Maui Relief Efforts of The Episcopal Church:

Mahalo from the Bishop

December 28, 2023

Feast of the Holy Innocents

Aloha my dear Siblings in Christ,

Here in the Christmas Season, I write to thank all those who have been so generous in the months following the August fires on Maui. Gifts of financial and personal support have come from around the world. We have been supported by the prayers of many more. I have been moved to tears by all of the love and generosity.

As a Diocese, we have received the following donations (these numbers do not include donations made directly to A Cup of Cold Water or Holy Innocents):

• The Bishop’s Pastoral Fund (Maui Response): $538,320. These funds have been provided for direct response in support of individuals (especially those connected with Holy Innocents’ Church -- parishioners, staff members, pre-school teachers, members of non-Episcopal congregations that worshipped in the sanctuary), the funding of a missioner to aid with relief efforts and steps forward, Maui congregations, and other organizations providing relief on Maui. So far, $285,091 has been expended or reserved.

• A Cup of Cold Water: $237,806. A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW) is a community Care-Van outreach ministry on the Island of Maui, formed in 2013 by a group of committed Maui Episcopalians from Good Shepherd, St. John’s, Trinity By-the-Sea, and Holy Innocents. The program is a food and clothing distribution service for the poor and needy in the community. It uses the care-van to deliver essential food, hygiene, and clothing items throughout the island. Since the fire, ACCW has become the primary group for Episcopal response to aid relief efforts. A local Maui board administers these funds.

• Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Ministry: $166,686. Though the church buildings were completely destroyed by the fire, the congregation continues to meet. Several parishioners lost their homes. Because of the devastation and hazardous waste, the return to home and business sites was delayed. In fact, only this month, we were granted access to the site of the church and columbarium/cemetary with full safety clothing and masks. Sunday worship is being hosted by Honolua United Methodist Church in nearby Napili. These funds will help support the congregation as we look to the future.

The recovery on Maui will take some time – perhaps years. There was a housing shortage before the fire and costs were rising. There is now a housing crisis and increasing pressures throughout the Island. While the Lahaina fire brought complete devastation to that community in west Maui, there were fires in upcountry Maui at the same time that left some homeless and had an impact on the infrastructure of several communities. I am proud of the congregations and clergy that have stepped up to provide help to those in need and to meet the pastoral needs of members and their neighbors. Because of Good Shepherd Church’s (Wailuku) location near government offices and the island’s largest hospital, the Reverend Moki Hino and Good Shepherd have had to particularly respond to many seeking help. The church is also the site of the pantry for ACCW. Likewise, the Reverend George Wong and St. John’s Church, Kula, have responded to those impacted by the upcountry Maui fires. Because of the housing shortage, all of the congregations have members who had or continue to have family members living with them.

The rebuilding of Holy Innocents’ Church in Lahaina is likely years away. The reclamation of the land and the required civic planning will take some time. The entire town was decimated. For now, the focus of our ministries are on the people of Maui, the congregation of Holy Innocents, and the congregations of Good Shepherd, St. John’s, and Trinity By-the-Sea.

Your gifts have helped the Episcopal Church in Hawai‘i to respond. Thank you.

Should you wish to continue to help, please donate online using the following link on the Diocese's Maui Relief webpage: https://www.episcopalhawaii.org/maui-relief.html or by mail to:

The Episcopal Church in Hawaiʻi

Attn.: Maui Relief

229 Queen Emma Square

Honolulu, HI. 96813

Whether donating online or by mail, please direct your gift to (1) The Bishop’s Pastoral Fund (Maui Response), (2) A Cup of Cold Water, or (3) Holy Innocents’ Episcopal Church Ministry.

The greatest gift has been your solidarity and your prayers, thank you. These months have reminded us in Hawaiʻi of our need for one another and to trust in God’s love. As the Psalmist says in the opening versing of Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength,

a help always near in times of great trouble.

That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart,

when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea,

when its waters roar and rage,

when the mountains shake because of its surging waves.

Please Keep Presiding Bishop Michael Curry In Your Prayers

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry was re-hospitalized and underwent surgery on January 6, 2024, for a reoccurrence of the subdural hematoma he experienced in early December of 2023. He has since been released from the hospital and is recovering at home under the supervision of his doctors. For the latest releases on his health, visit The Episcopal Church's website HERE.

Be sure to stay informed with the Bishop's latest messages by clicking on the button shown. All video messages also appear on the Dioceseʻs YouTube Channel and Facebook page.

January means churches are gearing up for their annual meetings, and the Diocesan Support Center is offering two online sessions to provide support, information, and to answer your questions about all things related to these meetings. The Zoom sessions will be held on:

• Saturday, January 13, at 9:00 AM
• Thursday, January 18, at 12:00 Noon

If you are interested, please register HERE, and the Zoom link will be sent to you.

Important January Observances

The month of January holds many special observances, especially in Hawai'i. Listed below are just some of the ecumenical and interfaith services and activities taking place on O'ahu. Be sure to check for local happenings in your area:

• MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY - Monday, January 15, 9:00 AM

Annual MLKJr Celebration Parade (from Magic Island to Kapiolani Park) and Festival - A time to reflect on the call to repentance and confession related to the after effects of slavery, emancipation, racism in America! Please join in the annual march. Click HERE for more information.

• HO'OKUIKAHI RECONCILIATION SERVICE - Friday, January 19, 6:30 PM

January 17 is the anniversary of the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, and this year, the annual Ho'okuikahi Reconciliation Service is being observed on January 19, at the Honpa Hongwanji Betsuin Main Temple, 1727 Pali Highway. For more information, contact Jon Matsuoka at (808) 536-7044, or download the program HERE.

• WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY - January 18-25

Choral Evensong at The Cathedral - Sunday, January 21, 5:30 PM

The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, will offer a choral Evensong (The Feast of the Confession of Saint Peter the Apostle, transferred). The Most Rev, Larry Silva, Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Honolulu, will be the homilist. Other ecumenical leaders will be the lectors. All are invited to attend (only participants in the service will vest).

Taizé Prayer for Christian Unity - Wednesday, January 24, 7:00 PM 

The Roman Catholic Diocese will offer a Taizé Prayer around the Cross at the Newman Center/Holy Spirit Parish at the University of Hawaii (UH), Manoa 1941 East West Road, Honolulu, HI 96822-2321 (Free parking is available at former St. Francis School, 2707 Pamoa Road, Honolulu). Episcopal clergy are invited to vest in keeping with choir office tradition (cassock, surplice and tippet, or alb with white stole), if desired. If vesting, clergy are also asked to please RSVP by Janua1y 17, 2024 through the Office of Worship, Diocese of Honolulu, at 808-585-3342 or by email to alguerrero@rcchawaii.org.

Reminder: Deadline to Register is January 19

Annual Clergy Retreat 2024: Examining the Examen

All clergy in the Diocese are invited to attend the annual Clergy Retreat, taking place January 29-31, 2024, at Camp Mokulē'ia. Bishop Bob leads this year's clergy retreat in "Examining the Examen" – the Ignatian process of reviewing our actions in the presence of God. Because lodging is limited, be sure to register early to ensure a spot. (Deadline to register is January 19, or when space at the Lodge fills up.) Airfare for neighbor island clergy will be covered. For more information, visit the event webpage HERE, or contact Canon Sandy.

On January 23, 2024, "A Case for Love", a documentary inspired by the teachings and writings of Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, will be shown in theaters nationwide. Here in Hawai'i, the movie will be shown at the Dole Cannery Cinemas in Honolulu, at 4:00 PM & 7:00 PM. Click HERE to reserve your ticket. Below are excerpts from the promotional material being shared:

A different kind of film, a different kind of story. A journey of exploration in troubling times. This is the first in a series of projects aimed at changing the national narrative of division.

This documentary examines the question of whether or not love, specifically, unselfish love, is the solution to the extreme societal and political divide facing the world.

In the documentary, the film team travels across the US, interviewing everyday people from various walks of life and ethnicities, striving to live their lives selflessly. These stories are interwoven with hundreds of person-on-the-street interviews while well-known figures including Pete Buttigieg, Al Roker, Sam Waterston, John Meacham, Jim Clyburn and others weigh in on the subject.

In the end, Bishop Michael Curry places what we’ve seen into context. Subjects explored: Racial Justice, Sexual Identity, Military Service, Foster Care, Politics, Sexual Trafficking, Disability, Loss of Loved Ones, Refugees, Volunteering, Food Justice and more. What’s the verdict on “A Case for Love”? Come watch and decide for yourself.

Coming Up: Vestry (New or Not!) Orientation

What does a Vestry member do? What are my responsibilities? All new and returning Vestry members are invited to attend the Diocese's online Vestry Orientation gathering, to learn about the role of the Vestry and to answer your questions. This informative session is taking place on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 9:00 AM- 12:00 Noon. There will be a presentation from the Bishop, a new version of our "Who's Kuleana Is It" game, and lots of time for Q&A! To register, click HERE. Deadline to register is Wednesday, February 7, 2024.

Our annual Chrism Mass & ChurchBiz (formerly Spring Training) Event will be taking place on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. The theme for this event is "Lessons Learned" as we take a look at the impact that recent catastrophies have had on our churches in the Diocese. Both COVID and the Maui wildfires have presented many challenges that we continue to learn from. Mark your calendars and save the date for this very important gathering! More information and registration will be coming soon!

The latest installment in the Retired Clergy Families Talk Story Project is now posted on the Diocesan website HERE. In this posting, we share the sermon given by the Rev. Paul Lillie (St. Mark's), during Christine "Teena" Urban's service that was held on October 24, 2023. Teena was the widow of the late Rev. Darrow Aiona. The Talk Story Project is a (growing) collection of stories from Diocesan-related retired clergy, spouses, and widows.

COMING UP AT CAMP MOKULĒ'IA

Camp Mokulē'ia is gearing up for a full year of fun and opportunities for our youth!

Diocesan Youth Retreat, April 12-14

Ready for some fun?! Come join the Diocesan Youth as they learn how to grow in Christ and friendship with one another. Our special guest speaker Erin Wolf guides us in conversations and games to discover the love of God, friends, and our community! The retreat is for all youth in grades 6-12. Come with your youth group, bring a friend or come on your own, ready to meet new friends, at Camp Mokulēʻia! For more information, visit the Camp website HERE or download the event flyer HERE.

Leaders in Training (LIT)

Boost your confidence as a leader by applying to be a part of our paid Leaders in Training (LITs) program. The goal of our LIT program is for 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to engage with our local community through service projects, learn from local guest speakers, and employ leadership, team building, and conflict resolution skills. Our LITs learn how to confidently facilitate group discussions, creatively impact their peers in positive ways and easily interact in professional settings. Don't wait! Apply today! View the full job description HERE, or scan the QR code in the image for more information.

Ali'i Sundays & Events in January:

• Sunday, January 14 - Commemorating Queen Kapi'olani
• Sunday, January 21 - Commemorating Queen Emma
• Sunday, January 21, 5:30 PM - Choral Evensong celebrating the Week for Christian Unity (See What's Happening in the Diocese above)
• Monday, January 22 - FORMA Watch Party

Above: The Shepherd's Play came to Christ Memorial, Kilauea, a tradition and gift to the community from the parents and former Waldorf School students who have performed during Christmastime for decades (E-news); Below left: Santa and Mrs. Claus paid a visit to St. Jude's, Ocean View (Newsletter), and at right, St. Clements', Honolulu, nativity during their Christmas program (Newsletter).

Above: The Episcopal Church on West Kaua'i (ECWK) gave thanks and praise for the beautiful gifts from Lts. Gutierrez of the Salvation Army, given to each child in the Kumu OlA Childrens Choir of the ECWK. The choir is dressed for their 'Olelo Christmas performance on Christmas Eve with over 160 in attendance. (Facebook); Below, Closing out the Season of Christmas and the start of Epiphanytide is this beautiful shot from St. James' Facebook page.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry released from hospital, continuing recovery at home

[1/11/24] Presiding Bishop Michael Curry has been released from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home under the supervision of his doctors, according to a Jan. 11 Office of Public Affairs press release. Curry underwent surgery on Jan. 6 to treat a reoccurrence of the subdural hematoma, or brain bleed, he experienced in early December 2023. READ MORE

STORYMAKERS RENEWAL AND CONTINUING PARTNERSHIP - Earlier this year, the Diocese partnered up with Storymakers NYC to provide Sunday school materials to our congregations, and covering the full cost for a year. The Diocese will continue to support the program by covering 50% of the cost. For those already using Storymakers, you should have received the special discount code, or contact Canon Sandy Graham for it. For those new to the program, visit their website for more information, then contact Canon Sandy for the code and begin using Storymaker's at half the cost!

2024 CONVENTION 56 CHANGE OF DATE - Because of various scheduling issues, the Bishop has rescheduled the 2024 Annual Meeting of Diocesan Convention to Saturday, October 12 (with Education Day on Friday, October 11). As you look to elections of lay delegates at congregational annual meetings in January, and as you plan your congregational (and personal) calendars, please reserve those dates.