February 19, 2026

Vicar's Voice

Welcome to the season of Lent! A season of reflection, occasional fasting if you wish, and perhaps trying out something new to benefit other people. Something out of our own comfort zone.


These 40 days are intended to mirror the time that Jesus spent in the desert wrestling with his own demons. So welcome! May it be a season of discovery and hope for all of us.


Our Bishop is visiting us this Sunday. Let’s give him a warm welcome as we celebrate confirmation, and a reaffirmation of baptismal vows. Some have asked, what is confirmation?


Simply put, confirmation is reaffirming the vows that were made on our behalf for those of us who were baptized as infants. We listen to the same questions, but this time, instead of our parents or godparents answering for us, we can answer for ourselves. It is an adult acceptance of our faith.


A reaffirmation of our baptismal vows is exactly that. Asserting before the Bishop, who is the chief pastor of our denomination in our diocese, that yes, we take seriously, and therefore affirm, our baptismal promises to care for creation, for one another, and to place love of God and neighbor at the top of our life’s priorities.


Thanks to all who made Shrove Tuesday such a wonderful success! It was a reflection of the banquet hall of God to see so many different people here all enjoying each other‘s company along with super delicious food! Many thanks to one and all for an absolutely delightful evening.


Here’s hoping that we see YOU on Sunday for this very special worship service! And heck, maybe even bring a friend!! A hui hou! 


david+

Fr. David Gierlach warmly welcomes time with parishioners during his regular office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Whether you are seeking conversation, prayer, or guidance, he is glad to connect. If you are in need of pastoral care, please feel free to call him at any time. He may be reached by phone or text at 808-673-8930, or by email at david.gierlach@gmail.com.

Special Collection This Sunday

Kealiʻikoakeakua Fund


From June 1, 2025, until the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Hawaiʻi takes office (scheduled for November 14, 2026), Bishop Fitzpatrick has asked that all donations and special collections at visitations and Diocesan liturgies be designated for the “Kealiʻikoaokeakua Fund.” 

The “Kealiʻikoaokeakua Fund” is a Diocesan donor designated fund, and it is to be used for the compensation (salary, housing and benefits) of any resident Bishop serving the Episcopal Church in Hawaiʻi (after the ministry of the 5th Bishop Diocesan of the Hawaiʻi) and, if additional funds are available, of the executive assistant (by whatever title) supporting the ministry of such Bishop. The fund is named in honor of the Rt. Rev. Robert L. Fitzpatrick, 5th Bishop Diocesan of Hawaiʻi, who was bestowed a variation of the family name of “Kealiʻikoaokeakua” (“Kealiʻikoa” having been granted to the family by King Kalākaua and which translates into English as “Royal Warrior”) by Paulie Keākealani Jennings and her family (on August 12, 2007), and in consultation with Master Kumu Hula Nona Beamer who directed the slight change to “Kealiʻikoaokeakua” (“Royal Warrior of God”). Money from this Fund may be expended in keeping with the current policy of the Diocese as long as no draw from the Fund exceeds 5% in any calendar year. This Fund was initially established by a donation from Mr. Walter Shigeo Oshiro. 

 

Checks may be made payable to “The Episcopal Church in Hawaiʻi” with “Kealiʻikoaokeakua Fund” in the memo. Donations may be online using the QR code or the button below.

Mite Boxes

Special Collection for Lent


Each Lent, the Emmanuel ʻOhana gathers coins to support Episcopal Relief & Development. We invite you to pick up a mite box this Sunday, take it home, and fill it throughout the season. On Easter Sunday, please return your filled mite box and bring a few flowers to help adorn our floral cross. You can find more information about Episcopal Relief & Development at the link below.


Episcopal Relief & Development

Events

Kailua Mini Swap Meet February 21


Emmanuel will welcome the community on Saturday, February 21, from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm for the Kailua Mini Swap Meet. Come find your treasures to take home from 30+ vendors! Emmanuel will also have a booth to sell items including used goods, ti stalks, and homemade loaf cakes. Please tell your family and friends!


Bishopʻs Visitation February 22


Please join us for Bishop Fitzpatrickʻs visitation on the First Sunday of Lent, February 22, at 9:30 am. Please be part of this service.


Healing Service and Bible Study February 24


Weekly Healing Service and Bible Study on Tuesdays at 10am. Everyone is welcome!


Lunch Bunch February 25


Lunch Bunch meets at 11:30 am on the last Wednesday of every month. Everyone is welcome! Bring your own lunch!


Second Sunday of Lent


Please join us for the Second Sunday of Lent, March 1, at 9:30 am. Please be part of this service.


Healing Service and Bible Study March 3


Weekly Healing Service and Bible Study on Tuesdays at 10am. Everyone is welcome!


Monthly Bible Study March 3


First Tuesday of the Month Bible Study at 6:00 pm. Everyone is welcome!


Saturday Stewards March 14


Join Saturday Stewards on Saturday, March 14, from 8am to 10am to tackle the projects on campus that would otherwise not get done!


All are welcome to an interfaith gathering to support migrants and social justice. Our diocese is an official sponsor of this event. Details are below.

For more information about the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i and to follow their upcoming events, please sign up for the diocesan enews:

Photos

Prayer List

Emmanuel prays for: Steve & Jane, Wayne and Laverne, Daphne, Albert & Liz, Louise, Peyton, Susan, Donald, George, Craig, Sonny, Noreen, Annette, Sandy, Julie, Joyce, Beth, Sue, Charles, Tony & Family, Tina, Jimmy, Phil, Barbara, Judy, Carter, Dan, Jen, Nic, Jerri, Patti, Wesley, Paul, Nancyʻs family, Laurieʻs family, Norineʻs family, Lou family, Yamada family, Peter, Lulu, Jennifer, Alfred, and Flo.


Emmanuel prays for the repose of the soul of: Jane, Harriet, Jane, Joey, the Rev. Bryan Jones, Wilbert, Ilona, Rick, Karen, Craig and Litin.


Emmanuel prays for those who travel: Lindsey & Paul, and Patty.



Please submit your prayers to office@emmanuelkailua.org or on the clipboard at the church. The prayer list refreshes each month.

Please let us know if we have missed your special day or made an error! We would like to celebrate you! Please share your dates with office@emmanuelkailua.org.

780 Keolu Drive

Kailua, Hawaiʻi 96734


808-262-4548

office@emmanuelkailua.org

emmanuelkailua.org

Facebook      Instagram