LATEST MESSAGE:   In his weekly Monday message, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick talks about shame and guilt, and references the book "Shame and Grace: Healing the Shame We Don't Deserve by Lewis B.Smedes (HarperCollins, 1993).
Bishop's Wednesday Bible Study, June 24, 2020:
Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick continues this Bible Study series on the Letter of James with discussion on Chapter 1, verse 1, and who the author is.
Aloha kakou,

I hope you have a safe and healthy 4th of July weekend. Our target date for in-person worship remains August 2nd and we will continue to update you as that day approaches. If you missed the information session on CHA's current projects and progress, check out the link below and on our website.


In this week's newsletter, I would like to share a short piece about being a peacemaker written by Brother Nicholas Bartoli of the Society of St. John the Evangelist.

Keep the faith.

Yours in Christ,
Katlin+

Being a Peacemaker
Br. Nicholas Bartoli, SSJE

These are momentous, stressful times we live in. It may seem that around every corner there’s something to be fearful, angry, or distraught over. Our minds may habitually return to the last article we read, or video we watched, or podcast we listened to. We may feel compelled to stay up-to-date on the latest news, out of a sense of duty, from a powerful curiosity, or a need to be on top of what’s going on so as to feel safe and prepared. And all of this takes a toll on us.

Psychologists have long studied what is called vicarious trauma or vicarious traumatization. This kind of trauma arises not from a first-hand experience of a traumatic event, but from witnessing such an event. Such vicarious trauma has often been seen in professionals who work in fields where witnessing traumatic events or interacting with trauma survivors is common. However, it’s now known that vicarious trauma can also affect those who are regularly exposed to traumatic events in the media. Constant exposure to traumatic events in media has been shown to cause anxiety, difficulties in coping, immense fear, and feelings of hopelessness. This is especially true for those of us who have a history of trauma ourselves or just happen to be particularly sensitive.

Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers,” and as children of God that is our calling. Being a peacemaker, which is so needed is these tumultuous times, begins with being at peace ourselves. A big fan of the beatitudes himself, Gandhi once said that “there is no way to peace, peace is the way.” And Martin Luther King Jr. told us to “be the peace you wish to see in the world.” In other words, one of the very best gifts we can offer a troubled world is letting ourselves rest in God’s presence, resting in the Peace and Joy of Christ.

If you feel yourself caught up in a cycle of fear, anger, and despair, as you digest all the latest news of a world and people in crisis, you owe it to yourself and the world to be kind to yourself, and take a break. And even Jesus needed to be alone every now and then, so you know you’re in good company. In a world inundated with news 24-hours a day, here are some helpful tips on being a peacemaker, beginning with making inner peace:
  • Set limits on the consumption of news media, videos, etc. Consider taking a Sabbath from all kinds of media, for a day or even longer.
  • If you have trouble setting limits, put notes on the devices you use reminding yourself to ask “Is what I’m doing now nourishing for my soul?”
  • Practice noticing patterns in your thoughts and feelings around consuming traumatic news, and take a break when needed.
  • Make a list of things that bring you hope, peace, and joy, and practice them.
  • If you feel called to do something, then do something! Consider even the smallest gestures that could turn hopelessness and anxiety into action.
  • Make time for silent prayer, and practice letting God take on the cares of the world while you rest in God’s presence.
Remember, your greatest contribution to God’s Kingdom is to cultivate the Kingdom within. Stay informed in moderation, be kind to yourself, and be the Peace and Joy of Christ the world so needs.
On Sunday, July 5, 10am-11am, digital fellowship returns after a two-week hiatus. No need to wait--you can jump into the room on your own and begin fellowship conversations.
MAHALO NUI LOA to the Vision Project Team and their inspirational work on "Faith and Focus 2030."

Faith and Focus 2030 is Church of the Holy Apostles' new strategic plan. It encompasses our past, present, and future, our shared vision, mission, and values.
The above image features the revised vision, mission, and values for our community.

This reflection and vision work came from the congregation. It was lay-leader driven and firmly rooted in congregational prayerful discernment.

The Vestry formally adopted this living document on behalf of the congregation on May 17, 2020!

This document will be made available online for all to read and inwardly digest so that we may gather around our shared vision and walk forth into a vibrant and faith-filled future with God.
Missed this past Sundayʻs services?
Click HERE to view on Facebook OR visit our website at https://episcopalchurchhilo.org

Do you have questions about the sanctuary project, re-opening for services, ministries, or finances? Click HERE for a video of Pastor Katlin and Senior Warden Doug Adams as they answer questions regarding these topics.
VESTRY is looking for a SECRETARY
Do you have experience taking notes? Would you be willing and able to attend meetings once a month? This ministry might be for you!  The Vestry is looking for a Secretary . If you are interested, please email  Pastor Katlin .
Your church in ACTION:
CHA is a longtime member of Interfaith Communities in Action (ICIA) on Big Island. On June 19th our priests and several congregants joined the ICIA in a Walk to Witness. To view on Facebook, click HERE . Read a follow-up article from the Tribune Herald by clicking HERE.
The Peanut Butter Ministry is BACK! Volunteers Roy and LaVerne Daimaru, Josephine Crawford and Elizabeth Bell reported on Thursday, June 18th to prepare food for the weekly food service. If you would like more information, contact Roy Daimaru.
The "Heavens Project"
*UPDATE*
Mahalo! Mahalo! Mahalo! to all the Angels who have shown up to move and stain lumber.


We resume staining on Wednesday, July 1, 2020 ! If you can help we will have 10-2 & 2-5 work shifts or until we finish staining the remainder of wood that are unstrapped on lanai & port cochere. 

Please email me by 12 noon, Tuesday, 6/30/20 (or as soon as you can) so that I can send out a confirmation email to all. We can have 6-9 volunteers per shift.

** In the picture on the right, notice the existing ceiling and the newly installed wood ceiling.

If you are interested in seeing the progress in person , you are welcome to come by for a visit during office hours, M-F 8:30a-12:30p. Please wear a mask while visiting and call ahead. Mahalo for your cooperation is keeping our site healthy.
Above: Panoramic view of the Sanctuary
Every Tuesday join Mike Kingston for beginner yoga classes. Yoga is a great way to improve your flexibility, strength, balance, and posture. Mike’s instruction will be accessible for all levels, with modifications offered for those with very limited range of motion. Also included will be short meditation sessions. Mike suggests you have a yoga mat, a yoga block and possibly a chair at hand. The one hour classes will start every Tuesday at 11:00 AM and will be found on Church of Holy Apostles’ Facebook page as a live link. You can also find the link later in the day or week to take the class at your convenience. Come join Mike for yoga on Tuesdays! Mike can be contacted by email for questions.  mpkingston@protonmail.com
Prayer Calendar: The Diocese of Hawaiʻi maintains a prayer calendar for all the Sundayʻs of the year. On August 9th, all are being asked to pray for the Church of Holy Apostles and itʻs leadership. If you are interested in participating on Sundays, you may find the prayer calendar at www.episcopalhawaii.org/prayer-calendar.html
Centering Prayer
Come and join our Holy Apostles small group of centering prayer followers on Mondays starting at 3:30 pm online Zoom meetings. Drop in 15 minutes ahead of time for a brief introductory period. Questions? Contact  lindymarzo@gmail.com

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 223 091 057

Centering Prayer
A method of quiet meditation in which a single symbolic word is used as a sign of one's willingness to wait on God and be available to God's presence. This word is used as a point of focus. The discipline involves setting aside twenty minutes or so for quiet prayer. This apophatic method has been widely taught and practiced in the Episcopal Church since the early 1980s. Thomas Keating's Finding Grace at the Center (1978) encouraged the practice of centering prayer.

From the Episcopal Dictionary of the Church
SCAM ALERT!! Please be aware that scammers posing as Bishop Bob or Pastor Katlin have been emailing random congregation members asking for favors. Please DO NOT respond or click on any links. If in question, please call the office at (808) 935-5545. Here is a reference link to the most current scams out there: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/scam-alerts
Are you needing assistance?
Through the generosity of our congregation, we are able to meet some basic needs for anyone facing critical hardship to purchase groceries, rent, electric, and medicine. When we offer such assistance, it is done in the form of a check or giftcard and bills are paid directly to vendors and landlords. If you are in need of assistance from the church, call the office and leave a message for Pastor Katlin. 808-935-5545
This link will take you directly to smile.amazon.com in support of the Church of the Holy Apostles.