Numerous people from the Diocese of Hawai'i traveled to Seoul, Korea, to attend the Episcopal Asiamerica Ministries Churchwi de Consultation from September 3 0  to October 4 , 2015.  The theme of the gathering, the 125 th  Anniversary of the Anglican Church of Korea, was "Celebrating Our Partnership; Uniting Our Mission."  

 

The outgoing Presiding Bishop, t he Most Rev.  Katharine  Jefforts Schori; the President  of the House of Deputies, the Rev. Gay Jennings; and the Secretary of the General Convention, the Rev. Michael Barlowe, were also in attendance.  

 

In a ddition to a rousing celebration  Eucharist, a trip to the North Korean border, and tea at the US Ambassador's residence, there were four keynote addresses.

 

At the first keynote address , the Most Rev.  Nathaniel Uematsu, the Archbishop of  Nihon Sei Ko Kai (the  Anglican Church in Japan ) , talked about how his church has  accepted  its culpability  and  reached out to other provinces in Asia who were occupied or inva ded by Japan before and during  World War II, especially Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. I was quite moved by his description of his efforts of reconciliation with churches in these provinces.

 

We also listened to an interesting keynote address by t he Right Rev.  Allen Shin, the Suffragan Bishop of New York ,  who pointed out that Asian migration to the Americas began in the 1500 s  when the Manila galleons transported workers from China and the Philippines to Acapulco, Mexico.  Bishop Shin also talked about sanctification being defined as being set apart and then in order to be set apart there had to be differences, and so our diversity is a gift from God.

 

During her keynote address ,  Presiding Bishop Jeffrets Schori made the  following  statements :

Know that the work you are doing is changing the face of the Episcopal Church; and

Hisanori Kano was the only Japanese in Nebraska who was interned during World War II. He was too dangerous. He was a priest.

 

She  then talked about the Sendai earthquake and how the  Nih on Sei  K o Kai  offered s ocial and emotional support  to the victims by providing them with hot communal baths (an important social aspect of Japanese culture) and tea ceremonies (so that people could engage in community and fellowship) .   She also went on to explain that the Nihon Sei Ko Kai engaged in outreach to  Filipino wives in fishing villages  and g ave  them a feeling of  basic human dignity and value.  She then summed up her remarks by saying, " The world needs confidence that peace is possible. "

 

At the fourth keynote address, the Rev. Dr.  Jeremiah  Yang from Sungkonghoe University in Seoul talked about the  Sewol ferry incident and how students texted messages to their parents from inside the ferry before their  deaths .  He then went on to explain that the owner of the ferry company was a leader in a prominent Christian sect in Korea that connected  religion to  the  power of  the  state and  espouses  religious tenets of  a  capitalism-prosperity gospel  that led to insensitivity after the demises.   Dr. Yang pointed  out that a business owner commented that poor students should have stayed closer to home and not  attempt  to go above their stations in life  by traveling to a resort like J eju Island.  Four days  after the disaster,  during Easter Sunday services ,  the re was no mourning or reflection on the incident in many churches in Korea and Dr. Yang described this as " Easter  A mnesia. "  Dr. Yang then commented that  exploited  Christians are f orced  to not  search for truth  but to accept what happens  as the will of God ,  and that the c ries of  the Sewol  victims' families awakened us to compassion, connection and relationship.

 

As we gathered in Korea to reinvigorate our mission and ministry as disciples in the Episcopal Church ,  we were called  to  redefine the definition of "missionary".  The Rev. Winfred Vergara, Asian Missioner for the Episcopal  C hurch, pointed out that, "The mission field is no longer abroad but here." 

Given that truth, we must open our hearts to the Christ we seek and serve in those around us--our family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and most especially anyone in our proximity who lives in the margins of our society.  As our Presiding Bishop pointed out, "Ministry is not to the margins, but from the margins."   (All photos except for the top photo contributed by Moki Hino.)

The December formation weekend was a special one for the Waiolaihui'ia program as they celebrated the graduation of four from the first group. Pictured above, the Rev. Austin Murray joins the four graduates, Malcolm Keleawe Hee, Phyllis Mahilani Beimes, John Anson Hauʻoli Tomoso and Paul Nahoa Lucas, and at right, the graduates have fun with their spouses.  (Photo courtesy of Hau'oli Tomoso)  

On Saturday, December 12, 2015, 'Iolani Guild hosted 38 of its members to a fabulous Christmas Tea Party in the Von Holt Room of the Cathedral.

The tables were dressed with red table cloths and adorned with centerpieces of Poinsettia plants, lovely ceramic tea sets of various hues and designs, and knick-knacks provided as gifts to each member. One gift in particular was especially noteworthy. It was a beautifully decorated "teeny" bottle of wine with a clever note attached to it which read, "You are Tea-riffic! God created you to do marvelous works of love...thank you for sharing!"  The words were uttered by our Chaplain, Kahu Kaleo Patterson and the gift of "Aloha" from Kupuna Lei. 

With Kilani Ventura as the General Chair, flanked by Hartwell Lee Loy and Pua Sanborn, as the Registrars; Jan Motoshige as the Tea Chair and Leianne Lee Loy as "Keeper of the Food Detail", their "elves" scurried throughout the room ensuring that all was in place for the "HO, HO, HO" party of the year. Teapots were kept filled and the elves were everywhere as necessary.  A great big Mahalo to all the elves- who worked tirelessly to make this party a great success!

Special guests invited to the party included our Bishop Bob Fitzpatrick and Bea; our Dean, Rev. Walter Brownridge and Teena; and newly installed, Deacon Ray Woo.  While we dined and chatted, sounds of Christmas m usic drifted throughout the room by our celebrated harpist, Sharene Taba. Her r endition of "Silent Night" was the frosting on the cake!

A gathering like this wouldn't be complete if we didn't interject a wee bit of business into the "gift bag"! Members voted for the officers for  2016-2018. They are: President, Leimalama Lee Loy; Vice-President, Barbara Vlachos;  Secretary, Sue Berg; Corresponding Secretary, Gladys Rodenhurst, and Treasurer, Theone Vredenburg. Mahalo and c ongratulations to all of the newly elected, and a  big MAHALO to the outgoing officers: Kilani Ventura, Vice-President and the best "go-fer" I ever had;  Bea Fitzpatrick, Recording Secretary; and Momi Cummings, Treasurer.

In closing, allow me to quote the following passage from 2 Corinthians 5:17:  "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!"

We look forward to the next two years to a growth in membership, increase in our treasury, and continued involvement in meeting our goals and objectives for 'Iolani Guild. 

Me Ke Aloha Pumehana! A blessed 2016 to each and everyone of you.

(Photos by Jan Motoshige)

Emmanuel's Chocolate Extravaganza 2015

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O'ahu Churches Receive Spark of Hope Award

TIAH was established to provide "a positive, healing role in Hawaii with people of faith, goodwill and aloha" as stated on their website. Each year TIAH offers awards to organizations and individuals in different categories such as healing, encouraging non-violent civic participation, facilitating community activism and others. Congratulations to our churches for their good works.

Fall was a busy time for members of Epiphany Episcopal Church in Honolulu. Pictured above left, a Godly Play session was held on Sunday, October 11, with (front row) Maris Jones, Lauren Hales, the Rev. Alison Dingley, Lauren Dockery and Dominique Hollis. In the back row, acolyte Bruce Hanohano and Godly Play facilitator Jenny Wallace.

On October 18, the Rev. Ernesto "JaR" Pasalo, Jr. Celebrated his first Sunday at Epiphany. Fr. JaR, who is originally from Maui and attended Good Shepherd, recently graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary and was ordained on June 13, 2015. He served in the Philippines for 3 months before returning to Hawai'i. He will also be assisting at nearby Good Samaritan. Pictured above right, is Fr. JaR with acolytes Bruce Hanohano, Don Botsai and the Rev. Irene Tanabe.

In November, Epiphany hosted guest speaker Holly Kiyonaga, Prinicipal of Palolo Elementary School, sharing information on how the church's outreach ministry can help; November 21 was the annual Bazaar, and on November 22, Mary Sueoka gave her Response to the Word followed by Keiki Hula in celebration of the Feast of Our Holy Sovereigns.  (Information and photos by Portia Okamoto.)

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The following photo is from the Holy Nativity newsletter:

Soup Supper at Holy Nativity with the Bishop

The Bishop and Bea made a non-Sunday visitation at Holy Nativity on Wednesday, November 18, and enjoyed a soup and bread supper with parishioners. The Rev.Debra Vanover is in the picture above right, third from left.

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The following two articles and photos are excerpts from stories in the St. Elizabeth's December newsletter.

St. Elizabeth's Youth Flourishing

By Viliami Lino, Youth Coordinator

The youth have been really active this semester attending a youth program called Ku A'e Hou (New Rising Wings). This program's  mission is to empower, encourage, and build faith, love and hope,  establishing purpose for Hawai'i's youth and families. Our youth have  been involved and participated in this program for the past three  months. Every Monday they go to Waimanalo Park from 6:00 PM to  8:30 PM, (pictured above) participating in different games and activities followed by a brief  group discussion with a theme. Last quarter,  the theme was "Re-Focus" getting back on  track to school mode from summer break.   "Let It Go" was the theme for this quarter,  as we  transition into the Christmas and Holiday  season.

Giving Thanks and Providing Meals

Celebrating Thanksgiving at St. Elizabeth's saw members give thanks and share their blessings with each other, while also serving up meals to those on the streets. Pictured above left, Sue Jean Chun and daughter Collette Arakawa lovingly arranged the donated fresh fruits and vegetables around the altar, while non-perishables were arranged around the church. All who came to worship on Thanksgiving Day not only counted their blessings, they shared in the food that was brought in.

Volunteers also cooked and prepared 200 hot meals that were delivered to their neighbors on the streets. This was especially welcomed by those who are afraid to travel for fear of their things being stolen. Pictured above center, "Uncle Mo" dug an imu for the turkeys, and plates were loaded up for delivery. 

By Patricia Hillegonds, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Lihue

On November 23, 2015, Bernard Carvalho, Mayor of Kaua'i, convened a Homeless Solutions Summit. Approximately 100 people attended, with representatives from the houseless community, government, service providers, and faith communities. Among those attending were Fr. Ryan Newman and Nadine Nakamura (All Saints', Kapa'a) and Pat Hillegonds and Maureen Nuccio-Hiraga (St Michael's, Lihue). 

Through a mixture of individual speakers and panel discussions, people talked about the problem of houselessness on Kauai, the difficulties in defining the magnitude of the problem, challenges faced by service providers, and some of the actions already being taken by members of faith communities. Time was spent in small groups to look at ways the community could come together and work collaboratively on addressing houselessness and the constellation of issues that accompany it. The problems are complex, but the summit was viewed as an opportunity for the entire community to develop concrete plans. It is a beginning for what we hope will lead to creative approaches and solutions. (Photo by Ryan Newman)

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Every year Good Shepherd Epsicopal Church's talented crowd of musicians visits communities near and far to spread cheer and joy through their music. Pictured in this collage are the carolers who went to homes in Wailuku, Kahului and Upcountry Pukalani and Makawao.  (Photos from the Good Shepherd Facebook page.)

On Saturday, November 14, 2015, a Celebration of New Ministry took place at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Kapa'au, as the Rev. Diane Akiyama was installed as the Vicar. Members of various ministries of St. Augustine's presented Vicar Diana with gifts that symbolized each ministry. The Bishop presented a pitcher of holy water representing Baptism. Pictured above from left, St. Augustine member Barbara Sterne, the Rev. David Stout from the Congregations of St. James' Parishes, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, the Rev. Diane Akiyama, the Rev. Moki Hino from Holy Apostles in Hilo, and the Very Rev. Austin Murray from Trinity By-the-Sea in Kihei, Maui.  (Contributed photo - Excerpts from the St.Augustine newsletter)

On Saturday, November 14, 2015, the annual St. James' Christmas Bazaar took place, raising $8,673 to benefit The Community Food Pantry (operated by Annunciation Catholic Church), St. James' Outreach Ministries and the homeless. Nina Disbro, all the volunteers from the Thrift Store, and Church members worked tirelessly days before the event to set up the Christmas Store and craft/baked goods. The Marshallese congregation helped with cleanup and St. Columba's members made goods to sell in the food booth and helped with the bazaar in other areas. This was truly a community event that we all looked forward to and was a huge success because of everyone's hard work and attention to detail. A huge mahalo to this year's co-chairs, Susan Acacio and Barbara Lackey.  

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Each Saturday, St. Jude's hosts many of our neighbors at our hot showers. We provide clean tow els, shampoo, conditioner, shaving items and lots of hot water for anyone who wants to take a shower. There are several regulars who come  each week and we think of them as part of St. Jude's family.

On November 21, our shower patrons were told that they could not have a hot shower that day because of the damaged water heater. It was hard news to share, but 15 hardy souls elected to take cold showers anyway. We were blessed that day to have two wonderful hot soups and good potato rolls to offer them and everyone stayed for lunch.

When our shower patrons found out that the water heater was damaged, many of them immediately reached into their pockets to give what they could to help replace it. Then on Sunday, November  22, when  we announced what had happened to the shower  facility, others gave money to the fund.

It's gratifying to re flect on the situation. What began as a very discouraging incident for us, turned into a very uplifting and encouraging experience. Many people in the community recognize the value of our showers and importance of maintaining this valuable service. Our shower patrons have become part of our congregation, and we enjoy the fellowship we share with them each Saturday. Their support of our facility manifests in many ways throughout the week and we cherish these relationships. St. Jude's will continue to strive to provide our shower ministry, despite vandals and thieves.

Thank you God, for the wonderful people that rally around our church and help us provide this ministry for those in need.  We'll have the hot water back just as soon as we can get the building more secured. 

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Hello. Our original plan was for me to tape a Christmas message in front of the United Nations building in New York as a way of sending a message that this Jesus of Nazareth whom we follow came to show us the way to a different world, a world rounded in God's peace and God's justice, God's love and God's compassion.

I recently had surgery and so we had to change those plans and so I'm here in Raleigh on Capitol Square. Christ Church is here and we're filming this message here just as a way of giving me a chance to say "Thank you" to all of you who sent cards and prayers in my recent surgery.  I'm doing well and I'm coming back to work. 

But I did want to say something to you.  It occurs to me that this Jesus of Nazareth really does make a difference.  And God coming into the world in the person of Jesus matters profoundly for all of us regardless of our religious tradition.

In the park across from the United Nations, the Ralph Bunche Park, the words of the Prophet Isaiah are quoted,

 

They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks

Nation will not rise against nation

Neither shall they learn war any more

 

What's not there is another part of that passage that's in the second chapter of Isaiah, and it says,

 

Come, let us go to the mountain of God,

That he may show us His ways and teach us His paths

 

We who follow Jesus believe that the mountain came to us when God came among us in the person of Jesus to show us the way to live, to show us the way to love, to show us the way to transform this world from the nightmare it often is into the dream that God intends for us all.

So, as the words were spoken on that night when Jesus was born, peace, good will to all people, God bless you, God keep you.  A blessed Advent, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year to all.

The Most Rev. Michael Curry

Presiding Bishop and Primate

The Episcopal Church

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