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Join us for
HOLY EUCHARIST
September 29, 2024 7:00 & 9:00 am
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
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.
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Dear St. Augustine's 'ohana,
Want to hear the newest “scandal” in the inner circle of Jesus’ followers? In this week’s gospel story, an outsider is performing miracles and invoking the name of Jesus as he does so.
Jesus scolds the disciples in no uncertain terms, with warnings of dire consequences.
If you prevent others from doing good in my name, Jesus says, “it would be better for you if a great millstone were hung around your neck and you were thrown into the sea.” Further emphasizing his point, Jesus delivers three more warnings: you should cut off your hand, your foot, or your eye if your mistaken actions, your wanderings, or your poor vision cause you to make such a mistake again!
At first glance, this scolding may seem out of proportion. The disciples were simply concerned about potentially bad PR for Jesus’ mission and, by extension, their mission. Why should they allow some insignificant nobody, an outsider, to muddy the group’s identity or appropriate Jesus’ ministries?
Jesus held no concern for his reputation. His counter-cultural mission to share love, peace, and healing pushed beyond societal and religious norms. His actions and words upset officials, drew in the curious, and attracted the last and the least.
Preserving the group’s exclusivity was the last thing on his mind. Instead, Jesus is focused on radical inclusion as he created an ever-widening circle to share God’s vast and incomprehensible love with all humanity.
Following Jesus isn't about position or status. It's about bringing out the best in other people and aiding peace in the world.
As we dig deeper into the heart of what Jesus is saying, we hear his message: holding tight to ideas of exclusivity carries serious consequences. God’s love knows no bounds. There are no insiders and outsiders in the realm of the divine. for us and for others who are not part of our church community.
What does this mean for St. Augustine’s? Perhaps we can reflect on how we think about ourselves in relation to those who are not part of our church community. How are we doing as part of our wider community? In what ways do we include others, especially those with whom we disagree?
Including others depends on our willingness to see the good in others’ actions, to trust, to “check” ourselves when we jump to scandalous conclusions about people. To live into the radical inclusion to which Jesus calls us depends on our ability to resist the temptation of insider status. God’s way of love embraces all humankind, no matter their beliefs or life path.
This Sunday, we'll share this prayer by Steven Shakespeare, a fitting summary of Jesus’ message of radical inclusion:
God of welcome, your people are called to be distinct not by width of separation but depth of hospitality and peace within our lives: root out our resentment and free us to welcome all who work for life and liberation, whatever path they tread; through Jesus Christ, the companion of many ways. Amen.
Blessings,
Vicar Jennifer
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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
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During stewardship season, we talk about how we take care of our church 'ohana, our campus, and our community. The time, talents, and funds we share with the church are all crucial to our ability to carry out our mission of caring. In the coming weeks, we'll share information about how giving of ourselves and our funds make a difference in our church and community.
Q: How does St. Augustine's use the funds you give to the church? Each January, our Bishop's Committee makes a plan for the coming year, prioritizing projects that most need our attention and funding.
Currently, three of our top priorities focus on:
- Our buildings and grounds
- The Thrift Shop
- Pastoral care
This week, we'll explain how we use funds to care for our buildings and grounds.
We've been entrusted with a beautiful campus. Our historical church serves as our spiritual home and a landmark in the community. Built in 1884, the church needs ongoing love and care.
Following a comprehensive campus inspection, our Buildings & Grounds subcommittee has been working with a list of needed repairs on all our campus buildings: the church, Walker Hall, Thrift Shop, and Vicarage. Numerous small repairs have been completed.
The subcommittee has prioritized repairs that impact safety. Larger repairs include the removal of the Walker Hall ramp, which was a safety hazard. The ramp has now been replaced and safety railings installed.
We used funds this year to repair failing ceilings in the Vicarage. The ceilings in three rooms in the original portion of the house were made of Canic (containing toxic arsenic), had sustained water and rat damage, and had peeling lead paint. The ceilings were removed, replaced, and all three rooms were finished with fresh paint (including the walls).
This past year, we used funds to remove a very large bee colony that had caused damage. If allowed to remain, the colony would have continued to grow, threatening the structure. After removing the colony, the rafters were treated to prevent future infestation, and the area was sealed. So far, the bees have not returned!
Plans are underway to cut back gulch foliage so we can install a perimeter fence to prevent wild pig infestation, which poses a safety hazard for people and pets and causes damage to the ground, especially the cemetery.
The subcommittee is seeking a licensed electrician to address safety issues with the electrical systems in all our buildings, starting with the Vicarage since it is occupied 24-7.
Beyond electrical work, both Walker Hall and the Thrift Shop are in need of repairs, including the roofs, some structural issues on the Thrift Shop, and the kitchen and floors in Walker Hall.
Funds also allow us to pay our wonderful grounds keeper, Eugene Dele Cruz. With great care, Eugene keeps our campus looking great! We especially appreciate his work hand-trimming around gravestones in the cemetery.
This is short overview highlighting a few of the maintenance projects on campus. If you have any questions about our buildings and grounds projects, don't hesitate to speak with sub-committee members Dave Lambrecht, Maurine Gomes, Michelle Simpson, or John Sakai.
Mahalo for your gifts to the church that make these important repairs possible!
Next week, we'll share information about how your contributions assist with our Thrift Shop operation.
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October 6 - Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost
October 13 - Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost
October 20 - Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
October 27 - Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
Find scripture readings for upcoming Sundays and learn about the liturgical seasons in the Episcopal Church here.
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THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO | |
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Kathy Webb for all she has done for St. Augustine's over the last year and a half!
Rose Carreira for cleaning the church and providing flowers this week.
Kim Lambrecht 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.
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ST. AUGUSTINE'S PRAYER CHAIN
Please pray for healing, guidance, strength, peace of mind, and comfort for: all who are affected by the Israel/Hamas war and wars around the world; Pat Todd, Stacey Mastrian, Megan Jacoby, Alice Berardesco, Neil Apana; Mark, Ashton & Hunter Millet & baby; Derek Higa; Katie Buehner; Susan Acacio; Jeannette Hensel; Sabrina Lee; Erin Manuel; the people of Maui and the Church of the Holy Innocents; Arcadio & Filomena Badua; Guy Kaoo; Becky & Ludwig Simmet; Reni Aʻi aʻi Bello; Annecita Tamayo; and Lynn Dicus. Thanksgiving for the lives of Rev. Donn Brown and Eric Llanes.
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!
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SUNDAY SCHOOL - Join us every week at 9:00 am for Sunday school with Youth Director, Kathy Matsuda. Godly Play - our Montessori-based Sunday school curriculum - is open to all keiki ages 3 to 10.
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!
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THIS WEEKEND: Annual Bazaar: Saturday September 28 - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Here are some ways to help and information. Please ask Kathy Matsuda if you have any questions!
Friday 9/27: Please come and help put up tents at 4:00pm
Bazaar Day Saturday 9/28:
- Food/plants drop off before 8:15am. Gates closed at 8:30. Plants dropped off Friday may be left near the fence.
- Church members only may park at Hamakua Kohala Health Center (Old Kohala Club Hotel).
- Please come and take down tents at 1:30pm on Saturday 9/28
- Looking for flowers, greens, and clean vases for Naly to make flower arrangements. Let Kim or Michelle know. Naly will be making arrangements at the plants tent.
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IN MEMORY OF REV. DONN BROWN
Karen Jones, daughter of Rev. Donn Brown, shared news of Rev. Donn's passing on Friday, September 13: "It is with profound sadness that I share the passing of my father, The Reverend Donn H. Brown, early this morning at The Grace House in Maryland following a prolonged illness. He was 92.
Many of you may remember him as Father Donn. He served at a number of churches in his home state of Hawaii including St. James Episcopal Church in Waimea ( Kamuela), St. Paul’s and St. Augustine's Episcopal Church in North Kohala and at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Ewa Beach, as Chaplain at St. Andrew’s Priory School in Honolulu and at St. John’s, Episcopal Church, Cartoogechaye in Franklin, North Carolina where he retired.
Dad’s two surviving children, Paul and Karen, his daughter-in-law Christina, and grandson Graham were with him before he passed. He will be missed by his four grandsons and his three great grandchildren.
Dad will be laid to rest along with my Mom at St. John’s Cartoogechaye Episcopal Church in Franklin, North Carolina on Oct. 19. Additionally, my younger brother, David, will also have his ashes interred along with those of my parents on that day. Many people might remember him since he lived in the vicarage there when he was going to high school in Kohala. Prayers for my family including my surviving brother, Paul, our spouses, and my children and grandchildren would be greatly appreciated, especially as we celebrate the life and ministry of my Dad and then inter the ashes of three of our family members on the same day. Additionally, we will be celebrating the life of my husband’s mother the day before, on Oct. 18, then interring her ashes in Hendersonville, North Carolina. She passed away last month after a seven year battle with breast cancer."
Please keep Karen and her family in your prayers this next month and share your fond memories of Rev. Donn.
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A HUI HOU ST. AUGUSTINE'S!
Aloha St. Augustine's 'ohana,
It's Kathy Webb, Administrator and behind the scenes Girl Friday here at St. Augustine's. This Monday September 30th will be my last day as your fearless administrator.
It has been wonderful working with Vicar Jennifer, the Bishop's Committee, congregation, people who read this email newsletter and community the past 1.5 years in this role. I'm proud of the things that we have accomplished together and grateful for the opportunity to serve the North Kohala Community.
I was recently asked "What are you devoted to?" and "What do you love?". The resounding answer from the deep still part of my soul was that I love and am devoted to my family. So I am following my heart as my guide (not always the default for an ex-rocket scientist) and am looking forward to spending more time with my family in this next chapter.
St. Augustine's is at an exciting growth point in its story and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have helped co-write a tiny chapter with all of you. I look forward to continuing to serve joyfully together with you (as a volunteer) and create big beautiful and tiny magical things for the amazing place that we call home. Mahalo for your kindness.
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SPECIAL NOTE OF THANKS FROM THE VICAR
on behalf of everyone at St. Augustine's
As we rush to complete the joyful work of preparing for our Annual Bazaar, we pause to say a huge and heartfelt MAHALO to Kathy Webb.
While our hearts are sad to see you leave as our administrator, we express our gratitude to you, Kathy, for your hard work, kind heart, wizardly ways with project management, and huge smile (which is always at the ready). Your marvelous efficiency, can-do attitude, and seamless organization have increased our bandwidth to serve North Kohala.
Our thanks also George and Kaya, who have shared your time with us!
I have thoroughly enjoyed working with you and am looking forward to continued collaborations as you step into a different role as a St. Augustine's volunteer. You follow in the footsteps of others who have served as administrator and now serve our church and community in other, equally amazing ways.
Your contributions have fueled our mission. Mahalo nui loa for helping St. Augustine's create a loving and heart-centered culture!
Please be sure to thank Kathy
in person the next time you see her!
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ST. AUGUSTINE'S THRIFT SHOP
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THRIFT SHOP REORGANIZATION & MAHALOS
If you have been in the Thrift Shop recently, you might have noticed some changes in the organization and layout of the shop. Our main sorting team of Aunty Iris, Aunty Carole, Aunty Fran and Jill have been putting a lot of work into reorganizing inventory to make it easier for shoppers to find things.
Some highlights include:
- Organizing the back section of electronics and personal care items (which is usually kapakahi) into nice baskets
- Arranging greeting cards
- Hanging pants so it's easy to quickly identify sizes
Customers have been noticing and remarking how "well-organized things are" and "it's easier to find more things to buy".
Our keiki sorting team headed by Deacon Lani has been doing an excellent job managing excess kids inventory to share across the island to organizations like Hope Services and Keiki Kloset.
Next time you see any of our sorting team, please send them a huge thank you for their help! If you'd like to join our Thrift Shop team, please contact Vicar Jennifer, Deacon Lani or Deacon-in-formation Jeanne Cooper. Mahalo to everyone for their care and service!
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NEWS FROM THE DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I
St. Augustine's is on the cover of the latest Diocesan newsletter! The latest issue of the Hawaiian Church Chronicle (September 12, 2024) features Clergy Conference, Standing Committee Visit Maui, Convention 56 & Education Day updates, Bishop's Visitations, 'Olelo Classes starting, and much more!
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If you have information to share, please let us know! This is a space to help us stay in touch in a variety of ways, such as news, offers of assistance, or garden bounty (fruits, veggies) you would like to share. Please email Vicar Jennifer or Kathy Webb: VicarJennifer@staugustineskohala.com or admin@staugustineskohala.com Submissions due by Thursday morning for Friday's newsletter. | |
MESSAGES FROM OUR BISHOP
& PRESIDING BISHOP
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