Rooted in Faith for Such a Time as This

Aloha beloved parish 'ohana,

This past weekend was a powerful and grace-filled moment in the life of our parish ʻohana. Our worship was beautiful and prayerful, and Sunday’s 9:30 AM service at St. James’ was especially rich with the presence of Bishop Fitzpatrick among us and the hula offered by our St. Columbaʻs hālau. To gather as one parish, to pray, sing, listen, and break bread together not only in worship but afterwards for our parish luncheon, is no small gift. In a world that so often feels fragmented and hurried, worship re-centers us in what matters most.

One of the most moving parts of Sunday’s service was witnessing members of our community publicly affirm and “confirm” their faith. These were not abstract promises or empty words. They are lived commitments, rooted in baptism, shaped by experience, and offered with humility and courage. Each person stood where they were in life and said, in effect: I choose to follow Jesus.

That witness matters. It strengthens the whole community. And, our world needs to see it, especially right now in times such as these

If you found yourself stirred by what you saw, if something in your own heart was nudged or awakened, I want you to know that you are being invited into that same holy moment.

On Sunday, March 8, Bishop Fitzpatrick will be with us again, this time at St. Columba’s at the 9:30 AM service, offering the opportunity for confirmation, reception, or reaffirmation of baptismal vows.

This is not about having everything figured out. It is about marking a chapter, claiming again, or perhaps for the first time, the faith that has been carrying you, questioning you, shaping you, or quietly waiting for you.

To help prepare, we are offering an online Confirmation/Inquirers course via Zoom, led by Cathy, our deacon-in-residence, beginning next week. These five Tuesday evening gatherings are open to everyone, whether you are considering confirmation, simply curious about the Christian faith, returning after some time away, or longing to go deeper. There is no requirement to make a formal commitment in order to participate. This is a space for learning, prayer, and honest conversation.

We are living in a moment in the life of the world when many voices are demanding our loyalty, attention, and fear. The Church has something important to say in such a time. Our allegiance is not to a political party, an ideology, or a passing power. Our allegiance is to Jesus Christ, whose way is love, truth, mercy, courage, and hope. To root ourselves again in that way, to take our faith seriously, personally, and communally is not an escape from the world, but a faithful response to it.

If you are feeling called to take root more deeply, I hope you will listen to that stirring. This may be your time. CLICK HERE for more information and/or to sign up.

With grace and peace,

David

This Weekend's Services, Ministries & Programs

SATURDAY

Beach Mass, Kawaihae

5 PM. Held at Kawaihae Canoe Club. Bring a beach chair or towel. Carlos Newcomb providing special music.

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. St. James' Choir providing special music.

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

St. Columba’s Church, Pa'auilo

9:30 AM Holy Eucharist. Joyful music and Sunday School for the keiki. The Rev. Brian McGurk offering the homily.

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

Parish Lunch & Leadership – Mahalo

Parish Annual Meeting & Potluck last Sunday

A special mahalo to our Community Meal Ministry for providing the delicious main dish and for overseeing all the logistics of our Annual Parish Luncheon. Your care and generosity made it a joyful gathering for all.

Mahalo as well to everyone who brought food to share, who helped with set-up, and who stayed to clean up afterward. This meal was a beautiful expression of our parish ‘ohana, many hands, shared abundance, and fellowship in Christ.

Parish Leadership Elections – Mahalo

We give thanks for the faithful leadership of our parish and for all who were willing to offer themselves in service. It is a true sign of a healthy parish that so many are willing to say “yes” when called.

At our Annual Parish Meeting, we elected the following parishioners to serve:

• Vestry: Donna Brown, Harry Morley
• Junior Warden: Ian Hersey
• Delegates to Diocesan Conventions, which include the special Convention in May to elect our next diocesan bishop: Harry Morley, Aimee Love, Melanie Rufo, Hans L’Orange
• Alternates: Pat Anderson, Paul Bryant, Pati Jaeger, Ruth Smith.

We extend a heartfelt mahalo to all who were willing to stand for election and offer their gifts for the good of our parish ‘ohana. Your readiness to serve is deeply appreciated, whether or not you were elected this year. Leadership in the Church takes many forms, and each offering is a blessing.

Click Annual Report for the finalized report, including ministry reports and the adopted 2026 Parish budget.

Needed: Ride to Beach Mass

We have a kupuna parishioner who needs a ride to the 5 PM Beach Mass. She lives in Anekona subdivision. If you are able to provide a ride for her, please contact David, Marnie or the parish office. Perhaps we could find a rotation of folks that would take one Saturday every month or 6 weeks?

Year-End Giving Statements

As tax filing season is upon us, Statements were mailed out this week. You should be receiving them shortly. If you do not receive your statement by the end of next week, contact the Parish Office.

Prayer Team Ministry Book Study Invitation

Dear St. James' 'Ohana,

We would like to invite any curious parishioners to join us in a shared weekly study on a personal prayer practice.

We will be using the book Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools by Tyler Staton as our guide. This book offers an accessible and honest exploration of prayer—rooted in ancient Christian practices, yet deeply relevant for everyday life. It is written for those who feel confident in prayer, those who struggle with it, and everyone in between.

This will be a space for learning, reflection, and conversation rather than having all the answers. If you are longing to deepen your prayer life, to ask better questions, or simply to listen and grow alongside others, you are warmly welcome.

Dates and times will be determined based on the level of interest and participant availability. If this is something you are considering, please reach out so we can shape a schedule that works well for the group.

No prior experience or expertise is needed—only a willingness to be open and curious.

If you are interested or would like more information, please leave your name and contact information with the St. James Office or contact Dr. Aimee Love at 808-937-1446.

I hope you will consider joining us.

Grace and peace,

Aimee

24 Hour prayer Vigil at St. Columbaʻs

March 31 - April 1st

Have you read Red Moon Rising? It’s a book about a 24/7 prayer vigil that began a while ago. Rev. Linda read it one summer a few years ago and The Daughters of The King read it as a group recently. We are only doing one 24 hour period this time because we are only 5 people at this time but if we can get more interest we’d love to run it longer.

There will be 6 prayer stations set up in the Keiki room along with bibles and the book of common prayers. I really hope some of the congregation will come by and pray with us. We announced it today at church and several are interested in signing up for an hour of prayer with a DOK sister. Of course the option for alone time with God is encouraged but we will be on property to assist if needed and we will be in our own constant prayer.

To participate or for more information contact parishioner Sheri Dupaya at 808-341-6095 or sdupaya76@gmail.com.

From our Youth Pastor, Josh Anthony

St James'

Sushi night at St James was a huge success. Thanks to the help of Janice and Odetta from the meal ministry who made sure our rice was over the top and built the foundation for some of the best rolls that Waimea has ever seen. Each of the rolls was an individual creation with exactly what each youth wanted in theirs. It was fun to see the enthusiasm

And focus that went into the whole evenings activity. This was the first in a series of cooking workshops that will happen monthly and teach the kids culinary skills as well as bring them into fellowship with the wisdom of our long time residents and parishioners. Thank you as well to Franziska, Marc and Laura for all helping to clean up the kitchen. Please reachout if you have a favorite dish to teach or if you just want to come enjoy in the creativity with us. Next Monday we’ll be doing scriptural art work in the Spencer building starting at 3:30. Chili bowls from the meal ministry will be provided. 

Thank you as well to Cissy and Dick Levins from the book store ministry who made a special trip into town to open the bookstore up for the youth. After deep examination of the entire store each of the youth chose their favorite two books iand were gifted both of them. The youth could not have been happier as they came back to finish rolling their dinner. The gifted books were the highlight of the evening and several of the youth could barely take their noses out of their reading to finish the meal. Thank you again Cissy and Dick.

Starting February 5 the Waimea Community Meal will be blessed by artist Zara Kurap and her teaching talents. Next Thursday will be the first of a series of creative opportunities for the youth to work with her over at the youth hut. Zara is planning multiple different artistic activities as part of her middle school capstone project at HPA. Come join her and leave with a custom creation to keep or share with a loved one.

St. Columba's

A reminder that St Columba’s will be hosting the second annual Diocesan Youth Day on March 7. It is open to all ages and will run from 10 AM-4 PM that Saturday. The entire day is blessed by the organization and expertise of the camp hosts from Camp Mokule'ia on Oahu. The camp staff has a handful of activities planned that will help the youth fortify their by connection with God, and have a really fun time doing it. 

Anyone interested in helping to teach an activity is encouraged to come join us. 

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. Come join us at practice! We'd love to have you.

The next Sunday we will play in church at the 9:30 AM service at St. Jamesʻ will be February 8th.

Up-coming Worship, Events,

and other Good Stuff

Starting February 3, 5:30-6:30 PM. Confirmation/Inquirerʻs Course. 5 Tuesdays ending, March 3, with Bishopʻs Fitzpatrickʻs visit to St. Columbaʻs on Sunday, March 8th, at 9:30 AM. Speak to any of our clergy about being welcome as an official member or click here. All baptized persons (age 16+) are encouraged to "confirm" the baptismal vows.If you were confirmed in another tradition (ie. Roman Catholic, Lutheran, etc.) you are invited to have your confirmation “received” into the Episcopal Church. If you have been confirmed or received and simply wish to mark this point on your spiritual journey, you are invited to “reaffirm” your baptismal promises. The bishop, who represents the wider Church universal, will lay hands upon you and pray that God’s spirit anoints you anew and strengthen you in your walk of faith.

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. Reception following in the pavilion.

February 14, Saturday, 5 PM. Renewal of Marriage Vows, at the Beach Mass. All married couples invited to participate.

February 17, Shrove Tuesday / Mardi Gras. 5 - 6:30 PM

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

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 8, Sunday, 9:30 AM, Bishop Fitzpatrick’s Annual Visit to St. Columba’s.

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

Preparing for Confirmation or Reception or Reaffirmation or if you are simply wanting to explore “Living as a Christian.”

A 5-week Inquirer’s Class via ZOOM Tuesday evenings 5:30 to 6:30 PM.

February 3, 10, 17, 24, and March 3.

Led by The Rev. Cathy McPherson-Tampos, Deacon.

Here is the ZOOM Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83012561464

Together we will explore the basic tenants of our faith and traditions using the book Faith Confirmed as a guide. Copies will be available via the parish office and after church services. (Note: We have a limited number on hand. More are on order).

Learn where our beliefs and traditions began; expand your spiritual practice toolkit; see how the Baptismal covenant prepares us to walk through this world as a Christian, holding high God’s banner of Love. All are welcome to join us!

Our diocesan bishop, the Right Rev. Bob Fitzpatrick, will be at St. Columba's Church, Pa'auilo on Sunday, March 8th, at the 9:30 AM service. 

All baptized persons (age 16+) are encouraged to "confirm" the baptismal vows. If you were confirmed in another tradition (ie. Roman Catholic, Lutheran, etc.) you are invited to have your confirmation “received” into the Episcopal Church. If you have been confirmed or received and simply wish to mark this point on your spiritual journey, you are invited to “reaffirm” your baptismal promises. The bishop, who represents the wider Church universal, will lay hands upon you and pray that God’s spirit anoints you anew and strengthen you in your walk of faith.

Course Outline

Feb 3 --God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (Chapters 1-5)

           How do we know God?

           What kind of God do we believe in?

           Who is Jesus?

           Why did Jesus have to die?

           Who is the Holy Spirit?

Feb 10--The Church, the Creeds, and the Bible (Chapters 6-8)

           What is the Body of Christ?

           Why do we have bishops, priests, and deacons?

           Why do we have Creeds?

           How did we get the Bible?

           How can we use the Bible in our modern lives?

Feb 17--The Sacraments and Invisible Graces (Chapters 11-18)

           What is a sacrament?

           Why are sacraments important to Christians?

           What are the sacraments of the Episcopal Church?

Feb 24--Prayer, Worship, & The Story of Salvation (Chapter 10)

           How do I pray?

           What types of prayers are there?

           What is a practical approach to private prayer?

           What is the importance of public worship?

           How does the Christian calendar tell the story of our salvation?

March 3--Living as a Christian in a broken world (Chapters 9 & 19)

           What are Christian ethics and matters of Conscience?

           How do repentance and forgiveness fit into justice?

           What will the kingdom of God be like?

           How can I live my life to help bring about the kingdom of God?

For more information, contact Deacon Cathy catherinemcpherson64@gmail.com or any one of our parish clergy. You can contact any of them via the parish office at Office@StJamesHawaii.org.

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.

Safe Church Required Training

Our parish ‘ohana is committed to the safety and well-being of the adults and children who make up our beloved community. When we are baptized, we vow to “seek and serve Christ in all persons” and “respect the dignity of every human being.” These vows are reflected in the Safe Church policies we have developed to prevent sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment in our churches, ministries, and programs.

All adults in leadership positions, especially with keiki and youth are required to take the Safe Church training, and every renew their training every three years.

Susan Acacio is our parish Safe Church Training Officer. Please reach out to the parish office if you are in need of taking the required training. The training is online. We'll get you set up to take it.

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'

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.

Miss M

So as I mentioned before, my awesome team has been reaching for every soul to experience the love of God. Our donations are their tools and they are the willing vessels to reach out. During the week, we discussed to bless a certain customer who frequents the store. She comes on Thursdays and Fridays. 

We're all familiar with her so my cashier's were on the look out. She spends hundreds of dollars every week and is such a special beautiful soul. What my volunteers were unaware of was her small back story in which I shared.

Miss M suffers from high anxiety and her relief is shopping. After she shops, she takes her purchases and gives them out to folks in need. During the time she is shopping and delivering her goods, is a few hours of relief from things that worry her so. She forgets about the anxiety that badly plagues her.

I spot her in a crowd and greet her. "Miss M, how are you today?" She answers, "HI Aunty Rona, I'm okay...but this year isn't starting out so well." She tells me all about it. Inside of me is jumping for joy as she speaks because I know what's ahead. But of course, I listen to her with care and empathy.

She goes about her business. Well guess who's cashiering when she checks out? Me! (alongside Peggy and Kathy who joined in a few moments after) Which is nuts, cause I was working in the backend most of the day. Anyway, as I bagged her up and handed her purchases to her, I told her today we'd like to bless you.

She looked confused, then it kicked in, she said "What?, Why?". I then tell her for all the ways you have blessed others, it's your turn to be blessed. In shock, she stares, cries and hugs and says, Thank-you, I just love you guys...I then introduce her to my cashiers...that's the magic right there. They fuss over her and welcome her excitedly! She was shocked again, it's like they expected me! I confessed they were. 

They wanted to do something special for a special person, we all decided it was you.

It's their way of thanking YOU for all you do. She left with happy tears and said I won't forget this. Aunty Rona, I love your volunteers...I respond, "I do too. See you again."

I'm grateful we are being lead to another place in our ministry. It's needed. It's time. It's time to go beyond our reach walking in what we've always believed. There is a God who cares and loves. We are His witnesses and we came to serve.

And to the cashier who Hans mentioned at our Sunday annual meeting, don't you think for one moment that I don't know who you are...I do...but your anonymity is safe with me Jeannie Savage...I'm so proud of you!

And ALL my hard working dedicated Volunteers!

Until next week, Rona S, Bri and The Thrift Store Volunteers 

Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” 

Waimea Community Meal

From Tim Bostock

We served macaroni cheese with lil’ smokies tonight, with rice, broccoli salad, veggie soup, and oodles of desserts. Sure-fire hits all around. 673 meals served, between 392 deliveries, 216 plates served to be eaten in the Pavilion plus 65 plates served to go. It was a steady crowd, enjoying new songwriting from Matt and Abe, and marveling at our free “Farmers Market” which had a lot of interesting food items this week.

The Community Meal has joined the Hawaii Food Basket, which made its first delivery of free produce on Wednesday. Along with cans of soup and tortilla mix, we received lettuce, apples, raisins, soy milk, and boxes of “Knodel” mix - for Bavarian potato dumplings. We had also received an extra donation from Costco last week which included boxes of mushrooms, melons and grapes... added to Uila Farms and other farm donations we had a very eclectic Farmers’ Market indeed!

We owe such deep thanks to Costco - and to Peter who always answers the call and drives into Kona on any day of the week to collect their last-minute gifts. Last week we received chicken and pork that will last for almost two months - it’s a huge benefit to our budget.

This is a key grant writing period - the end of January and mid-Feb are popular deadlines! Martha Kidd is putting the finishing touches to our application to Hawaii County's Waiwai grant program, while I rework our Gathering Place request to the Clarence T. C Ching Foundation. Next week, we work on applications to Hawaii United Way, the Dorcy Hawaiian Foundation, John M. Ross Charitable Foundation, and the McInerny Foundation. Phew! We just received confirmation of a grant from the Hapa Fund, which matched our “volunteer sweat equity” at the Christmas Parade with a $2500 award. We get turned down too, which keeps us humble and determined in equal measure.

See you at the Meal soon!

With much aloha,

Tim

The Gathering Place

Thursday, January 28

From our architect Paul Donoho

January 28, 2026

We’ve received more positive news! the State Department of Health has signed off on the 3-septic system scheme. We can officially say we are no longer in the $1.5 million waste water treatment plant business. Now we are still waiting for the procedure of this getting through the EPIC system along with the final couple departments signing off on what we believe should be no more comments. I have also followed up with our civil and plumbing engineers regarding  getting the tie-in to the County Department of Water Supply solidified.

Paul M. Donoho, Architect

www.pdonoho.com/

From our Rector, David

At the same time, our Construction Committee met last week with Paul Donoho, our architect, and Alex Woodbury, our Owner’s Representative, who are working with our contractor, Quality Builders. As Ian Hersey reported at last Sunday’s Annual Parish Meeting, they are actively reviewing all available options to help reduce overall project costs while preserving the integrity and purpose of the building. These options include, but are not limited to:

• Possible elimination of the second-floor apartment or leaving it unfinished for the time being.
• Reviewing County requirements related to geocrete and asphalt.
• Additional design and construction efficiencies.
• We have already decided to eliminate the emergency generator, which provides a savings of $100K. This could always be added at a later time, well after the building is in use.

We expect to have a clearer picture of the most viable cost-reduction options within the next two weeks, and those options will be shared with the Vestry and the parish as decisions are considered.

Finally, a reminder to mark your calendars for the All Parish Update Forum on Sunday, March 1, following the 9:30 AM service at St. James’. Vestry members and project leaders will be present to share updates, answer questions, and listen to your thoughts and concerns as we continue this important work together.

Thank you for your prayers, your patience, and your continued support as we move steadily forward.

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

Birthdays

Grace Bostock (1/31)

Janice Mei-Ling Thomas (1/31)

Susy Ruddle (2/1)

Margie Thomason (2/1)

Stephen Hasegawa (2/2)

Kay Nichols (2/2)

Frankie Pang (2/3)

Julie Webb (2/3)

Dena Graves (2/5)

David Doi (2/6)

Remembrances

Richard Spencer (2/1)

Kimo Tabor (2/3)

Mary Cook (2/4)

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. CLICK HERE for the approved minutes of the called special Vestry Minutes. CLICK HERE for the current approved Treasurer’s Report.

Next Meeting: at noon on Monday, February 23, 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.

From Sr. Warden Hans L'Orange

Aloha Kakou,

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai`i is creating a committee to develop a framework for planned giving. I've been asked, as a member of the Standing Committee to suggest a few names from Hawai`i Island and I'm hoping there might be someone in your community who might be interested. 

I don't have a lot of details yet on timing and commitment levels but I have attached some additional draft background information that might be helpful. CLICK HERE

Mahalo for your consideration. 

Peace,

Hans L'Orange

hanspeterfaye at gmail.com

Sr Warden at St James

Member of the Diocesan Standing Committee

CLICK HERE for the full text of the Bishop's letter

Alongside Kawika Jackson and Joshua Anthony, our team has been planning the upcoming Diocesan Youth Day, and we are excited to invite the youth of your church to join us.

We welcome all youth in grades 6–12 to attend Diocesan Youth Day on March 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at St. Columba Episcopal Church.

We hope you’ll share this invitation and the attached flyer with your youth and encourage them to participate in this special day of fellowship and faith.

Activities of Daily Living is a one-woman show written and performed by Joanna Lipari, presented at Kahilu on Saturday, January 31 at 4pm. Through a series of fast-paced and often humorous vignettes, the performance explores aging, identity, and the everyday moments that continue to shape a meaningful life.

Blending personal storytelling with subtle multimedia elements, the show reflects on what it means to remain visible, connected, and engaged as we grow older. Audiences often describe the experience as poignant, relatable, and quietly uplifting.

To help make the performance accessible, Section B seating is offered on a Pay What You Wish basis, allowing attendees to contribute as little or as much as they choose, starting at $5.

We would love to fill the house with community members who may find this work meaningful.

Continuity

For Thomas Aquinas, God’s revelation was not just in the past, nor just in the present, but ongoing, continuing into the future. He believed we must keep our minds open to God’s continual revelation. Because of this, Aquinas did not see any inconsistency or disharmony between reason and revelation. God will continue to enlighten us if we will only be attentive.

Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE

Read More and Comment >

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

An Episcopal Monastery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

"My God, guard my speech from evil and my lips from deception. Open my heart to Your word, that I may pursue Your deeds."

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, Donna Brown, 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

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