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Join us for
HOLY EUCHARIST
November 10, 2024 7:00 & 9:00 am
Twenty-fifth 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,
The widow had very little money. She had only one mite, a coin worth ⅛ of a cent. And she gave it away. It may seem that she gave everything she had, but I don’t think so. I think she was rich in Spirit.
The widow gave so much more than money. She gave hope. She gave bravery. She gave faith. She gave love. The widow gave generously from her sense of spiritual abundance.
Our world obsesses over scarcity. The story of the widow comes to us from thousands of years ago to highlight humanity’s fears about lacking money, power, and status. Jesus shares his thoughts about the widow’s actions in contrast with those of the scribes, who “walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers.”
This story asks us to consider that each of us is both widow and scribe. From moment to moment, each of us has the capacity to be rich or miserly in Spirit.
As we face a future of division in this country post-election, we are called to be rich in Spirit. But in this crucible moment, this time of heightened uncertainty, what do we do? Given the heartache of a country so divided, how do we respond? Many of our brothers and sisters may be in danger. The most vulnerable are receiving messages of hate. Wars rage, and the last and the least are in peril. How do we get through this?
For me, these questions lie beyond the political realm; these are spiritual matters. We are called by God to attend to our inner faith and to increase our capacity for love. We are called by God to practice patience, to be non-anxious observers, to listen without reacting. We are called to share our hope generously when we have it, and, in moments when hope runs thin, to nurture ourselves with prayer grounded in our trust in God’s constant presence.
Like the widow in this week’s gospel story, the people of St. Augustine’s in Kohala are rich with gifts of Spirit. As Christians, we can be generous with true prayer and steady trust in God. We can give abundantly of what we have at hand, and we can turn to God and one another for help.
At times like these, our faith brings us together and holds us in God’s love. At times like these, let us remember what we say to our keiki when they are baptized. We tell them, “The light of Christ lives in you because that’s how God has created you! We light the Christ candle to remember the light inside you, and me, and every human being. We light the Christ candle to remember that Christ died so that we could know, embrace, and live His love.”
Let us also remember that the light of the Christ candle does not end; the light changes. When we blow on the flame, it flickers, it is fed by the breath of Spirit, and it is transformed! The light of Christ changes as the flame becomes pure Spirit, wafting and spreading as the smoke of fire. Let us be ignited by this fire of the Holy Spirit. Let us fan the flames of God’s love in our hearts.
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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Last Sunday, we celebrated the gifts of all the saints — known and unknown — who have gone before. We also celebrated the many and varied gifts that flow through this church community!
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!
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November 17 - Twenty-sixth Sunday after Pentecost
November 24 - Twenty-seventh Sunday after Pentecost &
Feast of the Holy Sovereigns
December 1 - First Sunday of Advent
December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent
Find scripture readings for upcoming Sundays 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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THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO | |
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Patsy Ching for cleaning the church and providing flowers this week. The flowers are dedicated in loving memory of her son Rockne (Pake) Ching.
Maurine Gomes 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: our country and its leaders; 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.
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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WEEKLY
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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.
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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 if you like! 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 of each month
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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. 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
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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 of each month
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KEIKI SUNDAY - All keiki (and their 'ohana) 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 10:30 am after fellowship hour. As always, we welcome your questions about our planning and budgeting processes!
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Tuesday, November 12 - Kohala Cares - Please note that there will be NO food distribution next week. Food distribution will continue on November 19.
Saturday, November 23 at 4:00 pm - Community blessing of the Kahili 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 - 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!
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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.
Sunday, December 15 - 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 - Woodwind Quintet (members of Kamuela Philharmonic) - offering a variety classical music for woodwind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, french horn, and bassoon).
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WELCOME REGINA DODARO - OUR NEW ADMINISTRATOR!
We are so pleased to welcome Regina DoDaro to our staff as Administrative Coordinator for St. Augustine's!
Regina has returned to Kohala from the mainland where she has been working as the executive director (ED) for the Naperville Area Humane Society (near Chicago). Working via remote, she'll continue as ED for that organization while working with us at St. Augustine's. Regina is also a vet tech and works with Dr. Horvath in Waimea at Horvath Veterinary Clinic.
Regina knows the island well, having lived here for years prior to her recent return. She formerly served as the director of Hawai'i Island Humane Society and for the Hawai'i Police Department.
She is grateful to be back home and serving the community of North Kohala! When you see her on campus and around town, please stop to introduce yourself and give her your warmest welcome to St. Augustine's!
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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!
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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. 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
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HALLOWEEN AT THE THRIFT SHOP
This past Wednesday, our Thrift Shop volunteers packed some delicious Halloween treats for children (and adults!) who came to shop! Treat bag were assembled by St. Augustine's members on Sunday. Thanks to Aunty Patsy for her sweet initiative and to Jeanne Cooper for purchasing the treats!
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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!
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MESSAGES FROM OUR BISHOP
& PRESIDING BISHOP
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