On Easter Sunday, April 5, 2015, the Pacific Islander Ministries, under the guidance and leadership of Missioner Fane Lino, saw 50 newly confirmed at a special confirmation ceremony that capped off a fabulous weekend Easter Camp experience. 

The camp, which brought together Pacific Islander families from around the Diocese, took place at Our Lady of Keeau, a community retreat center in Waianae. Some of the many worship activities that took place included a Friday Stations of the Cross, Chain of Prayer and Easter Vigil that culminated with the Confirmation service on Easter Sunday. 

Pictured above, left to right, Fane Lino with daughter Seini Kamelia Lino before the service; excited confirmands adorned with beautiful leis; presenting the candidates for confirmation are Fr. David Gierlach of St. Elizabeth's, Viliami Langi and Fane Lino; Bishop Fitzpatrick performs the laying on of hands during the confirmation ceremony, flanked by the Rev. Dcn. Steve Costa and the Rev. Kaleo Patterson.  To view a lovely video of the weekend, click HERE .   (Photos from the Pacific Islander Ministries Facebook page.)

Confirmed from  St.  Elizabeth's: Mosese Langi. Sr., Melanie Langi, Veronica Langi, Mouani Langi, Mounika Langi, Mosese Langi,Jr., Anthony Paulo, Jordan Paulo, Alina Paulo, Tu'uta Langi, Havea Langi, Salua Langi, 'Isikeli Langi, Jr., Lute Langi, Jr., Havea Langi, Jr., Lui Langi, 'IsikeliLangi, Sr., Joanna Langi, Samiuela Langi, Sekona Mo'unga, Molisi Toli, Christine Tokoma'ata, George Lee Tokoma'ata, Patrick Manzodra Langi, Teresa Ornellas Manufetokai

Confirmed from St. Philip's - Teraerae Samuelu, Nisani Lifuka, Brada Keamo, Kiaben Leban, Uilani K. Leban, Fiamaua Lauti, Tufue Pulesala, Lesia Pulesala, Tusi Pulesala, Neeli Shimabukuro, Aion Tofinga, Jason Teo, Puligi Teo, Puligisese Teo, Pomale Teo, Faatali Toaiva, Fiamaua Teo, Jr., Tommy Toaiva,  Teafukele Teo, Lee Lenora, Keston Luck, Justlina Jamade, Amanda Lucky, Marylou Lucky, Bobson Baso, Tyrone Porter, Barbara Porter, Liua Resture, Maile Kattil, Mertha Felix, Noreen Kazu, Philip Muller, Lina Smith, Ashi Smith

The final O'ahu Youth Gathering of the school year took place on Sunday, May 3, 2015. Youth from O'ahu Lutheran and Episcopal churches were in for a wonderful cultural treat, visiting the Kukanikolo Birthing Stones in Wahiawa. It is one of the most sacred sites in Hawai'i, a birthing site for the island's high chiefs. 

Following the guided tour, the group gathered together at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Wahiawa, where church members hosted a lovely dinner. (Photos courtesy of Shana Ikeda and from the Episcopal Youth of Hawai'i Facebook page)

 

 

 

Freeman, a Minnesota-based Episcopal priest for 29 years, has won over thirty awards for journalistic excellence and is the author/editor of six books. She is a popular speaker and retreat leader on Bible women and contemporary spirituality. Freeman has served congregations in Massachusetts, Philadelphia and Minnesota, and was a longtime editor of Vestry Papers (2001 - 2010). She currently serves as a ministry developer for the Episcopal Church in Minnesota, and as adjunct clergy for St. David's, Minnetonka. For the last four years, she has worked with a research team to explore in detail the lives of women of the Bible. Her work takes her around the country, speaking to groups about the accomplishments and struggles of Bible women. She enjoys finding humor and grace in the Bible, and shares it fully, and, often irreverently.

 

The five-hour retreat went by quickly as participants engaged in Bible study, a game, and conversations about being women in the ancient and modern world. The women at the retreat also painted a picture of today's reality where our stories intersect with the voices and struggles of women and girls speaking through Scripture. There are over 1.1 million words in the Bible but only 1.2% are spoken by women.

 

Participant Evangeline Barney, who attended a women's group trip to the Holy Land guided by Mother Jodene Hawkins, shared that they would not let her (Mother Hawkins) celebrate in the cathedral in the Holy Lands because she was a female priest.

 

Tusi Mayer wanted to meet Rev. Lindsey. "It looks like a powerful book," said Tusi, "we don't talk about women in the Bible.

 

The one thing Reverend Lindsey wanted us to remember was to "be bold and speak out" and we discussed the repercussions of being bold. The Rev. Debra Vanover, DOK Chaplain, discussed how assertive women are seen as aggressive. "We must find a way to speak out respectfully," said Vanover.

 

The retreat ended with reflections and Eucharist. The participants went home with a new appreciation of women through the ages. The influence of women in history and families is easily dismissed, but look deeper; women hold a lot of power. We need to use it more often.

 

Pictured above from left, the Revs. Leonard and Lindsey Freeman chat with the Rev. Debra Vanover, Simeona Geston and Ruth Merz, while they look through some of the books she authored. (Photo courtesy of Luella Windisch.

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New DOK Chapters in the Diocese

 

On Saturday, May 9, the women of the 'Iolani Guild were treated to a special luncheon and tea in honor of Mother's Day, held in the Von Holt Room at The Cathedral of St. Andrew. The tables were decorated with lovely floral and fan centerpieces, complete with a printed menu. 

 

 

Excerpts from the St. Michael and All Angels May 2015 Newsletter & reflections from pilgrims:

On April 13 -17, 2015, 17 pilgrims accompanied Fr. Bill Miller on a pilgrimage to Moloka'i. The focus of their trip was to visit Kalaupapa Valley, where Fr. Damien and Mother Marianne Copley served those with Hansen's disease, helping them build a better life and ministering to their physical and spiritual needs between 1864 and 1918. The trip began with lectures from missionary Fr. Bill Petrie, who had worked for decades with Mother Theresa in Calcutta, serving those with leprosy. During the days that followed, the pilgrims visited several churches built by Fr. Damien and Brother Joseph Dutton, visited monuments and toured the Moloka'i Museum. They also took side trips to a nut farm, Kanikapila at Coffee's, a venue where local musicians regularly gather to play, and to the east side to view Halawa valley. 

Reflections from Joanne Woltman's travel journal:

Once in Kalaupapa, we were taken to the pier, where they used to drop off some of the patients. On the far side of the peninsula, we saw Kalawao, the place most of the patients were dropped off. With its rough waves, virtually no beach, and high steep mountains, it was very uninviting, and while some patients were brought to shore, others were simply thrown overboard. Whether they lived or died didn't seem to matter to those who transported them to this isolated locale.

Although it is an extremely picturesque site now, it must have been a frightening experience for those torn from their family and loved ones, labeled with a disease that put them in isolation for the remainder of their lives. The youngest patient was 4 years old, the oldest 105. Fortunately, Fr. Damien felt deep compassion for these people who had lost hope and were left stuck on a desolate peninsula to die. He faced a lawless life style since they had nothing more to lose. He set up homes to care for the young children, the girls and women, and brought order and safety to the area. He ministered to the sick, building structures, coffins, whatever needed to be done. 

The story of his plight, his inner strength and determination, and his unfailing belief in God helped him accomplish all that he did. We had time to reflect on our individual experiences in this extremely beautiful place where so many lived out the remainder of their lives, initially outcast, depressed, lost, separated from everyone and everything that they loved. A few courageous individuals brought them hope, encouraging them that they will rest in peace and be in a better place when they leave this world. 

Reflections from the Rev. Dcn. Ann Symington

All those people, all those people, All Those People whose lives were wrenched away from them in one of the most cruel ways imaginable. One day a beloved member of a family, a community, and the next a pariah sentenced to life on a remote strip of land. A place of immense beauty but no welcome. A place unknown and inhospitable. No arms welcome them home to live and to heal. No kiss on the cheek and no lei around their necks; no shelter, no food, no medicine, no doctors, no nurses, no spiritual guidance or comfort. In the stroke of a moment and ordered by the king, they are no longer human beings.  Into this HELL comes Fr. Damien to offer what was not provided. He brings LOVE AND BELOVEDNESS to the rejected lepers of Moloka'i. He comes to be the Incarnated Christ to the unwanted and to show them that the POWER, HEALING AND PRESENCE OF GOD has not and never will reject them nor leave them. He is clothed in the armor of God; a warrior for LOVE.

Reflection from Phyllis Meighen:

(All photos were taken during the pilgrimage by different photographers. In the last set of photos, pilgrims got to spend time at Grace Episcopal Church with the Rev. James Loughren, and in the last photo, John Lydgate, whose grandfather was part of the original surveyors for the settlement, was excited to be a part of this pilgrimage. He unfortunately suffered injuries during the descent to Kalaupapa, and had to be flown to O'ahu.)

Saying Aloha to the Klitzke Family

Members from all four of the ECWO turned out to bid a fond aloha to the Rev. Paul Klitzke in a fabulous but bittersweet luau celebration on Sunday, May 3, at Christ's Gathering Place in Aiea. Fr. Paul began serving in Hawai'i since March 2010, originally as Vicar of St. Nicholas in Kapolei, and eventually as the priest with oversight for for the churches of West O'ahu. He, along with his wife Sarah, who has been the Diocesan Youth Director for the past two years, have touched the lives of many throughout the Diocese, and will be deeply missed. Fr. Paul left soon after the celebration, while Sarah remains on O'ahu with children Noah and Emma until after Hui Pu, the Diocesan Summer Youth Camp. The family will then be reunited in Dallas,Texas where Fr. Paul is now serving. (Photos courtesy of Shana Ikeda and from the ECWO June newsletter)

Blessing Historical & Community Sites

Priests are sometimes called upon to perform blessings, and the Rev. Kaleo Patterson and the Rev. Dcn. Steve Costa have been taking part in a variety of community blessings of cultural landmarks and sites around West O'ahu.  On Tuesday, March 31, Rev. Patterson was involved in the blessing of the Honouliuli internment camp site near Waipahu, recently declared a National Monument by President Barack Obama. The internment camp, which was uncovered by volunteers of the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawai'i, and was the largest internment camp in Hawai''i during WWII, will now serve as an educational resource site. Pictured above left with haku lei, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell joined local leaders for the blessing and dedication ceremony. (Photo courtesy of Rev. Kaleo Patterson)   In the second and third photos, Rev. Dcn. Costa blesses the Makaha District Park on behalf of St. John the Baptist Episcopal Church (formerly St. Philips').  (Photo from the ECHO June newsletter)

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Na Himeni Sing Nights at St. Stephen's

St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Wahiawa has kicked off a new music program called  Na Himeni Sing Nights , where all are invited to come and learn the Hawaiian language and hymns.  Pictured above is the group on their first session that took place on Sunday, May 17, 2015.  Na Himeni takes place on the third Sunday of the month beginning at 6:30 PM.  (Photo courtesy of Rev.Kaleo Patterson)

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By The Rev. Kaleo Patterson

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Memorial Walk/Ride and Solutions Meeting 

Regional Confirmation Service on Kaua'i

The All Saints' Angels set a new personal fundraising record for the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life Event that took place on April 25 & 26, 2015, in Hanapepe. The theme of this year's event was the 80s, and the Angels dressed up as characters from the hit movie Ghost Busters, changing up the name to Cancer Busters!  The Ke Akua Youth Group and Episcopal Church Women of All Saints' has been participating for many years, and this year they raised over $5,500 through rummage and bake sales in the six months preceding the event. They also had food sales during the Relay that were in theme such as Slimer's Delight (lime Jell-o parfait), Ghostly Gruel (Portuguese Bean Soup) and Zuul's Zombie Loaves (Cornbread). The event on Kaua'i has drawn national attention for its participation numbers and money raised, especially in relation to the island's population. Head officials from the main office on the mainland flew to Kaua'i to check it out and were not disappointed. With 60 teams, this year's event raised well over $211,000 and counting.   

Regional Confirmation Service on Maui

Good Shepherd Celebrates at the Barrio Festival

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Centering Prayer Comes to Lahaina

By Paula Baldwin

On Saturday, May 23, 2015, Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina hosted an Introduction to Centering Prayer event, facilitated by the Rev. Austin Murray of Trinity By-the-Sea Episcopal Church.  Seven people from Lahaina and three from Kihei, gathered for talk, listening, centering, prayer walk, communication, community building, and lunch on the grass together. It was an exciting time in lovely surroundings.

"I feel blessed."--- "I wish there had been discussion about the false self and the true self."--- "I think I now understand the difference between meditation and centering prayer."--- "When we got ready to center for the second time, I was relaxed and ready to participate."--- "Let's meet on Thursdays." These were just come of the comments heard at the end of the meeting, and it was clear from the positive reaction that Centering Prayer would continue as a regular offering on Maui's West side.  

 

Although Centering Prayer is new to Lahaina, it is not new to Maui. Existing groups are in Wailuku at St. Anthony's Catholic Church (Saturdays at 8:15 AM), and in Kihei at Trinity By-the-Sea (Mondays at 6:15 PM). Centering Prayer in Lahaina will continue on Thursdays at 4:00 PM at Holy Innocents. Folks will have a chance to experience centering prayer together, watch DVDs, have discussions, and continue to build up this community. All are welcome. The Holy Spirit is truly at work.  For further information e-mail Paula Baldwin. 

Presiding Bishop Moderates WCC Panel on Peace, 

Security in the Congo

 

A May 27-29 World Council of Churches' (WCC) conference in Geneva, Switzerland, includes religious leaders, victims of war, former child soldiers, United Nations representatives, members of relief agencies, and post-conflict practitioners, all seeking solutions for peace and security in the war-weary nation. Participants at the event are addressing violent conflict, electoral integrity, environmental protection and human rights.

 

Quoting from Isaiah 58, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said: "The peacemaking work that we are all about is repairing [the] breach, that gap in abundant life that Jesus believes is the birthright of all human beings. Repairing that breach is what we are about and why we are here."

 

Jefferts Schori was moderating a panel at the conference that focused on international cooperation for peace building and reconstruction. She visited the DRC for six days in July 2011 to spend time with the victims of war, orphaned children and women who've been raped by rebel soldiers leading to stigmatization and abandonment by their families and communities. Jefferts Schori witnessed how the Province L'Eglise Anglicane du Congo (Anglican Church of Congo) and its partners are committed to serving the vulnerable, needy and traumatized in the Central African nation of some 72 million people. READ MORE

 

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