The wait is over! After three months (and over three years of dreaming and planning), the All Saints' 'Ohana returned to a beautifully renovated sanctuary space in November.

The goal was to restore the look and feel of the Church back to its original design-with some modern amenities like a new electrical system. Both the new roof and the sanctuary enhancements are the prelude to the installation of the restored and enlarged Sloggett/Wilcox Organ scheduled in 2018. When completed, the Sloggett/Wilcox 'Ohana Organ at All Saints' will be a world-renowned instrument.

"Today is not the end of our journey to transform our sanctuary and to restore Kaua'i's only pipe organ; however, today is a significant milestone," said The Reverend Ryan Newman. 

"A great deal of thought and care went into this phase of the project. This project propels All Saints' into a second century of ministry on Kaua'i. It is our gift to our keiki and our keiki's keiki-and to the people of Kaua'i."

The scope of work for phase two included:

"We want to thank everyone who have already made a gift/pledge to support this monumental project-mahalo," said Rev. Ryan. "I also I want to personally thank Byron Barth, William Brown, Bill Caldwell, David Crocker, David Murray, Dominic Simmons, Mary Margaret Smith, Chris Wataya, Morris Wise, and the contractors who literally worked day and night so we could reach this milestone."

 

If you have not had an opportunity to make a gift/pledge to this extraordinary project, there is still time to make a gift/pledge.This capital campaign project is entirely funded by donations from the All Saints' 'Ohana and friends and is totally separate from the Church's operational funds. To view the digital prospectus and/or to make a donation online, please visit the project's website: www.kauaiorgan.org.

Last Sunday, November 26th, we celebrated the Feast of the Holy Sovereigns, King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. This annual tradition at All Saints' began in 2005. For that service, and for a number of years following, our service took place on a Wednesday evening and we were joined by the choir and members of the congregation of the First Hawaiian Church.

I am so thankful for the following - for without them this joyful event would not have happened.

As always Mark Oyama, of Mark's Place and Contemporary Flavors who prepared all the food and his staff of 40 who showed up, all wearing bright yellow t-shirts.

The gym setup, table and stage decorations, parking attendants, meal servers, home delivery drivers, take-out meal providers, entertainers, greeters, youth waiters and cleanup crew made this event such a blessing. It took approximately 200 wonderful volunteers to deliver 430 meals and serve 640 meals this year. I am proud to say a majority of those volunteers were were either members or friends of All Saints'.

The special interfaith group that has organized this event every year since 2003 which includes All Saints' Episcopal Church; Kapa'a Seventh Day Adventist; Kapa'a Honwanji Mission; Kapa'a United Church of Christ; Kapa'a First Hawaiian Church and St. Catherines' Catholic Church.

Special thanks to a few for sharing their time and talent this year. Sarah Rogers who stepped up as co-chair. She was wonderful to work with and didn't let me forget anything and did it all with a smile.

The Sato family, especially Diane and Scott who put together the list of meals to be delivered and prepared all the maps and instructions for drivers. Never an easy task!!

Doug and Sandy McMasters for providing beautiful music during the luncheon.

And thanks to all in our community who received our meals and those who came to the gym to share a meal with us and talk story. We are blessed to have you in our lives.

Our Thanksgiving Luncheon always reminds me how very thankful I am for all God's blessing and all the people who enrich my life. Aren't we lucky to live Kauai!

 

Mary Margaret Smith

Co-Chair Kapa'a Interfaith Association

At 8:30AM, churches throughout the state tolled their bells 100 times, including All Saints', and held services honoring Queen Lili'uokalani, the last monarch of the Kingdom of Hawai'i. 

Queen Lili'uokalani was born on September 2, 1838, in Honolulu. She was the daughter of high ranking chiefs Caesar Kapa'akea and Anale'a Keohokālole, and sister of David Kalākaua, Miriam Likelike and William Pitt Leleiōhoku. Upon her birth she became the hanai child of chiefs Laura Konia and Abner Pākī. She was given the name Lydia Lili'u Loloku Walania Wewehi Kamaka'eha. In her youth she was called "Lydia" or "Lili'u" and then "Lili'uokalani" when she became heir apparent.

Lili'u married John O. Dominis on September 16, 1862. In 1891 her brother, King Kalākaua, died and Lili'uokalani succeeded to the throne.

Queen Lili'uokalani sought to amend the constitution to restore some of the power lost during the reign of her brother. Local sugar planters and businessmen feared a loss of revenue and influence and instigated an overthrow. To avoid bloodshed, the Queen yielded her throne on January 17, 1893. A provisional government was established. In 1895 Lili'uokalani was imprisoned for eight months in 'Iolani Palace for her alleged knowledge of a counterrevolutionary attempt by her supporters.

On May 18, 1896, at 6:30 a.m., Lili'uokalani was baptized and confirmed by Bishop Willis into the Episcopal Church.

Queen Lili'uokalani died at Washington Place on November 11, 1917, at the age of 79. After a state funeral, her remains were placed in the Royal Mausoleum.  

Photo courtesy of William Caldwell.

So often we spend our time, talent and treasure on things that are temporary, disappointing and that do not satisfy us or make our lives better. Giving to the work of the ministry always makes not just our lives, but the lives of countless others better too. You may have noticed that I capitalized the word UP. That is because when we give to God and to God's work on this earth, we are truly giving UP. 

Our gifts to the church enable to the church to lift us UP, lift others UP and even give our facilities a lift UP. What a great time to have a stewardship campaign, we are gathering in the tangible expression of Time, Talent and Treasure right now as we gather in our renovated church building. 

Let's bring our best to God and UP our pledges at All Saints' Church and Preschool. If you have never before pledged, there is no time like the present, and I guarantee, you'll be happy you finally gave UP!

In Christ,

Morris Wise, Vestry member

This year I'm challenging myself to not rush into Christmas. Don't fret, I'm still listening to Christmas music and will gladly accept any cookies, but this year I want to live into practicing Advent.

Advent, that little season that happens the four Sundays before Christmas, the historically penitential time to prepare our hearts and minds for the birth of Jesus Christ. It's more than counting down the days to presents and celebrations but it's a time for reflection, prayer, and stillness.

Most of you know that I do not do still very well. Even when I do manage to be physically still, my mind still races at a million thoughts a second, and the holiday season does not aid in helping me slow down. With everything from schedules and checklists to choir practice and party schedules floating around my head, there isn't much room for serenity.

That's where my challenge comes into play. This Advent devotional was shared with me just a few days ago. Written by Forma and The Diocese of Virginia, it offers a weekly guide to examining how we prepare for Jesus to come into our worlds. It also mentions the app, Reimagining the Examen as a guide to the ancient daily practice. The Examen is a way to notice and call attention to all the ways God is working in your life and simply pray on it before the close of your day.

So that's where I'm going to begin. With an app and the longing to slow down a little bit and notice God more. I want to invite you to join me on this journey and see how prayerfully preparing for the coming Christ changes how we see Christmas.

Sierra Gore
Ministry Intern

P.S. I love coffee and talking about God, so please let me know if you're interested and we can dig into Advent together over a cup of coffee or peppermint cocoa.

Keiki Service

3:30PM - 4:15PM

MONDAY, DECEMBER 25, 2017 | CHRISTMAS DAY