December 8, 2021
This issue's header photo was taken at 'Iolani Palace, where the Diocesan Support Center team spent part of their annual retreat day attending the tour. From left, the Bishop, Danny Casey, Rae Costa, Steve Costa, Denise Esposito, Norma Chun and Canon Sandy Graham. (Photo by S. Nishioka)
Third Sunday of Advent
Stir up your power, O Lord, and with great might come among us; and, because we are sorely hindered by our sins, let your bountiful grace and mercy speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
From the Bishop
The Reverend George Lee
The Reverend George Lee (age 94) died on Friday, December 3, 2021. George was ordained a Priest in the Diocese of Western Massachusetts in 1958. He arrived in Hawaiʻi in 1966 to oversee the Urban Ministry Program (a ministry initiated throughout the Episcopal Church by the Executive Council). Through the years, he was the Vicar of St. Luke’s Church, Honolulu; Vicar of St. Philip’s (now named St. John the Baptist) Church, Māʻili; and Campus Minister at the Canterbury House (UH Manoa). In retirement, he was an active “member” (always in the pew and not at the altar) of St. Mark’s, Kapahulu.

Please keep Grace and the Lee family in your prayers.

O God, who hast made thy servant George to flourish among the Ministers of Apostolic Succession in the honorable office of a Priest: grant, we beseech thee, that he may also be joined with them in perpetual fellowship. Through thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Rest eternal grant him, O Lord, and let light perpetual shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

The Right Reverend Robert L. Fitzpatrick
 (Pronouns: he, him, his)
Bishop Diocesan
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

Bishop-in-Charge
The Episcopal Church in Micronesia
Be sure to stay informed with the Bishop's latest messages by clicking on the button shown. All video messages also appear on the Dioceseʻs YouTube Channel and Facebook page.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE
Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities.
First "Church Streamers" Gathering
On Wednesday, December 8, 2021, the Diocese held an online gathering of "church streamers" who are involved with the livestreaming of church services. The Rev. Cn. Sandy Graham hosted the event where folks shared their experiences and ideas to hopefully learn from each other. The gathering was also open to those who are not yet livestreaming but may be interested in the possibilities.

Over the past year and a half, the pandemic created a situation where people had to seek ways to communicate via the internet during a time of isolation. Churches explored, tested, and stepped up their efforts in online communications with great and sometimes unexpected results.

For those that were unable to join the gathering, the session was recorded and is available for viewing on the Diocesan website's CHATS webpage HERE. Also included is a link to the saved Zoom chat box that contains some helpful information. If you'd like to be included in future Communications discussions, sign up HERE.
The Talk Story Project Continues...
This month, the Retired Clergy Families Talk Story Project features the Rev. Bil Aulenbach, and the Rev. Charley Burger. Be sure to read their stories on the Talk Story Project page HERE, and check back again next month for more new authors!
Cool Congregations Challenge
Hurry! Deadline is December 15!
The Cool Congregations Challenge is an annual national contest to recognize “Cool Congregations” that are becoming energy efficient and sustainable role models within their communities. The contest is brought to you by Interfaith Power & Light, a nonprofit organization inspiring and mobilizing people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate. There are no fees to enter. Deadline for entries, December 15.

If your congregation has already taken steps to care for Creation apply for IPL’s Cool Congregations Challenge for the chance to win $1000. Projects can take place inside the worship space or other buildings, on the grounds, in congregants’ homes, or in the community. Due to Covid the project eligibility window has been expanded. Projects completed in 2019, 2020, and 2021 will be eligible to apply. Deadline Dec 15, awards announced in February. For more information and to apply, visit their website HERE.
CPG Connect: Worshipping Online: New World, New Risks
Episcopal churches have leaned into the tectonic shift in worshipping brought on by the persistence of COVID-19. Online services allow congregations to reach people near and far, swelling congregations in both size and geographic diversity. Today, as we tiptoe out of the pandemic, cyber worshipping continues. However, this new frontier is not without hidden risks.

“Yes, we have the traditional behind-the-big-red-doors format,” Barbara Martin, Canon for Administration, Episcopal Diocese of Maine, says. “But we also have streaming, podcasts, social media. I think it’s all a new and exciting way to worship and spread the gospel. And we know from data analyses that we are reaching more people in different places: in Florida, California, England—around the world.”

Yet financial risks loom—if churches fail to take precautions. READ MORE
Oʻahu Happenings
Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
Emmanuel Featured in ERD: Congregations That Inspire
In Episcopal Relief and Development's (ERD) recent giving campaign, Emmanuel was featured as a congregation that inspires! On Easter Sunday, the children supported ERD's "Gifts for Life" campaign by using the eggs they found during their Easter egg hunt. They donated clean water for three people totaling $105! Episcopal Relief & Development asks the world to “transform a life by giving a gift with a lasting impact.” We continued to be inspired by their ministry to the world! (From the Emmanuel monthly newsletter)
Epiphany Feeding Ministry
The Epiphany Episcopal Church Outreach Ministry Committee along with members and friends, provided lunch for Waikiki Youth Outreach on November 29, 2021. Approximately 60 ham and cheese sandwiches were made. Also, chips, pork & beans, bananas, apples, brownies and juice were provided. The staff was so grateful to receive this food to feed homeless youth in Waikiki. (Contributed photo)
Emmanuel's Foodbank Drive-By Event
Emmnuel Episcopal Church's Thanksgiving Drive-By Food Drive for the Hawai'i Foodback was a huge success! Many thanks to Pam Zoller and Carolyn Remedios for organizing the event, and to Joe Krueger and his LeJardin Academy students for volunteering and raising money. Mike Emerson delivered the huge pallet of collected goods to the Hawaii Foodbank! (From the Emmanuel weekly e-news)
St. Peter's: Caring & Sharing
Pictured above, the folks at St. Peter's have been busy caring and sharing with those who need some extra TLC. At left, an assortment of items were collected by the congregation for care boxes to be sent to the church's college students. Sharleen Kwok, Nancy Rowe and Junko Kobayashi-Uyetake packed them all up to be mailed. At right, St. Peter' K2P2 (Knit Two, Pray Too) knitting ministry delivered 16 colorful lap robes this month to their neighbors at Hope Lodge, run by the American Cancer Society. The Lodge provides free lodging and board for off-island patients receiving cancer treatment at O'ahu hostpials. (From the St. Peter's monthly newsletter)
Special Christmas Service Listing Coming soon!
A special Chronicle issue with Christmas services will be coming out next week! Churches who haven't already done so and would like their Christmas services included, should email info, supporting fliers, and/or graphics to TECH News HERE, by Monday, December 13.
Coming Up: Emmanuel Merry Little Christmas Party
Emmanuel Episcopal Church will be holding their 2nd annual Merry Little Christmas Party on Saturday, December 18, from 5:30-8:30 PM. Children's toys and non-perishable food items will be available (while supplies last) to families in need. For more info, download the flyer by clicking on the image. Emmanuel is located at 780 Keolu Drive in Kailua.
Kauaʻi Happenings
Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
KIA Thanksgiving Luncheon Success
The Kapa'a Interfaith Association's annual Thanksgiving Luncheon served 1,375 delicious turkey meals on Thanksgiving day. The annual event, which is normally held in the All Saints' Gym with entertainment, has had to shift to pick-up and delivery only due to COVID. The interfaith service was still held in the church with priests from several of the KIA churches involved, including the Rev. David Jackson of All Saints'.
Maui Happenings
Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
ACCW Restarts Kihei Run with Blessing
A Cup of Cold Water restarted their Sunday Kihei runs in November, with a blessing by Mtr. Heather Mueller at Trinity By-the-Sea. ACCW is always in need of donations, and is especially asking for light weight blankets as the winter season approaches. They are also in need of volunteers: Grant Writer, Run Leaders, Supply Room and Donation Coordinator. If you are interested, call (808) 419-1637. (Photos from the Good Shepherd newsletter)
Hawaiʻi Island
Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
St. Jude's Women's Bible Study Extends Around the Globe
St. Jude’s Women’s Bible Study continues to meet on Mondays with women located around the world. The month of November found us studying with women in Hawai'i, as well as Colorado, Vermont, Florida, Georgia and even Paris! Women's Bible study is open to anyone who is interested in digging into assigned scripture, while being accepting and open minded. The ability to laugh is also required. If you would like to join in or just check it out, please email Cindy Cutts for the Zoom link.
Rescheduled! Christmas Shoppe & Bake Sale at St. James'
St. James' Christmas Shoppe & Cheer has been rescheduled for this Saturday, December 11, 2021. Buy Christmas decor and baked goods in a festive setting on and around the Thrift Store Lanai from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM. Can't make it in person? The online silent auction has also been extended and will be closing at 7:00 PM, December 11. (To view auction items, click HERE)

All the proceeds will benefit community feeding programs, Kohala Animal Relocation and Education and the Hawaii Island Humane Society. Help us feed people and feed animals — and bring some needed Christmas cheer to our community — by contributing items to the bake sale or online auction, volunteering to staff the event, and wearing your favorite holiday apparel while there. Please contact co-organizer Jeanne Cooper via the parish office HERE to sign up or get more information.
The Episcopal Church & Beyond
Presiding Bishop joins interfaith support letter for Global Fund
[December 2, 2021] In a letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Michael Curry and other interfaith leaders highlight the urgency of ongoing support of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, noting that COVID-19 has slowed progress against those diseases. READ MORE
Photo: Reuters
Episcopal Church to reach 100,000 people served in 40 years of refugee resettlement services
[December 8, 2021] Episcopal Migration Ministries is nearing a milestone in the church’s 40-year history of participation in the U.S. refugee resettlement program: Sometime this month, the church will have helped more than 100,000 people establish new homes in the United States after fleeing war, violence and persecution in their home countries. READ MORE
Photo: Bob Smietana/RNS
As COVID continues, church-run food pantries, ministries adapt and expand
[December 7, 2021] On a cold, cloudy afternoon in late November, two dozen volunteers were busy unloading a truckload of food in the parking lot just south of St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, setting out a table filled with produce, staples and other groceries for that day’s drive-thru mobile food pantry. READ MORE
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Previously announced reminders:
Available for Purchase: Hawaiian BCP & Gospels
The Diocese has made available two very special publications for purchase:

  • The Hawaiian Book of Common Prayer, with over 400 pages of translated biblical scirpture liturgical prayers and orders of service, including King Kamehameha IV's preface as translated by him into English.

  • Nā ‘Euanelio Hemolele - This lectionary-sized book contains the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, in the Hawaiian-language, complete with diacritical marks. The book was a project of the Rev. Cn. Malcolm Naea Chun, 20 years in the making, and whose publication was funded by the Diocese's Commission on Native Hawaiian Ministry.

There is also an option to buy these as a set for a discounted price. To order your copies today click HERE.
STATE OF HAWAI'I COVID-19 PORTAL
Be sure to stay informed with all the latest COVID-19 updates in Hawai'i through the State's portal HERE. You'll find latest news updates, stats, media resources, information on Safe Travels, Vaccination sites, and much more. Quick links to separate County vaccine webpages are shown below:

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Contact Information
Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Contractor
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776
Contact HERE