IT'S A WRAP! (AND SUCCESS)
This year's Annual Meeting of Convention was like no other in the history of the Diocese. On Saturday, October 24, 2020, Convention 52 was held "virtually" on Zoom, and live-streamed through YouTube. It was likely the shortest annual meeting as well, lasting only 2-1/2 hours.
The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu served as the home base with only the officers (The Rt. Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick, Chair; Wayne Yoshigai, Chancellor; The Rev. Daniel Leatherman, Dispatch of Business; The Rev. Annalise Pasalo, Secretary) and a handful of staff present, while clergy and delegates were able to participate from the safety and comfort of their homes.
Like much of the world, the COVID-19 pandemic thrust the Diocese into uncharted territory with no instructions to help us navigate life in a year like 2020. Organizers spent months researching, testing, and trouble shooting every aspect of this very important event.
In early March, the theme and logo for the meeting had just been finalized when COVID-19 reached our shores, and shortly after, the State went on lock down. But when the doors to our sanctuaries were forced to close, our "windows" to online communication burst wide open! The Diocese's Spring Training and Chrism Mass event, scheduled for March 28, was held online. Churches scrambled to learn and explore how to broadcast live services on social media and stay connected through Zoom.
When it became apparent that the pandemic was going to be around for a while, more long-term solutions were put in place: some churches purchased special AV equipment; social media accounts were reactivated and websites brought up to date; online Bible Study, meetings, and even coffee hours after Sunday services formed. The Bishop began weekly video messages and a Wednesday Bible Study series. More than ever, online communication was key to keeping folks connected and informed, and it was inevitable that the Annual Meeting would follow suit. (To read the full article on the Diocese's News website with videos and photos, click on the button below:)
