Aloha beloved parish 'ohana,

This has been a deeply unsettling week.

Many of us are carrying anxiety, anger, and fatigue as we try to take in what is happening: war escalating overseas, violence at home, arrests and threats abroad, talk of seizing other nations' resources. Add to this the ongoing pressures of climate disasters, economic uncertainty, and political division, and it is no wonder so many feel on edge.

If you are feeling unsettled, you are not alone. It is faithful to admit that grief, anger, and confusion do not disappear simply because we trust God. Much of what we are carrying does not yet have resolution, and we are not asked to pretend otherwise.

The Gospel does not ask us to ignore these realities or respond with panic, cynicism, or hardened hearts. Instead, it offers us a different place from which to see, think, and act. This weekend's Gospel, the Baptism of Jesus, speaks directly into moments like this.

Before Jesus confronts empire, before he faces violence or speaks truth to power, he enters the water and hears a voice from heaven: "This is my Son, the Beloved, with whom I am well pleased." That declaration comes before anything is resolved. Before the world is made safe. Before the work of justice is complete. And that order matters.

Jesus does not enter the world's brokenness from a place of fear or self-justification. He enters grounded in belovedness. From that place, he is able to resist temptation, refuse violence, tell the truth, and remain faithful without being consumed by hatred or despair. That is the invitation held out to us as well.

Remembering that we are God's beloved does not mean disengaging from the world. It means refusing to let fear be our primary guide. It means we can stay attentive to injustice without becoming defined by rage, seek accountability without losing our humanity, and act faithfully without surrendering our souls to bitterness or despair.

This weekend, that truth will not only be spoken, it will be enacted. At our 5 PM Saturday Beach Mass, we will celebrate the baptism of six-month-old Marion May, daughter of Astrid and Chris Caruso-Lynch. In the midst of all that weighs on us, we will gather around the water and hear words that come not from the headlines, but from the heart of God: You are beloved. You belong.

Baptism reminds us that the world's violence and fear do not get the first or final word. God does. New life does. Grace does.

If you are feeling worn down or hungry for a reminder of what is true, come. If you need to see belovedness named aloud, embodied in a child, and claimed again for yourself, come. In baptism, the promise spoken over one is a promise spoken over all of us.

This weekend, worship is not an escape from what is happening in our nation and world. It is a place to set down a burden we were never meant to carry alone, and to remember who we are before we return to a complicated and wounded world.

Come as you are. Listen again for the voice that speaks beneath all the noise -- the voice that names us Beloved and sends us forth not hardened but strengthened.

With you in prayer, hope, and Christ's aloha,

David



The First Sunday after Epiphany

"Feast of the Baptism of our Lord"

This Weekend's Services, Ministries & Programs

SATURDAY

Beach Mass, Kawaihae

5 PM. Held at Kawaihae Canoe Club. Bring a beach chair or towel. The service will include the baptism of six-month-old Marion May, daughter of Astrid and Chris Caruso-Lynch.

SUNDAY

St. James’ Church, Waimea

7:30 AM Holy Eucharist. An gentle, early morning, mostly said service.



9:30 AM Holy Eucharist. Joyful music and Godly Play for the keiki. Nursery offered in Small World Preschool.

Youth on Sundays. Our Middle & High School youth meet at 9:30 AM and join us at the Peace for Communion.

10:30 AM - Noon. Teen Tech. Our teens will be on hand in the back of the Spencer Building to help you with your smart phone, tablet, laptop and other computer issues. Bring your device with you. No sign up needed. Donations welcomed.

11 AM Confirmation/Newcomer Discussion. Join Deacon Cathy in the parish office for the 4th of a six week discussion. Jan 11 – Christian Ethics & the Baptismal Covenant. Loving neighbor; justice; service; stewardship; discipleship. All welcome. This course is particularly appropriate for those considering being confirmed on Sunday, January 25, when Bishop Fitzpatrick is with us. Come to as many of the offerings as you can. More information below...

St. Columba’s Church, Pa'auilo

9:30 AM Holy Eucharist. Joyful music and Sunday School for the keiki.

Wednesday 

Noon Eucharist/Mass at St. James', Waimea. A brief, said midweek service.

Monday - Saturday

Morning Prayer Online via Facebook, VIMEO, and YouTube.

This Weekend's Bulletins & Offering:

We are deeply touched by people who ask how they can participate and support our parish's mission and ministries.

We need and welcome your prayers, particularly pray for God's guidance as we discern the calling a keiki & family ministries coordinator.



If some aspect of our ministry positively impacts you, please encourage friends and family explore ways to connect with our parish 'ohana.

We do also rely on the financial support of members and friends. Gifts of any amount are valued and important. Recurring monthly gifts are especially helpful for us, as they grant us stability throughout the year. They are monitored daily by a responsive staff person and can be promptly adjusted at any time according to your wishes.

If you use Venmo, you are welcome to donate via Venmo, our username is @stjameshawaiiisland.

If your bank uses Zelle, you are welcome to donate via your bank app/website.

Ways to join in worshiping Online

Rest in peace and rise to Glory

Joanne Coon

It is with sadness that we share the news that our beloved parishioner Joanne Coon died peacefully this morning.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 14, at 10 AM, with a light reception to follow. Additional details will be shared as they become available.

Joanne was born and raised in Hawaiʻi and attended Hawaiʻi Episcopal Academy, where she met her husband of 70 years, the Rev. Canon Dave Coon. After their marriage and Dave’s completion of seminary, they returned to Waimea, where Dave served as both Headmaster of H.E.A and Priest of St. James’ Church. In 1970, Dave became Headmaster of ʻIolani School. In 1991, they retired to their beloved Waimea.

Joanne was a faithful and active member of St. James’, serving in the Thrift Store Ministry, on the Altar Guild, and in countless other ways, both within the parish and in the wider community.

Dave preceded her in death in December 2023.

Joanne is survived by her children Deborah Hall, Paul (Diane), Karen, and Kathryn (John) Cross, eight grandchildren, and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Please hold Joanne’s ʻohana in your prayers during this time.

Notes of care and sympathy may be sent to the Coon ‘ohana via Deb Hall, 64-5276 Mokuloa Drive, Kamuela, HI 96743

May Joanne hear the words of Jesus, “Well done, good and faithful servant; inherit the kingdom prepared for you.” (Matthew 25:21).

May Joanne’s soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace and rise to Glory.

With sympathy,

David

Come, Grow in Faith – Confirmation / Inquirer’s Course

Sundays, 11 AM beginning THIS Sunday at St. James'

Curious about the Episcopal Church? Longing to go deeper in your walk with Jesus? Discerning Confirmation or Reaffirmation when Bishop Bob Fitzpatrick visits on January 25? We invite you to a grace-filled six-week journey of learning, conversation, and spiritual growth. Sundays at St. Jame’s at 11 AM beginning November 30, led by the Rev. Deacon Cathy McPherson-Tampos. Everyone is welcome—whether you are new to St. James’, returning to church, or simply eager to explore your faith more deeply.

Topics to be covered:



5. Jan 11 – Christian Ethics & the Baptismal Covenant. Loving neighbor; justice; service; stewardship; discipleship.



6. Jan 18 – Prayer, Spiritual Practices & Confirmation Prep. Daily prayer, disciplines, the rite of confirmation, lifelong faith.

No sign-up required. Just come with an open heart. We will meet in the Parish Office. For more information, speak to Deacon Cathy or the Rev. Marnie Keator.

From our Youth Pastor, Josh Anthony

St James'

Junior and Senior High Ministry update from Josh

  Driven by the love of friends, the St James’ youth group rallied this last Monday to chase snow on Mauna Kea. Mohamed the exchange student from Jordan was set to return to his home country and the group wanted to get him one more good adventure, as close to God as possible, before he went home. Everyone bundled to the max and headed for the summit. En route the group had an outrageous interpretive walk where Solana (student at Kanu) identified a large number of the native species plants and even one of the native birds as we walked. It was a beautiful send off to a  beautiful young man headed back to his parents in Jordan.

This week Teen Tech will be back onsite after the 9:30 service January 11 at St James'. Come by the Spencer building to have all of your tech mysteries solved. The St. James' Youth will be meeting as usual at the Spencer building from 3-6pm. Depending on if there is still snow up on the mountain, we may go up to build snow(wo)men and celebrate any of the glorious white treasures that God left for us to enjoy. Contact Josh at 808-937-0646 for more information.

St. Columba's



St Columba's started back up its “After School Social Hour” this Wednesday and had over 40 kids return for the hot pizza and chips served up by the volunteers. Rev. Linda and Sherry Dupaya who have been running the program for years joked about how it was a light afternoon as far as kids because there were only 43. They remember the days when that used to be a huge day. Now with often times over 60 youngsters onsite on most Wednesdays it’s a beautiful example of how kids will come when God opens the door! As our keiki group grows in Pa'auilo we continually seek more volunteers to mentor, serve, and help that wonderful group of young individuals. Please reach out to youthpastor@stjameshawaii.org or 808-937-0646 if you feel the call to bless and be blessed by these wonderful youth. 

Josh's schedule is: 

Mondays-  

3:30 PM -Junior & Senior High Youth Group Meets at St. James'.

Wednesdays-  

8:30 AM -12 at St James'

Noon - 4 PM, at St Columba's, then back in Waimea til 6:30 PM.

Thursdays-  8:30 AM - 6:30 PM.

Fridays-  3:30 PM with Parish Youth Group Meeting.

Saturday/Sunday - every other week St Columba's or Beach Mass/St James'.

Please reach out to me at YouthPastor@StJamesHawaii.org.

Join the Parish Ukulele Ministry

Ukulele practice is back in session! Tuesdays, 11:15 AM in the St. James’ Church. Mahalo to Marci Yardley for leading us! Newcomers, including those new to playing the ukulele are welcome!

We generally are scheduled to play at St. James' the third Sunday of every month. We will play next in worship on January 18th. Come join us at practice! We'd love to have you.

EfM is beginning on January 12th on ZOOM at 12:30 PM HST. Call or contact Mandy at (561) 346-5317 or email Rev. Linda at revlinda@stcolumbashawaii.org for more information

Please get in touch as soon as possible with Mandy if you are interested in joining, and also remember that scholarships are possible.

Mandy Frantz

561-346-5317

Up-coming Worship, Events,

and other Good Stuff

January 10, 5 PM, Baptisms at the Beach. We will baptized Astrid and Chris Caruso-Lynch's baby at the beach mass. Speak to any of our clergy to be baptized or to baptize your child.

January 11, 10:30 AM - Noon, Teen Tech. Bring your tech Christmas gifts and allow our teens to help you sort them out. Offered in the back of the Spencer Building.

January 11, 11 AM - Noon, Episcopal Confirmation / Newcomer Course: Topic: Christian Ethics & the Baptismal Covenant. Loving neighbor; justice; service; stewardship; discipleship. Held in the Parish Office.

January 13, Tuesday, 4:30 - 6 PM, St. Columba's Monthly Community Meal.

January 24 & 25, Bishop Fitzpatrick's visit to Beach Mass & St. James’ morning services The 9:30 AM service will include confirmations & receptions.

January 25, Sunday, Parish Annual Potluck & Meeting in St. James' Pavilion. Click Here for 2026 Vestry and Convention Delegate Nomination Forms. NOTE THE DATE HAS MOVED TO SUNDAY!

February 7 & 8, Welcome New Members Weekend! We welcome new members of our parish 'ohana at all weekend services. If you are already baptized and have come to see the Beach Mass, St. Columba's, or St. James' as your church home, we hope you will allow us to celebrate your becoming an official member of our parish 'ohana. Speak to any of our clergy about being welcome as an official member or click here.

February 10, Tuesday, 4:30 - 6 PM, St. Columba's Monthly Community Meal.

February 14, 10 AM Funeral for Joanne Coon

February 14, Saturday, Renewal of Marriage Vows, at the Beach Mass.

February 17, Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras.

Note: with construction of the Gathering Place, it may be that St. Columba's maybe the location for our parish "Shrove Tuesday" gathering. More information to come.

February 18, Ash Wednesday

7 - 8 AM, Ashes (only) offered at Kawaihae Canoe Club

7 - 9 AM, Ashes (only) offered in St. James' Church

Noon, Ash Wedesday Liturgy & Eucharist at St. James'.

5:30 PM, Ash Wednesday Liturgy & Eucharist at St. Columba's

February 21 & 22, 1st Saturday/Sunday in Lent

February 23 & 25, Lent Study with Bishop Bob Gillies, "All Shall Be Well: Reconciliation and redemption." Mondays at St. Columba's and Wednesdays at St. James'.

March 10, Tuesday, 4:30 - 6 PM, St. Columba's Monthly Community Meal.

March 28 & 29, Palm Sunday Weekend

March 30 - April 3, Holy Week

April 4, Great Vigil of Easter at the Beach



April 5, Easter Sunday

Welcome New Members Weekend – February 7 & 8

We will be welcoming those who have recently asked to be recorded as members of our parish and those making the decision on that day. If you are baptized (note: the Episcopal Church recognizes any baptism done with water and in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), and you have come to see this as your church home on Big Island, we hope you will give us the opportunity to celebrate your decision. Talk to any of the clergy for more information. You can also CLICK HERE to read information about becoming an official member of our parish ‘ohana.

While you never have to participate in the liturgy of welcoming a new member, we hope you will as it gives us the opportunity to recognize and celebrate your decision.

On going . . . come join and/or volunteer to serve

Mondays, Wednesday & Fridays, 9 AM - Noon, Thrift Store Ministry sorting, pricing, & stocking days.

Tuesdays, Thursdays & Saturdays, 9 AM - 1 PM, Thrift & Book Store Ministries open.

Tuesdays, 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM, Parish Ukulele Ministry Practice in St. James' Church. Beginners always welcome. We have an uke you may borrow.

Upcoming date to play in worship: September 21.

2nd Tuesday of the Month, 4:30 PM - 6 PM, St. Columba's Community Meal.

Wednesdays, 7:30 AM Men's Bible Study via ZOOM. CLICK HERE to join.

Wednesdays, 1:15 to 3 PM - St. Columba's Wednesday After School Social Time Refreshments, games, crafts, and fun.

Thursdays, 4:30 PM - 6 PM, St. James' Community Meal.

Fridays, 10 - 11:30 AM Women’s Bible Study in the back of the Spencer Building at St. James' is on hiatus until the New Year.

Thrift Store Hours: 

Open for Donations Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Open for Sales Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays 9AM to 1PM.

The Gift of Giving

It's great to be back to normal again. What a holiday season that was. One of the best.

We ended on a great note sending off each customer with good tidings for the new year.

I'd like to share a personal story with ties to the Thrift Store. 

Thank-you all for the thoughtful and generous gifts. I thank my team, my colleagues, our customers, and the many wonderful friends I made along the way. I'd also like to thank my church for their generosity and support. 

Every gift I received was special but there were 2 that stood out the most and proved to be the gifts I would need.

A dear friend of mine, Connie Y. , gave me the "gift of giving". Putting a generous amount of grocery gift cards into a Christmas card that read "I know how much you like to give, so please give these to 2 families that may need them." I was honored.

Well that night I received a text from a grandmother who cares for her 3 grandsons. Her text read, " I hate to ask, but I have no one to turn to. I need help again. I'm to ashamed to ask in person. We have no food. " 

I handed her the gift cards and she was able to put dinner on the table and do a bit of grocery shopping to tie them over till her next paycheck. This grandmother struggles day by day. Her situation is pretty bad. I was grateful for my "gift of giving". The timing couldn't have been more perfect. 

Thank-you Connie, because of you, a family was fed. A Christmas miracle happened. 

Best gift ever!

The second gift I received was another Christmas card sitting on my desk. I opened it up to find a generous gift card from our vestry members. I smiled as I placed my card in my purse with thoughts of crab legs and prime rib. Within half an hour I received a call. 

A single divorced dad with not a penny to his name was able to have his 2 children for the Christmas break. He has not seen his children in awhile due to his ex wife starting a new life with her new boyfriend. He was asking for nothing just grateful to have them. His little girl age 5 and brother age 8, had told the liason that called me, these children have no Christmas gifts for Christmas morning and asked to shop in the store. 

Due to the holiday season ending there really wasn't anything left. I asked the liason to meet me after work so we could shop for the kids. We bought anything and everything for these children. Wrapped the gifts and gave it to the dad to give to his kids. Needless to say, the dad was surprised and grateful. His children were also surprised on Christmas morning. Thanks to the generous gift card, another Christmas miracle happend. I am truly grateful.

God's timing and provision couldnt have been more perfect. I certainly didn't expect none of this. The way everything transpired was divinely orchestrated. 

As for my crab legs and prime rib, thanks to my cousin...all you can eat buffet baby at the King Kam Hotel in Kona!

Happy New Year!

Until next week,

Rona S.

2 Corinthians 9:7 : Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 

Waimea Community Meal Returned Thursday January 8, 2026

From Rick Fendel

And we’re back! After two weeks off when Christmas and New Years’ both fell on Thursdays, the meal is back for 2026. We kicked the year off with Turkey Hekka, rice, salad, vegetable soup, and of course lots of yummy desserts. We’re glad to be back and to have you share your Thursday dinner hour with us.

This week’s meal has an origin story. It starts with Costco, a long-time generous supporter of the Community Meal. Costco rarely closes, but it closed for Christmas. On Christmas Eve after the store closed, a small fleet of pickup trucks driven by meal volunteers appeared at the loading dock for an extra donation. OMG – what a haul! We came back with literally pallets of turkeys, croissants, bagels, pies, and other baked goods. Much of the haul was distributed to other food charities in Kohala and Hamakua, but we ended up with an extraordinary number of turkeys – more than we can possibly cook in our little kitchen. How do we make a meal of it? Jay Kanekoa to the rescue. Jay is the head chef at the Marriott Hotel in the Waikoloa Beach Resort. He and his crew cooked 22 turkeys for tonight’s meal in the hotel kitchen, and carved/shredded the meat! So BIG mahalos to Jay and his crew – their generosity and aloha made the meal possible for us.

In the pavilion it was a full house. How good to be back. A good part of the Waimea community came for the meal, the conversation, the music by Dagan, and a general good time. The energy was high, augmented by a big crowd of kids inside the pavilion and out. Tonight’s meal was sponsored by Laura and Rory McMahan and Julie Mattson and Mel Pobre. Laura and Rory were on the serving line handing out meals, along with Mack, Richard, Ranger, and Jovan. Thanks to all of you for serving our community, as well as all the many behind-the-scenes volunteers. 

We served and delivered 33,518 meals in 2025. Our first meal of 2026 drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. Please join us next Thursday. We look forward to having dinner with you.

The Gathering Place & Chock Property Update

Thursday, January 8

(this report is also included in this

weekend's worship bulletins)

From our wardens, Hans L'Orange and Ian Hersey, and our rector, David

January 8, 2026, Epiphany (the Season of Light)

Dear beloved Parish ‘Ohana,

We are writing to share an update following a specially called Vestry meeting held this past week, focused on two significant areas of parish life: The Gathering Place building project and the Chock property acquisition. These are important moments in our shared journey, and we want to keep you informed as decisions are made and next steps unfold.

The Gathering Place – General Contractor Selected

After careful review and discussion of the two contractor bids received, the Vestry voted unanimously to select Quality Builders as the General Contractor for The Gathering Place. This decision was not made lightly. Vestry members discussed the scope, costs, and long-term implications of each bid, recognizing the differences in their bids. This decision was in agreement with the earlier selection recommendation made by the Construction Committee and the Steering Committee.

The Vestry agreed, however, that it was important to select a General Contractor at this stage so that we can continue moving forward responsibly with permitting, final cost refinement, and construction planning.

The selected construction bid is $6.2 million, which was significantly lower than the other bid received. Even so, this represents an increase from $4.2M initial estimate given in October, 2024. We are confident that, through ongoing cost refinement and value engineering, the construction cost can be reduced to approximately $5.7 million, bringing the total project cost to about $6.5 million. This is $1 million more than our original fundraising goal of $5.5 million.

The increase in projected costs reflects several factors beyond our control, including rising material costs, tariffs, and the limited availability of subcontractors in our region.

Thanks to generous year-end gifts and grant funding, we have raised $5,208,137 to date. To break ground, we will need to raise the remaining $1,291,863. While this is a significant amount, the Vestry remains confident that we can close this gap together, grounded in both careful planning and the faithfulness of this community.

Next steps include issuing a letter of intent (a formal expression of commitment as we finalize details) and sending a letter of thanks to Paʻakai Construction for their thoughtful and professional bid.

Permitting and Timeline Clarification

Some confusion arose from a recent newsletter regarding permits. To clarify: Final permits are still in process. A technical question related to plumbing and the septic system has been raised by the County and is being actively addressed with supporting plans already submitted. We remain hopeful that final permits will be granted in the coming weeks.

To ensure transparency and shared understanding, we will hold a Parish Meeting on Sunday, March 1, where Vestry members will provide updates, answer questions, and listen to your ideas and concerns regarding The Gathering Place and the ongoing fundraising effort.

Steering Committee Transition

The Gathering Place Steering Committee held its final meeting on December 29 and has now formally handed leadership of the project to the Gathering Place Construction Committee, which will guide the work through construction and completion. We are deeply grateful for the Steering Committee’s faithful and diligent service.

 -------------------------------------------

Chock Property Update

The Vestry also discussed progress toward the purchase of the Chock property, with a target closing date of February 17. We are encouraged by significant financial commitments already secured toward the purchase and expect sufficient funds to be available well ahead of closing.

Safety on St. James’ Property

The Vestry spent time discussing concerns about the safety and well-being of all who use our St. James’ campus. In recent months, there have been an increase in incidents of unwelcome behavior, primarily during nighttime hours. Out of an abundance of care for our parish community especially the keiki and staff of our two schools and Everett Knowles who lives on the campus, our neighbors, and all who spend time on church property, the Vestry has authorized funding for additional security measures.

These measures will include additional lighting, security cameras, and active monitoring, either remotely with the ability to contact police when necessary, or through an on-site security presence. These steps are being taken to help ensure that our property remains a safe and welcoming place for worship, ministry, and service, while also responding responsibly to changing circumstances.

Pastoral and Community Considerations

The Vestry spent thoughtful time discussing the presence of unhoused individuals on the Chock property and the importance of acting with compassion, clarity, and care, for those individuals, for the wider community, and for the parish. We are working with community partners, including Hope Services, and are considering how best to communicate publicly about this process in a way that is truthful, respectful, and grounded in our Christian values.

This continues to be complex and sensitive work, and we ask for your prayers: for wisdom, for patience, and for grace as we seek to balance stewardship, safety, and compassion.

In Gratitude

These projects represent not just buildings or land, but our shared calling to serve, welcome, and care for this community. Mahalo for your trust, your generosity, and your continued engagement. More updates will be shared as we move forward, and we look forward to gathering with you on March 1.

With gratitude and hope,

Hans L’Orange, Senior Warden

Ian Hersey, Junior Warden

David Stout, Rector

The Gathering Place Steering Committee Members:

• Tim Bostock, Chair
• Brian Burke, Prayer Leader!
• John Crouch
• Kae Elledge
• Katie Fendel
• Terri Greenwell (Recording Secretary)
• Ian Hersey, Junior Warden
• Gerrit Keator
• Mel Pobre
• Marci Yardley

Anniversaries

Charles & Georgia Labrador (1/10)

Birthdays

Cyrus Mead (1/12)

Monica Parker (1/12)

Megan Pastore (1/12)

Jennifer Teare (1/12)

Sheila Andaya )1/13)

William Nishiguchi (1/13)

Tessie Bruno (1/14)

Cathie Jardine (1/15)

Alikai Kaaekuahiwi (1/15)

Aukai Kaaekuahiwi (1/15)

Amy Lynn (1/15)

Wilma Oshiro (1/15)

Jim Yeates (1/15)

Theresa Kaaekuahiwi (1/16)

Carlos Newcomb (1/16)

Remembrances

Evarts Fox (1/14)

Harry Lui (1/16)

St. James’, St. Columba’s, and our Beach Mass are growing, joyful, and spirit-filled. God is doing amazing things in and through our parish and we are thankful. We want to share the blessings with which God has graced us. It is both our calling to do so and our humble privilege. If you are searching for a spiritual home, we hope you will come back and give our Parish ‘Ohana a try. Please know you are always welcome in our home.

Click here for a brief overview of becoming a member. Do not hesitate to talk with any one of our clergy. They would love to talk with you about becoming a part of this parish ʻohana.

CLICK HERE for the current approved minutes from the most recent Vestry meeting. There was no Treasurer’s Report this month since the meeting yesterday was focused solely on approving the budget rather than reviewing financials. The next Vestry meeting date is Tuesday, January 20 at 2 PM in the church. If there is something that you wish to bring to the vestry's attention, please reach out to our wardens or vestry members. You can reach them via the Parish Office. A reminder that all vestry meetings are open to parishioners to attend.

January 4, 2026

Episcopal Church Statement on U.S. Intervention in Venezuela

The people of The Episcopal Church offer prayers for our beloved siblings in Christ in the Episcopal Diocese of Venezuela, and for people across the region following this morning’s U.S. military operation that removed President Nicolás Maduro. 

Episcopalians in Venezuela carry out vital ministries in increasingly challenging conditions, and we fear for their well-being and their church community if these military interventions, and any form of U.S. occupation, lead to more instability and violence. Episcopal Church Center staff have spoken with and offered support to the Rt. Rev. Cristobal León Lozano, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Ecuador Litoral and bishop provisional of Venezuela; the Rt. Rev. Lloyd Allen, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Honduras and president of Province IX; and to standing committee leadership. 

The Episcopal Church’s General Convention has long-standing policy that “condemn[s] in any nation the first use of armed force in the form of a preventive or pre-emptive strike that is aimed at disrupting a non-imminent, uncertain military threat.” Even as we recognize that intervention in sovereign states can sometimes be necessary to prevent atrocities, we discourage “the abuse of this norm to rationalize military actions in sovereign states for political ends.” 

We urge Congress to call for an investigation and accountability for this most recent unauthorized operation, as well as the related military actions carried out in recent months. We urge all regional parties to support a peaceful transition that respects the rule of law and the will of the Venezuelan people. Join us in praying for our siblings in the Diocese of Venezuela and the Venezuelan people. 

TAKE ACTION - CLICK HERE

Contact Information

Sybil Nishioka, Editor & Communications Contractor

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i

229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813

(808) 536-7776

www.episcopalhawaii.org

news@episcopalhawaii.org

Vision

What does it mean when Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven belongs to young children and to the people like them? Jesus is reminding his followers and us that the kingdom of heaven will look much different than the vision of it we can dream up with our earthly ideals of self-made success, pride, and accomplishment.

Br. Jamie Nelson, SSJE

Read More and Comment >

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

An Episcopal Monastery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

"Thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: In returning and erst you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength."

~ Isaiah 30:15

Last Laughs

Our Parish Leadership (Vestry)

PARISH LEADERSHIP The vestry members are your elected and appointed leaders. Use your Parish Directory to reach out to any of them, or contact the Parish Office for their contact information.

Vestry: Hans L’Orange (Sr. Warden); Ian Hersey (Jr. Warden); Michael Thompson (Treasurer), Pat Anderson, Katie Fendel, Terri Greenwell, Jackie Minto, Harry Morley, and Melanie Rufo.

Rev. Marnie Keator, Associate Rector

The Rev. Deacon Catherine McPherson-Tampos (Transitional Deacon)

Rev. David Stout, Rector

Contact information

Parish Office, Office@StJamesHawaii.org, (808) 885-4923.

Open Monday-Friday 9 AM-3 PM



Clergy:

David, FrDavid@StJamesHawaii.org, (808) 238-4956

Marnie, RevMarnie@stjameshawaii.org , (808) 333-2247

Linda, RevLinda@stcolumbahawaii.org , (218) 590-5463

Thrift Store Ministry

Below Left - Rona Scull, Coordinator Below Right - Bri Kuahiwinui, Assistant Coordinator

Keiki,Youth, Nā 'Ohana Ministry

Below Joshua Anthony, Junior and Senior Youth Pastor

Community Meal Ministry Staff

Upper center- Sharon Cariaga-Alfonso,

St. James' & St. Columba's Meals & Volunteer Manager.

And St. Columba's Kitchen Manager

Lower center - Mei-Ling (Janice) Thomas,

St. James' Kitchen Manager

Music Ministry

Below left- Rona Lee, Choir Director Below Right- Everett Knowles, Director of Music

Colleen Norris, Bookkeeper

STAY CONNECTED