Aloha Our Beloved Parish 'Ohana,

Last night, as I stood outside our Community Meal tent, a woman stopped her car as she and her companion were leaving.

“I heard you're retiring,” she said.

“Yes,” I replied.

“I know I don't come to church as often as I should, but when I need to hear what God is trying to say to me, this is where I come. And it always feels like the message was meant just for me! Like someone had overheard what was going through my head, or had been listening to my dreams. Now, where will I go?”

“You'll come right here,” I told her. “Jesus will still be here. And so will this parish.”

I could see that some of the trust she had in this place was tied to me as priest. I understand that. The leadership and personality of a pastor can have a significant influence on a congregation. But I also hope she knows that what she has found here is so much bigger than any one of us.

It reminded me of something Vaughan Winborne, who was Senior Warden when I was first called to serve with you, used to say. Half-jokingly, he would tell me, “Okay, you can stay two years, but then that's it! We don't want this church to become so centered around one person that when there's a change, everything falls apart.” I say half-jokingly because there was some truth to his concern. In fact, every year he'd repeat it. :) I will say that it kept me on my toes!

But after all these years, I think I'd respond that the church absolutely should be centered around one person. Jesus.

And here's where each of us comes in. We never know who God might be sending to be at our Table -- who needs our welcome, our prayers, or simply the reassurance that God hears their prayers and knows their dreams.

There's a beautiful saying often attributed to St. Teresa of Ávila: “Christ has no body now on earth but yours.”

Each of us is part of how someone else experiences Christ's presence and His love.

This weekend we'll hear Jesus answer the question, “Which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He responds, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” Then he adds, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” And Jesus concludes, “On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”

Everything hangs on Love. God's unconditional and sacrificial love. EVERYTHING.

And that's why I know you are not going to fall apart. Because all these years, you've kept who we are, what we do, and what we say centered on the One who gave his life for us.

And I trust you. I trust you will continue to do just that. To keep it about Jesus, whose love continues to take flesh in the lives of his people.

How do you do that?

By Living God's Aloha:

Loving God. Loving neighbor.

In Christ,

David

P.S. Vaughan, if you're reading this, I hope you and Lisa can make it back to Waimea over New Year's weekend! We're having a party on New Year's Day in the old Chock Inn store, and I'd love for you both to see how God has continued to nurture and grow this beautiful, beloved community of Christ that you helped shape during your time here.

Thank you for your leadership, and thank you to all who have stepped forward over the years to help lead our parish, giving so generously of your hearts, your time, and yourselves during the seasons God called you to serve.

Oh yeah, and don't forget your boots. It's going to be a Paniolo Party!



Weekend Services, Ministries & Programs

SATURDAY

Beach Mass, Kawaihae

5 PM Holy Eucharist. Our beloved "Service on the Sand." Bring a beach chair or towel and a friend! Ironman is happening this Saturday.

SUNDAY

St. James’ Church, Waimea

7:30 AM Holy Eucharist. A gentle, early morning service, mostly said service, but no less joy-filled!

9:30 AM Holy Eucharist. A joyful gathering of our ‘ohana filled with Christ's aloha, with favorite hymns, keiki Sunday School (Godly Play), and Holy Communion.

St. Columba’s Church, Pa'auilo

9:30 AM Holy Eucharist.

A deeply prayerful and welcoming community, with joy-filled music -- diverse, loving, and gathered for Holy Communion.

Wednesday 

Noon Eucharist/Mass at St. James', Waimea. A gentle, 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.

Living God’s Aloha: Our 2027 Gratitude Campaign

A Message from Your Parish Gratitude Committee

Dear Members and Friends,

This is the season in which we are invited to express our thanks for the work of God in our parish and to renew our commitment to the stewardship of the Church by pledging financial support for 2027. Our Vestry, Gratitude Committee, and Parish Stafff have already pledged, and we would love for you to join them!

As you know, the Vestry needs to know in the coming weeks what resources St. James’ will have in 2027 so that the budget can be finalized. We are hopeful that you will enthusiastically support our church so that it can continue to grow and flourish, building upon all that has been accomplished during our rector David’s vibrant and highly successful 15+ years of ministry.

Please prayerfully consider in the coming week what your pledge will be, both in gratitude for David and Bobby’s ministry, and in joyful hope for the future we will create together, by God's help and grace.

Pledge cards are available at all our worship services, through our parish newsletter and website, or by contacting the Parish Office at office@stjameshawaii.org.

Every pledge, whatever its size, helps us continue living God’s aloha through worship, community, and service.

Together, with grateful hearts, we can continue living God's aloha by welcoming one another as Christ, building God’s beloved community, and serving others.

Everyone is asked to return the pledge card to the Parish Office, fill out online or place in the offering plate by November 14.

Mahalo for your generosity and faithfulness!

Richard Barnes and Gerrit Keator

Co-Chairs, Parish Gratitude Committee

Ways to join in worshiping Online

The clergy are happy to bring communion to those who are homebound or who do not feel comfortable coming to an in person service. Simply contact one of the clergy directly or through the parish office.

🦋 Butterflies of Remembrance:

A Beautiful Gift from Our Keiki and Youth 🌸

One of the most touching displays this past weekend at this year's Diocesan Convention on Oʻahu came from the hands and hearts of the keiki and youth in our After School Program at St. Columba's Church in Paʻauilo. Our young people lovingly created beautiful handmade butterflies, which were sent to the diocese to become part of a special memorial honoring those who have died since the last Diocesan Convention.

Each butterfly was given a paper flower bearing the name of someone who had died (since the last Convention), lovingly attached with a piece of yarn. But there's something especially beautiful about these flowers: the paper contains real flower seeds. Each butterfly will be taken home to the family of the person whose name it bears. The family can then plant the flower, allowing new life to grow as a living reminder of someone they love.

What a beautiful expression of our Christian hope that death does not have the final word, and that God's love continues to bring forth new life.

A heartfelt mahalo to Sherry Dupuya for organizing our keiki and youth to participate in this meaningful ministry, and to Jeanne Cooper for sharing these wonderful photographs.

From the hands of our keiki in Paʻauilo to grieving families throughout our diocese, these little butterflies carry a powerful message of remembrance, love, and resurrection hope.

Living God's Aloha,

one butterfly at a time.

Reflections on the Convention from our Delegates

From Melanie Rufo

 The Education Day consisted of two speakers, Franciscan monk Br.Clark Berge and Dr. Jenny TePa’a Daniel. Brother Clark used Isaiah 43:15-21 to encourage us during this time of transition. Don’t have regrets and yearn for the leeks and cucumbers of Egypt. Transitions allow us time to fall and get back up. Verses 18-19 : Forget theformer things, do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”

Dr.Jenny from New Zealand spoke of her time as a social worker and protestor for indigenous rights. A cousin encouraged her to take classes on theology which later grew into further studies and leadership in New Zealand. She asked us to reflect on our own theology: What is God doing? Where is God in the way we live and worship?Do we (St.James Parish) look like the folks around us?

The next day was the Annual Meeting. Most inspiring were presentations and slideshows about recovery and care offered after severe storms in Hawaii, Guam and Saipan. The camp director showed pictures of Camp Mokulei’a’s recovery and dreams for new cabins. I was very pleased that the digital voting was conducted quickly and smoothly with neighbors and technical staff like Jeanne Cooper ready to help on the floor.

Bishop Bob’s final address (as the 5th bishop) was moving. He said “Don’t expect the bishop alone to ordainmore local people.” He encouraged us to “identify the leaders in your midst right now. Help them step up.”Bishop Bob asked us to “continue to engage Oiwi Pono- native Hawaiian ministries and honor the aspirations of others.” The convention gave me the opportunity to meet people from other churches and learn about the inner workings and procedures of the diocese. I am proud to be part of a diocese that acknowledges injusticefrom Hawaii's past, inequalities in the present and with God’s help, seeks to make things right.

“...because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.”

Isaiah 43:20-21

From Hans L'Orange, Senior Warden

Reflections on the Diocesan Education Day and Convention

The two days of Education and the Convention were a joyous occasion. It’s always humbling and exciting to be gathered with so many others from the Diocese and particularly so as we bid a hui hou to Bishop Bob with his approaching retirement. 

Education Day started with Franciscan Brother Clark Berge from the Society of Saint Francis who introduced us to Lectio Visceralis. This is a form or prayer/reflection in which participants gentle “create sculptures” with their bodies and hands as they listen to scripture. It initially was slightly embarrassing but then rather liberating when I realized that some of the language being read could be interpreted through hula. The lesson was Isaiah 43:15-21 which includes the line “See, I am doing a new thing!” which Bishop-ellect Libby has identified as one of her initial themes. By the way, Bishop Bob is the Bishop Protector of the Society of Saint Francis where he serves as a consultant to the Society, and as a liaison between the community and the Episcopal Church USA.

Our second teacher was Dr. Jenny TePaa Daniel, renown visionary, scholar, teacher, public theologian and global leader within the worldwide Anglican Communion. Globally, she was the first indigenous lay woman appointed to lead an Anglican seminary anywhere in the worldwide Anglican Communion. She is from New Zealand which reenforced Bishop Bob’s message that we should be looking to the west, to Oceana rather than the east and the US Continent for our future.

The Bishop’s address on the Convention day was equally interesting. He started by acknowledging the harm done to our native Hawaiian culture and ~aina and he asked for forgiveness. He noted that other churches in Polynesia are much better at preparing for disasters and helping their communities when damaging weather strikes and encouraged us to do the same. He also noted we have a responsibly to identify and raise up leaders and quoted former Presiding Bishop Edmond Browning (formerly Bishop of Hawai`i) who said “[T]his church is of ours is open to all – there will be no outcasts – the convictions and hopes of all will be honored.”

It was a great weekend and I highly encourage others to nominate themselves as delegates at the elections which will be held at the annual meeting next January.

From Harry Morley

It was both a pleasure and an honor to attend the Convention representing St James'. The agendas were clear, the meetings well organized, the participants interested and fully involved. Together we covered a lot of ground successfully. It was an impressive two days.

The highlight for me came near the end when our new Bishop elect, Libby, addressed the convention. It has been my understanding that, in the past, retiring clergy were expected to distance themselves from their prior congregation for a year or so to allow the incoming clergy to become established. Bishop-elect Libby made it abundantly clear that, after taking a vacation of his choosing, she wants retiring Bishop Bob to return to assist her in furthering the health and growth of the Diocese. 

Her action spoke volumes to me of her self confidence and her deep interest in bringing wisdom, experience and resources to bear for the benefit of the Diocese, all of its members and the many people we will help now and in the future. I can imagine God with a bit of a grin. 

Thank you all for sending me. 

Harry 

From Ruth Smith

Bishop Fitzpatrick noted that “our Diocese has a special responsibility to maintain relations with Asia and Oceania. We are a diocese of islands from Hawai‘i to Guam. Guam and Saipan are part of the broader geographic and cultural region known as Micronesia. The Hawaiian Islands are part of Polynesia. We are called to look west and south.”

In that vein, on Education Day, we heard from Dr. Jenny Te Paa Daniel of New Zealand. She was the first Māori in the world to obtain a university degree in theology. She has served 25 years at St. John’s Anglican Theological College in Auckland. Her current work is focused towards the college becoming one of the most progressive, inclusive, indigenous-facing and visionary Anglican seminaries in the Communion.

Outreach and inclusion are core goals at our church. 

Convention Day went smoothly with the resolutions and voting. In the budget, there was no funding allocated for a diocesan Youth Leader position, justified by there being few or no youth attending. To that, I would remind folks of the movie Fields of Dreams. “Build it, and they will come.”

Our parish delegates, Hans L’Orange, Harry Morley, Melanie Rufo, and Ruth Smith, are representing St. James’ at the 58th Annual Convention of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi.

Pictured with them are Jeanne Cooper, serving as a Convention volunteer, and Jazzy Bostock!

Mahalo to all for giving your time and talents in service to the wider Church. Please keep our delegates and the entire diocese in your prayers as we gather, make decisions, and look toward the next chapter of our life together.

Living God’s Aloha, at Convention!

From our Youth Pastor, Josh Anthony

Josh's schedule is: 

Tuesdays-  

3 - 7 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 Josh at 808-937-0646 or Youthpastor@stjameshawaii.org if you would like to be of service and join in the fun. Thank you again to those who are already stepping up to benefit the kids of the Pa'auilo community.

From Youth Pastor Josh Anthony

St. James' Youth 

Thank you again to Tim Bostock and Kahilu Theatre for giving the tickets for the 7 youth and chaperones that were able to attend the Tomas Kubinek performance! Alex, a junior from Honokaa who came with friend Gus, said that 4 days later that they were still talking about the show. Everyone expressed how grateful they were for the opportunity to see such a show at Kahilu that they might not otherwise have if Tim and the Kahilu staff had not been so generous.

Thank you to Father David and Rev. Marnie for taking time out of the busy schedule at last weeks Episcopal Conference to go and say Hello to Solana Satterwhite. Solana is almost halfway through her freshman year at Hawaii Pacific University on Oahu. Her dorm is walking distance from St Andrews Cathedral where Solana and fellow students spend 4 days with 150 youth from Province 8 this summer. She has made HPU and St Andrew's her new home away from home. 

St James Youth Group will continue to meet Tuesdays 3-30-7pm. Feel free to come by anytime during that period. If you come early you can help cook and if you come by later you can eat and enjoy the fellowship. This week we'll be having turkey burgers thanks to a large supply of organic ground turkey that came through the meal ministry this week. Thank you Sharon and Janice for continuing to bless us with such good food.

For anyone using the back of the Spencer building you might notice that our local seamstress fairy from Pa'auilo made a visit and has started the upgrade of curtains for that now heavily used space. Thank you fairy seamstress.

If anyone is interested in seeing some of the local youth from St James' and St Columba's compete, the BIIF Cross Country Championships will be held this Saturday at the HPA campus. Eli Dunagan(Honokaa) and Bella Anthony(Parker) will go up against all of the teams on the big island in a 5k race around the HPA campus. Girls start at 8:30am and boys start shortly after. You likely will see Anni Bordigioni onsight as well as she is a member of the cheer team at HPA and is onsite supporting at most of the HPA events. They would all love to see you and have your support so say hi to them if you do go. 

Huge thanks as well to Zach Montgomery who has started the process of cleaning areas around the Main and West Campus. One such spot cleaned thus far is now the location of 4 huli that were gifted months earlier to the meal ministry by Zach's kumu from HPA,Willie. The four kalo plants now growing are hopefully just the start of many plants to come on the newly acquired property. You may have seen Zach around campus as he is onsite Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Zach set himself up,as part of his HPA after school co-curricular, to volunteer those days and has been a great help to many of the different missions of the church. Thank you again Zach for all that you do!

St. Columba's Youth

This week at After School Social Hour we had two surprises. One was a birthday cake celebrating the birthday of Justice. The cake was the super motivator to get the kids to help clean up as that was the requirement before everyone sang happy birthday and grabbed a piece of cake to enjoy. The other surprise was the return of the energetic and beloved Pati who is a volunteer at ASSH and a member of the St Columba parish community. Welcome back Pati.

Congratulations again to all of the youth and volunteers that helped created the butterflies that were used the Diocesan Conventin on O'ahu this year. The butterflies constructed under the supervision of Sherry Dupaya were used as a display and also as part of the name tags for the participants. Several are on display in the main office at St James' if anyone wants to see.

Trunk or Treat at St. James’!

Friday, October 30 • 3–4:30 PM

Calling all keiki, families, and parish ʻohana!

Join us for an afternoon of Halloween fun at St. James’! Our annual Trunk or Treat will take place on the front church lawn beside the Parish Office. Construction on the Gathering Place will be pau for the day, so we'll have a quiet, secure space for everyone to enjoy.

We need your help to make it a fun afternoon! Bring your car or truck, some candy to share, and, if you're willing, come in costume! Better yet, decorate your trunk or the back of your truck. The more creative, the better! We'll be spreading the word to our Waimea schools and inviting families from throughout our community.

Visitor parking on the front church grass, in the area normally used by those attending church and visiting our Thrift Store Ministry.

And what does Halloween have to do with our Christian faith?

Halloween comes from All Hallows' Eve, the evening before All Saints' Day on November 1. On All Saints' Day, we remember that we belong to the great communion of saints, all God's people, especially remembering those who have gone before us into the fullness of God's Kingdom.

There's something wonderfully playful about dressing up as ghosts, goblins, and all sorts of scary creatures. We can laugh at the darkness because we know it doesn't have the last word! As we sing in a favorite hymn, “In Him there is no darkness at all.” The light of Christ shines in the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it.

What a wonderful message to share with our keiki: We need not be afraid, for God's light and love are stronger than anything that frightens us.

So come join the fun, share some aloha, and help us offer a joyful witness to our faith and our community!

A big mahalo to our Youth Pastor, Josh Anthony, for organizing this year's event! Please contact Josh for any help or information: YouthPastor@StJamesHawaii.org

Did you know that volunteering is good for you?

"When you give your time to help others, your brain releases "feel good" chemicals like dopamine and oxytocin. These natural compounds:

• Create feelings of joy and satisfaction.
• Lower stress hormones like cortisol.
• Guard against depression.

There are also significant physical benefits. For example, researchers at The University of Michigan discovered that at people who selflessly donate their time live longer than those who don't."

(https://www.peacehealth.org/healthy-you/discover-powerful-health-benefits-volunteering)

Help out and live longer too! Here are some opportunites:

Help Support Our St. James’ 7:30 and 9:30 AM Coffee Hour

Our St. James’ 9:30 AM Coffee Hour is a wonderful time of fellowship, an opportunity to connect, welcome newcomers, and simply enjoy being together as a community. We need of a few more folks to help support this ministry. There are a couple of easy ways to participate: Bringing a simple food item to share. Helping with set-up or clean-up. Often, we are so thankful to be able to serve leftovers from our Thursday Community Meal, but when those are not available, we rely on the generosity of our parish ‘ohana. If you’d be willing to help in any way, whether occasionally or more regularly, it would be a great blessing and help spread the responsibility more evenly. Connect with Melanie Rufo, Jada Rufo, Terri Greenwell, or Frankie Pang after the service. They will welcome your help with open arms! If you don’t know who they are, our clergy will be glad to make an introduction. Mahalo for helping us continue to build community in this simple and meaningful way.

Godly Play - At least three additional Godly Play volunteers are needed - there will be a training offered soon. If this ministry calls to you, please contact Laura Williams through the church office.

West Campus (formerly Chock Property) - There are still lots of clean up and clearing projects to be done! If you are willing and able, gather a group of friends or family members and take on a clearing, cleaning or painting task. Contact Frankie our Sexton through the office for some ideas about what needs to be done!

Teach the Teens to Cook - help to prepare our young people to live on their own by sharing a favorite simple recipe. Contact Josh our Youth Pastor

St. Columba's After School Social Hour - Volunteers are always welcome! Make a treat, teach a craft, play a game or just hang out - Contact Josh our Youth Pastor

Altar Guild - floral arranging skills, while welcome, are not required. There are many other tasks that are part of the Altar Guild ministry! Contact Terri Greenwell through the church office to find out more about this vital 'behind the scenes' ministry! Perfect for the introverts in the crowd who still feel called to participate.

Waimea Community Meal - Bakers - DESSERTS NEEDED-We can always use more sweets! Please drop off desserts! We welcome cookies cakes, pies, brownies, etc. Please drop off on Thursday. Mahalo!

Volunteer Opportunities!

Thursdays

9 AM-12 PM Chop and Cookie Crew needed

5:30 PM – 7 PM Clean up (dishwashers, trash, putting equipment away)

Pa'auilo Monthly Community Meal - Volunteers needed, especially for clean up. Second Tuesday of the month. Resumed on August 11.

If you are interested or able to help with either meal, or need more info, please contact Sharon at eat@stjameshawaii.org

Up-coming Worship, Events,

and other Good Stuff

October 30, Friday, – Trunk or Treat after school at St. James'. More information to come.

October 31 & November 1 – All Saints’ Weekend. Join us next weekend as we honor all of the saints who have gone before us in faith. All are invited to bring pictures of those we love and are now gathered with the saints in light. We will place them around the altar as a visual witness to us adults and an important teaching to our keiki of our belief in the communion of saints. This is a powerful service. It is the reason why we dress up the night before on All Hallow’s Eve (Halloween) to make fun of the darkness, as death has no power over us because of what Christ did on the cross. At St. Columba’s, on Sunday, November 1, come dressed as your favorite Saint! Don’t have a costume? We have one you can borrow!

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

November 14, Saturday, on O‘ahu – Ordination and Installation of Libby Berman as the 6th Bishop of Hawai‘i

November 14, Saturday, No Beach Mass as there is an event at the Canoe Club.

November 21, Saturday – Kawaihae Canoe Club Lū‘au. No Beach Mass.

November 22 – Christ the King Sunday, remembering King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma.

November 26 – Thanksgiving Day Lunch at St. James'. 11:30 AM - 1 PM. More information on how you can help and what to bring coming soon!

November 26 & 27 – Office closed in observance of Thanksgiving

November 28 & 29 – First Sunday of Advent Weekend

November 30 / December 2 – Advent Program Begins. Mondays at St. Columba’s and Wednesdays at St. James’.

December 5, Saturday – St. James’ Christmas Bazaar & Waimea Christmas Parade

December 20, Sunday – St. James’ Christmas Pageant at the 9:30 AM service.

December 24, Thursday – Christmas Eve Services

December 25, Friday – Christmas Day Service, 9:30 AM at St. James’.

December 27 – Nominations Deadline for Junior Warden, Vestry, and Delegates to Diocesan Convention.

The Community Christmas Bazaar Is Coming Up!

All hands (and smiling faces!) are welcome at St. James' annual Community Christmas Bazaar on Saturday, Dec. 5, 9am to 1pm. This fundraiser helps feed people and animals through our Community Meal, the Annunciation Food Pantry and the Hawaii Island Humane Society Pet Food Pantry. We will also have booths for several nonprofits to directly raise funds and hot food sales to benefit the St. James' Youth Group. Please see our link for volunteers for setup Dec. 4, the event Dec. 5 and final cleanup on Dec. 6 at Sign up Genius and start thinking about what you could make, bake or donate that reflects your special gifts or interests.

Note: Dec. 5 is also the same day as the Lighted Christmas Parade, when the Community Meal will also be part of the donation-collecting Bucket Brigade.

Questions? Contact deacon in formation Jeanne Cooper via the parish office.

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.

2nd Tuesday of the Month, 4:30 PM - 6 PM, St. Columba's Community Meal. September Meal date has been changed to September 15.

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.

From Rona Scull

Helping Hands Needed at the Thrift Store!

We are currently looking for a few volunteers who could help us out. Guys or gals with muscle who can carry donations.

We've got tons to sort thru and put out for sale. Lots of seasonal items to sort and price too.

Would love help to organize 3 storage containers that are filled to the doors. But most of all, we need a steady cashier on Saturdays from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM. If you can't commit to the whole day, anything in between would help a lot. Anyone out there who has some time to help on Saturdays to clean and tidy the store after our open hours would also be a God sent blessing.

Thank-you for your consideration! Please come talk to Rona Scull.

We have plenty Halloween costumes at the Thrift Store! Come check them out.

Waimea Community Meal

From Rick Fendel

Just an average Waimea evening . . . by which I mean, of course, exquisite. Close to Paradise on earth. The setting sun, the gentle breeze, the evening light on Mauna Kea, a wonderful meal in the St. James tent – how could it get better than this?

Just an average Waimea Community Meal . . . by which I mean, of course, delicious, warm, welcoming. A night to see old friends and regulars, and to meet someone new. I did both – did you? It’s surprisingly easy, even for us introverts, to meet new people in the tent. We already have things in common, at least what drew us to this event and the food we’re enjoying – easy ice-breakers. Admit it, you read the menu (tuna noodle casserole) and had low expectations. But it’s really good! Recipe from Mel Holt, prep and cooking by Janice, Sharon and a host of volunteers. With salads and vegetables, bread, hot creamy broccoli & mushroom soup, an assortment of donated desserts, and nearly 300 friends and neighbors to share it with, what’s not to like?

Just an average group of sponsors and volunteers . . . by which I mean, of course, an amazing collection of generous, helpful, giving members of our community. Tonight’s sponsors preferred to remain anonymous (but some of them were in the serving line & wore name tags). These were new sponsors, inspired to contribute by the aloha in evidence all around. Welcome, and thank you from all of us. If you would like to sponsor a meal, or help serve, prep, or clean up, let us know by emailing Sharon at eat@stjameshawaii.org. 

Just an average evening of music in the tent . . . by which I mean, of course, lovely, fun, exceptionally done, exceptionally thought out, generously shared. The Crosswinds Trio are members of our own Kamuela Philharmonic Orchestra. KPO receives a grant to send small groups of its extraordinary musicians out into the community to concerts and events like ours. We are lucky to have them again at the Community Meal. When have you ever heard “You’re a Grand Old Flag” segue into “Bohemian Rhapsody?” Never. I loved it.

Just an average St. James ministry . . . by which I mean, of course, of, by, and for our Waimea community. Did you spot the free tickets at the produce table? Kahilu Theater donated tickets to the October 30 showing of “The Land Has Spoken,” which were in turn given out tonight. You never know what it will be, but it’s always something, isn’t it?  

Just an average Waimea evening. Thanks for letting us share it with you. Didn’t make it this week? Come next Thursday - we’ll save you a seat. Bring a friend – we’ll save two.

Rick Fendel

From Alex Woodbury, our owner's representative.

Hooray! The Roof framing is now 99% complete. We anticipate completion of the roof framing this week, and full dry in of the Gathering Place next week. With the building completely water proofed with a peel and stick self sealing roofing membrane, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing contractor work can continue at the building interior. The plumbers continue to make strides with both their waste lines and now the installation of large portions of the plumbing supply lines at the interior while QBI continues to complete their framing “pick up" at the interior. 

We anticipate approximately 4-6 weeks of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing rough in, before the start of insulation followed by installation of sheet rock.

Windows are largely installed and flashed, the building envelope is wrapped with “house wrap” weather barrier, and soon the fiber cement siding and LP Smart siding trim installation will commence. 

The design and construction team has received approval of our utilities design from Helco paving the way for our electrical contractor to being the process of installation of conduit from the utility pole to our meter pedestal and then from the meter pedestal to the Gathering Place building, this is a critical step towards installation of permanent power to the structure. 

We now await final approval from department of water supply for our potable water and fire sprinkler water system design approvals so that we can begin the process of water line interconnect to the DWS main lines on Kawaihae Rd.

Steering and Construction Committee Members at the groundbreaking ceremony on May 3.

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

The grounds continue to need work and anyone who would like to help with such things as weed whacking and helping even out the ground to prepare for planting grass should contact our sexton Frankie Pang through the Church Office.

CLICK HERE for a short history of the Chock Inn Store

CLICK HERE for a drone flyover of the blessing of the Chock Family stewardship plaque.

St. James’ Parish Survey: The Future of the West Campus (Chock Property) and Our St. James’ Circle Campus

As we continue to discern as a parish the beautiful ways in which God may be working through us for the West Campus, we are moving into the next phase. Please take a few minutes to complete THIS NEW SURVEY about your thoughts on the future of the West Campus

Your ideas will help guide a coordinated vision for the West Campus and the entire St. James’ complex. Next steps will include a Parish-wide meeting to discuss the results of the survey, and a larger community-wide process to develop a plan for the future of the whole St. James' campus complex.

Purpose and instructions

As you know, St. James’ parish acquired the adjacent property earlier this year. Historically, the property belonged to the Chock family, and the main building has served as the Chock Inn General Store, Daniel Thiebaut’s Restaurant, and most recently as the Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore.  It had been vacant for some time following the departure of Habitat for Humanity.  The Parish was offered the opportunity to acquire the property and were able to do so by virtue of the generous donation of a parishioner and the bequest of another.  We are calling the property the West Campus while we work on rehabilitation and integration into the overall St. James’ Circle campus. An aerial view of the property is appended.

St. James’ is considering how the West Campus might best serve the Parish and the wider community as part of the full campus. This survey asks you to think about the West Campus property in relationship to the current Church, Church Office, new Gathering Place building, Thrift Store, Spencer Building, and rental properties. Please consider ministry, hospitality, accessibility, financial stewardship, operations, and long-term flexibility. Unless otherwise noted, select one response per question. 

Estimated completion time: 10–15 minutes.

From Melanie Rufo, Vestry Member

Chock Store Renovations & Repairs: Update #2



1) The back porch leading up to the stream-facing room now has stairs and rails. Daron and Carson have spent the past few weeks removing the rotten wood and sagging boards. Carson replaced it with new floor frames that are primed and moisture resistant. Rails are pictured and handrails were installed along the steps, with the final coat of paint going on Wednesday. Beautiful job, Carson!

2) The beam beneath the women’s bathroom is rotted and unstable. The plan is to remove and replace the beam with something more stable. The floorboards will also be removed and replaced.

3) One of the groups that meets in the Chock Store is very thankful for the newly renovated space. They donated new light fixtures! Aunty Pua spent time cleaning the room to prepare it for painting. Members will give the interior trim a facelift.

Thank you to Carson, Daron and Harry for sharing the details mentioned above. "Pupukahi i holomua", expresses how unity and collective endeavor enable a community to move forward together toward common goals.

Until the next update… - Melanie Rufo, Vestry Member

Anniversaries

Eric Ewing and Bruce Redman (10/26)

Merrie Jo and Jeff Snow (10/27)

Birthdays

Rick Baskin (10/24)

Martha Massey (10/24)

Rebecca Schuler (10/25)

Shauntae Silva (10/25)

David Tarnas (10/25)

Susan Olsen (10/28)

Matalynn Wallman (10/28)

Jennifer Burr (10/29)

Alex Bourdeau (10/30)

Remembrances

Ruth Lee (10/26)

Dan Lahnum (10/28)

Jennifer Greenwell (10/29)

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 current approved Treasurer’s Report.

Next Meeting: at noon on Monday, October 26, 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.

The Bishop and People of the Episcopal Church in Hawai‘i invite you to join us in celebrating

 the Ordination and Consecration of the Reverend Elizabeth Berman as the Sixth Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i.

Saturday, November 14, 2026 at 10:00AM

The Cathedral of St. Andrew

229 Queen Emma Square

Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813

Click here to RSVP by October 22.

Limited open seating for the service may be available in the Cathedral of St. Andrew, while seating in Tenney Theater and St. Paul's will be available for livestream-viewing. Please note that RSVP is required and all seating is first come, first served. You will not be able to select a seating location if it reaches capacity before you RSVP.

Click here to book a hotel room in our block at the AC Hotel Honolulu (1111 Bishop Street Honolulu, Hawaii).

Deadline to book: October 9, 2026

The booking page should display $224/night - Marriott will waive the $35 destination fee at check-in, bringing the nightly rate down to $189/night

Walking distance from the Cathedral (0.2 miles)

Valet parking available: $55/night

Please reply to this email if you have any trouble booking at the AC Hotel.

Alternatively, a room block is also available at the Executive Centre - the cost of stay (taxes and fees included) is $232.68/night . To book a room with this group rate at the Executive Centre, please call (808) 539-3000 or email res.exc@astonhotels.com and mention "St Andrew's Episcopal Group".

For the most up-to-date information, please visit the Ordination & Consecration website. Churches are welcome to share the information outlined above in their newsletters.

If you have any questions, please reply to this message or email the Bishop Transition Administrative Assistant at acarpenter@episcopalhawaii.org.

Register now for monthly ‘Vote Faithfully’ networking calls

Thursday Nov. 5 - 1:30–2 p.m. ET

REGISTER HERE

On the first Thursday of each month from June through November, The Episcopal Church's Public Policy and Witness team will host a series of “Vote Faithfully” calls to support voter engagement in ways consistent with Episcopal values.

During the calls, hosts will share resources and ideas to help congregations promote voting and civic participation while remaining nonpartisan (avoiding support for specific political parties, candidates, or platforms).

Smile

Smiling authentically, spontaneously, feels amazing. It’s a gift to everyone that works in two directions: it “gives alms” to others outwardly even as it causes joy inwardly. Maybe the feeling it brings is a bit like what Jesus had in mind when he said, “Give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you.”

Br. Keith Nelson, SSJE

Read More and Comment >

Society of Saint John the Evangelist

An Episcopal Monastery in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

"Jesus said," Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid."



~ John 14:27

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. Linda Lundgren, Associate Rector for our St. Columba's Congregation.

The 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