Our Beloved Parish 'Ohana,

This Advent season, St. James' Parish is blessed to have within our midst Bishop Bob and Liz Gilles. Their wit, wisdom, and profound teaching are an amazing addition to our season of Advent. We are thankful for the Advent Study, The Promised Dawn, to aid us in our Advent journey.

This past week Bishop Bob brought us face to face with the prophets, especially Amos. He taught us that Amos was not the sort of individual you would like to have over for a nice evening meal! But when Bishop Bob said that prophets are very much like ancestors, it clicked. Of course, the prophets are our ancestors. Our ancestors have given us wisdom down through the ages and the stories that we tell our children. When we talkstory about our ancestors, we are bringing the past into the present. Without the before, the present makes no sense.

The eruption this week of Mauna Loa has brought many to sit and talk story about our ancestors, the 'aina, the history and the mana of the mountain. We are not unlike those who sat around campfires and listened to the prophets of old. We also, look to our past and prepare for the future as the present is being lived.

This week’s lesson for the 2^nd Sunday in Advent, brings us face to face with John the Baptist. Another prophet that we wouldn’t want to bring home for a nice meal either; his diet was locusts and wild honey! John the Baptist was a prophet that brought the ancestors to the forefront, telling everyone that the past has now become the present in the personhood of Jesus. The God of the universe has entered the world in the form of a human being, and we must listen to him. John the Baptist, the prophet, our ancestor, speaks to us today as loudly as he spoke then. We need to sit around the fire, talkstory, and remember our ancestors who told us how to live, love, and worship. I pray this Advent season, you may be able to sit and commune with your ancestors, to listen in quiet, and to heed their advice.

As you prepare for the coming of the Christ, come sit around our parish's campfire.

May you have a blessed and peaceful Advent season.

Linda+



New Member Welcome Weekend, December 3 & 4

If you have come to see St. James’, St. Columba’s, or the Beach Mass as your spiritual home, we hope that you will allow us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate your becoming a member of our parish family. On Saturday, at our Beach Mass, and on Sunday morning at Sunday morning services, we’ll do just that! Come, sit anywhere you wish and come forward at the appointed time in the liturgy. Nervous about coming forward? Don’t be, just come stand by one our clergy. We’re up front every week and we will be glad stand with you! 

What is required to be a member? Two things: 1) You are baptized. The Episcopal Church recognizes any baptism done with water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; 2) You have a desire to be a part of this local congregation by regular attendance and support.

Questions about becoming a member? Contact one of our clergy. There is also information on our website. If you are not baptized, our clergy would be thrilled to talk to you about becoming baptized. The next scheduled baptism is at the 9:30 AM service at St. James' on December 18th.

Scottish Episcopal Bishop Bob Gillies will be preaching at the 5 PM Beach Mass and St. James' Sunday morning services this weekend, Dec 3 & 4.

He preached last Sunday at St. Columba's. (pictured here)

This Week's Worship Schedule:

We continue to provide the option to join in worship online, at the beach in the open air, broadcast over FM radio so you may stay in your car, and in the church. In the church we are keeping the windows and doors open for better air flow in the church. This means you may want to wear a jacket or bring a lap blanket, as it has been chilly in Waimea. Ultimately, you must do what you feel comfortable doing to feel safe. Those at higher risk are strongly encouraged to wear a mask. We are offering the chalice of wine. However, be reminded that receiving in "one kind" (bread only) is understood as full communion.

Three ways to join in worshiping virturally

In addition to Sunday School being offered at St. Columba's, Godly Play has started at St. James'. Mahalo to all who helping teach the stories of our faith to our keiki!

Faith and Fear

“A few years ago I met with a church in the Southeast. They had an $8 million endowment and were spending nothing from it. When I asked why, they said one never knew when it might be needed—there could be a hurricane, for example, and they might need to rebuild the church. The Bible tells us not to worry about tomorrow. God will provide, it teaches. It doesn’t argue against possessions, but rather against possessiveness. When we act out of fear—a desire to grasp, to hold onto rather than share what we have—we diminish the power of our God. If we have faith the size of a mustard seed, Jesus said, it is enough to move mountains. By hoarding possessions to guard against a possible catastrophe, we miss the abundance of God’s blessings. Remember the parable of the talents.

Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back. (Luke 6:38)."

Kenneth H. Quigley

Senior Program Director,

Endowment Management Solutions, Episcopal Church Foundation

From Andi Kaida

Acolyte returns 62 years later!

Harry, seen below with Julie Mattson and Rona, was an acolyte at St. James' 62 yeaes ago when a student at HPA. He lives in Waiki'i Ranch and had met David before, but he identified as a visitor.

Our Sunday morning Coffee Hour post-Thanksgiving feast, thanks to the leftovers of Community Meal. Many enjoyed being fed & sharing conversation. 

We can still use volunteers for Christmas Bazaar set up inside church 9-noon and 1 to 4 Thursday and Friday (Friday will also include bake sale setup) and Saturday morning to put up tent, bake sale tables and children's craft tables (8am-9:30am). Mahalo nui!

Our Christmas Bazaar plans for 2022 are coming together! We will host the Christmas Shoppe inside the church on Saturday, Dec. 10, from 9:30am to 1:30pm, with setup on Friday, Dec. 9, approximately 1 to 4pm. Some very special art and antiques will be offered by silent auction with Buy It Now options.

Also on Saturday, Dec. 10, 9:30 to 1:30, we will host a bake sale under a big tent across from the Thrift Store, where we will also serve free hot drinks (coffee, tea and hot chocolate) and offer live music from 10 to noon. We're looking into a food truck and Christmas craft or activity for children. Rainbow Friends will have a special table for dog food donations and may be offering dog-walking or other items as thank-yous. 

Volunteers and bake sale donors are needed. Please see signup sheets for the bake sale and Christmas Shoppe at St. James' or contact Jeanne Cooper via the parish office. Mahalo!

OUR ADVENT PROGRAM

Our Parish 2022 Advent Series: THE PROMISED DAWN Continues for two more weeks.



Scottish Episcopal Bishop and friend of our parish, Bob Gillies and his wife, Liz, are in-residence. As Bishop Gillies writes, “We’re entering a new chapter of our lives, post-Pandemic (or at least post whatever we were in and what we are entering into now). It’s like we’ve been through a long night and the dawn is just ahead but not quite here yet. We need to talk about that. The daily reflections/meditations I have written (sent out via email or by requesting a printed copy from your clergy) along with attending the once-a-week gatherings will help that. I believe clearly that God is bringing us all together for this Advent. We’ve been through so much that’s been difficult and, for many, deeply dark; we are needing to be reminded of the ‘promised dawn’ to give strength to face  today, encouragement for what lies ahead and preparation for why we will soon celebrate the birth of Jesus.”

Our first 'in person' Advent program since 2019!

3 TUESDAYS @ 5:30 PM at St. Columba’s. Pau by 6:30 PM. (Beginning Nov. 29) You are invited to bring a pupu to share at 5 PM. Drinks provided.

3 WEDNESDAYS @ 5:30 PM at St. James’. Pau by 7 PM. (Beginning Nov. 30). We’ll begin with Holden Evening Prayer, followed by a light supper of which you are invited to sign up to bring a soup, salad, or bread to share. Drinks provided. You will also be able to join online. If you are planning to attend the Wednesday Advent Program in person and would like to sign up to bring a dish to share Click Here

Daily Meditations. Bishop Gillies has written a reflection for us for everyday of Advent. If you already receive the parish email newsletter, the first week's devotions will arrive Sunday, November 27th, and following weeks will arrive on subsequent Sundays. You may also request a printed copy of the devotions from the Parish Office at Office@StJamesHawaii.org or (808) 885-4923. If you would prefer to download the entire set of meditations CLICK HERE

Mark your calendars and please plan on joining us.

Let God’s words through our biblical ancestors speak to you

— and respond with a tender heart as God directs.

Looking ahead: Upcoming important dates, gatherings and events (Regularly updated)

December 3 & 4

Second Sunday of Advent with the welcoming of new members

December10

Christmas Bazaar/Shoppe and Bake Sale

December Tuesdays  (St. Columba's) Wednesdays (St. James')

Advent Evening Prayer & Program with Scottish Bishop Bob Gillies in residence

December 24-January 3, 2023

Thrift Store closed from Christmas & New Yearʻs

December 24 (Saturday) 

Christmas Eve

5 PM Beach Mass Christmas Eve Service at Kawaihae

5 PM St. Columba's Christmas Eve Service in Pa'auilo

7:30 PM St. James' Christmas Eve Service in Waimea

December 25 (Sunday)

Christmas Day

7:30 & 9:30 AM at St. James' in Waimea

9:30 AM St. Columba's in Pa'auilo

December 31 (Saturday)

New Year's Eve

All Things Christmas

Greening of the Church - St. James', Saturday, December 17th at 9 AM

The Annual Greening of St. James’ Church will be on Saturday, December 17^th from 9 AM until pau. Volunteers will be needed to help with the decorating - this is always a fun time as we ready the Church for the Christmas services. The more help we get the more fun we have! Donations of Greens including cypress, magnolia, cedar, pine, holly, mac nut, eucalyptus, or other longer lasting foliage as well as volunteers to put things together are encouraged to come assemble the window swags and garlands that will adorn the Church. It may be a little more difficult to get quality materials this year because of the dry conditions, so please search your yards and your neighbor's yards so we will have enough to work with. Please bring your own clippers, wire cutters and gloves. The more help we get the more fun we have! If you have any questions, please contact Terri Greenwell at 808-885-8038.

Christmas Poinsettias

It’s time to make your donations towards the Christmas Poinsettias that will adorn the Altar area this Christmas and into the New Year. Donations can be made in Honor of or in Remembrance of those we love and hold in our hearts. The suggested donation is $15 dollars per name submitted. The Poinsettias will be displayed through the Christmas Season until Epiphany and then shared with homebound parishioners who Father David and Reverend Marnie visit and take Communion to. Please fill out the form located in your bulletin. Please contact the Parish Office if you have any questions. CLICK HERE to make your donation and reserve your poinsettia.

St. Columba's was the place to be Tuesday night as the Advent Study, "The Promised Dawn' was presented by Bishop Bob Gilles. We started with pupu's and then settled down with a beverage and pie to enjoy the study. Those who attended both in person and online were treated to good solid teaching and heartfelt reflections. We ended with Night Prayer from the New Zealand Prayer Book. Thank you, Bishop Bob, for a wonderful study.

CLICK BELOW FOR SLIDESHOW OF SUNDAY SERVICES

What an extraordinary day for worship this past Sunday at St. Columba's. Bishop Bob Gilles and his lovely wife Liz blessed us with their amazing presence and humor. Bishop Bob and Liz rang the bell to begin the service and lei was presented. The lei was handmade by parishioner Pat Anderson using antique polished kukui nuts. We then settled in to hear Bishop Bob preach the Good News and everyone hung on every word. Thank you, Bishop, for a gifting us with your wisdom and teaching. 

Hau'oli la Hanau

Happy Birthday was sung, and a candy cane filled with chocolate was presented to our birthday boys, Alakai'i Adams and Zyler Silva. Zyler was not able to be present this Sunday, but his brother Napu took the candy cane for him, promising not to eat it! Happy Birthday!!

Vog Makes for a beautiful sunrise over

St. Columba's

The Bells are Ringing!

St. Columba's will be ringing bells for the Salvation Army on Saturday's December 3rd and December 17th at Malama Market in Honoka'a from 8 AM to 6 . Anyone wishing to join in the fun, please come with a happy smile and a warm heart! If you have any musical instruments, please bring them as well. We will make a joyful noise unto the Lord! 

Save The Date!! - Dec 18, 9

On December 18th, the Sunday School will be putting on their Keiki Christmas Pageant. This year's pageant is entitled 'E Como Mai' and it is sure to be a classic. The pageant will be held during worship service, and everyone is welcome to come and join the fun. 

Christmas Eve service, will be held at 5 PM with full potluck feast and Christmas Day service will be held at the usual Sunday service time of 9:30 AM with coffee and Christmas cookies after service.

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.

Patricia Eckstrom, Nicole Anderson, Trevor, Monica Parker, Gladys Takeya, Monique Abbasi, Jack A, Isaac DeRego, James Knox Everett, Maurice Cecil & Pukaua Summer Sommers, Betty Santorio, Cheyanna Lahnum, Jesse Osmun, Alex Ka'aua, Vicky Tagaca, Paterno Balmilero, Jerry Reyla, Greg Silva, Berlinda Toson, Maelle Wolfe, Joyce Horie, Riley Furlong, Matthew Latshaw, Wendy Geyer-Nixon, John Nixon, Nick Obrastoff, Wm. Dean Mitchell, Vicki Nilles, Suzanne & Jimmy Knowles, Dallas Gomes, Coe Atherton, Annette Pippin & family, Gail Lewis, Cindy Sharp, Kathy Smith, Sheri Mariscal, Scott Byron, Paul Lee, Jean Cherrigan, Annette Labonte, Shawn Elkins, Michele Beavins, Brayden Geronimo, Bobi Stewart, Becky Simmett, Ayden R, Zebadiah Smith, Jesse Smith,Toniann Campbell, Sarah, Rudy Padilla, Arnold Hara, Merry Barton, Charles (Chuck) Pryor, Malia Hurtado, Ramona Cannon, Nicholas Nelson, Dale R., Jerry Kremkow, Debbie Hartzel, Elsbeth McKeen, Kathy Huckabay, Roen Hufford, Mark Hummer, Charley Heath, Paul Shepardson & his ‘ohana, Larry Brown, Buzz Hollander, Nik Watkins, Meela, Steve Kittell; and as we pray for those who have recently died we remember nā ‘0hana of Susannah Rice-Kamanu at the death of her sister Randall M. Rice, of Zina Mercil and her mother at the death of her father ++

Anniversaries

Bryan & Jennifer Burr (12/04)

Braley & Dianne Pastorino (12/07)

Birthdays

Nancy Edmonson (12/03)

Maureen McLaughlin (12/05)

Landy Luther (12/08)

Jeanne Abe (12/9)

Tony Teare (12/09)

Remembrances

Rosemary Rasmussen (12/05)

Dave Warner (12/05)

MAHALO TO OUR SPONSORS:

Parker School 'Ohana

and

Eric Ewing & Bruce Redman

From Gregory

First of all, thank you to our sponsors: Parker School 'Ohana, Eric Ewing and Bruce Redman. We appreciate your support.

So after a wonderful Thanksgiving this week we were able to serve some more delicious turkey in a casserole. Included in the casserole was a lot of broccoli, eggs, cream of mushroom soup, mayonnaise, onion, garlic and cheese. It was easy make because the turkey was already shredded and the broccoli was super easy to rough cut. I would have eaten it on a ball of rice or pile of noodles with butter. Another good meal thanks to a lot of people. Janice and Warren each baked a box of cookies. Connie, her friend and a lot of other people worked on the cookies too. Rick was invaluable, Katie works constantly. Sue was all over the place. Deb and Ron had their regular places - chopping anything requested. There is a whole additional crew that shows up for distribution.

We needed a lot of ovens this week - 31 trays are a challenge. Thanks to all that showed up and took some home to cook. As we come to the end of 2022 there is a lot to be thankful for. St. James’ has fed many people over the last several years. None of this could have happened without the input of lots of people. A lot of the volunteers are regulars. You wonder what drives them to come to work week after week. They are good people who feel a sense of responsibility to their community, brothers and sisters. After I worked Thanksgiving morning with the team, I ended up delivering a few meals to customers I transferred with SpeediShuttle over the last couple of months. These folks didn’t have a way to get a real Thanksgiving meal because of different issues. After delivering these meals and sitting for a few minutes with them I was struck again by how much we need to help one another, make sure these good people are fed and cared for.

I cannot imagine waiting for a meal to be delivered by someone I hardly know. I learned a long time ago from my mom about being generous and giving. This is the time of year when a lot of people step up their giving and contributing. Whatever it takes - give it a try. Help someone with a ride, or a hand fixing something, or a few dollars so someone can get something they really need. I would suggest the community needs the food we are distributing or we would not have over 700 weekly participants. And we deliver food to the fire stations in the area - those guys are something else. It is not unusual for me to interrupt a meal being prepared at the station. I’d bet they have a guy or two who can cook in the department that do a majority of the cooking for the station. It always feels good to take a box into the building and the guys are so appreciative. More good work by the church.

Lastly, you have to be amazed by this place that we live. I mean the last two mornings I came to work I notice the glow of the volcano going off on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Think about it - life goes on around an eruption of such magnitude that it may compromise travel from one side of the Island to the other. UNBELIEVABLE! And if you have not made an attempt to see it - you better get going because this has not happened in 40 years and might not happen again for another 40. The views are incredible and people are coming from all over the world to see this.

What a great place, what a great group of people at the church. If I could just draw the golf ball a little more…….

Step up. Volunteer. Contribute. During this time of giving - do your part. I guarantee you will feel better and that will lead to more good deeds.

Gregory

Click arrow below for slideshow of this week's community meal

The Women’s Bible Study will be discussing the Lectionary readings assigned for the upcoming Sunday. CLICK HERE for the calendar of readings.

We will be meeting in person in the church every first and third Friday of the month from 10-11:30 am. 

Bring your Bible if you have one; we have plenty to share if you don’t. Please join us! 

All women, including visitors, are welcome! Please call Rev. Marnie if you have questions: (808) 333-2247.

Please call Rev. Marnie @ 808-333-2247 with any questions.

E Komo Mai!

Whether you have been coming to St. James', St. Columba's, or the Beach Mass for 6 months or 6 days, if you have come to see this parish 'ohana as your Spiritual home we would like to welcome you as a member. If you have questions about becoming a member of this parish family, speak to one of the clergy.

New Member Welcome Weekend, Dec 3 & 4

We will welcome and celebrate those who have recently asked to be recorded as official members and those making the decision on that day. What is required to a member of our parish? Two things: You are baptized. The Episcopal Church recognizes any baptism done with water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 2) You desire to participate in the life of our parish 'ohana through regular worship and support.

On the weekend of December 3 & 4, come to any one of our four worship services. Sit anywhere you wish and come forward at the appointed time in the liturgy to be welcomed.

Click here to view the Liturgy of Welcoming a New Member.

Click here for a brief overview of becoming a member. Do not hestitate to talk with any one of our clergy.

CLICK HERE for the approved minutes from the most recent Vestry meeting. CLICK HERE for minutes of called Vestry meeting on Oct. 11. CLICK HERE for the current approved Treasurer's Report.

The next Vestry meeting will be Tuesday, December 20th at 12:30 PM in the Church.



If there is something which you wish to bring to the vestry's attention, please reach out to our wardens or vestry members. You can reach them via the Parish Office. A reminder that all vestry meetings are open to parishioners to attend.

Jesus is prepared to meet us exactly where we are. All we have to do is come forward, put our hands together and receive the sustenance we most need and desire – and in turn find our place and purpose in this world.

Br. Jim Woodrum, SSJE

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Society of Saint John the Evangelist

An Episcopal Monastery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

"Son of God, you are the light of the world. Th is Advent shine your light on all our choices this day. Create in us the ability to le. Amen"

By friend of our parish, Jay Sidebotham