Grant to us, Lord, we pray, the spirit to think and do always those things that are right, that we, who cannot exist without you, may by you be enabled to live according to your will;

through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

My dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

With the news of the fires on the islands of Maui and Hawaiʻi (“the Big Island”), I ask your prayers.

Lahaina was devastated. Historic Holy Innocents Church is on Front Street where the fire very quickly swept into old Lahaina town. Those old buildings made out of wood, went up in flames quickly. Some of the buildings destroyed date back to the days of whaling and when the town was the seat of the monarchy (early 1800s). Likely, this includes our church, Holy Innocents, based on an aerial photo sent to the office. The Sanctuary, vicarage, preschool and office appear to be completely gone (as does the public elementary school next door). Whole Lahaina neighborhoods are gone. Because of evacuations, downed landlines and cell towers, and the chaos of the situation, no one other than first responders are allowed into Lahaina, and we have had no first hand confirmation of the losses.

The clergy have reported in as safe.

What can you do? Many have asked how you can help through the Diocese with immediate response for relief efforts on Maui. The Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi is coordinating immediate diocesan relief efforts to the Lahaina fire disaster through the Diocese’s A CUP OF COLD WATER (ACCW) (a separately incorporated subsidiary of the Diocese that serves the houseless on Maui).

You can make an online donation through the Bishop’s Pastoral Fund HERE and also through the website of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi (the funds will be gathered and sent to ACCW).

You may also mail checks directly to:  A Cup of Cold Water, 2140 Main St., Wailuku, HI 96793

This is to help with immediate needs. The recovery efforts will take a very long time. 

We have been in touch with Episcopal Relief and Development and with the Church Insurance Company.

I urge you to pray: A PRAYER FOR THOSE FACING WILDFIRES.

We will share more as information becomes available.

Yours faithfully,

+Bob

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick

 (Pronouns: he, him, his)

Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities.

Nominations for Diocesan Council, Standing Committee, Cathedral Chapter, and Secretary to Convention, are now being accepted online. Resolutions are also being accepted. For information, instructions, deadlines, and online links, visit the Convention webpage HERE.

The Diocesan Council has made available the 2024 Draft Budget for review and comments. Click on the buttons further below to view the Draft Budget Numbers, Draft Budget Narrative, and to submit any comments to the Bishop. Please submit your comments by Friday, August 11, 2023.

ISLAND-WIDE VOLUNTEER EVENT FOR SEASON OF CREATION: The ecumenical and international creation care event known as the Season Of Creation is nearly here, beginning September 1 through October 4! We would love to promote this event and encourage congregations, schools, and communities on all of the islands to plan a day of service, work day, or other creation care/ environmental justice event during this time. You can then share photos and descriptions/stories of your event with the Revs. Jenn Latham and Brianna Lloyd HERE. With your permission, they will share these events and photos on our Creation Care and Environmental Justice webpage, and plan to compile them into a slideshow or video to share at Diocesan Convention.

SEASION OF CREATION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: If you are on Oʻahu, join us for a volunteer workday on September 16, 2023, from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, at Nā Mea Kūpono in Waialua, where we will learn about the ahupuaʻa and sustainability practices of the loʻi. We will help with the projects that the farmers have for us. Please contact the Rev. Jenn Latham HERE prior to September 1 to sign up.

For more information about the Season of Creation, download the flyer HERE (designed by Audrey, an ʻIolani student)! Feel free to use this poster in any promotional material.

Clergy Conference - August 14-16, 2023, Kaua'i

ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi Classes - Beginning September 5, 2023 through the school year

CONVENTION 55 & EDUCATION DAY - October 20-21, 2023, 'Iolani School, O'ahu

Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

The Diocesan Support Center (DSC) staff is ready to help answer your questions. Some of the most common topics are listed along with the person to contact. Click on the linked name to send an email.

BISHOP (meeting with): Nani (ext. 302)

Annual Meeting: Rae (ext. 326)

Archives: Rae (ext. 326)

Budget/Finance: Sam (ext. 306)

Communications/News/Website: Sybil

Congregational Membership: Sandy (ext. 309)

Diocesan Portfolio/Investments: Sam (ext. 306)

Hiring/Human Resources: Rae (ext. 326)

Monthly Statement: Fatima (ext. 307)

Ordination/Licensed Ministries: Nani (ext. 302)

Payroll: Sam (ext. 306)

Property (Contracts, Insurance, Agreements): Rae (ext. 326)

Safe Church: Nani (ext. 302)

Stewardship: Sandy (ext. 309)

Supply/Visiting Clergy: Nani (ext. 302)

Worship/Sacraments: Sandy (ext. 309)

Don't forget to visit our FORMS & DOCUMENTS page on the Diocesan website HERE.

Visit the Diocesan News Website for past articles and Special Announcements