January 8, 2026

Vicar's Verbiage

Dear friends,

Once again thank you all so much for the very warm welcome you all gave to Kerry and I. We pretty much floated home to Hawaii Kai after the Sunday gathering, We covered a lot of ground on Sunday so if you're like me (with limited memory capacity) here's a brief recap of where things might be heading.

I'm here Tuesday and Thursday each week from 10 AM until 2 PM. Starting in February I'd like to begin a weekly healing service on one of those days. I'll be talking with the folks who already have a Bible Study going during the day to see how we might continue with that (or make some tweaks). Let's also think about a monthly evening Bible Study, (first Tuesday of the month maybe at 6 or 7 PM?). Remember to call for pastoral care needs at 808-673-8930, my cell number. Morning, noon or night is just fine. I only get itchy when folks need such a visit but are too shame to ask. Don't be, please! We are making efforts to live stream our service as a way to help others who need to hear a good word participate -- and to let local folks know that this is a happening church. Feel free to swing by during office hours to talk story as we all of us together trudge this road of happy destiny. Peace and blessings to all.

david+

Fr. David Gierlach will be in the office next week on Monday and Thursday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. The following week he begins regular office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Fr. David can be reached at 808-673-8930 or david.gierlach@gmail.com.

Events

Saturday Stewards January 10

Saturday Stewards will meet on Saturday, January 10, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm to complete the tasks around campus that otherwise would not get done! This week we will be taking down the lights and Christmas decorations. Everyone is welcome!

Sunday Service January 11

The 10:30 am service on Sunday, January 11, will be followed by a coffee hour. Everyone is welcome!

Bishop's Committee Meeting January 11

The first Bishop's Committee Meeting of 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, following the 10:30 am service.

Annual Meeting January 18

The Annual Meeting of Emmanuel Episcopal Church is Sunday, January 18, following the 10:30 am service. See below for all the details!

Epiphany Party January 24 NEW DATE

The annual Epiphany potluck party is happening on Saturday, January 24, from 4:30 pm at the Remedios home in Kaneohe! Everyone is welcome! Please sign up at church, or call Carolyn at 808-384-3207.

65th Annual Meeting is January 18

Emmanuel Church warmly invites you to our 65th Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 18, following the 10:30 a.m. service. This gathering is a meaningful opportunity to celebrate where we’ve been and to look ahead with hope. We will give thanks for our outgoing Wardens, members of the Bishop’s Committee, and Delegates to Convention, while also joyfully welcoming Father David and our new Bishop’s Warden. Elections will be held for Junior Warden, members of the Bishop’s Committee, and Convention Delegates. This is an especially important year for both Emmanuel and the Diocese of Hawaiʻi, as our 2026 elected delegates will take part in the Bishop’s selection in May. Together, we will also review the 2026 budget, explore upcoming ministry opportunities, and enjoy a sneak peek of Chocolate Extravaganza 2026. We look forward to sharing this time of fellowship, celebration, and anticipation for the future with you.

Pizza will be served! Please help us with a head count by signing up below (or at church on Sunday). Feel free to bring a side dish to share.

Pizza Lunch Count

Emmanuel 'Ohana Photos

Mahalo to everyone who contributes photos throughout the year! Please email your photos to office@emmanuelkailua.org. Please let us know if you would like to be credited or tagged in social media.

Mahalo!

Many thanks to everyone who donated to our Christmas Families and to the Windward Community Mental Health Center! Recipient Janet says, "Iʻve never felt so much love before. Thank you. Happy Holidays, Emmanuel!" And we received this letter from our own Kathleen Merriam, Clinic Supervisor of the Windward Community Mental Health Center: