November 23, 2023

The Bishop and Diocesan Support Center staff wish you and your loved ones a most happy and blessed Thanksgiving. This issue's header photo was taken during the DSC's recent annual staff retreat activity, where they enjoyed a visit to Queen Emma's Summer Palace in Nu'uanu. The Chaplains to Retired Clergy Families also joined them. More photos can be viewed further below under Feature Stories.

Proper 29

Almighty and everlasting God, whose will it is to restore all things in your well-beloved Son, the King of kings and Lord of lords: Mercifully grant that the peoples of the earth, divided and enslaved by sin, may be freed and brought together under his most gracious rule; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

From the Bishop

Aloha my Siblings in Christ Jesus,

As we look to Thanksgiving this year, we do so with thoughts of the aftermath of the Maui fire, a continuing war in Ukraine, the ongoing tragedy in Palestine/Israel, economic instability, rising antisemitism and islamophobia, destructive nationalism and populism, and a sense of uncertainty.

It is in times like these that we need a reminder that we have much for which to be thankful.

For your Thanksgiving 2023, I suggest praying General Thanksgiving (2007 version):

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

This prayer brings us back to the presence of God, the goodness of creation, and the gifts of the ordinary that allow us to trust in the love of Jesus Christ.

I personally give thanks for you, God’s people in the Diocese of Hawaiʻi, and can echo for you Paul’s words to the Church on Colossae (1:3-6, 9-12):

We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you. We’ve done this since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all God’s people. You have this faith and love because of the hope reserved for you in heaven. You previously heard about this hope through the true message, the good news, which has come to you. This message has been bearing fruit and growing among you since the day you heard and truly understood God’s grace, in the same way that it is bearing fruit and growing in the whole world.

May we all be truly thankful on Thanksgiving Day 2023.

“No ia mea, e nā hoahānau, e kūpaʻa ʻoukou, me ka nāueue ʻole, me ka hoʻomau i kā ʻoukou hana nui ʻana i ka hana a ka Haku, no ka mea, ua ʻike nō ʻoukou, ʻaʻole i make hewa kā ʻoukou hana ʻana ma ka Haku.” Korineto I 15.58

“Therefore, my beloved, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” 1 Corinthians 15:58

Aloha ma o Iesu Kristo, ko mākou Haku,

+Bob

The Right Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

(Photo is from Bishop's Facebook page where he took part in 'Iolani School's Thanksgiving Chapel service; Chaplain Andrew Arakawa in the foreground with the service about to begin.)

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.

FEATURE STORIES

Healing Day at St. John's, Kula - By Cindy Schumacher

The Rotary Club of Maui recently sponsored a Day of Healing workshop at St. John’s that included transportation from Lahaina. Dr. Bridget Bongaard, a board-certified internal medicine physician and a hospice-certified medical director, set out to help those who are experiencing grief and PTSD due to the Maui wildfires, or any kind of trauma. Bongaard has used her knowledge to set up numerous integrative medicine programs and retreats over the years. READ FULL ARTICLE

Diocesan Support Center Retreat: A Visit to Queen Emma's Summer Palace

Nestled in the lush landscape of Nu'uanu, surrounded by stately trees, is Hānaiakamalama (The Southern Cross), better known as Queen Emma's Summer Palace. The building served as a summer retreat for Queen Emma and her family until 1885, and is now a historic landmark, museum, and tourist site preserved by the Daughters of Hawai‘i. The Diocesan Support Staff recently took a well-deserved break and enjoyed a tour of the Palace along with the Chaplains to Retired Clergy Families. Kahili of every size, shape and feather, along with precious artifacts, paintings and furniture, sent the group back in time. The knowledgeable docent was a little more knowledgeable after the tour, with input shared by the Bishop and other members of the group... and thanks to removing our footwear before entering the Palace, we got a glimpse of the awesome socks Bishop was sporting! (Photos: S. Nishioka)

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities.

SPECIAL EDITION CONVENTION 55 CHRONICLE:

In case you missed it, click on the button below for the full-coverage article on Convention 55, including all activities on both days, videos, documents, and tons of photos!

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). The Constitution of the Diocese (Article IV.2) allows the Bishop (as the Ecclesiastical Authority) to change the time and place of the Annual Meeting

The location of the gathering will need to be announced at a later date, but it likely will either be on the island of Maui or in Honolulu at the Cathedral of St. Andrew.

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.

Waiolaihui'ia Center for Ministry: For All God's People

The Diocese of Hawai'i needs lay and ordained leadership, and our local formation program, Waiolaihui'ia Center for Ministry (WCM), may be the perfect avenue for those who have a desire to serve in a more profound way. Originally established for those seeking a path to ordination (deacon or priest), this past year saw the first class of graduates from the new lay ministry program who have become licensed lay preachers, catechists and worship leaders!

On January 13, 2024, new opportunities for both lay and ordained ministry will begin. Plan to join the WCM team on Zoom, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM:

Lay Ministry - Orientation session to introduce the 10-month program (meets once a week) and answer your questions. To enter the program, you will need the support of your clergy.

Ordained Ministry - Join the Insight Space Program to start the journey for ordination as a deacon or priest. This is a 4-month required program of the Diocese for those discerning and preparing for theological education.

Whether you are certain of your path or just curious, take your first steps by visiting the WCM webpage HERE, or by talking to your priest or other clergy. Then contact WCM and register to be a part of the next classes beginning on January 13, 2024. To view a video about the WCM program that was shown during Convention 55, click HERE.

The Art of Holy Innocents: Pre-Order by December 8!

While the building and the contents of Holy Innocents Church may have been destroyed by the Maui wildfires, some of the beautiful artwork that was a part of the worship space continues to be remembered. The Diocese is now making available prints of artist DeLos Blackmar's Hawaiian Madonna and Christ Child mural that graced the wall behind the altar of the church. Pre-orders are now being accepted through Friday, December 8, 4:00 PM. This print will be 36"x12" on archival matte paper, and will be offered at cost for approimately $33 each plus shipping. Place your pre-order HERE.

Coming up in December, the set of 4 notecards that made its appearance at Convention 55, will be available for purchase for $5 per set plus shipping. The 4"x6" notecards with envelopes, feature artwork from the mural, altar and pulpit of Holy Innocents, including a photo of the rooftop cross that survived the fire. Stay tuned for ordering instructions!

Profits from both the mural poster and notecards go to the Bishop's Pastoral Fund designated towards Maui wildfire relief.

From Atlanta to Maui with Love

The children at Holy Innocents Episcopal School in Atlanta, GA, put together a special prayer book with those affected by the Maui wildfires in mind. From one Holy Innocents to another, the book is comprised of heartfelt messages and drawings by the students of the school. A hard copy of this charming prayer book is being mailed to the congregation of Holy Innocents, but you can view the digital version HERE. You can also view the blessing of the book by the entire school held during a chapel service on YouTube HERE. Mahalo nui loa Holy Innocents Episcopal School Atlanta, for this precious gift!

Free Advent Resource Available

The Season of Advent begins on Sunday, December 2, and The Episcopal Church has a wide variety of free Advent resources available for downloading. Visit their website HERE, where you will find links to customizable videos (this is NEW!), calenders, curriculum, bulletin inserts, lectionary readings, daily meditations, and much more for all ages and all tastes!

UTO Challenge Grant Reminder: Support the Ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem

The United Thank Offering—in partnership with the Good Friday Offering—will match up to $100,000 of donations given through Dec. 15 to help sustain outreach ministries in the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, which operates across several countries or territories and includes churches, schools, medical facilities, and other ministries. Your gift will be matched through December 15! GIVE TODAY HERE.

SEABURY HALL - MALAMA THE 'AINA - The Seabury Hall Environmental Alliance (SEA) is active in promoting opportunities, and other students—individually and in groups—make their own plans to care for the environment. As one example, recently, students headed to Ola I Ka Wai—the Maui wetlands (pictured here). Rubbish was removed from bushes, trees, and ponds, clearing space for native plants and animals to thrive again. Students also have an opportunity to learn about the sacred and unique environment in Maui, and learn about additional steps they may take to protect it.

2024 FORMA - January 22-25, 2024, Virtual watch parties TBA

2024 Clergy Retreat - January 29-31, 2024, Camp Mokulēʻia, O'ahu

2024 Vestry Orientation (New or not!) - February 10, 2024 (Virtual)

2024 Spring Training - March 23, 2024, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, O'ahu

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.

O'AHU: AT THE CATHEDRAL...

This Sunday: FEAST OF THE HOLY SOVEREIGNS

Sunday, November 26, is a big day of celebration! Join Bishop Fitzpatrick, Cathedral clergy and friends, for the Feast of the Holy Sovereigns. During the 9:00 AM service, we will share in a baptism and welcome newcomers! Festivities will continue with a special Aloha Hour after the 9:00 AM service in Davies Hall. (7:00 AM will be a Spoken service.)

Honoring Queen Lili'uokalani & Blessing of the Peace Chapel

On Sunday, November 12, 2023, The Cathedral of St. Andrew observed the Diocesan Feast Day of

Queen Lili'uokalani. During the 8:00 AM service, Bishop Fitzpatrick blessed and dedicated the Queen Lili'uokalani Peace Chapel, in memory of our beloved Queen who, despite tremendous adversity, remained faithful, promoting peace and forgiveness. (Photos: Devin Alford, Canon Sandy Graham, and Canon Heather Patton-Graham)

KAUA'I: St. Michael and All Angels Celebrates 60 Years!

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Lihue celebrated their 60th anniversary, and also honored our Holy Sovereigns, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. The Rev. Andrew McMullen shared the following in their weekly online news: "Last Sunday our faith community gathered with our Jewish brothers and sisters, family, friends, supporters from around the island and county dignitaries to celebrate the 60th anniversary of our parish as well as All Saints' Day and the Feast of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. Our worship and reception was a rather trans-formative experience, filled with blessings, joy and thanksgivings for our presence in this place." (Photos from the St. Michael newsletter)

KAUA'I: Honoring Our Veterans at All Saints'

All Saints' Episcopal Church in Kapa'a, recently refinished a bronze plaque made in 1948, that contains the names of the men from the church who served in the armed forces in World War II. A total of 76 names are on the plaque, six of which gave their lives, and 70 who returned home. The plaque, that was originally mounted on the wall inside the church, has a new home just outside the entrance in a stone monument holder. A blessing took place on Sunday, November 12, Veteran's Day weekend, by Kahu David Jackson. (Photos: All Saints' newsletter and website)

O'AHU: Emmanuel Plant Sale a Huge Success!

Emmanuel Episcopal Church's annual plant sale was a huge success, raising over $5,000! In their online newsletter, organizers thanked its members, friends and families who "nurtured plants to sell for months then brought them to the church," while others volunteered to transport and help with every aspect of the event. Emmanuel, known for years for their fabulous Chocolate Extravaganza event in Kailua, saw that fade when COVID hit. They have since found several creative ways to raise money to support their community! (Photo from Emmanuel's online newsletter)

O'AHU: Order by November 27- St. Andrew's Schools Poinsettia Sale

'Tis the Season! St. Andrew's Schools' Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF) is selling Poinsettias in two sizes:

4.5" Poinsettie - $10 each
6.5" Poinsettia - $18 each

Order by Monday, November 27, with drive-though pick up on Saturday, December 2, from 9:00 AM-12:00 PM, at the St. Andrew's School K-12 campus, 224 Queen Emma Square. To order now, visit the school website HERE!

HAWAI'I ISLAND: Coming Up! St. James' Christmas Bazaar

St. James' Episcopal Church will be holding their Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, December 2, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM. Get holiday shopping done at their Christmas Shop, bid on exquisite items in their silent auction, or pick up a wreath, potted plants and artwork! Their bake sale will include their famous Mango Chutney and jams by Deb Hall, along with other yummy confections. Enjoy those treats with free hot chocolate and coffee while the kids take part in activities hosted by Waimea Country School.

All proceeds from the Christmas shop and sales at the Thrift Store on this day will benefit Maui relief, while proceeds from the bazaar bake sale will benefit the Community Meal. This is a great reason to invite a friend to volunteer, donate or shop with you. St. James' is located at 65-1237 Kawaihae Road in Waimea.

HAWAI'I ISLAND: Coming Up! Ecumenical Christmas Party at St. Augustine's

St. Augustine Episcopal Church is excited to be hosting this year's Ecumenical Christmas Party on Sunday, December 10, 2023, from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM, at Sacred Heart's St. Damien Hall. This is a wonderful chance for all of the Kohala churches to come together to celebrate the season. As always, the evening will feature an 'ono potluck and fun lineup of entertainment. For more information, see Kathy Matsuda or contact the church.

LAY POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

OʻAHU: The Cathedral of St. Andrew - Seeking Volunteer Docents
OʻAHU: St. Stephen's Church, Wahiawa - Organist (Part-time)
HAWAI'I ISLAND: Holy Apostles - Minister of Music (Part-time)

The Episcopal Church & Beyond

Jerusalem archbishop thanks Episcopal supporters for prayers, donations amid ‘devastating’ war in Holy Land

[11/21/23] Archbishop Hosam Naoum, the top Anglican leader in the Middle East, joined Presiding Bishop Michael Curry for a webinar Nov. 21 in which he described dire conditions amid the Israel-Hamas war while thanking Episcopalians for their prayers and support. READ MORE

Photo: ENS SS