HOLY EUCHARIST
October 26, 2025 at 7:00 am & 9:00 am
Twentieth 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.
- Updates on Convention 57 & Education Day on O'ahu.
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Support Hula Hālau O Kukui Aloha O Kohala on November 8 (this is the hula hālau that partners with and advises St. Augustine's).
- 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.
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Dear St. Augustine's 'ohana,
In our readings a couple of weeks ago, Jeremiah and Paul reminded us that the Spirit lives within us. That still, small voice — the nudge of conscience, the whisper of compassion — is the movement of Spirit in our being. When we listen deeply, we hear God urging us to connect, pray, find wisdom in creation and community, and discern where to place our trust.
We’ve been talking about aspects of our faith: gratitude, prayer, surrender, humility, and trust. To my ears, Jesus’ parable this week has much to say about trust. In his story, two people go to pray. One of them stands tall, thanking God that he’s not like others. In his boastfulness, he trusts only himself. The other person stands far off, eyes lowered, heart open. In his humility, wants to make room to trust that still, small voice of God, but his sorrow keeps him focused on his troubles.
In whom or what do we put our trust these days? We live in a world overflowing with information, opinions, algorithms, and noise. We listen to family, friends, neighbors, radio personalities, and television broadcasts. We scroll and click, looking for what feels true, what feels real.
Jesus' parable suggests that the more we expand our vision, the more likely we are to connect with Divine trustworthiness. However, in our search for certainty, we tend to narrow our focus. And with seemingly limitless amounts of information flowing in our digital world, it's difficult to remain open.
At many schools and universities, faculty, staff, and librarians help students navigate the vast online world. To find trustworthy information for research papers, students learn a process called "lateral reading."
Many students begin their research by reading "vertically," often scanning just one article or news piece about the topic they are researching. As a result, they lack information to consider different perspectives. In the rabbit hole of vertical reading, students blindly follow just one way of thinking.
With lateral reading, students learn about a topic or issue by studying multiple articles from different sources. In doing so, they encounter a variety of different perspectives. From there, students fact check, look for biases, and gauge the credibility of each source. Taking the time and effort to read laterally helps students gain a much broader understanding that helps them discern trustworthiness.
In our spiritual lives, have we learned to read laterally — not only across information sources, but across our own hearts? Do we practice reading scripture laterally? Are we willing to hold it up to the light, to listen beyond the surface meaning? Are we creating enough space and time to hear the deep resonance of God?
This deep hearing is not whim or ego or desire. It’s the voice of Spirit whispering in the stillness, and we are called to practice listening.
Thinking about Jesus' parable of the two people praying, we can learn important lessons from both them. Like the first man, we need practice to see the difference between the small self (who wants to be right) and the deep self (who longs to be whole). Like the second man, we need practice stepping beyond humility toward the trustworthy presence of God.
When we empty ourselves of judgment, when we put aside our desire for certainty, we make space for Spirit to dwell. Like a family waiting for a baby to be born, we can nurture the life that grows inside. Certainty is nothing compared with the anticipation of an unknown shaped by our partnership with Spirit! By expanding our hearts, we become like the dark, fertile womb — the holy emptiness from which all creation is born.
Blessings,
Vicar Jennifer
P.S., Once again, I'm sharing a graphic that helps me focus on aspects of faith each day as I practice living into a sacred cycle of faith born of trust, humility, and surrender. As we live, our faith and become more grounded in Divine love; it can be fed by both gratitude and prayer. I invite you to use this image if it's helpful. Make notes, journal about it, and let me know what comes up in your heart and mind.
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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."
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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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November 2 - All Saints Sunday & Ingathering of Gifts
Twenty-first Sunday after Pentecost, 7:00 & 9:00 am
November 9 - Twenty-second Sunday after Pentecost, 7:00 & 9:00 am
November 16 - Celebrating Queen Lili'uokalani
Twenty-third 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! | | |
Analisa Marcom for cleaning the church & providing flowers last week in memory of her father, Garcia.
Melanie Sahagun 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: Jonrick Medeiros-Garcia; Analene Williams; Michelle; 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 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
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 14 - Keiki Giving Spree in our Thrift Shop - 11:00 to noon
December 24 - Christmas Eve service - 6:00 pm with potluck after
December 25 - Christmas Day service - 9:00 am
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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.
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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 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 October meeting began with a prayer and an appreciative inquiry discussion (based on the sermon) XXX. 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.
October Meeting highlights - discussions included the following:
- Budget report and plans for our Stewardship campaign and Poinsettia fundraiser
- Preliminary report on Annual Bazaar proceeds
- Thrift Shop operations report & strategic planning
- Completion of Food Preservation Workshops for 2025
- Buildings & Grounds team placed a new garbage can in the cemetery
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, November 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 Spiritual Growth team that oversees Christian education. The team includes Vicar Jennifer and Lani Bowman. Among its activities so far in 2025, the team has:
- Organized a community screening of "Wai Wai: Water and the Future of Hawai'i"
- Facilitated the reconciliation course Ho'imi Pono
- Organized and facilitated Preaching Congregations Initiative for St. Augustine's
Future projects include hosting a guest lecture by Carl McColmann who will present on his book "Read the Bible like a Mystic."
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
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SEE OUR HULA HĀLAU AT REN FAIRE!
Over the years, St. Augustine's has been truly blessed by a lovely partnership with Hula Hālau O Kukui Aloha O Kohala and Kumu Hula Leia Lawrence. The hālau has contributed to worship services, funerals, land blessings, and Holy Week events and played a large role in the making and celebration of our kāhili. You might also remember that Mila Polevia was the hālau's musician — a shared connection we cherish.
Four St. Augustine's members are part of this hālau, and we hope you'll come see us perform on November 8 at 11:00 am as we provide the opening ceremony for the Renaissance Faire in Honoka'a. We'll have a fundraising booth there, as well, selling various refreshments and crafts to benefit the hālau and its work in our community.
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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." | | | | | |
