In our parish, we pray for Kelly, Hanohano, Chris, Lola, Sylvia, Lora V., Heather, Ronnie, Wayne, Coco, June, Beverly, Susan, Cindy, Thalia T., David, Sofia,
for all who have contracted the Corona virus, caregivers, and those facing unemployment. We pray for the spiritual, emotional and physical well-being of the undocumented children in detention centers.
We are posting a day by day meditation from Forward Movement. This is a great way to start your day with prayer. Please consider clicking on the website above.
For donations, please call to make an appointment 808-373-3744 or donate during store hours.
APRIL 25
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
HOLY EUCHARIST--
IN-PERSON& ON-LINE-- 9AM
To join our Zoom service online,
go to www.zoom.com and type in this ID number: 537-938-292
(No password is required.)
Or dial-in by phone at one of these numbers:
(1) 253-215-8782 or (1) 301-715-8592
FORWARD DAY-BY-DAY: A REFLECTION
You all have seen, in past issues of the Banyan Tree, announcements that "the latest Forward-Day-by-Day" is in at the church--come get it or we'll send you one! That's true today, too; the May-July issue is here: pick one up or we'll send it to you!
Inside the last issue, one of the daily reflections on Luke 24:46 really touched me: "Jesus, said, "the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations...'" I reflected, as the author did, on the fact that we at Holy Nativity had a wonderful Easter celebration. Our musicians outdid themselves (again!) and our tech team was at the top of their game, as usual. We had an adult baptism and took home beautiful, homemade Easter baskets at the end of the morning. These outward signs of celebration are indications that our community is healthy and strong.
The second part of the verse, though (as the "Forward" author reminds us) clarifies that we are not only to celebrate, but then also to "proclaim!" The question he puts to us is this: how are we doing on that second part? We have celebrated the resurrection; now, how will we proclaim the Good News to everyone around?
In the days ahead, I encourage us to think about the ways in which we can do just that, right around us. Who within our parish might need an email or a hand-written note? Who in this area might love to hear that we rent out our community gym at very reasonable rates? Who might want to attend Holy Nativity School but doesn't know about it yet? I believe that the joy we experience at Easter gives us the energy and confidence we need to proclaim our Good News--in word and deed. Let's continue to do both in this Eastertide--Alleluia! --Rev. Libby
HOLY NATIVITY
SUNDAY SCHOOL IS OPEN!
Ms. Chandi Hinrichs and Ms. Tusi Mayer reopened classes, in person, on this past Sunday. There was a special celebration of Leilani Coles' 10th birthday!
We welcome everyone to return to the lanai for classes and fun. Classes will be in session on all Sundays of the month except the second Sunday, which is a family service for the whole congregation.
JoAnna Donahue likes animals. And it’s a good thing because she lives among a lot of them. Her family has had chickens, a dog, tortoises, lizards, chameleons, and parrots. JoAnna bought crickets and worms to feed the lizards. And they live near a canal and when she is in the yard, she is sometimes startled by frogs leaping toward her. Lucas, her second son, has been known to bring tadpoles home to add to the aquarium. And daughter Noel wants a bunny!
Born here, JoAnna went to the University of California at Santa Barbara where she studied early child development and sociology. She developed a passion for special education and has worked with Lanikila and Helping Hands here in Honolulu. For the last four years, as her youngest, Noel, has been growing to school age, JoAnna has been substitute teaching, often for long periods while a teacher is absent for maternity leave or the like. She likes working in the Kalihi area, where she sees a need she wants address.
The COVID-19 pandemic has curtailed a favorite activity for the whole family: hosting foreign students coming here for a few weeks of English immersion. But JoAnna still has swimming and hiking—and the animals!
How ever did JoAnna meet Justin? A friend in Massachusetts told her she knew someone coming here for an international competition in tree climbing. Could JoAnna show him around? She did and they had a swell time. They kept in touch and then even visited each other. Justin moved here and they were married at the Elks Club overlooking the water. The kids like the annual visits from grandparents and are especially excited about going to Justin’s family in Massachusetts and seeing snow.
Holy Nativity School is planning a first-ever "Best of HNS Week," a time to honor our history, celebrate creativity and resilience amidst challenges, and support our "little school in the valley." Highlights will include an online auction (beginning Sunday, May 2), offering, among many other choices:
2 night staycation at the Kaimana Beach Hotel
Sunday Brunch for Two at Hoku's at the Kahala Resort
Luxury purses from Michael Kors and Kate Spade
The week will culminate in a single, live Zoom gathering (on Thurs evening, May 6, from 615-7pm). Join us, one and all!
HOLY NATIVITY VESTRY AND HOLY NATIVITY SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SHARE THE FIRST OF TWO "MEET-AND-GREET" ZOOM SESSIONS ON APRIL 20: HELLO, EVERYONE!
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In the wake of the verdict reading in Minneapolis, we share a prayer for peace and guidance in the days ahead, offered from our Book of Common Prayer by our Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, this week:
O God, you have bound us together in a common life. Help us, in the midst of our struggles for justice and truth, to confront one another without hatred or bitterness, and to work together with mutual forbearance and respect; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
