Jesus and His Friends' Long March

to Jerusalem.

By Rev. Alison Dingley

We are journeying through the Gospel of Luke this year. As many of you know, in the Episcopal Church our Sunday readings are prescribed according to a Lectionary we share with many other churches. It follows a three-year cycle, and this year we are on Year C which focuses on Luke's Gospel.

I've been at this a long time, so I've gone through many Lectionary Cycles, but each time around I read and preach on the readings with new eyes. This year has been a unique opportunity for me.

With the exception of last Sunday, I have preached every Sunday since June 8th. I have served at seven different churches on four different islands. It's been intellectually stimulating and fun.

As I have preached my way through Luke this summer, I have discovered a couple of things I had not noticed before. From the 9th chapter of Luke to the 19th, he and his followers are travelling to Jerusalem. During this journey he shares really hard lessons, like the one in this Sunday's Gospel, and he offers healing and comfort to those without privilege or power. He calls his followers to let go of everything that might distract them from what it means to follow him, to be agents of the

Kingdom of God.

They all know on some level that they are going with him to confront the Powers of the Roman Empire and of the Jewish leadership that collaborates and complies with the Empire. He is preparing them for an existential struggle with incarnate evil.

As I've studied and reflected on the Gospel of each Sunday in light of each week's news, I've found resonance. Jesus' teachings have helped me face the news of each week and have helped me develop responses which have deepened my faith.

These are not normal times, but they echo the times Jesus, and the early Church found themselves in. There are lessons for us in how to respond to our times faithfully, rooted in Jesus and in the Risen Christ who eternally teaches us that Love prevails - even if it sometimes feels like it's losing.

Aloha Ke Akua,

Alison+

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Mahalo Nui Loa, Bill!

On Sunday, 9/1, we offered special thanksgiving blessing for our own Bill Seeley. Bill has made a significant gift to Holy Nativity Church, which will fund the redevelopment of our commercial kitchen, air-condition the nave and provide additional scholarships for our students at

Holy Nativity School.

Rev. Jenn preached on the Gospel passage, which could not have been more appropriate for the day: "For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."

Pictured above is Bill with our Senior Warden, Tusi Mayer, and Rev. Libby, as they offered tributes to Bill and prayers for him and for these important projects.

Keep your eyes on this space to hear more details, as we move forward!

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The Rev. Deacon Bill Heran ordained to the Priesthood.

This past Saturday 8/30, our Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Robert Fitzpatrick, ordained the Rev. Deacon William "Bill" Heran to the priesthood at a joyful celebration at our Cathedral Church of St. Andrew.

The liturgy included a flute solo by Kathy Otani (accompanied by Ina Young). David Callies and Rev. Libby formally presented Bill to the bishop in the service, and Lila Johnson offered one of the readings. Many other Holy Nativity folks, some of who are pictured above, were in attendance at

the celebration.

We have been fortunate to have Bill with us at Holy Nativity for the last 18 months, first as an intern and then as a transitional deacon. Bill has moved on to serve our diocese as a priest on Queen Emma Square, where he will preach and celebrate on Sundays, offer a contemplative prayer series, and take on other duties requested by the Bishop and Dean of the Cathedral.

Bill celebrated his first Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning, August 31st at the Cathedral.

Congratulations, Bill!

"May he exalt you, O God, in the midst of your people...and rightly administer the sacraments of the New Covenant. Make him a faithful pastor, a patient teacher, and a wise counselor...through Jesus Christ, our Lord...Amen." (BCP, p. 534)

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Click on poster above to enlarge

Registration deadline is Sept. 15th!

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Season of Creation: Biodiversity Conservation & Policy

(see poster below)

THIS FRIDAY Sept. 5, 2025, 8am - 8:45am HST

As the Season of Creation begins, join the Office of Government Relations and Dr. Lisa Graumlich for a discussion on conservation and its importance in addressing climate change. Recent changes in federal policy have made major changes in this field. During this webinar, we will discuss the current landscape surrounding conservation, what these policy changes mean, and steps that churches and dioceses can take to help address these concerns.



A recording will be sent to all registrants who cannot attend.

Register here

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REMINDERS

Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi

Convention 57 is Oct. 24-25, 2025

Education Day is Friday, October 24, 2025

Open to all!

For more information, event schedule, and to register click HERE

The Off-Site activity options are amazing, check it out!

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Hurricane preparedness in Hawai'i nei!