The E-Newspaper of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i Reporting on the events & activities in our Diocese and beyond...
February 2018
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Bishop's Calendar
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**** FEBRUARY ***
TBD (Date to be determined)
Non-Sunday Visit: St. Clement, Honolulu
(Jan 31)-February 6
Semi-annual visit to ECIM (Guam)
February 9
Chapel: St. Andrew
February 14
St. Andrew's Schools
February 17
Governance Meetings
February 21
Non-Sunday Visit: St. Mary's, Honolulu
February 24
Chrism Mass and Education Day, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu
February 28-(March 7)
Regional Gathering of Primates, Fiji
*** MARCH
****
TBD (Date to be determined)
Non-Sunday Visit: Christ Memorial, Kilauea
TBD (Date to be determined)
Non-Sunday Visit: All Saints', Kapa'a
(Feb 27)-March 7
Regional Gathering of Primates, Fiji
March 17
Governance Meetings
March 18
Visitation: St. Michael's, Lihue
March 25
Visitation: Episcopal Church of West Kaua'i
March 31
Easter Vigil Service: The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu
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Stay Informed!
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Connect directly to the
Diocesan Website:
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Bishop's Message
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On Prison Reform
Na ke aloha o ke Akua ma loko o Iesu Kristo, e aloha iā ʻoukou ā pau!
Many have seen the letter below that was published in the
Honolulu Star Advertiser. I hope you will read it again. It was prepared with the direct involvement of several people working on prison reform in our community (Anna Courie, David Gierlach, Robert Merce, Dawn Morais Webster, Mike Town and others). The letter, however, presents my concern for Hawaiʻi.
After being actively engaged with the Church's houseless and feeding ministries for over thirty years, I am increasingly convinced that we must also engage the underlying brokenness of our world. How we address the care of those who are incarcerated, those living on the margins with mental illness, those living with substance abuse and those being trafficked will do much to change lives. While ministries of basic care (food banks, soup kitchen, etc.) are needed, we are called by the Gospel to help transform lives.
What does the Lord require?
6 With what should I approach the Lord
and bow down before God on high?
Should I come before him with entirely burned offerings,
with year-old calves?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with many torrents of oil?
Should I give my oldest child for my crime;
the fruit of my body for the sin of my spirit?
8
He has told you, human one, what is good and what the Lord requires from you:
to do justice, embrace faithful love,
and walk humbly with your God.
Micah 6:6-8 (Common English Bible)
As Christians, we know that prisons are too often about punishment and the warehousing of human beings. We know the gift of restoration and have the promise of transformation.
"Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness."
Galatians 6:1a (Common English Bible)
It is with this in mind that I hope you read the letter.
Aloha ma o Iesu Kristo, ko makou Haku,
+Bob
Bishop's letter published on January 25, 2018 in the Honolulu Star Advertiser:
On behalf of the Episcopal Church in Hawai'i, I am writing to affirm our belief in the humanity of all of the people of Hawaii, including those who are incarcerated, and to support the recommendations of the House Concurrent Resolution 85 Task Force on Prison Reform that was created by the 2016 legislature and is chaired by Hawaii Supreme Court Associate Justice Michael D. Wilson. The Task Force has recommended, among other things, that Hawaii transition from a punitive to a rehabilitative and restorative correctional system. We strongly support that recommendation because We Are All ʻOhana.
I call on the legislature to work with stakeholders from our communities to develop a smaller, more efficient, more humane, and more sustainable approach to the rehabilitation of our family and friends who are incarcerated. Regardless of past wrongdoing, the men and women in prison are our brothers and sisters. We affirm the belief that all individuals are capable of redemption and rehabilitation when given the leadership, mentorship, and resources they need to improve their lives. And we believe that everyone deserves another chance.
We acknowledge that transitioning from a punitive to a rehabilitative system will take time, human and financial capital, and a re-imagining of the existing system.
However, the evidence supports an evolution of our current incarceration practices to embrace rehabilitation rather than retribution, and thereby reduce recidivism and break the multi-generational cycle of crime that the current system perpetuates.
The current penal system is failing the people of Hawaii. Treating prisoners as human beings rather than numbers needs to be at the core of our criminal justice system, and we need to provide those in prison with the addiction and mental health treatment they need. Too many of our current practices feed the cycle of violence in our communities rather than implementing evidence-based strategies that empower people to become participating members of our community. Our broken system is evidenced by the fact that Native Hawaiians are disproportionately represented in our prison system, and it is estimated that upwards of 90% of our prisoners suffer from mental health and/or addiction problems. We should not criminalize our social problems.
We do not need a huge new jail on Oahu. We need a community-based approach to corrections that integrates law enforcement, social services, housing, behavioral health, faith-based organizations, and others to deal with social problems that need intervention, not incarceration.
I ask the Legislature to order the Department of Public Safety to work collaboratively with community stakeholders and begin the jail planning process over again, and this time focus on implementing evidence-based practices that
rehabilitate our inmate population. Some of our sister states and many other countries are doing exactly that with astounding results.
The leadership in our correctional system can boldly move from a system of punishment to a system of rehabilitation and restoration. We need to allocate significant portions of the projected jail building funds toward addressing the mental health/drug epidemic that plagues our felon population. And we need independent monitoring and oversight of our correctional system to ensure that the investment in training of our correctional officers in principles of rehabilitation and restoration occurs. Every life is valuable, including those in prison.
ʻOhana and aloha are not reserved for the best among us. On behalf of the Episcopal diocese, we call on the great state of Hawaiʻi to live out our commitment to Aloha and implement prison practices that acknowledge and respect the humanity in all of us.
(Photo of cleansing taken during Makahiki at the Halawa Correctional Facility in November. For more photos, see Prison Ministries below. Photo by Kai Markell, contributed by Rev. Kaleo Patterson)
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Christmas Around the Diocese
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Here it is, our annual Christmas collage with pictures gleaned from your newsletters, websites and social media. Can you find someone or something from your church?
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Our Seminarians
Our Newest Graduates from Waiolahui'ia
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The Diocese of Hawai'i is pleased to announce four graduates of
Waiolaihui'ia, its three-year formation program for canonically resident communicants, who have been recommended for further discernment and formation toward ordination to Holy Orders. This is the second class to finish the program which wrapped up in December. Pictured above in the front row with their certificates are: Mark Haworth, Fane Lino, Ha'aheo Guanson and Preston Lentz. Lentz graduated "with Honors" for his outstanding academic work. Standing in back are the faculty: The Rev. Ray Woo who serves as an academic instructor, the Rev. Diana Akiyama, the Dean of Waiolaihui'ia, and the Rev. David Moore.
In 2015, the first graduates of Waiolaihui'ia were ordained to the Transitional Diaconate during the Opening Eucharist of the 47th Annual Meeting of Convention. All four were ordained to the Priesthood the following year and are serving in churches around the Diocese. Pictured at right during their 2015 ordination at St. Alban's on the 'Iolani School campus are: The Revs. Malcolm Keleawe Hee, Paul Nahoa Lucas, Phyllis Mahi Beimes and John Hau'oli Tomoso.
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Our Community
Ho'oku'ikahi: Reconciliation
Honoring the Justice and Nonviolence of Queen Lili'uokalani
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The following article was written in collaboration with the Rev. Kaleo Patterson and Ann Dugdale Hansen.
The Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center (PJRC) has organized an annual service of remembrance and solidarity in honor of Queen Lili'uokalani, who, even after the overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai'i, strongly believed in reconciliation and nonviolence. 2018 marks 125 years since that fateful day on January 17, 1893, and as they have for the past 25 years, the Rev. Kaleo Patterson and Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson, who head the PJRC, brought the community together for its 26th ecumenical event.
Back in 2014, the Hawai'i State Legislature passed a resolution recognizing January 17 of every year as Ho'oku'ikahi Day, or Reconciliation Day, "in honor and remembrance of the justice, reconciliation, and nonviolence of Queen Lili'uokalani." That resolution can be viewed
HERE
. It took into account several significant events that took place in 1993, the year marking the 100th anniversary of the overthrow. Included was the public apology of the United Church of Christ (UCC) to Na Kanaka Maoli; then President Bill Clinton signing into Public Law 103-150 an apology to Native Hawaiians; and the observances already taking place by the historical churches, community groups and organizations.
Each year, the service is held at a different historic church, and this year, the service was held at Kawaiaha'o Church in Honolulu, on Sunday, January 14, 2018. Hundreds filled the pews that included many community, government and religious leaders. There was a st
rong Episcopal presence with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, Archdeacon Steve Costa, the Cathedral's Head Verger Roth Puahala, and of course the organizers, Kahu Kaleo Patterson and Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson, all taking a role in the service. The 'Iolani Guild has also been a long-time supporter of this event. Pictured at the very top from left are Sen. Brickwood Galuteria, Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, Rev. Dr. Se Hee Han (UCM), Archdeacon Steve Costa, Jo Ann Yoon Fukumoto (UCM), Rev. Piula Ala'ilima (UCM), Rev. Amy Wake (UCM). Pictured above from left, the portrait of the Queen in lei; Officiating the service is Kahu Kaleo Patterson; and Cathedral Verger Roth Puahala gave the Mea Oli.
Two guest choirs, the First United Methodist Tongan Choir and the Kapolei Chorale, offered pieces from a wide variety of traditions including Tongan, Giuseppe Verdi, and Queen Liliʿuokalani compositions.
But it was a stirring sermon delivered by Bishop Grant Hagiya from the United Methodist Church (UMC) California-Pacific Annual Conference, that captured and moved the audience in a historic gesture of contrition.
Bishop Hagiya explained that the UMC had always disclaimed participation in the overthrow of Queen Liliʿuokalani and the Hawaiian Kingdom on the basis of not having formed into a denomination until after 1993. However, recent research revealed that a minister, Reverend Harcourt Peck, was a sharpshooter in the marine regiment that forced the Queen to relinquish her throne in order to avoid bloodshed. He would eventually become a pastor of the First Methodist Church and continue to fight against Native Hawaiians.
That prompted UMC to acknowledge that they were complicit in the overthrow of the Queen and the Hawaiian Kingdom. In a powerful moment,
Bishop Hagiya asked forgiveness from the Hawaiian people on behalf of the United Methodist Church.
T
he United Methodist Church National Acts of Repentance and the work of the Hawai'i Acts of Repentance Committee under District Supt. Rev. Dr. Se Hee Han, completed and passed an Apology to Native Hawaiians Resolution which was released publicly in the January 14 program that can be viewed HERE. In addition to Bishop Hagiya's apology on behalf of the UMC, all in attendance participated in a Litany of Reconciliation that included words of apology to Native Hawaiians. The service ended with Bishop Fitzpatrick giving the closing blessing in Hawaiian.
(Photos contributed by Kahu Kaleo Patterson, Ann Dugdale Hansen and Rae Costa)
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Third Annual Diocesan Music Conference
By Jan Rensel and The Rev. John Hau'oli Tomoso
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About 30 music ministry coordinators, choir directors, clergy, and interested others gathered at St. John's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Kahalu'u, on Saturday, January 27, 2018, for an inspiring day of liturgical music and talk-story with Joe Kanoelehua Camacho. Camacho is a
locally and nationally
known
Liturgist, Pastoral Musician, composer,
singer, professional
hula dancer and performing artist and
entertainer from
O'ahu, who now lives on
the Big Island of Hawai'i.
Participants for this third annual Diocesan Music Conference came from many different churches on O'ahu,
Maui,
Kaua'i, and Hawai'i Island. They brought their ukuleles and guitars as well as their voices and lots of ideas, including some printed music.
A mid-afternoon thunderstorm added a bit of drama but contributed to people's desire to stay longer and keep singing until the rains subsided.
The weather, as some verbally noted, was the voice of Ke Akua asking all to not only hear His voice but to also let Him hear our voices, as the People of God in this place, in this Diocese, and in its parishes.
"As a new, inexperienced music director, I am so glad I attended!" said Ross Barker from the Episcopal Church on West Kaua'i. "I was given a new understanding of my role, and I realized that the purpose of my accompaniment is not to 'stoke' or inspire, but to make it easy for folks to sing together, so that they can breathe together. I'm thankful to Joe for his wisdom and humor, and to our hosts. Also it was my first time to that part of O'ahu. What a beautiful place!"
Rev. Cn. Sandy Graham put participants in e-mail contact after the conference, and they are continuing to share thoughts and resources. A
new community of Pastoral Musicians and Liturgists is budding forth in the Diocese and the 'Oli of Aloha and Ke Akua's grace, mercy and love among us all, is beginning to resound throughout our Diocese and in our parishes.
Mahalo nui for this wonderful opportunity and to all who made it possible.
Pictured above is Joe Camacho on the piano and also with the Revs. Paul Nahoa Lucas, Mahi Beimes and John Hau'oli Tomoso.
(Photos by Susan and Rev. Hau'oli Tomoso)
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Episcopal Church Women
ECW National Board Meets on Maui
By Louise Aloy, President, Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Hawai'i
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The National Board of Episcopal Church Women (NECW)
representing all nine Provinces, along with Parliamentarian Dennis Clark, gathered on Maui for five days of meetings from January 25-30, 2018.
They traveled from New York, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Virginia, Kansas, Texas, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina, and from faraway Curacao in the Caribbean.
On Saturday, January 27, the Good Shepherd Women in Ministry along with the Rev. Amy Crowe, Vicar at Holy Innocents Episcopal Church in Lahaina, hosted the women and some of their husbands for Morning Eucharist.
The group (pictured above) was greeted with fresh flowers lei for the women and fresh ti leaf lei for the men.
A Hawaiian 'oli (chant) opened up the morning church service welcoming the group to the island of Maui and to the house of Ke Akua.
After the service, there was a brief sharing of the rich Hawaiian history of the church followed by a visit with A Cup of Cold Water's (ACCW) community outreach van. The board got to
view first hand the workings of a UTO (United Thank Offering) grant recipient. ACCW received a UTO grant to purchase the van, and for the past four years has been serving all the communities of Maui. The NECW group was truly impressed with its operation and how well-stocked the van was with supplies and cold bottles of water for the many unsheltered clients and those that have fallen on hard times.
Afterwards, a delicious lunch was served on the waterfront lawn of the rectory where they were
entertained with ukulele and songs. All received a special "Maui Makana" gift before leaving. It was truly a day to remember creating lifelong memories for this group.
A big mahalo to those that helped put this day together: Cora Brown, Chancellor Brown, Lucy Santiago, Fr. Craig Vance, Peter Lee, the Rev. Amy Crowe, James Crowe, Rance Villarimo and to John Hiroshima and Lani Scott who stopped by with the ACCW van after their Sunday West Maui run. Me ka mahalo nui loa to all!
(Photo courtesy of Karen Patterson, NECW Treasurer)
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ECW Annual Holiday Gathering
By Louise Aloy, President, Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese of Hawai'i
The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) of the Diocese of Hawai'i held their annual Holiday Gathering on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at the Cathedral of St. Andrew's Von Holt Room. Women from various churches took time out of their busy lives to celebrate the holidays, enjoy one another, and immerse in God's grace and love for each one of us. The late afternoon event was a change from the early morning hours and lunch of previous years, and was well received by the membership.
We celebrated the gifts of good food, wonderful fellowship through games, songs, and most importantly, the gift of love for one another. Attendees were asked to bring a gift that was to be given to unsheltered friends from the outreach ministry at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Mo'ili'ili. The generosity was overwhelming and many gifts were received.
Everyone went home with to-go food plates, prizes, gifts, and a heart filled with the spirit of Christmas. Many thanks to the support of all the helping hands of the ECW for their work throughout the year and for making this a successful event.
Pictured above from left, the women sing "The Twelve Days of Christmas" (Hawaiian version); Jan Motoshige leads an activity; gifts galore received for the St. Mary's outreach program.
(Photos by Laurie Lee and Louise Aloy)
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Prison Ministry
Makahiki at Correctional Facilities
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In the Diocese's continuing focus on Prison Ministry (
E-Chronicle, December 2017) we share these powerful photos by photographer Kai Markell from the November 2017 Makahiki at Halawa and Waiawa Correctional Facilities. The Rev. Kaleo Patterson and Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson continue to work with inmates through the Baibala-Pule project and the Pacific Justice Reconciliation Center. Above left, at Halawa is the
Huaka'i
(circuit procession) with the
Akua Loa
(tall banner) and
Akua Poko
(small banner). At right is the
Pohai Pule
(Circle Prayer) at Waiawa. Below from left, inmates perform the Ai Ha'a (low stance dance); lei ho'okupu (flower lei offering) and Ka Pomaika'i (blessing).
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First Bac Pacs of 2018
Our first bac pacs* of the year were delivered on January 22, 2018. Being trained were Kent Kahananui from
Ke Ola Mamo and Mark Haworth from St. Elizabeth's. At Halawa [Correctional Facility] we waited about an hour and 15 minutes for the release of Malcolm. As we waited, we had a good discussion on Makahiki and the Native Hawaiian Church. We were also joined by Mahealani from Ke Ola Mamo. Pictured above left is Mark, Kent and Mahealani, and in the center photo with Malcolm.
We then went to Laumaka work furlough facility to deliver a Bac Pac for Kevin. Jolene, the social worker and a former student from UH, helped us with delivery and we got a chance to say hello to Kevin. Jolene makes a point to bring the pa'ahao (prisoner), when possible, to say thank you. Both recipients were very thankful.
The bac pac for Malcolm was provided by Epiphany Church with pillow and towel supplied by the Cathedral of St. Andrew. The bac pac for Kevin was from St. Elizabeth's Church. We are most grateful to the churches for their support.
*
The Bac Pac Program is a re-entry restorative justice program that is available to all pa'ahao released from incarceration, and provides a coming home "bac pac" with health and new life essentials. This program is supported by a network of churches and organizations on all islands and includes other resources and opportunities for support and reintegration.
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Our Schools
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Queen Emma
By Dr. Ruth Fletcher, Head of School, The St. Andrew's School
s
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The following letter by Dr. Ruth Fletcher is about the school's observance of Queen Emma's birthday on Tuesday, January 23, 2018. The letter appears on the school's website HERE where more photos of this special event can be viewed.
Today, we celebrated the 182nd birthday of our founder, Queen Emma Kaleleonālani. A transformational leader, Queen Emma dedicated herself to serving the health, educational and spiritual needs of her people. Queen Emma is often called the people's queen because of her commitment and dedication to improving the lives of others. She recognized the need for young girls to have access to a high-quality education and in 1867, founded the St. Andrew's Priory School for Girls. Since our founding, our community has grown to include The Prep and The Preschool, and today, as one school, we continue to K
ulia I Ka Nuʻu,
strive for the highest.
This morning, our celebration began with an all-school chapel in The Cathedral of St. Andrew. Our senior class led the oli, Eō Ke Kuini, to begin the service. Queen Emmaʻs portrait, flanked by paʻa kāhili, was placed on the altar and draped with maile. It was a visual reminder of the woman we so admire. The Right Reverend Robert Fitzpatrick, The V Bishop of Hawaiʻi, affectionately known as Bishop Bob, shared stories of Emma's school days, much to the delight of our youngest students. Following the service in the Cathedral, students presented hoʻokupu to Queen Emma's bust in the James and Abigail Campbell Park. Students, faculty, and staff took the opportunity to honor Queen Emma for her daring vision and courage.
Following the all-school celebration, the Class of 2018, the Class of 2019, and Hui Hauʻoli traveled to Mauna ʻAla, the Royal Mausoleum, where a special service was held to commemorate the life and legacy of Queen Emma. The Right Reverend Robert Fitzpatrick, The V Bishop of Hawaiʻi, officiated and served as this year's guest speaker. Guests included the Royal Societies, civic societies, community representatives, clergy, our own Board of Trustees, and many others. Bishop Bob spoke to those gathered about Queen Emma's resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity, both in her private and public life. He reminded those in attendance that though Queen Emma planted many seeds, she did not see all of them blossom. It reminded us that as we work together to improve the world, we must have faith that our actions make a difference. The service concluded with a procession to the Kamehameha Tomb where guests presented hoʻokupu to honor our beloved ʻEmalani.
To me, personally, Queen Emma is a role model and someone I look up to. Her visionary leadership and example of love, care, and service calls me to strive for the highest for our community.
Thank you, everyone, for being a part of this beautiful celebration.
(Dr. Ruth Fletcher is pictured at far right.)
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Our Schools
'Iolani Schools Annual Founders Day Chapel
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The following article and photos are from the 'Iolani School website and Facebook pages of the school and Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick.
On Friday, February 9, 2018, 'Iolani School students gathered for Founders' Day Chapel, honoring the legacy of King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. It is celebrated on the birthday of the King, born Alexander 'Iolani Liholiho, and whom the school is named after. The King and Queen, who brought the Church of England to Hawai'i in 1862, directed the Bishop to found schools for their people. 'Iolani School and The St. Andrew's School are the continuing institutions born of their vision.
The celebration is filled with song and dance, and brings together Hawaiian Benevolent Royal Societies who present ho'okupu to the King and Queen.
"I was delighted to process and present ho'okupu as an honorary Ali'i of the Royal Order of King Kamehameha I, before offering the opening prayer," said Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick in a post. Pictured above, the traditional Ali'i 'Ahu'ula (golden cape) of the Royal Order is placed upon him.
The all-school service in the Lower Gym included
mo'olelo (sharing of story) that was given by Donald Hendrix Stone, a grandson of the Rev. Albert Hendrix Stone, who was the 'Iolani Headmaster from 1932 to 1944. Father Stone helped the school prosper with goals that included raising scholastic standards, increasing income to exceed expenses and diversifying the student body. Since 1965, hundreds of Stone Scholarships have been awarded to entering ninth graders who demonstrate strong academic achievement, co-curricular involvement, good character and financial need. The scholarships are funded by donors, some of whom were recipients of Stone Scholarships themselves.
"It was a moving celebration of the culture and history of these Islands, the School and the Church," said Bishop Fitzpatrick. "I am very proud of the students of 'Iolani School and to be the School's Bishop."
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'Iolani School Breaks Ground on New Residence Hall
'Iolani School hosted a traditional Hawaiian groundbreaking ceremony for its new on-campus residence hall on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, marking the next milestone in reinstating the school's boarding program. The five-story dormitory will house up to 112 students in grades 9-12 and welcome local, domestic and international students in the Fall 2018 school year.
"An education that includes cross-cultural experiences is beneficial for all 'Iolani students as we prepare them to be successful leaders in the competitive global marketplace," 'Iolani Head of School Dr. Timothy R. Cottrell said. "The ability to communicate with - and appreciate the perspectives of - people who come from a wide range of different backgrounds not only creates meaningful global relationships, but also build s
tudents' desire to improve the world around them."
"Offering a boarding option presents an opportunity for Hawai'i to be positioned as a premier destination for a top college preparatory school education," Cottrell added. "'Iolani School's boarding program marks a significant step in establishing this reputation around the world."
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Pictured at top left is the Rev. Heather Patton-Graham, Chaplain of 'Iolani School, Dr. Timothy Cottrell, Head of School, and the First Lady of the State of Hawai'i, Dawn Amano-Ige. At top right is the line-up of the special guests for the ceremonial groundbreaking, that includes Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick, fifth from left, and Mayor Kirk Caldwell at far right.
Pictured below from left, the event opened with beautiful performances by Halau 'Iolani and the Hokuloa Singers, and at right, an architectural rendering of the completed dormitory.
(Photos from the 'Iolani School website and Facebook page)
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O'AHU PARISH NEWS
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St. Clement's Celebrates The Rev. Heather Hill
The Parish of St. Clement in Honolulu officially welcomed their Rector, the Rev. Heather Hill, in a Celebration of New Ministry on Saturday, January 13, 2018. Hill has been with St. Clement's since September, who was joined by her husband Dustin Berg (who is also an Episcopal priest) and 5-year old twins, Kailani and Elijah. Pictured above left is Hill with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick; In the bottom right photo is
Pam Fern, who organized and prepared the reception, The Rev. Cn. Kate Cullinane, St. Clement's former Interim Rector, and Sexton Stan Ornellas. (
Photos by Joni Wong, Carolyn Koehler, Dana Anderson and Pam McCoy)
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Kadomatsu Making at Good Samaritan
Folks at Good Samaritan Episcopal Church in Honolulu got together for their annual kadomatsu making on Wednesday, December 27, 2017. The kadomatsu is a traditional Japanese bamboo decoration for the New Year, and is a great cultural activity and fundraiser for the church. A slew of church members and friends turned out, including students from Kaimuki High School's Art Club and National Honor Society, to help with the harvesting of bamboo, cutting, assembling and decorating. Chris Omuro organizes this annual event and this year they raised $1,200 from the sales of kadomatsu. Pictured above, harvesting and assembling the kadomatsu, and at far right, Faye Hee and Cy Nishihira who prepared an ono spaghetti lunch for all the hard workers.
(Photos from the Good Samaritan newsletter)
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Honoring the Saints Who Came Before Us at St. Mary's
Soldier Chapel at St. Mary's Episcopal Church in Mo'ili'ili got a new $64,000 roof for its 100th
birthday! Over the Christmas season, roofers from United Roofing (above left) were busy working on the chapel hoping to finish by Epiphany on January 6, 2018, and at center, the completed work.
There is much history behind Soldier Chapel that was built by Brigadier General Edward Davis (who "cut his teeth" as a second lieutenant in the Civil War). The Chapel was built for $27,000 and has welcomed thousands inside its majestic interior since its first Eucharist on July 17, 1917. Soldier Chapel celebrated its 100th anniversary last year on July 15, 2017, with honored guests, performances by the Hawai'i Sacred Choir, and officiated by the Rev. Gregory Johnson. Davis' great grandson, Harrison Spiegelberg, was the guest speaker who paid tribute to his great grandfather.
The throng of faithful departed who have worshipped at Soldier Chapel over the past century include soldiers from the 442nd
like the late Senator Daniel Inouye, Clarence Miyamoto, and Ernie Uno, who are surely smiling down from heaven. Pictured at far right are the portraits of General Davis and Senator Inouye in Soldier Chapel, draped with maile lei during the 100th anniversary celebration. (Photos from St. Mary's newsletters and Fr. Gregory Johnson)
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Shared Ministry Partners at St. Stephen's
The Diocese is blessed to have buildings and facilities where our churches can worship and minister to the community. Several Episcopal churches in the Diocese have opened their doors to other denominations that do not have a place to worship, creating a special and unique relationship that has deep meaning for all involved. Most are ethnic-based congregations with separate services held in their native language.
The O'ahu Berea Evangelical Church (OBEC) has been worshiping at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Wahiawa for the past four years. OBEC is a Chuukese denomination with Lutheran roots, and has over 8,000 members on O'ahu. At St. Stephen's, about 60-80 worship there every Sunday and on occasion, will join the St. Stephen's service. They also assist with care of the facilities and property, and join in outreach, creating a wonderful shared ministry partnership between the two churches..
Pictured above is Sunday school teacher Kenson Alik on guitar leading a portion of their Sunday school children in song during Bishop Fitzpatrick's visitation on Sunday, December 10, 2017, and at right, during refreshments afterwards.
(Photos by Rev. Kaleo Patterson)
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Cathedral Highlight
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Pacific Peace Forum: Promoting Peace and Nonviolence
Four years ago, the Cathedral of St. Andrew and the
Pacific Justice and Reconciliation Center (PJRC) collaborated to bring about the Pacific Peace Forums, a monthly gathering that promotes peace and nonviolence education and training. They meet at the Cathedral in the Von Holt Room, addressing the issues of our time. The forums are open to the public and all are welcome.
The Rev. Kaleo Patterson, who is the President of PJRC and organizer of this forum, had participated in a similar event at the Annual
National Conference of Race and Ethics (NCORE) a few months earlier, and was pleased with the outcome of this gathering, which he called a "successful beginning."
Patterson is pictured at right at the NCORE conference with Martha Alhassen, Provost Fellow, American Studies and Ethnicity, USC; Floyd Mori, President and CEO, The Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies and National President JCAL; Patterson; Bob Hiro Suzuki, President Emeritus, Retired, California State Polytechnic University and WWII Internment Camp Survivor.
The Pacific Peace Forums take place every first Friday of the month (with a potluck) beginning at 6:00 PM. For more information, contact Dr. Ha'aheo Guanson at (808) 330-3771. (Photos contributed by Rev. Kaleo Patterson)
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KAUA'I PARISH NEWS
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The following is an article from the St. Michael and All Angels monthly newsletter about their annual Jazz Festival that took place February 2-4, 2018. The three-day event featured two concerts, and two Sunday Jazz Masses, with tons of awesome music and ono food.
Live Love Louder: 12th Annual Jazz Festival
By Pat Hillegonds, St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Lihue
The 12th Annual Jazz Festival is over! Most people will continue to remember snippets of the music for some time. This year featured Latin jazz. The rhythms of local group, Rumba de Fuego, had many people on their feet, dancing and swaying their hips. The music wasn't all Latin, however. There were plenty of jazz standards both nights, as well as jazzed-up popular tunes.
The theme of Sunday's masses was Live, Love, Louder. This year, rather than a 30-voice choir, there was a seven-voice vocal ensemble, along with instrumentalists, and Matt Lemmler on piano, who performed and led congregational singing. The inspirational sermon told the story of a severely disabled boy, Patrick, and his caregiver Davis. They both lived their love. Loudly. All of the music reinforced that message.
Following the masses, we headed for the feast laid out in the parish hall... and now, another festival is over. An event like the Jazz Festival doesn't happen on its own. Under the leadership of Alan Van Zee (pictured above center flashing a shaka), so much took place behind the scenes in the weeks and days and hours before the festival. The coordination of so many component parts, so many details, took an incredible amount of thought, an incredible amount of time, an incredible amount of effort, and an incredible amount of love. The whole event was an act of love that we gave to each other and to our community. Hopefully, we did it loudly.
(Photos from the St. Michael Facebook page)
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MAUI PARISH NEWS
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Holy Innocents Chili Cook-Off Raises Funds for ACCW
Church of the Holy Innocents in Lahaina held a Chili Cook-off and Silent Auction fundraiser on Saturday, November 25, 2017. They raised over $4,500, with a portion of every sale going to Maui's A Cup of Cold Water (ACCW) Care Van ministry. There were eleven chili entrants, with first and second places going to professional chefs and third place to Holy Innocents member Delphine Kaiwi. Pictured above from left, folks line up to try the different chili offerings; lots of great items up for bid in the silent auction, and some happy people (and tummies) including Fr. Craig Vance from Good Shepherd holding his certificate, and Rev. Amy Crowe of Holy Innocents at far right.
(Photos from the Holy Innocents weekly e-news and Facebook page)
ACCW Continues Great Service: A Cup of Cold Water is one of the Diocese's most successful outreach ministries, not only for the work they do and the people they help, but because of how it has brought an entire island community together. Their mission and vision were clear from the start, and with strong leadership and an army of dedicated and faithful volunteers, they have never veered from that. To read the latest article about their work that appeared in the Lahaina News (January 4, 2018), click
HERE.
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THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI'I PARISH NEWS
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Holy Apostles Celebrates The Rev. Katlin McCallister
Church of the Holy Apostles in Hilo officially welcomed their Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Katlin McCallister, on Sunday, January 21, 2017, during a special service of Installation. Rev. McCallister has been with Holy Apostles since last fall, celebrating her first service with them on October 1, 2017. Although she grew up in New Jersey and served at a parish in Arizona, she spent the year before on O'ahu in a chaplain residency program at Kapiolani Medical Center for Women and Children. She is pictured above with the Rev. Cn. Alexander Graham from the Office of the Bishop, both adorned with the trademark Big Island maile lei. Following the service a reception was held where she was showered with more beautiful lei and lots of food to go around.
(Photos from the Holy Apostle website and Rev. Alexander Graham)
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St. Jude's Expanding Outreach
It's no wonder that St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View was one of three churches featured in a video made for the Bishop's Address at the last Annual Meeting of Convention. The churches, St. Elizabeth's in Honolulu, St. James'/St. Columba's in Waimea & Paauilo, and St. Jude's, were selected for being at the "
forefront of the renewal of the Episcopal Church in Hawaii," said Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick in his address. "For you see," he continued, "in the past decade, these three churches have had the most spectacular growth in terms of ministries and in terms of average Sunday attendance."
Indeed, St. Jude's has continually sought out how best to fill the needs of their community, offering free wi-fi, bringing a medical van on property, building and setting up a weekly shower program with a meal for the homeless, and serving as the site for the Ka'u Food Pantry. The success of their outreach programs has fueled their desire to keep expanding their reach, and they received a grant to create a computer lab. With students already coming by after school to take advantage of the free wi-fi, they will now have access to computers and printers as well. The lab will also be open to the wider community offering opportunities to learn basic internet skills and more advanced training in WORD and Excel.
St. Jude's also recently expanded their shower ministry, building a second shower stall that will help with the growing number of patrons. Pictured above left, Gary Johnson, whose idea it was for computer lab, is shown hard at work. He plastered, painted and is getting the room ready for this new ministry. At center is the second shower stall on a freshly poured cement slab that Johnson also had a hand in building, and at far right, a volunteer stirs up a pot of soup that will be served to patrons after a refreshing shower.
(Photos from the St. Jude's newsletter and website.)
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St. James' Meal Ministry Celebrates First Year Anniversary
In the year since St. James' Community Meal kicked off on December 15, 2016, it has become a wildly successful, joyous and loving outreach that continues to grow and nurture all that come to partake in a hot meal and fellowship. Just a few weeks after launching they partnered up with The Big Island Giving Tree that has enabled them to deliver meals to a senior housing facility and outlying areas. As the word spread, support from the wider community has been tremendous with farmers donating veggies and fruits, volunteers joining in, including students from Hawaii Preparatory Academy that help serve, and entertainers have become a regular part of the weekly event. With over 50 children showing up each week, they have had to come up with some kid-friendly activities too! Dinner is served every Thursday from 4:30 PM until 6:00 PM in the Pavilion.
Pictured above are photos from their one-year anniversary dinner on December 14, 2017, that served up 227 meals and 110 deliveries that day! Below left, volunteers show up at 10:00 AM to prep for the meal, and at right, Co-Chair Tim Bostock is pictured with volunteer Paul Lee. In their weekly e-news, Paul is described as
"the greeter
extraordinaire
. No one gets past him without being greeted with the happiest smile and warmest aloha to the meal for the evening."
(Photos from the St. James' Facebook page and E-News)
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St. James' Beach Baptisms
Just one of the wonderful things about living in Hawai'i are the picturesque beaches stretched along the warm waters of the Pacific, and despite the fact that Rev. David Stout's church is up in the hills of Waimea, it didn't stop him from taking advantage of the scenic Kawaihae Harbor awaiting at the bottom of the mountain. Almost from the beginning of his arrival at St. James' Episcopal Church, he has held a beach mass at the harbor on Saturday evenings, complete with tiki torches and a surfboard serving as the altar. Attendees bring their own lawn chairs and enjoy a service bathed in a glorious sunset and sand in their toes. Beach baptisms have become a regular event and pictured above left in a stunning photo taken on November 25, 2017, is church youth Nico, flanked by the Revs. Marnie Keator and David Stout. At right they are joined by Bishop Bob Jones (former bishop of the Diocese of Wyoming) and the Rev. Linda Lundgren.
(Photos from the St. James' E-News)
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THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH & BEYOND
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Presiding Bishop in Puerto Rico Exchanges Messages of Hope as Struggles Persist After Hurricane
[Episcopal News Service - Toa Baja, Puerto Rico] Bishop Rafael Morales leaves no impression he is still wading into his job. He had been leading the
Diocese of Puerto Ricoa mere two months when Hurricane Maria devastated the island in September, and since then he and his staff and clergy around the diocese have mobilized relief efforts with a determination that this week earned praise from Presiding Bishop Michael Curry during his two-day visit.
Hurricane Maria was and continues to be an unparalleled catastrophe, Morales said, but he is seizing the opportunity for ministry to his fellow Puerto Ricans.
"Our people have a good heart," he said Jan. 3, on the road to the coastal town of Toa Baja accompanied by Curry. Puerto Rico's culture is one of thanksgiving, Morales said. "This diocese is a diocese of hope."
Curry was in Puerto Rico on a pastoral visit, and he preached January 3, 2018, in the evening at the Episcopal cathedral in San Juan, the capital of the U.S. territory. The earlier stop in Toa Baja introduced Curry and his delegation to Hugs of Love, a series of pop-up medical clinics the diocese has offered since the hurricane through the health care system it runs. This and other ministries are strengthened by ecumenical partnerships and through collaboration with federal agencies, local nonprofits and the Episcopal Church's
Episcopal Relief & Development.
For the Hugs of Love event in Toa Baja, open-air canvas tents were set up on a vacant gravel lot provided by the local Disciples of Christ congregation, which also sent volunteers. They wore hats and shirts with the message "Ama Como Crist" - "Love Like Christ."
"Thank you for what you've both done. It's God's work," Curry said to the Disciples of Christ pastor, the Rev. Prudencio Rivera Andujar, and his wife, Azalia Gomez.
READ MORE
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All Our Children Conference Envisions Path to Education Equity Through Church-School Partnerships
[Episcopal News Service - Columbia, South Carolina] Bishops, priests, deacons and lay leaders at the forefront of the Episcopal Church's advocacy for equity in education joined this week with educators and advocates from several other Christian denominations for a
three-day conference in South Carolina's capital.
The January 16 to 18, 2018, gathering was hosted by
All Our Children, an ecumenical network of church-school partnerships with roots in the Episcopal Church. More than 100 people attended the conference's wide range of workshops and presentations at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral - across the street from the South Carolina statehouse grounds, where Confederate war generals and fallen Confederate soldiers are still honored prominently with stately monuments.
The Civil War's legacy of segregation, discrimination and racial injustice was an underlying thread through much of the conference, as several speakers detailed how educational disparity is interwoven with economic and racial disparity - both across the United States and dramatically across South Carolina, from the rural communities along the Interstate 95 corridor to the poor neighborhoods of Columbia, the state's second-largest city.
"God is working out a new salvation story for this whole nation, and it starts with our children, all our children. It starts with you," Spellers said January 17 to the crowd gathered that evening in the cathedral.
All Our Children's executive director is Lallie Lloyd, a lay leader in the Episcopal Church who founded the organization in 2012 to build bridges between churches and under-resourced schools. She and others at the conference emphasized how Christians can bring a moral and spiritual authority to the debate on education equity.
READ MORE
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Pictured at top left, Kenita Williams, Director of the Racial Equity Leadership Network of the Southern Education Foundation, speaks at a panel discussion, and at right, the Rev. Stephanie Spellers, Canon to the Presiding Bishop for Evangelism, Reconciliation and Stewardship of Creation, delivers the keynote speech.
(Photos by David Paulsen/Episcopal News Service)
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Beacons of hope...
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Church Without Walls Uses Food Truck to Drive Home Christian Mission of Feeding Body, Soul
[Episcopal News Service] It is hard to differentiate the feeding ministry from the work of spiritual enrichment underway at
St. Isidore's Episcopal Church. That difficulty is by design.
St. Isidore's is a church built without walls but with a set of wheels that allows it to bring faith and food to several small communities of worshippers north of Houston, Texas. READ MORE
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The Rev. Fred Brown: A Study in Prayer, Faith, Courage and Strength
[Episcopal Diocese of West Texas] In April 1963, nearing the end of a 10-day leave from his U.S. Navy SEAL team unit stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, Lt. Fred Brown swung into Rotterdam to buy a diamond engagement ring to slip on his fiancée's finger when he returned to the United States in a few weeks.
He didn't get a ring, but he did find a reconditioned World War II Harley-Davidson he had to have. "I should have bought a ring instead," he said.
Setting out for Barcelona on the motorcycle to meet his ship, he "made it only to the Belgium border with France. That's where I hit the fog bank. I couldn't see and was trying to get off the road...
READ MORE
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Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Contractor
The electronic Hawaiian Church Chronicle is the official news publication of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i. All policy, editorial and administrative decisions are under the direction of the editor in consultation with the Bishop's Office. The Chronicle welcomes suggestions, story ideas, comments and opinions from its readers. Send articles, letters, news and photographs (electronic files preferred) to:
News
, Office of the Bishop, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776
The Chronicle does not assume responsibility for the return of photographs or manuscripts.
The deadline for submissions in the next April issue is March 23, 2018.
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