If you’ve ever had any doubts about just how much Helen Mitsui means to Christ Memorial Episcopal Church and its thrift shop ministry, read these comments: • “She has shown us all how to share our blessings with a loving
If you’ve ever had any doubts about just how much Helen Mitsui means to Christ Memorial Episcopal Church and its thrift shop ministry, read these comments:
• “She has shown us all how to share our blessings with a loving and generous spirit, and we are honored to work with her and to have her in our lives.”
• “Aside from the incredible selection of bargain items, Helen’s energy, wit, and sense of humor, make shopping an unforgettable experience.”
And finally, this one:
• “Helen Mitsui is the ‘energizer bunny’ behind all the workings of this ministry of Christ Memorial Church. Everyone in the community knows her. This is a big recycling center of gently used goods, bargain-priced, destined for reuse for us all. Her work, and Shared Blessings support the Christ Memorial Episcopal Church outreach to the community. Helen is a gift to the North Shore.”
Definitely time for the spotlight to fall on Helen, the one they lovingly call “The General.”
Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kilauea recently hosted a dinner to thank volunteers of the Thrift Shop ministry, and in particular Helen Mitsui, who has worked at the church outreach project for more than 30 years, most of the time as its director.
The dinner, attended by about 170 people, took place in the church parish hall on Kolo Road.
While enjoying a meal provided by the members of Christ Memorial, the church community and many people from the North Shore honored Mitsui with testimonials, leis, and music and hula.
The evening’s musicians were David Sproat, Jen Waipa, and Kilipaki Vaughn, and the dancers were from Halau Palaihiwa O Kaipuwai.
The Rev. Robin Taylor, Vicar of Christ Memorial, announced that the Bishop’s Committee of Christ Memorial voted to honor Mitsui’s many years of service by renaming the ministry, “Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings.”
As an outreach program of Christ Memorial, the Helen Mitsui Shared Blessings Ministry puts profits back into the community by supporting local civic activities, food banks, and feeding programs, as well as organizations that support national and international charitable efforts, according to a press release.
Many attribute the ministry’s success to Helen’s heart to help.
“Christ Memorial is blessed to have Helen Mitsui as a member,” said one member. “She has faithfully attended for years and has served in countless ways, helping to keep the doors of the church open, even when it looked like it was impossible. She has managed the Shared Blessings Ministry with honesty and generosity and integrity.”
Christ Memorial Episcopal Church is at 2509 Kolo Road in Kilauea and welcomes everyone to Sunday Services at 8:30 a.m. for a celebration of Holy Eucharist Rite 2.
All are likewise invited to attend Wednesday evening Bible studies in the parish office across the street from the church at 6 p.m. And of course, stop by the thrift during its open hours, find a great deal and say hello to Helen.
