December Newsletter

​Dear St. John’s, 
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 to all who have signed up to be a part of our Christmas Parade contingent; to Loea and Bill for providing music each week; to our acolytes and those who step into the aisle to help me with the gospel reading; to Kuuipo for desigining and ordering our banner for the Christmas Parade; to everyone for pitching in and stepping up. Thank you for being a part of our church ‘ohana, and for all you do to make it so beautiful. 
 
Ice Palace Huaka’i
On December 3rd, from 1:30-3:30, join in a time of fellowship and come to the Ice Palace with your church ‘ohana! Let me know if you are coming to hang out, or coming to skate. The church will cover the costs of our outing. 
 
Christmas Parade 
We will be participating in the Waianae Christmas Parade on Saturday December 9th. It’s not too late to join! The parade starts at 10 so we will gather at 8am to get our place in line and get organized. 
 
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 
26 Kia’i Saturno
 
Mark your calendars
Kids Klub: Tuesday December 12th
Bishop’s Committee Meeting:  NONE this month
Potluck: Sunday December 31st   
 
**Bible study will be on sabbath until 2024.** 
 
Other Important Dates
Christmas Parade Saturday December 9th at 10am
Christmas Eve service Sunday December 24th at 10:30pm