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

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

February 2017
In This Issue
A Very Special Baptism
Christmas Around the Diocese
Ordination to the Presbyterate: The Rev. Annalise Marie Castro
Enculturation Day in the Diocese
The 28th Annual Episcopal Church Camp Conference
The Second Annual Music Conference
25th Anniversary of Ho`okuikahi, Reconciliation
Celebrating Queen Emma's 181st Birthday
O`AHU PARISH NEWS
Cathedral Happenings
ECWO: Episcopal Church of West O`ahu
KAUA`I PARISH NEWS
MAUI PARISH NEW
THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI`I PARISH NEWS
THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND
Contact Information
Bishop's Calendar

***** FEBRUARY *****

(Through February 5)
Vacation
February 10
Chapel: `Iolani (Founder's Day)
February 10
Waiolaihui'ia
February 12
Sunday Visitation: Calvary, Kaneohe
February 12
Celebration of New Ministry: Golding, Emmanuel, Kailua
February 18
Governance Meetings
February 19
Sunday Visitation: St. Mark's, Honolulu
February 25
Celebration of New Ministry: Pasalo, St. Nicholas, Kapolei
February 26
Celebration: Good Shepherd's Sesquicentennial (150th)

***** MARCH  *****

March 1
Chapel: The St. Andrew's Schools (Ash Wednesday)
March 4
Chrism Mass and Clergy Education Day, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu
March 5
Sunday Visitation: Emmanuel, Kailua
March 7-16
Spring House of Bishops Meeting (Kanuga)
March  18
Governance Meetings
March 26
Sunday Visitation: All Saints', Kapa'a
March 31
Non-Sunday Visit: West Kaua'i

Stay Informed!
A Very Special Baptism

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick is currently on a well-deserved vacation, so in place of his usual message, we share with you these photos of the Bishop baptizing his first grandchild, Marcus Fitzpatrick. This happy occasion took place during the Bishop's visitation at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Honolulu, on Sunday, January 15, 2017. More photos of this event can be found under the O`ahu Parish News section below. 

   (Photos by Sybil Nishioka)

DIOCESAN  NEWS
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Christmas Around the Diocese


We scrounged your websites, Facebook pages and newsletters to share photos from your Christmas celebrations in our annual collage. Can you spot someone from your church?
 
Ordination to the Presbyterate: The Rev. Annalise Marie Castro



On Saturday, January 14, 2017, the Diocese of Hawai`i welcomed its newest priest, the Rev. Annalise Marie Castro. The Ordination took place at The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu, where dozens of clergy and friends gathered to celebrate this special event. Pictured above from left, Castro made sure to get a picture of the stained glass with Queen Emma; with fiancé the Rev. Ernesto "JaR" Pasalo; and with gifts from the Bishop. 

Castro graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary last May, and is currently serving as Chaplain at the St. Andrew's Schools, where staff and students played an important role in the service. Pictured below left, presenters included Dr. Ruth Fletcher, Head of School, and student, Madison Eammons, as well as the Rev. Diane Martinson from her sponsoring church, St. Peter's Episcopal Church. 



In his sermon, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick spoke about challenges and shared words of wisdom. "We need to continue to be friends with God," said the Bishop and to also find "that which transforms us." He reminded her about the importance of praying and shared how he carries a rosary his nephew made, that serves as a physical reminder to pray. Pictured above center, clergy gather around Castro during the Consecration, and at right, holding the Bible that the Bishop presented to her.



After the service, folks waited patiently in line to offer leis while fellow clergy kneeled to be blessed by the new priest. Pictured above from left, first in line of course was fiancé Pasalo.  Kumu Hula Yurena Namahanaokalewalani Melian Fuller lovingly presents Castro with a lei. Fuller, who is the kumu hula for the Priory's halau, led the processional with a beautiful oli. A young student gives her chaplain a big hug. A reception was held under the Aloha tent where lots of food and fellowship awaited.

To view more photos of the event, visit the Diocese's Facebook page HERE. (Photos by Sybil Nishioka)

Enculturation Day in the Diocese

The following are excerpts from an article written by the Rev. Linda Lundgren who had been serving as the "priest-in-residence" at St. Columba's Episcopal Church on the Big Island of Hawai'i. Accompanied by her husband, she shares her experience at the Diocese's Enculturation Day that was held on Saturday, December 10, 2016, in Honolulu.



On December 10, Bob and I attended Enculturation Day at Church of the Epiphany in Honolulu. The Diocese sponsored this event for newer clergy to educate them on the unique culture of the islands. It was extremely well done and informative and we spent the day enjoying ourselves immensely. To say we now know everything and are steeped in the Hawaiian culture is enormously false!! However, we do have more of an understanding of this amazing culture! 

We started the day being robed in a [red kihei] and then sat on [lauhala] mats on the floor. We were told how the mats were part of the culture of 'talk story' and many good stories were told on straw mats around the fire. 

A gentleman [by the name of Mila Polevia] talked story with us and then gave us background on the cultural singing/chanting and of the hula. He had a phenomenal voice and he chanted for us Psalm 24. We were then taught how to chant and dance hula to the psalm ourselves. We sounded pretty darn good, if I say so myself! Hula not so much!! 

Next up was lei making. Auntie Euphemia, a renowned lei artist, was introduced and, oh my goodness, could that woman work the ti leaves into a work of art. Absolutely amazing!! We were given the background on ti leaves and how to preserve them to make the best leis. She had them all laid out in all stages for us. Lei making 101 began! Ours actually turned out pretty well. We were all judged on our leis and Bob and I got a well done!!! 

Lunchtime was next on the agenda and we were fed a hearty and authentic Hawaiian meal: Lau Lau, poi, lomi salmon, purple sweet potatoes, kalua pork, mac-potato salad and haupia. Delicious!! With our bellies full, we started the second half of the day with singing and more hula. 

We were given the background of Christianity on the islands and then Bishop Fitzpatrick was introduced and he gave us the history of the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i. It was very interesting and very well done. The last part of the day was a panel of three men, who were Hawaiian in culture and ethnicity. They were asked many questions about Hawaiian spirituality and how their own personal spirituality relates to who they are and how they see life. We could have listened all night to them. 

This was a wonderful and informative day about the islands and the customs that make up this amazing paradise. We were truly gifted by this day and came home enlightened and humbled that we were allowed to come and be part of all of your lives. Mahalo nui loa and Ke Akua Ho'omaika'i Oe!
 
(Photo of Bob and Linda Lundgren from the St. James' online E-News; all other photos by Ha`aheo Guanson)

The 28th Annual Episcopal Church Camp Conference
By Bill Slocumb, Director, ECCC and
Ashley Graham-Wilcox, Director of Communications & Development, ECCC


(This years group of participants. Photo contributed by Bill Slocumb)  

Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, also known as ECCC, is a membership network of over 100 Episcopal summer camps, summer camp programs, retreat centers and conference centers around the country. The mission of ECCC is to sustain and enhance the ministry of all camps and retreat centers. One of the foundational ways this mission is reached, is an educational conference for directors and staff held every January.
 
This year we were graciously hosted on the north shore of O`ahu, by Camp Mokule`ia. The conference, which ran from January 15-20, 2017, had 85 participants and 20 guests, representing over 30 camps and retreat centers. 

The theme of the conference was "Sacred Spaces, Thin Places." The program featured two keynote speakers, Dr. Jonathan Osorio from the University of Hawai'i, and Ah Lan Ka`ulamealani Diamond from Waimea Valley, and included 20 workshops on topics ranging from retreat center contracts to transgender campers and staff. 



In addition to the on-site learning opportunities, we also offered six different learning field trips to get attendees off-camp and to see more of the island, in the context of their programming and hospitality ministries. They visited Waimea Valley (with a tour from their education department and an opportunity to swim in the falls), Mohala Farms (to talk volunteer management), Kaena Point (for a hike), Benedictine Monastery (which also operates as a retreat center), Manoa Heritage Center (to talk tourism and preserving sacred spaces), and Kukaniloko (to discuss stewardship of sacred spaces).
 
Other highlights of the conference included an excellent luau, with music, hula show, and food cooked in the on-site imu, and a reverse raffle that raised over $13,000 for the organization. We presented the second annual Peter Bergstrom Leadership Award to Bill Tubbs, Executive Director of Camp Huston in the Diocese of Olympia. The award, presented as a compass, recognizes a deeply committed member of our community who has advanced the cause of Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers through mentoring, advocacy, and innovative programming. It is named after one of the organization's founders, long-time member, and 9-year ECCC Executive Director Peter Bergstrom, who retired in 2015.
 
Thank you to the Rev. David Turner and the Camp Mokulei'a staff for hosting an outstanding gathering, and thank you to Bishop Fitzpatrick for welcoming and celebrating worship with the ECCC community!   

Pictured above from left are Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, sharing in worship with campers, and the Rev. Brooks Cato from the Diocese of Central New York, who was the chaplain along with the Rev. Christopher Golding (not pictured) from Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua. Camp Mokule'ia has a new sign post that was created during the conference that contains arrows with the names of the camps/centers represented at the conference. The far right photos is of Bill Tubbs receiving his Peter Bergstrom Leadership Award. (Photos by Ashley Graham-Wilcox)


Reflections of ECCC Annual Conference
By Sierra Gore, M inistry Intern, All Saints' Episcopal Church, Kaua`i


I've wanted to attend ECCCAC for a few years now and I feel so blessed that I was able to go and experience the true gem of a camp we have in our Diocese. I've worked at a few Episcopal camps around the country so this conference also served as a mini-reunion for me as well as a week of learning, rejuvenation, and discernment. Camp Mokule`ia was the perfect location for the theme "One in the Spirit: Sacred Spaces, Thin Places" and I think that being surrounded by the beauty of the island and the camaraderie of our peers only expanded the love and adoration we all have for our own centers. 



Every morning I woke up, sat up in my hammock, watched the waves roll in, and repeatedly thought, "Mahalo Ke Akua" for the opportunity to be in such a sacred place and work in camp ministry. The feeling of gratitude was apparent in all the attendees throughout the camp -- while we gathered together with coffee mugs in hand to watch whales before breakfast, connected and networked as we floated in the ocean during wellness time, played Euchre and ukuleles after dinner, and every moment in between. I now feel reinvigorated to serve at my camp and my church with a heightened awareness of the sacred and thin places I get to call home.   (Photos contributed by Sierra Gore)


"It was a wonderful conference -- a treat to be in such a clearly 'thin place,' surrounded by colleagues and friends with real expertise and wisdom to share with one another." -- Ashley Graham-Wilcox


The Second Annual Music Conference:
Worshiping Through Music



The second annual diocesan Music Conference was held on January 27 and 28, 2017, at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Aiea, O`ahu. Returning to lead the conference was Dent Davidson, the Associate for Arts & Liturgy on the bishop's staff in the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago. J oining him this year was Sandra Montes, the Episcopal Church Foundation's Spanish Language Resource Consultant, who shared her passion for music, education, writing, and a spectacular voice!  Pictured above from left are Davidson and Montes (whose fashioned hair was as colorful as her personality); filling the room with joyful sounds; and with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick and wife Bea who participated in the conference both days. 



Participants were invited to bring their instruments which were as varied as the music styles and songs that were shared. Pictured above left, Mila Polevia (guitar) and Mark Haworth (ipu heke) infused Hawaiian culture into the worship experience. 

"For me, our second annual Diocesan Music Conference continued the theme that 'singing churches' are vital to the increase and nurturance of 'singing assemblies' in our parishes," said returning participant, the Rev. John Hau`oli Tomoso, pictured above center. "Throughout the conference, the dictum that we all know, i.e. 'Praying shapes believing' kept running through my mind. As I experienced the conference, my own dictum was formed: Singing the prayer of the Liturgy shapes the best work we can offer to Ke Akua." 

Above right, Polevia and Haworth are joined by the Rev. Cn. Alexander Graham from the Office of the Bishop, and from Good Shepherd Maui, the Rev. Craig Vance on guitar.

"[The conference] highlighted  the breadth and depth of how we can worship God and lead our communities in musical expression," said Graham, who is the Canon for Congregational Life and Leadership in the Diocese, and clearly has a love for the arts



Presenters and participants shared their talents and gifts and touched on subjects that included Taizé, children's music, oli, Psalms in Hawaiian, classic hymns, contemporary arrangements and much more. Pictured above from left, the Rev. JaR Pasalo joins in on his ukulele, while the Rev. Cn. Kate Cullinane strums on her guitar from the pews; Graham literally kicks up his heels in a spirited number, and at far right, Diane Koshi, Davidson and Montes reflect the fun and spirit of the conference.

"Dent was inspiring, uplifting, and empowering as always," said Diane Koshi, Director of Music for St. Timothy's, who provided many of the musical instruments from the classroom and her "personal stash," as well as contributing her knowledge and talent to the conference. "There aren't many musicians that can move me to tears," continued Koshi, "but Sandraʻs singing and compositions touched me at the core, even when I couldn't understand the Spanish! Dent and Sandra were definitely blessings of the Spirit."

Be sure to put the third annual music conference on your calendar for next January, where the focus will be on music incorporating the language and spirit of Hawai`i, led by Joe Kanoelehua Camacho.

(Photos by Charmaine Ito, Hau`oli Tomoso and Sandra Montes)
 
25th Anniversary of Ho`okuikahi, Reconciliation



On Tuesday, January 17, 2017, Kaumakapili Church was the site of the 25th Anniversary of Ho`okuikahi, Reconciliation. The date, which represents a dark time in Hawaiian history when Queen Lili'uokalani was overthrown, is now being recognized as a day of reconciliation and hope that focuses on the Queen's courage and conviction for non-violence that has been an example and legacy to her people. 

The  Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center (PJRC) has organized this annual event to "educate and advocate for justice and mercy for Na Kanaka Maoli and all the people of Hawai`i in the spirit of reconciliation." This year's gathering included speakers Rev. David Hirano from Kaumakapili Church and Dr. Ha`aheo Guanson (above far right), from the PJRC, who spoke about reconciliation. Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick offered blessings and Kahu Kaleo Patterson (below left), Vicar for St. John the Baptist and St. Stephen's, presided. The choirs from Kawaiahao Church and Kaumakaplili Church shared their voices.  (Photos contributed by Kaleo Patterson)


 
Our Schools: St. Andrew's Schools
Celebrating Queen Emma's 181st Birthday



On Tuesday, January 24, 2017, the St. Andrew's Schools' community gathered to celebrate our founder's, Queen Emma's, 181st birthday. The day began with a special chapel ceremony in The Cathedral of St. Andrew, followed by a presentation of hoʻokupu by our students. The celebration continued as we visited Mauna ʻAla to pay respect to our Beloved Queen. We then returned to campus for a wonderful lunch and program commemorating this special occasion. The rain did not dampen the beauty of hula, mele, and ōlelo that honored Queen Emma throughout the festivities, and no birthday is complete without cake, so we all enjoyed cupcakes, too!   (Article and photos from the St. Andrew's Schools' Facebook page)


 
 O`AHU PARISH NEWS

Parish of St. Clement Says Aloha to the Goldings 

The Rev. Christopher Golding, his wife Julia and two children, were bid a fond aloha during a farewell party at the Parish of St. Clement on Sunday, December 11, 2016 -- but he won't be going too far away. Golding, who has been with St. Clement as an Associate Priest for the past two years, is now the Vicar at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua. Julia served as the Music Director at St. Clement and both will be deeply missed. Pictured above from left, the Goldings, adorned with lei, stand with the Rev. Kate Cullinane, Interim Rector, while she addresses the congregation; the couple was presented with gifts and remembrances from different church ministries.  (Photos from the St. Clement January newsletter)
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Holiday Activities at Good Samaritan
The folks at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Honolulu were keeping busy over the holidays. Pictured above, bags of food were packed and delivered to the elderly who live alone in the Palolo Housing community. Their annual Japanese tradition of Kadomatsu making took place at sister church St. Luke's, where folks from St. Mary's and Epiphany also joined in. The Kadomatsu is said to bring in good luck for the New Year.  (*Photos from the Good Samaritan January newsletter.)
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Bishop's Visitation to St. Elizabeth's


St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in downtown Honolulu, prepared for the Bishop's Visitation in a big way. It's not often that a visit from the Bishop would include the baptism of his own grandchild, but it happened at St. Elizabeth's on Sunday, January 8, 2017. (Photos of the baptism are shown at the top of this publication.) Along with the excitement of baby Marcus Fitzpatrick being baptized, church member Jane Zhao was also baptized (pictured below left). 

The service was a fusion of numerous cultures that included portions being sung by the different ethnic groups in the pews, and readings in different languages. Contrasting the powerful voices of Pacific Islanders were songs that featured the delicate and melodious sound of handbells.

With the distinction of being the first air-conditioned church in Hawai'i, St. Elizabeth's could easily be considered the most diverse congregation in the Diocese as well. Pictured at top, t he Rev. David Gierlach, Rector of St. Elizabeth's, has a wonderful group of associate priests and deacons (several that are bilingual), to assist him with the many needs of this large and active congregation. 

The feast that followed the service afterwards featured a whole roasted pig and tons of delicious food being served up to a seemingly endless line of hungry folks. It was certainly a glorious day fit for welcoming new sheep into the fold.


 (Photos by Sybil Nishioka)
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St. Mary's Receives Seeds to Trees Award
By The Rev. Gregory Johnson


"The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that a man planted in his field. Although it is the smallest of all seeds, yet it grows into the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches." Matthew 13:31, 32

When our brothers and sisters at Central Union Church in Honolulu began to prepare for their 130th anniversary in 2017, one of the achievements they wanted to celebrate were the ministries their forebearers helped plant.

Among the first of these was the Hawaiian Reformed Catholic Church. (The name was changed in 1870 to the Anglican Church in Hawai`i.) When Bishop Thomas Nettleship Staley first arrived on O`ahu from England, the Anglican community worshiped in Seaman's Chapel (the precursor to Central Union) until The Cathedral of St. Andrew's was completed.  Bishop's Staley's first service was held on October 12, 1862. The Cathedral's cornerstone was laid by King Kamehameha V four-and-a-half years later on March 5, 1867.

As part of their "Mission Beyond the Walls of Our Church," the Women's League at Central Union looked for an Episcopal congregation that is still reaching out to help those in need beyond its walls a century later. The League chose our outreach ministry at St. Mary of Mo`ili`ili in Honolulu, as one of the "seeds" that has blossomed into a "tree."

Other seeds honored at the awards luncheon held on Saturday, January 21, 2017, included the Salvation Army, McKinley High School, Arcadia Retirement Residence, the YMCA, Palama Settlement, Meals on Wheels, and La Pietra School for Girls. Each of these "trees" were nurtured as "seeds" by the generous support of the good folks at Central Union many years ago.

Ho'omai'ka'i 'ana (congratulations) go out to all the trees with thanksgivings for those who helped nurture each of our beginnings!

Cathedral Happenings

Makahiki Celebration at Halawa Correctional Facility
By Anne Murphy and Ann Dugdale Hansen, Cathedral Social Justice Committee


On November 22, 2016, at the invitation of Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson and the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center, a small group from the Cathedral's Social Justice Committee was privileged to attend the opening ceremonies for Makahiki at the Halawa Correctional Facility. The ceremony is not for entertainment, but for spiritual development. The inmates work with the Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center to engage in a lengthy preparatory writing process that explores Episcopalian and Hawaiian spirituality, and learn the chants, hula and protocols that they will perform during the Makahiki celebration.

This year, many months of preparation paid off in a ceremony of great dignity, unity and faith. Although the celebrants are not native Hawaiian speakers, they have mastered a portion of the Kumulipo, as well as many chants for the Makahiki ceremony itself. With the help of Ha'aheo and other experienced cultural practitioners, they built the lele (altar), akua loa, and other items used in the ceremony, and decorated and presented their Makahiki offerings. The celebrants performed the ceremony with real feeling and intensity, and an amazing degree of mastery.

At the end of the ceremony, celebrants and visitors joined in a very enjoyable "kava" circle and meal together. Of course, real kava is not allowed in prison so Tazo tea is substituted. Towards the end of the kava ceremony, one fellow took the opportunity to thank the "guests and aunties who took time out of their busy schedules to come to Halawa to witness and help with their Makahiki ceremony." That was a poignant statement because it hinted that the men in Halawa feel forgotten in prison. They are locked away out of sight from the community, a two-mile jaunt from the closest bus stop. And so they appreciated that people from the community came to witness all they have learned and the earnestness with which they performed their ceremony.

We are so happy to be able to support this ministry, to meet the Makahiki celebrants, and to see first-hand how inspiring and effective the ministry is in providing hope, discipline and joy to a group of individuals who so deserve our aloha and support.   (Photos by Ann Dugdale Hansen)
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High Quality Meat Helps Needy Families with Their Holiday Meals
By Ann Dugdale Hansen, The Cathedral of St. Andrew

On Saturday, December 10, 2016, as we have done for the last eight years, members of the Outreach Committee packed and passed out 150 bags of frozen meat at Kalihi Waena Elementary School. Each Kalihi Waena family that attended their Breakfast with Santa celebration received a black Cathedral of St. Andrew bag that contained a five-pound box of chicken thighs, a foot-long Portuguese sausage, luncheon meat and hot dogs. Another partner of Kalihi-Waena, Hawaiian Telcom, provided a backpack filled with cookies and toys for the children. Each family walked away with enough food plus goodies for several extra meals during the Christmas season.

We are grateful to our meat purveyor, Stephen Lee of P & E Foods, who also supplies the meat for the IHS cooking, for rounding out our orders. When we order cases of chicken legs, he throws in the additional meats for free. This really allows us to give each family a substantial amount of extra food for their holiday celebrations.

We are also grateful to Priscilla Millen, Chair of Outreach, Elizabeth and Ned Conklin, Seena Clowser, and Gail Taylor for assisting in packing and distributing the meat.
(Photos by Ann Dugdale Hansen)
 
ECWO: The Episcopal Church of West O`ahu

Pearl Harbor Requiem Mass at St. Timothy's
By The Rev. Cn. Alexander Graham

People from several congregations came together for worship on December 7, 2017, at St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Aiea, in remembrance of the 75th Anniversary of the Attack on Pearl Harbor. The sanctuary was adorned with 1,000 cranes, representing peace and healing, and the altar cross, crafted from metal from the USS Arizona and formerly installed at St. George's (pictured above), stood as witness to the transformative nature of faith in the midst of tragedy. 

The choir offered an awe-inspiring rendition of Gabriel Fauré's Requiem. The liturgy ended with the choir singing a moving arrangement of Taps, followed by a 1940s-themed dinner in Sumida Hall, complete with Andrews-Sisters-style singing.

Money collected from the offering will be used to help install the cross with a plaque at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.  (Choir photo contributed by Diane Koshi; all other photos by Charmaine Ito)
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Rededication of Doris "Dorie" Mille r Plaque

There were many events taking place around the nation during the first week of December, commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, and Kahu Kaleo Patterson was on hand for the rededication ceremony of the Doris "Dorie" Miller plaque at the Navy's housing complex named after the war hero. Navy Mess Attendant 2nd Class Miller was the first African-American to receive the Navy Cross for his heroism during the Pearl Harbor attack. He was presented with the Navy Cross in 1942, but was killed in action the following year when a Japanese torpedo sank his ship, the USS Liscome Bay.  Pictured above is Kahu Patterson next to the plaque with Dr. Ha`aheo Guanson, and at right, members of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority who hosted the event, surround the plaque.   (Photos contributed by Kaleo Patterson)
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Bishop's Visitation to St. John the Baptist


The folks at St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church in Waianae were eagerly awaiting the Bishop's visitation on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Pictured above, the Bishop helps a young Kiai get dressed into his acolyte robe, and poses with the worship team: Sam, Kiai, Kamalu, Lele, Aisha, Loretta. Pictured below, members enjoyed conversation, fellowship and tons of food at the Cathay Inn following the service.  (Photos contributed by Kaleo Patterson)


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St. Stephen's Makahiki: Baibala Pule Project


Nestled in the heart of Wahiawa, the folks at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, with support from sister churches of the ECWO, have been quietly working to help and transform the lives of those in need, not just in their surrounding community, but in places that may need it most--- our prisons.  

For several years, Kahu Kaleo Patterson, Vicar of St. Stephen's and St. John the Baptist (formerly St. Peter's) in Waianae, has been working with the inmates at both Halawa and Waiawa Correctional Facilities through a program to "support the restorative justice of the incarcerated."  In a previous E-Chronicle Edition (June 2015, Closing Makahiki in Halawa), Patterson had already begun the work of introducing a religious cultural program that includes prayer, history, cultural traditions, chanting and dance related to Makahiki.  The program is designed to assist  Pa'ahao (incarcerated men)  with character development and spiritual integration from a cultural perspective, and makes available clergy to assist with counseling and outreach during re-entry into society. 

In June of last year, Patterson and Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson, both leaders of the Pacific Justice Reconciliation Center (PJRC) and the Makahiki program, applied for a Diocesan Council grant to expand it to include Bible Study for Native Hawaiian prisoners and provide Baibala Hemolele (Hawaiian Bibles), Hawaiian Prayer books and Na Himeni (hymnals), a few musical instruments, and to implement Malama Makana -- a way to create connection and community through our local churches as part of the Pa`ahao's re-entry into society. Upon their release, each participating person would be provided with a backpack filled with supplies and basic necessities as they begin their new journey, which organizers are now referring to as BACPAC. 

Makahiki: Baibala-Pule Project, now boasts nearly 100 participants between the two facilities, and continues to grow. They hope to develop a solid curriculum that would engage participants to learn more about the liturgical calendar, Episcopal Lectionary, the Book of Common Prayer, and to include the Holy Eucharist.



Pictured at top, inmates perform at the Makahiki Opening Ceremony that took place on November 21, 2016, at the Waiawa Correctional Facility. Above, just released, Jacob is greeted by his Aunty Gloria and stuffed BACPAC. Later that day, Jacob accompanied Kahu Patterson and a small group to Mauna Ala (the Royal Mausoleum) to offer lei ho`okupu with oli and prayers for Queen Lili`uokalani, a tradition they have kept for the past 25 years preceding Ho`okuikahi (see article under Diocesan News). Jacob helped with the set up for the service, read lessons, and followed Roth Puahala's chanting of the Psalms. (Photos contributed by Kaleo Patterson)
 
KAUA`I PARISH NEWS

Christ Memorial Bids the Taylors a Fond Aloha
Folks from Christ Memorial Episcopal Church gathered together at the Bistro in Kilauea to bid the Rev. Robin Taylor and her husband Dave, a fond aloha. Her last service at the church was held on Sunday, January 8, 2017, where she has served for over five years. The Taylors head to Indian Head, MD, where she will be the rector at St. James' Episcopal Church. Pictured above from left, the Taylors hold up a beautiful hand-made bed runner made especially for them. Bishop's Warden, David Akana, is behind Dave. At center, the Taylors are pictured with Helen Mitsui, one of the oldest members of the church who has volunteered well over 30 years to run the highly successful thrift shop now named after her. At right, Rev. Robin with the Seah family, Jim, Kim and their children Paul and Grace. Kim has been the driving force behind the blossoming children's ministry. (Photos from the Christ Memorial Facebook page)

MAUI PARISH NEWS



It's no secret that Good Shepherd boasts a musically talented congregation, and every year they share their gifts with the community by going door to door singing joyful Christmas songs. Caroling is done several times during the month of December, covering different neighborhoods. Pictured above at far left (in green) is Ferdinand Cajigal, who leads the Praise and Worship team.  (Photos from the Good Shepherd Facebook page)



THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI`I PARISH NEWS

Church of the Holy Apostles Says Aloha to Rev. Hino

Folks at Holy Apostles put on a joyful and poignant Eucharist and party to say aloha to their priest, the Rev. Moki Hino, who has been with the Hilo congregation for the past five years. Hino accepted a call to The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu as Priest-in-Charge and Canon Administrator that began on January 1, 2017. The move was not an easy decision. Hino's grandmother lives in Hilo, and he has worked hard to develop the church's presence in the community. Not only will parishioners miss him, but so will those in the community that he and and the congregation have reached out to. Pictured above from left is Hino at his final Eucharist service and with some of the parishioners at his farewell party. (Photos from the Holy Apostle Facebook page)
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St. James Kicks Off New Weekly Community Meal 

On Thursday, December 15, 2016, St. James' Episcopal Church in Waimea served up the first of many meals through their newest outreach ministry, the St. James' Community Meal. A delicious hot meal is offered every Thursday evening to the "homeless, working poor, lonely and downright hungry," as mentioned in their weekly online newsletter. 

The word is spreading! At their seventh Community Meal on January 26, they served a total of 188 people and expect that number to continue to grow.  They recently partnered up with The Big Island Giving Tree that has enabled them to deliver meals to kupuna in senior housing, and to reach people further out who are in need.

This ministry is run by volunteers from St. James' and the wider community, and welcome others to join in. For more information or to get involved, e-mail Tim Bostock or Jane Sherwood.   (Photos from the St. James' online newsletter)

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND

Episcopalians Join The World's Spirit-filled Women's Marches
By Pat McCaughan (From the Episcopal News Service)
 
[Episcopal News Service] Carrying signs reading "The Episcopal Church is Here" and "The Episcopal Church Cares About This," the Rev. LeeAnne Watkins and other Minnesota Episcopalians joined thousands of marchers in St. Paul, MN, on January 21, sparking "a miserable day of puddles and ice" into the beginnings of a movement. 

A day later, Watkins was already heeding the Women's March movement's call to continue post-march local action. With the help of a professional facilitator and theater troupe, St. Mary's Episcopal Church in St. Paul hosted a January 22 intergenerational forum. It included role-playing aimed at "elders teaching young people about what it means to respect women," said Watkins, 50, rector for 18 years.

As elsewhere, the numbers of marchers exploded expectations. In St. Paul, for example, Watkins said that while organizers had planned for about 20,000, police estimated the crowd at about 100,000.

"It was joyful and peaceful and fun," she said. "There were hugs as people recognized one another. There were workplace groups and a lot of young people, people in wheelchairs.

"I went because it was about marching for women ... the rights of women and girls, about reproductive freedom, about immigrants in our state, about dignity for all people. It wasn't an anti-march. It was a pro-march for all the values I hold that are informed by my faith."

She added that: "Everywhere we went, people came up to us and said I'm so glad the Episcopal Church is here. Tell me about the Episcopal Church. To be an Episcopal presence there was really important for us."   READ MORE

(To view a gallery of Episcopalians marching around the nation in Women's Marches, click HERE. In the photo at top, female Episcopal Church priests hold a banner. Photo from Facebook timeline of K. Jeanne Person.)
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Stand with Refugees:  Support Episcopal Migration Ministries, Episcopal Public Policy Network
The following is a letter from the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies released on Tuesday, January 31, 2017:

Dear Deputies:

Like many of you, in the last week I have watched the news from Washington D.C. unfold with increasing disbelief and growing fear for the most vulnerable among us. The new administration's efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act without a suitable replacement, silence journalists and advocates, and distort our national conversation with lies disturb me as an American and a person of faith. I intend to resist.

I am particularly horrified by the ban on refugees signed by President Trump on Friday evening. It is quite simply an act of malice, particularly toward our Muslim sisters and brothers, and Christians must oppose it loudly and with strength. Many of you are doing so, and I am grateful for the statements and sermons I have seen and the photos in my Facebook feed of Episcopalians gathered at airports and other protest sites to express our church's commitment to welcoming the stranger. You can find that commitment articulated in actions of General Convention dating back to 1979 (the earliest date at which the archive is digitized) on the website of the Archives of the Episcopal Church.

Right now, more than 65 million people are currently displaced by war, conflict and persecution--the largest number in recorded history. We have an urgent moral responsibility to receive refugees and asylum seekers who are in dire need.

As Christians, we should be particularly worried that the refugee ban targets people from seven majority-Muslim countries. God's command to welcome the stranger and care for aliens is a mandate to welcome all people, regardless of their faiths. Just as God in the Hebrew Bible commanded the Jews to welcome non-Jewish strangers, we are commanded to welcome people who practice different faiths. A refugee ban that specifically targets Muslim people, or that gives Christians special priority for resettlement above other persecuted people simply because they are Christian, is fundamentally un-Christian.

Such a ban is also unnecessary. The United States has the most rigorous refugee screening process in the world, involving the Department of Defense, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and National Counter Terrorism Center. The process includes biometric checks, medical screenings, forensic testing of documents, DNA testing for family reunification cases, and in-person interviews with highly trained homeland security officials.

As Episcopalians, we can take particular pride in our long history of refugee resettlement. Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) is one of nine refugee resettlement agencies in the United States, and since 1988, working under both Republican and Democratic administrations, we have welcomed more than 50,000 refugees in partnership with dioceses, congregations, community organizations and volunteers across the country. In 2015 alone, EMM helped resettle nearly 5,000 refugees in 30 communities by working with local partner agencies in 26 dioceses and 22 states.

Over the weekend, I spoke with the Rev. Canon Mark Stevenson, EMM's director, and assured him of my prayers and assistance as he and his team navigate these extraordinarily difficult times. Please remember the people of Episcopal Migration Ministries and the refugees they assist in your own prayers, and take this opportunity to learn more about this vital ministry of the Episcopal Church.

Today Rebecca Blachly, the director of the Episcopal Church's Office of Government Relations, and her team launched a new advocacy initiative called the 2x4 Fight for Refugees Campaign. I am going to participate, and I hope you will join me. When we join the campaign, we will commit to calling our national, state, and local elected officials four times during the next two months on behalf of refugees. You can learn more about the campaign and find advocacy materials online, and sign up for more advocacy alerts on this and other issues by joining the Episcopal Public Policy Network.

I suspect that in the coming months, we will be in touch with one another often as we learn new ways to advocate for the policies of General Convention and the witness of the Episcopal Church in the world. I look forward to working together and to being with all of you at General Convention in 2018.

Faithfully,

Gay Clark Jennings
President
 

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 April issue is March 23, 2017. 
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