Editor's Note: The Hawaiian Church Chronicle is released on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month, but every so often, the dates align to create a 3-week gap between issues. This Chronicle Supplement is an abbreviated version of the Chronicle, to help fill that gap with time-sensitive announcements and important information.

February 6, 2025

Fifth Sunday after Epiphany - Set us free, O God, from the bondage of our sins, and give us the liberty of that abundant life which you have made known to us in your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION & ANNOUNCEMENTS

At The Cathedral...

This Sunday is Ali'i Sunday

The Cathedral of St. Andrew will be observing an Ali'i Sunday Celebration for King Kamehameha IV this Sunday, February 9, 2025. All are welcome.

Reminder: The Cathedral Run Club continues with their bi-weekly meet-ups. The next meeting will be on Monday, February 10, 5:30 PM in Kapi'olani Regional Park. For more info or to sign up, contact the Cathedral office HERE.

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s Sermon at Washington National Cathedral

Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe preached the sermon during a February 2, 2025, Eucharist at Washington National Cathedral celebrating the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord. The service also included Bishop Rowe’s ceremonial seating, a liturgy in the Book of Occasional Services. The service can be viewed on the Washington National Cathedral's YouTube channel HERE. (His sermon starts ar around 54 minutes.) A lightly edited transcript of the sermon—based on Luke 2:22-40—can be viewed HERE.

Letter from Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe Regarding Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM)

{Letter dated January 31, 2025) I am writing with difficult news that I know you have been expecting. Due to the Trump administration’s January 24 decision to suspend grant funding for refugee resettlement, we have made the painful decision to begin winding down Episcopal Migration Ministry (EMM) programs that are funded by federal grants on February 14. Today we informed 22 EMM employees that their service as a church center employee will end on that date. They are being offered a severance package that includes pay, access to health benefits, and outplacement services that I hope will help them find a new way to use the gifts, skills and passion that they have shared with EMM. READ FULL LETTER

IMMIGRATION ACTION TOOL KIT

The following is offered for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. This area of the law is very complicated and fact-specific, and we urge you to consult local counsel for particular legal help. The resources below are from many organizations that are active in protecting migrants’ rights from multiple perspectives.

What to Know

The Trump Administration has made sweeping policy changes on immigration that are already having an impact on millions of people. Many of these new policies have been—and will be—challenged by the courts, and we anticipate continued shifts. In our ongoing support of migrants, and those living in our communities who face uncertain futures, obtaining and sharing accurate information is critical. READ MORE

Trinity By-the-Sea Hit Hard by Storm

The storm system that moved over the islands last week hit Trinity By-the-Sea in Kihei particularly hard. Because flooding is not covered by their insurance, the church has to absorb the cost for cleaning and repairs. Services had to be relocated, and members have been hard at work removing mud and debris. If you would like to help, consider making a donation online HERE.

Reminder, February 15! TENS Webinar: Finding Your Stewardship Love Language

The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) will be offering a webinar on Saturday, February 15, 2025, beginning at 7:00 AM (HST). As a member of TENS, the Diocese can offer these webinars free to its churches. Understanding our love languages provides insights into how we think about sharing our gifts and receiving information about giving opportunities. Learn how to inspire your members with new tools and strategies for annual pledge campaigns. Click HERE to register.

Important Church & Parochial Reports Due

With the completion of Annual Meetings around the Diocese in January, this is a reminder for all churches to submit two important reports that can be done conveniently online:

Church Officials List and Certificate of Election - Deadline is Monday, February 24, 2025, by 4:00 PM. Names and contact information of your elected church officials and certain ministry leaders are to be reported to the Diocese.
The Parochial Report portal on The Episcopal Church's General Convention webpage is now open and will close on March 2, 2025, so churches should submit their reports no later than March 1. A training video and instructions can be found on that site.

All Clergy-in-charge, Wardens, Treasurers and Church Administrators should have received emails from Rae Costa (dated January 31 & February 4 respectively) with the links and instructions for both reports. If you have any questions, please email Rae HERE or call (808) 536-7776, ext. 326.

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

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

Do you have a question? Contact us at (808) 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)