Hawaiian Church Chronicle: Latest news in the Diocese

September 28, 2023

This issue's header photo was taken on Kaua'i where the Waiolahui'ia Center for Ministry's Class of 2023 held a graduation gathering for those on the ordination track. Pictured above are the recent graduates, continuing students, instructors and mentors. From L-R: the Rev. Diane Martinson (mentor), the Rev. Preston Lentz (guest speaker), Mary Margaret Smith (graduate), Jeannie Cooper (continuing student), Catherine MacPherson Tampos (graduate), Robert Bley-Vroman (continuing student), Suzanne Kobayashi (graduate), the Rev. David Jackson,(instructor), the Rev. Haaheo Guanson (Dean), the Rev. Ray Woo (instructor) (Contributed photo)

Proper 21

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

From the Bishop

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.

Misconduct: New Intake Officers Announced

The Diocese of Hawai'i is committed to creating and maintaining a safe space and place for all of God’s people, and adheres to standards of conduct and policies adopted by The Episcopal Church which define inappropriate behavior and conduct.

If you believe that you have experienced or are aware of incidents of sexual misconduct, or other behavior that may violate these standards of conduct or policies, you may make a verbal or written report by contacting one of the Diocese’s new Intake Officers. They are the Rev. Keith Wolter and the Rev. Ruth Peterson, both clergy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). They can be reached by confidential email HERE.

For more about The Episcopal Church's Title IV (Ecclesiastical Discipline) and reporting misconduct, visit the Diocesan website HERE.

LATEST CONVENTION 55 NEWS:

HURRY! REGISTER NOW!

All are invited to attend Education Day events & activities on Friday, October 20.

Convention delegates and clergy should be registered for Convention 55. Please check with your church to be sure you have been registered. All are invited to attend Friday's events that includes three Plenary Sessions ($35), Opening Convention Eucharist, and Aloha Reception with Hawaiian buffet ($15). For more information, click on the Education Day button below, that also includes a call for anyone interested in participating in the open choir during the Convention Eucharist..

NOMINATIONS & RESOLUTIONS NOW POSTED. VISIT THE CONVENTION 55 WEBSITE HERE FOR THE LATEST UPDATES AND INFORMATION!

SEEKING RECOVERY EFFORTS MISSIONER

The Diocese of Hawai'i is seeking a Recovery Efforts Missioner on Maui, whose purpose is to "coordinate the relief efforts of the ministries of Holy Innocents, A Cup of Cold Water, various government agencies, and other outreach organizations, and coordinate communications with the Diocese." This is a full-time position that reports directly to the Bishop. For a full description of the position, click HERE. Please submit resume and cover letter to Canon Sandy Graham by email HERE, or snail mail to: The Rev. Canon Sandy Graham, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813. Deadline to apply is Friday, October 13, 2023.

RELIEF FUNDS AVAILABLE

Help us… help you… help those affected by the Maui Wildfires!

Due to the generosity from people around the Diocese, country, and globe, we want to make sure we can help wherever help is needed. We are asking every congregation to think BIG on this one. For example, if there is someone you know (or have heard about) that has taken in family or friends who were displaced, they may find themselves with a tripled-or-quadrupled electricity bill that they hadn’t seen coming. Same goes for the increase in food and household living costs.

Assistance isn’t limited to just people currently on Maui (there are many who have taken people in on other islands), nor is it ever limited to Episcopalians. So combine your thinking hats and your generous hearts and let us know! To send a request for financial assistance, click on the button below:

Hawaiian Madonna & Child Posters Available for Pick-up

Churches are reminded to contact Executive Assistant Nani Carroll in the Diocesan Support Center, to arrange for pick-up or mailing of their copy of the Hawaiian Madonna and Child. As a tribute to Holy Innocents Episcopal Church that succumbed to the fire on Maui last month, the Bishop wanted every congregation in the Diocese to have and to display a print of the Hawaiian Madonna & Child mural that graced the wall behind the church's altar. The beautiful painting was created in 1940 by New York artist DeLos Blackmar, a long-time friend of then Vicar, the Rev. John Miller Horton. In a Chronicle article written in 1967, it states, "The painting was a thank offering for the great aloha shown him during his several months' stay." Look for a feature article coming soon with more about the art of Holy Innocents that was lost but not forgotten. Nani can be reached via email HERE or call her at (808) 536-7776, extension 302.

Episcopal Church Young Adult and Campus Ministry Grants Now Available

Episcopalians are invited to consider how their community might serve young adults—on and off college campuses—and apply for an Episcopal Church Young Adult and Campus Ministry grant for the 2024-25 academic year. The deadline to apply is November 13, 2023, with decisions announced in early 2024. Applicants are encouraged to use a discernment and planning guide prior to submission. Find application forms, selection criteria, sample applications, a timeline, budget guidelines, and more at this link.

Homesharing Hawai'i: Sharing One Home Can Change Two Lives

Homesharing Hawaiʻi is a project of Hawai‘i Intergenerational Network, a nonprofit with IRS 501(c)(3) status. Our program helps match individuals seeking a home with people who have a home to share. Two or more people share a home for mutual benefit. A person offers a private bedroom and shared common space in exchange for rent, help around the house or a combination of the two. Each home sharing arrangement is tailored to the unique needs and interests of the people involved. To learn more, visit their website HERE.

COMING UP: DISASTER PREPAREDNESS & FOOD SYSTEM RESILIENCE IN HAWAI'I - Mark your calendars! The Future of Food & Agriculture in Hawai'i Speaker Series presents a panel discussion on Thursday, October 15, 2023, from 5:00-8:00 PM. If you are interested in watching this discussion, complete the Interest Form HERE.

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

2024 FORMA - January 22-25, 2024, Virtual watch parties TBA

2024 Clergy Retreat - January 29-31, 2024, Camp Mokulēʻia, O'ahu

2024 Vestry Orientation (New or not!) - February 10, 2024 (Virtual)

2024 Spring Training - March 23, 2024, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, O'ahu

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

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

KAUA'I: Christ Memorial Welcomes New Vicar

On November 1, 2023, Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kilauea will welcome their new Vicar, the Rev. Catherine Amy Kropp. She comes from the Episcopal Diocese of Alaska where she has served as Associate Rector of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Anchorage.

Catherine Amy graduated from Yale Divinity School with two degrees: Master of Divinity (2017) and Master of Sacred Theology (2019). She has a passion for the sense of interconnectedness pertaining to social, ecological and racial justice, and she loves to explore the cosmic dimensions of Christianity within spiritual formation and parish ministry.

Catherine Amy is a registered Maine Guide and former high school math and science teacher with experience in outdoor education and leadership. She has guided groups of all ages on spiritual pilgrimages in Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Alaska, and the Northwest Territories.

Aloha & Welcome to Hawai'i Catherine Amy!

O'AHU: Epiphany Says A Hui Ho to Bishop Neil Alexander and Celebrates Mary Suekoa's Achievement

Epiphany Episcopal Church recently had the incredible honor of hosting Bishop Neil Alexander (second from right) as our guest preacher and celebrant at Holy Eucharist while Father Chris was on vacation. The congregation is filled with gratitude for the presence and wisdom he shared with us. Additionally, we are overjoyed to celebrate Mary Sueoka’s (far left) remarkable achievement as she takes on the role of Kumu Hula. These milestones in our life together exemplify the loving and dynamic spirit of Epiphany. (Contributed photo & caption)

O'AHU: Remembering Hale Mohalu at St. Elizabeth's

On Sunday, September 24, 2023, over 200 friends gathered at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Honolulu, to worship and remember the 40th anniversary of the Hale Mohalu eviction. That eviction sowed the seeds of over 500 affordable apartments for the elderly and other-abled now sitting on that sacred ground. There was a lot of delicious food, good friends-- both old and new-- and a testament to the power of faith and hard work. Thanks to all who joined in!! (From the St. Elizabeth's online newsletter)

O'AHU: This Weekend at The Cathedral The St. Andrew's Ringing Society Welcomes Visiting Bell Ringers from England

Saturday, September 30 - Bell Tower Tours given from 5:00-7:00 PM. This is a Diocesan-wide event, and all congregations are invited to visit and explore.
Sunday, October 1 - The Cathedral will be hosting a special Aloha Hour after the 10:00 AM service under the Aloha Tent. All are welcome to grab some refreshments and stay to hear bell ringing from StARS and our English visitors.

For more information, email the Cathedral Office or call (808) 524-2822. The Cathdral of St. Andrew is located at 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI.

HAWAI'I ISLAND: Coming Up - Fall Break Bible School at St. Columba's

St. Columba's in Pa'auilo will be offering a Fall Break Bible School that will run from Monday, October 9, through Friday, October 13, from 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM daily. Dinner is provided from 5:00-6:00 PM. The theme is Ready, Set, Move! and is open to all keiki and youth from age 4 and up! Register early to reserve your spot! For more information, contact Susan Acacio at (808) 895-2720, or email her.

LAY POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

OʻAHU: The Cathedral of St. Andrew - Seeking Volunteer Docents
OʻAHU: St. Stephen's Church, Wahiawa - Organist (Part-time)

The Episcopal Church & Beyond

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry out of ICU, continues hospital recovery

[9/24/23] Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has been moved from the intensive care unit of the hospital to a standard hospital room. He will continue his recovery there, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available, according to a Sept. 24 press release from The Episcopal Church’s Office of Public Affairs. READ MORE