The E-Newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

Reporting on the events & activities in our Diocese and beyond... 

December 2017
In This Issue
Bishop's Christmas Message
CONHM: Maka'ala I Ka Lāhui
Honoring Queen Lili'uokalani
Feast of the Holy Sovereigns
Jubilee Network: Focus on Prison Ministry
2017 Province VIII Deacon's Conference
O'AHU PARISH NEWS
Highlights at The Cathedral
KAUA'I PARISH NEWS
MAUI PARISH NEWS
BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI'I PARISH NEWS
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND
Beacons of hope
Contact Information
Bishop's Calendar
 
**** DECEMBER ***

December 1
Teach: Waiolaihui'ia
December 3
Sunday Visitation: Grace, Moloka'i
December 6
Chapel: 'Iolani School
Est. December 6
Non-Sunday Visit: St. John the Baptist, Waianae
December 10
Sunday Visitation: St. Stephen's, Wahiawa
December 12
Lunch with Retired Clergy
December 14
Chapel: St. Andrew's Schools
December 15
Chapel: 'Iolani School
December 16
Governance Meetings
December 17
Sunday Visitation: St. Nicholas, Kapolei
December 24-25
Services: The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu


*** JANUARY  ****

TBD
Non-Sunday Visit: St. Elizabeth's, Honolulu
TBD
Non-Sunday Visit: Calvary, Kaneohe
TBD
Non-Sunday Visit: Emmanuel, Kailua
TBD
Non-Sunday Visit: St. Mark's, Honolulu
January 8-12
Province VIII Bishops Meeting, Phoenix, AZ
January 13
Celebration of New Ministry: The Rev. Heather Hill, St. Clement's, Honolulu
January 20
Governance Meetings
January 23
Chapel: St. Andrew's Schools
January 27
Music Conference, St. John By-the-Sea, Kaneohe
January 31(-February 6)
Semi-annual visit to ECIM, Guam

Stay Informed!
Bishop's Christmas Message


In December 1992, the late Anglican Priest, Kenneth Leech (1939-2015), offered a wonderful insight into Christmas (see  HERE ):   "The collects for the Midnight Mass of Christmas and for the Easter Vigil have a close, almost uncanny resemblance."
 
O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen.  (BCP, page 212)
 
O God, who made this most holy night to shine with the glory of the Lord's resurrection: Stir up in your Church that Spirit of adoption which is given to us in Baptism, that we, being renewed both in body and mind, may worship you in sincerity and truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.  (BCP, page 222)
 
Leech writes:
 
The light of Christ is a persistent light. It shines through the most powerfully oppressive darkness, shines in the midst of devastation, disaster and upheaval, yet without explaining them, justifying them, or making sense of them. The gospel of incarnation and resurrection is not the answer to a set of questions. It is a persistent and defiant light. And its persistence is paradoxical.... Is the light of Christ then no more than an illusory comfort, a false reassurance that all is well when in fact all is clearly unwell in the 'demented inn' of the world? Certainly religious light is often of this illusory kind. But the gospel of incarnation and resurrection cannot be preached in an authentic and truthful way unless it faces the terrible reality of homelessness and meaningless death.... It is these two realities which provide the only possible material context for the light of Christ. For it is as the homeless unwanted Christ of Bethlehem and as the naked condemned Christ of Golgotha that the light shines with its strange persistence and its baffling power to draw people to its shining, enabling them to become dynamic agents in the historical process, lights in the world.
 
I first met Kenneth Leech over thirty-five years ago when I was his driver while he visited Trinity Church, Indianapolis.  I will always be grateful to my Rector at the time, the late Roger White (later Bishop of Milwaukee), for introducing me to Fr. Leech and asking me, as someone discerning a call to ordained ministry, to help chauffer him about.  It helped shape my theology and vision of mission.  Leech was a Priest in the Church of England and Christian socialist in the Anglo-Catholic tradition.  He was well known as a writer on spirituality (for example, Soul Friend: A Study of Spirituality and True Prayer: An Introduction to Christian Spirituality ) and on justice (for example, The Eye of the Storm: Spiritual Resources for the Pursuit of Justice and Race: Changing Society and the Churches ).  He served churches in urban London that confronted poverty, racism and drug abuse.  He insisted that a deep Christian spirituality demands unwavering commitment to the welfare of the underprivileged and social justice.
 
Leech reminds us that the light of the Feast of the Incarnation (Christmas) is the same light as that of the Great Vigil of Easter, and that it is the Light of Easter that gives Christmas its true meaning.  The persistent light of Christ shines is the dark corners of our lives and of our world.  Too often in the bright lights of decorations, we forget that Christmas Day leads us to a mystery - Emmanuel, "God with us."  The mystery of that Light on earth assures us that the holy and the good are found in our lives, those around us and the world.  For the Christian, all spiritual connection with God is essentially materialist (incarnational) and communal (ecclesial).  The point of Christmas is that we are in and of the world with God.  Other people matter because all people matter to God.  Christmas and Easter connect us to God, to all other people and to the whole of creation. 
 
The season of Christmas is filled with light.  The lights decorate our world.  The real lights of Christmas, however are God's people - you and me.  By our baptisms, we take the light of Christ into the world.  We let the light of that first Christmas shine on only as others see the light of Christ through us - in word and deed.
 
I was reminded of this at the ʻIolani Lower School Chapel on the feast of St. Nicholas when we sang: 
 
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, shine, shine
Let it shine!

Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine
Everywhere I go, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, shine, shine
Let it shine!

This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine
Let it shine, shine, shine
Let it shine!
 
This Christmas, please let the light of Christ shine through you.
 
Sent with my love and Christmas blessing,
+Bob
 
The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick, Bishop
 


DIOCESAN  NEWS
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Committee on Native Hawaiian Ministry
Maka'ala I Ka Lāhui
By Kalani Holokai

On November 10, 2017, the Committee on Native Hawaiian Ministry (CONHM) held its first major event, Maka'ala I Ka Lāhui.  About 20 people attended from churches as far away as St. Augustine's, Kapa'au, Hawai'i Island, and St. John's Kula, Maui. From O'ahu, folks from Holy Nativity, St. Nicholas, St. Timothy's, St. Matthew's, Epiphany & the Cathedral attended.

The purpose of  Maka'ala I Ka Lāhui was to talk about and discuss some of the issues concerning Native Hawaiians and our presence within the Episcopal Diocese. The agenda included topics such as health, reconciliation, commemorations, the display of images of our Holy Sovereigns, liturgy and music, how and where to include Hawaiian language, and the sharing of these resources with other churches/congregations.

(Photo by Keane Akao)
We also had two guests from the Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA), Hinalei Wong-Kalu and Mehana Hind. Hinalei (pictured at right with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick) spoke about her work with Native Hawaiian prisoners, and her discussions with them on their identity and their kuleana. Mehana is the Community Engagement Director for OHA whose job it is to "build public support for OHA's efforts" and initiatives. She also spoke about lands which OHA owns and or manages.

Aunty Kala Holden reminded us of the story of our Holy Sovereigns, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, and their love for the Hawaiian kingdom. Had it not been for them, the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, as we know it today, would probably not exist. Because of their love and generosity, we call this church our home.

Two essential books were offered to clergy for their church: The Gospels translated in Hawaiian,  Nā 'Euanelio Hemolele , and The Holy Eucharist,  Ka 'Eukalikia Hemolele , also translated in Hawaiian. The first, is an authorized work by the Commission on Hawaiian Ministry,  1992, and the second, a collaboration of the Commission on Hawaiian Ministry, clergy partners from the United Church of Christ, and the American Bible Society, as well as several beloved kupuna who helped shape this beautiful resource.

We enjoyed 'ono mea'ai from Helena's, and insightful, thoughtful and honest conversation with each other throughout the day.

We concluded our discussions with a short-list of action items such as resources for liturgical engagement for Hawaiian language and culture, resources of images of our Holy Sovereigns for those churches who don't currently display these, an 'aha mele to be planned in the near future, and hopefully more of these gatherings.

Our day ended with a new beginning for CONHM as Bishop Bob celebrated the Eucharist and installed our new chair, Bruce Hanohano, from the Church of the Epiphany.

Mahalo to all for a successful gathering.
 
Honoring Queen Lili'uokalani



On Saturday, November 11, 2017, at 8:30 AM, the tolling of bells could be heard around the state as communities observed the 100th anniversary of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Lili'uokalani. At the State Capitol, folks gathered in front of her statue paying homage to Hawai'i's last reigning monarch. The event was attended by distinguished members of the Hawaiian community, and speeches given about the Queen and her legacy.  There were performances by halau and at precisely 8:30 AM, the noted time of the Queen's death, the tolling of bells commenced, including nearby Cathedral of St. Andrew. 

Observances took place at churches of all denominations, and at Holy Apostles Episcopal Church on the Big Island, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick was in attendance at a special memorial service followed by a dinner.  Pictured above, the Cathedral of St. Andrew's bell ringers; observance at Holy Apostles and All Saints' on Kaua'i. To view a beautiful video of the Queen and the event at the State Capitol by  ʻŌiwi TV, click HERE(Photo of bell ringers contributed by Rev. Kaleo Patterson on behalf of the Cathedral; observance photos from church Facebook pages.)

Feast of the Holy Sovereigns

O Sovereign God, who raised up (King) Kamehameha (IV) and (Queen) Emma to be rulers in Hawaii, and inspired and enabled them to be diligent in good works for the welfare of their people and the good of your Church: Receive our thanks for their witness to the Gospel; and grant that we, with them, may attain to the crown of glory that never fades away; through Jesus Christ our Savior and Redeemer, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.



The Feast of Our Holy Sovereigns, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma, is celebrated on November 26, and around this time, some churches in the Diocese plan elaborate services that might include hula, chants, and the attendance of Hawaiian civic societies.  Pictured here are a few photos from around the Diocese during this year's celebrations. (Mahalo to Ann Hansen for the pictures at the Cathedral, Bill Caldwell at All Saints, and St. Augustine and Good Shepherd for sharing photos on Facebook and in newsletters.)
 
Ministry Spotlight
Jubilee Network:  Focus on Prison Ministry

In 1982, a General Convention mandate founded Jubilee Ministries as a national network calling for a "ministry of joint discipleship in Christ with poor and oppressed people, wherever they are found, to meet basic human needs and to build a just society."  Since then, thousands of dollars have been awarded to help fund start-up programs through Jubilee Grants.

To help answer that call, c hurches in the Diocese of Hawai'i have been committed to serving our island communities while advocating for social justice. For several  years, the Diocese of Hawai'i has been operating Jubilee Network Hawai'i under the leadership of the Rev. Brian Grieves. Along with a small army of clergy and dedicated volunteers (that the Rev. David Gierlach of St. Elizabeth's jokingly refers to as the Troublemaker's Club), they meet on the first Thursday of each month to discuss support of the different outreach efforts in the Diocese.

"We first got involved in supporting Medicaid for the Micronesians with monthly marches to the Federal Building," said Gierlach in an e-mail about the group.  "In the last two years we have focused on affordable housing through legislation, and supporting FACE (Faith Action for Community Equity) Housing Now! Coalition. 
 

This past year, their focus has shifted to prison ministry, and the newly appointed Jubilee Officer is the Rev. Dcn. Steve Costa who was also recently appointed the Diocese's Archdeacon. He and two other Deacons from the Diocese just returned from a Deacon's conference that focused on the incarcerated. (See the next article below.)  

"So this is the synchronicity of the universe/God," said Costa in a communication regarding the Province VIII Deacon's Conference that seemed tailor-made for the new Jubilee Officer's assignment.  " As the newly appointed Jubilee officer of the Diocese, the thrust of the service for those of us involved is to live out our Baptismal Covenant in service to those marginalized, destitute and imprisoned." 

They plan to continue supporting ongoing programs in the Diocese including the Baibala-Pule project that the Rev. Kaleo Patterson and Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson introduced in conjunction with the Pacific Justice Reconciliation Center. They work closely with inmates, offering support, counsel, and for those interested, study through the Bible to help change their lives and prepare them for life outside prison. When an inmate in the program is released, they are greeted with a backpack filled with some basic necessities and perhaps more importantly, continued support and friendship. (See E-Chronicle February 2017  and  April 2017 ).   A growing number of churches (including the neighbor islands) and even outside organizations have joined in to support this effort called the BACPAC project. Gierlach says the Jubilee Network is also involved in legislation to return to a rehabilitation model of prison rather than the current model of retribution.  

Pictured above from left: Landon, Sandra Shawhan, Jordan, Kekai and Maddie from St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Wahiawa display their BACPAC and bedding for an inmate being released, and at right, members of Epiphany hold ten BACPACS filled and ready to share. (Photos contributed by Rev. Kaleo Patterson) 
 
Our Deacons
2017 Province VIII Deacon's Conference

The 2017 Province VIII Deacon's Conference took place November 9-12, 2017, in Reno, Nevada, bringing together sixty deacons from a dozen dioceses. Representing the Diocese of Hawai'i were the Rev. Dcns. Steve Costa, Lani Bowman and Peter Wu.  

The theme for this year's conference was "To Set the Captives Free" and featured special guest speakers Karen McCreary, Executive Director Emeritus of Utah American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), the Rev. Charles Wynder, Jr., The Episcopal Church Missioner for Social Justice and Advocacy, Anna Thomas, Strategic Communications Manager, Utah ACLU.  Participants learned about serving as bridges between the church and those who have experienced incarceration.

The Diocese of Hawai'i has seen growing involvement in prison ministry, and the workshops at the conference addressed some of the many challenges that inmates, families and our communities face. Interactive sessions covered topics such as "Disrupting the Cradle and School to Prison Pipeline", "Re-entry and Holistic Accompaniment of Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated People", and "Disrupting the Systems of Mass Incarceration: Family, Healing and Justice." 

Pictured above from left are the Rev. Dcns. Steve Costa, Lani Bowman and Peter Wu at Trinity Cathedral where they attended the closing Eucharist. Rev. Charles Wynder delivered a powerful sermon that included a charge to the deacons to "interpret to the Church the hopes, needs, and concerns of those we had heard this weekend."   (Photo contributed by Steve Costa)
 
O'AHU PARISH NEWS

Spreading Cheer at the Annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade

On Thursday, December 7, 2017, in a fully decorated trolley, members of the Church of the Epiphany were ready to sing and toss out candy in the annual Kaimuki Christmas Parade.  They were joined by folks from nearby Good Samaritan and the Boy Scouts.  (Photos from the Good Samaritan newsletter)
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The following are excerpts from an article in the St. Peter's November newsletter following months of an extensive renovation of the church.

St. Peter's Rededication Celebration - Sunday, November 19, 2017


The church began to fill up as the Jazz Ensemble welcomed folks into St. Peter's sanctuary. A new banner on the front gate with "We Give Thanks" greeted all who came. The rededication was attended not just by St. Peter's members, but by our neighbors, tenants and partners in ministry.  When the house was full and the doors were closed, the service began. Using his crosier, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick knocked on the doors. The doors were then opened whereupon he blessed the threshold and the procession commenced into the church.



The St. Peter's Choir welcomed us in song and Senior Warden Velma Lee and Junior Warden Tim Yuen shared the story of the sanctuary repairs and renovations. In response, the Bishop walked through the church with ti leaves and water, blessing space and people.  Pastor Diane told the story of the new altar window and Ruth Merz and Chan Rowe shared stories of the Bell Tower window restoration and organ restoration. After each story, the Bishop offered a prayer of blessing.

Pipe music from both organ chambers filled the room as a Litany of Thanksgiving followed along with performances by the St. Peter's Choir, Ukulele Ministry, Tokaikolo Youth Choir and the Jazz Ensemble, who closed out the service and sent us on our way to a delicious feast.


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The following story and photos are from St. Mary's newsletter:

Kupuna Fun Day at St. Mary's

With the help from Dara, Denise, Jackie, Charlene, Jan, Laurie, Richert, Jeff, Fr. Gregory Johnson, Fr. David Blanchett, Dcn. Honey Becker and Kimery, we held our first Kupuna Gathering at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, on Saturday, November 18, 2017.  With everyone's help and expertise, it was a most enjoyable event that had our kupuna talking about it the next day at Sunday service. The event started with the fantastic music book that Richert made with old kine Hawaiian tunes that we hadn't heard for years. Richert and Jeff had them all singing, even the quiet ones. We ordered food and served them lunch. Each was given an emergency kit we had prepared for them, with important phone numbers for their fridge and a few handy things that they may need. Of course we had to play Bingo and there were lots of prizes for everyone. Pictured at top are some of the volunteers that helped put on the event and were recognized by Fr. Gregory, and beneath that, our kupuna enjoying a fun time! (Photos by Janice Motoshige)
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St. Elizabeth's Trunk or Treat is a Scary Sweet Event!

It has become a tradition at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Honolulu, for Fr. David Gierlach to  take a group of the bravest youngsters into the graveyard on All Saints' (All Hallows) Eve. This year was no different as they talked about and prayed for all those that have gone before us.  Once they returned, it was all fun, festivities and lots of sweet treats at their Trunk or Treat event that included cotton candy, shave ice and lots of other goodies for all the ghouls!   (Photos from the St. Elizabeth November newsletter)
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Celebrating Pride at St. Mark's

On Sunday, October 22, 2017, the folks at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Honolulu held a Celebrating Pride Aloha Hour after High Mass. Fr. Brian Grieves, former Peace and Justice Officer of the Episcopal Church, was the guest speaker. He spoke about the work and strides the Episcopal Church has made with regard to LGBTQ advocacy and support. (Grieves is pictured above left with Fr. Paul Lillie.) The timing of this special Aloha Hour coincided with the annual Honolulu Pride Parade that took place the day before, an event that church members have usually participated in. With the Diocese's Annual Meeting taking place at the same time this year, they opted to still celebrate with this special Sunday gathering.  All in attendance were decked out in rainbow-colored leis and a colorful spread of delicious treats including a "rainbow" cake!  (Photos from the St. Mark's weekly online news and Facebook page)
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Emmanuel's 15th Annual Chocolate Extravaganza Surpasses Goals


The folks at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua have once again put on a fabulous "extravaganza" of chocolate decadence that the community can barely wait to sink its teeth into and open their pocketbooks!  Now in its 15th year, the event continues to surpass its fundraising goals, attracting over 100 generous donors for both their chocolate offerings and silent auction.  This year, they raised over $22,000 of which $10,000 was presented to Family Promise (photo bottom right).  Volunteers from the 'Iolani School Key Club helped serve at the VIP event and Bank of Hawai'i volunteers helped scoop up Baskin and Robbins flavor-of-the-month.  Their silent auction offerings are always a highly anticipated draw with as much variety as their chocolate buffet, including an autographed football by Marcus Mariota!  To learn more about this event and how you can help support it, visit the Emmanuel website HERE.  



Highlights at The Cathedral:
Dedication of New Pearl Harbor Memorial



On Sunday, December 10, 2017, the Cathedral of St. Andrew held a special Evensong in conjunction with the dedication of a new memorial to remember and honor those who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor over 76 years ago. The memorial consists of a refurbished cross crafted from metal taken from the hull of the USS Arizona and is set among "waves" made of koa that was crafted by Kahikina Ching.  

The cross was originally embedded in the altar of St. George's Episcopal Church at Pearl Harbor, which was built as a memorial to those who died on December 7.  When St. George's closed two years ago, the cross was kept for the purpose of creating a new memorial. This new Diocesan Pearl Harbor Memorial is dedicated not only to those who lost their lives that fateful day, but to all those who worshiped at St. George's Church through the years.  

Pictured above from left are: Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick blessing the memorial; the Rev. Cn. Alexander Graham talking about the memorial; the Bishop pictured with the Rev. George Clifford who delivered a moving sermon during the service that can be viewed   HERE .  Canon Graham captured the installation of the memorial in the Cathedral in a time-lapse video that can be viewed HERE. (Photos by Rev. Moki Hino)

World Premier of Choral Anthem, 
O Nā Pomaikaʿi



On Sunday, November 19, 2017, the Cathedral Choir and the Cathedral Hawaiian Choir was joined by the  Hokulani Singers of 'Iolani School to perform a new Hawaiian choral anthem, O Nā Pomaikaʿi.  The anthem was commissioned by the 'Iolani Guild in honor of the Rev.Darrow Kanakanui Aiona, who was its chaplain and a passionate advocate for Hawaiian causes, as well as a long-time Episcopal priest in the Diocese of Hawai'i.  After the death of Fr. Darrow in 2012, his family provided memorial funds to the 'Iolani Guild to commission a piece of music in his honor, and O Nā Pomaikaʿi is the result.   

The new choral anthem was composed by John Starr Alexander, a noted composer and the music director at 'Iolani School.  The text of the anthem is based on Preface to the Book of Common Prayer written by King Kamehameha IV and published in 1862-63 as part of the Kingʻs Hawaiian translation of the Prayer Book.  

Pictured at the top are the combined choirs singing together as one; at right is the Cathedral's Verger, Roth Puahala, dressed as King Kamehameha IV, preparing to enter the Cathedral; Composer Alexander blows on the Pu to start the celebration while Roth is shown in the background chanting text of King Kamehameha IV.  (Photos by Ann Dugdale Hansen) 

KAUA'I PARISH NEWS

Thanksgiving and Caroling in Kapa'a

The Kapa'a community on Kaua'i was recently treated to delicious food and cheerful voices beginning with the annual Kapa'a Interfaith Association's Thanksgiving luncheon. Since 2005, the faith community in Kapa'a has come together to put on a fabulous Thanksgiving meal to any and all. The luncheon, which began at the Kapa'a Hongwanji, has been taking place in the All Saints' Gym for the past several years.  Over 1,000 meals are delivered and served up to grateful patrons.  Then on Sunday, December 10, led by Rev. Mary Tudela, members of All Saints' headed over to Mahelona Long Term Care for their annual Christmas visit. Dressed in spirited Christmas garb, they sang and entertained patients through the halls for nearly an hour.  (Photos from the All Saints' E-News)

MAUI PARISH NEWS

Sharing the Christmas Spirit in Wailuku


The Good Shepherd Church Carolers, led by Music Director Ferdinand Cajical (bottom far right) and the youth, spread the Christmas spirit throughout the Wailuku community during their annual caroling. The carolers also presented "The Story of the First Christmas" at Hale Makua (bottom left).  (Photos and story from the Good Shepherd Facebook page)


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ACCW Annual Volunteer Social
Story and Photos by Maureen Van Denburgh, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church


A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW) held its annual volunteer thank you party on Saturday, November 4, 2017, in the Parish Hall of Good Shepherd Church, Wailuku, Maui. Approximately forty volunteers attended. Run leader Sean Foley and his band Kula Roads serenaded party goers with an eclectic selection of rock, jazz, and original songs. GSC Reverend Craig Vance joined the group on his bass guitar. 

Cindy Akana organized the sumptuous food and thoughtful decoration. A buffet table with salad bar, pepper steak, teriyaki chicken, and a variety of rice dishes offered something for everyone. Table runners and decorative flower vases reflected a theme of gratitude and thanks. 

The event was an opportunity to thank the many volunteers who give their time and energy to offer basic necessities and comfort to some of Maui's neediest people. It was also a time for old and new friends to talk story and share a meal together.
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Taste and See Workshop 
By Paula Baldwin, Trinity By-the-Sea Episcopal Church


On Saturday, October 28, 2017, Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina was the site for "Taste and See," a workshop offered by the centering prayer groups on Maui.  The Rev. Dr. Phyllis Meighen (UCC) from ReSource for Christian Spirituality on Kaua'i, led the workshop and gave us the big task of using our five senses to experience God right where we live.  Meighen reviewed the concept of Ignation spirituality which states that God is in every aspect of our world.  Then we were given a choice of which one of our five senses to use, a Bible verse to match, and literally sent out into the world to taste, see, touch, smell, and hear God somewhere in Lahaina.  We came back together and shared.  All of the senses had been chosen by someone and truly God was in every aspect of the world.  

We finished with a potluck brown bag lunch on the lawn of Holy Innocents, seeing, hearing and smelling the ocean.  It doesn't get any better than that!  Pictured at top is Meighen (standing third from left) leading the workshop; above right is Meighgen and the Rev. Amy Crowe during the workshop Eucharist, with baby Alice "concelebrating!"  (Top photo by Erin Dunhill and mother and baby by Susan Davis)
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Acolyte Festival at Good Shepherd


On Monday, October 9, 2017, Good Shepherd Episcopal Church held an Acolyte Festival giving acolytes and those interested in becoming an acolyte, an opportunity to learn, increase skills and to share in the joy and delight of worship. The event was planned by "Acolyte Master" Pacifico Evangelista and with the expertise of the Rev. Cn. Alexander "Sandy" Graham from the Office of the Bishop, Fr. Craig Vance, Fr. John Hau'oli Tomoso and Peter Lee. Participants were shown vestments, how to use a thurible, the various liturgical uses of incense, and setting the Table for the Eucharist. Although a lighter than expected turnout, those who attended were treated to a day of learning, fun and food. There was even an Acolyte Olympics featuring a trivia contest, Spirit Pole Limbo, Communion Bread Toss, and a race to vest!  Pictured above from left, Fr. Craig Vance and Peter Lee explain the different vestments, an acolyte practices with a thurible, Fr. Hau'oli Tomoso demonstrates with a giant-sized chalice and communion wafer, and the Rev. Cn. Alexander Graham with a giant version of the corporal and burse.  (Photos and story from the Good Shepherd newsletter and Facebook page)

BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI'I PARISH NEWS

SHINING BRIGHT AT ST. AUGUSTINE'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH, KAPA'AU
The following stories and photos are from St. Augustine's online newsletters with additional photos and input from the Rev. Diana Akiyama:

'Tis the Season for Children in Kohala

The children in the Kohala community have been blessed with opportunities for learning, sharing, giving and receiving during this holiday season. Pictured above from left, children in the community were given $3 vouchers to spend in the St. Augustine Thrift Shop while their parents enjoyed refreshments in Walker Hall. Volunteers were on hand to help the children with their selection of items and to wrap their gifts; the Feast of St. Nicholas was celebrated with a visit from St. Nicholas on December 6. The children decorated the Jesse Tree and took turns reading a narrative of the genealogy of Jesus; Sunday school student Jared Ariola sang a solo of "All is Well" at an annual interfaith service of The Kohala Ministerial Association, which is made up of seven churches in North Kohala; Music Director Mila Polevia led the youth singing Christmas Carols at Kohala Hospital. 
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Washing Cars to Help Puerto Rico

St. Augustine's Outreach Committee wanted to join ongoing efforts to help those suffering from the devastation by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico.  Pictured above, a car wash raised over $500 which was used to send 59 "Luci Lights" (solar-powered portable lanterns) to help those who still do not have electricity in Puerto Rico.  
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Restoration of Our Stained-Glass Windows


St. Augustine's 'Ohana invited the community to a celebration on Sunday, October 22, 2017, giving thanks to the Lee, Von Holt and Wodehouse families for their support and generous donations in restoring the historic stained-glass windows. 

Phil Lee and his mother from the Pung family initiated the restoration project when they sought to add a name to the window donated by their family in 1953. After a long search, Phil identified the original stained-glass window maker, Conrad Schmitt Studios of Wisconsin, and discovered that they were still in business. The Lee family flew a representative over to Kapa'au this past Spring to assess the extent of work needed for the window donated by the Lee family. This process led to an assessment that the other four windows made by Conrad Schmitt Studios were also in need of repair. Windows donated by the Von Holt and Wodehouse families were also repaired.
 
The families and members gathered for a blessing at the 9:00 AM service that day, followed by a luau and entertainment by Kohala's own, Pahoa. It was a memorable day for all who attended.



Pictured at the top from left, the Lee Family in front of the window given in memory of Evelyn (seated) Lee's father-in-law, Pyong Joon Lee in the 1950s. It was restored to add the name of her mother-in-law, Yoo Yil Lee, and to make the window operable. Standing with them second from the left is Kevin Slager, the artist from Conrad Schmitt Studios who came out for a week to do the restoration work on the windows. The next picture is of Pono Von Holt standing next to the John the Baptist window which was given in memory of Ronald Von Holt in the 1950s. Above, the St. Mary window was given by Ronald Von Holt in memory of his mother Ida E. Von Holt; the group Pahoa played beautiful Hawaiian music during the luau.
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Annual Bazaar Is a Hit

On Saturday, September 30, 2017, the grounds of St. Augustine transformed into a community event with its Annual Bazaar. It was a beautiful day filled with activities. In Walker Hall, there were many selections of ethnic foods and a wide variety of baked goods.  As you walked through the food line, there were opportunities to place bids at the silent auction. There was even an online Silent Auction that launched one week prior to the bazaar.
 
The booths outside were the Blue Zones Project, Plants, Vegetables & Fruits, Flower Arrangements, White Elephant, Boutique, Ring Toss, and Concessions. There was also guided tour of the church that gave a brief history of the church.



The line up of entertainment went continuous throughout the day. There were Hula Halau o Mana'olana o Kohala, Hank Guerrero, Ryukyukoku Matsuri Daiko Hawaii Kohala/Waimea, Virginia & Friends, N Kupuna 'O Kohala, Hula Halau Kalaniumi a Liloa, Aleili & the Veils of the Isle, the Youth Ukulele Ensemble, and Mila Polevia, who was also the Emcee.

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND BEYOND

How the Second Largest Soup Kitchen Handles Hunger in the U.S. Today
(Photos: Episcopal News Service)

[Episcopal News Service - New York, New York] A handful of chickpeas and a few leaves of kale at lunchtime won't change the world, but consistent, nutrient-dense meals can form the foundation for a better life. And everybody, no matter their status, deserves to enjoy delicious food, say two New York City chefs who traded in a life of linen tablecloths for one with plastic trays.

That's why Felipé Saint-Martin left Manhattan's award-winning, fine-dining institution, Gramercy Tavern, where the seasonal dinner tasting menu is $170 per person. His belief in providing enticing food to all people drew him to become head chef at the much humbler  Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, where the day's main meal is free.

"Why switch?" Saint-Martin repeated as he prepared for the day's lunch of turkey-zucchini chili over brown rice and salad made with locally grown kale and topped with cherry tomatoes, almonds, raisins, shredded carrots and ginger vinaigrette. On the side sat a slice of multigrain walnut-cranberry bread and an apple from an upstate New York farm. "The purpose."

Chef Felipé Saint-Martin fills trays for the guests during lunch on a Tuesday in mid-July at Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, a mission of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Manhattan. Photo: Amy Sowder/Episcopal News Service

Members of the Church of the Holy Apostles in Manhattan began the feeding ministry in 1982, when welfare benefits were slashed during the Reagan administration, with the goal of providing a warm, hearty meal to people in need. Before the soup kitchen's director of operations, Chef Michael Ottley, arrived nine years ago, however, it was mostly about getting 2,000 calories on one tray.
"The philosophy was that was enough to sustain them for one day, but that wasn't healthy calories," said Ottley, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America at Hyde Park, New York. "Eight years ago, we started concentrating on the whole person."

That means healthy, sustainable, locally sourced meals with lean proteins, and more vegetables and fruits than protein. Volunteers serve fresh fruit and New York-farmed one-percent milk every day. But it also means serving people with dignity and providing services beyond food.   READ MORE
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Primates Meeting 2017


The Primates of the Anglican Communion, of which Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is a member, met October 2-6, 2017, at Canterbury Cathedral in England. Primates from 33 of the 39 provinces of the Anglican Communion gathered together to discuss a range of issues including evangelism and discipleship, reconciliation and peace building, climate change, food security, refugees, human trafficking, and freedom of religion; but the controversial topic of marriage equality took up "a significant portion of the opening two days" reported the Episcopal News Service (ENS).  

At the Primates last meeting in January 2016, The U.S. based Episcopal Church faced severe "consequences" for their action at the 2015 General Convention that changed canonical language defining marriage to allow same-sex marriage in church. During this year's meeting, the Scottish Episcopal Church agreed to accept those certain "consequences" when they also voted to allow same-sex marriage during their General Synod last June.

Despite contentious topics, the Anglican Communion News Service (ACNS) reported that the primates who were present described the meeting as  "a gift from God, through which we experienced many signs of God's presence amongst us." In their communiqué, they said that "we experienced many signs of God's presence amongst us. The sense of common purpose underpinned by God's love in Christ and expressed through mutual fellowship was profound."

Presiding Bishop Curry shared an impassioned video recap of the meeting in front of Canterbury Cathedral, the Mother Church of the Anglican Communion, that can be viewed HERE. He mirrored the deep feelings of his fellow Primates describing the meeting as a "meaningful, a beautiful and indeed, a holy gathering" and that it wasn't just a meeting or gathering, but a "holy convocation."  He goes on to say that they came together "in the name of Jesus Christ, and did our work together in agreement and disagreement, following and in His spirit." 

Click HERE to read the ENS article on the Primates meeting, and  HERE to read the ACNS article. To view a 3-minute video summary and the full 10-minute video of the meeting, visit the ACNS website  HERE.  Pictured at top during Evensong on October 2, is Presiding Bishop Curry offering the opening prayers for victims of the Las Vegas shooting that occurred over that time period; the Primates gather for a group shot. (Photos from ACNS)

Beacons of hope...

NYC Racial Reform NetworkLives out 'Beloved Community' Mission
[Episcopal News Service] Rahson Johnson stood behind the microphone, in front of the ornate altar at St. Philip's Episcopal Church in Harlem, the northern Manhattan neighborhood in New York City. He looked at more than 200 people filling the pews on the evening of Oct. 24, recalling two critical moments as a 16-year-old growing up in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood.  The first critical moment: His friends told him to get the gun from his apartment.   He did, and they played around, doing nothing, really.  READ MORE
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Episcopal Food Ministries Help Neighbors Give Thanks More than a Month After Deadly Northern California Wildfires
[Episcopal News Service] Emma Green was scrolling through her Facebook news feed about 9:30 p.m. in early October when she first learned about the  Northern California fires in Napa, Sonoma and Solano counties. Throughout that harrowing first night, she and her fellow volunteers connected about 2,000 people requesting help to those asking how to help.   Green is poised to provide efficient aid like few people are - all because she's the  Community Meal Program  coordinator at the  Episcopal Church of the Epiphany  in Vacaville, a town in Solano County. With fewer than 100 members, her church is small but the community program is mighty.   READ MORE

CONTACT INFORMATION

Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Contractor

The electronic Hawaiian Church Chronicle is the official news publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i.  All policy, editorial and administrative decisions are under the direction of the editor in consultation with the Bishop's Office.  The Chronicle welcomes suggestions, story ideas, comments and opinions from its readers.  Send articles, letters, news and photographs (electronic files preferred) to:   News , Office of the Bishop, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI  96813
(808) 536-7776

 

The Chronicle does not assume responsibility for the return of photographs or manuscripts.

 

The deadline for submissions in the next February issue is January 23, 2018. 
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