Frank and Leah Condello with members of their extended family at Holy Nativity, Palm Sunday, 2021.
FRANK CONDELLO, CANDIDATE FOR ORDINATION, MOVES ON TO HIS CURACY POSITION AT EPIPHANY CHURCH
Frank Condello has been a part of our Holy Nativity ohana for eighteen months and now we must send him on to the Church of the Epiphany in Kaimuki. The Rev. Chris Bridges, our former curate, is Priest-in-charge there; Frank will begin his curacy on August 1 and, if all goes well and as planned, he will be ordained deacon at that parish. Frank plans to continue working with the Honolulu Police Department, as well, as he he continues his long and distinguished career as an officer and federal agent. It has been wonderful to have Frank's wife, Leah (who teaches elementary school) and some of their extended family with us in worship regularly. Their son, Frank, Jr., joined us often, as well, whenever he was home from college in North Carolina.
Frank's preparation for ordained ministry has required four years of instruction. He has been enrolled in the Diocese of Hawaii's local ordination process, "Waiolaihui'ia" ("Gathering of the Waters"). The program allows those called to ordination here in Hawaii to fully prepare for their ministries while remaining close to their families. Frank has particular interests in liturgy, preaching and teaching. As many know, at Holy Nativity, he taught an adult course on the Book of Acts and led weekly Compline services during the fall and spring.
We are sad to see Frank leave us, of course. We have appreciated his meaningful sermons and his steady presence among us. We look forward, though, to hearing the news that he is ready to be ordained. Many of us at Holy Nativity surely will be present on that happy occasion to pray him on his way. Mahalo, Frank, for offering your gifts at Holy Nativity. You have been a blessing!
HAVE CAR?
WE'LL BLESS!
The Rev. Alison Dingley facilitated at a recently scheduled "car blessing" in the Holy Nativity parking lot after church on Sunday, June 27.
Paul Lin, owner of the new car pictured above, had called the church to ask if someone might say a prayer of blessing over the car. Many thanks to Aloha Greeter Alison Kittle for fielding Paul's call and connecting him with the Rev. Alison, who was leading services in Rev. Libby's absence that day. Rev. Alison offered prayers that the all drivers, riders and those coming close to the car would be safe and well on their various journeys. We are glad that the Lin family, also pictured above, with Alison Kittle and Eucharistic Minister Kim Garner, reached out to us. Godspeed; we hope to see you at Holy Nativity again soon!
STAFFING UPDATE:
NEW ASSISTING PRIEST & BOOKKEEPER
ON THEIR WAY TO HNC
Rev. Libby announced last month that the Rev. Jennifer Latham will join the HNC staff beginning on October 1, 2021. She currently is finishing a chaplaincy program at Queen's Hospital and serves at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Waimanalo. Jenn's portfolio will be broad but will focus on the developing of programs for children and youth at HNC/HNS and our continuing effort to strengthen relationships between all of Holy Nativity, so we can reach out to in service to the larger community. We are excited to have you with us, Rev. Jenn!
Another new member of the staff is William ("Wil") Ching, who began his part-time work as our bookkeeper on July 16. Wil's work mostly will be remote, but he will be on campus regularly to meet HNC members and conduct necessary business. Wil brings a wealth of bookkeeping, finance, and accounting experience to his work with us. Wil, welcome; we are delighted you are here!
We plan to post the part-time church office administrator and communications director position in August. Meanwhile, our continuing gratitude to the volunteer Aloha Greeters, who are staffing the office from Monday through Friday, from 9am to 12noon.
Mahalo!
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HOPE-A-THON HAWAII TAKES A BREAK
Hopeathon Hawaii, HNC's programming contest for youth that originally was scheduled for the second half of 2021, with an in-person coding weekend on campus in December, has been postponed to 2022. Organizer and Outreach Committee member Alison Kittle said that COVID-19 and a few other factors were making it difficult for volunteers and contestants to make firm plans to participate right now. Funding for the contest is in place, and Alison and others expect to go forward in planning for next year. Hope-a-thon Hawaii invites contestants to develop video games that teach young children spiritual and moral values.
PLUMERIA ON BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY AT THE FOUNTAIN IN THE ST. FRANCIS GARDEN
Thanks to Mila and Harper Aust, granddaughters of Ed Stikeleather, visiting from Maryland this summer, for their creativity!
