E-News Supplement: Important Updates & Announcements

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March 12, 2020

IMPORTANT UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

ADDRESSING CORONAVIRUS CHALLENGES

In light of the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, we, as a Diocese, should do everything we can to remain healthy and prevent the potential spread of contagions, that includes heightened hygiene practices and social distancing.

This supplemental e-news issue contains information, ideas, and alternatives for churches to consider, especially those with folk who choose to avoid gatherings and remain at home.

We also include updates about events and activities in the Diocese that have been modified, postponed or cancelled.

It is important to stay informed during this time of uncertainty and breaking news. For the latest updates in the Diocese, we have created a special webpage to address all things Coronavirus-related HERE. Be sure to visit it often as news and changes are being made constantly.

Here are links to important messages and news articles recently released, from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, and the Episcopal News Service:

Bishop Fitzpatrickʻs Response to the Presiding Bishopʻs Message (3/12/20)

Presiding Bishop on Worship Changes During a Public Health Emergency (3/12/20)

Presiding Bishop voices support for bishops who cancel worship services, suspend common cup (ENS 3/12/20)

Presiding Bishopʻs Statement on the Coronavirus (3/10/20)

Bishop's Update on the Coronavirus (03/06/20)

A Note from the Bishop on the Coronavirus (02/28/20)

Bishopʻs Latest Message

March 12, 2020:

I have been asked how “A message from Presiding Bishop Curry related to worship changes during a public health emergency” (see https://episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/message-presiding-bishop-curry-related-worship-changes-during-public-health) impacts us in Hawaiʻi. I shared the following teaching/announcement with all clergy on Tuesday, March 10: READ MORE

Worship Resources & Options

Mission St. Claire Website

The Bishop recommends this site for Morning and Evening Prayer at home. Click HERE to go there now.

The Episcopal Church Worship Resources

The Episcopal Church has a wealth of worship resources on their website HERE. You will find links to guides, podcasts, programs, reflections, seasonal guides and more.

Washington National Cathedral

Although The National Cathedral decided to suspend public services through March 25, after a priest tested positive for the Coronavirus, they have long broadcasted their services and sermons live, and will continue to do so. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry is scheduled to preach on March 15, and you can follow along live (EST). Click HERE to go to their website.

Livestream Church Services on Facebook

The Diocese of San Diego has a great video showing how easy it is to livestream church sermons/services in 4 simple steps, with just a cell phone and tripod. You can also post it on the church website or share the link with members. Click HERE to view the simple instructional video.

Zoom Video Conferencing

Church meetings, Bible Study, Prayer Groups, etc., can all be held via video conferencing. You can access Zoom through your cell phone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer. The Diocese will now be holding Spring Training 2020 through Zoom (see update of the event below). Click HERE to learn more about Zoom.

Group Facetime Chats

For those with iPhones, iPads and iPod Touch, you can chat with 30+ people at the same time. iPhones earlier than iPhone 6 can join by audio only. Click HERE to learn more.

Event & Activity Updates in the Diocese:

Events are listed in chronological order as they are (were) scheduled. Churches that would like event updates posted on the Diocesan website, e-mail Communincations .

The Diocesan Youth Retreat "One Body", March 20-22, has been cancelled. Registrants should be receiving communication from Camp Mokuleʻia shortly.

SPRING TRAINING 2020 IS GOING ONLINE!

Saturday, March 28, 2020

The Diocesan Chrism Mass and Education Day has been modified and will no longer be meeting in person at The Cathedral. Most of the workshops have been adjusted and will be available online in morning sessions using the Zoom Conferencing platform. Zoom works well on smartphones and tablets, as well as desktops and laptops, so these sessions should be accessible by most everyone. Churches are encouraged to share their electronic resources with participants as needed. We are planning to schedule practice sessions for those who need them.

We hope that this convenient online option will encourage more to participate, especially those on the neighbor islands. There is no cost, and you must register in order to receive instructions for online access. Refunds are being processed for those that have already paid a fee.

For those who booked flights through Sharon Billingsley, please do NOT contact Hawaiian Airlines directly. Sharon will handle all cancellations.

Please note the following changes for Spring Training, and visit the event webpage through the link at the bottom for complete details and to register.

CHRISM MASS CANCELLED: Bishop Fitzpatrick will consecrate oils at a separate liturgy, and will have them available for church leadership to pick up at another time, as was done last year due to Presiding Bishop Curry's visit.

ONLINE WORKSHOPS:

Clergy, Warden, Treasurer, and Youth Leader tracks will each have a special online meeting that morning, with two one-hour sessions separated by a fifteen-minute break (9:00-10:00 & 10:15-11:15). Details and links will be sent separately closer to the meeting time.

The Godly Play track has been POSTPONED. Individuals who have already registered will be contacted directly by Jenny Wallace to make new plans.

Spice (Clergy Spouses and Partners) track will hold an online session. Exact time to be determined, and will be posted on the event webpage as soon as it is set.