February 23, 2023
This issue's header photo was taken on Valentine's Day at the Waioli Kitchen & Bake Shop in Manoa, where the retired clergy and spouses met for their monthly lunch gathering. From left-right: Willis Moore, Alison Dingley, Priscilla Millen, Hollis & Ethel Maxson, Teena Urban, Greg Johnson, Carol Connell, David Blanchett & Carol Arney (Photo contributed by Greg Johnson.)
First Sunday in Lent
Almighty God, whose blessed Son was led by the Spirit to be tempted by Satan: Come quickly to help us who are assaulted by many temptations; and, as you know the weaknesses of each of us, let each one find you mighty to save; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
From the Bishop
To view his video message on YouTube, click on his image or HERE
In case you missed it...
Bishop's Message for Lent 2023
Bishop Bob shared an Ash Wednesday-Lent video message reflecting on words by Lewis Smedes and St. Teresa of Avila. He also shares a book that he will be reading, the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent book for 2023 - Failure: What Jesus Said About Sin, Mistakes and Messing Stuff Up (Amazon). There are also online study resources for this book that includes videos, a reading plan, and discussion questions that can be found HERE.
Mahalo & Aloha Denise...
Denise Esposito joined the Diocesan Support Center as my Executive Assistant four years ago this month. She has decided to retire to spend quality time with her grandchildren (in Nebraska and Pennsylvania) and her Mother.

Denise arrived in the office in time for the Pandemic and the lockdown. We worked from home and adapted in many other ways. She has had to manage my schedule with cancellations and postponements. She managed the delay in General Convention and the Lambeth Conference. We have lived through virtual Diocesan Conventions and innumerable Zoom meetings. She has been an invaluable part of the Diocesan team. I appreciate all that she has done for the Diocese and for me in this most unusual time. The current plan has her continuing in the Diocesan Support Center as we find and integrate a new Executive Assistant and looking to a final day in the office early in April. Again, Denise, thank you.

Bishop Bob
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.
DEADLINE TO REGISTER IS TODAY!
All are invited to attend the Diocese's annual Chrism Mass and Spring Training event taking place on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. Chrism Mass begins at 9:00 AM, followed by this year's Spring Training/Education Day at 10:30 AM.

If you haven't already done so, please register today! The deadline is TODAY, February 23. Late registrants or those who show up on the day of the event may still attend but lunch may not be available.

The Plenary session features the Diocese's Listening Team who will share their findings from the past ten months of "listening" to clergy and lay folk around the Diocese. In the afternoon, workshops are being offered on a variety of topics by our Racial Reconciliation Task Force, Creation Care Task Force, Diocesan Support Center Team, and two workshops on church investments/finance. Bishop Bob will also offer a course on Liturgy and "Why We Do What We Do."

Cost is only $20 and includes lunch. The Diocese will pay airfare for neighbor island clergy and one lay person from each congregation. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register, visit the event webpage HERE or click on the button below. Registration deadline is Thursday, February 23.
Coming Up: Online Altar Guild Seminar: Holy Hands for Holy Work
Province VIII is hosting a Seminar for Altar Guild Members, and others that may be interested in the Altar Guild. The Seminar, "Holy Hands for Holy Work" will be held online via Zoom on Saturday, March 4, from 3:00-5:00 PM (HST). Topics include Theology of the Ministry of the Altar Guild, and Floral Arrangements in the Sanctuary. Email Sarah Chesebro if you would like to attend at sarahchesebro@gmail.com.
Apply Now for Episcopal Church 2023-2024 Educational Scholarships
Applications are being accepted for a wide variety of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2023-2024 academic year. The deadline to apply is April 12. All applicants must be Episcopalian.

The scholarships—derived from annual income of more than 45 trust funds established through bequests to The Episcopal Church—range from assistance for children of missionaries, bishops and clergy to individuals seeking theological education and training. The maximum award is $10,000 per student. For more information, including the list of scholarship trust funds and online (only) application link, click HERE.
Parochial Reports: Deadline is March 1!
Reminder: The deadline for churches to file their 2022 Parochial Reports is Wednesday, March 1, 2023! Online filing is open on the General Convention Parochial Report webpage HERE. The webpage also includes both video and written instructions. If you have any questions, email Rae Costa.
The Diocese of Hawai'i invites ALL youth to take part in upcoming events. You DO NOT need to be a member of an Episcopal Church.
Register Now! Annual Prayer Hike in March
For the second year in a row, the Diocese of Hawai'i will be holding a Prayer Hike concurrently on three islands. This year, family members are invited to join in, so get ready for a great day of hiking, prayer, fun and fellowship! Hikes take place on Saturday, March 25, beginning at 9:00 AM. Hikes should be completed by 1:00 PM. ​​

  • O'ahu: 'Aiea Loop Trail (Leader - Lynea Mitchell)
  • Kaua'i: Sleeping Giant (Leader - Rachel Secretario)
  • Hawai'i Island: Volcano National Park (Leader - Lindy Marzo)

For more information, visit the Diocesan Youth webpage HERE, or download the flyer including the Prayer Hike Guide HERE, then register HERE. Be sure to complete the Waiver/Release form HERE and bring it with you.
Lots Happening at Camp Mokulē'ia - Sign Up Now!
There are a ton of programs taking place at Camp Mokulē'ia:

LEADERS IN TRAINING: For high school youth (grades 9-12), get PAID while developing leadership and professional skills, and having fun too! Must attend two weekend retreats in March and April. For more information, download the Job Description HERE and Application HERE.

FAMILY STAY-CAYS: These ever-popular mini vacations book fast. Be sure to reserve your space today for Easter (April 7-9) and Mother's Day (May 12-14). Click HERE for more info.

SUMMER CAMP-SAVE WITH EARLY BIRD RATES: Registration is now open for the 2023 Summer Camp Program. Sign up before May 1 and take advantage of early bird rates! Click HERE to view the different camp dates and offerings.

COSTUMES OR "DRESS-UP" CLOTHING NEEDED: The Camp is seeking gently used costumes, "fancy" clothes, and accessories for campers to use for skits and dress up dance parties. They've got lots of little sizes but need bigger sizes for our teens. Please contact Assistant Director Lynea Mitchell by email or call (808) 637-6241.
TIPS FROM LOT'S LIST - "Advocate for transforming public transportation systems, government vehicles to electric vehicles."

ST. JOHN'S KULA CARBON FAST CALENDAR FOR LENT - Check it out HERE!

HOW DO I TESTIFY ABOUT PROPOSED LEGISLATION? - It may surprise you that itʻs not difficult to submit your testimony about proposed legislation put forward for debate in our state legislature. Citizens are encouraged to submit their testimony either online in writing or in person. Here is a brief description about how to let your voice be heard:

  1. Go to https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/account/ and create an account so you can submit testimony and track bills as they move through the process.
  2. After youʻve made an account, you may find a proposed bill by number (HB denotes a bill from the House, SB denotes a bill from the Senate), find the issues you are interested in by looking at the committees from each house, or look at the legislative calendar to see what hearings are taking place that day.
  3. Once you have found the bill you want to submit testimony for, you can click the “Submit Testimony” button and either indicate that youʻd like to submit testimony in person or online. If you select online, you will write your testimony and then submit it. Once youʻve submitted it, it will become part of the record when the committee discusses the bill.

Find more details about how to interact with the legislative process, click HERE.
Chrism Mass & Spring Training 2023 - Saturday, March 4, 2023, All Day, The Cathedral of St. Andrew
Storymakers Webinar - Saturday, March 11, 2023, Online 10:00-11:00 AM
Youth Prayer Hike - Saturday, March 25, 2023, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, O'ahu, Kaua'i, Hawai'i Island
TENS Webinar - Saturday, May 6, 2023, Online 10:00-11:30 AM
Oʻahu Happenings
Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
Coming Up at The Cathedral...
Choral Evensong Commemorating the Life & Musical Legacy of Canon John McCreary
Sunday, March 5, 5:00 PM
In Concert: Apollo 5
Saturday, March 11, 7:00 PM
Award winning British a cappella group
Cathedral's Slipper Drive
The Cathedral of St. Andrew kicked off its annual Slipper Drive for Princess Ruth Ke‘elikōlani Middle School (formerly Central Middle School) on Ash Wednesday. There will be collection bins at the Cathedral through the season of Lent. For more information, contact the office at (808) 524-2822.
Bishop's Visitation at St. John the Baptist
With COVID restrictions relaxed, Bishop Bob and Bea have been enjoying their return to visitations and spending time with folks around the Diocese. Here they are pictured at St. John the Baptist in Waianae on Sunday, February 12. (Contributed photo)
In the News: The Steele's Donate Art for Black History Month
Retired Deacon Dr. Robert Steele and his wife Jean from Holy Nativity Church, were recently featured in a HI Now Weekender episode on February 4. In celebration of February's Black History Month, the Steele's are donating part of their African/American art collection of 55-prints (which were collected over 50 years) to the Honolulu Museum of Art. The actual opening will take place later in the year. To view the broadcast, click on the image or HERE. Their segment begins at 9:58.
'Iolani School Seeking Chaplain Curate
'Iolani School in Honolulu is seeking a full-time Chaplain Curate for a two-year period. Housing is provided. The full job description can be viewed HERE. Apply directly with the school through their online portal HERE.
O'AHU LAY POSITION OPENINGS
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

  • St. Christopher's, Kailua - Nursery Caregiver (Part-time, 3 hours, Sundays)
  • St. Stephen's Church, Wahiawa - Organist (part-time)
Kauaʻi Happenings
Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
Coming Up: Centering Prayer and New Book Study: Freeing Jesus by Diana Butler Bass
St. Michael and All Angels in Lihue has been home to ReSource for Christian Spirituality (RSCS) an ecumenical ministry, for many years, led by its founder and director, the Rev. Phyllis Meighen (UCC). Their Centering Prayer group continues to meet weekly on Zoom every Tuesday at 8:00 AM, followed by a book study that ends at 9:00 AM. All are welcome to join the group, and coming up on March 7, they will begin reading a new book by Diana Butler Bass titled Freeing Jesus. For more information, please email: phyllismeighen@gmail.com.
Coming Up: Makana Mele Organ Concert at All Saints'
All Saints' Episcopal Church in Kapa'a has lined up another Makana Mele Organ Conert featuring Caroline Robinson, on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 6:00 PM. Dr. Robinson has performed at many distinguished venues across the U.S. and abroad. She currently holds the post of Organist and Associate Choirmaster at the Cathedral of St. Philip in Atlanta, GA. For more information visit their website HERE. All Saints' is located at 4-1065 Kuhio Highway. Donations welcomed.
Maui Happenings
Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
Coming Up: Special Lenten Centering Prayer
Good Shepherd Episcopal Church in Wailuku will be hosting a special Lenten Centering Prayer every Thursday during Lent beginning TODAY, February 23, at 9:30 AM. The last gathering will be on April 6. All are invited to attend whether you are just curious and want to learn more, or are seasoned in Centering Prayer. For more information, call (808) 244-4656. Good Shepherd is located at 2140 Main Street, and gatherings will be taking place in their St. Matthew Room.
Coming Up: Maui Episcopal Churches Annual Whale Watch Cruise
Tickets are now available for the annual Whale Watch Cruise, a fundraiser that supports all four Episcopal churches on Maui. The cruise is set for Sunday, March 5, 2023, from 3:00-5:00 PM (check-in is at 2:15 PM). Tickets are $50. Children age 5 and under are free. The cruise is led by a professional crew of Certified Marine Naturalists aboard the Pacific Whale Foundation's Ocean Odyssey. See and learn all about the Humpback Whales during this private chartered tour. For more information, click on the image to view the full-size flyer. Tickets now on sale at the Maui Episcopal Churches website HERE.
Hawaiʻi Island Happenings
Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
St. Columba's Sweetbread Fundraiser
St. Columba's is once again selling Papa's Sweetbread for a fundraiser. The date for arrival of this delicious sweetbread is Friday, February 24. It's $9 per loaf. If you would like to pre-order please call/text Rev. Linda at revlinda@stcolumbahawaii.org, (218) 590-5463, or Sharon Alfonso at (808) 936-2952 gfohdl@gmail.com.
Ukulele Practice at St. James'
Pictured above, St. James' spirited ukulele group strums and sings during their Sunday services. Newcomers (including those new to playing the ukulele) are welcome to join them every Tuesday at 11:15 AM, in the church. For more information, call the church at (808) 885-4923. (Photo from their weekly online newsletter)
The Episcopal Church & Beyond
(Photo: Neil Turner/Anglican Communion Office)
Episcopal ACC members return from Ghana with stories of engaging with Anglicans around world
[February 21, 2023] The three Episcopal members of the recently concluded 18th Anglican Consultative Council returned to their home dioceses this week encouraged by their experiences developing closer relations with Anglicans around the world through their shared mission in Christ. READ MORE
MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:
Reminders (Previously Announced)
BISHOP'S SCHOLARSHIPS FUNDS - Applications are now being accepted for two Diocesan Scholarship funds that are available to students for the 2023-2024 school year.

  1. Bishop's Scholarship Fund - Kindergarten to grade 12 students entering an Episcopal Church-related school in the Diocese of Hawai'i for the first time
  2. The Chang Clergy Children's Scholarship Fund - Children of clergy under the age of 24 - Clergy must be canonically resident and domiciled in the Diocese of Hawai'i

The submission deadline is Friday, April 7, 2023, at 4:00 PM (HST). For more information, eligibility requirements and to download the application packet, click HERE. Should you have any questions, please e-mail Denise Esposito.
Safe church logo
Required Safe Church Training - This is a reminder that Safe Church training is mandatory for all clergy, employees, vestry members, and most volunteers. Please read The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i Safeguarding Policy and the Diocesan Safe Church Training Webpage. This training needs to be renewed every three years. Contact your church's Safe Church Administator or priest for more information, or if you have questions, email Denise Esposito.
Do you have a question? Contact us at (808) 536-7776
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): Denise (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: Denise (ext. 302)
Payroll: Sam (ext. 306)
Property (Contracts, Insurance, Agreements): Rae (ext. 326)
Safe Church: Denise (ext. 302)
Stewardship: Sandy (ext. 309)
Supply/Visiting Clergy: Denise (ext. 302)
Worship/Sacraments: Sandy (ext. 309)
Don't forget to visit our FORMS & DOCUMENTS page on the Diocesan website HERE.
Catch up on articles you may have missed below!
Visit the Diocesan News Website for past articles and Special Announcements
More Quick Links:
Contact Information
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776