|
Join us for
HOLY EUCHARIST
November 24, 2024 7:00 & 9:00 am
Feast of our Holy Sovereigns
Queen Emma & King Kamehameha IV
Blessing of our Kāhili
To attend online, join our Facebook LIVESTREAM*
Download this week's ORDER OF WORSHIP
Missed a service? Watch on YouTube any time.
*Note: If you have difficulty connecting to the livestream, try reloading your page.
| |
|
PICTURED ABOVE - Creating a kāhili for St. Augustine's was suggested by Mila Polevia to honor the al'i and his dear friend, Kim "Ki‘i" Nakamura. The kāhili project is dear to Bishop Diana Akiyama's heart, and she sent a special message to us for the occasion of its blessing!
A message from Bishop Diana
Dear St. Augustine's 'ohana,
It is with much delight that I send my prayers and best wishes for the good and faithful people of St. Augustine’s Kapaau as you bless the beautiful kahili. May its presence reflect the royal history of this place, and may all who worship here know that Christ our Lord is the one and only king of kings. May his mercy and grace continue to guide us in these times.
Blessings in Christ,
+Diana
| |
|
Dear St. Augustine's 'ohana,
Please join us for special services this weekend as we mark the end of the season of Pentecost for 2024.
We'll gather with our wider community on Saturday, November 23 at 4:00 pm for a Blessing of our Kāhili with potluck following. With gratitude for Queen Emma, who (with King Kamehameha IV) graciously invited the Anglican / Episcopal Church to these islands, and in memory of Kim “Ki‘i” Nakamura and Mila Polevia, who shared their hearts with Kohala, we will present a kāhili made for St. Augustine’s Church in their honor. Members of the lei hulu laulima in Waimea, our Hawaiian cultural practices advisors, and our Hula Hālau O Kukui Aloha O Kohala will gather with us for stories, oli, and hula.
At our Sunday services on November 24 at 7:00 am and 9:00 am, we will observe the Feast of our Holy Sovereigns and the Blessing of our Kāhili during our Holy Eucharist services, with prayers, readings, and music to help us reflect on serving God and all creation as did Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV.
About our Holy Sovereigns
King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma dedicated their marriage to serving the health, educational, and spiritual needs of their people. To these ends, they founded The Queen’s Hospital (now The Queen’s Medical Center), several schools, including The St. Andrew’s Priory School for Girls (now The St. Andrew’s Schools, with separate programs for boys and girls) and St. Alban’s School (now ‘Iolani School), and were instrumental in bringing the Anglican church to the islands to provide access to a form of Christian spirituality that the King felt was eminently suited to the character and temperament of his people. In recognition and commemoration of these deeds, the Episcopal Church of the United States honors King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma throughout the church on November 28, the anniversary of their Confirmation in 1862. (This text is from the Cathedral of St. Andrew website. Read more here.)
What is a kāhili?
As I understand it, a kāhili historically served as a visual signal heralding the arrival of ali‘i. Today, a kāhili serves as a way to honor and remember ali‘i and as an ever-present reminder of the rightful sovereignty of the Hawaiian people on these islands. Our kāhili also reminds us to be "the hearts of Emma," as we remember those dear to us who shared their hearts so generously in Kohala.
Our kāhili
After more than six years, countless volunteer hours, and thousands of feathers, the kāhili now stands tall in the St. Augustine’s sanctuary.
When we gather in our beautiful space, may we remember the ali’i who invited this church and served these islands. May we remember the founders, laborers, members, and clergy of St. Augustine’s who have served as a loving presence in North Kohala.
When we gaze upon this kāhili, may we honor all who envisioned and enacted peace and unity among humankind and with all creation. May the joyful song of our souls echo from the past to live in us now and reverberate into a future of support, collaboration, and unity. May this kāhili remind us that we are called to “be a place to BE the love of God and to FEEL the love of God.”
Blessings,
Vicar Jennifer
| | |
|
|
Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved
children, and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
- Ephesians 5:1-2, NRSV
| |
|
We continue to give thanks for the abundance of this community! If you have yet to do so, please take a moment to complete your Time & Talents sheet and pledge card for 2025. If you would like paper copies to fill out, those are available in the church and in Walker Hall.
Mahalo for your gifts to the church that make it possible for us to grow in Spirit together, care for one another and those in our community, and share God's bountiful love with all!
| |
|
November 24 - Feast of the Holy Sovereigns & kāhili blessing
December 1 - First Sunday of Advent
December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent
December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent
December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent with Canon Sandy
December 24 - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6:00 pm
December 25 - Christmas Day Service at 9:00 am (no 7:00 am service)
Find scripture readings for upcoming Sundays and learn about the liturgical seasons in the Episcopal Church here.
| | |
|
|
Join our YouTube Channel
to view past services!
youtube.com/@staugustineskohala
| |
|
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO | |
|
Kathy and George Webb for cleaning the church and providing flowers this week.
Melanie Sahugun for serving as lay reader last week.
St. Augustine's members who pray for others each week.
The many members of St. Augustine's and the community who help sort donations and operate the Thrift Shop.
| | |
|
ST. AUGUSTINE'S PRAYER CHAIN
Please pray for healing, guidance, strength, peace of mind, and comfort for: our country and its leaders; Patty Ankrum, Cathy Morgan, Bruce Soll, Janet Sutter; Ivan Loomis; Montana; Caroline Doll; all who are affected by the Israel/Hamas war and wars around the world; Karen Miller; Nan & Cole Cornelius; Axl Maguir; Ricki Lee; Stacey Mastrian; Megan Jacoby; Neil Apana; Derek Higa; Katie Buehner; the people of Maui and the Church of the Holy Innocent; Susan Acacio; Sabrina Lee; Jeannette Hensel; Erin Manuel; Arcadio & Filomena Badua; Guy Kaoo; Reni Aʻi aʻi Bello; Becky & Ludwig Simmet; Annecita Tamayo; Lynn Dicus. Thanksgiving for the life of Merlin Hindley (husband of flutist Wendy Hindley who has played many concerts at St. Augustine's).
PRAYER CHAIN VOLUNTEERS
Volunteer to be part of St. Augustine's prayer chain! Contact Patsy Ching or Vicar Jennifer if you would like to:
- Pray for those who have requested prayers
- Be part of the phone tree that helps us know about prayer requests or emergencies
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, or 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.
ONLINE FORM
You can also send us prayer requests through our online form.
Mahalo for your care and prayers!
| |
|
WEEKLY
-
SUNDAY SCHOOL - Join us each week for Sunday school with Youth Director, Kathy Matsuda. Godly Play - our Montessori-based Sunday school curriculum - is open to all keiki ages three to ten.
-
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 if you like! Mahalo to all who have been providing delicious food and to Jeannette Hensel for bringing coffee.
-
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 of each month
-
SPIRIT SCHOOL - Sunday school for adults - Join us for Spirit School, a short session for adults on a topic to enrich our spiritual life. We host two sessions: after the 7:00 am service and after the 9:00 am service. 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 of each month
-
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 of each month
-
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.
-
BISHOP'S COMMITTEE MEETING - All members are welcome to join the Bishop's Committee meeting, held in the Sunday School classroom at 10:30 am after fellowship hour. As always, we welcome your questions about our planning and budgeting processes!
|
|
|
Saturday, November 23 at 4:00 pm - Community blessing of the Kāhili with potluck reception afterward - The ceremony will include ‘ōlelo Hawai‘i pule and oli, along with mele offered by Hula Hālau O Kukui Aloha O Kohala under the direction of Kumu Hula Leia Lawrence.
Saturday, November 30 at 5:30 pm - Crosswinds Trio (members of Kamuela Philharmonic) - holiday classics performed on trumpet, french horn, and piano.
Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 am - Keiki Giving Spree at the Thrift Shop - This annual event invites all Kohala keiki to come to the Thrift Shop to find gifts for members of their 'ohana. It is a wonderful way for children to learn about the true Christmas spirit of love and generosity! Helpers assist them in the shop while their parents relax and enjoy pupus on the lanai. All gifts are wrapped and labeled. St. Augustine's members interested in volunteering: please see Kathy Matsuda.
Thursday, December 5 at 5:30 pm - St. Nicholas Celebration for Keiki - All keiki and their 'ohanas are invited to learn about and celebrate St. Nicholas.
Saturday, December 7 at 9:00 am - 11:00 am - Poinsettia plant pick-up day - Once again this year, St. Augustine's is selling poinsettia plants for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Please see Cindy about selling tickets or volunteering the day of plant pick-up. Plants will be delivered to Walker Hall on December 6, plants will be picked up the next day.
Sunday, December 8 at 5:00 pm, Sacred Heart Catholic Church - Ecumenical Christmas Celebration - Come join our sister churches for an evening of Christmas cheer! Please bring a dish to share. If you are interested in participating in St. Augustine's entertainment presentation, please see Kathy Matsuda or Vicar Jennifer.
Saturday, December 14 (9:00 am - 2:00 pm) - Reconciliation Training - LUNCH PROVIDED - All St. Augustine's members are invited and encouraged to attend a session on racial reconciliation. The curriculum comes from our diocese's Racial Reconciliation Task Group, which has been working for several years to develop this course for our church members across all islands. Racial reconciliation lies at the heart of what we believe as Episcopalians, centered on our baptismal vows. Please join us for this enriching learning opportunity!
-
What is racial reconciliation? From our diocesan web site: "Reconciliation is the spiritual practice of seeking loving, liberating and life-giving relationship with God and one another, and striving to heal and transform injustice and brokenness in ourselves, our communities, institutions and society. We seek to help the people of our Diocese to live more fully into our two Great Commands to love the Lord our God with all our hearts, our souls, and our minds - and secondly to love our neighbors as ourselves. In the Hawaiian tradition of ho’oponopono, we believe in truth-telling about our history; creating space for all voices in our circle; and seeking to make amends as we live into right relationship with all living beings."
- Diocesan Racial Reconciliation Committee Members: The Rev. Andrew Arakawa, Joseph Eppink, Mary Carpenter, Bea Fitzpatrick, Mary Sueoka, The Rev. Dcn. Bob Steele, Laura La Gassa, Konstantinos Karampakakis.
Saturday, December 14 at 4:00 pm - String Quartet with members of the Kamuela Philharmonic playing holiday favorites.
Sunday, December 15 at 5:30 pm - Susan Pomeranze Richards, soprano - performing popular songs from the 1950s - 1990s.
Tuesday, December 24 at 6:00 pm - Christmas Eve Candlelight service with Holy Eucharist. Wednesday, December 25 at 9:00 am - Christmas Day service with Holy Eucharist.
Sunday, January 12 at 5:30 pm - Woodwind Quintet (members of Kamuela Philharmonic) - offering a variety classical music for woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, french horn, and bassoon).
| |
|
KOHALA CARES RAMPING UP FOR THANKSGIVING
Weekly grocery distribution on our campus continues! Pictured above: volunteers Peter DeVries and Regina DoDaro assist Peter Pomeranze. Mahalo to our donors (who gave fresh fruit including lemons and oranges!), volunteers, and Peter!
|
|
|
CLEANUP ON CAMPUS
Mahalo to John Sakai, Kim and Dave Lambrecht, and Maurine Gomes for working on clearing the encroaching weeds along the perimeter of campus! In the photo above: all the brown you see is just a small part of the total area they have cleared so far.
John has done a lot of clearing behind the church and along the makai side of the cemetery. We'll post more pictures next week! In the meantime, take a walk behind the church and Walker Hall next time you're on campus to see the results of their hard work!
| |
|
THE PREACHING CONGREGATIONS INITIATIVE (PCi)
St. Augustine's is invited to participate and pilot this program
Vicar Jennifer and Maurine Gomes attended training on O'ahu last week as we begin St. Augustine's participation in the Preaching Congregations Initiative (PCi)–a year-long program to learn about preaching, engaged listening, and giving sermon feedback, with an option for lay participants to become a licensed lay preacher.
Our St. Augustine's cohort will be: Kirk Corey, Maurine Gomes, Eileen Hartwings, Laura La Gassa, Kim Lambrecht, John Sakai, Kathy Webb, and Vicar Jennifer.
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i is the first diocese to pilot this training, which will be taught by faculty from the Virginia Theological Seminary. Bishop Bob invited St. Augustine's as one of five congregations to participate in this initiative, which is made possible by a grant from the Lily Foundation. PCi will serve as a model for a future training program in our diocese. Stay tuned for more information as our program of study unfolds!
| |
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. Please email Vicar Jennifer or our church administrator Regina DoDaro at VicarJennifer@staugustineskohala.com or admin@staugustineskohala.com Submissions due by Thursday morning for Friday's newsletter. | |
ST. AUGUSTINE'S THRIFT SHOP
| |
|
CHRISTMAS SHOPPING AT THE THRIFT SHOP
Our Thrift Shop elves have been busy! Stop in Wednesdays from noon until 6:00 pm and the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 am to 11:00 am.
Please note: Wednesday November 27 is the day before Thanksgiving, and our Thrift Shop will close early at 4:00 pm.
Mahalo to all who have donated lovely holiday items, and mahalo to all our volunteers for creating beautiful displays for our Christmas shoppers!
| |
|
NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I
The latest issue of the Hawaiian Church Chronicle (October 24, 2024) features information about Convention 56 (note Bishop Diana Akiyama in the convention photo above!), news from around our diocese, information on Creation Care, and more!
| |
MESSAGES FROM OUR BISHOP
& PRESIDING BISHOP
| | | | |
