September 12, 2024

This issue's header photo was taken at St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in Kapa'au, where the Rev. Jennifer Masada baptized three brothers, Kainalu, Kekoa, and Kaeo. (Photo from the St. Augustine Facebook page.)

Proper 19

O God, because without you we are not able to please you, mercifully grant that your Holy Spirit may in all things direct and rule our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

THE BISHOP'S CORNER

August was another busy month, and pictured above left, taking a much needed mid-morning break to decompress, the staff of the Diocesan Support Center took a quick tour of neighboring Washington Place; at right, the Bishop visited Holy Innocents on Maui in their temporary worship space provided by the Honolua United Methodist Church; below left, the Bishop delivers a sermon during his Visitation at St. Paul's, Honolulu, and below right, with the people of St. Jude's in Ocean View, from the "Bishop's view." (Photos: S. Nishioka, Kalani Holokai, St. Paul's Facebook page screenshot, and the Bishop himself!)

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

2024 Diocesan Clergy Conference in Kapolei

The Diocese's annual Clergy Conference was held on O'ahu, at the Hampton Inn & Suites, August 10-21, 2024. A departure from the usual neighbor island venues, this year's gathering brought attention to one of the fastest growing cities on O'ahu, better known as the "second city" or Kapolei.

The guest speaker was Dr. Kwok Pui-lan, who is the Dean’s Professor of Systematic Theology at Candler School of Theology, Emory University. She is also a past president of the American Academy of Religion, and the former William F. Cole Professor of Christian Theology and Spirituality at the Episcopal Divinity School. READ MORE

Listening Tour: The Standing Committee Visits Maui

On Saturday, August 17, 2024, the Standing Committee of the Diocese of Hawai'i met at Trinity-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Kihei, for a "listening tour" with all of the Episcopal churches on Maui. Volunteers from A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW), the diocese's Care-Van ministry, were also invited to attend. The committee heard community concerns and ideas about what can be done as a diocese to continue to help those affected by the Maui wildfires, and report back to the Bishop. Concern for Holy Innocents dominated the discussion. READ MORE

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

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

Convention Chaplain: Aloha & Welcome Back Bishop Akiyama

The Diocese is thrilled to welcome the Right Reverend Diana Akiyama, Bishop of Western Oregon, as our Convention Chaplain. It is a homecoming of sorts having served as the Vicar of St. Augustine's Episcopal Church on the Big Island from 2015, before being called to Oregon in 2020.

Bishop Akiyama's presence at this year's Convention is especially meaningful as we celebrate women in ministry. She was the first Japanese-American woman ordained to the priesthood in The Episcopal Church in 1989, and again made history as the first Japanese-American woman Bishop. While in Hawai'i, she also served as the Dean of Waiolaihui'ia, the Diocese's formation program, and a number of governance committees and Diocesan ministries. Welcome back Bishop Diana!

HERE ARE THE LATEST CONVENTION UPDATES & IMPORTANT REMINDERS:

NECROLOGY REPORTS - Deadline is tomorrow, Friday, September 13, at 11:59 P.M.
BUDGET Numbers & Narrative are posted on the Convention 56 webpage.
NOMINEES & RESOLUTIONS are now available for viewing on the Convention 56 webpage.
EDUCATION DAY - All are invited to attend Education Day on Friday, October 11, followed by the Convention Eucharist and Aloha Reception. Be sure to register early to avoid higher rates! Great sessions and workshops! Visit the Education Day event webpage HERE to learn more.
SEEKING JOYFUL VOICES FOR CONVENTION EUCHARIST CHOIR - Be a part of the open choir on Friday. Email Canon Sandy Graham for music HERE.

Hurry! Deadline is September 17!

All Women in the Diocese: We need your voice (and shakas)!

A couple weeks ago, all churches were notified about being a part of a special video for Convention 56's women's theme. We would like all women in the Diocese to participate by having churches submit a video clip of their female members saying:

'WE ARE THE WOMEN OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I! AMEN!"

Deadline for submission is Tuesday, September 17, so there is only one Sunday remaining to possibly video members after services. Churches can submit more than one clip for different services and/or women's ministry groups. Clergy women are especially encouraged to send a video whether solo or with a group of women. Bloopers are welcomed too! Detailed instructions were sent to all clergy, wardens, and administrators on August 26, so check your email! If you have any questions or need a little more time, please contact Sybil Nishioka HERE.

Clergy Women - Please RSVP by October 7

Celebration Gathering of Ordained Women's Ministries

In conjunction with Convention 56, the Rev. Heather Mueller will be hosting a very special dinner for all clergy women, on Thursday, October 10, 2024, in the Von Holt Room of The Cathedral of St. Andrew. "The event is to celebrate the presence of ordained women in the Diocese of Hawai'i," says Mueller, "and give us an opportunity to get to know each other a bit better and learn how we can support each other in our ministries." The event will begin at 4:30 PM, with with pupus followed by prayers and dinner. There is no charge and childcare will be provided. Please RSVP by October 7, with Heather at (808) 430-0120, or email her.

Diocesan ʻŌlelo Hawai'i Lessons Return!

Free ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes are starting up again on Tuesdays, and running through the school year. Classes will be led by Kumu Kū Souza, known by many in the Diocese as a Kumu at ‘Iolani school, and island-wide as both a Kumu Hula and member of the trio Walea (https://www.waleamusic.com) who recently won three Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards (and were nominated for the most awards in its history!)

Once again, there will be a beginners' class (or for those who need a refresher) and a continuing class for those returning. Classes will be offered online through Zoom. ʻŌlelo I classes will be held Tuesdays at 5:00 PM (returning students at 6:00 PM). For more information, or to sign up, please contact Canon Sandy Graham HERE.

Save the Date! October 26

Utilizing Church Facilities to Further God's Work

Are we being the best stewards of our buildings? How might they be better used as an asset to further God’s work in your corner of God’s Garden? Are they connecting with our mission? Are there development or revenue possibilities that could be explored? Here’s your chance to explore what this might mean/look like in your congregational context!

The Diocese of San Diego has done amazing work in property assessment for ministry and development, and even has a staff person dedicated to that work! Please join us for a conversation with Jessica Ripper, Diocese of San Diego’s Mission Real Estate Portfolio Manager, on Zoom, October 26, from 9:00 - 10:30 AM (HST). Sign up with Canon Sandy Graham HERE. Sign up early--Jessica would like to have some information ahead of time about our attendees and congregations on the call.

The Season of Creation is celebrated from September 1 - October 4, to help us remember our connection to the earth and all that God has made. Each week we will have special readings, prayers, and preaching honoring God's creation. Why is it important to mark the Season of Creation?

Because of our Gospel calls us to grow in faith as we affirm that God in Christ loves, redeems, and sustains the whole of Creation, not only human beings.

Because of the urgency of the climate and ecological crisis and the need for a bold, prophetic response that draws on our faith in a life-giving and loving God. (From the Holy Nativity online newsletter)

2024 Requiem Eucharist - The Kennedys, September 22, 2024, 3:00 PM, The Cathedral of St. Andrew

2024 Convention 56 - October 11 & 12, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, O'ahu

2024 EAM Young Adult Retreat - October 25-27, Camp Sloggett, Koke'e, Kaua'i

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

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

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

Candlelight Tribute Concert to Queen Lili'uokalani Packs Pews

The first Candlelight Concert by Fever took place in the Cathedral of St. Andrew on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, to a packed house. Pictured above right, a string quartet was bathed in the glow of hundreds of candles while performing music that honored Queen Liliu'okalani. Read about the concert, the music and its musicians in an online article by Hawai'i Public Radio HERE. (Photos from the Cathedral of St. Andrew's Facebook page.)

SHARING & CARING

In early August, Canon Sandy Graham put out a call for some essential household items like sheets and towels, that he could take over on his visit to the folks on Moloka'i. Grace Episcopal has a thrift shop there that services the small, close-knit community, and keeping stocked has been challenging. In just three weeks, Canon Sandy packed up several boxes of donations and delivered them during his visit on September 1 (above left).

"I wanted to send out a thank you to the people of the diocese who dropped off sheets and towels for Grace's Thrift Shop, which I delivered to them on Sunday," said Sandy. "They were so pleased - not just for the materials, but also that folks across the diocese showed them such aloha."

At right, the Rev. Kerry Holder Joffrion of the Episcopal Church on West Kaua'i, sits among a bounty of gorgeous tomatoes harvested from St. Paul's garden in Kekaha. "Tomatoes for the Dominion of God," said Kerry in a text, and made sure to add "Farmer & Priest!"

COMING UP AROUND THE DIOCESE:

LAY POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

O'AHU: St. Clement's, Honolulu - Choir Director (Part-time)
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...

Resources available to celebrate investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe

The planning committee for the investiture of Presiding Bishop-elect Sean Rowe has released a batch of resources to aid Episcopalians in hosting local watch parties during the churchwide virtual event at 11:00 AM ET (5:00 AM HST) on November 2, 2024. The service will be livestreamed on the event webpage as well as The Episcopal Church’s Facebook page. READ MORE

Reminders (Previously Announced)

EAM YOUNG ADULT RETREAT ON KAUA'I - The Episcopal Asiamerica Ministry (EAM) Young Adult Convocation is holding a retreat for young adults in their 20s, at Camp Sloggett on the island of Kaua‘i, October 25-27, 2024. Young adult Episcopalians from around the globe are invited to attend. Space is limited. For more information and to register, visit the Diocesan website HERE. If you have any questions, contact Carolyn Morinishi by email HERE.

REMINDERl St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Honolulu is now receiving applications for a Priest-in-Charge through September 15, 2024. Send Resume/CV, OTM Profile, and Letter of Interest to the the Rev. Cn. Alexander Graham. Do not contact the congregation directly. For more information, visit the Diocesan website's Transition Ministry page HERE.

Required Safe Church Training - This is a reminder that Safe Church training is mandatory for all clergy, employees, vestry members, and most volunteers. Please read The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i Safeguarding Policy and the Diocesan Safe Church Training Webpage. This training needs to be renewed every three years. Contact your church's Safe Church Administator or priest for more information, or if you have questions, email Nani Carroll.

Do you have a question? Contact us at (800) 536-7776

The Diocesan Support Center (DSC) staff is ready to help answer your questions. Some of the most common topics are listed along with the person to contact. Click on the linked name to send an email.

BISHOP (meeting with): Nani (ext. 302)

Annual Meeting: Rae (ext. 326)

Archives: Rae (ext. 326)

Budget/Finance: Jasmi (ext. 307)

Communications/News/Website: Sybil

Congregational Membership: Sandy (ext. 309)

TECH Portfolio/Investments: Jasmi (ext. 307)

Hiring/Human Resources: Rae (ext. 326)

Monthly Statement: Jasmi (ext. 307)