Annual Meeting of the Convention 

of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaii

Report from Mark Slovak, Holy Nativity Delegate

The convention began, after the opening ceremony, with the Bishop's address, which typified his humorous and engaging style. It was marred only by his choice of 1980s disco music in an attempt to build enthusiasm for the upcoming agenda.

Five resolutions were considered at the convention and resolutions 1 - 4 were discussed and accepted with little modification. Resolution 5 "Homelessness/Houselessness in Hawaii" drew sharp interest among the delegates and provoked the most controversy on the role of the diocese in how best it can participate in providing short-term and long-term solutions.

From the 2015 Parochial Data: Holy Nativity (4th; average Sunday attendance: 96) ranked fourth among Hawaii churches for plate + pledge income, with St. Andrews (1st; attendance: 274), St. Michael's (2nd; attendance:166), St. Clement's (3rd; attendance 135). Clearly p + p income is directly proportional to parishioner attendance. Holy Nativity 2013 operating income was $486,252 with a diocesan assessment of $97,250.

Nominations for diocesan elections proceeded smoothly and without delay. The delegates discussed and added candidates to ballots A-1 through I-1 and proceeded to vote. A re-vote was necessary on Ballot E-1 due to ballot irregularities.

Five budgets were discussed and reviewed: 2015 and 2015 actual budgets, 2016 draft budget, and 2017 and 2018 forecast budgets. The diocesan assessment will decrease from 20% to 19% in the 2016 draft budget, reflecting a 0.6% decrease in total income. Significant additions to the 2016 draft budget include funds for a grant writer and social media.

Many thanks to all the Holy Nativity delegates to the Annual Meeting: Sandra Braham, Kathy Otani, Pennor Ennor, and Mark Slovak.

Soup and Bread 

with the Bishop

Wednesday, November 18

6 pm 

Church Lanai

Bishop Robert L. Fitzpatrick will make his annual "non-Sunday" visit to the Holy Nativity Parish on Wednesday, November 18. Parishioners are invited to talk story with the Bishop over a soup and bread supper on the lanai outside the Sanctuary. 

To sign up, please contact the Church Office at 373-2131 or holynativity@gmail.com or watch for sign-up sheets on the back table on Sundays.

New Member 

Information Session

Sunday, November 22

After the 9:30 am service

What does it mean to be a member of The Episcopal Church? A member of Holy Nativity Parish? This is an informal class, with time for questions and answers that will give you a clearer perspective on membership, church teachings, and Holy Nativity Parish programs and services. This class is not a requirement to become a member, but is a good way to get started and meet other newcomers.  

To sign up, please contact the Church Office at 373-2131 or holynativity@gmail.com or put your name on the sign-up sheet on the back table on Sundays.

Advent Book Study

An Altar in     the World

Nov 23 - Dec 21

Mondays at 6:30 pm

Wednesdays at 8:15 am

Rev. Vanover will lead an Advent book study for five weeks beginning the week of November 23 centered on the book An Altar in the World by Barbara Brown Taylor.

The study will meet each Monday at 6:30 pm in the Chapel OR each Wednesday at 8:15 am in the Rector's Office. Each class will be offered twice; participants may attend either series or mix and match to fit their schedule.

In the New York Times  bestseller  An Altar in the World,  acclaimed author Barbara Brown Taylor shares how she learned to find God beyond the church walls by embracing the sacred as a natural part of everyday life. In  An Altar in the World , Taylor shows us how to discover altars everywhere we go and in nearly everything we do as we learn to live with purpose, pay attention, slow down, and revere the world we live in. 

To register for the book study, please contact the Church Office at 373-2131 or holynativity@gmail.com or watch for the sign-up sheet on the back table on Sundays.

Advent Candle Lighters Needed

We invite families to light the Advent Candles at the Sunday 9:30 am services throughout Advent (Nov 30 - Dec 20) as well as at the Christmas Eve services. Please speak with Rev. Deb or contact the Church Office at 373-2131 or holynativity@gmail.com.