Parish Newsletter January 18 & 19

January 17, 2020

Aloha our beloved parish 'ohana,

I n trading emails this past week with dear friend of our parish, the Rev. Morgan Silbaugh, Morgan asked that I pass along his best wishes to Brother David Vryhof. Brother David arrived yesterday and is leading several gatherings and talks as well as preaching. With Morgan’s permission, I share what he said: “Br. David was my spiritual director for a week’s silent retreat at Emory House in 1998. I remember well that he lent me a book with IN THE USE OF BROTHER DAVID VRYHOF instead of a more “it’s mine” notation. Savor your time with him and thank him for me for clear, sensitive guidance, lo these twenty years ago. Morgan.”

“IN THE USE OF” – Br. David hasn’t even begun his time of teaching with us and he already has me rethinking what I write in the books “I own.”

Please take advantage of Br. David’s being with us. Morgan and I promise it will be time well spent.

With Blessings,

David

If you are off-island and not able to join us in person, please try to do so via our Livestream, by clicking the red box. You can watch live at 9 AM HST or access recorded services if that is more convenient.

Click the blue box for the Scripture readings for this weekend's worship.

This week...

Episcopal Priest and Monk, Brother David Vryhof ( SSJE.org ), begins his time in residence with us.

To Love & Serve:

Volunteering as an ongoing blessing

TODAY Friday, January 17 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM .

Br. David's discussion will focus on the blessing of giving of your time and talent; reflecting upon ways to ground our service in spiritual truths; helping to avoid over-extending ourselves and perhaps feeling under-appreciated.

If you are a volunteer in one or more of our parish ministries or serve in some other capacity in the wider community or at home, please make every effort to attend. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP . For those who cannot attend, the session will be live-streamed.

Hawai'i Island Vestry Gathering

Saturday, January 18, 8:30 AM - Noon at St. James'. All parish vestry members and those nominated are asked to attend.

Forum on Forgiveness

Sunday, January 19, 10:30 - 11:30 AM, at St. James'.

Forum: "Forgiving and Being Forgiven: Some Guidelines."

Br. David preaching this weekend

January 18, 5 PM, Saturday Beach Mass, Kawaihae.

January 19, 7:30 & 9 AM, St. James' services, Waimea.

Next weekend with Br. David:

Jesus Is Calling:

Parish Mini-retreat/Workshop

Friday, January 24, 6 - 8 PM

& Saturday, January 25, 9 - Noon (please note ending time change) .

Have you sensed God 'calling' you to do something? Are you needing or longing for direction in this chapter of your life? When Christians speak of having a 'vocation' or responding to God's 'call,' what do we mean? How can we discern what our particular vocation(s) in life might be? This Friday evening session will focus on Jesus' own calling and using it as a template to consider our own sense of vocation.

Making decisions is a part of life, great and small. On Saturday morning, we'll explore the role of prayer and making life choices. How can we learn to recognize the movement of the Spirit in our prayer as we consider the choices before us? Br. David, a gifted spiritual director, will help us reflect on how we discern whether the options before us represent the "will of God" for our lives.

Attending both sessions would be ideal, as they are interconnected. However, you are welcome to attend either as your schedule permits. Friday's gathering will be potluck. At Saturday's session, we will provide "breakfasty" items and finish before lunch. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP .

Br. David preaching at St. Columba's

January 26, 9:30 AM, St. Columba's', Pa'auilo.

Individual Spiritual Direction

Spiritual direction is the practice of being with people as they attempt to deepen their relationship with the divine, or to learn and grow in their own personal spirituality. The person seeking direction shares stories of his or her encounters of the divine, or how he or she is cultivating a life attuned to spiritual things. The director listens and asks questions to assist the directee in his or her process of reflection and spiritual growth. The focus of a spiritual direction session is on the person seeking direction and his or her relationship with the divine; spiritual direction is not psychotherapy, counseling, or life coaching.

These are 1/2 hour, one-on-one, sessions in which you will be provided a list of questions to help you think through what would be the best use of this time. There is no donation asked. There are a limited number of times offered, so please contact our rector, David , ASAP if you would like to discuss meeting with Br. David.

PARISH CALENDAR IN BRIEF

CLICK HERE

DIOCESE NEWS

CLICK HERE

BIBLE STUDIES UPDATED

CLICK HERE

UPCOMING YOUTH ACTIVITIES

CLICK HERE

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

CLICK HERE

COMMUNITY CALENDARS

CLICK HERE

COMMUNITY NOTICES UPDATED

CLICK HERE

REGULARLY SCHEDULED PARISH EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES UPDATED

CLICK HERE

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Save the Date

~ Parish Annual Meeting at St. James' ~

Wednesday, January 29th, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Please save the date for our parish annual meeting. Please note start time . We will review our hopes and dreams and the 2019 budget and hold an election for Vestry positions and Diocesan Convention delegates.

Please bring a dish to share for potluck dinner.

We are in need of office assistance

We need office angels who will greet visitors, answer phones, and help out with various other tasks such as copying and folding bulletins and other church materials. There are days when it may be a bit slower, so please bring a good book, or, since we do have internet access here, feel free to bring your laptop or iPad. The link to sign up for a time slot can be found here: https://doodle.com/poll/bsnk593z79hrr7b4

Beautiful Baptisms at St. James' at the 9 AM service on January 12, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord. Take a quick peak at the video of pictures.

We joyfully welcomed Betty Hanna and Leia Kamanu-Rice into the household of God. We promised to support them in their life in Christ. Hallelujah!

Computer Difficulties

David, our rector’s, computer is in the shop being repaired. He may have lost a few emails while it has been down. If you reached out to him and have not heard back, please resend your email. Mahalo for your understanding.

EnrolI Now!

We are drawing close to the time to start our new year of EfM. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact our certified EfM mentors Elsbeth McKeen or John Sucke. Talk to them or any of our priests about registering. The annual fee for the course materials is just $10.46 per week, payable in advance ($375). St James’ oﬀers financial help to all who need it to make sure all who are interested can participate in this course.

Meeting time and day to best accommodate the schedules of participants and those who have expressed interest in joining is likely to be Saturdays, most likely in the early afternoon, but the final choice of time and day will be made during the first meeting.

Registration and a minimum number of participants is required in order to be able to conduct the class. We have 4 returning participants and need a minimum of 2 more to qualify. Please contact David+, John Sucke , (phone 808-885-4495) or Beth McKeen for additional information or to register.

On behalf of the Stewardship Committee, it is a pleasure to share with everyone the results of the fall and early winter Stewardship Campaign. To date, pledges totaling $379,758 were received from a record 166 households. These gifts represent an increase of 11 over last year and 62 since 2016. We have been blessed with many new members joining St. James’ over recent years. As well, the total dollars have increased proportionately. This has been a great blessing as we have sought to meet the needs of our growing parish and achieve a balanced budget.

We are pleased to announce that our new online giving site is up and running. Mahalo to all who helped set up this new easier way of giving. Click the box to give it a try!

Make My 2020 Pledge

After you click the link above you'll be taken to the new giving page. Click on the FUND bar and change it to "My pledge for 2020." You have the option to make your pledge a "one-time" gift or "recurring."

Mahalo for joining in supporting what God is doing in

and through our parish 'ohana!

St. Columba's celebrated the Baptism of Jesus this past Sunday with the Keiki acting out the Baptism. Under the tutelage of Raina Dale, they brought their props and told the story of the Baptism of Jesus. Jesus was a stuffed white lamb, John the Baptist was a bear wearing camouflage, and the Holy Spirit was a multi-colored parrot. It was perfect!! Well done to our keiki and Raina!

COME ONE COME ALL to St. Columba's this Sunday, January 19th at 9:30, for the debut performance of our Ukelele Strummers. They have been practicing every Tuesday since November and they will be playing a riveting rendition of JESUS LOVES ME . Under the watchful eye and amazing Ukelele teaching of Aunty Alice Ishii, they have learned chords, finger placement and strumming. Mahalo nui Aunty Alice for your patience and making it so fun!

"He ‘olina leo ka ke aloha"

Joy is in the voice of love.

E KOMO MAI, GARRETT!

We were delighted to welcome Garrett Webb back to leading the music at Beach Mass on a drizzly Kawaihae afternoon.

As sunset is closer to 6 PM during these winter months, we will be preaching shorter sermons to make sure we are pau before twilight. Mahalo for your understanding!

KAWAIHAE HARBOR, SATURDAY, 5 PM

Patricia Eckstrom, Sarah, Gloria Seiden, Narcisa Yagin, Nicole Anderson, Marlene Thees, Trevor, Carl Stanforth, Brad Young, Monica Parker, Gladys Takeya, Gerry Goodenough, Monique Abbasi, Jack A, Isaac DeRego, James Knox Everett, Israel Kahoopii, Pedro Ka'awaloa, Jane Cook & Family, Eleanor Mendias, Mark & Kay Segal, Maurice Cecil & Pukaua Summer Sommers, Betty Santorio, Cheyanna Lahnum, Jesse Osmun, Mary Avery, Alex Ka'aua, the Reyes family, Vicky Tagaca, Steven, Kaipo Young, Nancy Davidson, Tony Abbott, Guy Piltz, Eli Ching, Shawn & Stephanie, Heidi Barnett, Gilmore family, Loreen Hackwalter, Paterno Balmilero,Jerry Reyla, Greg Sliva, Frank Wallace, Berlinda Tolson, Maelle Wolfe, Nancy Maleno, Joyce Horrie, Sheila McKibbin, Zebediah Smith, Sterling & Lynette, Laurel Koehler, Gael Burke, Riley Furlong, Debbie Roberts, Nona Hasagawa, Herman Medeiros,, Elizabeth Agustin, Stanley, Yoko & Tim Donavan, Tali & Tom McCall, Syndi Texiera, Kayla Uyeda, and Baby Uyeda, Adi, Ron Teter, family & friends of Alan Ackerman, Laurie Rosa's brother, Kelly Keays & sons, Sara Ryan, David Bowman, Sheri Mariscal, family & friends of Sylvia Ravaglia, Kitty Olsen, Shea, Chaunda, & Zealand Rodrigues, Karen Sanchez, Family & friends of Susan Acacio's Peggy Rein, Oaklyn Kaaekuahiwi, Ann Hutuff, Susan & Max Maxey, Barbara Leighton ++

If you would like to be added to the Prayer List or would like to add someone else (please get their permission first), call the parish office at 808-885-4923 or email at prayer@stjameshawaii.org by the Tuesday before you would like the name to appear in the bulletin. Please mention 'Prayer List' in the Subject line of the email to Jacque so that she knows it's not a spam email from someone she doesn't know personally.

Names will remain on the list for 4 weeks. You must then request to have the name added again.

In the back of the church are note cards. Please take 5 to 10 cards and envelopes home with you. Use them to reach out to one another and those in the wider community.

Please keep in your thoughts and prayers parishioners who are unable to be with us in worship. Please reach out to them and let them know they are missed.

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Gerry Goodenough

PO Box 988

Kamuela, HI 96743

Tepa Farias

PO Box 1152

Kamuela, HI 96743

The Rev. Guy Piltz

PO Box 1973

Kamuela, 96743

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Please keep in your prayers our Keiki, Youth, and Family Ministries Coordinator, Susan Acacio and her family at the death of her mother, Peggy Rein. Notes of love and support may be sent to Susan and Cisco at 64-5261 Kipahele St , Kamuela, HI 96743.

May Peggy’s soul and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise to Glory.

Do you know of someone else to whom we could reach out?

Please get their permission first, then contact the parish office to have them added to the list. email here or telephone at 808-885-4923

Birthdays: Jan. 18 - Eva Bauman; Jan. 19 - Monique Abbasi, Lisa Winbourne; Jan.20 - Cayden Oshiro, Kalani Ryusaki-Phillips, Linda West; Jan. 21 - Coe Atherton; Jan. 22 - Gale Bates

Anniversaries:

Remembrances:

Click to submit your upcoming special dates

Navigating the Blessings of a Growing Church

While many of the congregations of the mainline denominations are struggling with the challenges that come from decline in membership, we are being blessed with the challenges that come with growth. The growth in worship attendance prompts us to consider a few changes to the configuration of our beloved church.

The organ pipes have almost all been removed from the loft in the center of the church. The vestry hopes the loft will be removed soon (hopefully by mid-February). This will completely open up the ceiling to our worship space. The money received from the sale of the pipes should cover the cost of the loft removal and any cosmetic needs. The removal of the loft will also help to allow sound from the altar to freely flow throughout the church eliminating sound issues we currently experience.

The second change is for us to extend the sanctuary/altar area to fit the piano and choir so to be more conducive to our worship by bringing together the worship leaders, clergy, musicians, and servers. This layout is more typical of many Episcopal churches. The change will help with the flow of our liturgy in several ways. One way in particular is at the 9 AM service during the administration of Holy Communion. This layout would allow for some needed space for when our little ones have returned from Godly Play, for when coffee hour is being readied, provide a separation for when our musicians are offering their talents, and give more space for the Sound/Video ministry operators.

A special mahalo to Jerry Nelson and Denise Ray in providing a rendering of the reconfiguration. As you can see, the first two pews on each side of the front of the church will be moved to the back, where the piano currently is and adjacent to it. Know also that the main renovations of the sanctuary platform and the re-carpeting of the church are being paid for by a generous donation. We are also exploring new lighting and extending the koa wood paneling in the sanctuary area. But this is something we can consider down the road. Please let your vestry and clergy know of your thoughts regarding the reconfiguration.

As we think about how we have grown, it may be helpful to remember that the area where the pews are located is called the “Nave.” It is the root word for “Navy.” Looking up from inside the nave to the roof above, it looks much like the upside-down hull of a boat. The Church is often represented as a boat; a fitting image for our journey together. It is a journey that these past several years has led to some wonderful growth, certainly in numbers, but most importantly in love of God, care for one another, and outreach to those in need. Our church continues to be a holy, sacred space where we offer our prayers and thanksgivings, share in our joys and sorrows, and most importantly are encouraged to hold fast to our hope in Christ. May we sail into the future God has for us, trusting in God’s guidance.

After School Tutoring resumed January 15th. There are volunteer opportunities available to participate in this important program. You don't need to be a teacher to make a difference in a keiki's life. What a great way to start off the New Year! See Susan Acacio, our Youth Ministry Coordinaotr, to register or volunteer for any of the youth programs or events.

Godly play was filled with excitement last Sunday as Leia talked about her upcoming baptism with Aunty Maureen and I and wondered about what it would be like. As she was the only child in Godly Play today, she helped tell the story of Epiphany, which means “showing forth”. We reviewed the Advent story and then returned to the Magi, the wise three kings who followed a “wild star” to Bethlehem. The focus of this story is the special gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold that they brought to “the One who would change everything”. We looked at real frankincense and myrrh, and put them in the candle flame so we could smell their wonderful fragrance. We changed the light of the Christ Candle and watched as the smoke filled up the room getting thinner and thinner until we couldn’t see it at all. This helped to remind us that just because we can’t see the light anymore, doesn’t mean that it’s not still there.

Susan Acacio

Youth Ministry Coordinator

youth@stjameshawaii.org

808-895-2086

UPCOMING YOUTH ACTIVITIES

CLICK HERE

Please contact Susan Acacio, Youth Ministry Coordinator, for further information on any of our events and/or to volunteer.

Blessings,

Susan Acacio

Youth Ministry Coordinator

youth@stjameshawaii.org

808-895-2086

Thrift Store Lanai Progress

Mahalo for your understanding as the Thrift Store Lanai project is being completed. We had a bit of a setback in the pouring of cement as the cement truck became stuck a hole that opened up underneath the truck’s back tire. It was 25 foot deep and about 6 – 8 foot wide old cesspool that had been caped but not filled. Big mahalos to Malu, our Sexton, and Matt, our Thrift Store Lanai contractor, for their working with West Hawaii Concrete and to get their truck free. Mahalo to parishioner Mike Camp, for upon hearing of the situation called and asked, “How can I help?” He came straight over with his equipment and helped fill it in with gravel. It is a blessing that the no one was hurt and that the hole did not open up underneath a car. The cement truck being freed was met with huge cheers from the keiki at the Country School who had lined the fence to watch.

We are scheduled to have the concrete poured the end of next week. Again, mahalo for your understanding.

From Steve Kittell

SHOWERS OF MERCY!

It all started as a still, sunny evening in Waimea. As the community gathered for dinner, just as the Pule as about to begin, the skies let loose with a huge deluge of rain so loud it drowned out Father David...…"Showers of Mercy" he declared and we all agreed. And then, just as quickly as it had begun, it stopped, the clouds moved on and we had a cool but dry dinner. None of that dampened the mood in the Pavilion where a huge crowd was fed. We served 292 meals in the Pavilion (almost 100 more than last week!), including 58 keiki. Adding in the deliveries (116), we had a grand total of 408 meals served.

And what a meal it was! Another night for wonderful COMFORT FOOD!. Chef Melanie Holt whipped up another old favorite with her Chicken Pot Pie which was a great crowd pleaser. In addition, our fantastic kitchen crew made a hearty Carrot & Veggie Soup; Rice; Bread; Roasted Veggies & Chard; Kale Salad; Mixed Green Salad with tomatoes & cucumbers and an unusually large assortment of desserts. Just Right!

Long time volunteer Stanley, who has been a constant at Community Meal, was HOME and joined us at the meal. It was so wonderful to see his smiling face and give him a hug. WELCOME HOME STANLEY. And the celebratory mood was further heightened by crowd favorite MARCELINO who tonight was beautifully assisted by the lovely Terri who not only sang and accompanied him but also offered up several very special hula. Mahalo Marcelino & Terri.

Our SPONSOR for the meal was WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL who have long supported Community Meal by providing enthusiastic volunteers a couple of times a month during the school year. But this was the first time that they also sponsored a meal themselves. MAHALO NUI LOA TO WAIMEA MIDDLE SCHOOL. A special shout out to Peahi Education Group volunteers who have also been coming to help serve periodically and are a great addition to the Meal. As usual we also want to thank our student volunteers from HPA and Parker who come most weeks and are a fine help. And of course Mahalo Nui Loa to all our volunteers who shop, chop, prep, cook, deliver, set up, assist with parking, serve, break down and clean up......we truly could not continue without the help of every one of you.

Wisdom Corner

"When you come to the edge of all the light you have know and are about to step out into the darkness, faith is knowing one of two things will happen..there will be something to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly."

INVITATION

A serious, adult sensibility can be stifling. As Savior, Jesus names us beloved children. A childlike freedom, perspective, and belonging furthers our salvation. In this new year, listen for God’s invitations to step out and risk, to look low, and to relax into love.

-Br. Luke Ditewig, SSJE