Archives
February 2024
Categories |
Back to Blog
December Newsletter12/19/2023 Dear Maluhia,
Advent is a season of waiting. When I was a kid, that always felt like an interminable waiting for Christmas to come, for my stocking to be filled, and for it to be time to open gifts! As an adult, I feel like I am waiting for packages to arrive, waiting in line for stamps to mail cards, or waiting for a spot in the parking lot. I think it was more fun when I was a kid! This year is my first Christmas with a child in our home, and at times I have been overwhelmed by the pressure to make the season magical. I want Theo to have the best Christmas ever! A few mornings ago I got up before I heard him calling out on the monitor, and took some time to pray. I was reminded that the magic of the season doesn’t come from getting the right toys, or having a beautiful tree, or sending out Christmas cards on time. The magic comes from God – from the magical story of a baby who fulfills God’s promises to us, and wise men who follow a star, and young parents who trust in the wisdom of their dreams. As you wait this season, no matter where it may be, I hope it is with the calm assurance that you are waiting for God’s magic, and not your own. If we simply stay open to it, that magic arrives – exactly on time. Rev Jazzy Mahalo Mahalo nui loa for Pastor Jazzy, Donald, Don and Sally for "overseeing" the sewer/plumbing on going project; Charlie for lighting the candles every Sunday, Sharon, Scotty, Donna for Kids Klub; Maria and Sharon for One Pot One Hope Ministry; Rocky, Sally and Sharon for musical.listening pleasures; Lei for her financial talents in keeping all on track; and Alex, Theo, Jaxson and Landon for their participation in service. It's fun to share joys with Rosalie, Kay and Judy and their movie adventures. Last but not least, mahalo to all who donated monies to our on going sewer fund raising project. Sewer Update As you know, the sewer project is underway but not yet complete. To date, we have raised just over $10,000! I am SO proud of our congregation’s willingness to step up and give. Thank you for your generosity. I have also been given permission to share our fundraising request with the rest of the churches in the Hukilau conference, as Maluhia is the site of One Pot One Hope. I am heartened to know that we are not alone as we move forward, and as always I am buoyed by your prayers. Mahalo. Christmas Poinsettias As I announced in worship, this is the time to decorate our altar with Christmas poinsettias! If you are out and about and see one, please bring it to the church. We’ll add to our collection until Christmas. If you are giving it in honor or memory of someone, let me know and I’ll add it to our slideshow. Reverse Advent Calendar Our yearly giving project is the reverse advent calendar. This turns the traditional advent calendar around – instead of getting something each day, you are giving something each day. The collected items will go to Hale Na’au Pono, and the list is available at church. You can give items week by week or all at once. Blue Christmas We have been invited to participate in the Blue Christmas service alongside Ka Hana O Ke Akua. The service will be on Wednesday, December 20th at 5pm at Pokai Bay. Blue Christmas is traditionally a service to recognize any feelings of grief that come up around the holidays. Often, we miss loved ones who are no longer with us. The hallmark holiday sheen that Christmas has absorbed doesn’t leave a lot of space for hard or bad feelings. Blue Christmas gives us a hallowed space to invite God into all of our hearts – even the complicated parts of our hearts. All are invited to come, and bring your own towel or chair for the beachside service. Christmas Eve Christmas Eve this year falls on a Sunday, which means there will be two opportunities to come to church! At our morning service we will celebrate the fourth Sunday of Advent, and in the evening our service will be a Lessons and Carols model of gathering. Both will offer ways to enter into the joy of Jesus during this Christmas season, and be reminded that the true gift we receive is in God’s grace. Invite a friend (or two!) to come with you and hear the beautiful story of light coming into the world. December Birthdays 15 Lei Odani-Wong and Mary Lindberg Mark your calendars Kids Klub: December 12th 4-6pm Church Council Meeting: Sunday, December 17th following the 10am service Other Important Dates: Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24th, 10am regular church and 7pm Christmas Eve service. Annual Meeting Sunday January 21st, following our 10am service
0 Comments
Read More
Leave a Reply. |