She's Off! 

As of this writing, Rev. Annalise was on her way to the meeting.  Please keep her in your prayers as she takes part in nearly two weeks of meetings, worship, advocacy, training and visitation to permanent missions at the United Nations.   You can follow her journey through her blog page HERE that will be active once she arrives, as well as posts on the diocesan Facebook page. 

To learn more about UNCSW, visit their website HERE, and to read a recent article about the delegation from Public Affairs of the Episcopal Church, click HERE.

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This Sunday!

Memorial Plaque Dedication at The Cathedral

In the Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, memorial plaques honoring the late Bishops who have served in Hawai'i are installed in the ambulatory behind the High Altar.   The memorial plaques for Bishop Edmond Browning and Bishop Richard Chang have been installed and will be dedicated together at Evensong on Sunday, March 11, 2018, at 5:30 PM.   This date also happens to be Bishop Browning's birthday! The plaques have been mounted together to reflect the close working relationship the two had in life. All are invited to this special service honoring these two beloved Bishops. 

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The following is a message from Fr. Sandy who selflessly donated his kidney to our Treasurer Peter Pereira at the end of January.

Update on The Rev. Cn. Alexander "Sandy" Graham and Peter Pereira

I first would like to thank all of you who have been holding Peter and me in your prayers and for the cards and notes of encouragement! It is humbling to be connected to such a community of love and concern.

I asked Peter what I might share with you all, and he reports that the kidney is functioning really well, and that his challenges now come mostly from side effects related to the immunosuppressant drugs (fluctuating blood pressure, low red blood cells and hemoglobin) and from having to watch sugar and overall diet. He reports that he is sleeping much better.

Personally, I am mostly back in the office. I still have some physical restrictions for a set time (no lifting anything over ten pounds yet, I'm not back to biking into the office, and I'm not allowed to immerse in water/swim in the ocean yet!) and occasionally I wear out as my energy lags before the end of the day, all of which I understand is completely normal. The surgeon is confident enough in my recovery that I don't have another appointment with him until July.

Again, MAHALO for all of your support and your prayers.

Aloha,

Sandy+

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March For Our Lives on March 24

Submit names for prayer by March 15!

The Bishop has received word that several members from various congregations in the Diocese will be attending the "March For Our Lives" event in Washington DC, on Saturday, March 24, 2018.   Please submit the names of those from the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i that are attending the march, so that we can share their names throughout the Diocese and pray for them. 

We would also appreciate photos and stories from participants after the march to share in the Diocesan E-Chronicle. This is a witness that we need to share.  Photos and stories from local marches are also welcome.

Please send the names as soon as possible or no later Thursday, March 15, so that a list can be compiled and distributed before March 18 Sunday services. Send names, and follow-up photos and stories to [email protected].

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Could this be you?

 

The Diocese of Hawai'i is encouraging members throughout the Diocese to consider volunteering to serve on one of the Design Teams to help implement the Strategic Plan. We are especially interested in recruiting people who are seekers and questioners, team players who are committed to the goals of each team, and people with new eyes to offer fresh approaches. People may be nominated by others (with permission) or nominate themselves.

 

To nominate or self-nominate, please use this form  HERE . The first meeting of all three of the Design Teams will take place on Saturday, April 7, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Nominations are due by Friday, March 16, 2018.

 

United in Prayer Day Coming Up

Trinity Episcopal By-the-Sea in Kihei, Maui, will be hosting the Contemplative Outreach of Hawai'i's  United in Prayer Day on Saturday, March 17, 2018, from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM.  All are invited to attend. Participants are welcome to bring a lunch and stay afterwards to chat.  

There are a number of churches throughout the Diocese and on all of the main islands that have active Centering Prayer groups. Check the Contemplative Outreach Hawaii website HERE for a group near you. For more information, download the flyer HERE, or if you have questions, contact Paula Baldwin at [email protected].  

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ECW Quiet Day 2018

The Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Hawai'i will be holding their annual Quiet Day Retreat on Saturday, March 24, 2018, at the St. Anthony's Retreat Center in Kalihi Valley, beginning at 8:30 AM.  The theme for this year's event is "Surrendering to the Love of God," and the retreat's spiritual guide will be the Rev. Alison Dingley.  The cost is $20 and includes lunch and materials. For more information and to register, download the form HERE. You may also RSVP by e-mail to Louise Aloy or call (808) 264-9830, or e-mail Laurie Lee, (808) 779-7968.

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The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i and 'Iolani School invite you to join the #PrayFastAct Hunger Campaign* by attending the biennial Empty Bowls event to raise awareness about hunger in Hawai'i.  The event will take place on Thursday, May 3, 2018, at 5:00 PM, at 'Iolani School.

Following her address will be a simple dinner of soup and bread, student musical performances and student presentations on serving the hungry in our community.

The event is free although donations of food for  Aloha Harvest are being requested that might include fresh vegetables, fruit and packaged foods.  For more information on Empty Bowls and the #PrayFastAct Hunger Campaign, visit the event webpage HERE, where you can also register to attend.  

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Trinity's Da Clutter Sale

Trinity Episcopal By-the-Sea in Kihei, Maui, will be holding their annual rummage sale now renamed "Da Clutter Sale" on Saturday, March 24, 2018, from 7:00 AM-2:00 PM. They are currently accepting donations of "just about anything" but no large gym equipment or TVs.  Trinity is located at 100 Kulanihakoi Street in Kihei. If you have any questions, contact Barb at (808) 874-3728 or (808) 268-9564.

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Volunteer Opportunities

Are you or your church members looking for volunteer opportunities?  The O'ahu Army Natural Resources Program seeks volunteers to help protect natural resources within O'ahu's precious native forests.  For more information, dates and to sign up, click HERE.  You may also  e-mail Kahu Kaleo Patterson  who is a member of the Native Hawaiian Advisory Council for Army.  

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Presiding Bishop on Parkland Shooting Video

"We must make our country safe because all of us are valuable and we are all children of God."

[February 28, 2018] Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael B. Curry has released a video calling for action to make this country safe. "We must make our country sa fe because all of us are valuable and we are all children of God."

The Presiding Bishop notes, "We in the United States are in the midst of a great discussion, a great debate."

He speaks about the young people of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, the site of the recent shooting.  "They are asking us, and imploring us, and challenging us to find a better way."

He notes we need "to make our schools safe, to make our streets safe, and to make this country safe for all of God's children and all of God's people."

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Presiding Bishop Announces The Episcopal Church 2018 Annual Appeal

[March 1, 2018] Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry has announced the launch of The Episcopal 2018 Annual Appeal and calls upon Episcopalians throughout the church to participate.

"I write to share some of the ways we, together as the Episcopal Church, witness to the loving, liberating, and life-giving way of Jesus Christ, and to ask for your financial support through this first Annual Appeal," he writes. "Your gift or pledge to the Annual Appeal will directly impact our life and witness as the Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement."

"When we work together, we can better proclaim the gospel in communities across the church, support our chaplains in federal ministries, and advocate in Washington DC for justice and peace," House of Deputies President Gay Clark Jennings said. "I invite all Episcopalians to join me in supporting this annual appeal that will make more ministry possible across the Episcopal Church."

READ MORE

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The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church is meeting in retreat at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX.  The following are highlights of some of the issues and work being done:

Episcopal House of Bishops Meeting Accepts Statement on Sexual Harassment, Gender Bias

During the March 7 session, the bishops unanimously accepted the following statement on sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and gender bias and inequity.

This is the first time the House of Bishops has met as a body since the #MeToo movement began last fall, bringing to light the reality of sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and the cultural stronghold of gender bias and inequity. We continue our own work of reconciliation within our branch of God's Church, honoring what we have learned and accomplished, as well as acknowledging the distance we still must travel. Reconciliation is the long work of healing offered by the Spirit, made possible by grace, which requires our truth-telling and repentance.  READ MORE

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Episcopal House of Bishops Meeting Accepts Statement on Gun Violence

On March 7, the House of Bishops unanimously accepted the following statement on gun violence.

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses.  Choose life so that you and your descendants may live."  (Deuteronomy 30:19)

At this critical moment young people of the United States are inviting us to turn away from the nightmare of gun violence to the dream of choosing life.  The young people of Parkland, Florida are calling for elected officials to:

• ban the sale of assault weapons
• prohibit the sale of high capacity magazines
• close loopholes in background checks

Others are seeking to:

• ban the sale of bump stocks
• raise the age to 21 years to purchase firearms
• challenge the National Rifle Association to support safe gun legislation.

We, the bishops of The Episcopal Church, wholeheartedly support and join with the youth in this call to action.  READ MORE

Read about the March 6 meeting highlights HERE.

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Lenten Reflections from Our Clergy

This Lenten season, clergy from around the diocese are sharing daily reflections (except for Sunday) based on the Lectionary readings for that day. The short video reflections, which began on Ash Wednesday with a video post from Bishop Fitzpatrick, are posted daily on the Diocese's Facebook page HERE, and can also be accessed through the diocesan website HERE.  During this Season of Lent, start off your day with a thoughtful message from our clergy.

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Don't forget to vote for your favorite Saints!

It's that time of year again, and the battle for the Golden Halo has begun!  Be sure to visit the Lent Madness website to vote for your favorite Saint each week, and more importantly, get to know this year's slate of Saints a little better with write-ups by "celebrity bloggers."  To learn more about Lent Madness and to view and download the 2018 bracket, visit the website HERE .

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Invitation to Quiet Day with The Order of the Daughters of the King

The Order of the Daughters of the King (DOK), Diocese of Hawaii, is inviting all women of the Diocese to our Annual Quiet Day. This is a day for scripture-led reflection, prayer and guidance for spiritual renewal. Our theme this year is "Praying with Hope."

In these troubling times, we may feel that nothing is within our control or reach; however, we can pray, diligently and fervently. Join us as we experience reverence and meaningful dialogue as well as peace, quiet and fellowship in beautiful surroundings.

Quiet Day will take place at St. Anthony's Retreat in Honolulu, on Saturday, March 10, 2018, from 8:30 AM-2:00 PM.  DOK Chaplain, Fr. Ernesto "JaR" Pasalo, will lead opening prayer and will preside at the Eucharist.  (Note:  Registration is closed.)

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2018 Godly Play Training

A final Godly Play Core Training module for 2018 is coming up!  Jenny Wallace leads the training sessions for this Montessori-based program for children that helps them to explore their faith through story, gain religious language, and enhance their spiritual experience through wonder and play.  To learn more about Godly Play, visit their website HERE.

The Episcopal Church in Hawai'i has generously underwritten a portion of the training to help with tuition costs for churches in the Diocese.  The remaining classes for 2018 are as follows: (Click on the linked date for more information and to register.)

O'ahu Commuter Core:

• COMPLETED - Sacred Stories, St. Christopher's, Kailua 
• COMPLETED - Parables, Camp Mokuleia, Waialua
• March 17 - Liturgical Action Stories, Epiphany, Honolulu

(Note: Three modules are required for a full training certification and can be taken at any training session in the future.)

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Bishops' Scholarships Applications

The Diocese of Hawai'i has two scholarship funds available for students for the 2018-2019 school year:

The submission deadline is Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at 4:00 PM. For more information, eligibility requirements and to download the application packet, click  HERE.  Should you have any questions, please   e-mail Irina Martikainen, or call (808) 536-7776, x302.

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Workshop on Communications for Effective Church Ministry and Leadership on Maui

Good Shepherd Episcopal Church on Maui will be hosting a workshop on "Understanding the Psycho Social Dynamics of Communications for Effective Church Ministry and Leadership."  The workshop will be taking place on Saturday, April 21, 2018, from 8:30 AM-3:30 PM, and participants must make a commitment to stay for the duration of the workshop.  

T he presenter, Michael Cheang, is an Associate Professor in the Human Development and Family Studies Program at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa, and holds a doctorate in Public Health. He has received numerous awards for teaching including the Chancellors Citation for Meritorious Teaching in 2016.

Light breakfast with bento lunches and drinks will be provided. To reserve a space and meals, please contact Ricky Melchor at 276-6337 no later than April 7, 2018. (Voice message only)  For more information, download the flyer HERE.

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Register early and save!

HUI PU Diocesan Summer Youth Camp 2018

June 24-29, 2018

Camp is a great ministry for winning young hearts to God! We hope campers DISCONNECT from WiFi and CONNECT to something GREATER! 

This year's Hui Pu camp will be held June 24-29, 2018, and the theme is "Arise" to remind our youth that they are well equipped to take on this life. Youth will gather in a safe environment for fun faith-filled fellowship. With friends old and new, we hope they will be reminded that they are never alone.

All three camps will be taking place simultaneously at Camp Mokule'ia on O'ahu. Register before April 30, and save! Cost and details are as follows:

• 'OHA (Ages 9-12) - June 24-27 (3 nights)
  $350 or early registration $300
  'Oha is the young shoot that grows from a kalo (taro) plant. The word 'ohana means many shoots from the same root.  'Oha campers will learn social skills through fun games, exploring their sense of wonder while playing in a natural setting, and expressing their creativity.

• LOKAHI (Ages 13-14) - June 24-28 (4 nights)
  $400 or early registration $350
  Lokahi means unity or to come to an agreement.  Lokahi campers will experience independence in a controlled setting; learn the value of being in Christian community through shared spiritual experience and team building activities, that include jumping down a zip line.

• 'OPIO (Ages 15-18) - June 24-20 (5 nights)
  $450 or early registration $400
  'Opio means youth. 'Opio campers will have an opportunity to hike and swim at Ka'ena Point and participate in the high ropes challenge course. The responsibilities and challenges will encourage personal growth and enhance self-confidence, in a setting of fellowship and spiritual awareness.

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SUMMER OF SERVICE: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Camp Mokule'ia hosts Hui Pu, an annual summer camp for a week, catering to campers between the age of 9 and 18. We look forward to the camp as a time of growth not just for the campers but counselors as well.  We are looking for volunteers for the following positions:

• COUNSELORS - Must be 20 years or older; love working with kids; enjoy working outdoors and have some experience catering to children between the ages of 9-18.

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Your donations are vitally important now more than ever.  Episcopal Relief & Development is responding to the horrific suffering caused by the natural disasters around the world. 

www.episcopalrelief.org/

February 26, 2018:

Memorial Plaque Dedication at the Cathedral

Strategic Planning Manager to help with the Design Teams

Lenten Reflections from Our Clergy

Hui Pu Lowers Fees, Adds Early Registration

Church Leaders Express Grief, Call for Action

Presiding Bishop Calls for Good Friday Offering

February 13, 2018:

Bishop's Message for Lent 2018

More Lenten Resources

Lent Madness Begins!

Second Update on Peter Pereira

DOK Quiet Day Invitation   March 10

Traveling the Jesus Movement

Register Now for Evangelism Matters Conference

January 23, 2018:

Update on Peter Pereira

Bishops' Scholarships Applications

2018 Lenten Resources

Hui Pu Diocesan Summer Youth Camp 2018

Letter from the Presiding Bishop and President of House of Deputies

January 14, 2018: Bishop's  Reflection on Human Error

January 12, 2018:  Special Message from the Bishop (Response to President Trump's remarks)

January 11, 2018:

Celebration of New Ministry: The Rev. Heather Hill

Welcoming of a Priest-in-Chare: The Rev. Katlin McCallister

Seeking Singers for The Cathedral of St. Andrew