The following are excerpts from a special edition e-Chronicle covering Education Day and the 48th Annual Meeting of Convention that will be released soon.

Convention XLVIII: Change, Celebration & Service

This year's Education Day and the 48th Annual Meeting of Convention are over, but the impact of the information shared, the various discussions, and visions exchanged, will have a long-lasting impact on the Diocese and our island communities. Throughout the weekend's activities, the prevailing theme was one of change, discernment and looking forward.

This year's events were kicked off with the Diocese's Education Day on Friday, October 28, and featured guest speaker, the Rev. Gay Clark Jennings, President of the House of Deputies, the first ordained woman to hold this position. 

Her topic, "On the Threshold: Baptismal Life in the 21st Century," addressed the changes that are taking place in the world today that have deeply affected the way people worship and live out their Baptismal life. Jennings shared that "faithful people are striving to discern the call to participate in God's mission in new ways."

Armed with startling statistics, Jennings talked about how we have to "think again about God's mission for the Episcopal Church in our time." With churches throughout the nation facing shrinking operating revenues and declines in pledge income, the "old model" of a full-time priest in a dedicated church building is becoming unsustainable, something that has already affected the Diocese of Hawai'i, especially with the high cost of living here.

But despite the gloomy statistics, Jennings focused on the ability of Episcopalians to adapt and to be "elastic" as phrased by Matthew Sheep, a business professor at Illinois State University.  

"I see people finding new ways to use the rituals and traditions of Anglicanism in public liturgy," said Jennings. "Clergy and laypeople are inventing new ways of taking liturgy into the world through commemorations like Ashes to Go, like Stations of the Cross that mark places where gun violence has happened, like Blessings of the Animals at Humane Society shelters. Our identity is elastic to know that we can make the ancient rituals of the church speak to the world we live in today."

The afternoon portion of Education Day was led by Dr. Kim Payton, an organizational psychologist who is currently working with the Diocese on strategic planning. He spoke about the need for churches to determine where they want to go when faced with change, and how it is important that all parts of the body be in harmony. 

Following Education Day, the Opening Eucharist took place in The Cathedral of St. Andrew. The halau and choir of the St. Andrew's Schools offered hula kahiko and music with voices of angels, and attendees were introduced to the new head of the school, Dr. Ruth Fletcher.

Armed with an 'o'o, the Bishop gave a sermon comparing the purposeful digging tool of ancient Hawai'i, to our life as Christians, turning and preparing the soil for planting seeds, and reflecting on the Gospel reading from Matthew of loving our enemies.

A special Aloha Reception followed, celebrating the Bishop's 10th Anniversary of his election as Bishop Diocesan. Folks were treated to a delicious Hawaiian buffet served up by folks from the Episcopal Church of West O'ahu, with music and a commemorative video spanning the Bishop's 10 years, played throughout the evening.

Early Saturday morning, delegates arrived for the 48th Annual Meeting of Convention, and were pleasantly surprised to find a hot breakfast of fried rice and eggs-to-order awaiting them. 

As Convention Chaplain, Rev. Jennings offered the opening prayer. Introductions were made, and orders of business followed.   Despite only one resolution on the agenda, organizers were prepared for the possibility of delays with voting. This year, Deputies and Alternates to General Convention were being elected, and a record 12 clergy were on the ballot. Voting did indeed extend to a third and final ballot.

Around mid-morning, the Bishop gave his annual Address to the Convention, opening with a letter from Paul (Romans 12:4-18) who tells us about being the Church - the Body of Christ. 

There was a noticeable sound of disappointment when the Bishop informed everyone that there would be no movie clips or celebrity "appearances" this year, but he delivered a heart-felt address, reflecting on the past 10 years as Bishop. He thanked his mentors, and those who have worked throughout the years in the Office of the Bishop. He gave thanks to his family, to all in the Diocese who have faithfully served on committees, the Chancellors, and all the dedicated volunteers in our churches. He closed with a reflection for going forward and the inevitable changes we will need to embrace and address.

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Celebration of New Ministry:

Installation of The Rev. Phyllis Mahilani Beimes

Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick will install the Rev. Phyllis Mahilani Beimes as Vicar at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in Waimanalo, O'ahu, on Sunday, November 27, 2016, at 3:00 PM.

The people of St. Matthew's request your prayers and presence at this Celebration of New Ministry. Clergy are invited to vest (red stoles).

In lieu of lei, donations maybe made to St. Matthew's Church, Attention: Kokua Food Basket.  Reception to follow. For those planning to attend, please RSVP by e-mail to [email protected], by November 20, 2016. St. Matthew's is located at 41-054 Ehukai Street, Waimanalo.

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The following is a letter from the Bishop to the Congregation of the Cathedral of St. Andrew dated November 10, 2016:

Announcement of the Appointment of a Canon Administrator and Priest-in-Charge at 

The Cathedral of St. Andrew

[November 10, 2016]   I am pleased to inform the congregation that last night the Chapter confirmed my appointment of the Reverend Moki Hino as Canon Administrator and Priest-in-Charge of the Cathedral of St. Andrew.  As my appointee and representative, he will be responsible for liturgical, programmatic and administrative oversight and management of the Cathedral congregation.  He is to join us on  January 1, 2017, and this appointment is for three years.  

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EYE17: Path to Peace

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Documentary on Homelessness in Hawai'i

If you haven't already seen it, be sure to tune into KHNL on  Sunday, November 13, for a special documentary on the homeless in Hawai'i, titled  No Room in Paradise . The 90-minute film, that airs at 8:00 PM, was put together by filmmakers Anthony Aalto and Mike Hinchey of Green Island Films, and took two years to complete. They followed two families for more than a year as they struggled from sidewalk tents to subsidized housing, sharing their personal stories of how and why they became homeless.

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Summit on Family Homelessness on Big Island

A faith-based Summit on Family Homelessness will be taking place on the Big Island of Hawai'i on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, from 8:30 AM - 2:00 PM, at the Old Airport Pavilion in Kailua-Kona. Summit attendees will receive vauable information on the state of famly homelessness, opportunities to provide support, and connection to a network of resources available.  

The free event includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Seating is limited. Register for this event before 10:00 PM on November 13, 2016 HERE. For more information, call (808) 331-8777. 

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Free Play Viewing at St. John's, Kula: Damien

From playwright Aldyth Morris and Maui actor Vincent Linares comes a dynamic portrayal of one of Hawaii's most storied, self-sacrificing, and complex saints, Father Damien, minister to the lepers of Moloka'i.

This free event will be taking place on November 19, 2016, from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM, at S t. John's Episcopal Church, 8992 Kula Highway

Kula, HI. Open seating - Calabash offering will benefit the Upcountry Food Bank. For more information, call (808)  878-1485.

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ECW Holiday Luncheon Focuses on Outreach: Seeking Donations for Gift Baskets

The Episcopal Church Women's (ECW) annual holiday luncheon will be taking place on Saturday, December 3, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Honolulu, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

This year they will be assembling gift baskets for seniors and less fortunate families that could use some holiday cheer. The baskets will be distributed at three of O'ahu's Episcopal churches located on the far reaches of the island: St. John's By-the-Sea in Kaneohe, St. Matthew's in Waimanalo, and St. John the Baptist in Waianae.

Their target is 75-100 baskets, filled with non-perishable food items (granola and energy bars, Spam, sardines, Vienna sausage, fruit cups, pudding, crackers/cheese, treats, etc.) as well as toiletries and accessories (lotions, conditioning shampoos, tissues, Q-tips, brush/combs, nail clippers, socks, wash cloths, body wash/soap, toothbrush/toothpaste, etc.). Donations can be dropped off at St. Luke's with Fr. Ray Woo, or arrangements can be made for pick-up.

They will also enjoy a festive lunch (bring a salad or dessert to share) with games (please bring a $5 grab bag gift) and lots of fellowship. For more information download the flyer HERE. If you have questions or to RSVP, contact Louise Aloy, President, at (808) 264-9830, or by e-mail.   

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ReSource for Christian Spirituality will be offering an Advent Mini-Retreat on Saturday, December 10, 2016, from 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, at St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lihue, Kaua'i. The theme, "They Who Wait" will offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. The retreat will be facilitated by Maxine Pollock, spiritual director and founder of Scrub Bucket Gospel Ministries. For more information and to register, contact Phyllis Meighen at (808) 647-4346, or download the flyer  HERE,

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The Rev. Jodene Hawkins will be leading her 5th Pilgrimage to the Holy Land for women in September 2017. Join Jodene on this unique women's journey where she brings her 20 years of experience with groups in the Holy Land and in the Sinai Desert. She also brings her experience as Chaplain for St. George's College, Jerusalem. The tour will begin on September 4 and end on September 15, 2017.  To learn more about this unique women's journey, download information HERE, and to view the itinerary click HERE. If you have any questions, contact Jodene at (808) 276-9006 or e-mail her.

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It's that time of year, and St. Peter's will be hosting Gilman Hu's annual Narcissus bulb carving classes from January 14 through February 4, 2017, with an exhibition on February 11 and 12. Learn the Chinese art of carving a narcissus bulb and create a traditional symbol to welcome in the Lunar New Year. Classes are available for beginners, returning students and advanced workshop. Registration is required. For more information and to register, click HERE.

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Young Adult Service Corps Accepting Applications for 2017-2018 Placement

Young adults (21-30 years old) have an opportunity to transform their own lives while engaging mission and ministry in the Anglican Communion by joining the Young Adult Service Corps. Now, applications are available for 2017-2018 placements in the Young Adult Service Corps, commonly known as YASC.

Currently YASCers are serving throughout the Anglican Communion, working alongside partners in administration, agriculture, communication, development, and education. They are serving in Brazil, Costa Rica, England, France, Haiti, Hong Kong, Japan, Jerusalem, Panama, Philippines, and South Africa.

Among possible placements for 2017-2018 are Brazil, Costa Rica, Ecuador, England, France, Ghana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Japan, Jerusalem, Mexico, Panama, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, and Tanzania.

"The Young Adult Service Corps offers young adults the opportunity to live out their faith in new ways and different contexts," commented Elizabeth Boe, Episcopal Church Global Networking Officer. "They commit to spending a year learning from and working, living, and praying with other Episcopal and Anglican communities around the world."

The application for a 2017-2018 placement with additional information and instructions is available HERE. The application deadline is Friday, January 6, 2017. For more information contact Grace Flint, Episcopal Church Staff Officer for YASC Programming, at [email protected].

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Applications Being Accepted for Grants Focused on Climate Change and Creation

[November 7, 2016] Applications are now being accepted for grants that focus on local faith-based projects for mitigating climate change and safeguarding the integrity of creation.

The Episcopal Church Advisory Council for the Stewardship of Creation, enabled by Resolution  A030, Create Task Force On Climate Change, approved at General Convention 2015, will make recommendations for grants up to $10,000.

Application information is available  HERE. Deadline for applications is December 31, 2016.

"At General Convention in 2015, the Episcopal Church allocated funds to enable local faith-based projects for mitigating climate change and safeguarding the integrity of Creation," commented the Rev. Stephanie Johnson, Council Co-Chair.

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Advent Devotions Offered by Heads of Episcopal Church, Anglican Church of Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry joined the leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in preparing Advent Devotions for the upcoming liturgical season.

Titled "Liberated by God's Grace" and available HERE. The weekly devotions were prepared by:

* The Most Rev. Michael B. Curry. Presiding Bishop and Primate, the Episcopal Church

* The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Presiding Bishop,  Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

* The Most Rev. Fred Hiltz, Primate,  Anglican Church of Canada

* The Rev. Susan C. Johnson, National Bishop,  Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.

"As churches shaped by the 16th century reformations-the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, the Episcopal Church, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America-we also participate in this ministry of reconciliation," they noted in a joint letter. "Over fifteen years ago, our churches' respective full communion agreements inaugurated new relationships in which we fully recognized each other "as churches in which the gospel is truly preached and the holy sacraments duly administered" (Called to Common Mission), an achievement that "marks but one step toward the eventual visible unity of the whole Church catholic" (Waterloo Declaration). We are committed to working together toward reconciliation-of the church, and of the deepest social ills that plague our world. It is our hope, together with you, to be signs of anticipation-of the "already, but not yet" of God's realm of reconciliation, justice, and peace."

The Advent Devotions can be downloaded for websites, bulletin inserts, church programs, and used as discussion points.

Presiding Bishop Curry's contribution is Advent 3, Matthew 11:2-11: Salvation - Not for Sale.

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The Beecken Center's Upcoming Programs

The Beecken Center will host a Living Compass Congregational Wellness Advocate (CWA) training, February 8-10, 2017, at the Sewanee Inn in Sewanee, Tennessee. 

Led by the Rev. Scott Stoner and the Living Compass team, this three-day course will help you develop skills to facilitate small wellness groups and lead wellness classes on a breadth of topics including adult, parent, and teen wellness. You will also take time to assess the wellness needs within your faith community and the wider community at large.  You will be enriched by spending several days in community with others who are passionate about integrating faith and wellness! 

Certification requires completion of this training plus leading two Living Compass programs within one year of having completed the training. For more information and to register, click HERE.

The Beecken Center is partnering with  Listening Hearts Ministries  to offer an intensive, four-day retreat to train participants in the art of facilitating and mentoring spiritual discernment groups using the  Listening Hearts  approach. This program will be held at the  DuBose Conference Center  in Monteagle, Tennessee, March 14-18, 2017. 

The retreat will include communal meditation activities; workshops that teach the practical aspects of teaching spiritual discernment; and a series of discernment sessions, each followed by a reflective review to gain insight into the elements that bring forth fruitful discernment. For more information and to register, click HERE.

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Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick will install the Rev. Bruce DeGooyer as Vicar of Trinity Episcopal Church By-the-Sea, in Kihei, Maui, on Saturday, November 12, 2016, at 2:00 PM. Reception to follow.

The people of Trinity request your prayers and presence at this Celebration of New Ministry. Clergy are invited to vest (red stoles).

Trinity is located at 100 Kulanihakoi Street in Kihei.  

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Camp Mokule'ia's First Annual Fundraiser

Donation Request

Camp Mokule'ia will be holding its first annual gala fundraiser on Saturday, November 26, 2016, from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, with a luau, hula, dancing under the stars, auction and much more! 

Much of the success of this opportunity to raise funds for "camperships" for under-served youth will be from our live and silent auctions. If you have items that you would like to donate to the auction, please read the attached letter HERE for more information about the need we are trying to address, and ways to be a part of our auction.  

The event is also in celebration of Executive Director David Turner's 60th birthday. Tickets are $75. There is also a special offer available with lodging of two nights for the price of one. For more information, download the flyer 

HERE 

or visit their website to buy tickets online HERE .

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All clergy and Waiolaihui'ia students are invited to attend Enculturation Day 2016, that will be held at Epiphany Episcopal Church in Honolulu, on Saturday, December 10, from 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM.  

For newcomers, it's a great way to learn about serving Christ in Hawai'i, while long-timers are invited to share and help new clergy to understand the beauty and unique challenges of ministry in the islands.  For all, it is a time of clergy formation and fellowship as we come together to share in the culture of Hawai'i.

Cost is $15 and includes lunch. Airfare will be provided for canonically resident clergy, licensed clergy-in-charge and Waiolaihui'ia students on the Neighbor Islands. To register, click HERE.

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Pulama 2016 Feast Day:

Thoughts & Reflections on Our Holy Sovereigns

King Kamehameha IV & Queen Emma

Having received the consent of the Standing Committee, God and the People willing, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick will ordain Annalise Marie Castro, to the Presbyterate in the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, on Saturday, January 14, 2017, at 10:00 AM.  Clergy are invited to vest.  White stoles.  If you are available, please join us.  Please remember to keep Annalise in your prayers.  

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October 26, 2016:

Upcoming Ordination to the Presbyterate:  Castro January 14

48th Annual Meeting of Convention is here!

Celebration of New Ministry: DeGooyer  November 12

Fall and Christmas Fairs Coming Up

Presiding Bishop's Opening Remarks at Executive Council Meeting

October 13, 2016:

Bishop's Appeal for the Hurricane Matthew Response

Pulama 2016 Feast Day

Camp Mokule'ia First Annual Fundraiser  November 26

Presiding Bishop on the Passing of Shimon Peres

Episcopal Congregations Research Info Available

September 23, 2016:

House of Bishops Issues A Word to the Church

Church Pension Group Conference in Honolulu

Registration now open - Enculturation Day

Presiding Bishop's New Video

Evangelism Matters Conference

The Rev. Carl Wright Elected Suffragan for Armed Services and Federal Ministries

September 9, 2016:

Diocesan Customary Updated

Resources for the New Church Calendar Year

August 26, 2016:

Applications being accepted for Episcopal Church Indigenous Missioner

Save the date! Enculturation Day 2016!  December 10

Presiding Bishop in support of Standing Rock Sioux Reservation

Presiding Bishop offers election message