HOLY EUCHARIST
October 12, 2025 at 7:00 am & 9:00 am
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Continuing the Season of Creation
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IN THIS NEWSLETTER
- Creation care - Watch Aloha 'Āina, a short documentary film featuring Kanaka Maoli poet and activist Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio, who immerses us in the concept of aloha ‘āina—a love for and of the land embodied by her poetry, her family, and the movement at the foot of Mauna Kea—as she fights to protect the sacred mountain from the construction of a thirty-meter telescope.
- Upcoming services & events through December 2025.
- Why St. Augustine's is here and how are we living our mission.
- Pray for others and send us your prayer requests.
| | IN THE VIDEO ABOVE - Kumu Hula Kaui Nakamura and Hula Hālau Kalaniumi a Liloa. Mahalo for your beautiful performances! | | |
Dear St. Augustine's 'ohana,
Mahalo nui loa to all who attended and volunteered at our 2025 Annual Bazaar! We welcomed all to gather with us to celebrate our wonderful community, deepen our connections with one another, and simply have fun. It was a beautiful day spent with friends and neighbors, and I am grateful to each of you who are part of this community.
Showing gratitude matters.
Gratitude is a form of prayer.
When we give thanks, we align ourselves with the movement of Divine generosity. We stop clinging to what’s missing and start noticing the abundance that already surrounds us. Gratitude becomes a doorway into trust. It opens the heart to God’s presence in all things, even in difficulty.
Gratitude shifts the mind from scarcity to sufficiency.
Neurologically, it quiets the stress response and strengthens empathy and resilience. When practiced daily — even briefly — it retrains attention toward what sustains rather than what depletes. People who regularly practice gratitude experience greater joy, stronger relationships, and deeper inner peace.
Gratitude builds connection.
It reminds us that we are not self-made. Every breath, meal, conversation, and sunrise comes through the generosity of others and of creation itself. Expressing thanks weaves us back into that web — nurturing humility and reciprocity rather than entitlement or isolation.
In the language of creation, gratitude is a form of flow. It’s what allows energy to keep circulating — like water through the land or breath through the body. When we withhold gratitude, things stagnate. When we offer it, life moves freely again. Gratitude is how we stay in rhythm with the Divine love that animates the world.
Blessings this day,
Vicar Jennifer
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THE SEASON OF CREATION
We are currently focused on the Season of Creation, a time set aside across the Episcopal Church to re-commit ourselves as mindful stewards of God’s earth. Although we are called to care for creation every day, the Season of Creation invites us to deepen that commitment by listening to the cries of the earth and the creatures around us and by celebrating the beautiful mystery of this world that God has entrusted to our care.
During this season, you'll notice changes in our liturgy to help us focus on creation care. In addition, we are offering a series of events and reflections.
This week's Season of Creation reflection
We're fortunate to live in a place where we have ample opportunity to connect with creation and appreciate all that our beautiful earth offers. To deepen our relationship with God's creation, I invite you to explore one of my favorite online publications, Emergence Magazine.
Especially in these times, the current issue of Emergence Magazine provides space to practice and deepen our connections with all living beings. A note from the editors: "It has always been a radical act to share stories during dark times. They are regenerative spaces of creation and renewal. As we experience a loss of sacred connection to the Earth, we share stories that explore the timeless connections between ecology, culture, and spirituality."
| | TO WATCH THE FILM, click on the image above. | | |
I have been re-watching Emergence Magazine's film Aloha 'Āina, which tells stories of Hawai'i Island through Kanaka Maoli poet and activist Jamaica Heolimeleikalani Osorio. Jamaica immerses us in the concept of aloha ‘āina—a love for and of the land embodied by her poetry, her family, and the movement at the foot of Mauna Kea—as she fights to protect the sacred mountain from the construction of a thirty-meter telescope.
The folks at Emergence Magazine have provided an engagement guide for the film. It provides additional information as well as thoughtful questions for reflection, discussion, and practice.
Aloha 'Āina is part of Emergence Magazine's four-part documentary series, Shifting Landscapes, directed by Emmy- and Peabody-nominated filmmakers Adam Loften and Emmanuel Vaughan-Lee. The series explores the power of art and story to orient us amid the darkness of our time. Following a musician, a poet, a writer, and a filmmaker who are each embracing the alchemical power of story to connect and transform us, this series opens ways of being that hold both catastrophe and love as our landscapes change and disappear.
INTERESTED IN A COMMUNITY SCREENING OF THIS FILM?
Click the button below to let me know. It would be wonderful to host a viewing and community conversation about this documentary.
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October 19 - Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost, 7:00 & 9:00 am
October 26 - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost, 7:00 & 9:00 am
November 2 - Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, 7:00 & 9:00 am
Find scripture readings for upcoming services and learn about the liturgical seasons in the Episcopal Church here.
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Join our YouTube Channel
to view past services!
youtube.com/@staugustineskohala
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Sermons now available online.
During a recent Spirit School session, members asked whether sermons could be made available to read online. Beginning with the season of Pentecost 2025, sermons will be posted on our web site. Please feel free to share the links!
| | At a recent Spirit School session, we practiced the "listening process" our PCi team has been using to reflect on sermons. Deacon Lani suggested we share the listening process with everyone at St. Augustine's — a great idea! Copies of the listening questions are now in our pews (and linked below). Our PCi group has found the questions engaging and helpful not only for sermons but also to build better listening skills in general. We hope they enrich your life, as well! | | |
Kirk Corey for cleaning the church & Kathy Matsuda for providing flowers last week.
JD Morgan for serving as lay reader last Sunday.
Maurine Gomes for serving as Altar Guild.
St. Augustine's members who pray for others each week.
Members of St. Augustine's and the community who help sort donations and operate the Thrift Shop.
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Many thanks for all that you do to show your support for St. Augustine's! Your gifts of time, talent, and funds allow us to be the love of God in our community.
WHY WE ARE HERE
We serve North Kohala by:
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Providing a safe, inclusive, and welcoming spiritual home.
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Addressing the high cost of living by offering low-cost goods in our Thrift Shop.
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Addressing food insecurity through food preservation education; alleviating hunger by sponsoring the Little Free Pantry and partnerships to assist Kohala Cares and the Kohala Food Hub.
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Serving as a gathering place to foster a peaceful and collaborative community (music, arts, food, fellowship).
All gifts, no matter the size, make an incredible difference in our community! Mahalo for your support!
Visit the link below to access our secure giving site.
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ST. AUGUSTINE'S PRAYER CHAIN
Please pray for healing, guidance, strength, peace of mind, and comfort for: Raeanne Tolentino; Barbara Desorio; Linda Blackston; Wendell Blue; Stephen Hoffmann; Nino Barraquiel; Melanie, Daniel & Rhythm Diego; Natalie Masada; Kathy, Kaya, and George Webb; Heidi & Baye Cheikh Kébé and their twin girls; Jileen Russell and ‘ohana; Ashley Morris Sasaki & family; Joe Chang; Sue Ellen, Diane & Tom; Sean; Mark Odom; Randy Cruz; Alberta & Dave; Richard Elliot; Catalina; Maile Napoleon Spencer; Carol Dicus; Sheila Fujii; Patrick Tanaka; Janis Peach; Rita Masada; Brandon Weber; Suzie Cook; Caroline Doll; Leighton Purdy; Bruce Soll; Susan Acacio; Sabrina Lee; Jeannette Hensel; Erin Manuel; Guy Kaoo; Reni Aʻi aʻi Bello; Becky & Ludwig Simmet; Annecita Tamayo; Lynn Dicus.
REQUEST PRAYERS
If you or someone you know would like to be added to our prayer list, please email Patsy Ching or Vicar Jennifer. You can request prayers for yourself, your 'ohana, and anyone in our community or beyond.
During our Sunday services, you can write prayer requests on a piece of paper. Prayers will be read aloud or silently (per your request) during the Prayers of the People. You can also send us prayer requests through our online form. Mahalo for your care and prayers!
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WEEKLY
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FELLOWSHIP HOUR - Every Sunday after our 9:00 am service. We gather to enjoy conversation, coffee, and treats in Walker Hall. Please bring some savory or sweet treats to share! Mahalo to all who have been providing delicious food and to Jeannette Hensel for bringing coffee.
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CHOIR - Join us Wednesdays at 5:00 pm to sing through the hymns for the following Sunday. All are welcome! Can't make it to choir this week? You can take a peek at the music in the order of worship for this coming Sunday (link is at the top of this newsletter).
MONTHLY
First Sunday
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SPIRIT SCHOOL - Sunday school for adults - Join us for Spirit School, a short session for adults on a topic to enrich our spiritual life. Please let Vicar Jennifer know if there's a topic you're interested in or if you would like to present a Spirit School session.
Second Sunday
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LAYING ON OF HANDS - Receive healing prayers for yourself or another at our 7:00 am & 9:00 am services. Mahalo to Rebecca Bartholomy for offering this important ministry!
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FOOD PANTRY DONATIONS - Please bring shelf-stable, nutritious foods for the Kapa'au Little Free Pantry or donate funds for food to be purchased. Mahalo for your help with this ministry!
Third Sunday
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KEIKI SUNDAY - All keiki (and their 'ohanas) are invited to join us for this once-a-month special service when Vicar Jennifer shares a Godly Play story and keiki can participate at the altar as we share our holy meal together.
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BISHOP'S COMMITTEE MEETING - All members are welcome to join the Bishop's Committee meeting, held in the Sunday School classroom at 10:45 am after fellowship hour. As always, we welcome your questions about our planning and budgeting processes!
Fourth Sunday
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PREACHING CONGREGATIONS INITIATIVE- This program teaches us how to listen to one another and how to speak with others about the love of God. Curious about what is being learned? Ask St. Augustine's lay cohort, Kathy Webb, Kirk Corey, Maurine Gomes, Laura La Gassa, Kim Lambrecht, and John Sakai during fellowship hour or when you see them out and about!
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LOOKING AHEAD
Here's a quick reference list. Please see below for details or check out our online calendar.
October 14 - Ho'imi Pono session #5 - Risking Hope - 5:30 pm
October 24 & 25 - Diocesan Education Day & Annual Meeting on O'ahu
November 2 - All Saints Sunday - ingathering of ministry gifts & pledges
November 16 - Sunday services celebrating Queen Lili'uokalani
November 23 - Sunday services celebrating the Holy Sovereigns Queen Emma & King Kamehameha
November 27 - Thanksgiving Day
November 30 - Season of Advent begins
November 30 - Keiki Giving Spree in our Thrift Shop - 11:00 to noon
December 6 - Poinsettia sale - pick up pre-purchased plants at Walker Hall from 9:00 - 11:00 am
December 7 - Presentation by author Carl McColman: Read the Bible Like a Mystic - 10:30 am
December 24 - Christmas Eve service - 6:00 pm with potluck after
December 25 - Christmas Day service - 9:00 am
| | PICTURED ABOVE - Some of the older burial sites in our cemetery have no remaining family to care for the plantings. Please help us tend to them with love! | | |
COME HELP US TIDY OUR CEMETERY TOMORROW
This Saturday, October 11 from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm St. Augustine's is having a work day to clean up our church yard. Many of the burial sites are well-tended, but some have become overgrown with weeds and invasive species that choke out other plants and obscure the headstones. Please bring water, gloves, and any gardening tools you would like to use. Many hands, light work! MAHALO for your help!
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STEWARDSHIP 2025
As members of St. Augustine's, we pause during the month of October to reflect on God's call to be good stewards of God's gifts. How are we caring for others, our community, and creation?
This year, our Stewardship Season theme is "Tell out my soul," helping us tell our stories of care and love for the world. In this time of unrest and uncertainty, we might feel powerless, but we can turn our attention to positive actions in our community. What is the story of your faith in action? How do you use the gifts God has given you to care for others? Some stories are about speaking out for justice and mercy; other stories tell of quiet, unseen acts of kindness. All our gifts are crucial; each act of love, compassion, and kindness contributes to the whole and makes a real difference.
Please read this letter for an introduction to this year's Stewardship Season at St. Augustine's and how God calls us to draw upon our faith during this time in our world.
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SEWING WITH AUNTIE ANNIE
All are welcome to come learn to sew with Aunty Annie, who is a wonderful and patient teacher. Beginners and experienced sewers alike can attend. Adult sewing on Fridays from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.
| | MAHALO FOR A WONDERFUL ANNUAL BAZAAR! | | | | Music, food,
shopping & fun for all our friends and neighbors! | | |
Mahalo nui loa to all our dedicated volunteers who poured so much love and effort into this year's Annual Bazaar! | | | |
DO YOU LOVE OUR BEAUTIFUL CHURCH?
We are looking for a few people to volunteer to clean our sanctuary! Please contact Kathy Matsuda if you can help out on these dates (cleaning happens the Saturday before Sunday services):
December 6, 13
Special thanks to Kathy Matsuda who has been picking up extra Sundays of cleaning. Mahalo nui to all who work hard to keep our church looking lovely!
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NOTES FROM OUR BISHOP'S COMMITTEE
Our September meeting began with a prayer and an appreciative inquiry discussion (based on the sermon) on ways in which we are faithful stewards of God’s abundance. Responses reflected our use of our gifts of time, presence, and skills as well as our care for and appreciation of the gifts of God's creation.
September Meeting highlights - discussions included the following:
- Budget report and plans for our Stewardship campaign and Poinsettia fundraiser
- Annual Bazaar planning
- Thrift Shop operations report & strategic planning
- Completion of Food Preservation Workshops for 2025
- Report on completed repairs on a water main break
- Progress on plans for a perimeter fence
Please let us know if you have questions or feedback! Contact any member of the BC or sit in on our next meeting on Sunday, October 19 at 10:45 am in the Sunday School Room.
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ST. AUGUSTINE'S TEAMS IN ACTION
Our four core teams are hard at work! We're sharing updates each week as our progress unfolds. This month, we're highlighting our Finance, Budget & Compensation Review team that oversees our financial health and stewardship activities (pledges). The team's chair is Treasurer Cindy Sakai; members are Kim Lambrecht and Pi'ilani Fernandez with Vicar Jennifer and Bishop's Warden John Sakai. Among its activities so far in 2025, the team has:
- Carefully reviewed St. Augustine's monthly finances
- Kept us on track with balanced income and spending
- Developed a new budget calendar to aid planning
- Completed a successful College Award Fund campaign
- Launched a new Thrift Shop data analysis process to examine income trends
Future projects include overseeing the Stewardship campaign in October/November and the Poinsettia fundraiser in December.
Mahalo to all members of our Bishop's Committee and all members of our core teams: Buildings & Grounds, Family & Community Network, Finance & Stewardship, and Spiritual Growth. If you are interested in being on a core team or helping with a specific project, please reach out to Vicar Jennifer or any member of the BC.
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If you have information to share, please let us know! This newsletter helps us stay in touch in a variety of ways, such as news, requests for prayers, offers of assistance, or information on garden bounty (fruits, veggies) you would like to share. VicarJennifer@staugustineskohala.com or admin@staugustineskohala.com Submissions due by Thursday morning for Friday's newsletter. | |
ST. AUGUSTINE'S THRIFT SHOP
| | PICTURED ABOVE - Evan (left) and Iris & Fran (right) helping prepare the Thrift Shop for our Annual Bazaar. They are three of many volunteers who assist us each week, and we are especially thankful for their efforts in the busy time leading up to the bazaar.
Mahalo to all who volunteer their time and talents with St. Augustine's Thrift Shop! | | |
SHOPPING & MORE!
Every Wednesday from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm, our Thrift Shop offers great deals on wonderful treasures, but people come for more than that. We are also open the first Saturday of the month.
| | Our Thrift Shop is a place to see friends, catch up, enjoy a snack, and feel the warm kinship of others. Come gather, talk story, and connect with members of our community! Follow us on Facebook for news about recent Thrift Shop finds and upcoming events! | | | | |
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING?
Join the fun and serve our community by volunteering at our Thrift Shop. Please spread the word! Folks can contact admin@staugustineskohala.com
| | This issue's header photo was taken this past Sunday at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Honolulu where they celebrated the Feast of St. Francis. Like many churches around the Diocese, they offered a Blessing of the Animals service where folks could bring their beloved pets (or photos) to be blessed. Pictured above, the Rev. Ruth Peterson gives blessings to a precious pup who seems to be loving the attention. Each pet received a St. Francis of Assisi pendant. (Photo from the St. Peter's Facebook page) | |
MESSAGES FROM OUR BISHOP
& PRESIDING BISHOP
| | | | At St. Augustine's Episcopal Church, all are welcome. ALL means ALL, without exception. This is how we live into our mission to "BE the love of God and to FEEL the love of God." | | | | | |
