The work day on Saturday, November 19th focused on cleaning the gym and gym kitchen in preparation for the Thanksgiving Lunch on Thursday, November 24. In addition to sweeping and vacuuming the gym itself, the gym kitchen was cleared, cleaned and organized - made ready for the volunteers from Mark's Place to prepare and serve the expected 1100 plus meals. Tables and chairs were moved to the gym in preparation for the Thanksgiving Lunch.

A big MAHALO to all those who turned out to help with the work on Saturday:  Marge Akana, Mabel and Mario Antonio, William Brown, CeCe Caldwell, Linda and David Crocker, Fay and John Hanaoka, Jean Nakamoto, Fr. Ryan, Geoff Shields, Mary Margaret Smith, Nora Takenouchi, Chris Wataya and Mary Wilson.

We also owe a very special MAHALO to Lee Gusman who offered his support to this community event by painting the walls in the gym. A coat of paint has made a huge difference. The place looks so much brighter.  As Lee said - "a clean, good looking gym will make the food taste even better!"

Happy Thanksgiving!

David

For the Buildings and Grounds Ministry

In my role as the Stewardship and Development Minister at All Saints' Episcopal Church and Preschool, I have the pleasure of seeing the many ways that All Saints' touches the lives of our Church 'Ohana and the community at large on a regular basis. By providing a welcoming worship experience, nurturing our keiki, participating in events such as the KIA Thanksgiving Service and Luncheon, hosting cultural events, and serving those in need, All Saints' is actively pursuing its vision "to be a cathedral for the people of Kaua'i--a center for worship, education, outreach, and the arts."

On Sunday, November 6, we celebrated All Saint's Day, when pledges were offered and we literally lifted our hearts to the Lord as an act of thanks and praise. I am thrilled to see the number of pledges that have been submitted so far. The very practical need for the Church to plan for our various missions and budget appropriately make pledging a very important part of the life of our Church. It also feels good. 

As one member of the Stewardship Committee put it recently "our brothers and sisters in Christ need to give more than the Church needs to get". In other words, "it is better to give than to receive". I am thankful that so many of you agree. Please join me in saying Mahalo Nui Loa to all who have submitted pledges to All Saints' to date.

 
If you have not yet had a chance to complete a pledge card, it's not too late. I encourage you to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider the abundance God has bestowed upon you and let the Holy Spirit work through you. If you need a card or would like to discuss any aspect of the 2016/2017 Stewardship Year please contact me or a member of the Stewardship Committee (Bill Brown, Bill Caldwell, Mary Schulz, and Chris Wataya), the Vestry or Fr. Ryan.

 

Yours in Christ,

We invite everyone to come and sing in the halls of Mahelona's Long-term Care Unit for All Saints' Annual Christmas Caroling. We will gather on Sunday, December 11th at 5:45PM in the main parking lot of Mahelona. Caroling begins promptly at 6:00 PM and typically lasts about a half-hour. 

Be sure to dress in some bright holiday colors like red or green. Santa hats and reindeer antlers are always welcome, and so are any musical instruments to enhance the overall experience. This is a wonderful family-friendly event and service opportunity.

During the Holiday Season, the Episcopal Church Women (ECW) are hosting a special collections for Hale Ho'omalu, a family service center located 1/2 block away from All Saints'. The ECW is seeking donations of Christmas Gift Cards ($25 or less) along with a Christmas ornament that will be given to the Hale Ho ʻ omalu families for Christmas. The families will use the gift cards (with guidance from the Hale Ho ʻ omalu staff) to help them buy food and necessities. 

The ECW will be gathering on Sunday, December 18, to assemble and package the cards, so please bring your donation in before then.

Would you like to make an offering for Christmas poinsettias?  This is a wonderful way to make the church look festive for Christmas and to make a dedication in thanksgiving or in memory of someone. Pick up a form at the entrance of the Church or download an online form. 

Please make checks payable to All Saints' Church with "Christmas flowers" on the memo line. To be included in the Christmas program listing, please submit your donation by Friday, December 16th.

On Sunday, December 4th at 11:00AM in Memorial Hall, we are asking all Sunday School Teachers to gather for a meeting. 

Since launching the new curriculum and volunteer format this will be the first opportunity for all the teachers to gather, check-in with one another, share what is working, and talk about what needs to tweaked. If you serve on one the Sunday School Teaching Teams, please plan to attend. If you have any questions, please contact to Sierra Gore.