated; Portuguese arrived

from Azores (1879) First locomotive operated on Maui (1881) Macadamia nuts introduced to Hawaii (1885) First pineapples were planted (1886) Electricity arrived (1891) King Kalakaua died; Lydia Kamaka'eha became

Queen Lili'uokalani (1893) Monarchy overthrown by government

ministers, planters and businessmen (1894) Republic of Hawaii established (1898) U.S. Congress passed resolution to annex

Hawaii

1800s in Hawaii

http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/namerica/usstates/hitimeln.htm

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38MAY 2014 ISSUE 38MARCH 2015 6 ISSUE 48

For  you  were  called  to  freedom,  brothers.    Only  do  not  use  your  freedom  as  an  opportunity  for  the  flesh,  but  through  love  serve  one  another.

Galatians 5:13

March 29

Isaiah 50:4-9a Psalm 118:1,2, 19-29 Philippians 2:5-11 Mark 11:1-11

7:30AM

10:00AM

Jasmine Locatelli

CJ Kimberly

Jasmine Locatelli

Butch Ford

Joan Coupe

Janet Britt Team 1

Lil Menehune

Lil Menehune

Palm Sunday

MARCH LAY MINISTRY DATE SERVICE LEM LECTOR ALTAR GUILD ALOHA HOUR FLOWERS

March 1 Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 Psalm 22:22-30 Romans 4:13-25 Mark 8:31-38

Combined Service

at 10:00AM Bob Foerster Bill Melson Janet Britt

Team 1 Brunch Lent

March 8 Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 19 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 John 2:13-22

7:30AM

10:00AM

Bob Kraus

CJ Kimberly

Barbara Johanson

Linda Melson

Joan Coupe

Jane Bockus Team 2

Lil Menehune

Nat Aoki

Lent

March 15 Numbers 21:4-9 Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22 Ephesians 2:1-10 John 3:14-21

7:30AM

10:00AM

Jasmine Locatelli

Dennis Costa

Bob Foerster

Nancee Cline

Joan Coupe

Reiko Ford Team 3

Lil Menehune

Lil Menehune

Lent

March 22 Jeremiah 31:31-34 Psalm 51:1-13 Hebrews 5:5-10 John 12:20-33

7:30AM

10:00AM

Bob Foerster

Frank Goodale

Andy Archibald

Lorraine Sohm

Joan Coupe

Meg Greenwell Team 4

Lil Menehune

Lil Menehune

Lent

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

answer to last month’s Bible Trivia: Judas said, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” (not Simon, Jesus, nor Mary) John 12:4-6

Bible Trivia: What tribe of Israel was Queen Esther from?

Wednesdays 6:00pm - Holy Eucharist

Sundays 7:30am - Holy Eucharist Rite I 10:00am - Sunday School, 10:00am - Holy Eucharist Rite II

1st Sunday 10:00am - Holy Eucharist Rite IIof the month

We pray for those who serve in the military forces, members of our church family:

Michael Mindt, Adam Choy Dante Carter Ed Fitzpatrick

Your continued prayers are asked for these people:Andy Archibald, Bishop Richard Chang, Angelina Barnett,

Kalliope,Ted, Bob Foerster, Linda Melson, Jeanne Laundbrug, Penny Kidder,

Betty Hodgins, and Cindy ClayWe are a praying community, which means that, not only do we believe in the power of prayer on a personal level; but that

we also believe that we are called to offer our petitions and thanksgivings on behalf of others. We believe that God hears and responds to all of our prayers, individual and corporate. Every prayer is to God a love poem from a dear child.

Like any loving parent, our God rejoices in the faith that underlies our prayer. Our Christ Church prayer list is offered as but one way to respond to the many and varied concerns of our members and our friends. In an effort to keep this essential part of our prayer life current and relevant, we will be updating the list weekly, and have determined that each month we will start a new list. If you wish to keep a name on the list for an extended period, please contact the office every month to let us know.

“Behold, I am the Lord, the Lord, the God of all flesh; is anything too difficult for Me?”~ Jeremiah 32:27

MARCH 2015 7 ISSUE 48

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

NU`OLIMarych 2015, Kela Luczon Contributing Editors: Nancee Cline, Meg Greenwell, Lorraine Sohm Nu`oli is published monthly by Christ Church Episcopal P.O. Box 545, Kealakekua HI 96750 Copyright © 2015

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38

"Christ Church is a Christian community responding to the love of God by worship, spiritual nurture and active social concern."

SUN MON TUES WED THU FRI SAT

110amcombined  service,  brunch  a3erwards

27:30amMorning  Prayers

37:30amMorning  Prayers

47:30amMorning  Prayers11amLenten  StudyRector’s  office-­‐6pmEvening  Service

57:30amMorning  Prayers

67:30amMorning  Prayers

77:30amMorning  Prayers

87:30amEarly  Service10amService

97:30amMorning  Prayers

107:30amMorning  Prayers

117:30amMorning  Prayers11amLenten  StudyRector’s  office6pmEvening  Service

127:30amMorning  Prayers

137:30amMorning  Prayers

147:30amMorning  Prayers

157:30amEarly  Service10amService11:45VESTRY  mtg.

167:30amMorning  Prayers

177:30amMorning  Prayers

St.  Patrick’s  Day

187:30amMorning  Prayers11amLenten  StudyRector’s  office  6pmEvening  Service

197:30amMorning  Prayers5:30-­‐8pmMALAHINI  ALOHAPupu  Party  at  Melson’s77-­‐6413  Kilohana  St.

207:30amMorning  Prayers

217:30amMorning  Prayers

227:30amEarly  Service10amService

237:30amMorning  Prayers

247:30amMorning  Prayers

257:30amMorning  Prayers11amLenten  StudyRector’s  office6pmEvening  Service

267:30amMorning  Prayers

277:30amMorning  Prayers

287:30amMorning  Prayers

297:30amEarly  Service10amService

307:30amMorning  Prayers

317:30amMorning  Prayers

1  APRIL7:30amMorning  Prayers11amLenten  StudyRector’s  office6pmEvening  Service

2  APRIL7:30amMorning  Prayers

3  APRIL7:30amMorning  Prayers

4  APRIL7:30amMorning  Prayers

March 2015

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38

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MARCH 2015 8 ISSUE 48

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

bulletin boardMAY 2014 ISSUE 38

We are looking for a volunteer for 730AM Aloha Hour. If you would like to host please contact the church office, (808) 323-3429

Prayer List: please keep the office updated on anyone you add to the prayer list. The list will be cleared soon unless you ask us to keep someone on. Thank you in advance for the updates!

"Christ Church is a Christian community responding to the love of God by worship, spiritual nurture and active social concern."

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38

Fridays @930AM Labyrinth Book GroupAll are welcome to read and discuss a new book,

Lenten reading by Isak Dinesen (from 2/20/15)

MARCH 2015 9 ISSUE 48

Please keep us updated when your contact information changes. We are now updating our Parish Directory.

Report any changes and if you would like to be added to the Birthday List.

Annual Pledges to date: 49 Our Goal for 2015 80Amount Pledged to date $120,812Needed to balance budget $157,250

Vestry Meeting

Sunday,March 15

@11:45AMNote change of date!

Welcome Church Community!MALAHINI ALOHA

All NEWCOMERS are invited toevery 3rd Thursday of each month

to a “Melson” Pupu Party,5:30-8:00pm, at 77-6413 Kilohana St,

808-327-0176. Transportationprovided. All church members,

KAMA’AINA, invited too!~ Bill & Linda

Monday - Saturday 7:30am Morning Prayer during LentJust a reminder that our Lenten Study continues at 11:00 AM in the Rector’s Office . No registration,credentials, or prerequisites. Just join the conversation.We will focus on the Gospel lessons for Holy Week. ~ Padre

How shall I repay the Lord

for His Goodness to Me? Psalm

116:12

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38

z Old Testament Heroines zIt is my attempt to share each month (April 2014 - March 2015) a brief description of one Old

Testament heroine. I hope this will bring understanding of not only their background and their character, also of the way they yielded to God and how He used them to help His people.

A study...

Ruth Ruth 1-4

Ruth was a moabite. She was married to Mahlon, one of two sons ofElimelech and Naomi. Elimelech escaped the famine in Bethlehem andwent to Moab. There his two sons married Moabites, Mahlon marriedRuth, and Chilion married Orpah. Ten years later, Elimelech, Mahlon andChilion died, leaving their wives alone with nothing. Naomi heard that thefamine was no more in Bethlehem and wanted to return to her homeland.She released Orpah and Ruth to go back to their own motherland, Moab.Sobbing, Orpah went. Ruth did not want to go.

"Do not press me to leave you or to turn back from following you! Where you go, I will go; where you lodge, Iwill lodge; your people shall be my people, and your God my God. Where you die, I will die— there will I beburied. May the Lord do thus and so to me, and more as well, if even death parts me from you!" Ruth 1:16-17

I’m thinking, there must have been something about Elimelech, Naomi,Mahlon and Chilion that Ruth must have liked to forsake going back to her own people… aside from the fact that Moabites were a despised enemy nation of Israel.

What’s so mind boggling is that fact that Boaz and Ruth are from thelineage of Jesus: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Judah, Perez, Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon, Boaz, Obed, Jesse, David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Abijah, Asa, Johoshaphat, Joram, Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Amon, Josiah, Jeconiah, Shealtiel, Zerubbabel, Abiud, Eliakim, Azor, Zadok, Achim, Eliud, Eleazar, Matthan, Jacob, Joseph. Matthew 1:1-17.

~ Kela

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38MARCH 2015 10 ISSUE 48

http://bibleencyclopedia.com/goodsalt/Ruth_2_Ruth_Holding_Sheafs_Of_Wheat.htm

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

MARCH 2015 ISSUE 48

Ruth is a love story, a physical image of what God desires our love to be for Him. When Ruth had forsaken her own people and became a part ofNaomi’s people, she put aside all the idol worship, the lifestyles, traditions, and culture of the Moabites. She became loyal obeying Naomi, and being faithful and trustworthy of her. When Ruth was gleaning barley in Boaz’s field, (Boaz was a distant relative of Elimelech), Boaz inquired about her and was told that she was a Moabite woman that came home with Naomi. Boaz went to Ruth and said, don’t go to any other’s fields, stay here and I will make it worth your while by leaving barley for you to glean. Ruth asked why he was so nice to her. Boaz said,

…It hath fully been shewed me, all that thou hast done unto thy mother in law since the death of thine husband: and how thou hast left thy father and thy mother, and the land of thy nativity, and art come unto a people which thou knewest not heretofore. The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. Ruth 2:11-12

And Boaz was a true gentleman. He sought first if there was any ‘near’relative that would like to marry Ruth (as customary in those days). And indue time, when it was God’s timing, Boaz married Ruth. Boaz desired of her,her sacrifice, her devotion, her loyalty, and her transformation.

May this same God come to desire of us the same.Kela

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

MARCH 2015 12 ISSUE 48

Pupu Party!Welcome to Christ Church.

We want you to feel that Christ Church is your church home whether you are a visitor,part time resident, or live here full time.

We welcome you to our church community.As a Malahini (newcomer),

we invite you to join us on the third Tuesday of each month

for a PuPu Party. It will beat the Melson’s home from 5:30pm to 8pm in Kona at 77-6413 Kilohana Street.

The telephone humber is 808-327-0176.We’ll be happy to provide transportation.

~ Bill & Linda

Chr is t Church Episcopal • 81-1004 Konawaena School Rd • Kealakekua, HI 96750 •808-323-3429

MAY 2014 ISSUE 38

Purple Sweet Potato Cakespg 66 - Cooks of Christ Church 2000

1 1/2 lb. purple sweet potatoes or taro root, fresh or left over1/4 c. ogo or seaweed, chopped1/4 c. green onion, chopped1/4 tsp. hot chili paste1/4 c. fat free egg substitute or 1 egg beaten1 T. rice or wheat flour1/2 tsp. sesame oil1 tsp. sesame seeds

If using fresh potatoes or taro root, steam potatoes for 30 minutes in a pot or microwave on high for 8 minutes or until fork tender. Cool, then peel and grate into bowl. if using left over potatoes, peel and chop them into a bowl. In a separate dish, combine the seaweed, onions, chili paste, egg, flour, sesame oil and sesame seeds. Add to the potatoes and blend well. By hand, form 4 to 6 patties and brown on both sides in a frying pan or wok sprayed with non fat vegetable oil. This takes about 4 minutes to a side on medium high heat. Serve immediately. This is a good way to use left over sweet potatoes or poi instead of starting from scratch. Makes 4 servings.

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5 Brenda Kikuchi6 Mike Lawler

7 Betty Hodgins12 Brenda Kibler

14 Jennifer Carson16 Dee Faessler18 Joan Coupe

18 Ken Kjer19 Father Dick Tardiff

24 Sophia Moore24 Jonathan Moore

25 Shawn Nakoa25 Carolyn Machado

31 Sally Inkster

Happy Birthday

CHRIST CHURCH EpiscopalP.O. Box 545Kealakekua, HI 96750

...or try a daily devotion at www.d365.org

Sunday Eucharistic and Daily Office Readings forMarch 2015

According to the Use of the Episcopal ChurchType in this website for March readings:

http://satucket.com/lectionary/March15.htmlEucharistic lectionary: BDaily Office: Year One

MARCH 2015 14 ISSUE 48