Hawaiian Church Chronicle: Latest news in the Diocese

September 22, 2022

Proper 21

O God, you declare your almighty power chiefly in showing mercy and pity: Grant us the fullness of your grace, that we, running to obtain your promises, may become partakers of

your heavenly treasure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

This issue's header photo was taken at the produce booth during St. John's Kula Festival on Maui this past Saturday.This annual event is one of the most popular community events in Upcountry Maui, drawing huge numbers to enjoy their ono food, entertainment, and a host of activities. (Photo from the St. John's Facebook page)

From the Bishop

The following message from the Bishop was shared with clergy and wardens in an email dated 9/16/22:

Centered: A Christian Discipleship Experience

Please be aware of this new small-group resource from the Episcopal Church Office of Evangelism for churches and individuals seeking to go deeper in relationship with Jesus and in loving and serving others. “Centered: A Christian Discipleship Experience” is a digital, nine-session resource.

“Centered is a discipleship series guiding small gathered communities to get deeply rooted in love with God and one another, so that we all may grow to look, act, and love more like Jesus. The experience includes an initial three-session training for group facilitators, followed by nine core sessions during which church members, neighbors, and friends gather to share a meal and grateful prayer; view two short films, discuss questions about God, belonging, and living a meaningful life; and support for each other in committing to intentionally follow Jesus and his Way of Love.”

Reflection: September 16, 2021

I have recently been asked about the Pew Research Report: Modeling the Future of Religion in America.

The report suggests that the United States will soon follow Western Europe in the loss of religious affiliation. The questions before us are, I think, twofold: (1) What does this mean for the future of the Church? (2) What are we – here I mean you and me, lay and clergy, - to do about it – if anything?

First, let us set aside any notion that this is a problem to be fixed. It is a socio-cultural reality. Yes, it will have consequences. You and I are not called to fix it.

We are called to be faithful Disciples of Jesus Christ. We can do that by living individually and collectively into the Five Marks of Mission: READ MORE

Reflection: September 21, 2022

Na ke aloha o ke Akua ma loko o Iesu Kristo, e aloha iā ʻoukou ā pau!

As I have talked with folk about the events around the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, I have noted how they reacted. Leaving aside the political reality of monarchy and the heritage of colonialism, some responded to the pageantry and others the physical spaces of the events. I was drawn to the words of the prayers and the hymns. Not to the grand music, but to the words. Historically, the burial office in the Book of Common Prayer did not include the proper name of the deceased (just pronouns and sister/brother). The same prayers would be said for a king or a pauper. READ MORE

Looking Back at Lambeth

Canon Sandy Graham captured this screenshot of the Bishop from a video during the plenary session at the Lambeth Conference. Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, was giving a talk on mission and evangelism that the Bishop recommends all to view (see Reflection: September 16, 2022 above). To watch the plenary session, click HERE. To read a transcript of the Archbishop's message, click HERE.

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

Daughters of the King Retreat: Body, Mind & Spirit

On Saturday, September 10, 2022, nearly 30 women gathered together at The Parish of St. Clement in Honolulu, for the long-awaited Diocesan Daughters of the King retreat. Delayed by the pandemic, organizers were thrilled to finally launch this wonderful event that focused on mind, body and spirit. Women from Maui, Kaua'i and Hawai'i Island were also in attendance.

The day was filled with singing, prayer, tea, yoga, meditation, ono food, and joyful fellowship. The Rev. Canon Heather Patton-Graham was the Celebrant of the event's Eucharist, and guest presenters included Alice Signorio (yoga instructor), S. Kala Holden (Pauku & Tea), Jessica Stack (Ancient Essential Oils), and Jenny Wallace (Guided Meditation). (Photos: S. Nishioka)

St. Paul's 63rd Anniversary Award and Recognition Celebration

By Phylis Miller

On August 27, 2022, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church held its 63rd anniversary celebration after placing it on hold for two years due to the Pandemic. It was held at the Hawai'i Okinawa Center Legacy Ballroom. The Rev. Canon Sandy Graham, Canon to the Bishop, graced us by being the Keynote Speaker while the Rev. Canon Heather Patton-Graham, Provost, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, gave the invocation.

The theme of the celebration was “In Times of Trouble, Trust in the Lord”. In Canon Sandy’s keynote address, he emphasized to everyone to trust in the Lord at all times. Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick’s message to the congregation of St. Paul’s Church that appeared in the souvenir book, encourages everyone to focus back to our faith in Jesus through the instabilities of times.

The 2022 Bishop’s Awardees were recognized for their dedication, leadership, and exemplary service to St. Paul’s Church. The Awardees were: Letty Pasalo Bocoboc, Romeo Potencion Casino, Eden Bonoan Esman and Leonila Dimaya Aganos Malasig. The Bishop's Family Award was bestowed upon Lydia Baniaga and her family. The Rev. Deacon Peter Wu was also recognized for his ten years of dedicated and faithful service to St. Paul’s Church.

The event sponsors were also recognized as follows: Platinum Sponsors: Aloha Tours and Travel; Namah Baptista and Island Controls; Gold Sponsor: Roger Ancheta’s Yard Service; Silver Sponsors: Everlasting Travel Services Inc. and Phyllis Miller and Family.

Special thanks to the Bishop’s Committee members headed by the Bishop’s Warden Fay de Jesus, for the endless hours they personally gave in making the event special and successful.

Pictured above clockwise from top left, the Rev. Canon Randolph Albano, Vicar of St. Paul, the Rev. Canon Heather Patton-Graham and the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham; The Rev. Deacon Peter Wu receives his award; awardees and organizers; view of the ballroom (Contributed photos)

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

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

CONVENTION 54: IMPORTANT REMINDERS & UPDATES

The following are important reminders and updates regarding the 54th Annual Meeting of Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i, coming up October 21 & 22, 2022:

Online Nominations deadline has been extended to September 30. After the deadline, nominations must be made from the floor at the Annual Meeting. One need not be present to be nominated from the floor. However, the person must consent to be nominated.

If you have any questions, please contact Rae Costa by email HERE, or call (808) 536-7776, extension 326. To visit the Convention 54 webpage for all information regarding this year's gathering, click HERE.

All are invited to attend Convention 54 activities!

EDUCATION DAY: Peace & Reconciliation

CONVENTION EUCHARIST: St. Alban's Chapel

ALOHA RECEPTION: Bishop's Cross Presentaiton

Friday, October 21, 2022

All are invitied to attend Convention 54 activities taking place on Friday, October 21, that includes Education Day, the Convention Eucharist, and an Aloha Reception.

The theme for this year's Education Day is Peace and Reconciliation, with workshops featuring guest speakers Travis Idol, President of Hawai'i Interfaith Power & Light, and Jonathan Kuttab, a well-known international lawyer, who is the co-founder of the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq, and co-founder of Nonviolence International. Cost is only $35 and includes lunch.

The Bishop's Cross presentation will take place during the Aloha Reception along with delicious food. To view this year's recipients, click HERE, Cost is only $15. There is no cost to attend the Convention Eucharist. Click on the buttons below for more info and/or to register:

Coming Up: Diocesan ʻŌlelo Hawai'i Lessons Return!

Free ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi classes are starting up again on Tuesdays, under the tutelage of Kumu Kū Souza. He is 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) which has just won three Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards (and were nominated for the most awards in its history!)

There will be one class for continuing students, and a brand new class for beginners or those who need a refresher – at no cost and no judgments! 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.

St. Timothy's Selling Choir Robes

St. Timothy's Episcopal Church in Aiea has choir robes (Almy) for sale/trade/donation. Robes are less than 5 years old and only two are used. Current NEW prices: Cottas $72-$83, and cassocks $138-$159

Cassocks are royal blue (button front) and come in a variety of sizes for women, men and organist styles. The cottas are white (round neck) in varying sizes. For more information, email Jana Dove or call Paul Mahuka at (808) 488-5747.

(The following is the first in a series of "GC Connection" articles, written by Kim Arakawa, current Chair of the Hawai'i Deputation team.)

How does General Convention benefit you, and how can you get involved?

These are essential questions – ones we hope to address in this new addition to the Hawaiian Church Chronicle through regular articles written by your elected deputies to General Convention. We intend to provide general updates and, more significantly, a deeper dive into the legislation process, the stories behind the experience, and the impact on our Diocese. In the coming weeks, deputies who attended July’s 80th General Convention (GC80) in Baltimore, Maryland, will share their insights.

As an introduction to this newly created Deputies’ General Convention Connection, and because I have the honor of being Chair of the current team, I would like to take this opportunity to publicly express my gratitude for the substantial time and dedication given by your deputies, to best represent the Diocese of Hawai’i. As you may know, GC80 was initially slated to occur in 2021. However, due to the global pandemic, it was delayed a year. The current slate of deputies, elected to their seats at Diocesan Convention 2020, met online monthly for over two years to learn about the legislative process and build community. Several folks on the team, myself included, were first-time deputies. READ MORE

TIPS FROM LOT'S LIST - "Reduce your hot water temperature. Does it make sense to mix hot water with cold water longer to make it tolerable? What kills more germs, dishwasher soap or hot water?"

NATIONAL DRIVE ELECTRIC WEEK - September 24 kicks off National Drive Electric Week! Come join the celebration as Hawai'i EV hosts events on all of the main islands to spotlight electric vehicles. They also host webinars and activities on environmental issues. For more information on your island's events, visit the HawaiiEV website HERE.

Oʻahu Happenings

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

St. Mark's Evangelism & Discipleship Potluck

Folks at St. Mark's enjoyed a potluck on Sunday, September 11, hosted by their Evangelism & Discipleship team. They enjoyed delicious food, fellowship, and a video of one member's faith/stewardship story. (Photo from the St. Mark's weekly online news)

St. Peters K2Ps (Knit Two, Pray Two) Keeping Busy!

The knitting ministry of St. Peter’s Church, has been busy making beautiful lap robes for Hope Lodge, the residential building of the American Cancer Society, immediately mauka of the Parish Hall. (Photo from the St. Peter's monthly newsletter)

Observing International Day of Peace

Also known as World Peace Day, the United Nations-sanctioned holiday is observed annually on September 21, and is dedicated to world peace, specifically the absence of war and violence. Pictured above, the Revs. Kaleo Patterson and Ha'aheo Guanson, who are also involved in the Pacific Justice and Reconciliaton Center that sponsored this gathering, were on hand at Kuhio Park Terrace's Zone of Peace with a focus on the Famly Pledge of Nonviolence. (Photos from the St. Stephen's Facebook page)

Coming Up: Drop-By Pet Blessing at the Cathedral

It's that time of year when we look forward to blessing our beloved pets! On Sunday, October 2, 2022, The Cathedral of St. Andrew will be offering a drive-by St. Francis Blessing of the Pets, from 5:30-6:30 PM. Be sure to check with your church to find out if there will be a special service to bless your pets, or drive by The Cathedral!

Coming Up: Mālama Maunalua with the Holy Nativity Community

On October 10, 2022, join our huki with Mālama Maunalua to remove invasive algae from Maunalua Bay. Volunteers will go into the water to remove algae. Also needed are volunteers who can help with refreshments.

Event Details: Meet at Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park (100 Bay Street) at 9:00 am. Street parking is available. Upon arrival, check in with the Community Huki staff who will give a brief introduction. After removing algae from the bay, we will return to Kuliʻouʻou Beach Park by 12:00 PM. Holy Nativity will host a tent with water and other refreshments at the park. What to bring: Water, sunscreen, and beach clothes. Towels, water shoes, hats, and a change of clothes are also recommended. Participants must complete an online waiver HERE, and minors must have parental consent. Questions? Contact Holy Nativity at (808) 373-2131.

O'AHU LAY POSITION OPENINGS

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

The Cathedral of St. Andrew - Maintenance (Part-time, flexible hours)
St. Mark's Church, Honolulu - Organist (Part-time)
St. Stephen's Church, Wahiawa - Organist (part-time)

Kauaʻi Happenings

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

Kauaibots Comes to All Saints' Gym: STEM Education at Its Best

On Saturday, September 10, 2022, All Saint’s Church held the FIRST Robotics Expo in the gym. It was sponsored by the Kaua`i Robotics Alliance (KRA) which is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that promotes Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education through all robotics-related activities for all ages of students on the island of Kaua'i.

Because Kaua'i is a neighbor island, it's particularly important, and also especially difficult, to provide our young people with meaningful opportunities to discover and explore these STEM fields. Kaua'i Robotics is offering this experience to our island Middle and High School kids. (Photo and story from the All Saints' weekly e-news)

Maui Happenings

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

Lots to Celebrate at St. John's, Kula: New Rector & "Best Ever" Kula Festival

St. John's Episcopal Church in Kula has a lot to celebrate these days with a new priest and a fabulous turnout for their annual Kula Festival (see header photo). Fr. George Wong officially started as St. John's Priest-in-Charge on September 16, and got to enjoy the community in full form during the church's annual festival the very next day. The Kula Festival has long been a popular event in the Kula community, and this year, after a long pandemic drought, folks turned out in droves to take advantage of the fabulous food, entertainment, produce, baked goods quilt show and a host of other activities. Aloha & welcome Fr. Wong! (You can view more photos on the St. John's Maui Facebook page HERE.)

Hawaiʻi Island Happenings

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

Coming Up: Oktoberfest at St. Jude's

St. Jude's annual Oktoberfest returns on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 4:30-6:30 PM (or earlier if the food runs out)! Dine in or take out a delicious meal of sauerkraut & brats, boiled potatoes, carrots, and cookies. Donations are welcome! St. Jude's is located at 92-8606 Paradise Circle Mauka in Ocean View. If you have questions, email the office HERE.

The Episcopal Church & Beyond

Presiding bishop, British ambassador join tributes to Queen Elizabeth at National Cathedral memorial service

[9/21/22] The Washington National Cathedral service began with the posting of American and British flags in the sanctuary. The bourdon bell tolled during the opening procession. “We have assembled in this sacred place to give God thanks for the life of her majesty Queen Elizabeth II, to give God thanks for a life that was given to service of others, to cause greater than self,” Presiding Bishop Michael Curry said in his sermon. “We give God thanks that one such as her did walk among us.” READ MORE