Aloha mai kākou, I hope this season of Christmas brings you joy amidst the troubles of the world. Poetry can help. Here is one of my favorite Christmas poems by the English novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy. What are your favorite poems at Christmas? The Oxen by Thomas Hardy The Oxen “Now they are all… Continue reading Your Favorite Christmas Poems?
Author: Gary Percesepe
Do I Miss Teaching?
Honestly? I don’t miss the grading all that much. But there were those moments grading papers when I could feel a light go on in a student’s mind so powerfully it lit the page and was still visible when I reached it in the pile. And it wasn’t the compliments that sustained me so much… Continue reading Do I Miss Teaching?
Embracing Our Identity as Migrants: A Reading
Aloha mai kākou, I came across this essay by Jesse A. Zink, a theologian in Montreal. I want to share it with you, for discussion. In an excerpt from his soon to be published book, Zink argues that Christians must embrace their identity as migrants, but that we think of this not solely in terms… Continue reading Embracing Our Identity as Migrants: A Reading
Re: Food Donations: A friend on the mainland shared this… take what is helpful and ignore the rest
If you are planning on helping families at a food bank this season, here are some things you things you may not be aware of: 1. Many people donate Mac and Cheese in the box. Families can rarely use it because it needs milk and butter which is hard to get from regular food banks.… Continue reading Re: Food Donations: A friend on the mainland shared this… take what is helpful and ignore the rest
Evening Prayer
Whew– I’ve had a day. How about all of you? How is it with your soul, dear ones? How are you taking care of yourself during these days? For many years I have found solace in Morning & Evening Prayer. I use the Book of Common Prayer as my guide through the hours and the… Continue reading Evening Prayer
Pastoral Letter, November 6, 2024
Aloha mai kākou, Shortly after the events of September 11, 2001, I was distraught. The events of that day were traumatic and are still felt deeply by many. I was living in Ohio at the time, serving as an Associate Pastor at the First Baptist Church in Springfield, Ohio. I had heard of the Taize… Continue reading Pastoral Letter, November 6, 2024
Fast & Pray
Aloha mai kākou, I thought we had a good day in church yesterday. Another Sunday of “real good church.” I want to express my gratitude for all the wonderful musicians of our church, and for our choir, which debuted their first Choral Anthem yesterday with Na Ke Akua ‘Oe E Kia’i. It’s the day before the… Continue reading Fast & Pray
All Saints, Karen & Beds
It’s All Saints Day today and I just read a message on Caring Bridge from my former clergy colleague in NY, Rev. Karen Eiler. Karen was the first pastor I met when I started my ministry in White Plains. A gifted preacher, singer, and master of the liturgical arts, she is a dynamic and creative… Continue reading All Saints, Karen & Beds
The Longest Night
Join us for our Longest Night Service on December 8th at 5 pm, a gathering that offers a space for comfort, reflection, and hope during the holiday season. This quiet and contemplative service is designed for those who may be facing grief, loss, or loneliness, and seeks to provide a moment of peace in the… Continue reading The Longest Night
Wedding
I had the great honor of officiating a wedding yesterday, the first wedding that I have done here at Keawala’i Congregational Church. (I have had MANY vow renewals here, a slew of them, and they are sources of great joy. One day, we had three generation’s of men who came to renew vows with their… Continue reading Wedding