LATEST MESSAGE:  Monday June 22, 2020 - In today’s message, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick talks about symbols and faith, referring to the book The Dynamics of Faith by Paul Tillich.
Bishop's Wednesday Bible Study Introduction 6 17 20:
Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick begins his next Bible Study session on The Letter of James in two parts. This first video is an introduction and explanation of how and why we read the Bible as sacred Scripture. Part 2 is the actual reading of The Letter of St. James, in preparation for the lessons that will commence next week.
Today (Wed. June 24) is the commemoration of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

Zechariah (John's father), filled with the Holy Spirit, rejoiced and shared God's prophecy,

"And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to God's people by the forgiveness of their sins.

By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:76-79)

God's breaking dawn is not one singular event, but a Light which dawns upon us at the will of God over and over since the beginning because God's love and desire for our growth in God's likeness is unbounded, eternal, and relentless. In our statement of faith, the Nicene Creed, and in the Eucharistic prayers, we proclaim that not only has Christ risen, but Christ will come again. John came into the world as one called to prepare the way for Christ, the light of salvation.

Like John, we live to follow and serve the Holy One greater than ourselves. Jesus is our great shepherd, holy comforter, and healer, and Jesus is also the One we serve, the One we answer to, the One who beckons us to take up our cross to delight His ways. Discipleship in its fullest form has blurry edges, never fully solidified, nor ever diminished, never for one's own healing alone, but always for one's own as a path to the healing of many, the growth of one inspires the growth of many, the liberation of one for many, the blessing of one for many.

"Your God" is not your God, while we may even use the term, "our God," we must remember that we have no possession of God, God's ways, or God's will. We belong to God. God's grants an invitation through Grace to be a part of God's kingdom in this life and the next.

Like John, let us grant ourselves to a life of service and sacrifice in the name of Love.

Yours in Christ,
Katlin+

" Seek the truth; 
come whence it may, 
cost what it will."
The Rev. William Sparrow
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.
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. The Heavens Crew will be on break until the contractors are done with removing the next section of ceiling tiles. I anticipate that the next time we will be on the lanai staining/sealing will be on Tuesday, June 30th at the earliest & if all goes well we should be done staining/sealing all of the necessary wood for the ceiling project by or before Friday, July 10, 2020. (Crossing fingers)
 
** 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
The Diocese is delighted to release their latest electronic news format! Although the format may be slightly different, the name is familiar. Many of you may have been receiving the bi-monthly E-News that contained the latest announcements and upcoming activities in the Diocese, and until recently, was paired with the  Chronicle  that was released every other month, featuring stories of special interest and reporting on events that have taken place. Click HERE to see the latest release and enroll to follow.

In the most recent release, Pastor Katlin shared a personal reflection: "Know Justice, Know Peace" that can be found HERE
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
Do you have experience taking notes? Would you be willing and able to attend meetings once a month? This advertisement might be for you!  The Vestry is looking for a Secretary . If you are interested, please email  Pastor Katlin .
This link will take you directly to smile.amazon.com in support of the Church of the Holy Apostles.